Baseball Returns to Tweed with New Arkinstall Park Facilities

By Robert Heyward

Baseball enthusiasts in the Tweed can rejoice as the sport makes its long-awaited return with the completion of new facilities at Arkinstall Park in Tweed Heads South. The state-of-the-art facilities include two baseball diamonds and training fields, offering the community the opportunity to enjoy baseball locally for the first time in years.

This exciting development was made possible through a $325,000 grant to the Northern Rivers Baseball Association from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (Round 5), with the project reaching completion in July 2024.

The Northern Rivers Baseball Association, which caters to players aged 4 to 15 through competitions such as T-ball, rookie ball, and little league, is thrilled about the new opportunities these facilities provide.

Tweed Shire Council Manager of Parks and Active Communities, Murray Smith, shared the enthusiasm:

“It’s a fantastic feeling to deliver something entirely new for the Tweed community. The Northern Rivers Baseball Association has worked tirelessly to make this facility a reality, and we are delighted to have partnered with them to bring baseball back to the Tweed,” Mr. Smith said.

Arkinstall Park continues to evolve as a hub for community sport, with additional projects underway to support the growing needs of local residents.

Soccer Field Lighting Upgrade

Soccer players at Arkinstall Park now benefit from cutting-edge, energy-efficient LED lighting. The upgrades included replacing halogen lights with LEDs on three fields, complemented by a new automated lighting control system.

The project was funded with $319,811 from the NSW Government’s Regional Sports Facility Fund, with Tweed Shire Council contributing $10,000.

These fields serve the Tweed United Football Club, which boasts over 500 members across junior, men’s, and women’s leagues. The energy-efficient lighting will deliver up to 40% in cost and energy savings, aligning with Council’s Sports Field Strategy and its broader commitment to reducing emissions and fostering sustainability.

New Operator for Arkinstall Park Regional Tennis Centre

Tennis and pickleball players will see fresh opportunities at the Arkinstall Park Regional Tennis Centre, now operated by Voyager—a leading racquet sports organisation with a track record in managing facilities across Sydney, Melbourne, and Singapore.

Voyager’s diverse programs cater to players of all ages and skill levels, with their operations beginning at the centre in December 2024.

Netball Amenities Building Enhances Facilities

Netballers at Arkinstall Park are also celebrating the completion of a new $825,000 amenities building, finished in November 2024, just in time for the 2025 season.

The project was funded through a combination of grants from the Stronger Country Communities Fund ($400,000), the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Program ($225,000), and Tweed Shire Council ($200,000).

Investing in Active Recreation

The upgrades at Arkinstall Park underscore Tweed Shire Council’s dedication to providing top-tier sports facilities for the community. These projects are part of Council’s broader Tweed Shire Sport and Active Recreation Strategy, aimed at fostering active and sustainable lifestyles.

For more information on Council’s initiatives, visit here.

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$7m Luxe Flats Set to Transform Boujee Tweed Town

By Ian Rogers

A slice of opulence is coming to Tweed as plans for a $7 million luxury apartment complex promise to elevate the town’s already boujee reputation. The development, located in the heart of the sought-after coastal region, is set to redefine high-end living with its bespoke design and premium amenities.

The boutique complex, aptly named Coastal Luxe, will feature just eight exclusive residences, each boasting uninterrupted ocean views, expansive layouts, and top-tier finishes. Prices are expected to start at $1.2 million, catering to discerning buyers seeking the ultimate in coastal living.

Developers say the project will blend contemporary architectural flair with the laid-back charm of Tweed, ensuring the apartments harmonise with the town’s unique character. The design includes eco-friendly materials, rooftop gardens, and private terraces, embracing sustainable living without compromising luxury.

“We wanted to create something truly special for Tweed, a development that speaks to the evolving sophistication of the area while staying true to its coastal roots,” said lead architect Michael Harper.

The development comes as Tweed continues to establish itself as a hotbed for luxury living, drawing interest from interstate buyers and sea-changers looking for a mix of lifestyle and prestige. With world-class beaches, boutique cafes, and an emerging cultural scene, the area has been dubbed the “next Byron Bay” by real estate insiders.

