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Northern Rivers Local News

ONE FOR THE RECORD

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ONE FOR THE RECORD

Tweed author captures curious Covid-19 chapter in new book

By MARGARET DEKKER

When retired Tweed Coast counsellor Meredith Lewellyn holds the book she’s just written, tears of joy and disbelief well in her eyes.

Joy that she wrote it – “I am no writer” – but disbelief too that this surreal chapter in Australian history on which ‘Locked Out’ is based – of Queensland’s 2021 border closure – ever happened.

Between July 23, 2021 and January 15, 2022 the Queensland-NSW border was barricaded, stopping countless people from entering the state and poignantly, thousands of Queenslanders from going to their own homes while a pandemic played out.

While waiting, up to six months for some, these people – grey nomads, parents, children, solo travellers, interstate workers, and their pets, vehicles, and belongings – were holed up in makeshift arrangements largely in regional New South Wales, as a clogged Queensland Government entry process slowly reached their name and hopefully let them in.

There was no direct government support nor funding for these ‘refugees of their own country’ during this time as the bills, missed commitments and lost moments racked up back at home, amounting to thousands of dollars and tears.

It’s a remarkable story and one Meredith Llewellyn tells from her perspective as a Tweed resident, born-Queenslander, devout Christian, mother, and tireless campaigner for reportedly 16-thousand displaced people.

“When I look at the book I think ‘Yes, these stories had to be written.  They had to be told, they couldn’t just dissipate and be lost.  They had to be put in print and go into the annals of Australian history,” Meredith Llewellyn author, told The Northern Rivers Times.

“I felt the surge of outrage rise again as I grappled with what was happening.  This was Australia in 2021, a civilised nation, a land of opportunity, a lucky country.  What was happening to our country?  Government decisions were forcing people into desperate situations.  People were facing homelessness or were already without a safe place to stay and had lost their source of income.  Any savings they had were fast disappearing.  They still faced weeks of not being allowed home.  There was no way.  They were locked out.” Meredith Llewellyn writes in her new book, ‘Locked Out.’

The 122-page work charts the lived experiences of Queensland residents – new and returning – unable to get home, over weeks that grew into long months.

“I’m not aware of any other state or country in the world who locked their residents out from their homes,” Meredith Llewellyn author said.

From ‘Horse Lady,’ prevented from feeding her prized horses on the Gold Coast; snow-worker Grant who arrived in Meredith’s driveway, destitute and broken after living in his car at a Tweed truck stop for 6-weeks “I held him as he shook and trembled”  .. Wendy who’d had two showers in one month; Tez and Peter holed up in Tenterfield; Leah’s mission to enter Queensland’s Hotel Quarantine program from nearby Tweed Shire via Sydney; and then the suicidal.  To name a few.

“They had no place to stay other than building sheds, deserted warehouses, roadsides, truck stops and cars – places where there was no running water, no electricity, no bathroom.” Meredith Llewellyn explains in ‘Locked Out.’

She laments these “refugees’” only crime was not getting back to Queensland in time before the border closed; either because they didn’t get the message or couldn’t leave a dying relative or interstate work or were just physically unable to drive the distance in the given hours.

Meredith Llewellyn feels the Government line “We’re keeping Queenslanders safe” was unfair, even insulting, and was shocked at the degree of public support in Queensland for this justification at the time.

“It appeared that only Queenslanders who were in Queensland were the ones worth protecting or being kept ‘safe.’  Over and over, daily we heard it stated, “We are keeping Queenslanders safe.”  There were over 16,000 Queenslanders not safe, but there was nothing that reassured them they were worth keeping safe,” she writes.

‘Locked Out’ is also Meredith Llewellyn’s story of how she and husband David rallied friends, family, her Presbyterian church community, locals, to raise tens of thousands of dollars privately to help keep these ‘Queensland Refugees’ afloat; rents paid back home, a food voucher here, a camping spot and hired caravan there, a warm meal and even warmer hug.

As Meredith relentlessly spoke out; on the airwaves, to Queensland’s press, to state and federal politicians including then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison, to opposition members, even the state’s Human Rights Commissioner – in pursuit of having these people’s stories voiced, heard, and validated when all others had seemingly forgotten them as “they weren’t important enough.”

