Northern Rivers Talking Turkey » Other Stories

The Maples rock Ukitopia

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 02:00:14 +0000

The Maples, Kyogle’s emerging youth band, has struck gold yet again. On Sunday 20th November, at the Ukitopia Music Festival, The Maples rocked the stage at the Mt Warning Hotel, Uki.Their repertoire consisted of classic rock, “Maplicious” blues and jazz and for the first time, with a lot of nerves, they let loose with their originals. The nerves were not needed, as they were rewarded with a dance floor full of enthusiastic fans.Upon talking with the band afterwards, Ethan Reilly said “We play the music we love, so we love to play the music”. This certainly was quite apparent on the day. The band also wanted to thank Lil Fi who has supported and promoted them from the get go, back when they had their first gig as her supporting act at the Blues Night held in Kyogle.The Maples were seen by visitors from all over South East Queensland and Northern NSW and have had booking offers at the Gold Coast and Brisbane. So join “The Maples” on Facebook to keep up to date with their gig dates and other information.For all booking enquiries email:themaplesenquiries@gmail.com or ring Linda on 0427 099 238.

Jurassic Joe releases DVD

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:59:00 +0000

Many of you would have the first children’s CD put out by Jurassic Joe (aka Joe Landers) some years ago, so it will come as no surprise to learn that, having travelled extensively throughout Australia performing his Jurassic dinosaur shows, he has released a fantastic DVD called Jurassic Joe Live at Queensland Museum – a perfect Christmas present for children of all ages. Joe was performing on the street in Kyogle when I caught up with him, and he had a host of children joining him, singing his songs and dancing to the beat. One young family had caught his show in Melbourne and was thrilled to see him here as well. Joe told me that he has had a wonderful response to his live shows, and his enjoyment in entertaining littlies is apparent. “But I wouldn’t give up my teaching,” he said. “I love it too much.” Fay Fardon – Kyogle correspondent

Roxy Gallery presents…

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:58:11 +0000

‘Once Again’ is an exhibition of colour, vibrancy and high quality works artists from throughout the region, many local to Kyogle. Each year at this time the Roxy Gallery conducts an exhibition with gift giving in mind. The works on display and for sale in this exhibition can be purchased and removed from the gallery prior to the closure of the exhibition allowing people to organise their Christmas Gifts in time . ‘Once Again’ will be on display until 28th January 2012 allowing plenty of time for people to stop into the gallery and admire the creative talents residing in our local area. A variety of works from photography, prints, drawings, ceramics, and fabric have been arranged to produce a very spectacular exhibition.The Director of the Roxy Gallery, along with the Kyogle Council would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the many willing volunteers that assist in keeping the gallery open to the general public. There are a lot of wonderful people living in our community and their engagement in supporting the arts is testament to the success of the Roxy Gallery. To date over five thousand people have visited the gallery in 2011, this is not inclusive of how many people will visit ‘Once Again’. The exhibition program for 2012 is completely filled with eleven new exhibitions of work from people living in our area to look forward to and bookings are filling fast for exhibition space for 2013. So if you are interested in having a show at the Roxy Gallery now is the time to get serious and organise a space for 2013, leaving plenty of time to get the work done.To all the lovers of art and creative expression wishing you a merry, safe and colourful festive season.

Exhibition: Once AgainDates: Til 28th Jan 2012

Kyogle P A & H Society Annual General Meeting

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:53:08 +0000

Notice is hereby given that the Kyogle P A & H Society (Show Society) will hold its AGM on Monday Feb 13th 2012 at 7-00PM at the Kyogle Showground. Written nominations for the position of President, 2 Vice Presidents, Treasurer and Public Officer will be received up until 4-00PM Monday February 6th 2012. Nominations to be posted to The Secretary, PO Box 19, Kyogle 2474. The nominations to be signed by two committee members and be signed by the Candidate.All Society members are encouraged to attend the meeting and vote. Only members who are financial at the time of the meeting are eligible to vote and as the Society’s financial year runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31 members will have to pay their dues ($10-00 single, $20-00 double) on the night of the meeting, or beforehand if they wish to vote. For any enquiries, or to get a nomination form please phone Wendy on 6633 1276 AH, or 0438 554 385 any time.Wendy Piggott, Secretary.

