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Murwillumbah News

Murwillumbah’s 50m pool to reopen in November

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Murwillumbah’s 50m pool to reopen in November

It’s the news many have been waiting for – work to empty and repair the 50-metre outdoor pool at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre at Murwillumbah is expected to start by late September.

This involves emptying the water, vacuuming out and disposing of the sludge, cleaning the shell and completing necessary repairs.

The sludge and silt at the bottom of the pool will be pumped into a truck and delivered to Council’s drying beds at Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant before being disposed of at Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre.

Following the removal of the sludge, the pool shell will be cleaned and allowed to dry in preparation for Council’s insurance assessor to inspect for further damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs will commence by mid-October with the pool expected to open in November.

The pool remains brown and murky following the massive downpour of 28 February 2022, which saw incredible volumes of storm water pour down Hospital Hill and into the pool.

Council would like to thank the community and customers for their patience while waiting for the pool to be emptied and repaired and once again providing the community with opportunities to be active and healthy.

For more information on TRAC’s opening hours and charges, visit trac.tweed.nsw.gov.au

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Greens Dental Plan Gains Key Support in Northern Rivers

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Dan and Mandy Green Dental Plan

Greens Dental Plan Gains Key Support in Northern Rivers

 

By Jeff Gibbs

The Greens’ proposal to extend Medicare to cover dental care has received a significant endorsement from Murwillumbah’s leading dentist, Dr. Dan Johnston. As the chief dentist and owner of Biltoft Dental, the region’s oldest dental practice, Dr. Johnston says the plan could offer substantial benefits to the community.

“My personal view is that this is a good idea,” Dr. Johnston said.

The Greens’ proposal builds on the existing Child Dental Benefits Scheme, which provides free dental care to eligible children. The new plan would extend this to include adults, addressing a major gap in affordable dental services.

“The child dental scheme has been really good for young patients who qualify,” Dr. Johnston explained. “But for adults, the cost of living is currently a huge problem.”

National surveys highlight the financial barrier to dental care, with over half of Australians without health insurance delaying or avoiding visits due to cost concerns.

With polls predicting a close federal election, the possibility of Labor forming a minority government is increasing. This could create an opportunity for the Greens to push for dental care to be included in Medicare, much like their success in securing the children’s dental program during the last Labor-Greens alliance.

“If I’m elected, I look forward to working with Labor and independents to bring dental into Medicare and make it affordable for everyone,” said Mandy Nolan, the Greens candidate for Richmond. Nolan, who needs just a 1.8% swing to win, emphasised the importance of accessible dental care for all Australians.

Dan and Mandy Green Dental Plan

Mandy Nolan and Murwillumbah Dentist Dr. Dan Johnston discuss the Greens plan to make dental care part of Medicare.

A Growing Push for Change

The push for expanding Medicare to cover dental services has been gaining momentum. Associate Professor Matt Hopcraft, from the University of Melbourne’s Dental School, is among the experts advocating for change.

“Dental problems are a leading cause of preventable hospitalisations,” Hopcraft said. “Improving dental care can save money by reducing hospital admissions, lowering the cost of related diseases, and boosting productivity with healthier workers. It’s a fundamental misunderstanding to separate dental care from overall healthcare—they are absolutely intertwined.”

The Greens’ universal dental care plan is costed at $14 billion per year, with funding proposed through a new “Robin Hood” tax on large corporations.

“In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should be able to see a dentist,” Nolan said. “Let’s get this dental work done.”

The Road Ahead

While Labor has long supported the principle of expanding Medicare to include dental, it has not prioritised the issue in its current platform. However, support from Greens, independents, and some Labor backbenchers could tip the balance in a minority government scenario.

“This is an achievable goal if the balance of power shifts,” Hopcraft added. “We’ve got national inquiries, growing public support, and more voices in the profession calling for change. The time to act is now.”

 

For more local news, click here.

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Celebrate Our Olympic Heroes at the Tweed Regional Museum Street Party!

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Tweed Regional Museum Street Party

Celebrate Our Olympic Heroes at the Tweed Regional Museum Street Party!

 

Join us in Murwillumbah on Saturday, 31 August, as we roll out the red carpet for our Tweed Olympic athletes at the Tweed Regional Museum’s epic Street Party celebrations!

We’re thrilled to welcome home two of the Tweed’s Olympic stars—marathon swimmer and silver medallist Moesha Johnson, and fellow swimmer Isabella Rose Millar, who proudly represented the Solomon Islands in Paris.

As we kick off the Paralympics, we’re also honoured to host former Paralympic champion Tracy Lee Barrell OAM, who won two gold medals at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Tracy, a triple congenital amputee and Paralympic swimmer, is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities in the Tweed.

