New E-Bike Safety Course Aims to Tackle Rising Risk Among Young Riders

Australia is confronting a growing public safety issue — the rapid rise of e-bike use among young people, often with little to no training or understanding of the rules of the road. As governments struggle to keep pace with the boom in battery-powered transport, a new education initiative is offering what many believe is the first real solution for concerned parents and schools.

E-Bike Safety Australia, a new organisation formed by road safety experts and educators, has launched the nation’s first dedicated online safety course for young e-bike riders. The program is tailored for students, their parents, and educational institutions, addressing a major gap in regulation and public awareness.

A Real Solution for Parents and Schools

“This is the first real and significant tool parents and schools can use to get ahead of the problem,” said the team at E-Bike Safety Australia. “While we wait for government legislation to catch up, young riders are out there, many on high-speed e-bikes, without the training they need to stay safe.”

The course is the first of its kind in Australia — a structured, accessible, and age-appropriate safety program designed to address the specific challenges associated with the surge in e-bike use among teens and pre-teens.

What the Course Covers

Developed by experienced educators and road safety professionals, the course includes five key focus areas:

• ✅ Safe Riding Techniques – How to ride confidently and safely in shared spaces.
• ✅ Legal and Road Rules – Understanding where and how e-bikes can be used legally.
• ✅ Risk Awareness and Decision-Making – How to avoid accidents and ride responsibly.
• ✅ Lithium-Ion Battery Safety – Best practices for charging and storing batteries.
• ✅ E-Bike Maintenance and Rider Responsibility – Keeping bikes safe and roadworthy.

Affordable, Accessible, and Effective

Priced at $159 per student, the course provides 21 days of access to interactive, self-paced lessons and quizzes. The platform features engaging video content tailored to young riders, making it easy for students to complete the course at home or in the classroom.

With injuries from e-bike incidents rising, and confusion around speed limits, helmet laws, and where e-bikes are legally allowed to operate, schools and parents have been left with few clear options — until now.

“We’re not just part of the conversation, we’re part of the solution,” the organisation says. “We’re not waiting for a tragedy to take action.”

Filling the Safety Gap

The course has already begun gaining attention from schools looking to implement safety programs for their students, particularly in urban and suburban areas where e-bike use has surged. Many parents are also turning to the course for peace of mind, knowing their children are better equipped to navigate busy roads and bike paths safely.

E-Bike Safety Australia was established in response to a sharp increase in injuries, the growing popularity of high-speed e-bikes, and a lack of cohesive safety education for this new class of rider.

“We believe education is the best form of prevention,” the team adds. “This course is about empowering the next generation of riders to be safe, smart, and street-ready.”

For more information or to register for the course, visit www.ebikesafetyaustralia.com.au.

Casino Gears Up for the 2025 North Coast Petroleum Truck Show

The countdown has officially begun for one of Australia’s premier trucking events—the 2025 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show, set to take place on Saturday, August 2, in the heart of Casino, New South Wales. With just 100 days remaining, anticipation is building for a day filled with impressive rigs, industry showcases, and family-friendly entertainment.

Event Highlights

• Friday Night Lights: Sponsored by All American Custom Chrome, the festivities kick off on Friday evening as downtown Casino transforms into a vibrant display of illuminated trucks. Live entertainment will set the tone for the weekend, inviting spectators of all ages to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
• Dawson’s Haulage Parade: Starting at 10:00 AM on Saturday, the parade will feature 200 of Australia’s finest rigs cruising through Johnston and Centre Streets before parking in the CBD for public viewing.
• Live Demonstrations: Attendees can engage with the latest in truck technology and hear from industry experts during interactive sessions.
• Family-Friendly Activities: The event promises fun for the whole family, including a dedicated kids’ zone with amusement rides, face painting, and Old MacDonald’s Travelling Farms. Food vendors and live music will add to the festive environment.
• Trophy Presentations: The day culminates with the awarding of various accolades, including the prestigious “Rig of the Show,” judged on creativity, craftsmanship, and overall presentation.

