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Northern Rivers Local News

$6M AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS

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$6M AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS
Not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to apply for funding with a new round
of the highly popular ClubGrants Infrastructure program now open.
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the $12.5 million annual
investment by the NSW Government, is designed to help local communities build
or upgrade facilities.
“These grants provide much-needed funds for communities to support their local
economies and ground-level community organisations,” Mr Anderson said
“There’s only so much money a raffle or membership drive can raise, but with these
grants local groups can fast track vital local community facilities.”
The Infrastructure Grants are made possible by the Clubgrants Category 3
program, which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into
community projects.
ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said giving back to the local community is a key
priority for registered Clubs.
“There is no greater example of Clubs giving back to their communities than
through the ClubGRANTS scheme. Whether you’re a sporting group, charity or
community based not-for-profit, clubs across NSW provide millions of dollars each
year to these worthy causes,” Mr Landis said.
Since 2015, the NSW Government has funded more than 520 community projects
worth more than $81 million under the program.
The last round awarded over $4.2 million to 43 projects across sport and
recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and essential community
infrastructure.

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Breaking News

Artists in Focus: Tweed Regional Gallery Launches Autumn Exhibitions

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Minghua Xiang at the Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio in 2024 Photograph- Aaron Chapman - Tweed Regional Gallery Autumn

Artists in Focus: Tweed Regional Gallery Launches Autumn Exhibitions

 

By Robert Heyward

The Tweed Regional Gallery is set to celebrate the start of its Autumn program with the launch of three exciting new exhibitions on Friday, 14 February. Showcasing the talents of Gadigal/Sydney-based artist Minghua Xiang and regional artists Zion Levy Stewart and Dawn Walker, the exhibitions explore themes of life, connection, and creativity through unique artistic lenses.

Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock described the program as a vibrant reflection of artistic diversity and personal storytelling.

“We are delighted to showcase these immensely talented artists, each offering a deeply personal and unique perspective on life and connection,” Ms. Hedgcock said. “We encourage everyone to visit, experience these works firsthand, and celebrate the incredible talent on display.”

Finding Harmony in Hope – Minghua Xiang

Minghua Xiang, recipient of the 2024 Tweed Regional Gallery National Art School (NAS) Master of Fine Art Residency Award, will present his solo exhibition Finding Harmony in Hope, the culmination of his residency at the Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio.

Xiang’s work bridges traditional Eastern and Western aesthetics, blending gestural mark-making and abstraction to evoke a sense of interconnectedness. His layered paintings reflect the ancient Chinese proverb: “Harmony is most precious.”

Minghua Xiang at the Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio in 2024 Photograph- Aaron Chapman - Tweed Regional Gallery Autumn

Minghua Xiang at the Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio in 2024 Photograph- Aaron Chapman

Life is Art – Zion Levy Stewart

Regional artist Zion Levy Stewart will showcase his joyful and heartwarming acrylic paintings in Life is Art, chronicling his 25-year journey as an artist. Known for his infectious personality and vibrant creativity, Levy Stewart’s works capture a whimsical world of quirky people, birds, and animals, inviting viewers to see life through his unique lens.

“Zion’s art is a beacon of positivity,” said his mother, Christine Levy. “It has the capacity to spread joy, bring happiness, and put smiles on people’s faces like a sunrise.”

Levy Stewart, who lives with Up Syndrome (commonly referred to as Down Syndrome), was a finalist in the 2022 Wollumbin Art Award (WAA) at Tweed Regional Gallery.

Porcelain Places – Dawn Walker

Dawn Walker builds upon her previous work in the 2022 and 2024 Wollumbin Art Awards with her exhibition Porcelain Places. Through delicate oil paintings, Walker explores the nostalgic beauty of antique souvenirs from the Tweed and surrounding regions, presenting serene landscapes and intimate still lifes that offer new meaning to these treasured keepsakes.

Walker’s work reflects both the charm of the souvenirs and the deep connection they evoke to place and memory.

Dawn Walker, Swan souvenir 2024, oil on canvas, 28.5 x 23.5 cm, Image courtesy the artist © The artist Tweed Regional Gallery Autumn

Dawn Walker, Swan souvenir 2024, oil on canvas, 28.5 x 23.5 cm, Image courtesy the artist © The artist

Opening Night and Public Programs

The Autumn exhibitions will officially open on Friday, 14 February with doors opening at 6 pm. Guests are invited to enjoy a pre-event drink on the Apex Dining balcony, followed by opening speeches at 6.15 pm.