Kyogle Toy Library

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:52:49 +0000

The Toy Library will be closed from 16th December, 2011 and will re-open on 2nd February, 2012. We would like to take this opportunity to thank every one for their support during the year and wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year

Kyogle High School Year12 – 2012 induction

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:46:15 +0000

Following Welcome to Country at the Kyogle High School assembly on Thursday, 8th December, MC Janet Andrews (Deputy Principal) introduced the 53 Year 12 – 2012 students to a packed auditorium. Captains, Lachlan Crawter and Lillian Kapsidiswios, and Vice-captains Michael Stephens and Hannah Judd spoke briefly, thanking the outgoing captains for their example and leadership, and pledging to show what public education can achieve. Senior Leaders were also introduced – Rebecca O’Reilly, Nicola Fletcher, Shyarn Tryhorn, Jeremy Clark, Finn Graham and Trevor Vail. As the remaining students were introduced, their parents pinned the badges onto their shirts. Before leading the Seniors’ Oath, Year Adviser, Dave Stewart spoke of the leadership of the Seniors, reminding them that this is a great time to celebrate the occasion in recognition of their role responsibilities, and encouraging parents, teachers and the community to assist them to reach their possibilities.School Principal, Janeen Silcock said, “We have a talented, remarkable young group who will be the first group through with Senior Leaders. Their roles will exemplify leadership and modelling responsibilities of our school. Our new motto is; ‘Here to Learn. Here to Lead’ – we believe they will set the standard for others to follow.”Students Elliott Lewis-Hall and Sam Fardon played a beautiful guitar duet, Tchaikovsky’s ‘Dance of the Cygnets’, following which Year 12 students read their school pledge, before recessing from the auditorium to prolonged applause. Fay Fardon – Kyogle correspondent

Season’s Greetings from KAMS and thanks for a wonderful year!

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:45:28 +0000

The KAMS Jam at the Amphitheatre was very productive, with a circle of eight pickers, from beginners to advanced, playing songs in Irish and bluegrass traditions. Apologies to those who came looking and didn’t find us, we had settled behind the Kyogle Country Café at the Visitors Information Centre with fiddles, guitars, banjos, mandolins, bass, bodhran and even a bouzouki. A dedicated Bluegrass picking circle will commence in 2012.The Anniversary Raffle Night on 17th December from 6pm at Earth Bistro will feature an open mic for anyone who would like to perform. Prizes include fruit and meat trays, and a framed publicity photograph of Buddy Williams, the first Australian-born artist to record country music in Australia. The raffle night will help us fund a modular performance stage for use at the showground and other venues. KAMS would like to thank John Carter, Stephen McElroy and Bill Manning for their time and effort in developing the stage, which will benefit KAMS and many other community groups.KAMS is an unfunded project of Kyogle Together and our 2011 events were financed solely through ticket sales, raffles, gold coin donations and support from our local Rotary club. KAMS would like to extend grateful thanks to Rotary, the Kyogle Showground Trust, Ripples, Xpresso coffee, Tom’s Music and the Kyogle Local Reconciliation Group for helping develop KAMS events.Sound production during the year was by Brett Hamlyn, Aaron Duffy and John Howley, with Brett and Aaron mentoring our next generation of sound technicians. Special mention is due to 13 year old Kleon Toffetti, who has applied his newly acquired skills to KAMS and Village Hall Players productions, and the recent Tidy Towns Unsung Heroes Awards. Our Youth Jams and Headline Events allowed young people to become familiar with stage, sound and lighting equipment and to develop their own bands. Many thanks to Stirling Bowen and the parents of The Maples for their support, and to the Kyogle Council for the Pearl drum kit, which played a central role in these programs. Next year, young people will drive the youth events and we will proudly watch The Maples embrace future opportunities.We are so grateful to local businesses, media and churches for publicising our events and providing raffle prizes; to the outstanding performers and our magnificent volunteers; and to all those who braved the night air to come along to our shows. We have been left with warm hearts and a swag of irreplaceable memories.Following our appearance at the Christmas Eve Uniting Church Family Service, our final event will be our New Year’s Eve 2012 Countdown at the Kyogle Showground, an alcohol-free event featuring an informal concert from youth members and local artists. Admission will be $10 adults, $7 KAMS members and $5 youth. The coffee cart will be attending and a BBQ will be available.For further information on the 2012 bluegrass picking circle, to be added to our mailing list, or to perform with us at the Christmas Eve carols or New Year’s Event, please contact Kym Watling on 0409 534 233 or email kymwatling@gmail.com

St James Anglican Church Raffle winners

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:45:01 +0000

Winners of the recently run Christmas raffle for St James Anglican Church, Kyogle were: Hamper winner was Hazel Reeves and winner of the picnic basket was Joan Roberts. The fund raising committee of the Anglican church would like to thank all those who have supported them during the year and to wish them all a very safe and happy christmas and new year.

