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Kyogle News

Kyogle Giant Pumpking and Watermelon Festival

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Kyogle Giant Pumpking and Watermelon Festival
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Kyogle Giant Pumpking and Watermelon Festival

by Lara Leahy

Summer is the time of year when the fruits of our labours are realised, and nowhere in the southern hemisphere will the competition be fiercer than at Kyogle on Saturday, January 15th. Last year a grower from Knockrow, Dale Oliver, grew a whopping 867kg Pumpkin that has the record for the heaviest pumpkin grown in the southern hemisphere.

Three months later, a pumpkin weighed in at South Africa at 867.5kg that has taken the record, so Australia is looking to reclaim its title. Dale Oliver will be back, amongst other local growers. These large species of pumpkin need a lot of water and heat to grow to their phenomenal size, and the rain we have had should help. These veggies are so large that they are grown on pallets to make them easier to transport!

The Summerland Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival is growing every year and this year there are new additions to their wide range of events planned to celebrate and entertain people, and it isn’t too late to get involved in many of the competitions.

The “On the Vine” theme extends the range of veggies to compete with to Tomatoes, Watermelon, Zucchini, Cucumber and Sweet Potato. If you have anything growing in your garden that is extra heavy or extra-long, bring it along and enter the home gardener competition. Searls have generously donated a range of products as prizes.

There is a watermelon eating competition, cooking competitions and pumpkin and watermelon sculpting events. Entry for all competitions on the day is done on the Memorial Hall side of Stratheden Street – look out for the people that can take your entry.

There is also a Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin competition starting from January 10th at Harley and Co. (CRT), with a cash prize of $300 for the closest guess. Phil Dudman will be there to award prizes, meet people and chat about gardening.

Eateries will be offering local produce, especially pumpkin and watermelon dishes that include salads, quiches, and drinks.

The entries for the art and craft competitions are on display in the old IGA shop window on the main street for viewing now, until the end of January. There are many creative entries among them.

Classic cars and hot-rods will be returning this year. A couple of clubs will be present, or you can bring your own. Please note, you need to be there before 8am to get access if you are bringing your car to show.

A first for this year, a two carriage 1961 heritage train will be taking people on trips up to the border loop. The train is coming up from Coffs Harbour where it usually resides, cared for by the Rail Motor Society. There are 6 trips on offer on the 15th, and an additional 4 trips on the 16th. Tickets are Dine and Discover friendly, and they are selling out fast. Go to www.123tix.com.au and pop Kyogle into the search engine, or you can find the link on our Facebook page.

The festival is on Saturday, but the Roxy Art Gallery and cinema will be open on Sunday, also to facilitate the train travellers.

Here’s hoping you will be there when the heaviest pumpkin record is broken again!

PROGRAM

7.30am arrival of melons and pumpkins.
8 to 9.30am Entries in Cooking Competition, Home Gardening and Sculpting Competition accepted.
8.15am – Festival Opening and Welcome to Country Robert Cullen
8.45am – Announcements and directions to Entrants and Spectators– P Keevers
9 to 10am – Kyogle Country Music Association
9.30am – Weighing of melons and pumpkins commences
9.30 to 10am – Judging of entries, cooking, home gardening and sculpting.
10.00 to 10.15am Announcements—Phil Keevers
10.15 to 11.15am Kyogle Country Music Association.
11.30 to 12.30am PRESENTATIONS
Competitions presented by J Saffin
Arts and Crafts Competitions
• Senior Art
• Junior Art
• Craft Competition
• Soft Furnishings
Cooking Competition
• Scones
• Closed Pumpkin Pie
• Best Watermelon Dish
• Best Savory Pumpkin or Watermelon Dish
• Most outstanding Entrant
Open Sculpting Competition
Open Garden Competition
• Heaviest tomato
• Heaviest Butternut Pumpkin
• Heaviest Round Watermelon
• Heaviest Sweet Potato
• Longest Zucchini
• Longest Cucumber
• Outstanding Entrant
Business Window/ Premise & Promotion of Festival
Drawing the Raffle
Major Prize Presented by Phil Dudman
Open Pumpkin over 250kg
Novice Pumpkin Less than 250kg
Watermelon
Guess the Weight
12 to 12.30pm Kyogle Country Music Association
12.30pm Watermelon Eating Competition—Town Square
1pm Festival close & competitors collect entries.
Train trips
9am – Glenapp return
11.21am – Namoona and return
12.23pm – Glenapp and return
2.34 pm – Namoona and return
3.36pm – Glenapp and return
5.47pm – Kyogle for Casino arriving at 6.13pm