  • Finding Harmony in Hope will be on display from 14 February to 22 June 2025.
  • Life is Art and Porcelain Places will be open from 14 February to 4 May 2025.
  • Bookings are essential via Humanitix for the opening event.

Gallery Playdate: Creative Fun for Children

  • Date: Wednesday, 5 March | Time: 9 am – 10 am
  • Program: A fun, free session for children aged 3–5 years and their carers, inspired by Dawn Walker’s Porcelain Places. Activities include sensory play, storytime, and guided artmaking for young creative minds.
  • Bookings essential via Humanitix.

For more information and event details, visit the Tweed Regional Gallery website.

 

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Breaking News

Protesters Stand Against Water Disconnection for Homeless in North Lismore

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Water Disconnection Protesters in North Lismore

Protesters Stand Against Water Disconnection for Homeless in North Lismore

 

By Robert Heyward

Tensions are rising in North Lismore as NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) attempts to cut water supply to nine government-owned houses currently sheltering homeless people.

Local residents and homeless people have responded by blocking water lines with caravans, resulting in a peaceful standoff with police and authorities. Protesters, supported by House You and Reclaim Our Recovery (ROR), are calling the move a breach of human rights and a public health crisis in the making.

Despite ongoing negotiations for a humane solution, authorities appear determined to proceed with water disconnection, prompting outrage from community advocates. Access to water and sanitation is recognised as a fundamental human right under the United Nations Resolution A/RES/64/292 (2010).

“A Breathtakingly Callous Act”

Chels Hood Withey of House You condemned the decision, describing it as a clear violation of international humanitarian standards.

“It’s breathtakingly callous for a government authority to use water disconnection as a tactic against homeless people,” Ms. Withey said. “The NSW government is knowingly creating a public health crisis by cutting off water and sanitation from people who have nowhere else to go.”

Miriam Torzillo from Reclaim Our Recovery echoed the sentiment:
“The people of Pine Street are humans entitled to basic human rights. Public health standards and international law should protect them, not be ignored for political convenience.”

Vacant Homes and a Growing Crisis

The situation is made even more frustrating for advocates given the 800+ vacant government-owned homes in the Northern Rivers region.

“The occupation of eight homes in a quiet backstreet of Lismore is being treated as so problematic that authorities are willing to ignore public health obligations and push these people out,” an ROR spokesperson said. “It’s staggering overreach.”

The Northern Rivers homelessness crisis continues to worsen, with public housing solutions dwindling from 40 promised homes to just 10, according to recent discussions with the RA.

Water Disconnection a Dangerous Move

The disconnection of water poses an immediate threat to basic sanitation for residents of Pine Street, many of whom are students, young workers, and vulnerable community members.

With temperatures soaring during the Australian summer, advocates warn that health risks will escalate while residents await a Supreme Court order that could legally force them to vacate.

“We’re not surprised that politics is triumphing over humanity once again,” House You concluded, “but the reckless intransigence of the Reconstruction Authority will have serious consequences—consequences for which they must be held accountable.”

 

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Have Your Say on the Future of the Kyogle Local Government Area

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Have Your Say on the Future of the Kyogle Local Government Area

 

By Jeff Gibbs

From today, residents, businesses, and community groups across the Kyogle Local Government Area (LGA) are invited to share their priorities and aspirations as part of Kyogle Council’s review of its Community Strategic Plan (CSP).

The CSP is Kyogle Council’s highest-level strategic document, guiding the region’s Delivery Program, Operational Plan, and Long-Term Financial Plan. The current plan was developed in 2022, based on community input at the time. However, with a new Council elected in September 2024, it is now time for a review to ensure the CSP reflects the evolving needs and priorities of the community.

A Commitment to Community Engagement

Kyogle Council Mayor, Cr Danielle Mullholland, emphasised the importance of engaging with local residents to shape the region’s future.

“One of the things my fellow councillors and I are extremely passionate about is opening up the lines of communication between Council and the community,” Cr Mullholland said.

“Our residents, businesses, young people, volunteers, and community organisations are at the heart of what makes the Kyogle LGA so special.

“Listening to their diverse voices is vital to getting the CSP right, but more than that, this consultation is about building relationships and networks that will help us collectively achieve the plan’s goals.”

How to Have Your Say

Kyogle Council is providing multiple ways for the community to get involved:

  • Community Survey – Available online until Sunday, 16 March 2025. Paper copies are also available at Council’s administration centre.
  • Consultation with Schools & Young People – Engaging local youth to understand their perspectives and ideas.
  • Face-to-Face Community Sessions – Meetings will be held across the LGA, including Kyogle, Woodenbong, Bonalbo, and Tabulam.
  • Drop-in Information & Feedback Hub – Visit the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall on Thursday, 6 March 2025 to learn more and share your thoughts in person.

