Tweed Heads Man Revs Up Excitement with $50,000 Keno Win

Jeff Gibbs

A Tweed Heads man is ready for high-speed adventures after winning $50,000 in a Keno Classic draw. The lucky winner hit the jackpot in draw 968 on Thursday, 13 February 2025, with his winning ticket purchased at Ivory Waterside, 156 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads.

The New South Wales resident said he discovered the exciting news during a night out with a friend.
“It was quite the surprise,” the winner shared. “We put on a few games and completely forgot about them. We weren’t watching the screen, so it was only when I checked my ticket that I found out about the win.”

Overjoyed with the unexpected windfall, the pair stayed out to celebrate. The winner already has plans for his prize:
“I’ll probably buy a new motorbike and put some towards the house. I’ve only played Keno about five times, so it was pretty amazing to win like this.”

The man revealed he used a selection of special numbers and couldn’t be more grateful for his good fortune.
“Thanks so much!”

Keno Players Enjoy Big Wins Across Australia

In FY24, Keno players across Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria celebrated more than 78.5 million wins, collectively worth over $1.16 billion.

Among the major winners were 18 millionaires and multi-millionaires, including a Shelly Beach dad who took home a $5.92 million windfall. Eight major winners were from New South Wales and the ACT, with total winnings of $588.5 million across the region.

Two $30,000 Grants Awarded to Combat Senior Isolation in Lismore and Tweed

By Jeff Gibbs

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has announced that Beating Hearts of Lismore (auspiced by Northern Rivers Community Gateway) and Tweed Shire Council have each secured $30,000 under the NSW Government’s $840,000 Connecting Seniors Grant Program 2025. These grants aim to support innovative projects designed to reduce social isolation among seniors in the Lismore district and Murwillumbah area.

Supporting Seniors Through Innovative Projects

Ms. Saffin congratulated both recipients, highlighting the critical role these initiatives play in fostering community connections for older adults.

“They are among 28 organisations funded in this year’s Connecting Seniors Grant Program across categories including Aboriginal, Multicultural, Creation, Enhancement or Expansion, and Local,” said Ms. Saffin.

“I’m particularly pleased that the wonderful Beating Hearts of Lismore, coordinated by Lismore-based Geriatrician Dr. Rachel Jones and her dedicated volunteers, will be able to enrich the lives of more local seniors.”

Funded Local Projects

1. Northern Rivers Community Gateway (Beating Hearts of Lismore):
   • Expansion of the weekly volunteer-led singing group, connecting older adults facing social isolation, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease, along with their carers.
   • Introduction of evidence-based dance classes aimed at improving strength, balance, and social connections.
2. Tweed Shire Council – Age Well-Connect Program:
   • A diverse range of activities to combat senior isolation, including:
     • Technology classes to improve digital literacy.
     • Cooking workshops to encourage social interaction and healthy living.
     • Falls prevention and cognitive health initiatives to support physical and mental well-being.
     • A vibrant jazz festival to foster community spirit and cultural engagement.

A Broader Commitment to Senior Well-being

Since its launch in 2020, the Connecting Seniors Grant Program has funded more than 120 projects, engaging over 30,000 seniors across 82 Local Government Areas in NSW. This program aligns with the objectives of the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, showcasing the NSW Government’s dedication to building inclusive communities and addressing the growing challenges of isolation and loneliness among seniors.

For more details on the grants program and the full list of 2025 recipients, visit here.

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NSW Government’s Tough Stance on Fire Ants Pays Off – Crackdown on Rogue Businesses Results in Major Fines

The Minns Labor Government’s commitment to protecting NSW from the devastating impact of red imported fire ants is delivering real results. Two Queensland businesses have been convicted and fined a total of $60,000 for breaching biosecurity laws aimed at keeping fire ants out of the state. This victory highlights the effectiveness of the government’s increased surveillance, compliance, and enforcement measures.

Since being elected in 2023, the Minns Labor Government has prioritized biosecurity, increasing funding to fight fire ants from $15 million annually to $95 million over four years. This bold action is aimed at ensuring NSW communities, homes, farms, and natural landscapes remain safe from this invasive species.

Major Recent Prosecutions:

• Brytarbri Pty Ltd (Allenview Turf) was convicted of nine offences for moving soil, turf underlay, and compost from the Queensland fire ant-infested area into NSW without required biosecurity certificates.
• Marlyn Compost was convicted of 20 offences for illegally moving turf without certification.