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Kyogle News

Flood Repairs Begin on Fawcetts Plain Road

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Flood Repairs Begin on Fawcetts Plain Road
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Flood Repairs Begin on Fawcetts Plain Road

 

By Jeff Gibbs

Relief is on the horizon for motorists using Fawcetts Plain Road, with major flood repairs set to commence soon. Kyogle Council has secured $2.05 million in funding under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements to restore the 8.3km road and make critical drainage improvements.

The road sustained significant damage during the 2022 flood event, with conditions worsening over time despite Council’s ongoing patchwork repairs while awaiting funding approval.

Comprehensive Repairs and Timeline

The project, which also includes repairs to Green Pigeon Road and Horseshoe Creek Road, is slated to begin in early December and, weather permitting, should be completed by March 2025.

Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland expressed her relief and gratitude for the funding approval.
“Residents have been waiting for quite some time for this news. It’s great that Council can now get on with the job of fixing the road,” she said.

Work Staging to Minimise Disruption

To ensure efficiency and protect newly repaired sections, Council has scheduled work as follows:

  1. Green Pigeon and Horseshoe Creek Roads will be addressed first to avoid heavy construction vehicles traveling over the freshly repaired Fawcetts Plain Road.
  2. Following the completion of these roads, Council crews will focus on Fawcetts Plain Road, starting with drainage works, including:
    • Reinstating and cleaning drains
    • Installing new culverts

Council aims to finish the Green Pigeon and Horseshoe Creek Road repairs and start drainage work on Fawcetts Plain Road before Christmas.

Traffic Management

Fawcetts Plain Road will remain open under traffic control during the project to minimise disruption for residents and motorists.

This repair initiative represents a significant step toward restoring safe and reliable infrastructure for the community. Residents are encouraged to remain patient and cautious while the work is underway.

For more information or updates on the project, contact Kyogle Council directly.

 

For more local news, click here.

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Ballina News

Northern Rivers Election results to date

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Northern Rivers Election results to date

 

By Samantha Elley

NSW voted for their council representatives over the weekend and while results aren’t finalised, we have compiled the results so far at time of printing (Monday 16th of September).

Ballina

Residents of the coastal local government area showed they have been happy with the work Sharon Cadwallader has been doing as mayor. She is currently sitting at 45.08% of the vote with her nearest rival, the Greens Kiri Dicker. a long way back at 25.79%

A ward favourites include the Greens Erin Karsten on 20.73%, Independent Damian Loone following closely at 17.35% and ALP’s Maria Marshall on 14.07%, although Independent’s Kevin Loughrey is close on her heels at 13.52%.

B ward has larger margins with Sharon Cadwallader taking 36.12% of the vote then Kiri Dicker, much closer than in the mayoral race at 31.34%. After that the closest candidate is ALP’s Andrew Broadley on 11.65%.

C ward has the Greens Simon Chate leading the chase on 36.21%, followed by Independent Simon Kinny on 28.47% and another Independent These Crollick on 15.12%

Byron

Current mayor Michael Lyon’s recent public issues are reflected in the sad results of his race to get back in the top job, with his mayoral vote hitting a paltry 17.29% compared to Sarah Ndiaye of the Greens who is sitting on 34.71%. However, there is a chance ALP’s Asren Pugh is not discounted yet with 30.37% of the vote.

