Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, Christmas beetles seem rare now
Kym Watling. November has come and gone in Unumgar without the sighting of a Christmas beetle – once a reliable reminder that the Christmas season was about to commence. It wasn’t that long ago that Christmas beetles were plentiful in the Northern Rivers.
Decision made on Bentley Quarry
The Northern Regional Planning Panel chair Penny Holloway heard 38 people speak for or against the development application for the Bentley Quarry expansion at an online meeting on Wednesday, December 7 ... Ms Holloway announced that the quarry expansion DA was considered to be in the public interest and the DA was approved.
A wall of Kindness helps people give and receive
A Kindness Wall was revealed at the Casino Neighbourhood Centre. The wall provides clothes for the people who need them and was set up by Momentum Collective ... “With the perfect motto, Leave one if you can. Take one if you need, the wall provides an opportunity for people who can help and a great way for people in need to have some essential items”: Fiona Miller, Momentum Collective.
Students rock on and meet their idol Keith Urban
The Brisbane Entertainment Centre became the classroom for Urbenville Public School students on Saturday, December 3. The students were special guests of rockstar Keith Urban. Teacher Mel Sifko said they “had the most magical night. We were ushered in through a VIP entrance to our own special room."
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.

