The Long Way Home Writing Competition Launches for 2025

Local writers will be delving for gold this year with the launch of the Clarence Valley’s annual writing competition. The 2025 competition theme, ‘Heart of Gold’, invites writers to interpret it in their own unique ways.

“We’re hoping to get a trove of original stories that explore all the richness in this theme,” said Claire Aman, Director of The Long Way Home. “In these times, we’re all searching for a heart of gold: a shiny nugget freely given, or even a speck of kindness. It’s a potent symbol. We’re very excited to see what writers come up with.”

The competition is open to everyone, from primary and high school students to adults.

“You don’t need any qualifications or experience,” Claire added. “You just need to make up a story with heart. We’re looking for imaginative stories that surprise us, stories that make us curious about what happens next, stories that make us laugh or make us cry.”

As in previous years, the best entries will be published in an anthology titled ‘Stories from the Clarence Valley 2025 — Heart of Gold,’ set for release at the end of the year.

The Long Way Home, a writing collective, has been nurturing voices across Clarence Valley since 2018, publishing seven books featuring 372 stories to date.

“The competition grows more popular each year,” Claire noted. “We discovered some fabulous writing last year, especially from winners Gra Murdoch, Jia Atwal, and Lilly Mulqueen. We’re expecting to find new talent this year as writers unearth the beating, gleaming heart of gold.”

Key Dates and Submission Details:

• Deadline: 1 June 2025
• Word Limits: Adults: 2,500 words | High School Students: 500 words | Primary Students: 200 words

For more information and to enter the competition, visit here.

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Lismore Student Awarded Prestigious Scholarship to Pursue Academic Dream in Sydney

By Jeff Gibbs

Riley Gallagher-Long, a resilient and ambitious student from Lismore, has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to live and study at St Andrew’s College, one of Australia’s most esteemed residential colleges, located within the University of Sydney. The scholarship, which is granted to only 40 exceptional students from rural and regional communities across Australia, will provide Riley with vital financial and academic support as he continues to pursue his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

This scholarship will cover key expenses, including accommodation, meals, and academic resources, allowing Riley to focus on his studies while immersing himself in the dynamic community of St Andrew’s College. It also provides access to leadership programs, cultural and artistic activities, and a robust support network that will prepare him for a bright future.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

For Riley, this scholarship represents far more than just financial support—it is a turning point in his academic journey. Reflecting on his recent challenges, Riley shared how the 2022 Lismore floods disrupted every aspect of his life:

“The floods turned my life upside down. I lost my home, school, and job. By the time I finished Year 12, I had little savings, and my family couldn’t support my move to Sydney. College felt completely out of reach, so I ended up in an unstable share house without a lease. It was isolating, and staying in the city to finish my degree seemed almost impossible.”

The scholarship has alleviated these pressures, giving Riley the stability and support he needs to succeed:

“This scholarship provides me with secure, high-quality accommodation and places me in a positive, ambitious community. It’s a relief to know I can focus on my studies without worrying about where I’m going to live. Being surrounded by like-minded, driven people at St Andrew’s College will motivate me to push myself academically and personally.”

Resilience Rooted in Lismore

Growing up in Lismore, Riley developed a deep sense of resilience and determination, traits that have shaped his outlook and drive to succeed.

“The experience of seeing my community rebuild after the floods taught me about perseverance and the importance of community support. My journey to university hasn’t been easy, but it has inspired me to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way,” Riley said.

He also expressed gratitude to the teachers, friends, and mentors in Lismore who supported him throughout his high school years:

“I’m incredibly thankful for the encouragement I received back home, which gave me the confidence to pursue my goals.”

Riley Gallagher-Long

A Vision for the Future

Riley is driven by a strong ambition to excel in the field of high finance and sees the scholarship as a key stepping stone toward achieving his goals:

“The opportunities provided by St Andrew’s College—its academic tutoring, leadership programs, and professional development initiatives—will help me build the skills I need to succeed in the financial sector. I’m particularly interested in supporting disadvantaged students like myself in the future, creating pathways for others to access higher education.”