Registration and Participation

Truck registrations open on July 1, with a cap of 550 entries to ensure a smooth experience for all participants. The parade is limited to 200 trucks, and unsponsored fleets are restricted to six trucks each. The registration fee remains at $30 per truck, covering competition entry and parking within the event precinct. Please note that on-day entries will not be accepted; all registrations must be completed online via the official website.

Community and Industry Support

The event’s success is bolstered by the generous support of numerous sponsors, including:

• Brown and Hurley: Trophy Sponsor
• Rocklea Truck Electrical: Rig of the Show Prize Sponsor
• Country Trucker Caps: Show Truck Champions Sponsor
• Wales Heavy Vehicle Repairs: Judged Elite Sponsor
• Ampol: Elite Fleet Sponsor
• Masterart Designs: Elite Paint Series Sponsor
• Robuk Engineering: Robuk Randoms Sponsor
• Truckin’ Life: Industry Pride and Passion Sponsor
• Tyrepower: Fantastic Fifteen Sponsor
• Jade Finance: Exceptional Fleet Display Sponsor
• PJ’s Custom: Nostalgic Categories Sponsor

Richmond Valley Council and the Casino Truck Show Organising Committee extend heartfelt thanks to all sponsors and exhibitors for their continued support, which plays a crucial role in the event’s ongoing success.

Looking Ahead

As the 100-day countdown continues, preparations are in full swing to deliver an unforgettable experience that celebrates the trucking industry and brings the community together. Whether you’re an industry professional, a truck enthusiast, or a family looking for a fun day out, the 2025 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show promises something for everyone.

For more information and updates, visit the official Casino Truck Show website.

The Northern Rivers Times – Edition 250
Celebrate the milestone 250th edition of The Northern Rivers Times – packed with community triumphs, big announcements, and regional updates that matter. Here’s a taste of what’s inside:

🎖️ Community Heroes Honoured in Lismore
Local Legends Recognised at Senior Awards Ceremony
Nine outstanding seniors and one organisation were honoured by Janelle Saffin MP for their tireless community contributions.

🍿 Lismore Cinema to Reopen by Christmas
New Owner Plans Revival of Beloved Local Landmark
Luke Mackey, a former Event Cinemas executive, leads plans to reopen Lismore Cinemas as a fresh cultural hub.

🚲 Kyogle Mountain Bike Trails to Get Major Overhaul
$264K to Revamp Flood-Affected Recreational Hub
Federal funding will restore and reshape Kyogle’s trails into a safer, high-quality attraction for riders and tourists.

🔪 Brutal Machete Attack in Coffs Harbour
18-Year-Old Charged After Man’s Hand Severed
Police continue their investigation following a violent home invasion that left a man seriously injured.

🛍️ ANZAC Day 2025: Full-Day Retail Closures Introduced
New Law to Honour Service – No Retail Trading on April 25
For the first time, NSW will mandate full-day retail shutdowns to protect commemorative traditions.

🚑 Free First Aid & Mental Health Training for Rural Women
RWN Roadshow Equips Women with Life-Saving Skills
NSW Government and St John Ambulance launch roadshow to deliver accredited training across regional communities.

🏉 Jack Link’s Backs Casino RSM Cougars
Major Sponsorship for 2025 Rugby League Season
The meat snack giant deepens local ties with sleeve sponsorship of all grades in both men’s and women’s competitions.

🎤 Troy Cassar-Daley Inspires Future Leaders
Annual School Leadership Event Celebrates Young Trailblazers
More than 300 students from across the region gathered in Grafton for a motivational leadership event.

🌙 Byron Bay Becomes NSW’s First Regional Entertainment Precinct
Nightlife Protection and Economic Boost for Iconic Beach Town
The SEP will safeguard Byron’s creative spirit while encouraging extended trading and cultural vibrancy.

