End of an Era: Andrew Laycock Retires After 25 Years Serving Casino Families

Much-loved funeral director bids farewell after decades of community service

Casino, NSW – May 2025
After more than 25 years of serving grieving families in the Casino region, respected funeral director Andrew Laycock has officially retired, marking the end of a remarkable era in community care.

Andrew’s career spanned over three decades and three states, but it was his two decades at Parkview Funeral Home in Casino that earned him a place in the hearts of the local community.

“I feel very privileged and honoured to have cared for the Casino community for so many years,” Andrew said.
“Through grief, I’ve made many friends. Casino will always hold very special memories for me.”

A Legacy Built on Compassion and Integrity

Andrew Laycock retires Casino

Andrew began his journey in the funeral industry in 1989, bringing a calm presence and deep empathy to every service. Over the years, he became a pillar of strength for countless families, guiding them through their most difficult moments with professionalism and warmth.

Together with colleague Anne-Maree Caughey, who retired earlier this year, Andrew formed a formidable team that set the standard for respectful and meaningful service at Parkview.

“Anne-Maree and I worked side by side for nearly 15 years. We strived to uphold the highest standards in honouring the funeral profession.”

One of his most lasting contributions was the transformation of the former Betta Electrical (Chalmers) building into a modern, purpose-built funeral home. Opened in 2015, the Arentz Chapel now stands as a symbol of Andrew’s vision and commitment to the people of Casino.

From Grief to Gratitude

Andrew’s retirement comes after a serious motorcycle racing accident earlier this year. Though now recovered, the incident became a turning point.

“The injury gave me clarity. Combined with Anne-Maree’s retirement, it felt like the right time to call it a day.”

But his passion for motorcycles continues. Andrew hopes to return to Italy and the Isle of Man — iconic destinations for motorcyclists worldwide.

“I won’t be giving up bikes anytime soon. Stay upright!”

He also offered heartfelt thanks to the many business leaders, clergy, suppliers, and community members who supported him along the way.

A Community’s Farewell

Andrew Laycock retires Casino

Andrew passes the baton to Russell Hayes, who will now lead Parkview Casino. As he steps away from his role, the community reflects on the profound difference Andrew made—not just in his profession, but in the lives of those he served.

From Sharon and Jeff (NRTimes): “We will miss you, mate—your humour, your smile, your presence when you drop in. You are one in a million, and we are proud to call you our friend.”

Thank you, Andrew Laycock, for your compassion, service, and unwavering presence. Your legacy lives on in the families you’ve comforted and the community you’ve helped shape.

Assistance Dogs Australia Seeks Puppy Carers in Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour

Volunteer to support the Clarence Assistance Pups program this Volunteer Week

Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) is urgently calling on volunteers in the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour region to care for puppies involved in its innovative correctional centre program. The Clarence Assistance Pups program provides critical training to future assistance dogs while also helping to reduce reoffending rates.

How the program works

Assistance Dogs Australia Seeks Puppy Carers Photo © The Seniors

The initiative pairs carefully selected puppies with correctional centre inmates and community carers. Puppies spend three weeks living in the correctional centre and then three weeks in a home environment with a volunteer. This cycle offers essential exposure to varied environments, helping prepare the pups for their future roles assisting people with PTSD, autism, and physical disabilities.

Natalie Riches, ADA’s Head of Marketing and Communications, said carers play a vital role in each dog’s development.

“The dogs spend three weeks in the correctional centre then three weeks at home with a community carer to give them a balance of home life,” Ms Riches explained.

Volunteer shortage across Australia

ADA is currently facing a nationwide shortage of volunteer carers and urgently needs more people to assist. Volunteers in the Clarence and Coffs regions are particularly needed for the correctional centre cycle.

“With Volunteer Week approaching (May 19–25), now is the perfect time to come forward,” Ms Riches said. “We supply all necessary items. What we need are caring, committed people.”

Volunteers are required to pick up and drop off the puppies at Clarence Correctional Centre, and commit to three-week care periods on a rotational basis.

Make a difference today

The program not only supports people living with disability but also strengthens community ties and gives inmates a renewed sense of purpose. If you love dogs and want to contribute to a meaningful cause, this is your opportunity.

👉 To volunteer or find out more, visit:

https://www.assistancedogs.org.au/support-us/puppy-volunteering/

Australian Unemployment Jumps to 11.2% in April as Workforce Expands

Roy Moragn report

Job market strains under growing population and full-time job losses

Australia’s real unemployment rate rose sharply to 11.2% in April 2025, with 1.78 million Australians now looking for work, according to the latest Roy Morgan data. The jump—up by 176,000 people—was driven largely by a massive expansion of the workforce, which added 156,000 new participants during the month.

While the size of the workforce hit a near record of 15.95 million Australians, employment levels actually declined by 20,000 to 14.17 million. This shift, paired with ongoing under-employment, saw total labour under-utilisation climb to 20.4%, or 3.25 million Australians.

Fewer full-time jobs, more part-time workers

Unemployed vs. Under-employed (Jan–Apr 2025)

The April figures reveal a significant reshuffling within the labour market. Full-time employment dropped by 291,000, falling to 9.09 million. However, this was partially offset by a 271,000 increase in part-time jobs, bringing the total to 5.07 million.

Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said the net loss of full-time positions occurred during a month marked by public holidays and long weekends, likely affecting business operations and job schedules.

More Australians looking for work

The number of Australians actively looking for work surged:

• Unemployed looking for part-time work: up 149,000 to 1.11 million
• Unemployed seeking full-time work: up 27,000 to 674,000

In addition to the jobless, 1.47 million Australians were under-employed—working part-time but seeking more hours. This means over 3.25 million people are now either unemployed or under-utilised in the workforce.

Longer-term labour pressure

Total Labour Under-utilisation (Jan–Apr 2025)

Since the May 2022 Federal Election, the workforce has grown by more than 1.53 million people. While employment rose by over 920,000 during the same period, the remaining 611,000 new entrants were unable to find work, pushing up the unemployment rate from 8.1% to 11.2%.

Levine said the last three years have seen population growth far exceed long-term trends. “Population growth has more than doubled the pre-COVID average,” she said. “The Albanese Government faces a significant challenge finding jobs for the growing labour force.”

Roy Morgan vs ABS: Differing views

Roy Morgan’s estimate of 11.2% unemployment is more than double the ABS’s March figure of 4.1%. However, when factoring in under-employment, Roy Morgan’s estimate (20.4%) closely aligns with the combined ABS unemployment and under-employment rate of 10%, plus a further estimated 90,000 people working fewer hours due to illness or injury.

Have Your Say: Draft Hastings Point Headland Management Plan Open for Feedback

A draft Hastings Point Headland Management Plan is now on public exhibition, and Tweed Shire Council is calling on the community to have their say before 27 June 2025. This initiative responds to growing visitor numbers and aims to protect the area’s natural and cultural values while improving safety and access.

Community voice central to future planning

The draft Hastings Point Headland Management Plan has been shaped by input from over 300 locals and visitors. According to Council’s Team Leader Coast and Waterways, Tom Alletson, the beloved coastal location requires thoughtful stewardship.

“Hastings Point Headland is well-loved by the community and visitors,” said Mr Alletson. “Even the most respectful visitors can cause unintended harm. This plan balances protection with functionality to ensure the area thrives.”

Vision, actions, and key proposals

The draft management plan outlines:

• The long-term vision for the headland and surrounding spaces
• A summary of current and future challenges
• Proposed solutions to mitigate traffic congestion and pedestrian safety issues
• Three specific options to manage vehicle access at the headland top

These proposals span Hastings Point headland, Fig Tree Park, Cudgera Creek Park, and surrounding foreshore zones.

A draft management plan for Hastings Point headland is currently on exhibition. The plan aims to respond to increasing visitation at the site.

Three options for vehicle access

Recognising a diversity of opinions, the draft plan proposes three alternatives for vehicle access to the headland’s peak. Council is seeking public input on these options to determine the most balanced and sustainable solution.

Council encourages participation

“This is a rare and beautiful place,” said Mr Alletson. “We want the draft Hastings Point Headland Management Plan to reflect our community’s care and vision for its future. Please take a moment to review it and share your thoughts.”

You can read the full plan and provide feedback via the online survey at yoursaytweed.com.au/hastingpointheadland. All survey responses will help inform any necessary plan revisions.

Compassionate care of health staff recognised during Palliative Care Week

Honouring the dedication of palliative care workers and volunteers across NSW

The compassionate care of health staff and volunteers is at the heart of this year’s National Palliative Care Week (11–17 May 2025), with heartfelt recognition being given to those supporting patients and families during life’s most difficult journey.

Across New South Wales, thousands of nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, Aboriginal Health Workers and volunteers deliver palliative and end-of-life care with empathy, respect, and tireless dedication. Their compassionate care of health staff and volunteers is vital to the comfort and dignity of patients living with life-limiting illnesses.

The NSW Government continues to back these efforts through major investment and workforce expansion. A key feature is the $93 million World Class End of Life Care program, which is currently delivering new or redeveloped palliative care facilities at Wyong, Westmead, Tamworth, Nepean, and Orange hospitals.

Expanding specialist palliative care services

With an eye toward the future, the Minns Labor Government is boosting the specialist palliative care workforce. By 2026–27, it aims to employ 570 additional full-time equivalent staff, enhancing the delivery of care across urban and regional communities.

Furthermore, an additional $2.8 million has been allocated to paediatric palliative care, enhancing respite and end-of-life support for children and families. This is part of a broader commitment to increase funding in this area to approximately $80 million over four years (2023–2027).

Twelve local health districts and specialty networks have received funding to improve both care delivery and the physical environments where services are provided, reflecting the government’s deep commitment to compassionate care of health staff and patients alike.

Supporting research and future care planning

To improve long-term outcomes, the NSW Government has also launched the End of Life and Palliative Care Research Grant Program, committing $3 million to support innovation in patient, carer, and family wellbeing.

Minister for Health Ryan Park praised the ongoing efforts of those on the frontlines:

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our palliative care teams who provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients and families in exceptionally difficult circumstances.”

He added that National Palliative Care Week is an important reminder to have thoughtful conversations with loved ones.

“This is not only a time to acknowledge the value of palliative care services but also to plan ahead and consider one’s own end-of-life wishes.”