He is eager to immerse himself in the rich culture and community of St Andrew’s College, which includes sports, arts, leadership initiatives, and student-led clubs. Riley was particularly drawn to the college’s ethos of fostering ambition and making a difference, which he sees as deeply aligned with his own values.

About St Andrew’s College

Founded in 1867, St Andrew’s College is a residential community of more than 380 students, postgraduates, and resident fellows, offering a rich and diverse environment for academic, cultural, and personal growth. The college has earned a reputation as a hub of excellence, supported by one of the most generous scholarship programs in Australia, providing $2.2 million annually to students in need.

The college’s alumni network includes some of Australia’s most accomplished individuals, including:

• 19 Rhodes Scholars
• Doc Evatt, former Australian High Court Judge and United Nations President
• John Bradfield, the designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Entrepreneurs Robbie and James Ferguson, founders of tech company Immutable
• Olympians and sports leaders, including Matilda’s representatives Clare Hunt and Clare Wheeler

Dr. Daniel Tyler, Principal of St Andrew’s College, highlighted the importance of the scholarship program and Riley’s selection:

“St Andrew’s recognises the unique challenges faced by rural and regional students in accessing higher education. These scholarships are strategically designed to ease those challenges and enrich our community with diverse perspectives and talents. Riley Gallagher-Long is a worthy recipient, and we look forward to seeing his contributions to our academic, sporting, artistic, and cultural programs.”

Advice for Rural and Regional Students

Riley offered words of encouragement for other students from rural and regional areas:

“Coming from a town like Lismore, it’s easy to feel like your options are limited, but nothing is out of reach. Dream big, work hard, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Pursuing unique passions beyond school or work can help you stand out as a well-rounded individual.”

A Bright Path Ahead

As Riley embarks on his journey at St Andrew’s College and continues his studies at UNSW, he is committed to making the most of this opportunity and giving back to the community that has supported him. With his resilience, ambition, and gratitude, Riley Gallagher-Long exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and determination, inspiring others to pursue their dreams against all odds.

For more information about St Andrew’s College and its scholarship programs, visit here.

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Nimbin and Casino Move Towards Better Drinking Water

By Jeff Gibbs

Residents of the Northern Rivers are set to benefit from safer and more reliable drinking water, with $357,000 in funding secured for planning and design work to significantly improve water quality in Nimbin and Casino.

The Minns Labor Government is contributing $123,500 towards these projects, with additional funding of $165,000 from Lismore City Council and $68,500 from Richmond Valley Council. The funding will support the development of infrastructure solutions to ensure higher water treatment standards for these communities.

Nimbin

In Nimbin, concept designs are underway for a new filtration and treatment system to provide better-quality water to the town’s 2,422 residents.

Following the installation of a temporary plant during the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, a modern, permanent solution is needed to treat raw water from Mulgum Creek that flows into the D.E. Williams storage dam. The new plant aims to eliminate boil water alerts for households, delivering consistent, high-quality drinking water.

Casino

Meanwhile, in Casino, investigations are exploring options to upgrade the town’s 40-year-old water treatment plant, which has struggled to handle river water containing algae and organic matter during droughts, heavy rains, or bushfires.

The upgrades aim to improve water quality for the town’s 11,000 residents, while also reducing operational and maintenance challenges for Richmond Valley Council.

State and Local Leadership

The projects are part of the NSW Safe and Secure Water Program, which is supporting up to $1 billion worth of regional projects across the state, with more than 260 initiatives in various stages of delivery. Both the Nimbin concept design and the Casino options study are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin:

“Water security is front of mind for the Northern Rivers region, so it’s great to see the NSW Government looking to the future to ensure places like Nimbin and Casino get the water services they deserve.

“These funds will get the ball rolling on boosting drinking water quality in both towns, which is excellent news for locals as well as the many visitors who flock to this region every year.