More Information & Contact Details

To learn more and participate in shaping the future of the Kyogle LGA, visit here.

For further inquiries, contact Kyogle Council:

  • Email: council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au
  • Phone: 6632 1611
  • In Person: Council Administration Centre, 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle

Join the conversation and help shape the future of Kyogle’s towns, villages, and communities!

 

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Funding expected for around $3.8 million repair of roads damaged in late 2024

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Funding expected for around $3.8 million repair of roads damaged in late 2024

 

Flooding and bad weather last November and December caused significant damage to around 40 roads across the Byron Shire.

Council and contractors will be out in force fixing them over the next several months after the NSW Government retrospectively declared the event a natural disaster (AGRN1172). Council is expected to receive almost $3.8 million for repairs.

Samuel Frumpui, Council’s Manager of Works, said that Council staff and contractors are already busy repairing roads.

“Council staff and contractors have already begun repairing roads that were damaged by flash flooding late last year. This will be the key focus for us until early March,” Mr Frumpui said.

“Due to guidelines, we need to get work completed as soon as possible, this may mean our other maintenance work is delayed for a short period of time, but we will be working our way through everything as quickly as we can.”

“We have completed Burnetts Road, Beacoms Road (east) and Dry Creek Road, and are currently working on Huonbrook Road and Main Arm Road,” he said.

Other roads to be repaired include:

  • Beech Lane
  • Blackbean Road
  • Blindmouth Road
  • Buckleys Road
  • Campbell Street
  • Cedar Road
  • Charltons Road
  • Chinamans Hills Road
  • Clays Road
  • Coopers Lane (west and south)
  • Coopers Creek Road
  • Coral Avenue
  • Dudgeons Road
  • Durrumbul Road
  • Englishes Road
  • Harkness Lane
  • Hollingsworth Lane
  • Marri Avenue
  • Mcphails Road
  • Mill Road
  • Montecollum Road
  • Motts Road
  • Myocum Road
  • Richards Lane
  • Riley Lane
  • Settlement Road
  • St Helena Road
  • Studal Lane
  • Synotts Road
  • The Saddle Road
  • Waltons Road
  • Wanganui Road
  • Ward Lane
  • Yankee Creek Road

“It is expected that repairs to additional roads will be approved shortly. It’s a massive amount of work and I want to thank all staff and contractors involved in the repairs. I also want to thank residents for their patience while we fix the roads,” Mr Frumpui said.

 

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Ballina News

Draft Hampton Park Reserve Master Plan Open for Public Feedback

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Draft Hampton Park Reserve Master Plan

Draft Hampton Park Reserve Master Plan Open for Public Feedback

 

By Robert Heyward

Ballina Shire Council is inviting community members to provide feedback on the Draft Master Plan for Hampton Park Reserve, which is now on public exhibition.

The draft plan outlines a vision for the future of Hampton Park, aiming to balance open space, community green areas, and active recreation while building on existing infrastructure for tennis and other uses.

Early in 2024, Council conducted extensive community consultation to gather insights from key user groups about how the reserve is used and what improvements residents would like to see.

Community Feedback Highlights

Some of the key themes identified during consultation include:

  • Protecting the iconic fig trees and planting additional shade trees
  • Addressing drainage and flooding concerns
  • Improving car parking and footpath connections
  • Preserving community green spaces for informal activities
  • Supporting sporting groups’ aspirations to expand court capacity

Proposed Improvements

Following consultation, a Draft Master Planning Report was presented at the 28 November 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting, where it was resolved to prepare an amended draft for public exhibition.

The proposed design includes several significant changes:

  • Formalised on-street car parking
  • A new vehicle access point off Moon Street
  • Closure of Burnet Street driveway access upon construction

The plan aims to balance the competing demands for space, ensuring a functional and attractive environment for general community use while meeting the needs of active sports and recreation groups.

Have Your Say

Council is seeking input from the community to help shape the final version of the Hampton Park Reserve Master Plan.

  • Do you agree with the vision?
  • Are the priorities right?

Residents are invited to complete an online feedback form after reading the Draft Master Plan in full.

Submissions close Friday, 28 February 2025.

Future Planning and Implementation

While no funding has yet been allocated for the implementation of works, the finalised Master Plan will serve as a key management framework for the reserve. It will also guide future investment and planning to ensure that community needs and aspirations are met.

For more information, visit the Ballina Shire Council website.

 

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