Severe Heatwave Alert for Northern NSW: Stay Safe and Hydrated

Severe heatwave conditions are forecast for Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands, and North West Slopes & Plains Districts starting Wednesday, 22 January, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

NSW Ambulance is urging residents in affected areas, including Byron Bay, Glen Innes, Inverell, Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, and Moree, to prepare for temperatures rising into the 30s and 40s.

Stay Prepared: Key Advice from NSW Ambulance

NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director of Emergency Management, emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and planning ahead.

“With the severe heatwave predicted, it’s important that everyone stays hydrated, avoids the heat during peak hours, and checks in on vulnerable people,” Chief Superintendent Vaughan said.

Heatwave Safety Tips

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle at all times.
2. Keep Cool:
   • Seek air-conditioned environments.
   • Close blinds and use fans.
   • Take cool showers or baths.
   • Wear light, loose clothing made from natural fabrics.
3. Avoid the Heat:
   • Plan activities during the coolest parts of the day.
   • Refrain from exercising in extreme heat.
4. Check on Vulnerable People:
   • People over 65, babies and young children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are at higher risk.
5. Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles:
   • Temperatures inside parked cars can double in minutes, posing fatal risks.

Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Symptoms may include:

• Mild symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and cramps.
  • Actions: Move to a cool area, use fans or air conditioning, take a cool shower, and sip water.
• Severe symptoms:
  • Sudden rise in body temperature
  • Lack of sweating
  • Aggressive or strange behavior
  • Fainting or seizures

For severe symptoms, seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Stay Informed

• For health advice: Visit the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• For weather updates: Refer to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.

Let’s work together to stay safe and protect our communities during this severe heatwave.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Growing Your Own Avocado Tree

By Liam Jennings

Nothing compares to the satisfaction of growing your own fresh produce, and one of the most rewarding plants to cultivate is the humble avocado tree. With its creamy fruit enjoyed in everything from salads to smoothies, the avocado has become a staple in many kitchens. But instead of heading to the store, why not grow your own tree at home?

Do You Need Two Avocado Trees to Get Fruit?

No, you don’t! A single avocado tree is capable of producing fruit on its own, as most varieties have both male and female flower phases on the same plant, allowing for self-pollination.

Avocado trees have a unique flowering process. Varieties are divided into two types based on their flowering patterns:

• Group A: Flowers open as female in the morning, close, and then reopen as male the following afternoon.
• Group B: Flowers open as female in the afternoon, close, and reopen as male the next morning.

While this alternating pattern usually allows self-pollination, there are times when the flowers’ male and female phases don’t overlap perfectly. In such cases, self-pollination may not occur, so planting different varieties nearby can improve the chances of successful pollination. This is why many avocado growers opt to plant multiple trees to ensure a reliable fruit set.

How to Sprout an Avocado Seed

Growing an avocado tree from seed is surprisingly simple and a fun project for any home gardener. You only need three basic things to get started: an avocado, three toothpicks, and a glass of water.

Start by carefully removing the pit from the avocado and giving it a good rinse to remove any remaining fruit. Identify the flat end of the seed (which will face downward) and the pointed end (which should face upward). Next, insert three toothpicks evenly around the seed’s middle, creating a support to suspend the bottom half in water. Place the seed in a glass of water, ensuring the flat bottom end is submerged.

Change the water regularly to keep it fresh. Within 2 to 4 weeks, you should see roots emerging from the bottom and a sprout starting to grow from the top. If nothing happens after a few weeks, don’t be discouraged—simply try again! Growing plants from seed is always a bit of trial and error.

Optimal Conditions for Growing Avocado Trees

Avocado trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, but with proper care, they can also grow well in warm temperate and cooler regions where frost is minimal or non-existent. Some cold-hardy varieties can withstand temperatures as low as -5°C, though frost tolerance varies depending on the cultivar, so it’s essential to check the label before purchasing.

Best Environment for Avocado Trees

Avocado trees flourish in full sun and should be planted in a location protected from strong winds. Young trees are susceptible to sunburn, particularly in the intense summer sun. To prevent this, consider applying a diluted whitewash to the trunk. Once established, avocado trees are hardy and can withstand a range of conditions.

