Summerland Farm Behind the Scenes Thursday 9 May

Summerland Farm is opening their doors on Thursday 9am – 2pm to showcase the fantastic job vacancies they have for people with disability in the local area. I have included some information below – bit I also have 4 case studies of current employees if you would like to write a story before Thursday. If you would like to attend on Thursday please let me know and I will lock it in with the team.

With over 45 job vacancies for people with disabilities, Summerland Farm is opening its doors on 9 May, for a ‘behind the scenes’ guided tour of its many supported employment workplaces, and pathway programs.

A place of inclusion – Summerland Farm is one of the most successful disability enterprises in Australia, providing jobs for over 120 people with disability.

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The public are invited to enjoy a guided tour, where visitors can meet the teams ,and enjoy demonstrations and experiences at each of the businesses.

Visitors can also find out more on Summerland Farms new School Leavers Employment Supports (SLES) program and School Work Experience opportunities available.

The businesses and employment opportunities on show include:

• Restaurant & Functions – Kitchen hands, baristas, customer service, food preparation, events.
• Retail Hub – Customer service, baristas, food preparation, ticket booth operators, food packing.
• Animal Hub – Animal care, cleaning, feeding, and host animal encounters.
• Horticulture – Fruit packers, fruit graders, forklift operators, macadamia sorting.
• Farm Operations – Fruit pickers, machinery operators, ride-on lawn mowing, tractor drivers.
• Administration – Customer service, computer work, invoicing, administration jobs.
• Site Services – Keeping our gardens, lawns and customer area clean and tidy across the farm. Includes egg grading and packaging up eggs.
• Facility Management – Lawn mowing, whipper snipping, weeding, leaf blowing, ride on lawn mowing.

Bookings are essential. Please book online here.

For more Local Northern Rivers Alstonville news, click here.

Raine & Horne’s exciting new venture in Ballina/Alstonville for former real estate rivals 

Key points

• Raine & Horne expands its presence in the NSW Northern Rivers region with the launch of Raine & Horne Ballina/Alstonville, led by experienced real estate agents Aiden Wilcox and Curtis Golding.
• The dynamic duo aims to change the landscape of real estate in the Northern Rivers, with Mr Wilcox focusing on real estate sales and Mr Golding overseeing the property management division.
• The co-principals were attracted to Raine & Horne because of its continuous improvement, industry-leading technology, and forward-thinking approach, particularly highlighting the recent rebranding efforts that reflect a clean and modern look for the Australasian super brand.

Ballina, NSW, (2 May 2024) Super brand Raine & Horne is excited to announce it is boosting its well-entrenched network in the NSW Northern Rivers region with the launch of an office in Ballina led by experienced real estate specialists and long-time real estate competitors Aiden Wilcox and Curtis Golding.

Raine & Horne Ballina/Alstonville is extending its services to Alstonville and other surrounding areas, with Mr Wilcox spearheading real estate sales and Mr Curtis overseeing the property management division.

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“Curtis and I have known each other for a fair while. We’ve worked for competing agencies in the area and were getting tired of the old-school approach to real estate,” Mr Wilcox said. The duo are born and bred in the Ballina region, while Mr Curtis’s family has a long history in the local real estate market.

Mr Wilcox continued, “Our long-term goals were to open an agency individually, but we were fairly like-minded in our approach and wanted to create something, and then Raine & Horne Growth Manager Steve Worrad came along.”

The decision to partner with Raine & Horne was motivated by their positive experience with Mr Worrad, who had been instrumental in helping them find the perfect office location, along with Raine & Horne’s commitment to continuous improvement. During their short interactions with Raine & Horne, the duo has been impressed that the super brand has continued to tweak its industry-leading technology, such as the AI-driven, social media marketing platform Amplify.

“Steve has been working with us for a while now to get us on board, and over that time, we’ve seen changes to Amplify that show that Raine & Horne never sits still. It felt like it was meant to be,” added Mr Golding, who has worked in the local real estate market since leaving school in 2008.

“We appreciate Raine & Horne’s forward-thinking approach with products such as Amplify and the first-to-market online listing tool, DigiKitPlus— both are user-friendly, professional, and always up-to-date.

“The brand adopts current trends, setting them apart from many agencies in the Ballina and Alstonville area, which may not have refreshed their templates and tools in recent years. In today’s dynamic environment, staying three steps ahead is crucial; otherwise, you risk falling behind swiftly.”

Smooth onboarding and prime location

The onboarding process with Raine & Horne has been smooth and impressive, according to Mr Wilcox. “From what they’ve shown us so far, it’s a cut above some of the other systems and processes we’ve used in the past,” he notes.

Mr Golding added, “Every time we pick up the phone and have a question, they’ve been good at getting responses to us quickly. Quite frankly, I can’t fault them in the onboarding process so far.”

