Olympic Games ‘surreal but awesome’
Geoff Helisma. When it comes to succeeding at sport, desire is a powerful motivator – and it often makes itself apparent during a human’s formative years. Grafton-born Olympian Ryan Maskelyne – one of only two swimmers who represented Papua New Guinea at the Olympic Games – first made his Olympics dream public at the 2009 Yamba Convent Beach to Main Beach Ocean Swim. “He told us he intended swimming for PNG at the Olympics,” his uncle, Eddy Durkan, says. “He was 11 and is now 22.”
Yamba’s oldest cottages
John McNamara. In March 1884, the lease and household effects of the “Ocean View” Boarding House in Pilot Street overlooking Yamba Beach was taken up by James and Hannah Ryall who later purchased the freehold from Kinnear in 1888. Ryall was a baker and established a bakery adjoining the boarding house.
The sweet business of mushroom grow bags
In a partnership between Sunshine Sugar and biotechnology company Sustinent, mushroom grow bags using sugarcane biomass are currently being developed as a commercial product on-site at the Harwood sugar mill. CEO of Sunshine Sugar, Mr Chris Connors said; “With gourmet mushrooms in demand across the world for their flavour, versatility and health benefits, we see this project as a great fit for our diversification program. By teaming up with the experts at Sustinent, we will be producing a world-class product by the end of the year.”
Community embraces reopened Lawrence Museum
Emma Pritchard. One of the most popular attractions at the museums reopening was a local blacksmiths display by Don Shannon along with husband and wife team Joel and Jess See of Fortis Creek Forge. Visitors watched with interest as they demonstrated with seasoned precision, the skills and workmanship which made blacksmithing such a valuable resource to several early industries.
Tenterfield says no to CVC’s anti-mining stance
Geoff Helisma. Tenterfield Shire Council voted unanimously at its June meeting that it “does not support” Clarence Valley Council’s (CVC) decision “to oppose mining in the Clarence River catchment”. The Tenterfield council was responding to CVC’s correspondence, which was sent to “adjoining councils that have responsibility for areas draining into the Clarence River catchment, requesting that they support council’s stand and … oppose mining in areas affecting the Clarence River catchment”.
This week’s fishing location – Lover’s Point (Yamba Point)
Lover's Point is a rocky headland in Yamba that juts out into the ocean. It is located 1.5km south of the breakwall. Access is via Ocean Street, and also Pippa Beach. Waves can be big when accessing from the southern side. It is a 600m walk out to the point.
Koala care walk & talk at Ashby
Barbara Winters. The Ashby Nature Discovery team and the Clarence Valley Koala Working Group proved recently that we can still enjoy Covid-safe community events in the outdoors. The Ashby Hall Reserve is the perfect location to make new connections and go for a walk and learn more about nature while social distancing.
Cycle of awareness and determination
Emma Pritchard. “I don’t know how much time I’ve got left, but I just want to do whatever I can to help and encourage other people who are experiencing difficulties and mental illness to not be afraid to speak up and ask for help, and to also raise awareness of MSA-P" (Multiple System Atrophy): Jason Williams
