TUCKURIMBA PUBLIC HALL

By Helen Trustum

The first Tuckurimba Hall was built in 1905. Sadly, this hall was burnt down in 1925. It was many years before another hall was built because they could not decide where to build it. The trustees became divided into two groups, the top enders and the bottom enders (residents of Delelvin) and no agreement could be reached where the new hall was to be built.

Agreement was reached in May 1933 when a meeting was held at the Coraki School of Arts. It was unanimously decided to build a new hall on the site of the old one. Five trustees were nominated. They were Fred Paff, Edward Jenner, Peter Gaudron, Walter Threlfo and Henry McCaughey.

The hall was built in 1937. A cyclonic storm in 1940 demolished the hall where it was rebuilt by district farmers, helped by donations of cattle and cash. The residents were very proud of the rebuilt hall and many school concerts, meetings, dances to raise money in World War 11 were held there. Young people came out from Coraki in trucks, rode horses from Dungarubba and because of the excellent dance floor, it was a popular venue.

Tuckurimba Hall taken in 1998

Tuckurimba Hall never had a supper room but prepared supper on trestle tables near the stage. Cakes and sandwiches were passed around the hall on platters. Tea would follow served from big tea pots where the water was boiled in cans over an open fire and carried inside. The children would sleep under the stools.

Land around the hall was used as a horse paddock for the school children attending Tuckurimba School during school hours. Electricity was connected to the hall in 1958. A switching on the light’s dance was held where everyone had a great time.

Performers: Alex Strong, Bruce McCaughey and Betty Fava played for many years, then Doug Blanch took over from Bruce. They called themselves “Melody Makers” and played at Green Ridge, Pidcocks Lane, Brandon Hall in Coraki, Ruthven, Bungawalbyn, Bora Ridge and Tuckurimba Halls.

Honour Rolls have always graced the walls of Tuckurimba Hall. One for 1914 – 1919 War and one for 1939 – 1945. The roll of Honour records members of the Australian Armed Forces who have died or returned home from serving overseas. They are now in a safe place at the Mid Richmond Historical Society Museum in Coraki for all to see.

George Hunt was President of the Tuckurimba Hall for many years. The hall declined during the 1970’s and 1980’s leaving no other choice but to sell. On August 9^th 1997 the Tuckurimba Hall was sold to adjoining residents Rodney and Cherie Veral. Many local people have fond memories of their hall.

Jess Dolby, Nita Haynes and Marie Smith with their Red Cross Certificates.

PATRIOTIC LEAGUE

The Patriotic League was formed in the Tuckurimba Hall on July 2^nd1940. President- Henry McCaughey Jnr., Vice Presidents L. Sutton and A.E. Campbell, Treasurer – Ted Leadbeater, Secretary – H.G. McCaughey.

Bridle race meetings and socials were held to defray cost of sending parcels of comforts for Christmas to local recruits at War. All men received a parting gift from the League and a khaki pullover from the Red Cross. In 1943, 42 parcels were forwarded and included a half pound cake made by local members. A welcome home social was arranged for the recruits returning and an invitation extended to the families. An Honour Roll was unveiled on Empire Day 24^th May 1946 and was hung in the Tuckurimba Hall along with an Honour Roll from the First World War. In 1997 both Rolls were handed over to the Mid Richmond Historical Society at Coraki.

Honour Roll from Second World War.

RED CROSS

The Tuckurimba ladies met in the Tuckurimba Hall on Wednesday August 22^nd 1917 for the purpose of forming a branch of the Red Cross Society. Those present were, Mesdames Hindmarsh, McLean, Barnard and Harris from Lismore, Simpson, Kennedy, Hunt, Smith, Tinkler, J. Paff, F. Paff, Margaret Maxwell, Jenner, Thurgood, Threlfo, McCaughey and Misses Hunt, Paff and Tinkler. Apologies were received from Mrs Mclaren, Mrs Casey, Mrs Smith and Mrs McLean.

Officers elected – President – Mrs Simpson, Vice Presidents – Mrs Tinkler and Mrs Hunt, Secretary – Miss Gladys Hunt and Treasurer – Mrs Kennedy.

Members took on the task of sewing and knitting for the troops and many items were forwarded to the Lismore Branch for despatch. On July 7^th 1920 the group disbanded and reformed again on October 25^th 1939 in conjunction with Coraki. Then in 1940 the group decided to change back to Tuckurimba and go alone. The branch has continued to function to this day, where they meet monthly in the Wyrallah Hall.