“And I had to write it for me too.  There’s a disbelief still that goes with ‘what happened?’ and what did we all live through for 6-months; that this was Australia and we treated people like this.  That we created a minority group, and the governments left them without support,” Meredith Llewellyn writes in ‘Locked Out.’

“I was left wondering what it was that was stopping the Queensland government from offering such logical solutions to allowing people to return to the safety of their own homes …”

More broadly, Meredith also questions the notion of compassion, in that unprecedented time of Covid-19 in Australia.

“Is this what COVID and COVID decisions have done to us as Australians – made us forget what putting the boot on the other foot feels like?  Blinded us to ‘what if that was me’ thinking and being able to see things from someone else’s position?  Closed the compassion valve in our hearts?  No longer does it feel that we are the land of the free, the land of possibilities, the lucky country.”

For all its regret, ‘Locked Out’ is also a celebration of the human spirit and the many acts of love and kindness performed in dire circumstances.  And humour, as changing government decisions and directives unfolded over the weeks – Queensland’s Home Quarantine Trial, for one – testing the patience and resolve of many.

“My tolerance level has now exceeded my medication intake!!” ‘Robyn’ was quoted from the now fabled Facebook page, ‘Homeless Outside QLD due to border restrictions.’

This closed group, which grew to 5000 members at its height, is also part of the ‘Locked Out’ story as group members rallied, advised, supported, and ultimately saw each other home to Queensland.

The Northern Rivers region of New South Wales is also mentioned for its part in providing showgrounds, support, smiles and a desperately needed safe haven for so many then.

“ .. Ballina to Kyogle, a lot of these Northern Rivers communities, they housed and cared for these Queenslanders and there’s a lot of love that’s there for many of the Queenslanders who eventually went home.

“ .. The Murwillumbah wider community became aware of the situation they had on their doorstep and grocery deliveries, fruit boxes, fuel and grocery vouchers, pizza nights, sausage sizzles, donated monies for park fees, were often and many in the weeks that became months for those camped there,” Meredith Llewellyn writes in ‘Locked Out.’

Meg and Greg Fallon, the ‘care takers’ at Murwillumbah Showgrounds, received a special mention.

“They nursed those people who arrived in shambolic wretchedness, and they gathered the community around, and that community embraced and looked after those people for weeks, even months.”

Meredith Llewellyn also dedicates a chapter to forgiveness.

“If we don’t, they define us forever.”

.. As she looks to the greater purpose of the book, among the first published in Australia on the Covid-19 experience (“that’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?”) less than 12-months after these extraordinary events unfolded.

“I hope it will acknowledge that there was so much harm done and lasting harm and hurt, and losses that they haven’t recovered from yet, financial loss, mental loss, emotional loss, the loss of time.

“Surely there must be some accountability for the loss of human rights in leaving people without access to the things that are basic to health, wellbeing and survival?” Meredith Llewellyn writes in ‘Locked Out.’

.. Before this true ‘freedom-fighter’ (who some are now tipping for a Medal of the Order of Australia) is asked a simple question, ‘Are you glad you wrote Locked Out?’

“Some people might think the book is a bat that I’m going to beat up bureaucrats with, that’s not why I wrote the book, I wrote it because people need to be validated for what they went through, they need a chance to have their voice heard and they need to see it was real what happened and they need to know that somebody understood and that they did matter,” Meredith Lewellyn author told The Northern Rivers Times.

“Even as I read it now as a hard copy, there are still moments in there where I pause and the tears flow,” she smiled quietly.

‘Locked Out’ is available through authoracademybookstore.com.au – Proceeds from its sales go to charity.

Responses to the book, ‘Locked Out’

“I had started to read the book but have put it aside. I think I need to mentally ready myself. Our journey was painful, but others were much worse. Congratulations on the book, these stories needed to be told.

