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News and Reviews

Low Interest Loans to Fuel Growth and Job Creation for Regional NSW Businesses

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Low Interest Loans to Fuel Growth and Job Creation for Regional NSW Businesses

By Ian Roberts

The Minns Labor Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering economic growth in regional NSW, announcing today the first recipients of its low-interest loans aimed at boosting jobs and revenue in the food and beverage manufacturing sector.

As part of the Regional Development Roadmap, seven businesses in locations including Dubbo, Byron Bay, Wagga Wagga, Wauchope, Bathurst, the Central Coast, and the Southern Highlands will benefit from these loans. This initiative is designed to enhance productivity, create jobs, and advance manufacturing capabilities across the region.

Under the $5 million pilot program, businesses can access loans ranging from $100,000 to $1 million at a fixed interest rate of 2.5% over the life of the loan. Payments will be interest-only for the first two years, with a maximum loan term of seven years. Unlike conventional commercial loans, these loans do not require family homes to be put up as security.

These funds can be used for projects such as installing automated production lines, upgrading bottling processes, or purchasing equipment that enhances export capabilities.

In a series of Ministerial Roundtables with regional businesses, leaders in the food and beverage industry highlighted the need for support to adopt new technology, boost productivity, and expand market opportunities. The government is addressing these needs, helping businesses grow, increase local produce demand, and create more jobs.

Companies Receiving Low-Interest Loans:

  • Little Big Dairy Co. (Dubbo): Funds will be used to install automated technology, reduce waste, and increase capacity, improving energy efficiency while creating jobs and expanding market reach.
  • Byron Beef Jerky (Byron Bay): The company will convert areas into cool rooms and food prep spaces, upgrade power, and enhance production and storage, which will drive demand for local beef and support job creation.
  • East Coast Beverages (Central Coast): The loan will enable upgrades to production with automated technology, including high-speed conveyors, bottling equipment, and advanced line cleaning systems, increasing output and reducing waste.
  • Ezy Fresh (Wagga Wagga): The company plans to diversify its product range and streamline production, which will allow for staff upskilling, capacity doubling, and an increase in demand for locally grown vegetables.
  • Timber Town Pies (Wauchope): With the loan, the company will upgrade equipment to double production capacity, create new jobs, and boost local beef demand.
  • McDowells Herbal (Bathurst): Investment in specialist equipment will allow McDowells Herbal to expand its product line and significantly increase output, leading to job growth and higher revenue.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of regional employment in NSW, already home to major companies like Nestlé, Ferrero, Stone and Wood, Sanitarium, and Simplot Foods. In 2022-2023, the sector generated an annual turnover of $42.5 billion and employed over 66,000 people as of May 2024.

For more details on the businesses receiving loans or to apply for the program, visit the NSW Government Regional Development Trust website.

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News and Reviews

Dana Gehrman – Murwillumbah

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Dana Gehrman – Murwillumbah
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Dana Gehrman – Murwillumbah

Join Dana Gehrman in celebrating her new single, ‘Let It Be You’.

Following 4-star applause for their recent LP, ‘Down In Hollywood’ Dana Gehrman and her band of brothers invite you to join them in celebrating the release of their latest musical offering, a country-soul ballad from the heart: ‘Let It Be You’. Gehrman delivers a vintage sound that evokes rich nostalgia. Taking influence from the halcyon days of 70’s ‘west coast’ music, Gehrman rewinds to a time of genre-bending experimentalism with her songwriting, blending soul, roots-rock and blues, all with unfaltering vocals.

Gehrman has shared the stage with Tim Rogers (You Am I), Mick Thomas (Weddings, Parties, Anything), Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon), Charlie Owen (Tex, Don & Charlie), The Teskey Brothers, Russell Morris, Walter Trout (USA), Wagons, Frazey Ford (CAN), Mia Dyson and more.

Dana Gehrman and Band will be joined on the evening by special guest, Ruby Gilbert. Ruby is nothing short of a sonic enchantress. Weaving a musical alchemy of Americana style meets present day experience. Irresistibly nostalgic, her voice evokes an old-time feel, while her lyrics are both charismatic and endearing.

EVENT DETAILS:

  • When: Saturday 28th Sept 7pm
  • Where: The Citadel, Murwillumbah
  • Price: From $35
  • Tickets: Available here.

