The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

No business like show business

Michael Gates, the son of Lismore's former mayor Bob Gates, at his East Lismore studio with some of his DIVA awards. Michael recently finished creating chorus costumes for the Australian production of The Lion King.

When Michael Gates was just 10 years old his parents enrolled him in art classes at Lismore's Technical College, paving the way for a successful career in the arts that has recently seen him working on the Australian production of The Lion King.

Michael, the son of former Lismore mayor Bob Gates, who passed away last year from Motor Neurone Disease, recently moved home to spend time with his mother Helen and escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney life.

The move was a welcome change for Michael, who recently completed a hectic 10-month contract creating a spectacular array of more than 150 costumes for the chorus cast of The Lion King. He worked alongside famous designer Tony Phillips - the man behind the Star Wars wardrobe - who did the principal costumes for the show, which currently has a two-year season in Sydney.

"The Lion King was the biggest show I've ever done - it was quite challenging but these things are always rewarding," said Michael, who now works from a studio in East Lismore. "When I see how much people appreciate the show and how in awe of it they are I get chills down my spine - there were definitely a few teary moments. Show business is hectic, creative, crazy and rewarding - it's a roller coaster ride and sometimes it's scary but you wouldn't get on the ride if you didn't enjoy it. Art is my life and my blood."

The Lion King might be Michael's latest achievement but it is just one of a long list of career highlights. He has worked extensively with Sydney's Mardi Gras and has won 16 Drag Industry Variety Awards (DIVA) for his costume and production work in Sydney variety shows. Michael created costumes for the Broadway spectacular 42nd Street in 2002 and also did costumes for The Wizard of Oz, Singing in the Rain and the flamboyant Priscilla-style costumes featured in the Sydney Olympics closing ceremony.

Despite leaving a thriving career behind, Michael says work will follow him wherever he goes, and he is currently just enjoying being back home and working with his close friend Angela Mitchell from Theatre-Theatre Productions.

"After Dad died I wanted to be with Mum and I was sick of the rat race - there's a big artistic community in this area and plenty of events to get involved in," Michael said. "I love the north coast - I don't know what I was thinking when I left!"

Lismore Base gets bonus funding

NSW Minister for Health, Morris Iemma (centre) with Northern Rivers Area Health Service CEO Chris Crawford (left) and local MP Thomas George during a visit to Lismore in December.

The Lismore Base Hospital will benefit from more than $1.9 million in additional funding, announced yesterday by the NSW Minister for Health, Morris Iemma.

Lismore Base Hospital will receive a new CT scanner, which will cost $1.5 million, as well as $450,000 to expand the Emergency Department.

"The CT scanner will provide higher level diagnostic services locally, removing the need for many patients to travel for these services," said Mr Iemma. "As a major referral facility in the region, Lismore Base Hospital needs to have sophisticated diagnostic services including state-of-the-art CT equipment."

The $450,000 for the Emergency Department will be used to build a 140sqm extension at the western end of the existing department.

"I've seen myself that staff are currently working in a relatively small space, given the workload of this very busy unit," said Mr Iemma, who visited Lismore Base Hospital last December. "This will greatly improve access for patients and working conditions for staff. It is anticipated that work will be completed by the winter peak this year, a critical time for all emergency departments."

The next priority for Lismore Base Hospital is to secure funding for a new 40-bed Richmond Clinic facility, which is part of the hospital's major redevelopment. Mr Iemma said the hospital redevelopment is scheduled to start in 2005/6.

Lighting up Tamworth

Light n Up, the producers of Lismore's annual Lantern Parade, have forged a creative partnership with Arts North West to design and create the Telstra Cavalcade float, a major feature of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Gearing up for the trip out west is Light n Up co-ordinator Jyllie Jackson (left) and fellow designers (l-r) David Rayner, Brett Haydon and Kathy McCormick, with a couple of their 'friends' who will be adorning the float in Tamworth.

The Lismore team will be staging free workshops for children in Armidale and Tamworth to allow them to participate in the cavalcade.

Two die in horror crash

A head-on collision on a notorious stretch of the Pacific Highway south of Woodburn last Thursday has claimed two lives and left four others in hospital.