Local businesses are optimistic about the influx of affluent residents, expecting the new development to inject vitality and investment into the community.

However, not everyone is thrilled about the changes. Some locals have voiced concerns over housing affordability and the potential for gentrification, fearing that developments like this could make the town inaccessible for long-term residents.

“The focus seems to be on attracting wealthier people rather than supporting the community that’s already here,” said Tweed resident Melissa Green. “I hope we don’t lose what makes Tweed special in the first place.”

Construction is set to begin later this year, with completion anticipated by late 2026. As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: Tweed’s transformation into a luxe coastal haven is well underway. Whether this shift will preserve the town’s charm or alter its identity remains to be seen.

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Tweed Regional Museum Unveils Exciting New Exhibition: How to Draw a Dinosaur

By Jeff Gibbs

The Tweed Regional Museum is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest exhibition, How to Draw a Dinosaur, an imaginative blend of science and art that brings the prehistoric world to life. This groundbreaking display invites visitors to explore the creative intersection of scientific discovery and artistic interpretation, offering a fresh perspective on the dinosaurs that roamed Earth millions of years ago.

A Unique Approach to Dinosaurs

Museum Director Molly Green emphasised that this exhibition is far from a typical dinosaur showcase.

“The fossil record has provided invaluable clues about the structure and biology of dinosaurs, but much of their appearance — like colours, patterns, and textures — remains a mystery, leaving space for artistic interpretation,” Ms Green said.

“Through interactive exhibits, visitors of all ages are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild, envisioning and creating their own interpretations of these majestic creatures.”

Art and Science in Harmony

How to Draw a Dinosaur features extraordinary works from internationally renowned artists and paleoartists, including:

• Craig Walsh: Acclaimed projection artist, known for his immersive visual installations.
• Phoebe Paradise: Graphic street artist, bringing a vibrant, urban twist to the prehistoric theme.
• Matthew Aberline: Inflatable sculptor whose works add playful dimensionality to the exhibition.
• Dr. Lida Xing and Andy Frazer: World-renowned paleoartists offering stunning illustrations of reimagined dinosaurs.
• Local Talent: Works from local sculptor Christine Mellor and painter Michael Stiegler add a regional touch to the exhibition.

Interactive and Immersive Experiences

Visitors can engage with dinosaurs in creative and innovative ways:

• The Rainbow Room Reimagined: This immersive digital space allows visitors to design their own prehistoric creatures and watch them come alive through vibrant live projections.
• Life-Sized Prehistoric Projection: Inside the Museum, Craig Walsh’s large-scale projection work offers a jaw-dropping visual experience.
• Outdoor Projection Installation: From late January, Walsh’s outdoor projection can be viewed on the Tweed River from the Murwillumbah Bridge every evening, promising to become a must-see spectacle.

Real Fossils and Pop Culture Connections

Authentic fossils, loaned from Australia’s top national institutions, provide historical context, showcasing how dinosaurs have been reimagined over time through science and popular culture.

Supported by Create NSW

This innovative project is made possible by the NSW Government through Create NSW, reflecting a commitment to fostering creativity and engagement in regional communities.

Exhibition Details

• Exhibition Name: How to Draw a Dinosaur
• Location: Tweed Regional Museum, 2 Queensland Road, Murwillumbah
• Duration: Open until 24 May 2025
• Highlights: Interactive exhibits, immersive digital experiences, real fossils, and spectacular projection art.

For more information, visit the Tweed Regional Museum website.

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the prehistoric world and unleash your creativity with this one-of-a-kind exhibition!

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Mooball Creek Seawalls Restored Ahead of Summer

By Robert Heyward

The long-awaited repairs to the collapsed training walls at Mooball Creek, Pottsville, have been completed just in time for the busy summer season. The $1.28 million project, funded jointly by Transport for NSW ($540,000), the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program ($450,000), and Tweed Shire Council ($290,000), has restored the seawalls to their original condition.