USA bound

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:42:44 +0000

Holly Durbidge from Macdade and Family has been selected to represent Kyogle and Rotary district 9640 in Wisconsin USA in May 2012. Holly applied to attend a Rotary GSE (Group Study Exchange) selection weekend held in September at Cudgen Leagues Club. There were over 20 applicants aged from 18-40yrs old and ranging in a variety of different professions including, Police officers, accountants, lawyers, business managers and architects. Holly was nominated by the Kyogle Rotary Club for her fundraising efforts and community spirit. Out of the 20 that attended there were 4 selected to represent district 9640 in Wisconsin on a vocational exchange for 4 weeks in May 2012. Holly was lucky enough to be selected and is very excited about this new adventure. There are 3 other team members Kelly O’Hara and Dan Ford from Tenterfield and Simon Brook from the Gold Coast and the Team Leader David Bagley from Surfers Sunrise Rotary Club on the Gold Coast.“The idea of GSE is to take the Aussie culture and our skills to share with those in America and to spend time working along side those in our profession. We spend 4 weeks traveling around Wisconsin and staying with several different rotary host families attend their rotary meetings and present slide shows and power point presentations about Australia and our rotary district. I also get the chance to attend a rotary district conference in America as well as here in Australia,” Holly said.“I am the first person to represent the Kyogle Rotary Club on a GSE and am very much looking forward to this amazing opportunity. Id like to thank my boss Linda for allowing me to take time away from work to experience this and a big thank you to the Kyogle Rotary Club and their members for their nomination. I am selling raffle tickets at Macdade and Family for $1ea to help me get there if anyone would like to purchase some and I also have for auction a 2009 fully signed Country Football Shirt (it is hanging in the shops front window) please drop your bid into work and help me get to USA.”Holly Durbidge

Kyogle High School students compete in Public Speaking contest

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:41:50 +0000

At a dinner in the Kyogle Bowling Club on 15th November, seven of Kyogle’s best young public speakers performed at their Public Speaking contest before approx 60 Kyogle Lions Club members and friends. Divided into two categories, Senior and Junior, it was certainly proven that the female of the species has a distinct advantage over the males when it comes to ‘the gift of the gab’, with all contestants being girls.The appreciative audience, including Judges, Damian Cox, Sue Dummett and Louise Petherbridge, were impressed by the confidence and presentation of the speakers, and their selected topics. Winner of the Senior section was Lowana Davies, who spoke about “Moving forward Positively”, citing world leaders as prime examples, while Bronte Judd delivered a plea for us to keep Kyogle’s environment safe. Lilliana Bowen expounded on music, how great it is and its importance in our lives.Carrying off the Junior section, Liesl Pederson spoke about the use of child labour on the Ivory Coast to produce chocolate, giving a friendly little piece of advice that, if we eat chocolate that isn’t produced this way, we may do so with a guilt-free conscience. Emily Muirhead presented an entertaining speech about the benefits of laughter in our stressful community, reminding us that it doesn’t cost anything to be cheerful and give a smile to those we meet. Karlie Harris gave a very sobering talk about the many homeless people in our world, while Kirra Harrison expounded on Global Warming and the effect it has on our animals.Next year Kyogle Lions will again present a Kyogle Youth of the Year Award.Fay Fardon – Kyogle Correspondent

D.I.R.T.’s Unbreakable a smash!

