The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

The best policy is ask the kids

Director of the Centre for Children and Young People Dr Anne Graham, Geraldine Doogue, Head of SCUs School of Law Richard Harris and Centre researcher Robyn Fitzgerald at the Centre launch last Friday.

Asking young people what they think before designing programs for them might seem obvious, but most of the time, it doesn't happen.

The new Centre for Children and Young People launched at Southern Cross University (SCU) last Friday, hopes to change that. Centre director Dr Anne Graham said that all too often children's views are not heard in policy initiatives that seek to address their needs.

"The Centre will focus on promoting the wellbeing of children and young people through research, education and advocacy to ensure their views are taken into account," she said.

Dr Graham said involving young people could lead to completely different findings for a project. She cited a recent example where school principals suggested more counsellors to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of students. But when they asked the Years 7 to 11 students, they shed a different light.

"They named such things as the impact of a significant teacher whom they respected, consulted with and felt valued by, and the importance of their peer group in helping them through difficult times," Dr Graham said. "The recommendations put forward reflected these views as well as those of the principals."

The centre will specialise in research on young people aged up to 22, with a focus on children in rural and regional areas. Current projects include children's experiences of the Family Court, mental health issues in schools, family and school partnerships, and youth spirituality.

Broadcaster Geraldine Doogue, MC of a conference to mark the Centre's opening, said she hoped it would encourage a shift in discussion around families and children.

"I think it will force people to reassess their views about what's a good parent and what's a good child," she said. "I think the needs of children and families can be taken for granted and we need a re-examination of that - we need to find out what kids and families are like now, not what they were like in 1961 or 1942."

Details on the Centre for Children and Young People are available online at www.scu.edu.au/schools/edu/centreforchildren.

Laughter is the best medicine

Summah has a laugh with clown doctors Dr B Loony, aka Jean-Paul Bell (right), and Dr Sniggles during their visit to Lismore Base Hospital last Friday.

Summah Castles has spent much of her young life in hospital, but thankfully she's always had the Humour Foundation's Clown Doctors there to bring her a little joy and laughter.

Summah, 6, spent the first three years of her life in intensive care. With epilepsy and a tracheotomy she has been in and out of hospital ever since.

Despite her hardships, Summah, whose smiling face features in the Our Kids calendar, is a happy girl with a great sense of humour. Her mother, Jenny Henssler, says this is partly because of her close relationship with clown doctors over the years.

"When she was in intensive care the same clown doctors would always come to visit her and make her laugh," Jenny said. "They were one of the few things that were consistent in her life - they became like family and were very special to her. It doesn't matter how clever our doctors or nurses are if we can only save the body and not the spirit. The clown doctors help kids laugh at themselves and the situation they're in and I often think we can survive anything if we keep a sense of humour - their value is priceless."

The clown doctors paid one of their regular visits to Lismore Base Hospital's children's ward last Friday. Armed with balloon animals, magic tricks and noisy gadgets they parody the hospital routine to divert anxiety and pain - a procedure they like to call 'open heart surgery'.

Clown doctor creative director and co-founder Jean-Paul Bell, aka Dr B Loony, lives at The Channon and is a close friend of American doctor Patch Adams (whose antics were made famous in the film starring Robin Williams) who believes laughter really is the best medicine.

"Children who are sick or in pain need a little light and laughter in their day," Dr B Loony... err Bell said.

Tinkerbell shopping centre back on

Simon Thomsen

An artist's impression of the Tinkerbell commercial redevelopment.

Three months ago, a packed gallery applauded when Ballina Council rejected plans to rezone the former Tinkerbell caravan park. Developer Chris Condon, who wants to build a $35 million, 14,000 sq metre shopping centre, lost the first round. On Monday night, with Cr Avis Kennedy having lodged a rescission motion to overturn last October's decision, he came back better prepared.

The gallery was once again packed, but this time with supporters of the project, including Ballina citizen of the year Bob Wilson. Many carried colour posters of support. Mr Condon had prepared a four-page colour brochure outlining the development's benefits, including a Big W, Hungry Jacks fast food store and a Woolworths discount petrol station as anchor tenants.

It would inject $60 million into the local economy and provide 900 jobs he said, including 220 jobs at Big W and 80 jobs at Hungry Jacks. It was all up to Council.

This time he won and once again the gallery applauded.

But three councillors were less than impressed. Crs Sue Dakin, Alan Rich and Margaret Howes were suspicious. While keen to say they were big fans of the anchor tenant Big W, Cr Dakin felt she'd been bitten once too often - twice in fact - by Mr Condon's promises.

