Lismore and Wollongbar Celebrate Another Million-Dollar Lotto Win!

Luck continues to shine on the Northern Rivers, with two friends from Lismore and a Wollongbar woman each taking home $2.1 million in the Saturday Lotto draw, following a recent $1.3 million win in the region.

The winning tickets were part of the 14 division one entries in Saturday Lotto draw 4535 on 4 January 2025, with each winner receiving $2,142,857.15.

Lismore Duo’s Retirement Dream

Two lifelong friends from Lismore are planning a shared retirement after their System 8 QuickPick entry purchased from Lismore Square News hit the jackpot.

“Jesus Christ! You ripper!” one of the winners exclaimed when the life-changing news was revealed.

“Bring on retirement, I say! This will set us both up. We’re sitting here in shock, trying not to spill our coffee. It’s going to be a great year!”

Wollongbar Winner’s First-Class Dreams

For the Wollongbar woman, her big win opens up exciting opportunities, including an overseas holiday:

“Bugger me! Is this right?” she said after confirming her win.

“I’ve been playing for years but never thought I’d win! I’m so happy. I’ll be helping my family and flying at the pointy end of the plane on my holiday!”

Her winning ticket was purchased at Alstonville Newsagency, a store with a rich history of delivering luck to its customers.

A Winning Streak for Alstonville Newsagency

Owners Ray and Maree Smith shared their excitement.

“This is our biggest division one win to date! Over the years, we’ve sold four Division One prizes and six Lucky Lotteries 1st Prizes. It’s a fantastic way to start 2025!”

Winning Numbers

The numbers for draw 4535 were 33, 19, 8, 23, 10, and 31, with supplementary numbers 42 and 13.

With Lismore and Wollongbar kicking off 2025 in style, the region is basking in its well-deserved Lotto glory!

DUCK CREEK FILM SOCIETY PRESENTS THE FILM ‘RADICAL’

Come and join us for our next film event: Radical at Alstonville Public School

Duck Creek Film Society proudly presents Radical on September 7, a deeply moving film from Mexico. The movie won the Film Favourite Award at Sundance 2023. Radical is based on the true story of an inspiring educator who refused to let his students be defined by their circumstances. In a Mexican border town plagued by corruption, and violence, a frustrated teacher tries a radical new approach to teaching. He is determined to break through his students’ apathy and unlock their curiosity and potential… and maybe even their genius.

Radical will screen on Saturday evening 7 September 2024 at Alstonville Public (Primary School) auditorium.

6pm: Join us in the courtyard for live music and food (fundraiser for Alstonville PS P&C) before the film. Hot and cold beverages, and delicious homemade finger foods are available to purchase between 6pm and 7pm, and during intermission. Sorry no BYO alcohol.

7pm Film screening (127 minutes plus intermission) The evening will finish at 9.45 p.m.

Entry: As a Film Society, we can only provide screenings to our members. You are purchasing a one-month membership to Duck Creek Film Society which entitles you to entry to this event. Cost is $12.50 online pre-paid (includes Humanitix booking fees) or $14 at the door (eftpos or cash).

Radical is a Spanish language film with English subtitles and is rated M. Bring a cushion!

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: 7th of September @6pm
• Where: Alstonville Public School
• Price: $12.50
• Tickets: Available here.

For more entertainment news, click here.

New Dog Park Opens in Alstonville: A Haven for Four-Legged Friends

Ballina Shire Council has made Alstonville’s furry residents very happy this morning with the official opening of a new dog off-leash exercise area on Gap Road in Alstonville.

Alstonville dog owners came along to enjoy the park facilities, chat with Council rangers, learn dog training tips from a dog trainer, try out the agility equipment, and grab a free coffee and a puppuccino treat.

Ballina Shire Council Mayor, Sharon Cadwallader cut the ribbon to officially open the new park.

This project was proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Ballina Shire Council.

“We are thrilled to open this wonderful new space where dogs can run, play and socialise safely. This project reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all our residents—paws included!” said Mayor Cadwallader.

The Gap Road Dog Park offers a variety of amenities designed to ensure fun and safety for dogs and their owners alike. The park features a fully fenced area with dog agility equipment, a walking track, and improved accessibility. Additional comforts include shelters, seating, a dog waste bag dispenser, and landscaping. There’s also an existing off-leash area on the northern side of this site.

Cr Cadwallader added, “The Gap Road area has always been a favourite for dog owners, and this new addition now offers a high-quality recreational space that will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Ballina Shire Council’s Public and Environmental Section work hard to promote responsible pet ownership across the Ballina Shire.

“Training, socialising and exercising your dog are fundamental for your pet’s well-being and happiness,” explained Ballina Shire Council’s Manager of Public and Environmental Health, Kerri Watts.

“Our rangers are dedicated to collaborating with pet owners, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to care for their beloved animals,” added Ms Watts.

The opening event featured mini-training sessions with a local dog trainer, offering valuable tips on socialising dogs, positive reinforcement techniques, and managing negative behaviour.

