Have Your Say on the Bruxner Highway Upgrade

By Robert Heyward

The community is being invited to provide feedback on the proposed corridor for an upgrade of the Bruxner Highway between Wollongbar and Goonellabah. This critical eight-kilometre section, stretching from Sneaths Road at Wollongbar to Kadina Street at Goonellabah, is a key link for the region, connecting residents and businesses with essential services.

Feedback gathered will help refine the preferred alignment and ensure the corridor is preserved for future development.

The Vision for the Bruxner Highway

A Transport for NSW spokesperson emphasised the importance of securing the land as a proactive measure to support regional growth and improve connectivity.

“The Bruxner Highway is a key east-west corridor connecting people with health, education, and essential services, as well as providing crucial freight links.”

Transport for NSW has been assessing options to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance pedestrian and cycle connectivity along the highway. The latest assessment recommends adjustments to the historical single carriageway alignment north of the existing highway, first proposed in the 1970s.

The refined corridor aims to:

• Improve safety and efficiency for all road users.
• Mitigate flooding risks.
• Minimise community impacts while supporting population growth.

Community Involvement

Transport for NSW is encouraging residents, road users, and stakeholders to share their feedback on the proposed alignment. Community input will help identify any refinements before the corridor is integrated into local environment plans with councils and other agencies.

“No funding has yet been allocated for the design or construction of this upgrade,” the spokesperson noted.

“However, preserving the corridor now will enable us to act quickly when funding becomes available.”

How to Get Involved

Community submissions are open until 5 PM on Friday, 20 December 2024.

For more information and to have your say, visit here.

Your feedback will help shape the future of a safer, more efficient Bruxner Highway, ensuring it meets the needs of the region for generations to come.

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Growth Spurt for Lismore’s Community Gardens

By Ian Rogers

Lismore’s beloved Community Garden, a hub of hope and healing in the wake of the 2022 floods, has received a much-needed boost through Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Community Funding Program. The volunteer-led initiative, known for its lush produce and welcoming atmosphere, won the latest round of funding, aiding its mission to rejuvenate the gardens and nourish the community.

Rebuilding After the Floods

The floods devastated much of the garden’s infrastructure, including water tanks and solar panels. However, thanks to a dedicated group of 20 volunteers, the garden has slowly come back to life.

“Progress is slow, but our aim remains to nourish the community with food, socialising, and support,” said volunteer Rhonda. “The gardens also serve as a venue for community activities and gatherings.”

The volunteers also stock a ‘sharing table’ with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seedlings for locals to enjoy and grow in their own backyards.

A Community Effort

Greater Bank’s Regional Manager, Steph Smith, praised the volunteers for their dedication and highlighted the bank’s commitment to the region.

“Over the last three years, we’ve donated over $100,000 to groups in the Northern Rivers region, all working to improve our communities,” she said. “The volunteers at Lismore Community Garden are incredibly generous with their time and produce, and we’re thrilled to support their efforts.”

Rhonda also expressed her gratitude for the program’s impact.
“We rely on donations to keep the gardens sustainable, and we’re so grateful for this support,” she said. “It’s a wonderful program that lets our community have a say in where the funds go.”

Call for New Volunteers

With plenty of work still to do, the Community Garden welcomes new members to join their team of volunteers. The group tends to the garden on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, though the space is always open for the public to enjoy.

Next Funding Round

The November round of the #GreaterNorthernRivers Community Funding Program offers another $3,000 in funding, with entrants including Lismore Preschool Incorporated, CFD Foundation Henry James Fund, and Ballina Little Athletics Inc.

For more information or to support the Lismore Community Garden, stop by on a volunteer day or connect through the garden’s community events.

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Lismore South Public School Honoured at 2024 Resilient Australia Awards

By Ian Rogers

Lismore South Public School has achieved national recognition, winning the 2024 Resilient Australia National School Award for its implementation of the MacKillop Seasons’ Stormbirds program. The prestigious award, announced on Wednesday in Canberra, celebrates community-driven initiatives that enhance resilience to disasters and emergencies across Australia.

The Resilient Australia Awards, managed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, highlight innovative programs that promote preparedness, recovery, and community cohesion in the face of adversity. This year, two initiatives by MacKillop Seasons, including the Stormbirds program, stood out for their impact on communities affected by natural disasters in New South Wales and Victoria.

Building Resilience in Lismore

Assistant Principal Gaye Titcume of Lismore South Public School emphasised the program’s transformative impact on students recovering from natural disasters.

“Students couldn’t wait for their turn to attend and wanted to be involved,” said Ms. Titcume. “When companions––those who deliver the program––came to the classroom door to gather their group, other children were asking when they could go. The discussions extended beyond the sessions, helping both students and staff process the events that affected them, their families, and our community.”

A Sustainable Model for Community Recovery

The Stormbirds program, part of MacKillop Seasons’ offerings, equips children and young people with the tools to navigate change and loss, fostering resilience in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Fiona McCallum, General Manager of MacKillop Seasons, praised the partnership with Lismore South Public School and celebrated the win.

“The beauty of Stormbirds and our other program, Seasons for Growth, lies in their ability to build lifelong resilience skills. These programs are community-driven, training local professionals to ensure sustainable delivery,” Ms. McCallum said.

With its success in Lismore, the program has drawn interest from other communities seeking to strengthen their capacity to support recovery and build resilience tailored to their unique challenges.

A Broader Impact Across Australia

The Stormbirds program’s success wasn’t limited to Lismore. Wendy Ronalds, Community Resilience Officer in East Gippsland, won the Victoria state-level award for Mental Health and Wellbeing for delivering MacKillop Seasons programs in her region.

The increasing demand for MacKillop Seasons initiatives reflects their effectiveness in supporting children and young people to manage change and loss in disaster-prone areas.

Looking Ahead

Principal Larissa Polak and Assistant Principal Gaye Titcume, along with representatives from MacKillop Seasons, proudly accepted the award in Canberra. This recognition underscores the critical role of community-driven programs in fostering resilience and recovery across Australia.

For more information on MacKillop Seasons’ Stormbirds and Seasons for Growth programs, visit MacKillop Seasons.

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