Originally built in the 1960s to keep the creek mouth open, the seawalls had deteriorated over time due to natural erosion and repeated cyclonic weather events in recent years. The collapse led to further erosion at the creek entrance, significantly impacting the area’s water quality and recreational appeal.

Collaborative Effort to Restore the Creek

In late 2022, Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, the NSW Government’s coastal engineering experts, conducted an analysis of the training walls and designed the necessary repairs. Earlier this year, Transport for NSW granted consent for Council and contractors to access the site, and MGN Civil Pty Ltd was engaged to complete the restoration.

Work began in October, with 3,785 tonnes of new rock armour installed across both the north and south seawalls. The project was brought to fruition thanks to a sustained advocacy campaign by the Pottsville Community Association, spearheaded by local resident and angler David Cranwell.

Community and Government Celebrate the Milestone

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry celebrated the completion of the project and its significance for locals and visitors.

“Residents and visitors love Mooball Creek – or ‘Potty Creek’ as locals call it – for swimming and fishing. The repaired training walls ensure the creek’s tidal exchange is restored, significantly improving water quality,” Cr Cherry said.
“This project represents years of effort by the Pottsville Community Association and is a win for the whole community.”

Tweed MP Geoff Provest emphasized the positive impact on recreation and management:

“Repairing the seawalls will help preserve Mooball Creek as a top recreational destination.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot highlighted the importance of funding partnerships:

“This Federal Government investment of $450,000, alongside contributions from the NSW Government and Tweed Shire Council, ensures Mooball Creek remains a treasured spot for families and the broader community.”

Restoring a Treasured Destination

The repairs have secured the integrity of the creek mouth, ensuring improved water quality for swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities. The restored seawalls promise to maintain this beloved community location for generations.

For more information on how Tweed Shire Council manages coastal waterways, visit here.

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Council Launches Tweed Festive Shopfront Competition

By Robert Heyward

Tweed Shire Council is inviting local retail businesses to participate in the inaugural Tweed Festive Shopfront Competition, a new initiative aimed at supporting local businesses and creating a vibrant festive atmosphere across the region.

The campaign, part of the Council’s Succeed in Tweed business support program, is a collaborative effort between Tweed Shire Council, the business chambers of Tweed Heads, Kingscliff, and Murwillumbah, and the Tweed Valley Weekly.

Bring Festive Cheer to Your Shopfront

Retail businesses are encouraged to decorate their shops or shopfronts with a Christmas or festive theme and register their displays via the Tweed Festive Shopfronts online form. All registered entries will be featured on an interactive map, showcasing the locations of festive displays and encouraging locals to explore Tweed’s shopping precincts while promoting the “shop local” message this holiday season.

Supporting Local Businesses

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said the competition was launched to celebrate local businesses and inspire the community to support them during the festive period.

“This wonderful initiative is a fantastic way for businesses to connect with their community. It adds an extra layer of festive spirit to our shopping precincts and inspires residents to choose local this Christmas,” Cr Cherry said.
“By shopping local, we not only benefit our small business economy but also support local jobs and create a thriving community.”

Local business chambers, including Tweed Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business Kingscliff, Business Murwillumbah, and the Tweed Valley Weekly, will actively encourage participation by visiting stores and promoting the initiative.

Prizes and Recognition

Businesses with the most creative and impressive displays will have the chance to win one of three prize packs, which include:

• A $500 Gift Pay e-voucher.
• A one-year complimentary membership to their local business chamber.
• A quarter-page advertising package in the Tweed Valley Weekly.

One winner will be selected for each of the three precinct areas, with judging by representatives from Tweed Shire Council, local business chambers, and the Tweed Valley Weekly.

How to Participate

Interested businesses can register their entry online by uploading a photograph of their decorated shopfront, along with their business name and address. Eligible businesses must have a physical premises with a festive display visible to the public.

• Registrations open: Friday, 29 November.
• Registrations close: Midnight, Sunday, 15 December.

For full terms and conditions or to learn more, visit the Council’s Christmas webpage.

Let’s make this festive season a celebration of community, creativity, and local pride!

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