Afford your own home – information night brings hope for Richmond-Tweed
April 11, 2012
An information night is being held on Thursday May 3rd to help local people understand how they may own a home of their own. On offer are the results of research into changing home needs and strategies that make ownership affordable and tailored to this region. All are welcome.
Australian industry leaders have come together as the Future Housing Taskforce to bring back The Great Australian Dream of home ownership. The Taskforce set a new industry record for enquiries when they built an eco-friendly affordable home in a warehouse to demonstrate how councils were so out of touch with the real needs of the Australian public. The Smarter Small Home was profiled on A Current Affair (smartersmallhome.com.au).
Future Housing Task Force founder Kevin Doodney (pictured), who will be the main speaker at the information night, has been working with 16 councils to help bring home ownership closer to ordinary Australians.
“The Future Housing Taskforce is responding to a media story by Peter Weekes of January 24, which put Richmond Tweed as the highest land value in Australia,” said Kevin Doodney.
“This makes the region the most unaffordable in the whole nation, putting massive pressure on new families being able to live and work in the region without renting for life. “On the night we are not there to just talk, we are there to deliver immediate solutions that are up to $130,000 cheaper than what is currently on offer. We are spending these weeks leading up to May 3rd focusing on ideas which end up in the delivery back to people of home ownership at various price points, instead of the current one size fits all scenario.”
The information night will show new approaches to housing that suit changing buyer needs from work at home to single households. Kevin will explain how different income levels can access home ownership and the types of homes to suit their budgets. He will also profile some flexible housing options including dual key and duplex.
“Kevin Doodney’s achievements and innovative concepts are world class,” said Peter Sherrie, National President of the Urban Development Institute of Australia.
The event is sponsored by Tallowood Ridge Estate in Mullumbimby, who are offering generous incentives with land from $195,000.
7:00pm Thursday 3rd May, Mullumbimby Civic Hall MC Mandy Nolan, food and coffee available from Cafe Xpress $5 entry fee, which goes to Mullumbimby Youth Cottage. Kids free and welcome. For more information about the night contact 6687 1492 or johnbennettcedar@gmail.com
Grow friendships and food through new ‘Landshare Buddy’ Competition for Northern Rivers
September 13, 2011
Landshare Australia is launching a special promotion just for the Northern Rivers called Landshare Buddies with a first prize worth more than $850.
Local Garden Guru Phil Dudman (pictured) is a founder of Landshare Australia and says growing your own helps in building friendships as well as growing food.
Vogue Living editor speaks on Design Trends
July 3, 2011
115 guests gathered at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa on Thursday 30th June to hear Vogue Living’s editor David Clark talk about Design Trends, after his recent trip to Salone Internazionale del Mobile (International Design Week) in Milan.
The Northern Rivers’ design and development communities as well as guests from Bellingen to Brisbane made the trip to the resort to enjoy two courses from Head Chef Gavin Hughes and hear David speak.
As to the trends, David pointed out that nowadays whilst there are always different movements from which people can be inspired and educated, design comes down to individual taste and one’s existing home.
He urges people to trust their judgment, take risks and enjoy the process of design, which does not need to be about budget.
“There are so many options these days, not necessarily expensive ones, and it’s important to trust your instincts,” he said.
PICTURES: (Top) Lucy Clark, David Clark and Seana Ryan. (Below) Rhian Paton from Byron Bay with Ava Benny-Morrison. (Bottom) Therese Holland, Kerry Molloy and Gai Lawler.
Vogue Living editor to speak in Byron Bay
May 14, 2011
Vogue Living’s editor, David Clark, will visit Byron Bay in late June to deliver a talk on Design Trends.
Having recently returned from the Salone Internazionale del Mobile (International Design Week) in Milan, David invites you to join him on a journey through this year’s key trends, designers and pieces.
Encompassing everything from furniture and lighting to homewares and high-tech pieces created by established talents and rising stars, the event will take place over a two-course meal from Gavin Hughes at the award-winning Byron at Byron Resort and Spa.
