Celebrating 100 year old building with a sale

By Samantha Elley

It began as a labour of love for Paul Worth when he bought the old butter factory at Alstonville and restored it.

“I bought it 20 years ago and the building was rundown,” he said.

“I enjoyed bringing it back to its former glory.”

Beams are original to the building

Paul said he sandblasted both inside and out to reveal the gorgeous red brick walls that are a feature in the Alstonville Furniture Co’s display rooms.

“It still has the original tin roof and some of the piping and brackets on the wall are still there,” he said.

“I’ve left the original water tanks that people can still see.”

Even the barn doors and the very thick and heavy outer doors are original to the building.

The building in 1925

“The building was built in 1923-24 and Norco took it over in 1930 until 1947 when they closed it just after the war,” said Paul.

“The first service station in Alstonville was also part of the building.

“It was a peanut factory and various retail stores and even caravan repairs.

“To my knowledge it has always been occupied.”

The building as it is today

To celebrate the old butter factory building turning 100 years old, the Alstonville Furniture Co., a stockist of Lazboy furniture, is having a sale where customers can get some great bargains on quality, Australian-made furniture at a good price.

And while you’re there, ask if you can have a look at the water tanks.

For more Local Alstonville news, click here.

Hinterland Village Alstonville

Hinterland Village Alstonville emerges as an ambitious proposal poised to enrich the local tourism landscape, offering both short-term and long-term accommodation options. On Monday, April 8th, 2024, a Development Application was formally submitted to the Ballina Shire Council, marking the culmination of nine months of collaborative efforts between the developers and the council.

HINTERLAND VILLAGE ALSTONVILLE Artist Impression

In response to community needs and feedback, the envisioned village, initially capable of accommodating 175 homes, has been thoughtfully scaled back to 145 residences. This adjustment allows for the integration of essential communal amenities, including expansive orchards, vibrant community gardens, and a multifunctional community hall. Notably, private consultation rooms will be available within the hall, catering to residents’ healthcare needs and fostering a sense of inclusivity. The design ethos draws inspiration from the idyllic charm of Alstonville, prioritizing natural open spaces and harmonious coexistence with the surrounding environment.

Behind the visionary project stands a developer with a proven track record, boasting extensive experience in constructing and managing over 55 lifestyle villages and accessible housing initiatives. Recognizing the pressing need for accessible long-term accommodation, particularly in a flood-free locale, the developers are optimistic about the potential for a favourable outcome from the council.

With a firm commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and community well-being, Hinterland Village embodies a vision of holistic living that promises to resonate with residents and visitors alike. As the application progresses, the developers eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute positively to the local landscape and enhance the quality of life for all stakeholders involved.

Seniors encouraged to get moving this April Falls Month

Older Australians in Northern New South Wales are being encouraged to get physically active this April, to help build their strength and maintain their independence.

Better Balance for Fall Prevention is the theme of this year’s April Falls Month, an annual event held throughout April supported by the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network to encourage older adults to become more active and reduce falls.

Locally, exercise and dance classes for people aged over 50 are underway in Alstonville, Casino, Grafton, Lismore, Tweed Heads, Wardell, Yamba and across the Northern Rivers.

Health Promotion Manager, Elayne Mitchell said staying physically active is the single most important thing we can do to stay independent as we age.

“As we get older, our bodies lose muscle strength and coordination, so the more active we remain, the better chance we have of maintaining our physical function,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Improving strength and balance in our legs allows us to complete regular daily activities more easily, including getting up and down stairs, in and out of cars, negotiating uneven surfaces and reducing the risk of falling.

“Older people benefit from regular tai chi, group exercise programs, gym sessions, community-based falls prevention programs such as Stepping On, or simple exercises at home to improve muscle strength and balance.

“Research has also shown that regular exercise can reduce falls in older people by 23 per cent, but slowly building up high-challenge balance exercises can increase the effects of exercise by up to 40 per cent.”

NNSWLHD is partnering with Rotary Clubs across the District to provide pop-up Falls Prevention Awareness information stalls, where you can find out about falls prevention and healthy ageing.

Locations

• Friday 5 April, 10am-4pm, Lismore Square, Uralba and Brewster St, Lismore
• Sunday 7 April, 8am-midday, Iluka-Woombah Community Markets, Middle Street, Woombah
• Thursday 11 April, 9am-2pm, Alstonville Plaza, 93 Main St, Alstonville
• Friday 12 April – Sunday 14 April, 9am – 3pm, Bunnings, 2 Bruxner Hwy, Lismore
• Friday 12 April – Sunday 14 April, 9am – 3pm, Bunnings, River Street and Horizon Dr, West Ballina
• Friday 19 April, 10am-4pm, Lismore Square, Uralba and Brewster St, Lismore

The Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) has collaborated with the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network to produce a range of April Falls resources for patients, families, carers and health staff.

Fall Prevention information is also available on the CEC website.

To find local physical activity and healthy lifestyle programs, including fall prevention programs, visit the Active and Healthy exercise directory. Information and advice to support older adults to be more active is also available on the Active and Healthy website. This includes home-based exercise circuits designed for beginners to follow along at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.

For more seniors news, click here.