33 Charged During High-Visibility Police Operation in NSW Northern Rivers

A major police crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in northern NSW has resulted in 33 people being charged and dozens of infringement notices issued during a joint operation across the Tweed/Byron Police District.

Operation Furittus, carried out between Tuesday 1 April and Thursday 3 April 2025, targeted public spaces, shopping centres and transport hubs across the district, with a strong police presence working alongside security partners and retail management to deter criminal activity.

As part of the coordinated response:

• 49 charges were laid against 33 individuals, including arrests for outstanding warrants and AVO breaches.

• 15 business inspections were carried out, identifying 60 shoplifters.

• 25 criminal infringement notices and 37 banning notices were issued.

• Police also issued seven youth cautions, moved on six individuals, and made eight parole breach notifications.

The crackdown involved both uniformed and plain-clothes police, working in tandem with loss prevention officers and retail outlet security teams, creating a visible deterrent for criminal behaviour and enhancing community safety.

In parallel, Operation Ares was conducted on Thursday 3 April at two Tweed Heads shopping precincts, specifically aimed at addressing knife-related crime. Police from the Tweed/Byron Police District and Police Transport Command used handheld metal detectors to scan 384 individuals between 9am and 9pm.

During this operation, a 56-year-old Mullumbimby man allegedly produced a knife and was charged with custody of knife in a public place. He is scheduled to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday, 28 April 2025.

“Community Safety is Our Priority”

Tweed/Byron Crime Manager Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer said the results from both operations demonstrate the value of proactive, community-focused policing.

“Members of our community have a right to feel safe when they use our shopping centres, public spaces and transport hubs,” Det Insp Zimmer said.

“This operation reinforces our commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the community by disrupting individuals who engage in criminal activity and holding them accountable for their actions.”

He credited the success of the operations to long-standing partnerships with local retail outlets and security teams, adding that police will continue to utilise CCTV, targeted surveillance, and investigative strategies to pursue offenders.

“If individuals steal from a retail outlet or commit offences within local shopping centres, there is a high likelihood that they will be identified and prosecuted,” he said.

Ongoing Commitment to Visible Policing

The NSW Police Force confirmed that Operation Furittus will continue to roll out across the Tweed/Byron Police District, while Operation Ares, aimed at reducing knife-related incidents, will be extended across other regions of the state.

These efforts form part of a broader policing strategy to address retail theft, anti-social behaviour, and violent crime in key public areas, reinforcing the message that unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.

Man Charged with Firearms and Drug Offences in Tweed Heads

A 40-year-old man has been charged following a vehicle stop in Tweed Heads, leading to the discovery of firearms, ammunition, and drugs.

Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest

At approximately 2:10 am on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, police stopped a vehicle on Ourimbah Road, Tweed Heads, due to suspicious driving behaviour.

After speaking with the driver, officers conducted a search of the vehicle, allegedly locating and seizing:

• A privately made firearm
• Ammunition
• 0.36g of methamphetamine

Storage Shed Search Uncovers More Contraband

Following further inquiries, police executed a search warrant at a Tweed Heads storage shed, where they allegedly found:

• Firearm parts
• 109g of cannabis

Charges and Court Proceedings

The man was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he was charged with:

• Breach of bail
• Manufacturing a firearm without a licence/permit
• Possession of a prohibited drug
• Failing to store a firearm safely
• Possession of an unregistered firearm
• Possession of ammunition without a licence/permit

He was refused bail and appeared before Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, where he was formally remanded in custody to reappear on Wednesday, 16 April 2025.

$34.2 Million Boost for Health Worker Accommodation in Northern NSW

Robert Heyward

Healthcare workers in Grafton, Lismore, and Tweed will soon benefit from new and upgraded accommodation, as the Minns Labor Government invests $34.2 million to attract, recruit, and retain essential health staff in Northern NSW.

This funding is part of the $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program, which supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional, and remote NSW.

Expanding Housing for Health Workers

The four-year program will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, including:

• Newly built accommodation
• Refurbishment of existing living quarters
• Purchase of suitable properties, such as residential units

This initiative will help recruit and retain over 500 healthcare workers and their families, ensuring they have access to modern, sustainable housing while strengthening regional health services.

The investment builds on the success of the NSW Government’s previous $73.2 million commitment to key health worker accommodation across five regional Local Health Districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England, and Western NSW).

Government Support for Regional Health Workers

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to providing modern, sustainable accommodation for the key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural, and remote communities.”

“Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority, and this $34.2 million investment will help attract vital healthcare workers to Grafton, Lismore, and the Tweed.”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin:

“This program is ensuring our frontline health workers have access to high-quality, sustainable housing when they need it most.”

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence and Tweed, Emily Suvaal, MLC:

“Housing remains a major issue in our region, and this investment will not only support our hardworking health staff but also contribute to the broader community by increasing local housing stock.”

Building a Stronger Regional Health Workforce

By improving access to housing, the Key Health Worker Accommodation program ensures that Northern NSW Local Health District can continue delivering high-quality healthcare to communities across the region.