The Greens also have a chance of strong representation on council as Group D holds 40.22% of votes for their council candidates, followed by the ALP at 27.95%.

Kyogle

While it has been tradition that elected councillors in Kyogle voted for the mayor, residents of this inland local government area had the extra task of deciding in a referendum question, whether or not they wanted a popularly elected mayor and a reduction in the ward numbers or the status quo. Results at time of printing were not available.

A ward’s most popular candidate thus far is Brett McNamara with 31.15% of the vote, followed by Kieran Somerville with 26.67% and long-standing councillor Janet Wilson at 18.40%.

B ward’s winning candidate is currently Olivia Taylor with 34.03%, then current councillor John Burley 25% and Robert Cullen on 19.29%.

In C ward popular councillor and previous mayor Danielle Mulholland holds 40.88% of the vote with Tom Cooper on 21.06% coming second and Robin Harley on 13.63% holding the bronze.

Lismore

There is no doubting the popularity of current mayor Steve Krieg who looks like holding his seat with 48.38% of the vote, trailed by the Greens Vanessa Grindon-Ekins on 21.13%.

The Independent Group A look like, not only getting their mayor back in but will fill a few seats around the council table with 42.39% of votes.

They are followed by the Greens Group D with 26.77% and ALP’s Group B holding 18.77%.

Richmond Valley

It looks like business as usual for the Richmond Valley with mayor Robert Mustow holding a comfortable lead to retain his role on 38.93%. He was given a run for his money by newcomer Lyndall Murray in the early part of counting before she settled around 27.17%.

There should be a mixture of new and old faces on council with Group D, led by the current mayor, Robert Mustow receiving 41.42% of the vote and newcomers, with Lyndall Murray, Group C, second with 25.69%. Group A led by previous Richmond Valley general manager, John Walker obtained a healthy 20.51%.

Tweed

A large number of parties were vying for all council positions with the current group with most votes being the Liberals with 28.74%. ALP are a comfortable second on 14.96% and Independent Group A, led by current mayor, Chris Cherry in third with 13.42%.

To keep up to date with the Northern Rivers Elections Results, click here.

 

For more local elections news, click here.

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Kyogle News

Meet your Kyogle candidates

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Meet your Kyogle candidates

 

By Samantha Elley

The Northern Rivers Times has asked all of the candidates for the September 14 local government elections to introduce themselves to voters identify the issues they want to address and policies they would pursue if elected.

 

A Ward Kyogle Candidates

Brett McNamara

Brett McNamara brings a professional skill set with 40 years in national parks, local government, and budget management. He is focused on renewal, civic pride, and effective governance. With strong people management skills, he envisions Kyogle as a place for families, creativity, and prosperity. Brett is committed to listening and serving with respect and compassion.

To find out more about Brett McNamara, click here.

Brett McNamara Kyogle Candidates

Brett McNamara

Kieran Somerville

Kieran Somerville, with credentials in Environmental Management and Regenerative Agriculture, advocates for sustainable development, transparent decision-making, and strong support for farming. He promotes local businesses, arts, culture, and environmental protection. Kieran holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Management and a Graduate Diploma in Regenerative Agriculture, working as an environmental consultant and farm co-manager.

To find out more about Kieran Somerville, click here.

Douglas Layton

Lives at Kyogle and is retired.

Naomi Worrall

Naomi Worrall has spent two decades working in social housing, from frontline services to government reforms. She recently built a small business focused on baking and growing flowers. With extensive volunteer experience in governance roles, Naomi is dedicated to ensuring efficient and accessible government services and is passionate about serving the Kyogle community.

To find out more about Kieran Somerville, click here.

Janet Wilson

Experience and knowledge with local government, community development and engagement. Strong interest in governance, engagement with residents and other levels of government to achieve best outcomes in the public interest.

To find out more about Janet Wilson, click here.

