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

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

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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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

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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From Racing Dreams to Mentoring Youth: The Unstoppable Journey of Drew De Boer

By Jeff Gibbs

In the high-stakes world of motorbike racing, where speed, talent, and determination separate champions from the rest, few stories rival the incredible journey of Drew De Boer. From promising young rider to test development guru, near-death survivor, and youth mentor, Drew’s path has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now at 36, he’s on the brink of an unbelievable comeback in the 2026 MotoAmerica season.

But getting here was anything but easy.

A Rising Star Falls

At just 17, Drew seemed destined for stardom, securing a coveted spot in the 125cc World Championship with Honda. It was a dream few dared to imagine—a shot at MotoGP glory. But as quickly as the opportunity came, it slipped through his fingers. Distractions and immaturity led to poor decisions that resulted in his contract being terminated before he ever raced at that level.

“The loss was crushing,” Drew reflects. “I thought I had it all figured out, but I didn’t realise how precious those moments were.”

Far from giving up, Drew pivoted. He spent years as a test and development rider for Suzuki, working behind the scenes to help shape future championship-winning bikes. His expertise and resilience played a pivotal role in Suzuki’s 2020 MotoGP world title win.

“I wasn’t in the spotlight, but I still felt a sense of purpose,” Drew says. “I kept telling myself that the dream wasn’t over. I just had to find another way.”

Mentorship and a Life-Changing Crash

In addition to his work with Suzuki, Drew began mentoring young riders, teaching them about the mental strength required to succeed in motorsport. But just as his life seemed to find balance, disaster struck in 2023 at Japan’s iconic Suzuka Circuit.

In a catastrophic crash, Drew suffered spinal and neck damage, a shattered pelvis, and broken legs. Clinically dead at the scene, he was revived and airlifted to the hospital. Doctors warned that he might never walk again.

“After the crash, I didn’t know if I’d ever be the same,” he admits. “It was a battle I didn’t think I could win.”

Through sheer determination and months of agonising rehabilitation, Drew defied the odds. In just 10 months, he was walking—and training for a racing comeback.

Drew De Boer

A Second Chance

In November 2024, Yamaha USA offered Drew a three-year contract to race in the 2026 MotoAmerica season. It was the second chance he had dreamed of.

“It felt like everything I’d worked for was finally coming together,” Drew says. “This time, it wasn’t just about me. It was about showing that no matter how many setbacks you face, you can always bounce back.”

A Role Model Beyond Racing

Off the track, Drew is equally passionate about mentoring youth in the NSW Northern Rivers through his work with HYAP and WAYS. He helps young people facing tough circumstances, guiding them away from negative influences like crime and toward better opportunities.

“Kids today face pressures we never had to deal with,” Drew says. “Many come from broken families and don’t have the support they need. My goal is to give them the tools and confidence to make better choices.”

Unstoppable Spirit

Drew’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, mentorship, and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Whether racing in MotoAmerica 2026 or inspiring the next generation, Drew De Boer proves that every setback can be a step toward an even greater comeback.

“Every day, I remind myself that the dream is still alive,” he says. “And I’m not done yet.”

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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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