“Australian lightweight champion from lil ol’ Swan Bay”

By Samantha Elley

Maddog boxing’s Sunny McLean has been going from strength to strength this past year, grabbing titles from each of the events he has been fighting in.

Sunny McLean and his coach, Scott Smith, who runs Maddox Boxing, were recently picked to represent Queensland as the fighter and coach team to compete in the national titles in Gosford.

Sunny won all his elimination bouts and beat the NSW champion in the gold medal fight, to become the newly crowned Australian champion in the lightweight division.

They were surprised with a visit from Jason and Andrew Moloney, world champion professional boxers.

“Every state in Australia was there with all the best fighters and the (Moloney brothers) came to support us, so we felt so special,” said Scott.

“They came to help me prepare Sunny for his last two fights in this event.”

Sunny was competing for Queensland as he already holds the title of QLD/NSW interstate champion.

“His first opponent, the referee stopped the fight in the 3rd round,” said Scott.

“His second opponent was the favourite from Tasmania and Sunny won that fight to go through for the gold medal against the NSW champion.

“Andy (co-trainer) and I worked out a plan to beat him and Sunny did exactly what he was asked and never last control of the situation.

“He is now the Australian lightweight champion from lil ol Swan Bay.”

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Man Charged with Domestic Violence and Knife Offences After Police Pursuit in Casino

A 35-year-old man has been charged with multiple domestic violence and knife-related offences following a police pursuit in Casino, New South Wales.

The incident occurred around 6:45 pm on Saturday, 5 October 2024, when officers from the Richmond Police District attempted to stop a Kia sedan while patrolling Centre Street, Casino. The driver allegedly failed to stop, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit. However, the chase was called off shortly after for safety reasons.

The vehicle was later found on Churchill Crescent, and when police approached, the man allegedly confronted officers with a knife. A Taser was deployed, and the man was subsequently arrested. He was taken to the hospital under police guard for assessment.

After being released from the hospital on Sunday, 6 October 2024, the man was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with a series of offences, including:

• Contravening prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic)
• Stalking/intimidating with intent to cause fear of physical harm (domestic)
• Hindering or resisting police officers in the execution of duty (two counts)
• Using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention (two counts)
• Escaping police custody
• Failing to stop during a police pursuit and driving dangerously
• Intimidating a police officer in execution of duty
• Carrying a knife in a public place

He was refused bail and appeared at Lismore Local Court on Monday, 7 October 2024, where bail was formally denied. The man is scheduled to appear in Grafton Local Court tomorrow, 8 October 2024.

Watercolour – an enchanting exhibition at the Cassino Gallery

By Therese Schier

Feast your senses at the Watercolour exhibition opening at the Cassino Gallery this Saturday 21^st September. Considered one of the most demanding of art forms, watercolour offers an enchanting, mystical experience for visitors.

“Watercolour painting is a subtle art that requires masterly control to reflect the elusive hues of life” Gallery president Laszlo Biro observed.

“Visitors to the exhibition will appreciate the delicate and deft touch of the artists.”

Laszlo said the Gallery, with support from Richmond Valley Council is offering a $2300 acquisitive prize to the best in show.

“Through the support of the community in attending openings, events and classes the Gallery can co-fund with the Council,” Laszlo said.

The exhibition will be judged by Northern Rivers artist, Harry Westera. Harry originally trained in drawing and oil painting at Julian Ashton’s Art School and studied Art History at Sydney University before deciding to ‘give watercolour a try’.

“Well, as many water colourists will till you, this medium can be difficult to control,” Harry said.

Chiaroscuro Old Man by Lismore artist Kevin Lawlor is one of the many paintings on display at Cassino Gallery’s Watercolour exhibition opening Saturday 21st September.

“It can at times be fun and other times frustrating. But it is well worth the effort!

“To watch the colours flow off your brush, mixing on the paper and creating images of our world in beautiful washes of colour can be very satisfying.

“It is wonderful that Cassino Gallery has attracted so many watercolour enthusiasts.”

Lismore artist Kevin Lawlor was drawn to paint his entry Chiaroscuro no 1 Old Man due to his admiration of the masters of light and dark, Michelangelo and Leonardo da vinci.

“I wanted to go to the maximum of light and dark using the Italian chiaroscuro (the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting) of the old masters to create a haunting piece using modern media,” Kevin said.

Kevin congratulated the Cassino Gallery for having the vision to develop the gallery.

“It is an extremely brave endeavour which will bring artists together and provide a gallery for the public.”

The official opening will be held at 4pm, Saturday 21^st, $10 entry includes wine and cheese. Judge Harry Westera will announce the winner and provide comments at the event.

The exhibition will be on display during the Gallery’s opening hours: 10am to 3pm Thursday Friday and Saturday 21^st September to 12^th October with a gold coin donation.

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