Red Cross Ladies – Mavis Garbutt and Barbara Schaffer

PROGRESS ASSOCIATION

The first meeting of the Tuckurimba Progress Association was held on June 1^st 1890 at Alex Robertson’s residence, North Arm. Mr Baxter was paid 1/- (10 cents) for the use of Baxter’s Cottage near the Tuckurimba Provincial School for the purpose of holding their Progress Meetings. Their meeting on August 16^th 1905 was held in the newly built Tuckurimba Hall.

President – William McLean, Vice President – James Fogwell, Secretary/Treasurer – Henry McCaughey.

Ref – Mid R. R. H. Society at Coraki, RRHS in Lismore, Northern Star May 22^nd 1933, also from the writings of the late Monica McCaughey, Tuckurimba.

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Vigilance Urged to Combat Invasive Giant Devil’s Fig

By Robert Heyward

North Coast landholders are being called upon to stay vigilant against the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig (Solanum chrysotrichum), a highly invasive woody weed that poses a significant threat to agriculture and natural ecosystems. This problematic species is prevalent in grazing lands, waterways, forests, roadsides, parks, and gardens, particularly in the coastal regions of northern and central New South Wales.

Ashley Donges, Regional Weed Coordinator for North Coast Local Land Services, highlighted the critical role of community involvement in controlling this invasive plant.

“Preventing the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig is crucial for safeguarding our agricultural productivity and protecting native ecosystems,” Donges said. “We urge all residents and landowners to actively identify and manage this weed to minimise its impact.”

Giant Devil’s Fig competes with desirable pasture species, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and increased costs. The plant contains toxins that can harm livestock if ingested in large quantities, and its sharp prickles can cause injuries to both humans and animals, as well as hinder access to water sources for livestock. In natural landscapes, the weed forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation, further degrading the environment.

“Our goal is to equip the community with the knowledge and tools needed to combat Giant Devil’s Fig effectively,” Donges continued. “By working together, we can mitigate its impact and protect our valuable natural resources.”

Under the NSW Biosecurity Act, all residents have a General Biosecurity Duty to prevent, eliminate, or minimise the biosecurity risk posed by Giant Devil’s Fig.

The weed can be identified as a shrub or small tree up to four meters tall, with prickly stems and hairy leaves when young. It produces small, white star-shaped flowers in clusters from autumn to spring, followed by round berries that turn yellow or orange-yellow.

For detailed identification and control methods, residents are encouraged to visit the NSW WeedWise website.

There is a Giant Devil’s Fig Exclusion Zone covering the local government areas of Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Lord Howe Island, Nambucca Valley, and Port Macquarie-Hastings. In these areas, residents must notify their local council if the weed is found and eradicate it immediately. A Containment Zone covering Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed local government areas requires residents to prevent the plant’s spread, reduce its impact, and report sightings to Rous County Council.

For technical advice and assistance, residents can contact their local council’s weeds officer or consult resources available on the NSW WeedWise website. 

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Free webinar for farmers to learn how RIC loans can help rebuild and recover from severe business disruption

Australian Government farm business lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is hosting a free webinar on 18 September 2024 for farmers, advisers and agriculture industry representatives to learn more about how RIC’s low-cost Farm Investment Loan can help support farm businesses to rebuild and recover after severe business disruption.

RIC Chief Executive Officer, John Howard, said RIC’s Farm Investment Loan is aimed at supporting farmers who have experienced significant financial downturn, as a result of an unforeseen disruption or cumulative impacts to their business.

“Our Farm Investment Loan recognises that unexpected business shocks outside a farmer’s control can play havoc with financial plans. With a low variable interest rate and interest-only terms for the first five years, RIC loans can provide some financial relief to help farmers get back on their feet,” Mr Howard said.

“To be eligible for a Farm Investment Loan, farmers need to show their underlying business is solid, but that they need help to recover following an event that has financially impacted their business, like drought or other natural disasters, or even a biosecurity event.

“More than 100 people from across the country have already registered to learn more from our specialist Agri Lending Manager and one of our customers who will share their experience,” Mr Howard said. Queenslander cattle grazier Rachael Lehmann is pleased to join the webinar to help other farmers learn more about how she and her husband Dane benefited from a RIC Loan. She will share how their low-interest loan supported their recovery and helped improve their business after experiencing drought and successive natural disasters.

The RIC Farm Investment Loan enabled them to refinance part of their existing commercial debt to RIC’s concessional variable interest rate. This allowed the business to improve cash flow, enabling them to recover faster and move forward. “The change in interest rate is quite a substantial amount of money for us, so it has taken the pressure off. It just meant that we were going to have the opportunity to get ahead.

“It’s a huge step up for us and it will have amazing onflow effects for our cost of production and that’s very exciting,” Rachael said.