She had a different theory about what he was up to, speculating that he planned to onsell the rezoned site at an inflated price.

"We have no guarantee that Big W will come to town. Once rezoned, there is nothing to stop it being sold," she said.

But just in case it did happen, she was also worried that "multinationals" were being offered rent relief [ie low rents] meaning small shops would have to make up the difference.

"The people who can most afford to pay the rent won't be," she said.

It was a bitter debate at times, with some councillors accusing others of personalising it and arguing over technicalities of the debate and motion.

Cr Alan Rich wanted councillors to declare they weren't being helped in the upcoming election.

Cr David Wright revealed that he had been the victim of malicious rumours of a financial relationship with the developer after he received money from his ill father. It had a serious impact.

"I was going to step out of it [Council] to protect my reputation," he said.

At the same time, he said he received unprecedented blacklash over last year's refusal.

"I'm happy to say no-one has ever even offered me a cent and I've never taken a cent," he said.

"The public and business push to have this decision revisited has been overwhelming. And I believe this site is right for the best future of Ballina."

But it all came down to Cr Marilyn Perkins. In October, she voted against the rezoning, believing it was too soon and that Ballina's CBD shops need more time to consolidate.

In a carefully reasoned speech, she explained why she was ready to change her mind.

"The question we have to answer is what is best long term use for this site," she said.

"I'm supporting the rezoning. The timing is much better."

The gallery applauded.

But the drama still has more acts to play out. Crs Howes, Rich and Dakin have lodged a rescission motion. They want Mr Condon to lodge a $10 million bond to guarantee the development.

The matter is likely to be debated at Council's ordinary meeting today, February 26.

Volunteer for the SES

David Marshall from Lismore SES examines the SES Stimulus Kit with Richmond River High School teachers Steve Dawson and Kath Amor. The kit features resources for the geography and science teaching.

David Marshall joined the Lismore SES while completing his HSC at Richmond River High School, and while he may not be there for very long, he has certainly used the time well.

"I joined the SES because I have a career goal of joining the NSW Fire Brigade as a full-time member," David said. "I have completed seven training Units, which qualified me in I and II (Public Safety) SES Rescue. Since joining I have met lots of new people and considerably improved my skill base. I enjoy helping my community."

Lismore City SES local controller, Lindsay Matterson, said the Training Units conducted by SES are endorsed by the NSW Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VTAB), giving volunteers national recognition.

"What a great way to impress your prospective employer with qualifications in First Aid, General Rescue, Storm and Water Damage, Operator Communications Equipment and a host of others," Lindsay said. "We may lose David to the NSW Fire Brigade should his recruitment quest be successful, but Lismore City is proud to have David as a member and we have great satisfaction in helping him towards his career goals. No matter the outcome, David is typical of SES volunteers - they are there when you need them."

The SES is holding an orientation day for volunteers this Saturday, February 28, at its headquarters above the rowing club in the Laurie Allen Centre on Magellan Street. If you're interested in helping the community in times of need, as well as learning valuable new skills, then head along to the orientation day, which runs from 9am to 3pm. For details, phone 0438 890 118

Stephen's spirit lives on

Casino High School principal, Geoff Counsins congratulates Scott Shephard the winner of the Stephen Parish award for all-round achievement.

This year's recipient of the Stephen Parish Award for leadership and all-round achievement at Casino High School is School Council president Scott Shephard.

He receives $300 to assist his Year 12 studies.

Scott has represented both the school and district in cricket, soccer and cross-country and coached and managed junior teams and attended leadership training seminars and camps. He has been a long-standing member of the student council and received an award for academic excellence.

Principal Geoff Cousins said Scott was a most deserving winner.

"He is an excellent role model who applies himself in the most diligent manner to everything he does."

The inaugural Stephen Parish award was presented in 1988 to commemorate the late student Stephen Parish and is funded by a trust set up by local service clubs.

St Mary's new Principal

St Mary's High School princial Paul Lewis with administrative staff members, Leanne Cummins, Sue Creighton and Helen Quirk.

The new principal at St Mary's High School, Casino., Paul Lewis, wants to continue spreading the great community spirit he and his wife and two young daughters have received since they arrived in the town in January.

"I believe St. Mary's is extremely fortunate to be part of such a close-knit community where the school enjoys a special place in the parish and the wider town community," he said.

"That sort of support is unique to a school like St. Mary's and a very significant factor in the success of the school."

Mr. Lewis was previously deputy principal at the Catholic College, Bendigo.

"I'm hoping to work with students to raise their expectations and help them to achieve to the best of their ability."

Council settles in to new digs

The first meeting of Richmond Valley Council in the new chambers.

