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.

Tweed Shire Council Joins Forces with NSW Police to Combat Graffiti Vandalism

The Tweed Shire Council has partnered with NSW Police to address a recent spike in illegal graffiti across the Tweed region, calling on the community to play a key role in reporting incidents. The latest target of vandalism is Jack Evans Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads, an area that has undergone $2.6 million in upgrades over the past two years. Just weeks after the official opening of the newly upgraded swimming area, vandals have defaced walls, seating, skate areas, and even commissioned artworks.

Knox Park in Murwillumbah has also seen a rise in graffiti, particularly at the skate park, where taggers have targeted skating areas and signage.

Council’s Director of Sustainable Communities and Environment, Naomi Searle, expressed deep disappointment over the damage to Jack Evans Boat Harbour, emphasising the waste of public funds and the negative impact on the community. “Graffiti vandalism is a crime, and while it’s difficult to estimate the total cost, Council spent over $115,000 last financial year on graffiti clean-up in parks and open spaces,” Ms. Searle said.

Increased Surveillance and Community Involvement

In response to the graffiti surge, Council is working closely with local police to boost surveillance and deter offenders. A Community Safety Audit is scheduled for later this month in the Tweed Heads CBD and Jack Evans Boat Harbour, where police, council staff, and community representatives will assess areas of concern to enhance public safety.

Council has also created a dedicated graffiti team to address issues promptly. Offensive graffiti on Council-owned assets will be removed immediately, while non-offensive graffiti will be tackled as part of scheduled maintenance.

Residents are encouraged to report graffiti through Council’s online portal at tweed.nsw.gov.au/report-graffiti or by calling 02 6670 2400.

Council worker Jethro Todd pressure cleaning the new barbecue seating area at Jack Evans Boat Harbour after it was defaced by graffiti vandalism. Jethro is part of Council’s new graffiti crack team whose aim is to clean offensive graffiti as soon as possible.

Reporting Graffiti on Private Property and Other Assets

While Council does not remove graffiti from private properties or non-Council assets, residents can report vandalism to relevant authorities.

Such as:

• Essential Energy (power boxes/poles): 13 23 91
• Telstra (equipment): 13 22 03
• Transport for NSW (signs): 1800 707 125
• NBN (internet nodes/equipment): 1800 687 626

Graffiti on private property should also be reported to local police at 131 444.

Enhanced Emergency Response via BluLink

If you witness graffiti in progress, contact police immediately by dialling Triple Zero (000). The BluLink platform allows residents to share live information with police through GPS, video streaming, and digital uploads, helping authorities respond more effectively.

For more details on the BluLink platform, visit the Tweed Shire Council website.

For more Tweed Shire news, click here.

Over-50s Athletes from Gold Coast and Tweed Shine in the 2024 GemLife Games

By Robert Heyward

Over 500 athletes, volunteers, and spectators aged 50 to 80 are set to demonstrate that age is no barrier to athletic competition at the 2024 GemLife Games, taking place on the Sunshine Coast on September 5 and 6. Among the competitors are 11 participants from the Gold Coast and Tweed regions, joining the event for the first time in what promises to be a spirited showcase of sportsmanship and community.

In only its second year, the GemLife Games have seen a surge in participation, with nearly double the number of athletes compared to its inaugural event. Competitors from South-East Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria will engage in eight sports, including tennis, pickleball, table tennis, ten-pin bowling, eight-ball pool, virtual golf, lawn bowls, and swimming.

Bruce and Julie Berry, residents of GemLife Tweed Waters, are among the eager first-time participants. The couple, aged 70 and 58 respectively, will compete in various swimming events, while Bruce will also take on virtual golf. With a history of competing on international and national stages, the couple sees the GemLife Games as an exciting opportunity to reignite their passion for sports.

“We’ve always been interested in playing our sport in games,” said Bruce. “These games are great because they’re motivating me to take it seriously again and get more exercise. I’m 70 now, and my son, who is a fitness fanatic, might finally convince me to get active.”

Kang Lee from GemLife Gold Coast also sees the games as a chance to return to competition. The 72-year-old, who has played many sports throughout his life, will compete in virtual golf and serve as a substitute in table tennis. Though he hasn’t picked up a table tennis racket in decades, Kang is excited to give it another shot.

“I’m sure many people when they were young played, and now with this competition, they think, ‘Why not give it a go?’ That’s what I’m thinking,” Kang said. “It’s about enjoying the experience, sharing friendship, and extending knowledge.”

GemLife Director and CEO Adrian Puljich highlighted the event’s growing popularity and the enthusiasm of participants. “We had 160 competitors in our inaugural games last year, and this year, over 280 are taking part, supported by around 200 volunteers and spectators,” he said. “It’s fantastic to see our new residents from the Gold Coast and Tweed Waters communities join in, and we hope to inspire even more to participate next year.”

The 2024 GemLife Games have expanded to a two-day event, introducing swimming as a new sport to accommodate more participants and offer a wider range of activities. The event embodies the spirit of trying new things, staying active, and fostering community connections.

“The camaraderie is incredible,” Puljich added. “Some competitors are driving up to 20 hours to be here, and many local residents are hosting them, which only adds to the community spirit.”

With a strong sense of community and a shared love of sport, the 2024 GemLife Games are set to be an unforgettable event for all involved.

For more Tweed Shire news, click here.