Leading automotive retailer Supercheap Auto is set to film a major new advertising campaign in Kyogle across a four day window between Thursday 22 May to Tuesday 27 May.

This is the second time the brand has shot in the region, having previously filmed here in 2018.

This year’s production will necessitate some temporary road closures in and around the town centre, however Supercheap Auto is working closely with the Kyogle Council to ensure that
any disruption is minimised.

Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland says the production will bring economic benefits to the Kyogle region.

“We are aiming to promote Kyogle as a film-friendly location, so when a large, national company like Supercheap Auto chooses our town for a huge commercial shoot, it sends a positive message to the wider production industry,” Cr Mulholland said.

Supercheap Auto Content Manager Reece Moger said that Kyogle’s picturesque buildings and pro-film attitude is a big reason why the company is returning to Kyogle.

“We had such a great experience working with Kyogle Council to produce our previous campaign. So when we were scouting for a location for this year’s production, Kyogle’s picture perfect streets and amazing buildings made it the ideal choice,” Moger said.

The commercial is produced by TAXI Film, one of Australia’s leading production companies.

It is anticipated the production will bring over 100 cast and crew to the region, bringing economic benefits to local accommodation and hospitality providers as well as other businesses.

“We’re also hoping to employ locals as background extras, as well as work with local auto clubs to source vehicles,” Moger said.

Locals interested in being a background extra in the production are asked to email photos of themselves and a brief description, including name, age and contact details to production@taxifilm.tv or if you have any questions relating to the production please email
shoot@taxifilm.tv

Kyogle landfill will re-open on Monday (24 March), but will only accept small quantities of general waste for the coming weeks.

The landfill cell that holds general waste was seriously damaged in the Cyclone Alfred weather event and will take some time to repair. In the meantime, Council will truck its household waste out of the area for disposal.

As a result, Council is only able to accept small quantities of household waste (bins and bags of rubbish) at the landfill facility.  Please note the landfill will not accept bulky household waste, commercial or industrial waste during this time.

All other waste including co-mingled recyclables, green waste, scrap metal, tyres, fridges, and Community Recycling Centre items can be dropped off as per usual

Council thanks the community for their patience while the work to repair the cell is undertaken.

Monday, 10 March

Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline

In the wake of the floods caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Council has postponed all the community consultation sessions planned for this week on the review of the Community Strategic Plan.

The community consultation sessions will be rescheduled once Council is able to determine venue and staff availability.

Council has also decided to postpone the Mallanganee Observatory Information Session which was to be held on Wednesday (12 March). It will now be held on Wednesday, 19 March 2025.

Pools re-open

The Bonalbo and Woodenbong pools will re-open to the public today (Monday, 10 March)  at the usual times, 2-6pm.

Kyogle Memorial Pool will re-open at 6am tomorrow (Tuesday, 11 March) to allow staff to clean up storm debris and properly adjust the water chemistry.

Waste facilities and operations

Kerbside bin collection services will operate as normal this week, pending any further deterioration in weather conditions.

Householders are asked to put out their red-lid and green-lid bins on the usual day of service.

If you have green waste (leaves, tree branches, palm fronds etc.) on your property as a result of Cyclone Alfred, please place as much of the waste in your green-lid bin as possible. Remember small branches and palm fronds up to 60cm long and 10 cm in diameter can be placed into your green-lid bin.

The Kyogle Landfill Facility and Kyogle Reuse Shed will remain closed until further notice as the facility has sustained damage and flooding as a result of Cyclone Alfred.

The Woodenbong Transfer Station will be open tomorrow (Tuesday, 11 March), however, the access road has sustained moderate damage and people are advised to exercise caution when driving up the road.

Council staff are assessing Bonalbo and Mallanganee transfer stations for damage today. Council will advise whether they will be open on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, once these assessments have been completed.

Council would like to thank the community for their patience as we work through safety issues caused by the Cyclone Alfred weather event.

Kyogle library and mobile library services

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8pm Sunday, 9 March

The community meeting planned for Cawongla tomorrow (Monday, 10 March) as part of the review of Council’s Community Strategic Plan has been postponed to date to be confirmed.

This will allow Council staff to focus on immediate recovery efforts following flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Similarly, the Council meeting set down for tomorrow afternoon has been postponed to Monday, 17 March at 2pm.

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4pm Friday, 7 March

For all information about evacuation centres and where they are located, please go to the SES website by following this link.

There will be a Business Beyond Disasters information session next week – Wednesday 5 March from 8.30-10am – at the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall.

This free online learning program has been designed to strengthen business resilience. The information session will cover everything you need to know about Business Beyond Disasters – why it’s important, how it works and when you can get started.

This is a great chance to connect with your local business community over light refreshments to hear about this new approach for business resilience. Representatives from key agencies and emergency services will be there, as will the Reconstruction Authority to share updates on adaptation planning.