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:39:46 +0000

On Sunday 27th November the students of D.I.R.T. (Drama In a Rural Town), the youth drama program run by the Village Hall Players, performed their self-devised production of Unbreakable to an appreciative audience of family, friends and local residents. Licette Hook, mother of one of the D.I.R.T. students, said, “I really enjoyed it. It felt so real. And it was wonderful to see this work that came from our children. They’re so talented.” Joelle Foy, drama teacher and artistic director of the D.I.R.T. program said she was inspired by the quality of the material the students created that was moving, funny, original and clever. “It was a testament to the success of the program which teaches valuable skills in teamwork and performance and is deeply embedded with opportunities for the students to build confidence and self-esteem. This was evidenced by the transformation of the students from week one to the final performance,” Ms Foy said.Paul Worsnop, who, as Village Hall Players Professional Actor in Residence works with Ms Foy, said, “As an instructor and advisor with the D.I.R.T. students I’m so impressed with their willingness to engage and explore self-expression and improvisation. They have come a long way in little more than four months and I’m sure that we are instilling confidence in these children and certainly the foundation for the making of some promising young actors.”D.I.R.T. is an ongoing program for children from 8 to 16 years at time of admission and will commence its 2012 program on 2nd February. Ms Foy said, “I am very excited about the future of D.I.R.T. and the 2012 season that will see the students create original work in a series of comedy styles. Stay tuned …”

NYE concert at Lillifield Community Centre

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:39:01 +0000

The worldwide growth of ‘World Music’ in the last two decades is testament to the power of music to cross cultural divides.Australia has a strong history of collaboration between Indigenous and white musicians, and in this spirit, GURIGURU has forged their own path with a new and different way to bridge the gap between cultures with music, and what better path to reconciliation can there be than one that is shared in celebration?Gary Kafoa is a proud indigenous man from the rich cultural melting-pot of the Tweed River. Born and bred by the river he spent 30 years as a professional fisherman, and also has a long history as a local musician. Using a mixture of traditional and modern instrumentation, Gary sings of what was passed down to him by his father and other elders and contemporary issues that affect us all today. Trying to step outside traditional rock song structures has meant mixing didgeridoo with modern dance beats and his own funk percussion techniques. The result is a new dimension in storytelling born in the unique musical culture of the NSW North Coast.Dr Greg is a veteran of over 40 years on bass with bands of every hue from deep funk to space-rock, and his lifelong interest in ethnic musical forms means he can supply unique groove assistance to the project.Together, they areGURIGURU Joining them for this special NYE concert at Lillifield Community Centre will be local percussionist Gery Mews and guitarist Nick Gruen, who will add even more groove to the mix. Bring your dancing shoes, from 7pm $10 entrance.Lillifield Community Centre, 4505 Kyogle Rd, next to Barkers Vale School.

CSG Information Evening at Wadeville

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:37:57 +0000

When: Thursday 15th December 2011Where: Annie’s Garden Cafe, 4460 Kyogle Road Wadeville Time: Arrive before 6pm for a ‘get-to-know-your-neighbour’. Refreshments will be available during the evening.Aim: To provide the community factual information regarding Coal Seam GasPresenters: Scientific: What is coal seam gas and how it will affect your landEnvironmental Scientists – Dr David Sharpe BAppSci (Hons), PhDDeborah Sharpe Dip. Hort., BAppSci (Hons), PhD candidate; Legislation: Land Owner’s Rights and the Petroleum ACT; Sue Higginson – Senior Solicitor, EDO Lismore NSW.For further information phone 6633 7383 or email: admin@nrage.org – Want to check the location? Phone: 6689 7369 Web: http://anniesgardencafe.com/

SES news

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:37:34 +0000

SES fundraising committee would like to thank every one for their wonderful support this year. We managed to raise a bit over $3,600-00 and this all goes to our local unit. Coming into the storm season a few extra dollars always helps, we sure don’t need any disasters in or around Kyogle. Our last meeting and Christmas lunch was held at the Bottom Pub and it was a good day. The meal was very yum and the Christmas pudding, well it was absolutely scrumptious. I’ll be back. Our last raffle for the year has been run and won. First prize, the $100-00 Macdade and Family voucher went to a very excited Helen Sawtell, she said she will get something nice for herself, 2nd prize has been won by Karyn Grove and I am sure she will enjoy all the goodies in the basket of products from Bamboo Wholesalers, 3rd prize went to D. Daley who couldn’t believe she had won the $30-00 meat voucher from Stuarts Butchery, that will help out for the Christmas ham, 4th prize was won by a very shocked ME, yes, Brenda won the $25-00 IGA voucher, and a very ecstatic Amanda O’Reilly won the breakfast setting, she says she has never won anything before so now her luck has changed. Congratulations to everyone. Thanks so much to everyone that has donated all or part of prizes through the year, to anyone that has helped us in any way at all. A special thank you to my ticket sellers, a great effort by everyone. Hope to see you all in 2012 May everyone have a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy and happy new year. Brenda Cameron