 

B Ward Kyogle Candidates

Neil Summerville

A long-time resident of Sextonville, having lived there since 1989, and with family ties to Babyl Creek since 1972, the candidate is motivated by the high maintenance costs of vehicles on rural roads. With over 20 years of boardroom experience, including as deputy chair of Northern Co-op Meat Company, he brings significant leadership experience, including roles as chairman of the NSW Livestock Health and Pest Authority and North East Pest Animal Advisory Committee.

To find out more about Neil Summerville, click here.

Neil Summerville Kyogle Candidates

Neil Summerville

Glenn Robinson

Glenn Robinson, who moved into town nearly 10 years ago, is running for council to promote transparency and community trust. He values good listening, communication, and collaboration among councillors. As a new candidate, he’s eager to learn and focused on representing the community’s best interests, aiming to restore public confidence in local government.

To find out more about Glenn Robinson, click here.

Glenn Robinson Kyogle Candidates

Glenn Robinson

Robert Cullen

Robert Cullen, a fifth-generation resident of B Ward since 1849, seeks re-election to continue improving Kyogle. Passionate about maintaining the area’s quality of life, he focuses on road improvements, communication, supporting local businesses, and enhancing volunteer organizations. Active in seven volunteer groups, Robert manages the Farmers’ Market and is committed to community service.

To find out more about Robert Cullen, click here.

Robert Cullen Kyogle Candidates

Robert Cullen

John Burley

Has been a councillor of B Ward for three terms from 2012 to 2024. Lives at Horse Station Creek.

Olivia Taylor

I have a strong professional and academic background. I am a person of good character and always bring integrity to my professional and public life. I completed a double degree in a Bachelor of Politics and International Relations/Bachelor of Laws, I then became a fully qualified lawyer. I have always been involved in the communities in which I live, usually by volunteer work and helping those in need. I have experience as an advocate and always act ethically.

To find out more about Olivia Taylor, click here.

 

C Ward Kyogle Candidates

Simon Dejoux

Simon Dejoux, a property owner at Gradys Creek since the late 1990s, is committed to restoring integrity, transparency, and honesty to the council. With nearly 40 years of experience across various sectors, he aims to address key issues like roads, aged care, youth, and supporting local agriculture. He advocates for better planning and service equity for villages and smaller communities.

To find out more about Simon Dejoux, click here.

Simon Dejoux Kyogle Candidates

Simon Dejoux

Danielle Mulholland

A full-time councillor and part-time lawyer with 25 years at Gradys Creek, the candidate has served three terms on Council and aims to address the roads and bridges backlog, support sustainable communities, improve village infrastructure, and rebuild trust between the community and Council. They are committed to fulfilling promises with honesty and integrity.

To find out more about Danielle Mulholland, click here.

Danielle Mulholland Kyogle Candidates

Danielle Mulholland

Ian Murrell

Ian Murrell, a Kyogle resident since 2016, is running for council to bring fresh perspectives to the democratic process. An ex-clinical nurse and cabinetmaker, Ian values community input and plans to run workshops to understand local concerns. He has been active in community organisations and believes in creating a great place to live and work.

To find out more about Ian Murrell, click here.

Ian Murrell Kyogle Candidates

Ian Murrell

Thomas Cooper

Thomas Cooper, a 28-year resident of Bonalbo, is running for Ward C to complete major projects like the $50 million Clarence Valley Way upgrade. He emphasises the need for a high-caliber general manager, local economic growth, and infrastructure improvements. Thomas opposes the referendum for a popularly voted mayor, advocating for community-focused governance.

To find out more about Thomas Cooper, click here.

Thomas Cooper Kyogle Candidates

Thomas Cooper

Earle Grundy

Is a non-resident but has been a councillor of Kyogle Shire.

James Murray

Previously a councillor of Kyogle from 2022 – 2024 and lives at Grady’s Creek. He holds a certificate in Agriculture and is a farmer and timber contractor.

Robin Harley

Lives at Kyogle.

 

For more 2024 Local Elections News, click here.

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