For further information follow this link.

Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the Queensland border crossing will be closed to through traffic  from Monday 17 February to mid-June while Council replaces six culverts damaged in the February 2022 floods.

However, it’s likely the road closure will be extended to the end of the year so five major landslips can also be repaired. A decision on if, and when, the road closure will be extended will be made within the next month.

Meanwhile, Council will attempt to re-open Lions Road for holiday makers and travellers for two weeks over the NSW Easter school holidays from Friday, 11 April to Sunday, 27 April. The temporary re-opening will be dependent on weather conditions and the progress of the work.

Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland said the closure while inconvenient would result in a safer, more flood resilient road for all motorists.

“Unfortunately, the section of Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing where both lots of work is to be done is narrow and winding and it simply would not be safe to keep it open while the works are carried out,” Cr Mulholland said.

“There will be large earth moving equipment in place and lots of heavy vehicles travelling the road, and there are very few places on the road you can construct by-passes.

“I understand this is not ideal and it will be inconvenient for both locals and travellers alike. However, it will allow Council to safely deliver a better, safer road that is more secure during intense rain periods.”

The Lions Road closure between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing will not affect Gradys Creek Road which will remain open. However, motorists are urged to use caution as there will be increased heavy vehicle traffic using the road during the hours of 6.30am and 5pm while the work is undertaken.

Kick off 2025 with a series of professional development workshops, webinars and talks designed for artists and creative practitioners looking for support and the skills to thrive in their creative business.

While the Art Northern Rivers (ANR) Practice 101 series launches early autumn, the ANR team has handpicked some industry favourites to help artists and creatives get started right away.

Sound NSW Advisory Board 2025

An exciting opportunity to help lead music development and make a significant impact to artists, businesses, audiences and music communities across NSW.  Applications closing: Jan 28, 10am

Mentoring Sessions for Aboriginal Artists/Arts Workers

2 Rivers is offering 20 free mentoring sessions designed to provide personalised guidance, deep insights into the arts landscape, and strategic advice to help you grow. Spots are limited!

Regional Arts Australia Assessor Pool 2025

Paid opportunity for people with the skills and know-how to fairly and thoughtfully assess applications to Regional Arts Australia programs. Applications closing: Feb 28

Byron School of Art’s Individual Mentorship

This (ongoing) series of four one-hour sessions is suitable for artists with a focused practice who are working towards producing a cohesive body of work. Course fee $525

Create NSW

Create NSW launched Create Exchange, a program which features artists and leading industry experts who will provide you with the tools to navigate the business fundamentals of contracts, copyrights, grant application writing and more. The series will provide essential skills to establish a successful, sustainable and thriving creative practice.

Term 1 runs from February to April, with 6 webinar episodes.

Episode 1:  The Business of Creativity

Set yourself up as a freelancer and avoid the most common pitfalls.  Mon 3 Feb 2025, 5.30 – 7pm  Book Now

Episode 2:  Learn From Success

Some of our successful Arts and Cultural Funding Program grant recipients share their tips for writing a great application.  Monday 17 February 2025, 5.30 – 7pm

Episode 3:  Sign on the Dotted Line

Understanding arts contracts and being contracted as a creative worker. Monday 3 March 2025, 5.30 – 7pm

Episode 4:  Your Rights in Copyright

The basics of copyright law and how it applies to creative works. Monday 17 March 2025, 5.30 – 7pm

Episode 5:  Find a Mentor

How connecting to creative knowledge, wisdom and experience can benefit your creative practice. Monday 31 March 2025, 5.30 – 7pm

Episode 6:  Advocate for Yourself

Finding your voice in negotiating as a creative worker.  Monday 14 April 2025, 5.30 – 7pm

Creative PLUS BUSINESS

Creative PLUS BUSINESS headed up by Monica Davidson has a series of online workshops and webinars running through February and March, focusing on practical advice for creatives to improve their small business skills for a successful and sustainable future.

How to Start a Creative Business

Ever wondered how to turn your creative practice, hobby, or passion into a business? This fun and friendly online workshop for beginners, is a safe space where every question is a good question, and the mysteries of business become a bit clearer. February 18, 6- 8pm

Pricing for Creatives

A practical online workshop that covers the basics of figuring out the price point for creative work, including calculating costs and understanding the marketplace when charging for creative products and services. February 20, 6- 8pm

Time Management for Creatives

An online workshop that discusses practical time management strategies specifically designed for creatives to help keep all juggling balls in the air and find better ways of monitoring and managing capacity. February 25, 6- 8pm

All About Auspicing

Auspicing is a wonderful but sometimes mystifying process where one organisation provides support, sponsorship, or guidance to another, often in the context of funding. This free webinar is the perfect entry point for anyone interested in learning how auspicing could benefit their practice. February 26, 6- 7 pm

