Rising Tide Northern Rivers Gains Momentum with Film Nights and Action Initiatives

Rising Tide Northern Rivers, a dynamic climate defence movement, has officially launched in Hastings Point and Lismore, galvanising local communities to address Australia’s significant contributions to the global climate crisis. As one of the world’s largest exporters of coal and gas, Australia faces crucial challenges, which Rising Tide aims to confront by targeting coal exports, especially through Newcastle, the world’s largest coal port.

The formation of Rising Tide Northern Rivers was inspired by a significant turnout at the World’s Largest Blockade of the Port of Newcastle in November 2023. Over 2,000 activists, including more than 100 locals from Northern Rivers, participated in the 32-hour blockade using hundreds of kayaks. This monumental event led to Australia’s largest mass arrest for climate action, with seven locals among the 109 detained.

At the movement’s Hastings Point launch, attendees took to Cudgera Creek in kayaks, discussing motivations behind their climate activism and exploring strategies to expand the network. The Lismore launch featured heartfelt welcomes from Uncle Roy Gordon and musical contributions from Terri Nicholson and Paul Paitson, who performed songs echoing themes of resistance and environmental stewardship.

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Emma Briggs, who attended the Lismore event, expressed her commitment to challenging the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels within Australia. “Despite international promises to move away from coal and gas, domestic practices remain largely unchanged. It’s crucial that we implement the environmental safeguards we needed decades ago,” she stated.

Upcoming Events: Rising Tide Northern Rivers continues its outreach with upcoming film screenings of ‘The First Wave: The People’s Blockade’. These events aim not only to educate and inspire but also to support crucial environmental campaigns:

• Brunswick Heads Picture House: Join us on Sunday, 5 May at 5:00 PM for a screening that will benefit the Save Wallum campaign. Tickets are available in advance through the Brunswick Heads Picture House website.
• timbre in Lismore: Another opportunity to engage will be on Friday, 24 May at 5:00 PM. To attend this event, please RSVP at The First Wave Lismore Screening.

These film nights are excellent opportunities for community members to come together, learn about the impacts of coal and gas, and take actionable steps towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Rising Tide Northern Rivers is at the forefront of local climate action, urging residents to join in their ongoing efforts to protect our planet.

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Candidate Briefing Sessions Announced for Upcoming NSW Local Government Elections

Are you considering a role in local government? If you’re thinking about running for Council in the upcoming NSW Local Government elections, you’re invited to attend a candidate briefing session. The sessions are designed to provide prospective candidates with essential information about the responsibilities and operations of being a council member.

Former Lismore Mayor, Jenny Dowell, will host four candidate briefing sessions in the Tweed area during May and June. With extensive experience in local government, Ms. Dowell will share valuable insights and guidance for those looking to serve their community.

Ms. Dowell emphasised the significance of the role:

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“Being a councillor is an enormous honour but with that honour, there are big responsibilities. Communities expect and deserve all candidates to go into the election with eyes wide open.”

The briefing sessions will cover critical topics such as:

• The steps to becoming a candidate.
• The operational functions of councils
• The governance role of elected community representatives

Understanding these aspects is crucial for anyone considering entering the local government arena.

Session Details:

• Location: Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah
• Dates and Times:
  • Tweed Heads: Tuesday, 7 May
  • Murwillumbah: Tuesday, 4 June
  • Morning and evening sessions will be available on both dates.

Prospective candidates need only attend one session. These sessions are an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a part of local government and to prepare effectively for the responsibilities it entails.

Registration Information: To reserve your spot and for more detailed information, please visit here.

For more Tweed Shire news, click here.

Tweed Valley Hospital opens in five days

By Sarah Waters

The new Tweed Valley Hospital at 771 Cudgen Road, Cudgen will open to patients at 8am next Tuesday, May 14.

On the same day the Tweed Valley Hospital opens to patients, The Tweed Hospital at Powell Street, Tweed Heads, will close.

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Anyone requiring emergency medical care from next Tuesday onwards should present to Tweed Valley Hospital.

All inpatients at The Tweed Hospital will be transferred to the new hospital.

This process is expected to take a full day, and is being coordinated in partnership with NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, Transport for NSW and Tweed Shire Council.

Hospital staff will liaise directly with affected patients and their families or carers.

A community health service providing a range of clinics and community outreach services, as well as the existing BreastScreen NSW service, will continue to be delivered at the Powell Street site in Tweed Heads.

However, there will be no emergency services or hospital inpatient services available at this location after Tuesday 14 May 2024.

Tweed Valley Hospital is located close to the M1 motorway and adjacent to Tweed Coast Road.

Emma Jane Davies and Sasha Harrington at the new Tweed Valley Hospital

The hospital is easily accessed by car and public transport.

If travelling by car, follow the M1 to Chinderah, and take the exit towards Cudgen/Kingscliff.

Continue on Tweed Coast Road and turn left at the intersection of Tweed Coast Road and Cudgen Road.

Drop off bays are located at the hospital’s three entrances – the main entrance, the emergency department and the east entrance.

Staff, patients and visitors will have access to over 1200 free on-site car parking spaces at the Tweed Valley Hospital.

There is long-term capacity for up to 1500 car spaces on the site.

Tweed Valley Hospital is located on a public transport route.

Bus stops are located on both sides of Cudgen Road, directly in front of the hospital, with a pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights.

Bus service provider Kinetic has the details of all bus routes – visit here to read the full announcement from Kinetic.

For any questions, please contact Kinetic Customer Experience Team directly at info@wearekinetic.com or (07) 5552 2700.

A taxi rank is also located at the main entry to the Hospital.

The hospital connects with established pedestrian and cycle routes in the area.

For more Tweed Shire news, click here.