Event Highlights

  • Welcome to Our Athletes: Moesha, Isabella, and Tracy will join the Street Party right after the official Welcome to Country at 12:30 pm. Don’t miss your chance to meet these inspiring athletes, ask them questions, get autographs, and snap photos with your local heroes.
  • Olympic Village Marquee: A special Olympic Village marquee, complete with a winners’ podium, will be set up for the kids to enjoy some Olympic-themed fun!

Street Party Extravaganza

The Olympian welcome is just one part of the action-packed Street Party 2024, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the award-winning Tweed Regional Museum. Thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, Queensland Road in front of the Museum will be closed for the event, running from 12 pm to 7 pm.

Here’s a taste of what’s in store:

  • Live Music and Flash Dance Mobs: Enjoy a stellar lineup of live performances and spontaneous dance mobs that will keep the energy high throughout the afternoon.
  • Swamp Beer Garden & Makers Lane: Sip on local brews in the Swamp Beer Garden or explore Makers Lane, featuring creative public art and local artisans.
  • Going Bananas: From 12 pm to 5 pm, the Tweed Valley Banana Festival Float is back, complete with a regal throne and four fabulous Banana Queens. Enjoy photo ops, chat with the Queens, and indulge in all things banana!
  • Six Seasons Cultural Calendar and Connection to Country: Drop by from 1 pm to 5 pm for insightful yarns with Uncle Franc, a Bundjalung elder from the Minyangbal language group, and explore the adaptive Cultural Calendar.
  • Adventure Game: Kids, grab your Game Card and embark on an adventure throughout the Museum and Street Party. Discover hidden stories, contribute to chalk murals, and more.
  • Story Salon at the Museum on Wheels: From 12 pm to 5 pm, join the Story Salon for a modern twist on French salons! Delve into conversations with the Murwillumbah Historical Society, explore local history, and contribute to a collaborative story using old typewriters.
  • Tweed Tales Trivia: Tall or True?: Test your knowledge of Tweed’s history from 18+ with fantastic prizes up for grabs. Can you tell a tall tale from the truth?

To learn more, visit the Tweed Regional Museum website or follow us on social media. For the full program, register at Tweed Regional Museum Street Party.

Let’s celebrate our local heroes and the vibrant history of the Tweed region together!

 

For more Murwillumbah News, click here.

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Northern Rivers Safe Havens Extended Until End of 2025

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Safe Havens Northern Rivers

Northern Rivers Safe Havens Extended Until End of 2025

 

By Robert Heyward

Residents of the Northern Rivers region will continue to have access to vital mental health support and counselling services, thanks to the extension of all four Safe Havens across the area until December 2025. These Safe Havens, located in Lismore, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, and Woodburn, offer free, compassionate, and non-clinical mental health support for adults in a welcoming “drop-in” environment.

Originally commissioned in 2022 by Healthy North Coast as part of the NSW Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Flood Recovery Package, the Safe Havens were established in response to the devastating floods that hit the Northern Rivers region. Since their inception, these centres, operated by The Buttery, have provided over 15,600 hours of counselling to more than 14,400 participants.

The extension was announced by The Hon Rose Jackson, Minister for Mental Health and North Coast, during a visit to the Mullumbimby Safe Haven. She emphasised the importance of these services to the community, particularly in the aftermath of the region’s recent natural disasters.

“The mental health and wellbeing of every individual is a top priority, and the NSW Government is committed to improved mental health outcomes on the North Coast. The extension of these four Safe Haven sites is crucial—they’ve been embraced by the Northern Rivers community not just for the expert mental health support they provide, but as safe and welcoming spaces during times of disruption,” Minister Jackson said. “We are pleased to keep these services running until the end of 2025.”

Safe Havens Northern Rivers

Safe Haven Northern Rivers – Photo sourced from Safe Haven North Coast

Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast, highlighted the ongoing need for these services: “More than 700 people connected with the Safe Havens during June alone, showing us that these services are still essential for the community. With floods and droughts expected to increase in intensity and frequency, it is vitally important that Safe Haven services remain available to those still feeling the impact of the 2022 flood events.”

Healthy North Coast, in collaboration with the NSW Government, has adjusted service activities under the funding agreement to ensure the Safe Havens will remain open until 31 December 2025. These sites will continue to offer both clinical and non-clinical support to the community from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Leone Crayden, CEO of The Buttery, expressed her gratitude for the extension, noting the importance of the Safe Havens to the community. “It is welcome news that we can continue to keep the doors open at the four Safe Haven sites until 31 December 2025. The counselling and wellbeing support have been very well received, and our co-location agreements with other providers allow the community to access additional support for housing, flood recovery, and social activities such as local BBQs or network meetings. Safe Havens offer a place to connect, which is important for wellbeing.”

Dee, a Peer Worker at one of the Safe Havens, echoed these sentiments: “It’s great news that the Safe Havens are being continued in the heavily flood-affected communities we work in. Mental health services are both valued and needed. The drop-in, no-appointment-needed space that people can access without referral is a refreshing and much-needed approach in mental health, especially with the easy access to Peer Workers.”

