The latest edition of The Northern Rivers Times (Edition 222) delivers a wealth of stories highlighting key developments and community events across the region:

• Grafton Cathedral Restoration Nearing Completion: A significant $850,000 restoration project on Grafton’s historic cathedral is almost finished, preserving the town’s heritage for future generations.
• Grafton Shopping World to Receive a Fresh New Look: A revitalization of Grafton’s main shopping precinct is on the horizon, bringing a modern upgrade to the beloved retail centre.
• Career Opportunities in the Meat Industry: Casino Food Co-op promotes career pathways in the meat industry, encouraging locals to consider opportunities in this growing sector.
• Northern Rivers Health Workers Recognized: Local health professionals are in the spotlight as they become finalists for prestigious awards, acknowledging their dedication and service.
• New and Familiar Faces in Northern Rivers Councils: Recent council elections have brought a mix of both new and returning councillors across the region, shaping the future of local governance.
• Celebrating Young Athletes: Federal MP Kevin Hogan shines a light on the region’s young sportspeople, commending their dedication and achievements.
• Breast Screening Overdue for 40% of Women in Northern NSW: A significant number of women in the region are overdue for vital breast screenings, raising concerns for health advocates.
• Tweed Trials New Container Deposit and Collection Scheme: A new initiative to trial container deposit systems in popular parks within Tweed aims to enhance recycling and reduce litter.
• Mental Health Struggles Revealed: Beyond Blue’s new data highlights the challenges many Australians face, with people waiting years before seeking mental health support.
• NSW Trout Season Opens: Fishing enthusiasts gear up for the start of the NSW trout season, kicking off on Saturday, October 5.
• Restored Hannah Cabinet Returns to Lismore: The intricate and historic Hannah Cabinet makes its way back to Lismore after careful restoration, where it will again be on display.
• New Principals Appointed in Murwillumbah Schools: As part of the return to four distinct schools in Murwillumbah, new leadership has been appointed to guide these educational institutions.
• Makers Hub Workshop Announcement: An upcoming workshop at the Makers Hub promises hands-on learning and creative experiences for local artisans.
• Living Memory: North Lismore Stories: A special collection of stories and portraits will celebrate the history and culture of North Lismore, highlighting the strength of its community.
• Warning Over High-Dose MDMA Tablets: Authorities issue a caution regarding dangerous high-dose MDMA (ecstasy) circulating in NSW.
• Byron Bay Welcomes Australia’s First Hydrothermal Wellness Bathhouse: In a wellness tourism milestone, Byron Bay will host the country’s first medical-grade hydrothermal bathhouse, opening in October.
• Lismore Regional Gallery Reopens: Following extensive restorations, the Lismore Regional Gallery is now open to the public, offering a rejuvenated space for the arts.
• Laith McGregor Wins 2024 Jacaranda Drawing Award: Acclaimed artist Laith McGregor takes home the coveted Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award for 2024, celebrating excellence in the arts.
• NSW Government Simplifies Cemetery and Crematorium Regulations: Red tape has been cut, making it easier for cemeteries and crematoriums in NSW to operate more efficiently.
• Pay Parking Commences in Brunswick Heads: Visitors to Brunswick Heads will now face pay parking regulations, a new policy designed to manage traffic and parking demand.
• “Grounded” Exhibition Showcases Bundjalung Cultural Knowledge: A new art exhibition titled GROUNDED celebrates Bundjalung cultural heritage and creative well-being.
• New Team of Councillors for Tweed: The Tweed Shire confirms its new team of councillors, ready to lead the region into the future.
• Tweed Regional Museum Wins Top Prize for “Supertunic” Exhibition: The Tweed Regional Museum takes home a prestigious award for its groundbreaking exhibition “Supertunic,” showcasing creative excellence and community engagement.

This edition captures a vibrant mix of community milestones, health initiatives, cultural celebrations, and local governance updates across Northern Rivers.

New principals appointed as return to four separate Murwillumbah schools progresses

By Robert Heyward

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election promise to return to four separate public schools for the Murwillumbah community after the Liberals’ and Nationals’ failed mega-merger was rejected by locals, teachers and the school community.

Work to return to two separate high schools, Wollumbin High School and Murwillumbah High School, is progressing well, with two new principals appointed to ensure the re-establishment of separate schools creates a positive student experience.

