Man Charged with Domestic Violence and Knife Offences After Police Pursuit in Casino

A 35-year-old man has been charged with multiple domestic violence and knife-related offences following a police pursuit in Casino, New South Wales.

The incident occurred around 6:45 pm on Saturday, 5 October 2024, when officers from the Richmond Police District attempted to stop a Kia sedan while patrolling Centre Street, Casino. The driver allegedly failed to stop, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit. However, the chase was called off shortly after for safety reasons.

The vehicle was later found on Churchill Crescent, and when police approached, the man allegedly confronted officers with a knife. A Taser was deployed, and the man was subsequently arrested. He was taken to the hospital under police guard for assessment.

After being released from the hospital on Sunday, 6 October 2024, the man was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with a series of offences, including:

• Contravening prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic)
• Stalking/intimidating with intent to cause fear of physical harm (domestic)
• Hindering or resisting police officers in the execution of duty (two counts)
• Using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention (two counts)
• Escaping police custody
• Failing to stop during a police pursuit and driving dangerously
• Intimidating a police officer in execution of duty
• Carrying a knife in a public place

He was refused bail and appeared at Lismore Local Court on Monday, 7 October 2024, where bail was formally denied. The man is scheduled to appear in Grafton Local Court tomorrow, 8 October 2024.

Watercolour – an enchanting exhibition at the Cassino Gallery

By Therese Schier

Feast your senses at the Watercolour exhibition opening at the Cassino Gallery this Saturday 21^st September. Considered one of the most demanding of art forms, watercolour offers an enchanting, mystical experience for visitors.

“Watercolour painting is a subtle art that requires masterly control to reflect the elusive hues of life” Gallery president Laszlo Biro observed.

“Visitors to the exhibition will appreciate the delicate and deft touch of the artists.”

Laszlo said the Gallery, with support from Richmond Valley Council is offering a $2300 acquisitive prize to the best in show.

“Through the support of the community in attending openings, events and classes the Gallery can co-fund with the Council,” Laszlo said.

The exhibition will be judged by Northern Rivers artist, Harry Westera. Harry originally trained in drawing and oil painting at Julian Ashton’s Art School and studied Art History at Sydney University before deciding to ‘give watercolour a try’.

“Well, as many water colourists will till you, this medium can be difficult to control,” Harry said.

Chiaroscuro Old Man by Lismore artist Kevin Lawlor is one of the many paintings on display at Cassino Gallery’s Watercolour exhibition opening Saturday 21st September.

“It can at times be fun and other times frustrating. But it is well worth the effort!

“To watch the colours flow off your brush, mixing on the paper and creating images of our world in beautiful washes of colour can be very satisfying.

“It is wonderful that Cassino Gallery has attracted so many watercolour enthusiasts.”

Lismore artist Kevin Lawlor was drawn to paint his entry Chiaroscuro no 1 Old Man due to his admiration of the masters of light and dark, Michelangelo and Leonardo da vinci.

“I wanted to go to the maximum of light and dark using the Italian chiaroscuro (the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting) of the old masters to create a haunting piece using modern media,” Kevin said.

Kevin congratulated the Cassino Gallery for having the vision to develop the gallery.

“It is an extremely brave endeavour which will bring artists together and provide a gallery for the public.”

The official opening will be held at 4pm, Saturday 21^st, $10 entry includes wine and cheese. Judge Harry Westera will announce the winner and provide comments at the event.

The exhibition will be on display during the Gallery’s opening hours: 10am to 3pm Thursday Friday and Saturday 21^st September to 12^th October with a gold coin donation.

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 Richmond Valley Council Secures $78,000 For Casino Footpath Upgrade

Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson has welcomed the successful application from Richmond Valley Council under the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program, which supports local councils in delivering projects which create safe and enjoyable walking and bike riding experiences.

Richmond Valley Council has secured $78,196 for the West Street, Casino footpath upgrade project. The footpath, which is used heavily by both primary and high school students, will undergo important improvements to enhance safety and accessibility.

The project involves the replacement of 120 metres of footpath between North and Pratt streets with a new 1.8-metre-wide concrete path and the construction of 62 metres of footpath between Pratt and Johnston streets.

Mr Williamson praised the initiative, highlighting its importance for local communities.

“What this is about is delivering community infrastructure which makes local are as better to live in,” Mr Williamson said.

“We don’t want to tell people how to run their lives, but we do want to give them more choices to lead healthy and active lives.

“Get NSW Active is a fantastic program, and I’m delighted to see local councils take advantage of it to improve walkability and cycling safety.”

General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said Council was grateful for the support it had received from Richie Williamson and the NSW Government for this project.

“It is important we invest in community facilities which make our region a great place to live, work and play,” he said.

The NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program continues to fund projects which help create vibrant centres and liveable neighbourhoods, ensuring communities have safe, accessible infrastructure that encourages walking and cycling as part of daily life.

In 2022, Clarence Valley Council was also successful in securing a $953,700 grant for a footpath project in Yamba, connecting Gumnut Drive to Shores Drive.

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