 

For more entertainment news, click here.

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Lismore News

New Trial for Safe Disposal of Embedded Batteries, Including Vapes, Launches in Lismore

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The Lismore Community Recycling Centre is participating in a new NSW Government trial designed to help households safely dispose of embedded batteries
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New Trial for Safe Disposal of Embedded Batteries, Including Vapes, Launches in Lismore

The Lismore Community Recycling Centre is participating in a new NSW Government trial designed to help households safely dispose of embedded batteries commonly found in wireless products such as light-up toys, single-use vapes, and other electronics. The initiative, led by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in collaboration with Lismore City Council, aims to reduce the number of these problematic products ending up in landfills and mitigate fire hazards caused by battery disposal in household bins.

As part of the trial, the Lismore Community Recycling Centre on Wyrallah Road is now accepting embedded battery products from households and small businesses free of charge. This new service will help the community safely dispose of products with built-in batteries that cannot be easily removed, such as:

  • Single-use vapes
  • Electric toothbrushes
  • E-bikes
  • Smart watches
  • Portable speakers
  • Vacuums

Embedded batteries, often made of lithium-ion, pose unique challenges for waste management due to their difficulty to recycle and their potential to cause fires. In 2023, the number of lithium-ion battery-related fires in NSW surged to 285, more than double the previous year.

Dedicated Bins Now Available

Lismore is one of 21 community recycling centres across NSW taking part in this EPA-led trial, which includes dedicated bins specifically for embedded battery products. E-waste items such as laptops, gaming controllers, and tablets should still be directed to Lismore Council’s e-waste collection service.

The trial is active and will run until September 2026. More information can be found on the NSW EPA website at: NSW EPA Embedded Batteries.

Community and Environmental Benefits

Janelle Saffin MP, Member for Lismore, praised the initiative, saying: “This trial is a much-needed initiative that will help protect our local community and environment by reducing the number of embedded-battery products that are mistakenly disposed of in yellow and red kerbside bins. We hope Lismore residents will learn more about these products, the risks they pose, and the importance of correct disposal.”

Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment, also highlighted the importance of the trial: “We want to make it easier for people to do the right thing with embedded batteries, to help prevent fires in bins, rubbish trucks, and waste facilities, while reducing what goes to landfill. The majority of embedded battery products, including disposable vapes, end up in rubbish bins where they pose significant risks. This trial will help mitigate those hazards and increase recycling efforts.”

The trial represents a significant step towards a safer and more sustainable approach to managing hazardous materials in NSW.

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News and Reviews

NSW SES PREPARED FOR HEAVY RAINFALL ON NORTH COAST AS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS START

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NSW SES PREPARED FOR HEAVY RAINFALL ON NORTH COAST AS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS START

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is prepared and ready to respond to forecast heavy rainfall and wind expected to impact the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers as the school holidays begin.

A low-pressure system is forecast to form off the north coast today (Friday, 27 September), bringing heavy rainfall totals that are forecast to exceed 100mm in a 24-hour period.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for minor to moderate flooding on the Wilsons, Bellingen and Kalang Rivers, and for minor flooding on the Richmond and Orara Rivers.

While the NSW SES has prepositioned assets and personnel ahead of the weather, North Eastern Deputy Zone Commander, Superintendent Scott McLennan urged the community to know their risks and prepare for possible flash flooding and riverine rises.

“Residents and visitors to the Northern Rivers, Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast this weekend should download the Hazards Near Me app and set up local watch zones to stay across the latest warnings and information,” Superintendent McLennan said.

“Taking the time now to prepare homes, clear your gutters, check on neighbours, stock-up on essentials, and review emergency plans, will ensure you’re as prepared as possible.”

Superintendent McLennan said flash flooding and riverine rises were the main risk associated with the forecast weather front, and urged people to never drive, walk or ride through flood waters.

“Flash flooding can happen quickly and without warning and I urge the public to stop, turn around and find an alternate route should they come across a flooded road this weekend,” he said.

“People across the region should monitor the weather and road conditions closely, to ensure they can make informed and safe decisions early, based on individual circumstances.”

The NSW SES urges all residents and visitors to consider their travel plans, and not undertake any unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall period.

For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

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