🗳️ Federal Ballot Finalised for Division of Page
11 Candidates Confirmed – Hogan Draws 4th Spot
As the election nears, the AEC has released the ballot order. Voters urged to make preferences count.

💉 Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Access Expanded
Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley Added to Eligibility List
Free vaccines now available as cases rise; residents urged to protect against mosquito-borne illness.

Grab your copy of The Northern Rivers Times – Edition 250 from your nearest outlet today or visit thenorthernriverstimes.com.au for digital access.

Kyogle Sewerage Upgrade Moving Forward with Next Stage of Development

Kyogle is one step closer to delivering modern, environmentally sound sewerage infrastructure, with the next phase of planning now underway for a high-tech wastewater treatment plant that will serve the region for decades to come.

The NSW Government has committed $379,500, with Kyogle Council contributing $125,500, to fund concept designs and detailed site investigations—the groundwork needed to ensure the proposed plant is “shovel-ready” when construction funding becomes available. The updated designs and studies are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Originally built in 1957, the current Kyogle Sewage Treatment Plant has seen only minor upgrades since the 1990s. It is increasingly unable to meet modern environmental discharge standards, prompting a shared commitment from the state and local government to begin planning its long-term replacement.

This phase builds on an earlier investment of $300,000, jointly funded in 2022 by the NSW Government and Kyogle Council, under the Safe and Secure Water Program, to begin early scoping work.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin highlighted the environmental importance of the project:

“Kyogle is a gateway to the Border Ranges and Toonumbar National Parks. This upgrade ensures we are protecting these natural treasures and the 2,500 residents who rely on quality infrastructure.”

Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland added:

“Effluent from the existing plant is already used in agricultural irrigation and some flows into the Richmond River, so it’s vital our treatment processes meet the highest standards. We’re preparing now to ensure we’re ready when the time comes to build.”

Once complete, the concept design will provide a clearer picture of the plant’s cost, scale, and environmental outcomes, paving the way for future construction and long-term service improvements.

Learn more about the Safe and Secure Water Program at:
🔗 Safe and Secure Water Program – NSW Government

New Accessible Amenities Open at Nimbin’s Peace Park

After more than 15 years of community advocacy, a new accessible amenities block has officially opened at Peace Park, Nimbin, on Monday, 22 April 2025. The project was delivered with $400,000 in NSW Government funding, secured by Member for Lismore and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, as part of her election commitment to the region.

Ms Saffin was joined at the opening by Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg and former members of the Nimbin Advisory Group (NAG), which had long championed the need for such a facility.

The newly constructed block features:

• An accessible toilet/changeroom with shower
• A separate single toilet cubicle servicing the skate park, playground, Rainbow Walk and pool
• Additional accessible changeroom/shower facilities for Nimbin Pool users

Local artist Julie De Lorenzo has been commissioned to create a mural for the structure following a public Expression of Interest process. Supported by the Nimbin Artists Gallery, the mural is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete, with the amenities remaining operational during that time.

“This is a centrally located, much-needed facility that will improve daily life and the visitor experience in Nimbin,” said Ms Saffin. “It’s a real win for the community and a demonstration of what persistent grassroots advocacy can achieve.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty added:

“This is a space where locals and tourists come together. The new amenities make that experience more accessible, comfortable, and inclusive.”

Mayor Steve Krieg commended the project’s resilient design, noting its practicality for the flood-prone region:

“It’s built to last and to be easy to clean and maintain—even after extreme weather.”

The completion of the Peace Park amenities follows the recent launch of the Nimbin Rainbow Walk and Aquarius Park, a State-Federal partnership project further enriching Nimbin’s recreational landscape.

The existing shade sail from the construction zone has been repositioned to offer enhanced shelter at the opposite end of the pool. Additional features such as footpaths, drinking fountains, and expanded artworks are being considered subject to future funding.

The project also forms part of Lismore City Council’s broader public amenities improvement plan, with 23 upgrades underway across the Local Government Area to ensure residents and visitors have access to clean, comfortable, and inclusive public facilities.