Burlesque bootscoot raises roof of Seniors Centre

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:36:41 +0000

The Kyogle Country Line Dancers raised the roof of the Kyogle Seniors Centre with their recent burlesque bootscooting performance.The dancers, bedecked in a mix of western boots, checked shirts, and fishnets, were helping celebrate the end of the Super Seniors Health Challenge for 2011.Part of the Active Kyogle project, this year’s Seniors Challenge saw 328 people join up, more than double last year.The Kyogle Country Line Dancers performed to Christine Aguilera’s ‘But I’m a good girl’ from the movie Burlesque. Not to be outdone, volunteers from the Border Ranges Day Club gave a demonstration of the ‘Kettle exercises’ – strength and balance exercises that can be done while making a cuppa – to the classic music ‘The Stripper’.The Border Ranges upped the ante with feather boas, and one volunteer wearing elbow-length gloves, which she removed with her teeth.The day also featured an ‘open microphone’ where members of the 100-plus audience spoke about the improvements they had been making to their health and fitness. Some spoke about changes they noticed during the month-long health challenge, while others spoke about changes they had noticed after continuing the exercises since last year’s challenge.Many attendees also spoke about the role of the recently-opened community gym in helping improve health and fitness, assist with weight loss, and improve balance, with one speaker saying it had given them ‘a new lease of life’.The day featured the draw of the main prizes for Challenge participants: a weekend at Toonumbar Waters Retreat (won by Heather Nutt), a food hamper from Iron Pot Foods (Jan Buckman), and a gift voucher from Plum Vintage (Melita Luck).Active Kyogle is managed by Kyogle Together in partnership with the Northern NSW Local Health District. Funding is provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing under the Rural Primary Health Services program. For more information about Active Kyogle, visit www.activekyogle.org.au

The story of Christmas in word and song

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:35:10 +0000

As has been happening in Lismore for 30 + years, and in the best tradition of King’s College Cambridge, St Andrew’s Choir will join with St Carthage’s Choir in performances of Nine Lessons and Carols. This year in Lismore it is the turn of St Carthage’s Cathedral to host the event. The original service of Nine Lessons and Carols derives from a service which the clergyman E W Benson first gave in a wooden hut in Cornwall, UK, on Christmas Eve, 1880. Benson went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury and the service went on to become one of the most widely popular services in the Christian calendar, thanks to its being revamped by, and broadcast annually from, Kings College, Cambridge.Locally the music is selected and the choirs prepared by organist and musical director of both Lismore churches, Warren Whitney. The service always commences with solo soprano singing Once in Royal David’s City before being joined by the choir and then the congregation. Hymn singing, familiar and unfamiliar Christmas music are all presented between the nine short Bible readings celebrating the birth of Jesus.Sunday, 18 December 2011, 7.30pm, St Carthage’s Cathedral, LismoreTuesday, 20 December 2011, 7.30pm, St Martin’s Anglican Church, Mullumbimby Thursday 22, December 2011, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Anglican Church, BallinaThis is delightful, relaxing way to unwind in the hectic rush Christmas can become. Non-denominational. Free Admission. All welcome, enquiries 0429 185 361.

Billy Thorpe’s original Aztecs release new album

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:34:35 +0000

Billy Thorpe’s original Aztecs have just released a new album which was recorded at The Pump Room Studios in Kyogle and features Sabbaths lead singer from the 70′s, Harry Young.The Album titled “At the End Of The Rainbow” by Harry Young and The Original Aztecs is dedicated to the memory of Billy Thorpe AM and includes reworked versions of the Aztecs big hits including “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, “Sick and Tired” and “Poison Ivy” to name a few.Their first big hit “Blue Day” is also on the album featuring special guest artist Tommy Emmanuel. “Tommy was fantastic and jumped at the opportunity to play on the album, recording all his parts in Nashville and sending them to us,” said Harry.The 19 track album includes a dedication to Billy Thorpe, 6 new original songs and a never commercially released track, penned by Billy Thorpe and Tony Barber titled “Sunshine Friends”.”The boys in the band have fallen in love with Kyogle,” said original drummer Col Baigent,” and we will be getting together at Toms Music Shop early in the new year to sign the album and meet you all.”The album is now available at Tom’s Music Shop, Kyogle.

