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News and Reviews

New Mayor Wishlist

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New Mayor Wishlist

 

By Samantha Elley

The new term for the recently elected mayors is about to begin and each has their own hopes and aspirations for their communities. The Northern Rivers Times was able to ask each of them how they felt about the team of councillors they would be working with, what they felt was a priority for their community and what they hoped they would achieve over the next four years.

Ballina

With six women now sitting on Ballina Council, Mayor Sharon Cadwallader believes there is a good cross reference of representatives for the community.

New Mayor Wishlist

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye, Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor Robert Mustow, Mayor Steve Krieg

“We have quite an eclectic mix that gives a good representation,” she said.

“That’s the highest number of women we’ve ever had on council in Ballina.”

As far as priorities go, Cr Cadwallader has a long list she would like to see being achieved at least over the next 12 months.

“Obviously, housing is a priority,” she said.

“I’ve been in a meeting with Housing NSW and we have two exciting projects happening in Alstonville which will see 32 new homes for social housing.

“With 2.9% of the population in the council area needing social housing, we know homelessness is a problem.”

The 32 new homes are a mixture of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units in Alstonville with 16 more units being developed in Wardell and more Aboriginal housing in Ballina.

“With our population at 47,500 across the shire, every day we have new businesses shifting to Ballina,” said Cr Cadwallader.

“We need more industrial land released and infrastructure needs to keep up with the population growth.”

Cr Cadwallader said there are plans for plenty of roadwork, the two bridges at Fishery Creek and Canal Road and park upgrades and renewals, followed by drainage work and upgrades.

“There is even a new pump track going into Kingsford Smith Park for the young ones to ride their bikes,” she said.

“With a works budget of $78 million it is the biggest we’ve ever had.”

There will also be plenty of applications for funding through the Growing Regions program to upgrade necessary areas of the airport at Ballina and a new community centre at Alstonville.

“They are big projects and we have to find 50% of the grant money,” Cr Cadwallader said.

“I am also advocating with the SES Deputy Commissioner, to get a new command centre at Ballina.

“Where they are operating now is inadequate which was shown through the floods.

“We need to be building for the future.”

Byron

Taking over the role of mayor at Byron for the first time, Sarah Ndiaye says she is filled with gratitude and excitement.

“Working alongside our new councillors has revealed a dedicated and caring group of individuals committed to representing our vibrant community,” said Cr Ndiaye.

“I want to thank everyone who participated in the election process.”

Cr Ndiaye said she had a number of priorities she wants to work on first.

“First and foremost, we need amenities that are fit for purpose,” she said.

“It is essential these facilities are accessible to all and that community members have a meaningful voice in their development.

“Upgrading our roads and infrastructure, particularly drainage systems, is also a crucial focus.

“Environmental stewardship is another top priority.

“I will advocate for the appointment of a senior ecologist within our planning department to ensure we don’t overlook vital ecological considerations.

“Additionally, incorporating First Nations perspectives into our planning and land management strategies offers an exciting opportunity for collaboration.”

Cr Ndiaye also wants to see a development of the thriving creative arts scene, as well as addressing the urgent housing crisis.

“I am committed to examining current initiatives, such as regulating short-term rentals and developing the old Mullumbimby hospital site,” she said.

“(I will) work with all levels of government to establish safe refuges for women and children facing domestic violence, along with additional public housing options.”

Within her term Cr Ndiaye would also like to see the security of a diverse and sustainable water supply and the development of a circular economy to help revitalise Byron’s towns and villages.

“I recognise the significant challenges we face, especially as we recover from recent floods,” she said.

“It is crucial to set realistic expectations as we move forward.”

Lismore

Steve Krieg is happy with the democratic process in relation to his new team of councillors.

“Democracy is what it is, and I’m thrilled with everyone that got elected,” he said.

“I am sure the people who have been re-elected are going to do an outstanding job for their community, but I’d also like to recognise the people that didn’t necessarily make it on to council this time but congratulate them for their efforts.”

Cr Krieg said there were many priorities to start with in the LGA.

“One of the reasons I wanted to run again is a lot of the work that we’ve started in the last couple of years is a continuum, so I want to be able to follow that through and see some of those major projects come to fruition,” he said.

“I do want to see the road network repaired.

“Only a few months ago we got the biggest disaster funding grant, so I want to see those sorts of things (with) all the physical work going to be starting in the next six months.”

Cr Krieg said he also wanted to see the continued work of financial control within council.

