Police appeal for information after sexual assault in Casino
December 30, 2009
Police from the Richmond Local Area Command are appealing for information following the sexual assault of a woman at Casino in the early hours of this morning.
About 5am (on Wednesday the 30th of December, 2009) a man entered a home in Hickey Street, Casino. He allegedly stole property and sexually assaulted the female occupant of the home. The man was last seen running away in the direction of McAuliffe Park about 6am.
Police would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries. He is described as aged between 20 and 40 years old, about 172cm tall, with a medium build and a tanned complexion.
Police are also investigating an incident earlier in the evening in the vicinity of North Street, Casino, where a man was disturbed near a premise in North Street. It is unknown if these incidents are related.
Ballina/Byron U3A to hold course sign-ons
December 28, 2009
The University of the Third Age (U3A) has nothing to do with the modern idea of a university with its connotations of qualifications and prior studies.
Rather, it is a group of like-minded people satisfying an inner urge to learn. It offers low-cost, self-paced learning opportunities and the sharing of interests, skills and knowledge.
This voluntary, self-help learning movement started in France in 1973, and has since spread world-wide.
The Ballina/Byron branch, using the same guidelines as the international model, began in 1994.
Missing woman found in Lismore
December 28, 2009
Lismore Police have located a woman who had been missing for 11 days.
The woman, Samantha Parker, aged 22, was reported missing after she left Lismore Base Hospital about 5pm on Thursday 17 December. Serious concerns were held for her well-being.
Police had conducted extensive searches and media appeals for the woman during the past 11 days without success.
Acting on information provided, the woman was found by police safe and well at Goonellabah last night.
Police wish to thank the community and the media for their assistance in this matter.
Man drowns at Ballina; another collapses and dies at Yamba
December 26, 2009
Less than 48 hours after a young man drowned on the Central Coast, another man has lost his life, at Ballina’s Lighthouse Beach.
A man was swimming with his 16-year old son around 11.30am today when they both got into difficulty.
Surf Life Saving NSW said they were swimming about 200 metres south of a patrolled area when they became caught in a rip current.
Surf lifesavers on patrol from Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC responded with rescue boat and boards and were able to bring the teenage son back to shore.
The missing man was found 20 minutes later near the wall to the Richmond River entrance. Lifesavers and Ambulance personnel conducted CPR, however he was pronounced deceased.
It was the second death on Far North Coast beaches today. Shortly after 1pm today a man in his seventies collapsed while swimming at Yamba beach.
Lifeguards on duty responded but attempts to revive the man were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead. “It is understood the patient had a history of previous cardiac issues,” a Surf Life Saving NSW spokesperson said.
Surf Life Saving NSW Manager of Lifesaving, Dean Storey, said: “Prevention is the key and learning to spot a rip current should be on everyone’s holiday job list.
“If you do find yourself caught in one, don’t panic, stick your arm in the air and float until help arrives. If you’re a strong swimmer, you can try swimming parallel to the beach until you’re clear of the current.
“Swimming between the red and yellow flags is our number one surf safety message this holiday season.”
Surf Life Saving has launched a major education campaign on rip currents. Go to www.ripcurrents.com.au for more information.
Major new sport tourism events set for Tweed in 2010
December 23, 2009
The Tweed is set to be home to new major sporting events including the ‘Battle on the Border’ (cycling), Kingy Tri (triathlon) and the popular Casuarina Cup (Touch Football), as well as athlete high-performance programs, in 2010.
Tweed Shire Council, QSMSports and Tweed Tourism have commenced initial talks and planning to bring a new program of three marquee sporting events and development programs to the Tweed which will grow over time, bringing 12,000 participants to the Tweed by 2012.
Tweed Tourism hosts a Mad Hatter’s race day at Murwillumbah
December 23, 2009
It may be too hot for the traditional Fashions on the Field, but Tweed Tourism is asking racegoers to go crazy with their headwear for the Mad Hatter’s Competition being held as part of the annual Tweed Tourism Race Day on Sunday, January 3, at the Murwillumbah race track.
Tweed Tourism General Manager, Phil Villiers (pictured), is hoping the traditional country race meeting will attract a strong contingent of locals and visitors looking for a great value family day out during the holidays.
“We’ll have lots of tourists here who will probably be ready for a break from the beach and, at $10 per person, a day at the beautiful Murwillumbah racetrack would have to be the best-value day out available in the region,” said Mr Villiers.
Small business tax break ends on December 31
December 22, 2009
As the Christmas sales approach, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Small Business Minister, Dr Craig Emerson, are reminding business owners they have only a few days left to take advantage of their own big discount.
“The Rudd Government’s small business tax break runs out on December 31 – so it really is a case of hurry, hurry, hurry,” the Assistant Treasurer said.
“It’s a double win for small business – a 50 per cent tax break on goods they could be buying at reduced Christmas sale prices.
“It’s also a win for the economy and jobs. Taking advantage of the 50 per cent deduction will help small businesses retool and upgrade, while boosting the economy.
Tyalgum water restrictions lifted
December 22, 2009
he Level 2 water restrictions introduced in Tyalgum village on 11 December 2009 have been lifted, effective immediately.
This week’s rainfall has eased water concerns in the Tyalgum Village water supply, with blue-green algae levels returning to low.
Tweed Shire Council’s Manager Water, Anthony Burnham, said there was now sufficient flow in the Oxley River at Tyalgum and the water quality is again suitable for treatment.
Mr Burnham expressed the council’s gratitude to the Tyalgum community and the water carters for their co-operation during this short but necessary period of restrictions.
“Council is mindful that this may only be temporary relief and if the hot weather returns without further rainfall, restrictions may need to be reintroduced. The recent rain and subsequent lifting of restrictions highlighted the dynamic nature of the Tweed water supply,” he said.
Man dies in road crash near Tweed Heads
December 20, 2009
The State’s Christmas-New Year road toll has risen to seven after the death of a father of two in a single-car crash in the State’s north.
About 10.30pm yesterday, police were called to the Duranbah Road, about 15km south of Tweed Heads, after reports of a car leaving the road and hitting a power pole.
On arriving police and ambulance found a Commodore sedan had hit a power pole, ejecting the passenger, a 30-year-old man who died at the scene.
The 25-year-old driver was trapped due to his injuries and had to be removed by emergency services. He was taken to The Tweed Hospital in a serious condition
Tweed Tourism Activities & Attractions
December 19, 2009
Whale Watching
Every year from early June to late November, the majestic humpback whales make their annual migration to their northern breeding grounds, travelling close to the Tweed Coast. Regular ‘stars’ include Migaloo, the world’s only documented all-white humpback, and the occasional pod of killer whales. There are two whale watching boats operating from the Tweed Coast, each offering very different experiences:
Aquatic Blue Charters – www.aquaticbluecharters.com.au
46-passenger purpose-built whale watching vessel
Tweed Snorkelling & Whale Watching – www.tweedoceanadventures.com.au
10-passenger inflatable zodiac offering a unique up-close-and-personal experience