It is believed the incident occurred when a northbound Mitsubishi Lancer crossed to the wrong side of the road whilst overtaking a truck, colliding head-on with a Ford Falcon that was travelling south.

The driver of the Lancer, a 20 year-old girl and her 17 year-old sister are now in hospital in a stable condition. The 20 year-old's mother, a 44 year-old woman from Hamlyn Terrace, and a 42 year-old male, were both killed in the crash.

The elderly couple in the Ford Falcon were both seriously injured.

Police have asked for any witnesses to phone the Ballina Crash Investigation Unit on 6681 8618.

Seniors Card outlets

NSW Seniors Cards application forms are no longer available from Australia Post outlets. The new locations for picking up applications forms include all NSW MP's offices, public libraries and local council offices.

Alternatively, phone 1300 364 758.

Sink or swim say Greens

Heading the Summerland Greens ticket for the March Council elections is Vanessa Ekins (centre) with fellow candidates (l-r) Gray Wilson (mayoral candidate), Sue Stock, David McInnes-King, Anne Dusta and Laurie Axtens.

The Summerland Greens have launched their ticket for the March 27 local government elections, saying they will ensure more consultation with the community and fight for outcomes that benefit the whole of Lismore and not just a select few.

Headed by local land carer and council watchdog Vanessa Ekins, the six-member ticket also includes Nimbin-based teacher Sue Stock, former Councillor and president of the Big Scrub Environment Centre Gray Wilson (mayoral candidate), McLeans Ridges scientist Anne Dusta, Larnook artist and bush regenerator David McInnes-King and fifth generation Lismore resident Laurie Axtens.

The team, whose slogan is 'good spirit is better than a six-pack', will endeavour to repair some of the damage they believe has been caused by this Council's trend of high expenditure and poor decision-making.

"We are really opposed to huge infrastructure projects that will send Council and ratepayers broke, like the Memorial Baths decision," Vanessa told The Echo on Tuesday. "We will fight to have the funds re-directed to a pool at Goonellabah, where a facility is really needed. We want to see moderate expenditure and we are open to debate, unlike this Council, which makes its decisions behind closed doors."

Vanessa said the Summerland Greens do not want a ring road in Lismore (they propose lobbying the RTA to upgrade Ballina and Dawson streets instead), and they want to see rural roads get a "fair share" of maintenance funds.

"We're well connected in the community and we'll do what this Council hasn't done - we'll stay awake in Council meetings, read the business paper before we come to Council and have open debate about issues," Vanessa said. "We're really interested in strengthening Council committees and taking into account recommendations made and community feedback, which this Council has clearly not done. We have youth, vitality and a strong vision for this town."

Commenting on the field of other contenders for the elections, Vanessa said voters could be assured the Summerland Greens are not puppets of the party machine.

"There has been some criticism of party politics in local government, yet the Greens have always been grass roots based and locally focused, working from a 'bottom up' philosophy rather than 'top down' like the other parties," she said.

The Greens currently have 28 active councillors in local government in NSW.

10,000 ways to bowl over cancer

Story & photo - Robin Osborne

At the Evans Head Bowling Club last Saturday was Michael Stephenson (left) with the Cancer Care Unit's Margaret Gorton-Weller, Pam Freeman, John Forshaw (Men's President), Marie Cook and Mary-Anne Doyle.

In what has now become an annual event, Evans Head Bowling Club staged a $10,000 fundraiser last Saturday to support the Cancer Care Unit at Lismore Base Hospital.

About 150 bowlers enjoyed the day, happily endorsing the club's decision to donate all green fees to fund the purchase of extra equipment and patient comforts for the Cancer Care Unit.

Clinical nurse consultant, Margaret Gorton-Weller, showed an impressive streak of beginner's luck, as did Pam Freeman, Marie Cook and Mary-Anne Doyle, who all donated their time to work as volunteers at the unit.

An outstanding commitment was made by regular Evans' holiday visitor, Michael Stephenson, from T & G Insurance's Brisbane office, who made a personal donation of $2,000 and promised to do the same for the next two years.

An end-of-day auction, which included electronics and furnishings donated by Harvey Norman in Lismore, a Reg Gregor painting, support from L.J. Hooker and other local businesses and a head-shaving swelled the total raised to more than $10,000.