A veteran of the interior design industry, David Clark has spent the past 27 years loving and learning about the rich colours, fabrics and designs of the world.
Sustainable Agriculture Forums, May 3-4
April 27, 2011
Community members are invited to the free Sustainable Agriculture Forums in Murwillumbah, Ballina, Casino and Maclean on May 3-4.
The forums will showcase successful, innovative and sustainable food production practices in a changing climate.
This is an opportunity to share knowledge with industry experts and see on-farm showcase models for more sustainable food production.
The two keynote speakers will be Murwillumbah’s Greg Reid (Industry & Investment NSW) and Mallanganee’s Stuart Larsson (Mara Seeds).
Forum dates and venues:
- Murwillumbah Tuesday May 3 (Murwillumbah Golf Club, 9-11:30am)
- Ballina Tuesday May 3 (Ballina Beach Resort, 3:30-6pm)
- Casino Wednesday May 4 (Windara Function Centre, 9-11:30am)
- Maclean Wednesday May 4 (Maclean Services Club, 3:30-6pm).
For more information, or to register: visit www.northernriversfoodlinks.com.au , email events@northernriversfoodlinks.com.au or phone Nyree on 0434 261 070.
There is no charge to attend these events, however RSVP is essential for catering purposes.
Handy tips for removing possums from your roof
March 30, 2011
Tweed Shire Council says it receives many calls from residents concerned that a possum may be living in their roof space.
Council’s Natural Resource Management Project Officer Sally Jacka reminded residents that possums, like all other native animals, are protected in NSW. This means it is illegal to harm them in any way, which includes trapping and relocating them in another area.
Government de-lists dodgy insulation installers
December 3, 2009
Three insulation installers deregistered from the Home Insulation Program are the first to be listed on a publicly available website, Environment Minister Peter Garrett said.
“The list of businesses deregistered from operating under the Home Insulation Program sends a strong message to installers and the public that we take non-compliance with the insulation program requirements seriously,” Mr Garrett said.
“All installers working under this program are on notice – if they break the rules, strong action will be taken to ensure they can no longer access payments and now they can also be named to protect householders.
“The consequences of dodgy behaviour for insulation businesses just got a lot tougher.
Voluntary permanent water saving measures introduced
October 12, 2009
Rous Water and the local councils of Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley have introduced voluntary Permanent Water Saving Measures for all town water users, after its proposal received strong support from the community.
All residents and businesses are encouraged to comply with the measures, to ensure sustainable water use throughout the region.
Changes to the First Home Owners Grant Boost
October 1, 2009
Page MP Janelle Saffin says the stimulus created by the Federal Government’s First Home Owners Grant Boost achieved its purpose by supporting jobs and stabilising the housing sector in our region.
“As previously announced, there will be changes to the First Home Owners Grant Boost commencing today,” Ms Saffin said.
“As a part of Budget 2009-2010 the Australian Government announced an extension to the First Home Owners Boost until 31 December 2009, with changes to the payment from 1 October 2009.
“First home buyers who purchase an established house who were eligible for a $14,000 grant will now still be eligible for a $10,500 grant, while those who sign a contract to buy or construct a new home that were eligible for a $21,000 grant will be eligible for a $14,000 grant. After December 31, 2009, the original $7000 First Home Owners Grant will continue.
Schools across Tweed Shire praised for gardening efforts
September 27, 2009
The students at Murwillumbah South Infants Public School are excited about an upcoming ‘schoolyard blitz’ after winning the inaugural ‘Grow your own Garden’ prize at the 18th annual 2009 Tweed Shire Schools Garden Competition.
The school’s garden will receive a makeover, with sponsor Bunnings providing all the plants, mulch and labour needed to establish a new herb and vegetable garden for the school.
Murwillumbah East Public School students are equally thrilled that all their hard work in their garden paid off after taking out the John O’Reilly Memorial ‘Judges’ choice’ perpetual trophy. The school also won the Best Large School Garden category and were placed second in the Schools Garden Project.