“I will never forgive this QLD gov, but I am going to focus on and be inspired by you and all those wonderful people who stepped up and supported each other. If it wasn’t for the FB page and your constant words of support, your radio interviews and now your book! It would have been a lot harder. We were locked out for 4.5 months and it would have been a very lonely experience without you all.

“I’m a border resident and this has etched in my mind forever …

“Not a week goes past where we don’t mention quarantine and the rubbish and cost, we endured. Thank you for writing, Meredith Llewelyn,” members of the ‘Homeless outside of QLD’ Facebook page wrote.

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Tweed Heads Man Revs Up Excitement with $50,000 Keno Win

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Tweed Heads Man Revs Up Excitement with $50,000 Keno Win

Jeff Gibbs

A Tweed Heads man is ready for high-speed adventures after winning $50,000 in a Keno Classic draw. The lucky winner hit the jackpot in draw 968 on Thursday, 13 February 2025, with his winning ticket purchased at Ivory Waterside, 156 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads.

The New South Wales resident said he discovered the exciting news during a night out with a friend.
“It was quite the surprise,” the winner shared. “We put on a few games and completely forgot about them. We weren’t watching the screen, so it was only when I checked my ticket that I found out about the win.”

Overjoyed with the unexpected windfall, the pair stayed out to celebrate. The winner already has plans for his prize:
“I’ll probably buy a new motorbike and put some towards the house. I’ve only played Keno about five times, so it was pretty amazing to win like this.”

The man revealed he used a selection of special numbers and couldn’t be more grateful for his good fortune.
“Thanks so much!”

Keno Players Enjoy Big Wins Across Australia

In FY24, Keno players across Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria celebrated more than 78.5 million wins, collectively worth over $1.16 billion.

Among the major winners were 18 millionaires and multi-millionaires, including a Shelly Beach dad who took home a $5.92 million windfall. Eight major winners were from New South Wales and the ACT, with total winnings of $588.5 million across the region.

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Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Lismore Honours an Aussie Cricketing Legend

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Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Lismore

Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Honours an Aussie Cricketing Legend

Jeff Gibbs

Lismore’s reputation as a premier regional sporting hub has reached new heights with the unveiling of the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion at the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub. Named in honour of Adam (Gilly) Gilchrist, one of Australia’s greatest cricketers, the pavilion is part of a $12.4 million upgrade to Oakes Oval and Crozier Field.

A Tribute to a Cricket Icon
Adam Gilchrist, renowned for his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping prowess, is deeply connected to Lismore, where he spent his formative years and attended school in Goonellabah. As a key member of three World Cup-winning teams (1999, 2003, 2007) and a Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2002), his contributions to Australian cricket are legendary. His induction into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame cements his place in cricket history.

Reflecting on the honour, Gilchrist said:
“It’s an incredible honour to have a pavilion named after you. Growing up in Lismore, I never imagined this day would come. I hope it serves as a reminder of the community that supported me and how much this place means to me.”

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg described the pavilion as a fitting tribute:
“Gilly brought joy and amazement to cricket fans across the world. It’s an absolute honour to have this high-quality facility named after one of Lismore’s most iconic sporting figures.”

A Multi-Purpose Sporting Venue

The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is a modern, multi-purpose venue designed to host sporting and community events. Key features include:

  • Function room with internal seating for 100
  • Commercial kitchen and bar
  • Office space and meeting rooms
  • Viewing deck overlooking Oakes Oval and Crozier Field
  • Modern amenities including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, and a lift

The flexible space can be divided into three separate areas, making it suitable for meetings, private functions, conferences, weddings, and corporate events.

A Major Investment in Regional Sport

The $12.4 million upgrade to the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub has transformed the facility, delivering:

  • New change rooms
  • Upgraded grandstands
  • Enhanced spectator areas
  • Cricket training nets built to national standards
  • Additional amenities blocks

Funded through contributions from the Australian Government ($6 million), NSW Government’s Regional Sport Infrastructure Fund ($4.5 million), Stronger Country Communities Fund ($400,000), and Lismore City Council ($1.5 million), the upgrades ensure that Lismore remains a top-tier destination for high-profile sporting events.

The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is now available for hire, offering an ideal setting for community gatherings, corporate events, and social celebrations.