“Getting the planning and design processes right is extremely important because these are the essential stepping stones to putting the right infrastructure in place to serve local communities for decades to come.”

Lismore City Council Mayor, Cr Steve Krieg:

“Joining forces with the NSW Government to complete the concept design for a new filtration system for Nimbin, equipped with 21st-century technology, will treat water to a higher standard and help end boil water alerts for those on the town water network.

“We know raw water supply in Nimbin is often affected by weather conditions and organic matter in Mulgum Creek, which is why we are keen to move this project to the tender-ready stage to improve outcomes for the community.”

Richmond Valley Council Mayor, Cr Robert Mustow:

“Kickstarting investigations into the best options for upgrading the water treatment plant to help future-proof water services for Casino is a big win for locals, businesses, and visitors.

“We know extreme weather events can significantly impact water quality in the Richmond River, so ensuring we have advanced infrastructure in place to produce high-quality drinking water is a necessity.”

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Life-Saving Defibrillators for Lismore Electorate Sports Facilities

By Jeff Gibbs

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has applauded eight local sporting organisations for securing a share of $500,000 in NSW Government funding to install potentially life-saving defibrillators at their facilities.

“With more people participating in sport and active recreation across the Lismore Electorate, it’s essential that our facilities are equipped with these devices,” Ms. Saffin said. “I commend the recipients for prioritising the safety and well-being of their participants.”

Funding Recipients in the Lismore Electorate:

• Cawongla District Tennis and Recreation Club Incorporated: Cawongla Tennis Club & Community Defibrillator – $2,345
• Dunoon United Football Club: AED at Dunoon 2480 – $2,999
• Flourish Projects Incorporated, Lismore: Defibrillator Installation for Community Safety – $3,000
• Lismore GG’s Golden Rugby Club: Saving Players’ Lives – $2,290
• Murwillumbah Croquet Club: Murwillumbah Croquet Club AED – $2,450
• Northern United Rugby League Football Club, Lismore: Defibrillator on standby at Northern United RLFC – Improving survival rates with a rapid response – $2,999
• Rainbow Roos AU Incorporated, Lismore: Fun & Inclusive Soccer For All – $2,499
• Urbenville & District Bowling Club: Urbenville Bowls Club Defibrillator Project – $2,999

The funding was awarded as part of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, which provides up to $3,000 per organisation for the purchase, installation, and training in the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Since the program began, more than 2,500 devices have been distributed to sport and recreation organisations across the state.

“These defibrillators are crucial tools that can save lives in an emergency, and I’m proud to see so many local organisations taking steps to ensure the safety of their players, members, and spectators,” Ms. Saffin added.

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Applications Open for $450,000 in Local Infrastructure Grants

By Jeff Gibbs

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has announced that applications are now open for the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, with this year’s funding allocation for the Lismore electorate increased from $300,000 to $450,000.

The program supports local infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental, and recreational outcomes while fostering community participation, inclusion, and cohesion.

“This enhanced program is a fantastic opportunity for not-for-profit organisation’s and local councils to secure funding for projects that meet community needs,” Ms. Saffin said.

Key Details for 2025 Applications

• Eligible Applicants: Incorporated not-for-profit community organisation’s and local councils.
• Grant Range: Between $10,000 and $100,000.
• Eligible Projects:
• Building, refurbishing, or repairing community infrastructure.
• Purchasing freestanding equipment or vehicles.
• Applications Open: Tuesday, 28 January 2025.
• Applications Close: 5pm AEDT, Friday, 21 February 2025.

Ms. Saffin emphasised the program’s transformative impact.

“The program is highly competitive, but we’ve seen how grant success can truly change the game for projects that meet real community needs. I encourage all eligible organisation’s to apply and make the most of this funding opportunity.”

Since its launch in 2009, the Community Building Partnership Program has invested over $464 million into more than 20,900 projects statewide, making a lasting difference to local communities.

Detailed guidelines are available here. Successful applicants will be announced in August 2025.

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