News and Reviews
Angourie, Byron drownings continue horrific trend
Angourie, Byron drownings continue horrific trend
By Tim Howard
The drowning of Sydney teenager who disappeared after plunging into the Green Pool at Angourie on January 14, is part of a trend of drownings in NSW and Australia this summer.
The teen’s death began a tragic week on the NSW coast with a woman drowning at Shelly Beach, in Sydney a few days later and a man in his 20s drowned at Tallow Beach, Byron Bay the following day.
The number of drownings in Australia since December 1 has topped 50 for the first time in a number of years, horrifying Surf Life Saving Australia officials.
The death at Angourie was the 49th in the period from December 1 to January 14 and with at least three more deaths recorded in the ensuing week.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said the two beach drownings were a warning to all potential beachgoers.
“Every coastal drowning is a tragedy, but to have two in such a short space of time is a tough reflection on how risky it can be to enter the water,” he said.
“Once again, both of these drownings have occurred at unpatrolled locations and we really must reiterate that if you plan to visit the coastline, the safest thing you can do is head to a beach where you see the red and yellow flags flying.”
Clarence Valley mayor Peter Johnstone said the region was saddened at the news of the teen’s death.
“The Clarence Valley has been deeply saddened by news of the tragic loss of life of a Sydney teenager at Angourie on Sunday,” he said in a press release.
“Although no words can soften the blow of such a loss, I wish to offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young man, on behalf of myself and the Clarence Valley community.
“Clarence Valley Council will continue to work with authorities on any inquiries relating to the incident.”
The death at Angourie occurred after the teen, believed to be on holiday in the area from Sydney, jumped from a rock ledge into the water at about 3pm on January 14.
He was not seen after that, sparking an intensive search involving police divers, surf life savers and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Searchers found his body around 10pm the same day.
Police have not released his identity and they are preparing a report for the Coroner on the incident.
The Green Pool at Angourie was the site of the drowning of a Sydney teenager on January 14. He jumped from a rock ledge and disappeared. Searchers found his body later that night.
While drownings at Angourie’s green and blue pools were not common, locals have been worried about the behaviour of people visiting the pools.
In 2008 Angourie resident Grant Dwyer was interviewed in mid-January after a 17-year-old was injured plunging down an eight-metre ledge at the green pool.
Mr Dwyer said he was concerned that something was about to go horribly wrong when he saw kids climbing and jumping from spots he had not seen used in the past 30 years.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. There were literally kids on every part of the cliff face,” he said at the time.
“I knew someone was going to get hurt. Kids were doing backflips without checking the depth of the water to see if it was safe.”
But serious problems have been rare with the only recent death in the pools occurring when the body of a 62-yer-old Yamba woman was found in the Blue Pool in 2008.
Clarence Valley Council has clearly signposted the area, which is close to the beach at Angourie.
“For the safety of all users of this beach, please observe the following warnings, regulations, and information symbols; large waves, strong currents, shallow water, sharks, steep walking track, slippery rocks, cliff edge/drop off, and deep water.
“This beach is unpatrolled, and users should be aware of prevailing dangerous beach conditions,”
“Persons swimming at this beach do so at their own risk.”
In addition the council monitors the water quality in the pools, which contain fresh water, for algal blooms.
In the past 20 years the council has closed the pools to swimmers a number of times because of poisonous algae growing in the water.
When the pools are closed, people can swim in the large saltwater rock pool beside the Blue Pool.
The two pools are man-made, although creating a spot destined to become the scene of rites of passage for the many of the region’s youth, was not something the makers had in mind.
In the 1890s the site was quarried for the massive stone blocks that made up the rock walls at Yamba.
Trains carried the stone to the site of the rock walls until the workers cracked open a fresh-water spring.
Within days the quarries filled with fresh water, halting work and trapping the quarry machinery below the rising water is still there.
Locals reported there were times when the machinery was still visible.
For more local Clarence Valley news, click here.