The new office, located at 178 River Street in Ballina, is strategically positioned on one of the best street corners in the area, offering excellent visibility and exposure. Mr Wilcox explained “Steve found the location, and because the commercial leasing market in Ballina is exceptionally tight, we decided to buy an established business, and start the fit-out.

“Buying out a business to access the property represents a significant additional startup cost. However, there hasn’t been a suitable shop available for lease for three to five years, and we were determined to secure a prime location. We also feel it demonstrates the hard yards we’re prepared to take to be successful.”

The co-principals express their excitement about the clean and forward-thinking branding of Raine & Horne. “It’s a massive step in the right direction. It’s clean, consistent, and resonates with the 21st century,” says Mr Golding.

Robust local demand from out of area buyers drive median prices

According to Mr Wilcox, the local market is robust and poised for growth, underpinning its standing as one of the fastest-growing markets in Australia.

“Despite a slight price correction, good turnover prevails. Median house prices in Ballina and Alstonville hover around a million dollars and $850,000-$1,000,000, respectively,” he said.

The demand is fuelled by local buyers, responding to a scarcity of supply, escalating land and building prices, and post-flood recovery.

“External interest persists, with buyers from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast attracted by the region’s charm and lifestyle,” Mr Golding added.

“Currently, a 70-30 split between local and out-of-area buyers prevails, a shift from the trend we saw during COVID-19.”

The official office launch event in May 2024 will celebrate the agency’s commitment to providing excellent service and embracing the next wave of real estate.

“We have a team of approximately eleven individuals who have joined us. They all share a like-minded approach and a genuine eagerness to achieve immediate success,” said Mr Golding.

“Their mindset is aligned with our contemporary values—striving for excellence. They seek a brand that is modern, consistent, and in tune with the demands of the 21st century – and that is Raine & Horne.”

For all your real estate sales and property management needs in Ballina, Alstonville, and surrounding areas, contact Raine & Horne Ballina/Alstonville on (02) 6602 9800 or drop by their ultramodern office located at 178 River Street, Ballina.

For more local Ballina news, click here.

Anzac Day Services Northern Rivers – Comprehensive Guide for the Region

This Thursday April 25, 2024, communities across our region will come together to commemorate Anzac Day with various services and marches. Here’s what’s planned for each area:

Richmond Valley

Casino:

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• Dawn Service: Assemble at 5:15 AM on Canterbury Street at the Casino RSM Club. The march to the Mafeking Lamp starts at 5:30 AM.
• Mid-morning Service: Gather at 10:00 AM in Graham Place for a 10:15 AM march to Casino RSM Club.
• Evening Retreat: A brief service at 4:55 PM at the Mafeking Lamp.

Coraki:

• Assemble at 10:00 AM at the Coraki Hotel for a 10:30 AM march to the cenotaph in Riverside Park.

Broadwater:

• Community Dawn Service at 5:30 AM at Broadwater Community Hall, followed by a community breakfast.

Evans Head:

• Dawn Service: Gather at 5:20 AM on Woodburn Street near the bus stop, marching to Memorial Park for a 5:30 AM service. Breakfast at the RSL Club Evans afterward.
• Day Service: Assemble at 10:00 AM on Park Street, marching at 10:30 AM to Club Evans in McDonald Place.
• Additional Services: A bus departs the RSL at 8:00 AM for services at the memorial aerodrome and war cemetery, with a special flyover by the Amberley Air Force.

Rappville:

• Dawn Service at 5:30 AM at the Anzac Memorial on Nandabah Street.
• Day Service: Gather at the Rappville Post Office at 10:30 AM for an 11:00 AM service at the same memorial.

Woodburn:

• Assemble at 9:45 AM at the old Woodburn Post Office, marching at 10:00 AM to the memorial in Riverside Park for a service.

Kyogle LGA

Kyogle:

• Dawn service at 5:30 AM at the cenotaph.
• Assemble at 9:15 AM for a 9:30 AM march through the town center, concluding with a 10:00 AM service at the cenotaph.

Woodenbong:

• Dawn service at 5:15 AM at the Woodenbong water tower, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast.
• Gather for a 10:40 AM march to the Woodenbong Public Hall for an 11:00 AM Anzac Memorial Service. The day concludes with a wreath-laying at 11:45 AM and a Diggers Luncheon at 12:30 PM at the RSL Hall.

Bonalbo:

• Dawn service at 5:30 AM at Patrick McNamee Anzac Memorial Park, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast at the Bonalbo Bowling and Recreation Club.
• An 11:00 AM service at the Bonalbo Community Hall.

Old Bonalbo:

• A 9:30 AM service at Old Bonalbo Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.

