Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Coraki Youth

Nic McCormack, youth worker at the Kurachee Co-op in Coraki, loves her job.

"I love working with young people," Nic said. "I've met many of these kids in my previous jobs in Casino and Lismore. Bringing these activities to Coraki makes it easier for them to now participate, because of difficulties with transport."

Nic said that the service is for both black and white youth. Her role involves providing advocacy and referral, counselling and activities for young people.

The activities have ranged from belly dancing to break dancing, hip hop, disco, karaoke and movie nights.

Late last year, the Kurachee Co-op administration moved from a big shed on their farm on the outskirts of Coraki into a new building in town. The youth service will soon have use of the shed.

For more info contact Nic McCormack on 66832410.

Beef Week

Yes it's time to start thinking about Casino Beef Week for 2004. This year the popular festival is running a shortened, but still packed, program. All your old favourites will be there, from the big breakfast, to the colourful window dress up and the street parade with the Beef on Barker outdoor restaurant. There's also a whisper of an exciting new event for young people. But for now put May 26 to June 1 in your diary. Enquiries, ring the Beef Week office on 6662 8181.

Casino Art Centre

An Artist in Residence program, art workshops and art market and family days will be held on a regular basis at the Casino Art Centre in Walker Street.

Centre manager, Peter Gallo, said the Centre's aims are to foster and promote local artists and to make art more accessible to all.

"Our motto is 'Nourishing the Soul'," he said. "We held our first art market and family day last Sunday, we have a photographic exhibition planned for March, and an ongoing art exhibition."

An Artist in Residence is at the Centre every Wednesday; workshops will be held on the fourth Sunday of the month and the art market and family day will be held on the second Sunday of the month.

For more details contact Peter on 6662 7325.

Sell your craft

The Casino Visitor Centre and Platypus Gallery is looking for craft makers in the Richmond Valley council area to supply items for sale on a consignment basis. The Platypus Gallery is a new addition to the Information Centre and offers local arts and crafts for sale as well as holding exhibitions.

The Gallery is particularly interested in having pottery, woodwork and leadlight items. If you're interested, contact Tracey Flaherty at the Centre on 6662 3566, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.