It might have cost ratepayers $400,000 more than the original $3 million budget, Richmond Valley Council is now one big happy family with the official opening of the new council HQ last week.

Mayor Charlie Cox hosted proceedings after chairing the first Council meeting in the new chambers, which are lined with timber and green carpet.

Cr Cox said the corrugated iron building was the culmination of an eight year process to merge the Casino and Richmond River Councils.

While the building is an extension of the former Richmond River building, it brings council's three key administrative departments together for the first time since the two councils were amalgamated four years ago

"This new building is a symbol of our optimism for the future," he said.

Mayor hopes for King hit

Lismore mayor Merv King and his team, (rear) Graham Meineke, Cr John Hampton, Rodney Smith and Cr John Crowther, (front) Belinda Champion and Kaye Bryant.

He was the reluctant mayor forced to take control following the sudden illness of the late Bob Gates, but 18 months down the track, Lismore mayor Merv King is keen to continue in the role, announcing this week that he has nominated as one of 10 candidates for the popularly elected mayoral position.

Cr King has also put together a six-member team that includes two current councillors, John Hampton and John Crowther. But Cr Crowther's 30 years tenure on council is likely to come to an end because he is placed fourth on the 'Team King' ticket.

Others in the group include Aspect North planning manager Graham Meineke, a trenchant critic of Lismore Council's recently abandoned koala management plan, accountant Belinda Champion, daughter of former mayor Jeff Champion, who at 25, is one of the youngest people standing for council, retired nursery owner Kaye Bryant of Bexhill and Woodlawn beef farmer Rodney Smith.

"Team King represents both urban and rural interests, and has experience and common sense as its main values," Cr King said.

He said his campaign theme was "maintaining the growth of Lismore", adding that the decisions of the current council had given the city the momentum.

"Our aim is to build on those significant achievements," he said, pointing to the flood levee, memorial baths redevelopment, new library and Molesworth Street upgrade as key achievements.

Cr King said essential services - the 3Rs - remained a high priority, but he was also eager to see wastewater services in some of the villages.

"Tourism is an awakening giant and must be encouraged," he said.

Chant goes up for a good sport

Cr John Chant (left) will contest the Lismore mayoral race and is also leading a six member team of Peter Graham, Pat Neven, Barbara Gosper, Brian Suffolk and John Cade.

Children and sport are the priority of Lismore deputy mayor John Chant, who launched his re-election campaign this week.

The former car salesman and keen golfer is also seeking the top job and will contest the mayoral election, as well as heading a six member team.

Cr Chant said that under his leadership, the general direction of council policy wouldn't change, but declared that his passion was getting young people involved in sport to give them a better chance in life.

"Sport brings a lot of money to this town and we should be looking hard at what we can do for our youth. Sport keeps them healthy, teaches teamwork and gets them off the street," he said. "Sport can also help deal with problems with crime."

His campaign slogan is "a better Lismore for our children".

Cr Chant said he wanted to boost development in Lismore to provide more jobs.

"It breaks my heart that there are not enough jobs for the next generation and they have to leave town. Our children are Lismore's future."

The Chant ticket features Goolmangar beef and dairy farmer Peter Graham, a fifth generation Lismore resident, small businessman Pat Neven, Barbara Gosper of Blakebrook, proprietor of Immediate Reception, Cr Brian Suffolk, and farmer John Cade of McLeans Ridge.

"The Chant team is a good blend of youth and experience," Cr Chant said.

"With fresh young candidates like Peter Graham [who is 34] on the team, we can do more to represent the interests of young people."

Hot & wet

After four days of soaring temperatures, which saw the mercury climb as high as 40.9°C on the North Coast, leading to blackouts in Lismore and Casino last Thursday, Monday night brought a downpour that cause flash flooding and blocked road around the region.

Wiangaree, on the Richmond River, received 151mm of rain by 9am on Tuesday. Lawrence, on the Clarence, copped a 248mm bucketing.

A low pressure trough off the NSW coast that brought continuing rain led the SES to issue a series of minor flood warnings for the Richmond River. Minor flash flooding occurred on roads around Nimbin and Jiggi.

But showers eased on Wednesday, leading the SES to downgrade their warnings, with the river at Coraki expected to peak at 3.4m earlier today - below the minor flood level.

The Wilsons River at Lismore was expected to peak at 4.5 metres on Wednesday evening, causing minor flooding on some low-lying roads.

For flood details, call the SES on 132 500.

Villa candidates

Six people will contest the Ballina council elections in Ward C on March 27. Existing councillors Marilyn Perkins, David Wright and Phil Silver are all standing for re-election. They are joined by former mayor Keith Johnson, solicitor Ralph James and David Robinson.

