Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

Cemetary vandalism

The recent attacks by vandals on headstones in the old West Street Cemetery has shocked us all. During my inspection of the cemetery last week, I found it difficult to understand how any individuals could gain some satisfaction through the desecration of monuments to other people's loved ones.

Some of those monuments are almost a century old and were erected to perpetuate a memory and a spirit dear to surviving family members.

Many of the family names on the damaged headstones no longer exist in the district and locating present day relatives may provide difficult.

Meanwhile Council has commenced an inventory of the damage and a report on possible remedial measures will be presented to the 17 February meeting. Enquiries are also being made to the Heritage Council to identify potential funding to assist repairs.

Unfortunately, Council has no funds in reserve to cover such wanton damage.

Whilst Council may contemplate installing additional lighting of the area and some security, we, as a community, need to get to the very root of the problem. As a community, I urge one and all to take a firm stand against vandalism of all kinds. We should be adopting a zero tolerance stance against vandalism.

Start by talking among your family and neighbours and let your feelings be known to others as well.

In your vigilance, I urge you to report vandalism and other crimes to the police on the Police Access Line 131 444. This 24 hour line is specifically designed to record statistics so that police can allocate numbers according to the number of complaints received.

Experience has shown that the public is generally reluctant to report incidents - yet, how can you expect police to help if they haven't been informed?

Oz Day fun

All roads lead to Woodburn for the Richmond Valley official Australia Day celebrations next Monday from 1pm. The celebrations will certainly be different - so different and varied that the local Woodburn organising team has been successful in obtaining a $5000 Woolworths grant to help stage the event. This prestigious Woolworths award is keenly sought after each year and is very limited in the number selected across the nation.

The main focus for the day at Big W (that's Big Woodburn) will be on the river, which has played such a significant role in the heritage of the township.

An added feature will be the official ambassador Bryony Duus who has played 23 times as a midfielder with the Australian Matildas soccer team.

Boundary changes

The Minister for Local Government has referred a proposal to the Boundaries Commission to create a new Local Government Area (LGA) for the Clarence region. Richmond Valley Council is involved insofar as the proposal includes a transfer of some Copmanhurst area to us and the transfer of some of our coastal area to the Clarence.

This coastal area south of Evans Head and Woodburn includes predominantly National Park. However, the description of the area raises some concerns. Council is seeking clarification of exactly which areas are contained in this part of the proposal and will be making a submission to the Boundaries Commission should our community of interest or access be impinged.

Written submissions by individuals, groups, organisations close 27 January 2004. For further information contact www.dlg.nsw.gov.au.