To strengthen the fight against fire ants, NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty introduced a complete ban on turf movement from Queensland’s infested zones in November 2024. This tough approach is helping keep the threat at bay while sending a strong message to rogue businesses.

Operation Victa – Keeping NSW Safe

The Government’s border enforcement initiative, Operation Victa, is a prime example of how coordinated efforts are stopping fire ants before they spread. So far, the operation has conducted four waves of inspections, resulting in:

• 352 vehicles stopped, with 156 from fire ant-infested areas.
• 12 vehicles turned back to Queensland for failing to meet certification standards.
• 8 penalty notices issued and 3 warnings.

In addition, fire ant sniffer dogs have been deployed in Kyogle and Tweed Valley to monitor trucks and landscaping sites, while border checkpoints use CCTV and Police cooperation to prevent illegal movements.

Ongoing Surveillance and Community Involvement

The Minns Labor Government has launched an extensive surveillance program that relies on cutting-edge technology and community reporting to detect any potential threats. Since December 2023, the fire ant team has achieved the following:

• 1,366 voluntary community reports checked for potential fire ant sightings.
• 12,750 Record of Movement declarations from businesses.
• 1,613 surveillance operations conducted across the state.

A Clear Message from Minister Tara Moriarty

“The Minns Labor Government is serious about stopping fire ants from entering NSW. There will be no tolerance for businesses that flout our biosecurity controls and threaten our state’s homes, farms, and natural landscapes. The full force of the law will be applied to anyone who compromises the safety of our communities.

“We’re using monitoring, CCTV, police support, sniffer dogs, and border checks to prevent the spread of fire ants. I urge everyone to comply with biosecurity requirements or report those who aren’t. Together, we can protect NSW from this menace.”

The Minns Labor Government remains committed to working with the Queensland Government to eradicate the fire ant infestation, ensuring regional NSW remains protected, connected, and thriving.

For more information on biosecurity regulations and fire ant control, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.

Tweed Citizen of the Year 2025: Mic Julien

By Ian Rogers

Mic Julien from Tyalgum has been named the Tweed Citizen of the Year for 2025 at the Australia Day Awards ceremony held at the Whitehorse Theatre, Southern Cross University in Murwillumbah.

Mic, a retired scientist turned dedicated volunteer, has transformed Tyalgum with his leadership, making it a safer, more vibrant, and resilient community. His tireless efforts include managing local crown lands, securing grants for playgrounds, skateparks, and campgrounds, and volunteering with the Rural Fire Service and the Tyalgum Scratchers gardening group.

Presenting the award, Mayor Chris Cherry commended Mic’s contributions:

“Our community relies on leaders like Mic to protect our spaces and help the Tweed thrive. His work in enhancing emergency preparedness and securing critical infrastructure, like a radio repeater station for disaster communication, has strengthened Tyalgum’s resilience and the broader Tweed community.”

The ceremony, hosted by Council’s General Manager Troy Green, celebrated winners across seven categories and was attended by dignitaries including Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP, Mayor Cherry, Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis OAM, and other Tweed Shire councillors.

The event also featured a Citizenship Ceremony, where 32 residents from 10 countries, including Sweden, Vietnam, and Brazil, were officially welcomed as Australian citizens.

Tweed Citizen of the Year, Mic Julien receives his award from Mayor of Tweed Shire, Chris Cherry.

2025 Tweed Australia Day Award Winners

Arts and Culture: Tweed Coast Band

For over 30 years, the Tweed Coast Band has provided a space for retired musicians to connect and perform. From energising local markets to performing at retirement villages, their music fosters joy and community spirit.

Community Event of the Year: Murbah Youth Fest

Organised by the Murwillumbah Youth Action Group, the Murbah Youth Fest offers a safe, welcoming space for youth to connect, enjoy performances, and access drug and alcohol education. The event also fosters leadership and teamwork skills among its youth organisers.

Senior Ambassador: Phil Eizenberg

Phil’s passion for mental health and physical activity shines through his contributions, including teaching karate, starting an old-time music group, and volunteering during disasters. Phil also fundraises for overseas relief through his musical talents.