For more information, visit safehavennc.org.au or visit your community’s Safe Haven:

  • Lismore | 46 Magellan Street (next to Lismore Regional Gallery)
  • Mullumbimby | 15 Tincogan Street (Behind the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre)
  • Murwillumbah | Shop 10-12/41-45 Murwillumbah Street
  • Woodburn | 114 River Street

 

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THE MURBAH PRESENTS FRIDAYS AT M-ARTS PRECINCT MURWILLUMBAH

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The Murbah Presents Fridays at M Arts Precinct

THE MURBAH PRESENTS FRIDAYS AT M-ARTS PRECINCT MURWILLUMBAH

 

Due to popular demand The Murbah Presents Fridays at M Arts Precinct will continue to bring a little funky vibe to your weekend in Murwillumbah.

Who doesn’t like a little funky disco house? Well listen up people, The M-Arts precinct is continuing it’s efforts to support local performance artists this time with an exciting line up of Dj’s hosted by local promoter Sean Finlay on Friday nights.

After a successful month in June of bringing together a team of Dj’s including celebrated DJ Abel Toro from Mullumbimby and local DJ’s Vinnie and Nicholas Ching is sourcing more talented DJS from Byron to Burleigh with Djs Jr Dynamite, Dave Carnovale, Wax Addicts, and DJ Ashton from Flo Records now on board to give you a place to kick off your weekends … for Free.

Yes that’s right for no cost, you can enjoy these talents with some tasty pizzas from Fancies, an with an ice cold Earth beer off the tap or a cocktail from the M- Arts Bar Café So if you miss the era when Murwillumbah was a hub of night time festivities and you enjoy music that has a sweet essence of soul and funk to it? Then head on in to M-Arts for their after work happy hour from 4 till 6pm to get your weekend started.”

About The Murbah The Murbah is an events company set up to produce pop up events around the Northern Rivers Caldera Valley that brings together people who enjoy good soulful music and an atmosphere of community.

Follow our socials!

Facebook & Instagram

 

For more Murwillumbah News, click here.

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Saffin’s Commitment to 24/7 Policing in Murwillumbah ‘On Track’

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24/7 Policing in Murwillumbah - Janelle Saffin and Chris Minns, Murwillumbah Police Station

Saffin’s Commitment to 24/7 Policing in Murwillumbah ‘On Track’

 

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin confirms that her key election commitment to ensure 24/7 policing at Murwillumbah Police Station is progressing well and is expected to be achieved within the Minns Labor Government’s first term.

Progress Update

Ms. Saffin recently met with NSW Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism Yasmin Catley to receive a progress briefing on the staged allocation of 15 additional police positions. This increase aims to extend service delivery from the current 20/7 to a full 24/7 by 2026-27.

“The first phase of this transition to 24/7 policing began in November 2023, with Murwillumbah Police Station receiving three additional authorised positions: one sergeant and two constables,” Ms. Saffin reported. Recruitment for two of these positions has been completed, while one position remains advertised. The staffing capacity is set to increase gradually over the next three years to reach the full complement of officers.

Addressing Recruitment Challenges

Ms. Saffin noted that the challenge has been the historically low number of officers due to inadequate recruitment strategies. However, the Minns Labor Government has introduced several measures to boost police recruitment and address the critical shortage of officers, thereby enhancing community safety across the state.

Currently, New South Wales faces over 1,500 police officer vacancies – a situation resulting from years of neglect in police recruitment and retention. However, since the announcement on 31 October 2023 that the Minns Labor Government would pay recruits to study at Goulburn Police Academy, over 1,424 applications have been received – a more than 40% increase compared to the same period last year.

Recruitment Boosts

Evidence of the Government’s successful recruitment strategy includes Class 364, which is set to graduate in December at full capacity, with more than 350 recruits.

Two new programs have been specifically designed to attract more regional recruits and experienced officers to the NSW Police Force:

  • Regional Recruitment Scheme: The ‘You Should Be a Cop in Your Hometown’ program ensures that people from regional NSW can serve in or near their hometown after graduating from the Academy. This program allows recruits from regional NSW to request to return to their hometown or nearby community, giving preference to these recruits for filling local vacancies.
  • Experienced Officer Recruitment Scheme: The Professional Mobility Program (PMP) incentivizes officers from other Australian states, territories, and New Zealand to join the NSW Police Force while retaining their equivalent rank (up to senior constable level six). Previously, serving officers had to complete eight months of study, including four months in-person at the Academy, starting at the rank of probationary constable. Successful applicants now undergo a three-month course at the Academy focused on NSW policing policies and procedures, with pay equivalent to current student police officers.

Ms. Saffin remains optimistic about achieving the 24/7 policing goal for Murwillumbah and improving overall police presence and community safety in the region.

 

For more Murwillumbah News, click here.

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