“We’ve made real inroads in the first couple of years in spite of the floods; we’ve been able to pay down a significant amount of council debt,” he said.

“From years of running at $25 million operating deficit we are looking at around $5 million.”

The waste strategy is also on Cr Krieg’s agenda to be dealt with in this term.

“It’s on the right course, we aren’t saying it doesn’t need tweaking,” he said.

“A facility that was costing our ratepayers $5-6 million a year, after making those changes, we’re looking at at least a break even and possibly a small surplus within nine months.”

Cr Krieg’s legacy after the term is to see council as a strong organisation, without the revolving door of general managers and senior staff.

“I want to look back in four years and say the place is much better than what we found it,” he said.

“I want people to be proud of the city and the LGA they live in, to restore the civic pride, the roads are not only better but they are well maintained so you are proud of what you drive into.

“Our cityscape is beautiful and appealing, and we’ve got an active retail sector and a vibrant night life and our industrial estate is booming.

“I want to be able to look back at it and say we had a small part to play in making Lismore a really good regional centre.”

Cr Krieg said Lismore should become an option for young families to come and relocate and raise their kids.

“I want to see the best health network in regional Australia, all those things that make a strong regional centre.”

Richmond Valley Council

Robert Mustow is looking forward to another four years working for the Richmond Valley Community

“I think (the new council) is a good make up,” he said.

“The people have had their say and regardless of what I think, it should be good outcomes for the community.

“We aimed for our whole team to get back in and the community have endorsed what we’ve done.”

As a priority, Cr Mustow has highlighted the upgrade of the sewerage system in the residential areas, especially stage two for Evans Head, Woodburn and Broadwater.

“Casino’s sewerage system is 70-80 years old, so it needs a major upgrade as well,” he said.

“If we want growth in our region, in the residential and industrial areas, then we need those services.

“Rappville will be sewered for the first time as well.”

With a new strategic plan coming up, Cr Mustow said it will be interesting to see what the community has to say in regards to needs and wants.

“Whatever comes out of the strategic plan, council will work it to the budget that we have,” he said.

Looking towards the next four years Cr Mustow has hopes that the new council will work together, as well as he felt the last one did.

“We have had a cooperative council that all worked together,” he said.

“We’ve never had a code of conduct complaint and that’s what we need, a cooperative council.”

Cr Mustow said there have been many requests for bike tracks on the lower river, especially between Woodburn, Evans Head and Broadwater and in the Casino area, more residential blocks are opening up to create more housing.

“We’ve tried to have developments in the lower river but have been opposed by the community,” he said.

Cr Mustow also wanted to send thanks to former councillors Patrick Deegan and Debra McGillan for the work they had done in the previous term.

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NSW Melanoma Hotspot Map Unveils High-Risk Areas

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NSW Melanoma Hotspot Map Unveils High-Risk Areas

The Cancer Institute NSW has released a new melanoma hotspot map, highlighting regions with the highest melanoma rates in the state. According to the data, local government areas (LGAs) of Ballina, Lismore, Byron, Clarence Valley, and Coffs Harbour lead with the most cases, with nearly 350 diagnoses anticipated across these areas in 2024.

Rounding out the top 10 are Sutherland Shire, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Tweed, Kempsey, and Richmond Valley. Meanwhile, Mosman, Mid-Western Regional, Shoalhaven, Cessnock, and Wagga Wagga LGAs have entered the top 25.

Melanoma is one of the most common cancers affecting young Australians and ranks as the third most diagnosed cancer in NSW, with over 5,000 new cases projected statewide this year. As the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma is expected to claim the lives of nearly 500 people in NSW in 2024.

While most cases are due to UV overexposure, this type of skin cancer can largely be prevented with proper sun protection. The Cancer Institute NSW, under its 2023–2030 Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy, is working to reduce skin cancer rates through various initiatives, including the “If You Could See UV” campaign. This award-winning campaign, which has proven effective in inspiring skin protection among young adults, is being relaunched this summer with geo-targeted UV alerts and outdoor advertising, especially in high-exposure areas frequented by young people.