Kyogle Community Garden to be ‘Permablitzed’

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:32:34 +0000

The Kyogle Community Garden is set for a ‘Permablitz’- style makeover next Saturday, 17 December.‘A Permablitz is like a Permaculture version of a ‘Backyard Blitz’, said Kyogle Together’s Mark Trudinger.Saturday’s Permablitz will feature a range of activities, including planting a living ‘weed barrier’ along fencelines, making an edible hedge, learning proper sheet-mulching techniques, and preparing compost.‘It’s a great way to get lots of people involved in a garden, who all share their skills and knowledge, learn some new skills, and get a lot done in one go.’The edible hedge will feature seven varieties of exotic tropical fruit trees which all grow to a manageable hedge size – including jaboticabas, Acerolla cherries, grumichamas, miracle fruits, and Quaker’s Hill cherries.‘Planting an edible hedge is a great way to grow a lot of fruit in a small area, as well as provide a visual screen for privacy, and attract birds to your garden. It’s also a wonderful way to share fruit with your neighbours, as they can just “graze” different varieties of fruit along the fenceline’, said Mark.‘Learning how to plant a living weed barrier is helpful if you want to stop neighbours’ grass growing into your yard – or stop your own vigorous groundcovers, such as sweet potato, making unwanted visits next door.’The Permablitz will start at 7.30am and run until midday, and will be followed by a shared lunch to celebrate both the achievements of the day, as well as the end of the year.To RSVP, or for more information, contact Kyogle Together on (02) 6632 1833.

Quota happenings

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:20:01 +0000

“Our House”

We are a small club, but we have big hearts.On Wednesday 16th November, we had lunch with Rebekka Battista, Anna and Ron Marriott.At our Friendship Dinner in July 2011 Rhonda Watts’ brother Ron Marriott from Lismore donated $300 to us. We put in $700 to make up to $1,000.We donated the $1,000 to “Our House” project which is opposite the “Oncology Unit” at the Lismore Base Hospital.”Our House” is to provide accommodation for children, adults and their families whilst receiving their radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Lismore Base Hospital.Also to provide accommodation for parents and families who have children and babies in Lismore Base Hospital Children’s Ward and Special Care Nursery who are receiving care.”Our House” will consist of 20 units in a motel style accommodation.We of Quota Club of Kyogle are very passionate about fund raising for this project as some of the Kyogle community have their treatment in the Lismore Base Hospital.

Thank You from Kyogle Tidy Towns Committee

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:16:40 +0000

Kyogle Tidy Towns Committee wishes to thank all the local producers who have provided the products for our Promotion Hampers. The purpose of these hampers was to get the message out into the community regarding the range of local products available at your local Farmers’ Market and produced locally. By you purchasing from the Markets you are reducing your food miles thus protecting the environment.Suppliers you will be pleased to know that your products are being used in houses throughout the state, in Queensland and Tasmania. It is anticipated that in excess of 100 hampers will be sold by the end of the promotion, so a big thank you to the suppliers and the public for their support.Regular Market shoppersTrading during the Holidays – The Farmers’ Market will trade on Saturday 24th December 8am-12pm and on 31st December – New Years Eve 8am-12pm. Please note there will be no Craft Market during January. Not all stallholders will be trading so I advise you to be early.Finally the Tidy Towns Committee wishes all a Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. 2012 is going to be very busy with the town (community) being judged in February for the National Keep Australia Beautiful Award. Kyogle already has the State Award for 2012, if we won the National it would really be a feather in our cap.