Tabulam:

• Gather at 10:30 AM on Clarence Street for a march to the Light Horse Memorial, where a service and wreath laying will take place at 11:00 AM, followed by refreshments at noon at the Tabulam Hotel.

Mallanganee:

• A service and wreath-laying ceremony at 11:00 AM at Memorial Park.

LISMORE

Returned and Services League of Australia – City of Lismore sub-Branch ANZAC Day Committee wishes to invite the community to Lismore’s ANZAC Day March and Services, commemorating the fallen from Gallipoli and all other subsequent wars and deployments in which Australian Defence personnel have been involved.

At 5am the traditional Dawn Service will be held at the Lismore Cenotaph, following the March from the “Old Post Office Corner” on the corner of Magellan and Molesworth Streets.

The main March will commence at 9am and will depart Browns Creek Carpark, proceeding along Molesworth Street to the Lismore Memorial Baths. Followed by the ANZAC Day commemorative service at the Lismore Cenotaph.

The Lismore City Bowling Club will host a breakfast for veterans, families and community members.

Clarence Vally

Below is information that has been provided to Council by RSL Sub-branches across the Clarence Valley. If you are wishing to lay wreaths, please contact the sub-branch organiser for your area.

RAMORNIE (Sunday, 21 April)

• 10:45am – Ramornie Cenotaph
  Contact: Barry Whalley – 0428 432 014

GRAFTON (ANZAC DAY Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:50am –  Muster at Memorial Park
• 6:00am – Dawn Service at Memorial Park
• 6:30am – Gunfire breakfast at GDSC – $10pp (donated to charity)
• 9:30am – March from Market Square
• 10:00am – Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph, Memorial Park
  Contact: Denis Benfield – 0412 410 474

SOUTH GRAFTON (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 4:50am – March from New School of Arts
• 5:00am – Dawn Service at the Cenotaph, Lane Boulevard
• 7:00am – Gunfire breakfast at South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club
• 10:50am – March from New School of Arts
• 11:00am – Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph, Lane Boulevard
• Contact: Barry Whalley – 0428 432 014

ULMARRA (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 10:40AM – Muster for march at Ulmarra Cenotaph
• 11:00am – Commemoration Service at Memorial Park
• Contact: Robert McFarlane – 0407 415 923

CHATSWORTH ISLAND (ANZAC Day, Thursday 25 April)

• 5:15am – Dawn service at the Cenotaph
  Followed by a sausage sizzle
  Contact: John Goodwin – 0419 282 555

COPMANHURST (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 10:45am – Commemoration Service at Copmanhurst Memorial Cenotaph
  Contact:  Denis Benfield – 0412 410 474

GLENREAGH (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:30am – Dawn Service at the Glenreagh School of Arts
• Followed by a cooked breakfast in the hall (donation)
  Contact: Noel Backman – 0434 197 994

HARWOOD (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:15am – Muster at Harwood Hall
• 5:30am – Dawn Service at Harwood Cenotaph in River Street
• Followed by Gunfire breakfast in the Harwood Hall (donation)
  Contact: Helen Briscoe – 0431 677 110
  Barry Smith – 0427 469 495

ILUKA (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:30am – Commemoration service
  BBQ provided after service – outside hall (donation)
• 10:30am – March from Iluka Public School
• 10:45am – Commemoration Service and wreath laying
  Followed by free morning tea
• Contact: Phil Bradmore – 0448 465 269

LAWRENCE (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:45am – Muster at Lawrence Hall for march to Memorial Park
• 6:00am – Dawn Service at Memorial Park
• 9:45am – Muster at Lawrence Hall for march to memorial park
• 10:00am – Commemoration Service at Memorial Park
• Contact: Bryan Whalan – 0417 232 809

LOWER SOUTHGATE (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 3:00pm – Commemoration Service at Lower Southgate War Memorial, Doust Park
  Contact: Pauline Glasser – 0419 986 554       

MACLEAN (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:30am – Dawn Service at Cenotaph
• 10:40am – March from Esplanade
• 11:00am – Commemoration Service at Cenotaph
  Followed by lunch at Maclean Bowling Club (members only)
• Contact: Trevor Plymin – 0415 400 658

TULLYMORGAN (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:15am – Muster for march at Tullymorgan School
• 5:20am – Dawn Service at the Tullymorgan School
  Followed by gunfire breakfast (gold coin donation)
• Contact: Sue Searles – 0408 408 749

WOOLI (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:30am – Dawn Service at the Cenotaph
• 6:00am – Breakfast for those attending the Dawn Service at Wooli Bowling & Recreation Club (gold coin donation)
• 10:45 am – Assemble at Wooli Bowling & Recreation Club for march
• 11:00am – Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph
  Lunch for ex-service personnel and partners at the Wooli Bowling & Recreation Club
• Contact: Brian Frederiksen – 0421 077 718