New development planned for Woolgoolga Retirement Village
Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd are taking steps to add a collection of modern retirement residences and amenities to their village in High Street. They are in the early phase of planning a new development to be called Callisto Coastal Retirement.
Sasha Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd is excited about the plans. “We are very proud to be adding Callisto Coastal Retirement to our community.” Ms Andrews said. “We are part of a great community in a fantastic location and aim to set the benchmark for premium retirement living in Woolgoolga.”
At this early stage, they are keen to get input from the local community of future residents to help create the perfect coastal retirement. A Feedback Forum is being offered to eligible potential residents aged 55+, providing an opportunity to learn more, convey their thoughts, ideas and insights around design and services, features, amenities and priorities.
The new development has the support of the Board of Directors of the not-for-profit, community owned organisation. Chairperson, Ian Wade said “Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village has played an important role in the community for many years and we want to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our seniors for years to come. We have a great opportunity to provide quality retirement living, built with future residents in mind.”
A community Feedback Forum is planned for Tuesday 7 May. For details and to register to attend, go to the website here. For more on the Woolgoolga Retirement Village, visit here.
For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.
Memory Run Walk Jog – My Way Lismore
Albert Park Baseball Grounds
Keen Street Lismore
8am Sunday 19th May 2024
Join a fun community activity to fundraise and raise dementia awareness. Last year, more than 10,000 people walked, jogged and ran in cities and towns across Australia for people impacted by dementia. Dementia awareness
Lismore events include a 10km run, a 5km jog/walk or a 1km walk so that the day is inclusive of all levels of physical ability.
There will be information stalls providing details of supports, local resources and services to help those impacted by dementia, as well as food and drinks.
Form a team from your workplace, local club, friends or family (dress up to make it fun!) and enter the 1km walk, 5km jog/walk or a 10km run. Get lots of sponsors!
To register a team or take part as an individual go to:
www.memorywalk.com.au/event/lismore-myway
Dementia awareness
Currently, dementia is the leading cause of death in women and overall, it is the second leading cause of death for all Australians. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.
Dr Jones says ‘The ageing population in the Northern Rivers is growing at an exponential rate. Our region is one of the highest ageing communities in NSW and this comes with increasing rates of those impacted by dementia in our community. I’m quite keen to see that we adopt more preventable approaches against dementia in our region’. Dementia awareness
Dr Jones says ‘There are many things we can do to prevent dementia or delay your risk of developing dementia. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, in particular regular exercise can make a significant difference’.
“We encourage the whole community to come together, not only to raise money for
Dementia Australia, but also to exercise together and to fight this disease” says Dr Jones.
The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 199
Public Invited to Review and Comment on Council’s Draft Budget and Operational Plan
Private Health Insurance Costs Under Scrutiny as Premiums and Profits Soar
Anzac Day Services Northern Rivers – Comprehensive Guide for the Region
Jewellery Design Centre Launches “Tell Our Stories” to Celebrate Lismore’s History
Lifeline Opens Northern Rivers Warehouse and Shop in Goonellabah
A NEW TWEED HEADS
Toyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
Northern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
Northern Rivers COVID-19 update
Fears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
Teenager Charged with Terrorism Offence After Sydney Church Stabbing
Teenager Charged with Terrorism Offence After Sydney Church Stabbing In a significant development, a 16-year-old adolescent has been formally charged...
What do you do if you are the first on the scene of a crash, or arrive before emergency services?
What do you do if you are the first on the scene of a crash, or arrive before emergency services?...
Next major step in reforming emergency services funding
Next major step in reforming emergency services funding The public is invited to have their say on the best...
-
Tweed Shire News2 years agoA NEW TWEED HEADS
-
Motoring News1 year agoToyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoNorthern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoNorthern Rivers COVID-19 update
-
Northern Rivers Local News3 years agoFears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
-
Health News3 years agoCOVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoLismore Family Medical Practice employee close contact
-
NSW Breaking News3 years agoVale: Former NSW prison boss Ron Woodham