This initiative is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader commitment to strengthening the regional, rural, and remote health workforce—creating better conditions for frontline staff while boosting health services for local communities.

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Creating Change: Have Your Say at Tweed’s Climate Action Café

By Jeff Gibbs

Tweed Shire Council is inviting residents to take an active role in shaping the region’s future by attending two Climate Action Cafés next week. These interactive workshops aim to inspire residents to support community-led climate initiatives, offering a platform for collaboration and innovation.

The Climate Action Cafés will take place at:

• Murwillumbah Services Club on Wednesday, 19 February (5–8:30 pm)
• Cabarita Beach Bowls and Sports Club on Saturday, 22 February (12 noon–3:30 pm)

RSVPs are essential, and light refreshments will be provided at both events.

An Invitation to Make a Difference

The Cafés will provide a casual and engaging space where residents can share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and prioritise local projects to tackle climate challenges. Projects most supported by attendees will be further developed and supported by the newly formed Community Climate Action Group.

Debbie Firestone, Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Program Leader, encouraged residents to come along and participate in the conversation.

“These events are informal, fun workshops designed to promote discussion and help us determine what’s most important to the community,” Ms Firestone said.
“The Tweed is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in NSW, and many of us have experienced the impact of extreme weather events on our homes, businesses, and wellbeing. But we also know how resilient and resourceful this community is.

“If you have a project idea that can make a difference—or if you’re simply passionate about being part of a positive change—come along and help shape the future of climate action in the Tweed.”

Key Topics for Exploration

Attendees will focus on several core topics, including:

• Biodiversity, coasts, and waterways
• Energy, water, and buildings
• Food systems and agriculture
• Waste and circular economy
• Education and climate conversations

These discussions will help develop a Community Climate Action Plan, with mentors and support from the Community Climate Action Group, who will be on hand to guide projects through to implementation.

Join the Movement

Tweed residents have already shown remarkable leadership in rooftop solar adoption, electric vehicle use, and wildlife conservation efforts. Now’s the time to take that passion a step further and work together to build a sustainable, climate-resilient future.

Event Details:

• Climate Action Café #1 – Murwillumbah Services Club
  • Wednesday, 19 February | 🕔 5–8:30 pm
  • Register here
• Climate Action Café #2 – Cabarita Beach Bowls and Sports Club
  • Saturday, 22 February | 🕛 12 noon–3:30 pm
  • Register here

For more information, contact Debbie Firestone on (02) 6670 2400 or email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au.

Come and be part of the solution. Your ideas can help create lasting change!

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Tweed Valley Hospital to Gain Additional Car Parking Spaces

By Jeff Gibbs

Patients, staff, and visitors at Tweed Valley Hospital will soon benefit from 130 additional free car parking spaces, enhancing access and convenience at the state-of-the-art hospital. This upgrade will boost total parking capacity to over 1,300 spaces across the hospital campus.

The $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital, which opened in May 2024, has transformed healthcare delivery in the region. It offers new and expanded services for around 5,000 patients annually, including interventional cardiology and radiotherapy, which means locals can now access life-saving treatments close to home rather than traveling outside the region.

Operational Review Leads to Enhancements

The decision to add parking and improve traffic management followed an operational review of the hospital’s transport and traffic arrangements. The upgrades aim to maximise the available space and improve the efficiency of existing car parking areas. Key improvements will include:

• 130 new street-level car parking spaces
• New signage and line marking
• Enhanced parking management systems

Work will begin in the coming months and will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption to patients, staff, and visitors. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Community and Staff Welcomed the Upgrades

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the project reflects the government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare for local residents:
“We’ve listened to valuable feedback from Tweed Valley Hospital staff and the community. I’m delighted to announce we will deliver additional car parking to further enhance access to the hospital and vital health services for the local community.”

Labor Spokesperson for Tweed, Emily Suvaal MLC, emphasised how the additional parking would boost convenience and capacity:
“The additional car parking and enhancements to traffic arrangements will provide more options for patients, staff, and visitors. In the nine months since opening, the hospital has already welcomed 787 babies in its new birthing suites. This project ensures the hospital will continue to meet the growing health needs of our region.”

Commitment to Free Parking

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot reiterated the importance of free parking at the facility:

“NSW Labor made a rock-solid commitment that parking would be free for staff, visitors, and patients. Thanks to all in our community who fought so hard for this, and for the additional free car parking spaces. Labor listens and Labor acts.”

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey Maisey added that the upgrades will greatly improve the hospital experience for everyone:

“Additional parking will make a real difference to our patients, visitors, and especially our staff. These practical steps will help ensure we continue to deliver first-class healthcare to our community.”

Project Timeline and Community Updates

The project is being funded as part of the Tweed Valley Hospital Redevelopment, in partnership with Northern NSW Local Health District and Health Infrastructure. Staff and the community will receive regular updates as work progresses to ensure they are informed about the enhancements.

For more information about the Tweed Valley Hospital and parking updates, visit the Northern NSW Local Health District website.

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