YAMBA (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

• 5:45am – Dawn Service at the Cenotaph
• 9:30am – Assemble for a 9.30am march in Clarence Street opposite Stella Motel, Clarence Street, for march to Cenotaph
• 9:35am – Commemoration Service to commence at completion of the march
  Followed by morning tea at Yamba RSL Hall
• Contact: Donna Ford – 0498 330 024

CHATSWORTH ISLAND (ANZAC Day, Thursday 25 April)

• 5:15am – Dawn service at the Cenotaph
  Followed by a sausage sizzle
• Contact: John Goodwin – 0419 282 555

Byron Shire

Thursday, 25 April 2024 04:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Services will be held across the Byron Shire to commemorate ANZAC Day.

Bangalow

• 10:30am – March from the Bangalow Hotel to the Cenotaph

Brunswick Heads

• 4:30am – March from the RSL Hall to the Cenotaph

Byron Bay

• 5:30am – Meet at the memorial Gates in Tennyson Street
• 10:30am – Meet at the memorial Gates in Tennyson Street

Mullumbimby

• 4:30am – Meet at the Cenotaph in Dalley Street
• 11:00am – March from Railway Station to the Cenotaph in Dalley Street.

Ballina Shire

• 5:30 AM – Dawn Service

Join us at the RSL Memorial Park Cenotaph for the first commemorative event of ANZAC Day. This service marks the time men of the ANZAC approached the Gallipoli beach and honors the traditional ‘stand-to’ ritual.

• 6:00 AM – Poppy Collection / Ballina RSL Breakfast

After the Dawn Service, collect your poppies from the ANZAC structure and enjoy a “In The Trenches Breakfast” at the Ballina RSL club for just $5. Open to the public – no bookings!

• 10:30 AM – ANZAC March

The ANZAC Day March will start at the far end of River Street, near Woolworths, moving towards the RSL and Memorial Park.

• 10:55 AM – ANZAC Day Service

The main service will be held at RSL Memorial Park adjacent to the Ballina RSL Club.

• 11:18 AM – RAAF Fly Past
• 11:30 AM – Ballina RSL Lunch

Conclude the morning’s commemorations with lunch at the Ballina RSL Club.

• 2:00 PM – Brownie & Friends’ Two-Up

Join us for a game of two-up at Brownie’s. Learn the rules and participate in this traditional ANZAC Day betting game. Open to all of legal gambling age.

Additional Information: Open to the public. All are welcome to join in remembrance and honor of our veterans.

Tweed Heads & Coolangatta

Dawn Service 5.45am

Held at Chris Cunningham Park, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Anzac Day Service 10.55am – 11.45am

Held at Chris Cunningham Park, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Burringbar – Old Bakery at 0845hrs for the march to the Memorial. Service to commence at 0900hrs. Refreshments and Bowls at the Sports Club after the service.

Cudgen – Assemble at Crescent Street at 0410 hrs. March to service at Collier Street Cenotaph at 0428hrs.

Kingscliff dawn – Assemble at Turnock Street at 0555hrs. Service at Kingscliff War Memorial. Breakfast at the Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club at 0700hrs.

Kingscliff main – Assemble at 1000hrs. March commencing at 1020hrs. Service at the Memorial at 1100hrs. Cars available for non-marchers.

Murwillumbah dawn – Assemble at War Memorial at 0520hrs. Breakfast in the Services Club at 0615hrs. Veterans and children under 12 free, others $5.

Murwillumbah main – Marchers assemble in Brisbane Street. Schools and other organisations assemble Main Street, opposite the Post Office at 1010hrs. March off at 1030hrs for Cenotaph Service at 1045hrs. Transport available for non-marchers at the assembly area.

Pottsville – Assemble at 0730hrs at Pottsville Beach Chemist. March off 0745hrs for the service at 0800hrs at the Cenotaph ANZAC Park. Breakfast at Pottsville Beach Sports Club after the service.

Tumbulgum – Memorial Gates 0430hrs. Breakfast in the hotel after the service.

Tweed Heads – Assemble on pathway behind Chris Cunningham Park at 0545hrs. Short wreath laying service at Chris Cunningham Park at 0630hrs.

🎖 Tweed Heads – Assemble in Boundary Street at 1000hrs, march off at 1030hrs down Boundary Street, left into Wharf Street and left to the Memorial in Chris Cunningham Park. Service of Remembrance from 1100hrs.

Tyalgum – Memorial 0515hrs. Breakfast in the hotel after the service.

Uki – War Memorial 0420hrs. Breakfast in the hall after the service.

These services offer a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our armed forces and provide an opportunity for community members of all ages to come together in remembrance.

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