Future Planning for Creatives

An online workshop that reframes and explains the business and strategic planning process, made specifically for creative practitioners and arts businesses. March 4, 6– 8pm

Creative’s Guide to Branding

A practical online workshop that helps creative practitioners understand, and build, a compelling brand for their business or practice to help them stand out from the crowd. March 6, 12 – 2pm

Cashflow for Creatives

An online workshop that explores the most practical ways to manage the rollercoaster of income and expenses that comes with working in the creative industries. March 18, 6-8pm

Guide to Selling Online

A beginners online workshop for artists who are ready to sell their work online, and don’t know where to begin, including business basics, eCommerce models, legal matters and more. March 20, 12– 2pm

Diversify Your Creative Income

An online workshop to help creative professionals think laterally and collaboratively about the best ways to diversify income and make more money from their skills. March 25 , 6- 8pm

This professional development series is free, you will need to register for each workshop via Service NSW using your log in details.

Service NSW also have free online business resources for you to refer to.

Kyogle Council has delivered motorists an early Christmas gift with the reopening of Lions Road and the completion of two new bridges.

Lions Road had been closed since mid-June to allow for the construction of the new Lamonds Bridge.

The upgraded two-lane concrete bridge, built by local contractor Ozwide Bridge Rail and Civil, stands 1.5 metres higher than the old one-lane wooden structure.

The $2 million project, funded under Round 1 of the State Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program, has improved road alignment and increased flood resilience.

Paddys Flat Bridge has also been replaced with a raised, full-concrete structure that is one meter higher and two meters longer than its predecessor.

The $2 million project was completed in just over four months with funding from Round 2 of the Fixing Country Bridges program and a co-contribution from Council.

KYOGLE COUNCIL MAYOR DANIELLE MULHOLLAND SAID:

“The opening of the two bridges and Lions Road is a major win for motorists and the community.”

“The new bridges are safer and more flood resilient and will ultimately lower Council’s annual maintenance spend, meaning that money can be directed to other projects.

“Council has replaced 96 bridges in the last three years, more than any other jurisdiction in Australia, meaning future bridge maintenance costs will be significantly reduced.

“We are grateful for the State Government’s support, and local member, Janelle Saffin’s expert advocacy to secure funding for 83 bridges in one hit, a wonderful outcome that has delivered for the people of Kyogle.”

Cr Mulholland thanked the NSW and Federal Governments for funding its once-in-a-lifetime Bridge Renewal Program and Council staff for their hard work and commitment over the past three years.

MINSTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS JENNY AITCHISON SAID:

“This is a fantastic example of the State Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program in action, delivering safer, more resilient infrastructure for regional communities.

“The collaboration with Kyogle Council ensures these critical upgrades support local industries and provide long-term benefits by providing vital connectivity between regional hubs for work and recreation.

“We are especially proud to support the work to help sustain the vital economic drivers of the region such as the timber, dairy, and livestock industries.

“We congratulate council on their work, which has also already benefitted the community and the tourism sector.”

MEMBER FOR LISMORE JANELLE SAFFIN SAID:

“The Lions Road is a wonderfully scenic route between NSW and Queensland and one of the tourism magnets in our region.

“These works make the road safer and more accessible for our communities and tourists. And replacing timber bridges with durable concrete structures is a key step toward reducing costs and improving sustainability.

“I want to thank Kyogle Council for their exemplary work in fostering local partnerships and sourcing local materials, which has created positive economic growth in the area and better outcomes for residents.”

Playgrounds at Kyogle’s Anzac and Apex Parks have re-opened to the community.

The play equipment has been closed while Council upgraded the softfall at the two parks, put in additional drainage, undertook essential maintenance, and installed some new  equipment.

Unfortunately, the ongoing wet weather interrupted the work and caused some delays.

While the two parks are now open, there remains some minor works to finish, which council hopes to have completed before Christmas (weather permitting).

Meanwhile, Council will be seeking input from the community early in the New Year about everything from parks and playgrounds to waste and water services as it reviews its Community Strategic Plan (CSP).

Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said the CSP was Council’s highest level strategic plan and was a roadmap for the future of the Kyogle local government area over the coming 10 years.

“The community has been raising issues around our playground equipment and the softfall for some time and the delivery of this project reflects what is in our community strategic plan,” she said.

“We are soon reviewing this plan, so if you want to have some input into the future of your community, come along and have your say on what is your vision for the area.”

Cr Olivia Taylor said the review of the CSP presented the perfect opportunity for people wanting to improve children’s play spaces and playgrounds to have their say.

“Council is aware that there’s been quite a lot of discussion within the community about children’s play spaces and playgrounds, and this review will give people the chance to put forward their ideas and views,” she said.

Council will be seeking the views of the community through a range of initiatives in the New Year and encourages everyone to have input on the review of the CSP.