New relaxation and recreation space for aged care residents in Kyogle

A new lounge and living area is creating a more comfortable and home-like environment for aged care residents at Kyogle Multi-Purpose Service (MPS).

The residents’ lounge was officially opened this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Board Chair Peter Carter, NNSWLHD Chief Executive Tracey Maisey, local MPS supporter Tom FitzGerald OAM, residential aged care residents and community members.

NNSWLHD Board Chair Peter Carter, said the new residents’ lounge will improve the aged care service environment and support activities of daily living.

From left, NNSWLHD Board Chair Peter Carter, Tom FitzGerald OAM, MPS Resident Vera Gardner, Kyogle UHA President Margaret Mitchell.

“By providing a more home-like environment, the new residents’ lounge will contribute to improved independence, dignity, and choice for residents living at the facility,” Mr Carter said.

“This facility provides an extremely important service to our local community, and it’s so exciting to see these improvements benefit our aged care residents.

“I want to thank, and recognise the contributions of, the Kyogle community who supported the project.”

The building works were jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Aged Care and NSW Health.

The local community supported the refurbishment program through donations and other forms of support, including from Kyogle MPS United Hospitals Auxiliary, Kyogle Tidy Towns, Kyogle Amateur Theatrical Society and several private donors.

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Council delivers on community recovery challenge

Kyogle Council

Kyogle Council has emerged from the most challenging period ever faced by the organisation and its people having completed more than $88 million in flood damage and capital works in a 12-month period, Mayor Cr Kylie Webster (Thomas) said at the release of Council’s Annual Report.

Following the catastrophic 2022 floods, Council was faced with a massive flood repair program and a worrying shortage of resources to undertake the rebuild and recovery.

“That meant Council had to be innovative in the way it worked and prepared to adapt quickly to the changing circumstances,” Cr Webster said.

“The success of this strategy can be seen in the record-breaking amount of work we’ve been able to complete in the 12 months to July 2023.”

The $88 million work program completed is $61 million more than the previous record of $27 million set in 2021/2022.

Cr Webster said Council’s financial position remained strong despite the challenges generated by the floods.

“We are in a good position going forward, with money in the bank and grants coming in at a higher than expected rate,” she said.

“It’s been an extremely challenging time for everyone, and on behalf of the Councillors, I want to thank our valuable staff. Even during the flood restoration works program, Council staff exceeded expectations and continue to deliver a high level of service to the various communities in our shire.

“The Council would also like to acknowledge the community for their support and understanding during this challenging period and thank the many people who have taken the time to contact and thank staff for their efforts.”

“As challenging as last financial year was, Council has once again proved it’s ability to punch well above its weight.”

Cr Webster also thanked her fellow Councillors for their support and acknowledged the important role they played in setting the strategic priorities and providing the resources needed to overcome the challenges of the past 18 months.

The annual report, which is available on Council’s website, provides details of Council’s operations over the 2022-2023 financial year including a summary of achievements.

Kyogle floods, 2022.

Achievements include:

• A total of 32 timber bridges replaced with concrete or steel structures – 29 bridges replaced under the Fixing Country Bridges Program, two bridges jointly funded by Fixing Country Bridges and the Bridge Renewal Program and one bridge completed under the Kyogle Page Bridge Package;
• 15.3km of sealed roads rehabilitated;
• 409.4km of roads re-sheeted/graded, which includes the emergency works associated with the February 2022 floods and natural disaster;
• More than 59,000 potholes patched;
• Initial sealing of 1km section of Dyraaba Road completed under the Fixing Local Roads Program;
• Collins Creek Road initial seal to Tims Lane completed using a combination of flood damage and Council co-contributions to build back better;
• 1,185.04 tonnes of material recycled
• 33,568 visits to Kyogle library
• Continued support of the Kyogle Writers Festival, Pumpkin Festival and a series of other events across the LGA;
• Bonalbo Caravan Park refurbishment completed;
• 42,620 pool attendances;
• Purchasing of land at Tabulam for future water and sewerage treatment plants;
• Implemented a new three-bin waste collection service for general waste, recyclables and food and organics waste including community education campaign;
• Adopted the Flying-fox Camp Management Plan and developed protocols for managing extreme weather incidents and works near the flying-fox camp;
• Successful in securing $200,000 grant from the Environmental Trust and LGNSW to create 4.7 hectares of flying-fox habitat north of the Kyogle Recreation Reserve;
• Installed three separate displays in Kyogle to showcase the Sinclair Collection – a substantial collection of minerals, crystals and fossils gifted to Council by the family of the late Lloyd and Glenys Sinclair;
• Continuing marketing of the ‘Kyogle Up for It’ campaign to promote tourism and visitors to the Kyogle LGA;
• Eleven exhibitions held in the Roxy Gallery showcasing local artists and ten exhibitions in the ‘Steppin’ Up Gallery’ to support young, emerging artists and artists living with a disability;
• KMI Hall Supper Room improvements completed;
• Secured betterment funding for Grieves Crossing and the Clarence Way to allow for building back better post flooding natural disaster;
• Mobile phone blackspot mapping completed across the LGA.
• 91 development applications approved with a total value of $15.64 million

For more 2022 floods news, click here.

Local fire-affected farmers urged to apply for disaster assistance

MEMBER for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging fire-affected primary producers and landholders in the Kyogle and Tenterfield Local Government Areas (LGAs) to access disaster assistance in response to recent and ongoing bushfires in those areas.

“Many of the farmers and primary producers in the Kyogle and Tenterfield areas are already experiencing the adverse effects of an early onset to this year’s bushfire season and I want them to know we are pulling out all stops to support their recovery,” Ms Saffin said.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will be administered through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) to help communities and individuals directly affected by the fires.

The assistance measures include:

• Concessional interest rate loans for primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations, with interest rates currently set at 1.79%
• Transport subsidies for primary producers of up to 50% of the total freight cost
• Donated fodder transport subsidies for the costs of donating and transporting donated fodder to affected properties or storage facilities in a central location up to a maximum distance of 1,500 kilometres.

Further information, including guidelines, fact sheets and application forms, can be found on the RAA’s website or by calling the RAA on 1800 678 593.

Fire affected farmers and land managers in these LGAs requiring assistance with livestock assessment, animal welfare and veterinary assistance can contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647 to access support.

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