The support of the Club and its members was greatly appreciated said Margaret Gorton-Weller.

Drought assistance

Farmers in Casino and Grafton are being urged to check their eligibility for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) drought assistance as 93.5 per cent of the state still qualified for Australian Government assistance.

An EC declaration allows eligible producers to apply to Centrelink for income support for up to two years and to the NSW Rural Assistance Authority for interest rate subsidies of up to $100,000 a year for two years on new and existing loans.

Farmers have until February 5 to register their claim. Farmers should contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.

Diabetes 'busters' target Koori communities

The new Diabetes team at the Casino AMS are (rear) Dr Malcolm Tester (ophthalmologist) and Dr Stephen Moore (physician), and (l-r) Joanne Cooper, Marlene Binge, Lyndall Palmer, Mick Roberts (Dharah Gibinj AMS manager) and Helen McGregor.

A multi-disciplinary health team focused on the early detection and treatment of diabetes in Aboriginal communities will operate out of the Casino-based Dharah Gibinj Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) from next Wednesday.

The Diabetes Complication Assessment Clinic will utilise the skills of medical and community health staff, diabetes educators, Aboriginal health workers and education officers to provide clinics in Casino and regular outreach to the communities of Muli Muli, Tabulam, Urbenville, Bonalbo, Coraki, Kyogle, Woodenbong and Box Ridge.

The establishment of the planned 15-month project follows consultations with Aboriginal elders and their communities according to Primary Health Care Network coordinator at Dharah Gibinj AMS, Joanne Cooper.

"Although diabetes is even more widespread amongst Aboriginal people than in the general community, very little coordinated early intervention work has been done," Ms Cooper said. "The complications from diabetes can include serious eye damage, notably retinopathy, which is strongly related to the duration of a sufferer's diabetes and the extent of their blood glucose control. Diabetes damages the very fine blood vessels in the retina and has resulted in diabetes retinopathy fast becoming the leading cause of blindness in Australians aged under sixty."

Diabetes Australia advises the regular testing of Blood Glucose Levels by a medical practitioner as well as regular exercise and healthy eating, which will come within the scope of the new diabetes team, as will specialised eye testing.

The team comprises a physician (Dr Stephen Moore), ophthalmologist (Dr Malcolm Tester), podiatrist (initially, Helen McGregor from St Vincent's Hospital), pathologist (Lyndall Palmer from Northern Rivers Area Health Service), diabetes educator (Adrielle Carrasco), Aboriginal health worker (Marlene Binge) and Mick Roberts, Dharah Gibinj AMS manager.

"This service brings together the existing expertise of local health professionals and offers Goori clients a 'one stop shop' where they can be fully assessed for the complications associated with Diabetes," Ms Cooper said. For more information phone Joanne Cooper on 6662 3514 or 0429 303 709.

Promoting Nimbin's unique culture

Gearing up for a new tourism marketing campaign for Nimbin is Nimbin's community economic development officer Marian Forwood, Chamber of Commerce president Kevin Soward and proprietor of Nimbin Bazaar, Deborah Hudson.

The Nimbin Community Development Association, in partnership with the Nimbin Chamber of Commerce, has received a grant of $14,500 from the Department of State and Regional Development to fund a tourism marketing campaign for the village.

Combined with a $6,000 contribution from Lismore City Council and $8,500 worth of monetary and in-kind donations from the local business community, the village now has a total of $29,000 to encourage visitors to stay in the area longer and take advantage of its many attractions.

The marketing campaign will include a TV advertisement and an information brochure to promote the Nimbin valley to visitors, plus a business and services directory.

"We want to show visitors there's a lot more to Nimbin than what meets the eye on the main street - we have stunning landscapes and lots of natural attractions, arts and crafts, quirky shops and a unique cultural atmosphere," said Nimbin's community economic development officer, Marian Forwood, who assisted with the grant application. "You won't find another place like Nimbin anywhere else in the world and we want to get that message across. Visitors who stay longer really get the opportunity to explore the area and experience the culture, which is far more than what you see on the main street."

The campaign will also highlight the fact the region is a showcase for renewable energy, permaculture land management, innovative horticulture and other sustainable technologies.

