‘A simple man, simply extraordinary’

By Samantha Elley

These were the words that described 90-year-old Wilfred ‘Fred’ Hoskins, used by Wyrallah Public School principal, Lisa Fahy.

“This is an historical occasion,” she said at the event that was to see the library named after their most dedicated ex-student.

“It is to show our appreciation of our guest of honour, Fred Hoskins.

“Eighty five years ago Fred came to school on horseback.”

From that time on, Fred became an integral part of the community of Wyrallah Public School and all those connected to it.

“He is a man of many hats,” Ms Fahy said.

“Has been a dairy farmer, steel worker, lifeline counsellor, truck driver and even sings and dances.

“And he has an unwavering love for education.”

Fred is still a regular visitor to the primary school where he first received his formal education from his teacher Mr Hardy, but now he inspires the students of today with his knowledge.

“Fred has a passion for reading and for books,” said Ms Fahy.

“So, naming the library after him was a fitting honour.

“He lives a purpose driven life and has supported the community in ways many people, except those receiving the support, don’t know.”

Janelle and Fred unveil the new sign to the library.

In the 157^th year of the school’s history, making it the oldest continuously operating school in the Lismore district, Fred has been a big part of that.

“Fred climbed the pine tree (on the school grounds) to sketch and graph the school for its 125^th anniversary,” said P&C president, Nathan Rose.

“He was also at the 150 year celebrations.”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said Fred had made a difference, not only in the lives of the students, but their parents and the community as well.

Fred was given the opportunity to speak and his love and passion for books and learning was evident.

“My teacher used to read to us,” he said.

“Books like Wind in the Willows, where you became a part of the story.

“Your imagination was everything.”

His favourite book was one about compassion and kindness, entitled ‘The King of the Golden River’.

For Fred the library was the most important building, as it was the place to learn and he enthusiastically encouraged the students who were listening to get a dictionary.

“Words and their meanings influenced my life,” he said.

“Words like kindness, wisdom and compassion, if they are foremost in your mind, they will influence your life.”

Fred Hoskins, Member for Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Wyrallah Public School principal Lisa Fahy.

He said his greatest influence, his saviour, Jesus Christ, was his driving force for all that he did in life and he and his wife, Olwyn taught scripture at the school for more than 30 years.

Current students were keen to ask him a number of questions regarding his own student days, including what he had for lunch, who was his favourite teacher, what was his favourite event at school and what was his favourite toy.

“We didn’t have a football,” Fred said.

“So we used an inflated pig’s bladder to kick around.”

Fred wasn’t always one of the best behaved students either.

“Children today never knew anything about corporal punishment,” he said.

“But I learnt a lot about it.

“But my father taught me that if you do something wrong, you accept the punishment and try not to do it again.”

Whatever his misbehaviours as a child, he has more than made up for it with his support of the school since.

With Olwyn and many friends and family by his side, the veil was released to show the engraved sign renaming that most important building as “Fred Hoskins Library”.

For more local Lismore news, click here.

Northern Rivers Election results to date

By Samantha Elley

NSW voted for their council representatives over the weekend and while results aren’t finalised, we have compiled the results so far at time of printing (Monday 16th of September).

Ballina

Residents of the coastal local government area showed they have been happy with the work Sharon Cadwallader has been doing as mayor. She is currently sitting at 45.08% of the vote with her nearest rival, the Greens Kiri Dicker. a long way back at 25.79%

A ward favourites include the Greens Erin Karsten on 20.73%, Independent Damian Loone following closely at 17.35% and ALP’s Maria Marshall on 14.07%, although Independent’s Kevin Loughrey is close on her heels at 13.52%.

B ward has larger margins with Sharon Cadwallader taking 36.12% of the vote then Kiri Dicker, much closer than in the mayoral race at 31.34%. After that the closest candidate is ALP’s Andrew Broadley on 11.65%.

C ward has the Greens Simon Chate leading the chase on 36.21%, followed by Independent Simon Kinny on 28.47% and another Independent These Crollick on 15.12%

Byron

Current mayor Michael Lyon’s recent public issues are reflected in the sad results of his race to get back in the top job, with his mayoral vote hitting a paltry 17.29% compared to Sarah Ndiaye of the Greens who is sitting on 34.71%. However, there is a chance ALP’s Asren Pugh is not discounted yet with 30.37% of the vote.

