Man dies in two-vehicle crash – Ballina

A man has died in a two-vehicle crash in the state’s north.

About 5.45pm yesterday (Wednesday 18 September 2024) emergency services were called to Tamarind Drive, Ballina, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended the scene and found two vehicles – a silver Honda Accord sedan and a white Hyundai i30 – had collided.

Police removed the 62-year-old driver of the Hyundai from the vehicle before he was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; but he was unable to be revived.

The 18-year-old driver of the Honda was also treated at the scene before being transported to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment.

Police established a crime scene and Crash Investigation Unit officers commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with dashcam vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Northern Rivers Election results to date

By Samantha Elley

NSW voted for their council representatives over the weekend and while results aren’t finalised, we have compiled the results so far at time of printing (Monday 16th of September).

Ballina

Residents of the coastal local government area showed they have been happy with the work Sharon Cadwallader has been doing as mayor. She is currently sitting at 45.08% of the vote with her nearest rival, the Greens Kiri Dicker. a long way back at 25.79%

A ward favourites include the Greens Erin Karsten on 20.73%, Independent Damian Loone following closely at 17.35% and ALP’s Maria Marshall on 14.07%, although Independent’s Kevin Loughrey is close on her heels at 13.52%.

B ward has larger margins with Sharon Cadwallader taking 36.12% of the vote then Kiri Dicker, much closer than in the mayoral race at 31.34%. After that the closest candidate is ALP’s Andrew Broadley on 11.65%.

C ward has the Greens Simon Chate leading the chase on 36.21%, followed by Independent Simon Kinny on 28.47% and another Independent These Crollick on 15.12%

Byron

Current mayor Michael Lyon’s recent public issues are reflected in the sad results of his race to get back in the top job, with his mayoral vote hitting a paltry 17.29% compared to Sarah Ndiaye of the Greens who is sitting on 34.71%. However, there is a chance ALP’s Asren Pugh is not discounted yet with 30.37% of the vote.

The Greens also have a chance of strong representation on council as Group D holds 40.22% of votes for their council candidates, followed by the ALP at 27.95%.

Kyogle

While it has been tradition that elected councillors in Kyogle voted for the mayor, residents of this inland local government area had the extra task of deciding in a referendum question, whether or not they wanted a popularly elected mayor and a reduction in the ward numbers or the status quo. Results at time of printing were not available.

A ward’s most popular candidate thus far is Brett McNamara with 31.15% of the vote, followed by Kieran Somerville with 26.67% and long-standing councillor Janet Wilson at 18.40%.

B ward’s winning candidate is currently Olivia Taylor with 34.03%, then current councillor John Burley 25% and Robert Cullen on 19.29%.

In C ward popular councillor and previous mayor Danielle Mulholland holds 40.88% of the vote with Tom Cooper on 21.06% coming second and Robin Harley on 13.63% holding the bronze.

Lismore

There is no doubting the popularity of current mayor Steve Krieg who looks like holding his seat with 48.38% of the vote, trailed by the Greens Vanessa Grindon-Ekins on 21.13%.

The Independent Group A look like, not only getting their mayor back in but will fill a few seats around the council table with 42.39% of votes.

They are followed by the Greens Group D with 26.77% and ALP’s Group B holding 18.77%.

Richmond Valley

It looks like business as usual for the Richmond Valley with mayor Robert Mustow holding a comfortable lead to retain his role on 38.93%. He was given a run for his money by newcomer Lyndall Murray in the early part of counting before she settled around 27.17%.

There should be a mixture of new and old faces on council with Group D, led by the current mayor, Robert Mustow receiving 41.42% of the vote and newcomers, with Lyndall Murray, Group C, second with 25.69%. Group A led by previous Richmond Valley general manager, John Walker obtained a healthy 20.51%.

Tweed

A large number of parties were vying for all council positions with the current group with most votes being the Liberals with 28.74%. ALP are a comfortable second on 14.96% and Independent Group A, led by current mayor, Chris Cherry in third with 13.42%.

To keep up to date with the Northern Rivers Elections Results, click here.

For more local elections news, click here.

Registrations Open for Second Hand Saturday

Worried about the cost of living? Join the reuse revolution on Saturday 21 September 2024 as we welcome the North Coast’s largest day of garage sales – Second Hand Saturday!

Since 2005, North East Waste has been organising Second Hand Saturday across the Northern Rivers region as support for community reuse and repair. With over 400 garage sales at last year’s event, 2024 is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.

It’s one huge organised day of garage sales with residents across the North Coast taking part to make extra cash on items they no longer need, or find bargains at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

A recent study done by Charitable Reuse Australia in partnership with the NSW EPA, found that households across the state were able to save $423 million just last year by shopping second-hand.

Second Hand Saturday: 21 September 2024

It’s not only good for our wallets though, the study also found that 49,000 tonnes of what could have been waste was diverted from landfill through the second hand market.

You can be a part of Second Hand Saturday by registering to hold your own garage sale, or teaming up with family, friends or neighbours for a coordinated sale. There’s also the opportunity to register a group event as a local community organisation, fundraiser, school or church.

“Participating in Second Hand Saturday as a buyer, seller, or both, is a fantastic way to contribute to the local circular economy. Pre-loved items are often cheaper and more unique than what you find in the shops. This event helps us give goods a new life rather than taking up space in landfill, connect with our local community, and make or save a bit of extra cash- wins all around,” says Justine Rowe, council’s Resource Recovery Education Officer.

Visit secondhandsaturday.com.au for more information and to register a garage sale.

For more local Ballina news, click here.