Wollumbin High School and Murwillumbah High School will resume operations separately from Day 1, Term 1 2025, in line with a commitment from the Minns Labor Government in 2023. The timeline and works to support the return to separate schools came after consultation with more than 260 students, staff, parents and carers.

Zoe Tiernan has taken up the position of principal at Murwillumbah High School, having previously been the Deputy Principal Instructional Leader across all three campuses of The Rivers Secondary College in Lismore.

Former Wollumbin Deputy Principal Kelly Spilstead is excited to be returning to the area as Wollumbin High School Principal after a stint as Relieving Principal at Mullumbimby High School.

School student leaders have been appointed and are ready to take up their roles leading house groups at the two schools – five at Wollumbin High School and four at Murwillumbah High School.

At Murwillumbah High School, works to fully restore the school are well underway, as the Department aims to refurbish classrooms and specialist learning classrooms ready for learning by Day 1, Term 1, 2025. Work is also underway on renovating the school hall, library, administration office and school support unit.

Upgrade work is also underway at Wollumbin High School. Upgrades will include improvements to the outdoor sports court, stormwater drainage, delivering new special learning support classrooms, renovations of toilet facilities, new painting, carpeting and general maintenance, a new bus shed and new sport facilities.

Deputy Premier and Education and Early Learning Minister Prue Car said:

“I am delighted that new school principals Kelly Spilstead and Zoe Tiernan will lead the Wollumbin High and Murwillumbah High School communities as they become separate schools once again.

“We are committed to delivering certainty for the Murwillumbah community, after many difficult years following the bushfires and floods.

“I look forward to seeing the four schools in Murwillumbah take shape in the coming year.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“I listened to the community who were absolutely clear they wanted their four schools and I got that commitment from the Deputy Premier, who’s the Minister for Education.

“Every step towards the return to the four schools gives the school community certainty and confidence for their children’s education.

“There’s a big investment in public education in Murwillumbah with the upgrade works at Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School, and I know the community is looking ahead to having its schools returned in 2025.”

Zoe Tiernan, Principal Murwillumbah High School said:

“I am incredibly excited to have been given this leadership role within Murwillumbah High School.

“I look forward to improving outcomes and inspiring all students through consultation, respect and collaboration.”

Kelly Spilstead, Principal Wollumbin High School, said:

“After some time relieving as principal of Mullumbimby High School, I’m excited to be returning to the area as we transition into two schools.

By honouring the past, staying grounded in the present, and working together to shape the future, I’m confident we will establish two high schools as the schools of choice within our community.”

NSW Government Allocates $1.8 Million to Support Recreational Fishers

The Minns Labor Government has announced $1.8 million in grants to enhance recreational fishing across New South Wales as part of the 2024/2025 Recreational Fishing Trust grants program. This funding will support 21 projects focused on improving access to fishing, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

Key projects funded to enhance accessibility include:

• $375,000 for repairs and upgrades to five fishing platforms in the Shoalhaven area
• $98,300 to improve access to a fishing platform and boat ramp in Hay
• $11,035 for a pedestrian bridge with disabled access in Davistown
• $26,210 for fish cleaning facilities near the jetty in Tumbulgum with disabled access
• $79,500 for multiple fish cleaning facilities in Port Macquarie/Hastings
• $10,000 to the Fishing4All program, introducing people with intellectual impairments to fishing

A total of 24 projects will benefit from the $1.8 million in funding, recommended by the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council.

Funding allocation includes:

• $717,612 for fishing access and facilities
• $85,000 for recreational fishing enhancement
• $552,000 for recreational fishing education
• $444,000 for aquatic habitat protection and rehabilitation

The NSW Government will also launch a $2 million Recreational Fishing Small Infrastructure Grant Program on 6 November 2024, aimed at supporting grassroots projects through easier access to funding for fishing clubs, community groups, and other organisations.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, emphasised the importance of these investments, stating:

“Fishing licence fees are being put to work to enhance facilities, improve habitats, and open fishing opportunities for more people, including those with disabilities. These projects not only support recreational fishers but also contribute to regional tourism by generating jobs and income.”

Examples of additional projects include funding for Morisset High School to support students with disabilities in fishing and a fly-fishing day in the New England region for people who have experienced breast cancer.

The next funding round will include enhanced communication with fishers and clubs to ensure widespread awareness of grant opportunities.