Ideal Soil for Avocado Trees

The key to healthy avocado growth lies in the soil. Avocado trees prefer deep, fertile, and well-draining soil. A few weeks before planting, enrich the soil by incorporating well-aged cow manure and a generous amount of blood and bone.

For those growing avocado trees in pots, it’s crucial to use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix. This ensures proper root health and reduces the risk of root rot.

Best Time to Plant an Avocado Tree

In tropical and subtropical areas, you can plant avocado trees year-round. However, in cooler regions, it’s best to plant during spring when the risk of frost is low.

To plant, dig a hole large enough to comfortably fit the tree’s root ball. Gently remove the tree from its pot, tease out the roots, and place it in the hole. Backfill with soil, apply mulch around the base, and water well.

Watering Requirements

Regular watering is vital, especially when the tree is young. However, it’s important to avoid overwatering, as avocado trees dislike “wet feet” (waterlogged roots). Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

Fertilising Avocado Trees

Young avocado trees benefit from regular feeding with a complete fertiliser to encourage healthy growth. Once the tree matures and begins producing fruit, switch to feeding with organic chook manure or a complete fertiliser during fruit set. Repeat this feeding process in summer and early autumn to support fruit development and overall tree health.

When to Harvest Avocados

Avocados reach maturity while still on the tree but only begin to ripen after being picked. To check if your avocados are ready for harvest, pick one and leave it indoors to ripen. If it softens without shrivelling, it’s a sign that the rest of the crop is ready to be picked.

There’s no need to harvest all the fruit at once; however, don’t leave them hanging on the tree for too long, as this can reduce the tree’s fruiting potential for the following season. The time it takes for avocados to mature varies based on the local climate—trees in tropical and subtropical regions will typically produce ripe fruit earlier, while those in temperate and cooler areas may take longer.

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Pets In The Park Opens Northern Rivers Clinic to Support Homeless Pet Owners

By Jeff Gibbs

Pets In The Park (PITP), a national charity providing free veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness, has announced the opening of its newest clinic in Northern Rivers, a region facing some of the highest homelessness rates in Australia.

For many individuals experiencing homelessness, pets are a source of companionship, hope, and unconditional love. However, the financial burden of pet ownership often forces them to prioritise their pets’ needs over their own, making access to basic veterinary care a significant challenge.

“Pet ownership brings immense joy and enrichment, but also substantial financial challenges,” said Jay Potter, President of PITP. “Too often, owners sacrifice their own welfare to ensure their pets’ health. This is where Pets In The Park plays such an important role.”

A Monthly Lifeline for Homeless Pet Owners

The new monthly clinic, held in Byron Bay, will support individuals and their pets living rough in Ballina, Lismore, Mullumbimby, Evans Head, and surrounding areas. Accessible via referrals from local homelessness support organizations, the clinic will offer free veterinary consultations, vaccinations, parasite control, microchipping, and treatment of common ailments.

In addition to healthcare, donated pet products, including food, bedding, and toys, will be distributed to enhance the pets’ overall well-being.

A Collaborative Effort

The clinic’s establishment is the result of a year of dedicated planning by veterinary professionals Dr. Elizabeth Settles, Helen McGregor, and Lauren Archer, working with PITP’s national office. They secured a venue, gathered local veterinarians and vet nurses willing to volunteer, and developed a sustainable model to improve healthcare for these pets.

“This started with a conversation about the parvo outbreak in Lismore and how unaffordable vaccines were impacting puppies,” said Dr. Settles. “It evolved into creating a clinic to address broader veterinary care challenges for homeless pet owners.”

From March 2025, students from Southern Cross University’s new Vet Science program will join as volunteers, gaining invaluable experience while helping the community.

A Region in Crisis

The Northern Rivers region faces an acute housing crisis, with skyrocketing property prices and a highly competitive rental market that often excludes pet owners. Many individuals live in cars or refuse emergency accommodation to keep their pets. The lingering effects of natural disasters have only exacerbated these challenges.

Get Involved

Veterinary professionals are invited to volunteer through PITP’s website at www.petsinthepark.org.au. The charity relies solely on donations, with contributions over $2 tax-deductible in Australia.