To guard against UV radiation, the Cancer Institute NSW advocates for these essential steps before heading outdoors:

  1. Slip on protective clothing
  2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen, applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours
  3. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
  4. Seek shade
  5. Slide on sunglasses

NSW’s Top 25 Melanoma-Prone LGAs:

  1. Ballina
  2. Lismore
  3. Byron
  4. Clarence Valley
  5. Coffs Harbour
  6. Sutherland Shire
  7. Port Macquarie-Hastings
  8. Tweed
  9. Kempsey
  10. Richmond Valley
  11. Nambucca Valley
  12. Kiama
  13. Port Stephens
  14. Bathurst Regional
  15. Mid-Coast
  16. Lake Macquarie
  17. Mosman
  18. Mid-Western Regional
  19. Northern Beaches
  20. Shoalhaven
  21. Cessnock
  22. Wagga Wagga
  23. Central Coast
  24. Wingecarribee
  25. Newcastle

For additional resources on skin cancer prevention, visit the Cancer Institute NSW website.

Health Minister Ryan Park commented:
“This melanoma hotspot map is a critical reminder to practice sun safety, especially as summer approaches. While melanoma cases are highest in regional areas, everyone in NSW faces the risk of skin cancer. Given Australia’s global ranking in skin cancer rates, we all have a responsibility to follow protective measures to mitigate this deadly disease.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan shared:
“Here on the Northern Beaches, outdoor activities are part of life. However, enjoying the sun safely is essential. I lost my father to melanoma, and I understand the need for prevention. Sun safety starts with each of us embracing and promoting a sun-smart culture. Slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide should be a daily routine.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, stated:
“Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Consistent protection from UV exposure, starting young and continuing into adulthood, is essential to reducing risk. Even short periods in the sun without protection can be dangerous. Whether it’s a beach day or running errands, I urge everyone to practice sun safety.”

Personal stories highlight the risks and importance of sun protection:

  • Anne Gately, a melanoma survivor, emphasized the need for community responsibility in sun protection, saying, “Every bit of UV exposure contributes to cumulative damage, whether you feel it or not.”
  • Sonia Knight, currently undergoing immunotherapy for melanoma recurrence, stressed, “Tanning isn’t worth the risk. My daughters never leave the house without sunscreen. I encourage others to lean on resources like Canteen and Melanoma Patients Australia for support.”

This comprehensive approach to melanoma awareness and prevention aims to foster a culture of sun safety across NSW.

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News and Reviews

The Northern Rivers Times – Edition 225 Out Now!

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Shannon Noll awarded Bravery Award The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 225
Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage
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The Northern Rivers Times – Edition 225 Out Now!

Grab the latest edition of The Northern Rivers Times, available at all newsagents, Woolworths Supermarkets, General and Rural Stores, Ampol Foodary, and select service stations from Coffs Harbour to Coolangatta.

This Week’s Main Stories:

  • EXCLUSIVE:  Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage
  • Kyogle and Tweed Mayors Share Their Hopes and Goals
  • NRPP Rejects $80M DA on Floodplain
  • Duck Race – You’d Be Quackers to Miss It!
  • Cheers to Beers at Frida’s Field
  • Council Reconsiders Pool Complex Name
  • Ken Weeks to Celebrate 111 Years – Our Oldest Resident
  • Kerbside EV Charging Launches in Ballina Shire
  • Help Save Our Shorebirds – Stay Off the Dunes
  • Janelle Saffin on Historic Rental Reforms
  • Byron CoLab Opens at Former Byron Bay Hospital Site

And much, much more!

 

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Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage

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Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage
Shannon Noll being presented with his award by VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner Brenton Charlton
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Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage

By INSPECTOR PAUL COWLES REGION OPERATIONS MANAGER

VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner Brenton Charlton has awarded a Commissioner’s commendation for courage to singer and performer Shannon Noll for the courageous conduct for his efforts to save the life of a member of the public after a road traffic crash.

Singer Shannon Noll Honoured withCommissioner’s Commendation for Courage

Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with
Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage ©The Northern Rivers Times

At approximately 8:50pm on Saturday 9th December 2023, a single vehicle veered off a rural road in Northern NSW near the town of Casino.
The vehicle collided with a tree and was engulfed in flames with the driver and a passenger still trapped inside.

Without any training in any aspect of rescue or advanced first aid, Mr Noll approached the burning vehicle and managed to extract the passenger, he moved them away from the fully engulfed vehicle and commenced CPR on the unconscious person.

At some point after NSW Police and VRA Rescue NSW crews arrived on scene and took over lifesaving efforts with a defibrillator and CPR.

Sadly, both occupants passed away.

At the point of the crash Mr Noll has no personal protective equipment to protect himself or others during his rescue attempts.

Mr Noll gave every chance of survival he could at the confronting scene.

For his quick actions in a dire emergency situation and taking responsibility and control of a major incident, Mr Shannon Noll was a worth recipient for the VRA Rescue NSW Commissioners Commendation for Courage.

 

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