For bookings and more information, visit the Lismore City Council website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

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Two $30,000 Grants Awarded to Combat Senior Isolation in Lismore and Tweed

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Senior Isolation

Two $30,000 Grants Awarded to Combat Senior Isolation in Lismore and Tweed

 

By Jeff Gibbs

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has announced that Beating Hearts of Lismore (auspiced by Northern Rivers Community Gateway) and Tweed Shire Council have each secured $30,000 under the NSW Government’s $840,000 Connecting Seniors Grant Program 2025. These grants aim to support innovative projects designed to reduce social isolation among seniors in the Lismore district and Murwillumbah area.

Supporting Seniors Through Innovative Projects

Ms. Saffin congratulated both recipients, highlighting the critical role these initiatives play in fostering community connections for older adults.

“They are among 28 organisations funded in this year’s Connecting Seniors Grant Program across categories including Aboriginal, Multicultural, Creation, Enhancement or Expansion, and Local,” said Ms. Saffin.

“I’m particularly pleased that the wonderful Beating Hearts of Lismore, coordinated by Lismore-based Geriatrician Dr. Rachel Jones and her dedicated volunteers, will be able to enrich the lives of more local seniors.”

Funded Local Projects

  1. Northern Rivers Community Gateway (Beating Hearts of Lismore):
    • Expansion of the weekly volunteer-led singing group, connecting older adults facing social isolation, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease, along with their carers.
    • Introduction of evidence-based dance classes aimed at improving strength, balance, and social connections.
  2. Tweed Shire Council – Age Well-Connect Program:
    • A diverse range of activities to combat senior isolation, including:
      • Technology classes to improve digital literacy.
      • Cooking workshops to encourage social interaction and healthy living.
      • Falls prevention and cognitive health initiatives to support physical and mental well-being.
      • A vibrant jazz festival to foster community spirit and cultural engagement.

A Broader Commitment to Senior Well-being

Since its launch in 2020, the Connecting Seniors Grant Program has funded more than 120 projects, engaging over 30,000 seniors across 82 Local Government Areas in NSW. This program aligns with the objectives of the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, showcasing the NSW Government’s dedication to building inclusive communities and addressing the growing challenges of isolation and loneliness among seniors.

For more details on the grants program and the full list of 2025 recipients, visit here.

 

For more local news, click here.

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Mandy Nolan Pledges to Revive Nature Protection Laws with Labor Support

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Mandy Nolan

Mandy Nolan Pledges to Revive Nature Protection Laws with Labor Support

 

Jeff Gibbs

Federal Greens candidate Mandy Nolan has vowed to work alongside Labor and independents to reinstate critical environmental protections following the Prime Minister’s controversial decision to abandon proposed nature protection laws.

Nolan, who requires just a 1.8% swing to secure the seat of Richmond, expressed her deep concern over the federal government’s retreat from its environmental commitments. “The voters of Richmond deserve better,” she declared, emphasising her commitment to championing strong environmental legislation if elected.

The Prime Minister’s announcement, made under mounting pressure from Western Australian mining interests, confirmed that the long-anticipated environmental protection bills would not be introduced before the next federal election—a direct breach of a key promise from the 2022 campaign. The decision reportedly blindsided members of his own party, including the current Labor MP for Richmond, who had publicly assured constituents as recently as last week that the legislation would soon return to the Senate.

The shelved legislation had aimed to establish a new Environment Protection Agency (EPA), crafted in response to overwhelming scientific evidence highlighting Australia’s deteriorating ecosystems and the escalating risk of extinction for native species such as the koala, greater glider, and eastern quoll.

In stark contrast to this scientific consensus, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton downplayed the urgency during a mining conference last year, stating, “Nobody… could argue that we have inadequate environmental protections.”

Mandy Nolan’s Stand for the Environment

Addressing the issue, Mandy Nolan stressed the Greens’ commitment to environmental advocacy. “Nearly 2 million Australians voted for the Greens in the last election because they demanded stronger environmental outcomes from Parliament,” she said. “We were working constructively with Labor’s Environment Minister to achieve meaningful reforms, but unfortunately, those efforts were undermined by her own leader.”

