Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Congratulations Woodburn!

The Woodburn community has once again shown what can be done when the community works together following the successful Australia Day celebrations in Riverside Park.

An F1-11 fly over kicked off proceedings as it swooped low along the river with a roar, followed by the awards presentation, heaps of fun, a fireworks display from the bridge.

There was fierce competition in events like the belly flop and tug-o-war with Clarence MP Steve Cansdell putting in an impressive effort in the mini Iron Man race.

Chief organiser Joan Roots was understandably weary but pleased.

"It was a fantastic day," she said. "The fireworks were spectacular."

Mrs Roots thanked the Woodburn community who had given their wholehearted support to the celebrations.

Citizen Awards

Richmond Valley Citizen of the Year Award went to William "Bill" Bartier of Casino for his volunteer work with various community organisations and the Casino Historical Society.

Bill has spent long hours recording and writing two books on local history. He is now researching War Memorials in the Richmond Valley and recording the 100 years of history of the Campbell Hospital, Coraki.

Other winners were: Young Citizen of the Year, Kierra Harris, for her contribution to the young people of Casino through her involvement with the Performing Arts; Sports Person of the Year, Patrick Power, for his involvement with the Casino Bulls Rugby team as coach, trainer and committee member and his participation at Masters Games in swimming; and the Community Event of the Year Award went to The Woodburn Chamber of Commerce for "Richmond Reflections" held at Riverside Park last May.

A grand friend indeed

Iris Wallis, coordinator of Grandfriends, stepped in as the Australia Day Ambassador following the last minute withdrawal of Bryony Duus

Iris told the story of how she founded Grandfriends in the Liverpool area in 1988 when she noticed how many of the children, especially those from non-English speaking backgrounds, became friendly with her on her daily trips to pick up her grandchildren.

"They wanted to talk to me and touch my wrinkly skin," Iris said. "I realised that there was a need to bridge the gap between young children and senior citizens."

The program, where senior citizens adopt a classroom and become a "grandfriend" to the students, is now in 25 schools in Sydney and has spread to the Central Coast.

Iris said the program has cultural, social and even historical benefits telling the story of how her spontaneous rendition of "Daisy", when asked by one child to sing a song, led her to explain what a "bicycle built for two" was.

"And next week the children sang Daisy for me," Iris said.

Another moving moment for Iris came when she ran into the family of one student whose non-English speaking parents warmly embraced her when the son explained who she was.

"The boy told me how glad his family was that I'd become his grandfriend," Iris said.

"My wish is to have the program in every school in NSW."

Anyone interested in finding out more about Grandfriends can contact the Council on the Ageing on 9286 3680 or email info@cotansw.com.au.

Top honour for Coraki stalwart

Cr Norma Thomas, who was recognised in the Australia Day honours list with the Medal of the Order of Australia, chats with Iris Wallis.

Richmond Valley councillor Norma Thomas was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours for services to the Coraki community.

"I nearly died of shock when I heard," Norma said, "And I'm terribly honoured."

Norma's long years of community service include serving 12 years as a local government councillor, 12 years as a delegate on Rous Water and Richmond River County Council where she is currently deputy chair and the only woman member.

She is also an executive committee member of the Australian Local Government Women's Association and committee member of the Far North Coast Women's Hockey Association - not to mention her committee memberships of the Coraki Youth Hall Committee, Coraki Lions Club, hockey, tennis, golf and bowls clubs and the Coraki CWA.

Norma's association in the hockey stronghold of Coraki is understandable given her playing success, which included two years in the Queensland state hockey team.

Norma took the place of her late husband Ken on the former Richmond River Shire Council and continues to operate the mail run in Coraki.

What drives Norma to be so involved?

"I just have a strong feeling that if you live in the area you should put something back into it," Norma said. "If everybody did a bit it would be a better world."