Dog owners also had the chance to chat with Council rangers who were offering $50 microchip and desexing vouchers to be redeemed at participating local vets. A limited number of these vouchers are still available from Council’s Customer Service Centre. For more information or to read the terms and conditions visit here.

The Alstonville Gap Road dog exercise area is a direct action from Council’s endorsed Companion Animals Management Plan, which aims to create a safe, healthy and supportive environment for both animals and the community.

To read the management plan or for more information about dog off and on-leash areas visit Council’s website.

For more Local Alstonville news, click here.

110 year-old organisation sees red

By Samantha Elley

A number of landmarks around the Northern Rivers will be turning red this month.

And it is for a very special occasion.

The Australian Red Cross turns 110 years old this year and since its inception on August 13, 1914, it has provided support and relief to the population.

Last year alone $95 million was distributed via The Red Cross following donations and philanthropic gifts.

Local landmarks such as the Murwillumbah Bridge and Crawford House Museum at Alstonville will be lit up red in the evenings to mark the occasion.

“It will be happening all over Australia, too,” said Alstonville branch secretary, Carol Laskey.

“The Big Banana at Coffs Harbour will light up red on August 13.”

The local Alstonville Red Cross branch through its history

Ms Laskey said that both the Alstonville and Wardell branches have been meeting continuously over the past 110 years with Alstonville branch conducting Zoom meetings during the pandemic.

“Apart from funds sent to Head Office, the branch has supported numerous local and overseas projects,” she said.

“The branch has provided money for water in drought ridden Menindee and Walgett, a Breakfast Club at Bonalbo School, also the Syrian and Tsunami appeals, to name but a few.

“During recent floods and bush fires the branch was able to provide financial support to many local organisations and citizens.”

After the 2022 floods, $5000 was donated towards the re-establishment of the devastated Lismore Red Cross Tea Rooms, as another example.

Over the years, mental health programmes such as Save-a-Mate and Let’s Talk Program have also been supported.

The Red Cross has raised money through street stalls, sausage sizzles, craft shows, raffles, a High Tea, Bingo and a Ballina Players charity night.

“The local population has been very generous and supportive of all branch efforts,” said Ms Laskey.

The local Alstonville Red Cross branch through its history

To celebrate the 110th Anniversary, The Alstonville Plateau Historical Society at Crawford House Museum, will feature a display of Red Cross memorabilia and has started from July until September this year.

Three local Red Cross members, now deceased, are to be featured in the exhibition.

Firstly, Elsie Johnson, a highly decorated member who served the Red Cross for decades.

Her legacy continues with funding from her will, which has helped many communities and appeals in the local area. 

Mrs Lumley, long time President of the Wardell branch, will also be featured in the exhibition.

Thanks to monies left in the will of long-time local member Freda Noble, a defibrillator was established in Alstonville Plaza.  A further defibrillator was also installed at the High School with funds raised by the Alstonville branch.

On Sunday 18 August the Alstonville Branch invites you to a complimentary Devonshire Tea and Sandwich event to be held between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm at Crawford House Museum, Alstonville. Jenny Dowell, ex-Mayor of Lismore and long-term Red Cross member will be the Speaker on that day. Further information available from Carol on 0424742774. We will be delighted to see you there. 

For more Local Alstonville news, click here.

Community Invited to Dog Park Opening Celebration

Ballina Shire Council is delighted to invite the community to celebrate the opening of the new dog off-leash park on Gap Road, Alstonville. Dog owners and their furry friends are welcome to join the festivities on Saturday, 10 August 2024, from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, and enjoy the new agility park.

“We are inviting local residents to come along and test out the new agility equipment, chat with our friendly rangers, learn dog training tips from a local dog trainer, try out the agility equipment, and grab a free coffee and a puppuccino treat,” said Kerri Watts, Manager of Public and Environmental Health.

Ms. Watts expressed her enthusiasm for the new park and the upcoming event. “This new dog off-leash area will be a dedicated space for our community’s dogs to play and socialise safely. This event is a wonderful opportunity for residents to explore the park’s new features and engage with our local rangers.”

Event Highlights

Community members attending this doggy day out can look forward to:

• Meeting Our Friendly Rangers: Learn more about their important work in our community.
• Dog Training Tips: Enjoy a free mini-session with a professional dog trainer offering advice for better training and behaviour management.
• Agility Equipment: Try out the new agility equipment, designed to challenge and entertain dogs of all sizes and skill levels.
• Free Desexing Vouchers: Support responsible pet ownership in our community.
• Complimentary Refreshments: Treat yourself to a free coffee and your dog to a puppuccino.

“We’ve designed this event to be fun and informative for both dogs and their owners. It’s a great way to foster a sense of community and promote responsible pet care,” added Watts.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, 10 August 2024
• Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
• Location: Gap Road Dog Park, Alstonville

This project was proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Ballina Shire Council. The new dog exercise area is also a direct action from the Council’s endorsed Companion Animals Management Plan, which aims to create a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for both animals and the community.

For more information about dog off-leash areas and to read the management plan, visit the Council’s website.

Mark your calendars and join us for a morning of fun, learning, and community spirit at Alstonville’s new dog park!

For more Local Alstonville news, click here.