Lend the riverbank a helping hand

Wilson's River Landcare Group president Phil Murray (front) with members (l-r) John Smykowsky, Grant Hazell, Hendrik Hazenveld, Rob and Max English, Vanessa Ekins and Patrick McEntee from Conservation Volunteers Australia.

The Wilson's River Landcare Group (WRLG) have turned what was earmarked as a car park ten years ago into a beautiful riverside park, and they are now calling on the community to help them continue their work in 2004.

Plans for the car park, which is now Pritchard Park (behind Lismore Skating in North Lismore), were abolished after community members showed interest in rehabilitating the site. The WRLG later took ownership of the project and a decade down the track the once barren paddock is now a lush park with more than 200 species of native plants.

Spokesperson for WRLG, Vanessa Ekins, says bats and birds are now visiting the site and natural regeneration is beginning to occur, but more people are always needed to help out.

"There's a real sense of community in having your hands in the dirt and helping turn a wasted space into a beautiful park," Vanessa said. "We're passionate about what we do and we would love to see other people joining us to learn about riverbank restoration and make a significant contribution to their local community. It's a family oriented activity so kids are welcome and you can work at your own pace - it's really not hard work."

The WRLG meets on the second and fourth Saturday of every month at two alternating sites - Pritchard Park (behind Lismore Skating) and on Molesworth Street next to the greyhound racetrack (near Simes Bridge). The next workday will be held on Saturday, January 24, at Pritchard Park from 9am. People should bring a hat and water to drink. For more information phone Vanessa on 6621 9588.

Park development continues

Lois Kelly from the Economic Development Unit with one of the new trees now planted in Riverside Heritage Park.

The Riverside Heritage Park on the banks of the Wilsons River has been a hive of activity recently, with Lismore City Council planting a number of trees - the next step in the completion of the park.

The trees planted are the last of the trees saved from the park before work started on the flood levee, as well as some new trees.

"Unfortunately due to the drought last year a number of trees were lost, however, Lismore City Council worked overtime to save as many of the trees as possible," said Lois Kelly from the Economic Development Unit, who is overseeing the park's development. "The flame trees and lillypillies from the original site have now been returned. Council has also planted new trees that will provide shade in Lismore's hot summer."

Other works to be completed during January and February include the establishment of an off-leash dog area and the installation of seating, shelters and BBQ areas. A wharf beside the boat ramp at Ballina Street bridge will also be commenced during February, with further boating facilities completed near the old Rowing Club by the end of 2004.

Find your perfect Valentine

People are wanted to take part in a Camp Quality Speed Dating Event on Valentine's Day (Feb 14), which provides people with the perfect opportunity to meet other singles and have some fun.

The event will be held at the Byron Bay Services Club from 12pm til late. Tickets are $60, which includes a light lunch, speed dating, a two-course dinner and dancing in the evening.

For info or bookings visit www.orangecaperites.org or phone 6625 1823.

Have your say on Lismore's future

Lismore residents are being urged to participate in the current Community Directions planning process, which aims to give Lismore City Council an idea of what residents think is important for Lismore's future.

Mayor Merv King said that getting a good idea of what residents consider to be the priorities for Lismore through Community Directions will help Council decide on future directions for the city.

"Hearing what residents want is important for Council and I hope as many people as possible take this opportunity to have their say," Cr King said.

The voting slip is reproduced here.

In a class of their own

The Lismore High School class of 1953 met outside the old Lismore High School site (now the Northern Rivers Conservatorium) on Saturday as part of a three-day reunion.

Margaret Riley from Goonellabah and Fran Rishworth from Wilson's Creek, good friends in high school who were reunited after more than 45 years.

Despite living within an hour's drive from one another for the last nine years, old school friends Fran Rishworth and Margaret Riley had not seen each other in over 45 years.

But all that changed last weekend when they were reunited for the first time during a special three-day reunion of the Lismore High School class of 1953.

For Margaret and Fran it was a chance to rekindle a long lost friendship and share stories of the good old days.