Sporting Achievement – Group: U16 Boys Tweed Valley Basketball Representative Team

This team made history by winning the North Eastern Junior League Championship, defeating the undefeated Maitland Mustangs. Their achievement has inspired local youth and revitalised basketball in the Tweed.

Sporting Achievement – Individual (Joint Winners):

• Dany Henry: The Fingal Head surfer led Australia to victory at the ISA Under-18 World Junior Championships, won the Australian Open Men’s title, and became a mentor for young surfers.
• Isabella Millar: At 16, Isabella represented the Solomon Islands at the Paris Olympics, balancing school and training to compete on the global stage.

Volunteer of the Year – Group: Tyalgum Scratchers

The Tyalgum Scratchers have transformed Coolman Street into a must-see attraction with their beautifully maintained gardens. Their work fosters community pride and environmental stewardship.

Volunteer of the Year – Individual: Gary Setchell

For over 14 years, Gary has managed volunteers at Nullum House, a community drop-in centre providing food, showers, and support for disadvantaged individuals. He is celebrated for his compassion and dedication.

Young Achiever in Community Service: Jeff Dunne

The 16-year-old Casuarina breakdancer became the first Australian male to represent the country in breakdancing at the Olympics. Jeff uses his platform to advocate for underfunded sports and inspire young people to pursue their dreams.

Celebrate the Winners

For more information about the Tweed Australia Day Awards, the Tweed Citizen of the Year and videos of the recipients, visit the Tweed Shire Council’s website or their YouTube channel.

For more local news, click here.

Baseball Returns to Tweed with New Arkinstall Park Facilities

By Robert Heyward

Baseball enthusiasts in the Tweed can rejoice as the sport makes its long-awaited return with the completion of new facilities at Arkinstall Park in Tweed Heads South. The state-of-the-art facilities include two baseball diamonds and training fields, offering the community the opportunity to enjoy baseball locally for the first time in years.

This exciting development was made possible through a $325,000 grant to the Northern Rivers Baseball Association from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (Round 5), with the project reaching completion in July 2024.

The Northern Rivers Baseball Association, which caters to players aged 4 to 15 through competitions such as T-ball, rookie ball, and little league, is thrilled about the new opportunities these facilities provide.

Tweed Shire Council Manager of Parks and Active Communities, Murray Smith, shared the enthusiasm:

“It’s a fantastic feeling to deliver something entirely new for the Tweed community. The Northern Rivers Baseball Association has worked tirelessly to make this facility a reality, and we are delighted to have partnered with them to bring baseball back to the Tweed,” Mr. Smith said.

Arkinstall Park continues to evolve as a hub for community sport, with additional projects underway to support the growing needs of local residents.

Soccer Field Lighting Upgrade

Soccer players at Arkinstall Park now benefit from cutting-edge, energy-efficient LED lighting. The upgrades included replacing halogen lights with LEDs on three fields, complemented by a new automated lighting control system.

The project was funded with $319,811 from the NSW Government’s Regional Sports Facility Fund, with Tweed Shire Council contributing $10,000.

These fields serve the Tweed United Football Club, which boasts over 500 members across junior, men’s, and women’s leagues. The energy-efficient lighting will deliver up to 40% in cost and energy savings, aligning with Council’s Sports Field Strategy and its broader commitment to reducing emissions and fostering sustainability.

New Operator for Arkinstall Park Regional Tennis Centre

Tennis and pickleball players will see fresh opportunities at the Arkinstall Park Regional Tennis Centre, now operated by Voyager—a leading racquet sports organisation with a track record in managing facilities across Sydney, Melbourne, and Singapore.

Voyager’s diverse programs cater to players of all ages and skill levels, with their operations beginning at the centre in December 2024.

Netball Amenities Building Enhances Facilities

Netballers at Arkinstall Park are also celebrating the completion of a new $825,000 amenities building, finished in November 2024, just in time for the 2025 season.

The project was funded through a combination of grants from the Stronger Country Communities Fund ($400,000), the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Program ($225,000), and Tweed Shire Council ($200,000).

Investing in Active Recreation

The upgrades at Arkinstall Park underscore Tweed Shire Council’s dedication to providing top-tier sports facilities for the community. These projects are part of Council’s broader Tweed Shire Sport and Active Recreation Strategy, aimed at fostering active and sustainable lifestyles.

For more information on Council’s initiatives, visit here.

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