The Greens also have a chance of strong representation on council as Group D holds 40.22% of votes for their council candidates, followed by the ALP at 27.95%.

Kyogle

While it has been tradition that elected councillors in Kyogle voted for the mayor, residents of this inland local government area had the extra task of deciding in a referendum question, whether or not they wanted a popularly elected mayor and a reduction in the ward numbers or the status quo. Results at time of printing were not available.

A ward’s most popular candidate thus far is Brett McNamara with 31.15% of the vote, followed by Kieran Somerville with 26.67% and long-standing councillor Janet Wilson at 18.40%.

B ward’s winning candidate is currently Olivia Taylor with 34.03%, then current councillor John Burley 25% and Robert Cullen on 19.29%.

In C ward popular councillor and previous mayor Danielle Mulholland holds 40.88% of the vote with Tom Cooper on 21.06% coming second and Robin Harley on 13.63% holding the bronze.

Lismore

There is no doubting the popularity of current mayor Steve Krieg who looks like holding his seat with 48.38% of the vote, trailed by the Greens Vanessa Grindon-Ekins on 21.13%.

The Independent Group A look like, not only getting their mayor back in but will fill a few seats around the council table with 42.39% of votes.

They are followed by the Greens Group D with 26.77% and ALP’s Group B holding 18.77%.

Richmond Valley

It looks like business as usual for the Richmond Valley with mayor Robert Mustow holding a comfortable lead to retain his role on 38.93%. He was given a run for his money by newcomer Lyndall Murray in the early part of counting before she settled around 27.17%.

There should be a mixture of new and old faces on council with Group D, led by the current mayor, Robert Mustow receiving 41.42% of the vote and newcomers, with Lyndall Murray, Group C, second with 25.69%. Group A led by previous Richmond Valley general manager, John Walker obtained a healthy 20.51%.

Tweed

A large number of parties were vying for all council positions with the current group with most votes being the Liberals with 28.74%. ALP are a comfortable second on 14.96% and Independent Group A, led by current mayor, Chris Cherry in third with 13.42%.

To keep up to date with the Northern Rivers Elections Results, click here.

For more local elections news, click here.

Vigilance Urged to Combat Invasive Giant Devil’s Fig

By Robert Heyward

North Coast landholders are being called upon to stay vigilant against the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig (Solanum chrysotrichum), a highly invasive woody weed that poses a significant threat to agriculture and natural ecosystems. This problematic species is prevalent in grazing lands, waterways, forests, roadsides, parks, and gardens, particularly in the coastal regions of northern and central New South Wales.

Ashley Donges, Regional Weed Coordinator for North Coast Local Land Services, highlighted the critical role of community involvement in controlling this invasive plant.

“Preventing the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig is crucial for safeguarding our agricultural productivity and protecting native ecosystems,” Donges said. “We urge all residents and landowners to actively identify and manage this weed to minimise its impact.”

Giant Devil’s Fig competes with desirable pasture species, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and increased costs. The plant contains toxins that can harm livestock if ingested in large quantities, and its sharp prickles can cause injuries to both humans and animals, as well as hinder access to water sources for livestock. In natural landscapes, the weed forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation, further degrading the environment.

“Our goal is to equip the community with the knowledge and tools needed to combat Giant Devil’s Fig effectively,” Donges continued. “By working together, we can mitigate its impact and protect our valuable natural resources.”

Under the NSW Biosecurity Act, all residents have a General Biosecurity Duty to prevent, eliminate, or minimise the biosecurity risk posed by Giant Devil’s Fig.

The weed can be identified as a shrub or small tree up to four meters tall, with prickly stems and hairy leaves when young. It produces small, white star-shaped flowers in clusters from autumn to spring, followed by round berries that turn yellow or orange-yellow.

For detailed identification and control methods, residents are encouraged to visit the NSW WeedWise website.

There is a Giant Devil’s Fig Exclusion Zone covering the local government areas of Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Lord Howe Island, Nambucca Valley, and Port Macquarie-Hastings. In these areas, residents must notify their local council if the weed is found and eradicate it immediately. A Containment Zone covering Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed local government areas requires residents to prevent the plant’s spread, reduce its impact, and report sightings to Rous County Council.

For technical advice and assistance, residents can contact their local council’s weeds officer or consult resources available on the NSW WeedWise website. 

For more rural news, click here.