Village Hall Players brings broadway to Woodenbong

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:58:25 +0000

Broadway and Vaudeville both came to Woodenbong on Friday night 2 December when the Village Hall Players (VHP) performed Dinner for One by Lauri Wylie, and a selection of numbers from Broadway musicals. Originally a Vaudeville skit, the VHP production of Dinner for One was true to its slapstick roots. Lynette Zito again played Miss Sophie, the lady of the manor who is celebrating her 90th birthday, while Paul Worsnop made his debut performance in the role of James, the butler. Ms Zito describes Miss Sophie’s role as that of a talking prop. “The play is built around James. It’s his duty to serve Miss Sophie’s birthday dinner while taking on the roles of her various guests to make and drink the toasts to Miss Sophie. The mix of serving plates, alcohol and a tiger skin rug make for a very, very funny 25 minutes of theatre,” Ms Zito said.In a new direction for the Players, the audience was entertained in the second Act of the evening by well-known songs from Broadway. With singers Odette Nettleton, Jenny Strever, Linda Hampton, Danny Hampton, Paul Worsnop and Lynette Zito, the repertoire included numbers from Hello, Dolly!, Chicago, Oklahoma, Funny Girl, South Pacific, My Fair Lady and Oliver! The finale was “We Need A Little Christmas” from Mame. Organiser, Jenny Moody, said, “The night was a great success. Everyone loved it”.While continuing with its play reading group, the Village Hall Players continues as a performance troupe and has added a youth drama group, D.I.R.T. (Drama In a Rural Town), and now a musical group in 2011. Ms Zito said that the D.I.R.T. program has been very successful and that was evidenced by Kleon Toffetti, a member of D.I.R.T. who at 13 was handling the sound and lighting for the show with the ease of a professional. Kleon had attended a sound workshop and regularly volunteered to do sound with KAMS (Kyogle Acoustic Music Society). He was now learning about lighting and sound from a theatre perspective and proved himself up to the job. “Kleon is an example of the marvellous young people we have in our area. He is keen to learn and works very hard in D.I.R.T. classes, on stage and behind the stage. I can’t praise him highly enough and I’m glad his lovely mother, Julie, was kind enough to allow him to accompany us tonight.”The VHP 2012 season will see new productions at eight village halls in the Kyogle district from March to October. It looks to be a bumper year for live theatre in the district.

Kleon Toffetti manning the sound and lighting desk

L-R: Linda Hampton, Danny Hampton, Odette Nettleton, Jenny Strever, Paul Worsnop, Lynette Zito

Kyogle Mens Golf

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:49:56 +0000

26/11/11

The winner of the Hackers Stick 4BBB competition sponsored by the Thursday Hackers were S Beaumont and D Hogg with 47 points followed by V Worth & J Grove on 45 points. The best individual score went to J Firth. The ball comp winners had to have 39 points or better. Nearest the pins were won by 1/10 R Lyons 2/11 P Greenhalgand 4th D Farrell 5/14 D Hogg 9/18 W Mills 13th D McInnes and the veterans ball was won by D Hogg.

CSG under the spotlight

NRTT Editor — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:43:54 +0000

The last fortnight has been a busy one for anti-CSG group GAG Kyogle. They joined with others from across the region to travel to Brisbane to protest outside the AGM of LNG Ltd. This company is the largest shareholder in Metgasco and has plans to source gas from the Northern Rivers for its proposed Gladstone LNG plant. “The board and shareholders of LNG need to be aware that we are not prepared to stand by and let our beautiful district be destroyed so that they can make a quick buck from export gas,” said Leah Hobbs, President of Kyogle Group Against Gas. “Just a few weeks ago Rock Valley residents were prepared to blockade to stop seismic testing for CSG,” said Mrs Hobbs. “It is clear that Metgasco are going to be met with opposition every step of the way as they try to explore for gas in the Northern Rivers- I think that relying on gas from our region is a very risky proposition”Last week GAG members were part of a group gathering in Lismore outside a closed door CSG industry stakeholders meeting, organised by State MP Thomas George. ”Whilst some anti-gas reps. were invited,” said Mrs Hobbs, “the protest aimed to highlight the fact that invitation only meetings do not constitute community consultation and that the community deserves to have their concerns addressed in an open forum with government and industry.”“We have been inviting Mr George and company reps. for the past eight months to come out to Kyogle to hear the concerns of farmers in this area but they have continually refused to meet with the community,” Mrs Hobbs said. “We are calling on Mr George to meet publically with residents from across the region and to make clear what his position is on the expansion of the CSG industry in the Northern Rivers,” Mrs Hobbs said.The concerns of local residents in relation to CSG were vindicated recently by the findings of the Senate Inquiry into the impacts of CSG on the Murray-Darling Basin. “The recently released interim report of the Senate Inquiry called for a moratorium on new CSG developments in areas of the Murray Darling Basin overlying the Great Artesian Basin and highlighted a range of issues with the industry,” said GAG spokesperson Boudicca Cerese. “ These included the impacts on ground and surface water resources, the problems with disposal of wastewater and the lack of landholder rights.”“The report also called for further studies to be done before new approvals are granted for CSG exploration and production,” said Ms Cerese, “calling specifically for a ‘regional-scale, muti-state and multi-layer model of the cumulative effects of multiple developments on ground and surface waters.’”Boudicca Cerese