Nolan highlighted the disconnect between political actions and community values, particularly in Richmond. “If Labor can neglect environmental protection and still hold seats like Richmond, it sends a dangerous message that real action isn’t necessary,” she warned. “More than 70% of voters in Northern Rivers want to end native forest logging. A vote for the Greens will not only help keep Peter Dutton out of power but will also push Labor to prioritize the issues that matter most to our community.”

She also pointed to recently released emails, obtained through Freedom of Information requests, in which Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek praised the Greens for their “constructive approach” in negotiations over the EPA legislation. “I look forward to continuing that constructive relationship in Parliament,” Nolan added.

Greens Reinforce Commitment to Nature Protection

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, the Greens’ Environment spokesperson, echoed Nolan’s sentiments, condemning the Prime Minister’s decision to abandon the environmental reforms. “It is extremely disappointing that instead of protecting our great forests and wildlife, the Prime Minister has once again capitulated to the vested interests of the WA mining industry and figures like Gina Rinehart,” she stated.

Hanson-Young urged voters to break the cycle of environmental neglect. “We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expect different results. If Australians want to save our beautiful forests and end native forest logging, they need to vote Green for nature this election.”

With the federal election looming, Mandy Nolan’s campaign in Richmond stands as a critical battleground for the future of Australia’s environmental policies. Her message is clear: a vote for the Greens is a vote for stronger environmental protections, thriving native wildlife, and a sustainable future.

 

For more local news, click here.

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Lismore’s Oakes Oval Wins

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Lismore’s Oakes Oval Wins Prestigious State Footy Stadium Award, Eyes National Recognition

Lismore’s Oakes Oval Wins Prestigious State Footy Stadium Award, Eyes National Recognition 

Jeff Gibbs

Lismore’s Oakes Oval has taken out the NSW Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award, putting the premier sporting venue in contention for the national title. This accolade celebrates the best community football facilities across Australia and is a testament to Lismore City Council’s commitment to delivering top-tier sporting infrastructure.

Following a $12.4 million upgrade, Oakes Oval is now a leading contender for the national prize, having firmly established itself as the premier AFL venue in regional NSW.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg expressed pride in the community asset, emphasizing its role in Lismore’s identity.
“Local sports fans can now enjoy the best of the best playing right here in our hometown stadium,” Mayor Krieg said. “The award-winning upgrades position Oakes Oval as a prime destination for high-profile games and events, further cementing Lismore’s reputation as a regional sporting hub.”

World-Class Upgrades

The stadium’s transformation included a complete overhaul of the grandstand, featuring new seating, modern media and coaches’ boxes, and an extensive refurbishment of the Gordon Pavilion, which now boasts a function room, bar, and kitchen. The change rooms, amenities, and storage areas were also modernized, ensuring a first-rate experience for players and spectators.

Since its redevelopment, Oakes Oval has hosted AFL pre-season matches, local Australian Rules Football, Rugby League, and cricket games, as well as community events such as Carols in the Heart.

AFL Venue and Government Partnerships Manager for NSW, Samuel Thomson, noted that the award paves the way for exciting new opportunities.
“Now one of the premier AFL venues in all of NSW, we look forward to Oakes Oval becoming the centrepiece for the continued growth of our game across Northern NSW,” Mr Thomson said.

Tony Duffy, Lismore City Council’s Manager for Liveable & Active Communities, highlighted the design and planning excellence behind the redevelopment.
“This is not just a regional facility; it’s a multipurpose stadium for Lismore and Northern NSW,” Mr Duffy said. “We’re eager to see more local and elite-level content in the coming years.”

A Collaborative Effort

The refurbishment, delayed by the 2022 floods, was a joint effort across all levels of government. The project was funded by contributions from the Australian Government ($6 million), the NSW Government ($4.9 million), and Lismore City Council ($1.5 million).

With national recognition now in sight, Oakes Oval stands as a shining example of what’s possible when community, sport, and smart investment come together. Lismore’s future as a premier sporting destination has never looked brighter.

 

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