To learn more about Pets In The Park, click here.

By providing essential services to pets and their owners, Pets In The Park is making a critical difference in the lives of Northern Rivers residents, helping them navigate the challenges of homelessness while keeping their beloved companions by their side.

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New Agricultural Levies Legislation to Simplify Obligations

By Ian Rogers

A streamlined agricultural levies framework is set to replace the existing system from January 1, 2025, simplifying obligations for participants and making the system more accessible and efficient.

The overhaul consolidates more than 50 pieces of legislation governing 110 levies and charges across 75 commodities and 18 recipient bodies into just five Acts and subordinate legislation.

Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy, Matt Lowe, highlighted the benefits of the new framework.

“From the start of 2025, the new legislation will make obligations clearer for levy payers, collection agents, and bodies that receive levies, while also supporting industries looking to introduce new levies or modify existing ones,” Mr. Lowe said.

“This more flexible and consistent approach will benefit current and future participants in the levy system, ensuring industries can maximise the advantages of collective investment.”

The revamped legislation aims to strengthen the partnership between industry and government by reducing administrative complexity and costs. It will continue to support investment in research and development, marketing, biosecurity, and residue testing.

Increased Certainty and Flexibility

Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) are set to enjoy greater funding certainty under the new framework, which provides a foundation for ongoing improvements.

“Our agricultural levy system has been a cornerstone of industry investment for decades, and the new framework will make it stronger and more effective,” Mr. Lowe said.

The changes follow a comprehensive review that revealed the previous system, developed over the past 30 years, had grown in an ad hoc manner and was no longer fit for purpose.

Extensive Consultation and Key Features

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry conducted extensive consultations with industry groups, levy payers, collection agents, and recipient bodies to develop the new framework.

Key elements of the levy system, such as levy rates and their intended purposes, remain unchanged. However, participants may notice administrative updates, including new forms and due dates.

Levies are collected from farmers, producers, processors, and exporters, with any proposed changes requiring majority support among levy payers.

Continued Investment in Industry Growth

In the 2023-24 fiscal year, entities such as RDCs, Animal Health Australia, Plant Health Australia, and the National Residue Survey received over $600 million in levy payments. The Australian Government further contributed $470 million in matching funding for research and development activities.

This updated legislation ensures the levy system remains a robust tool for supporting Australia’s primary industries, enabling collective investment in strategic priorities that drive industry growth and sustainability.

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Improving Mental Health Support for Farmers Amid Droughts and Rising Temperatures

By Ian Rogers

The mental health of Australian farmers is increasingly at risk as droughts and rising temperatures intensify due to climate change. These extreme weather events exacerbate financial hardship, degrade environmental conditions, and reduce employment opportunities, often triggering mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Impact of Drought and Heat

Research shows that extreme droughts are strongly associated with higher suicide rates in rural areas, with male and younger farmers particularly vulnerable. A study in the Murray-Darling Basin revealed that extreme droughts raised the suicide rate by nearly one-third, and hotter temperatures also contributed to increased suicide rates.

A 2023 survey by Norco and the National Farmers’ Federation found nearly half of Australian farmers had experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide, with the top stressors being:

• Weather and natural disasters
• Financial pressures
• Inflation and rising costs

Current Interventions and Challenges

Existing mental health interventions in rural areas include telehealth services, men’s sheds, and drought counseling. However, stigma around mental health, especially among men, remains a barrier to seeking help. Farmers often prefer discussing issues with trusted individuals, highlighting the need for community-based mental health advocates.

A Way Forward

To address these challenges, a comprehensive approach is required:

• Break the Stigma: Encourage open conversations and peer support through initiatives like a “Farmers’ Army” of mental health advocates.
• Build Resilience: Promote drought preparedness, financial literacy, and alternative income sources such as natural capital.
• Policy and Research: Develop regional development policies and invest in research to better understand and address the issue.
• Expand Access: Increase funding and availability of mental health services in rural communities.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to organizations like Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 224 636). Breaking the cycle of mental health struggles is critical for the wellbeing of Australia’s farming communities.

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