"It's just so wonderful to see people you haven't seen in years - it sure brings back a lot of memories," Fran said. "We were both on the swim team and we were always swimming together, riding our bikes or playing in the cubbyhouse. I haven't seen Margaret for years but as soon as I saw her face everything just came flooding back. I had no idea she was even in the area, but now we've found each other, I'm sure we'll keep in touch."

More than 150 students from around Australia and overseas attended the reunion, which included a visit to the old Lismore High School site (now Lismore Library and the Northern Rivers Conservatorium), a formal dinner and a picnic at Shelley Beach where the former classmates could relax and catch up.

"It's just lovely to find out what everyone has been doing and tell old stories," Fran said. "It's like going back in time and I love it, although you only have to look in the mirror to see it's been a few years!"

The class of 1953 produced a number of high achievers, with the late Bill Rixon, the state MP for Lismore from 1988-1999, former Governor of Queensland Peter Arnison and Sydney Morning Herald senior sports reporter Phil Wilkins among the talented bunch.

The reunion was organised by Lismore's Beth Trevan, who spent the last two years organising the event. She also produced a book of memorabilia, featuring tit bits of history from the 50s and information on the former students whom she was able to find.

Recognising excellence in aged care

The Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop (left) presents SCU PhD student, Devi Ranasinghe, with an Award for Excellence for her work in the aged care industry.

Southern Cross University PhD student, Devi Ranasingha, was recently presented with an Award for Excellence (Professional Development) by the Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, for her outstanding work in the field of aged care.

As part of the award Devi will receive $10,000 to do a study tour in the United States, looking at the different practices Americans use in their aged care facilities.

"I was thrilled to receive the award - it was an unexpected surprise," she said.

Devi first became involved in aged care after working as an acute care nurse at a number of different Victorian hospitals, which gave her a greater understanding of the issues surrounding dementia.

She said that it was this early experience that helped her to focus on the lack of balanced care in the field. From there she enrolled in one of the first aged care courses offered, through Caulfield Hospital in Victoria.

"I have identified that there should be indicators to measure the quality of care if you are going to measure standards objectively," Devi said. "At the moment it is a subjective assessment. The quality of care cannot be improved without establishing indicators to base assessments on."

After completing her Masters at Charles Sturt University it looked as though Devi would have to go overseas to further her studies. Fortunately Southern Cross University accepted her PhD candidature. Although she is working in Melbourne Devi is currently being supervised in her studies by Peter Miller of the SCU Health Sciences Department.

"It is the love, respect and understanding shown by aged care staff that make an aged care facility more than just a building, it makes it a home," said Ms Bishop during the award presentation. "These awards pay tribute to the care provided by aged care staff and recognise that working in aged care is a challenging and demanding yet rewarding profession."

Big benefits from online marketing

NTech Media's Karey Patterson with Trina Minter from Tradisi.

Tradisi cushions of Byron Bay have been working with local e-commerce and Internet solutions provider NTech Media to develop an online point of sale for their retail outlet that raises the profile and profitability of the products they offer.

Local specialist cushion manufacturer Tradisi cushions originally started selling their beautiful and exotic cushions and fabrics at the local markets before moving to a showroom in the heart of Byron Bay. The success and demand for their unique fabrics has provided the impetus for the development of their online real time payment system.

"I have been operating Tradisi locally for about seven years and felt it was time to expand beyond local business," said Trina Minter from Tradisi. "Visitors to the area continually asked me if they could view my products elsewhere. The obvious next step seemed a website. Since it's completion I have had enquiries from all over the world and expect my client base to grow even more in time."

NTech Media's principal, Karey Patterson, said online marketing is now within reach for small, local businesses.

"People have become more familiar with the concept and process of buying and selling online and these days the costs of setting up a professional online store with real time credit card authentication has been reduced so that it is more accessible to smaller enterprises and much faster to develop," Karey said. "A local client like Tradisi can now demonstrate their business wares and products to consumers right around the globe!"

As well as working with local businesses, Karey and his team of highly skilled e-commerce and online marketing experts also manage online e-commerce sales systems for musical acts such as Grinspoon and Superheist.

Tradisi cushions are available 24 hours a day from the www.tradisi.com website or from the showroom in Byron during business hours. For more information on how to market your products online phone 6622 2725.

This week's features: Your Shopping Guide - Local Businesses