This Week in The Northern Rivers Times – Out Now!

“Your Voice, Your News, Your Northern Rivers”

The latest edition of The Northern Rivers Times is out now, packed with the stories that matter across our region. Here’s a snapshot of what’s inside this week’s issue:

Headlines and Briefs

1. Troy Cassar-Daley Documentary Screens in Grafton
   Intimate film captures Cassar-Daley’s grief and healing through music after his mother’s passing, recorded at his childhood home. Troy opens up to our Tim Howard
2. Kyogle Sewerage Upgrade Enters Planning Phase
   Government funds progress design of modern sewage treatment plant to replace ageing 1957 system and meet environmental standards.
3. Clarence Cricket Icon Bruce Baxter Honoured
   Baxter receives prestigious community service award after 50+ years of dedication as player, coach, umpire, and administrator.
4. Kyogle Council Tables $61.3M Growth-Focused Budget
   Council proposes investments in roads, bridges, sewerage, and community facilities to support sustainable population growth.
5. Primex 2025 Program Unveiled
   Major May expo in Casino to feature agricultural innovation, livestock sales, field demos, and community networking events.
6. Murwillumbah Club Unveils ANZAC Tribute Mural
   New mural honours service personnel and promotes remembrance as part of Murwillumbah’s public art landscape.
7. NSW TrainLink Launches Grafton–Sydney Coach Services
   XPT trains paused for refurbishments; new premium coaches will maintain connectivity during 12-month upgrade period.
8. Seniors Local Achievement Award for Bill Evans
   Bill Evans recognised for 40+ years of volunteer service with Casino’s VRA Rescue Squad; tribute also honours his wife.
9. $15K Yamba Community Grants Now Open
   Port Authority invites local organisations to apply for funding projects supporting recovery, wellbeing, and environmental initiatives.
10. Lismore Swim Club Surges 62% in Membership
    Club rebounds post-floods, driven by strong community, consistent training, and inspiring leadership from new head coach.
11. New Online E-Bike Safety Course Launched
    Australia’s first structured e-bike safety course targets young riders amid rising accident rates and regulatory gaps.
12. Book Review – The Ledge by Christian White
    Twisting thriller explores buried secrets and friendships tested by time, trauma, and a haunting discovery in regional Victoria.
13. Leemo the Cat Explores Class and Cat Comforts
    Humorous column follows Leemo as he debates class systems and lobbies for a personal TV to watch “Bluey.”
14. Diary of a Flood Survivor: Three Years On
    Personal reflection on long-term flood recovery, embracing “little steps” to rebuild home and life with resilience.

Grab your copy from your local newsagent, Woolworths Supermarket, General Store, Rural stores, EG, Caltex and select service station.

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#Grafton, #Lismore, #Ballina, #ByronBay, #TweedHeads, #Kyogle, #CasinoNSW, #ClarenceValley, #CoffsHarbour,
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Man Charged with Manslaughter After Fatal Assault in Kyogle

KYOGLE, NSW (28 April 2025):
A 56-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following the death of another man in Kyogle earlier this month.

Emergency services were called to a property on Irwin Street, Kyogle, about 11am on Monday, 14 April 2025, after reports a man had been injured. Upon arrival, officers from the Richmond Police District located a 49-year-old man unconscious with serious assault injuries. Despite efforts by NSW Ambulance paramedics, the man died at the scene.

Strike Force Alonnah was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Later that day, about 4.30pm, detectives arrested a 56-year-old man on Highfield Road, Kyogle. He was taken to Casino Police Station where he was initially charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. He was refused bail and appeared before Casino Local Court on Tuesday, 14 April 2025.

Following further inquiries, the charges were upgraded at Lismore Local Court today (Monday, 28 April 2025) to include manslaughter and assault causing death.

The man has been formally refused bail and is scheduled to reappear before Lismore Local Court on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.

Police investigations under Strike Force Alonnah remain ongoing.

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.

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