Biggest country roads survey to be finished by end of the year
The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation and Transport for NSW with seven Northern Rivers councils are undertaking a whole of network road condition assessment across all sealed roads in the Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley, Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and Tweed LGAs.
Ryan’s death aged 3 put better hospital care in our REACH
Ryan Saunders died in hospital. He was nearly three years old. His parents were worried he was getting worse and didn’t feel their concerns were being acted upon by medical staff. They were right ... When Ryan’s death was found to have been preventable, the Queensland Department of Health made a commitment to introduce a patient escalation process to minimise the possibility of a similar event occurring. It is called Ryan’s Rule.
Magnificent 100 year old photos snapped by George Hunt on the banks of the river
Researcher Jacqui Kennedy knows how to save photos and history. She helped Coraki Museum, Ballina Library and Ballina Naval Museum digitise their photos collections … a visit to Ray Hunt’s home at Tuckurimba two years ago led Jacqui to some astounding photos.
Cow prices drop at weekly cattle sale
Tegan George. Agents yarded 1325 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday, November 16. About 900 were young cattle with a large percentage of weaners in condition to suit restockers. There were very few showing enough finish for the trade.
More funding for patients who must travel for specialised treatments
There’s more financial support for Northern Rivers residents who have to travel a long way for specialist medical treatment. The state government recently added $150 million to the Isolated Patients Travel Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) that is for regional patients.
Norco Primex celebrates
Norco Primex has bounced back after local natural disasters with a near-capacity event. More than 10,000 people attended the final day of Norco Primex 2022 on Saturday ... “We chose to go ahead late this year to ensure Norco Primex 2022 would deliver for North Coast communities": director Bruce Wright.
Maritime museum dreams hit a reef, but they’re still afloat
Wayne Finch has been trying for years to find a home for his father’s collection of maritime memorabilia ... For 55 years, Frank housed his collection at his Highfield Rd home. He built a ship structure with a crows nest towering above the garage. The lookout had views across Kyogle town ... “It became known as the Ship on the Hill and was a truly unique museum in Australia,” Wayne said.
Rural mural is signed, sealed delivered – it’s yours, Casino
The mural is finished. It’s been two years in the making but the water tower on the hill overlooking Casino is complete. The mural is broken into four paintings – the swan, the platypus, the farmer and the Indigenous basket weaver.
Spray, smash and grab – vandals attack pool and park
The Woodenbong Pool and the new playground next to the pool were damaged by vandals on the weekend ... “This latest incident follows a series of incidents in Kyogle and other villages, and in particular the Kyogle pool and surrounding precinct. This increase in vandalism and destructive behaviour is of particular concern to council, and alarmingly the majority of those involved are children”: Kyogle Council general manger Graham Kennett.
Bridge built back better
An 83 year old bridge has been replaced by a new concrete bridge that will last 100 years. The $2.6 million Cedar Point Bridge on Edenville Rd, near Kyogle ... is a single span concrete structure, founded on steel driven piles with greater flood immunity than the previous bridge.