The Farm Investment Loan provides up to $2 million over a 10-year term with the first five years interest only followed by principal and interest for the remaining five years. The current variable interest rate is 5.18 per cent and there are no fees to apply, make extra repayments, or for early loan repayments.

The free webinar is on 18 September 2024 from 12pm-1pm AEST, to register visit. For more on the Farm Investment Loan visit here. Read more about Rachael and Dane Lehmann’s story here.

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Biosecurity Week focusses on avian influenza

As Australia recovers from its most severe avian disease outbreak in 50 years, the focus has shifted to preparing for future avian influenza threats, particularly the virulent strains that have devastated poultry, wild birds, and mammals worldwide.

The recent H7 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory demonstrated the effectiveness of Australia’s national response in containing and eradicating the disease in poultry. Since July 2024, no new H7 HPAI outbreaks have occurred, marking the ninth successful eradication of such incidents in Australia since 1976.

Health experts from the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control emphasise the importance of a One Health approach in safeguarding Australians. This approach integrates human health with environmental and agricultural health, recognising their interconnection. Australia remains the only continent currently free from the new H5 HPAI strain, making vigilance crucial to monitor and understand its potential spread.

Extensive preparedness and response efforts are already underway, building on long-established surveillance and biosecurity planning measures.

Key figures in these efforts include:

• Dr. Brant Smith, ACT: As the National Animal Disease Preparedness Coordinator at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Dr. Smith leads efforts to strengthen Australia’s animal disease prevention and response capabilities, preparing for potential H5 HPAI detection. He collaborates across governments, communities, and industries to ensure a swift and effective response if the virus is found, minimising impacts on wildlife, the environment, and agriculture.
• Dr. Fiona Fraser, ACT: As the Threatened Species Commissioner at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, Dr. Fraser focuses on raising awareness and reducing threats to Australia’s most imperilled species, including the risks posed by H5N1 HPAI to wild birds and mammals.
• Dr. Tiggy Grillo, Tasmania: As National Coordinator at Wildlife Health Australia, Dr. Grillo oversees the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program, monitoring avian influenza and investigating unexplained bird deaths across Australia.
• Dr. Guy Weerasinghe, Queensland: As Technical Manager for the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, Dr. Weerasinghe leads surveillance for exotic diseases in northern Australia, ensuring potential threats like H5 HPAI are effectively managed.
• Marietta Matasia, Top End: As Indigenous Ranger Coordinator, Marietta oversees critical biosecurity activities in Cape York Peninsula, monitoring marine abnormalities and avian influenza signs to protect the region’s biodiversity.
• Dr. Sarah Britton, NSW: Working with the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Britton integrates human, environmental, and agricultural health, addressing issues like zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

For more information on Biosecurity Week, visit the official Biosecurity Week page.

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Australia’s Agricultural Production Value Set to Climb 4%

By Robert Heyward

Australia’s agricultural sector is poised for significant growth in the 2024-25 financial year, with the gross value of agricultural production projected to rise by 4%, according to the latest ABARES Agricultural Commodities and Crop Reports. The sector’s value is expected to increase from $82.5 billion in 2023-24 to $86.2 billion in 2024-25.

ABARES Executive Director, Dr. Jared Greenville, highlighted that the overall value of production across agriculture, fisheries, and forestry is forecasted to reach $92.1 billion in 2024-25. This growth is attributed to favourable seasonal conditions in many regions, easing input prices, and stronger livestock prices, all of which are bolstering farm incomes.

“While many regions are benefiting from improved conditions, not all areas are experiencing the same positive outcomes,” Dr. Greenville noted. “Crop production in New South Wales and Queensland has been strong, with better-than-expected conditions in Western Australia. However, unfavourable conditions in northern and western Victoria, as well as most of South Australia, due to below-average winter rainfall, have resulted in lower-than-expected crop yields.”

Despite these regional disparities, the value of agricultural exports is forecast to reach $68.5 billion in 2024-25, or $72.6 billion when including fisheries and forestry. Although grain export values have slightly declined due to reduced carry-over stocks from the previous record-breaking years, production levels remain among the highest on record.

Australian exports continue to be in strong demand globally, with red meat exports performing well in key markets such as the United States and the Middle East. Trade flows with China have also increased across various commodities, following improved market access.

The horticulture sector remains resilient, maintaining its forecast of record-breaking production values. Additionally, average cash incomes for broadacre farms are expected to surge by 64%, reaching $192,000 per farm in 2024-25, driven by higher cattle and sheep prices.

“The ABARES Commodities and Crop Reports paint a positive picture for Australian agriculture, underscoring the sector’s ability to capitalize on global demand for our high-quality products,” Dr. Greenville concluded.

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