Waters meet

The Richmond-Wilsons Combined Water Users Association will meet in Casino next Thursday, March 4, at Casino RSM from 7.30pm.

Richard Swington from NSW Agriculture will speak on the Water Sharing Plan and its implcations for irrigators.

For details, phone Luke on 6683 2856.

Ballina upgrade

Stage two of the Ballina CBD redevelopment began this week. The works include wider footpaths along the main street and a series of tree plantings for shade and to beautify the CBD shopping area.

The road will also be narrowed.

Council's civil services manager, John Truman, said the RTA was also considering a proposal to lower the speed limit through the CBD to 40km/h.

He said the new street design was deliberately designed to encourage slower car speeds and will hopefully encourage through drivers to use another route.

The latest round of works is expected to be completed by June.

A little bit of lore and Nora

Colourful local identity Nora Vidler-Blanksby, who is running as an ungrouped independent for councillor and mayor.

After 25 years living in Lismore, Nora Vidler-Blanksby wants a visionary mayor - and believes she's the best woman for the job.

Nora will stand as an independent contesting the March 27 election in both the councillor and mayoral ballots.

A tireless charity worker, JP, funeral celebrant and coordinator of the Community Visitors Scheme, Nora's trademark is her colourful outfits, often adorned with leopard print. But while her dress sense may be flamboyant Nora says her bid for mayor is anything but frivolous.

"I'm standing because I care about where I live - it's a fantastic place to live and work and I believe with commitment and hard work we can make it even better," she said. "I think I have a good understanding of what the community wants - three of my keys issues are improving customer service to promote prosperity in the region, the extension and improvement of men's health services and community safety and security."

To find out more about the 'Nora for Mayor' campaign, contact her on nora formayor@hotmail.com or phone 6629 5048.

NORCO named grand champion

Lismore-based Norco has won yet another accolade for its ice cream after taking out the dairy industry's highest prize 'Grand Champion Dairy' for its Cape Byron Exquisite Vanilla Ice cream in the 2004 Australian Grand Dairy Awards.

Dairy Australia spokesperson Naomi Crisante said Norco's ice cream was chosen from among 450 dairy products in the competition, which organised by Dairy Australia to recognise the 'crème de la crème' of dairy products.

"Cape Byron Exquisite Vanilla Ice cream is a fine example of how good vanilla ice cream can be, when made with fresh ingredients and that true old-fashioned vanilla flavour," she said.

Hospital warns sick to stay away

Increased cases of a highly infectious form of Viral Gastroenteritis has prompted health officials to warn people ill with vomiting and diarrhoea to stay away from hospitals and nursing homes until they are completely well.

Although the symptoms usually abate within 24 hours, hot weather has increased the risk of dehydration, and older people, children and infants should receive special attention. To counteract the illness, drink plenty of clear fluids, for example juice or soft drink diluted 1 part to 4 parts water, to prevent dehydration.

"Gastroenteritis is most often transferred via direct contact with ill people, or through contaminated food," said Greg Bell, director of the Northern Rivers Public Health Unit. He advised local residents to be especially diligent with cleanliness before handling food, eating and after toilet use.

"The careful storage and preparation of food is also most important," Mr Bell said.

He said children with suspected gastro should stay home from school or child care until symptoms have gone.

Dems shoot for council

Launching their campaign for the local government elections on March 27 are Democrats (l-r) Allan Jeffreys, Nick Casmirri, Julia Melland (mayoral candidate), Janine Goddard and Bec Massey.

The Australian Democrats launched their Lismore council campaign for the March 27 elections on Wednesday.

The team of seven candidates is led by Julia Melland, who ran as the Democrat's Lismore candidate in the NSW elections last March. She will also be the team's mayoral candidate.

"The local Democrats team is committed to the same principles of fairness, human rights, social justice and protecting the environment that guide our Senate team and our state parliamentarians," Julia said. "We can bring inclusiveness, openness and balance to Lismore Council and problem solving skills - we're very good at trying to find common ground rather than division. I personally feel that Lismore has been in limbo for the last four and a half years with little direction - I think the fact so many people are contesting this election is reflective of how people feel excluded from decision making on Council. The Democrats are second to none in representing all aspects of the community."

Also on the Democrats ticket are 21 year-old vision-impaired Lismore resident Nick Casmirri, Nimbin teacher Allan Jeffreys, Goonellabah pensioner and volunteer Frankie Hill, support worker Janine Goddard of Clunes, South Lismore visual arts student Bec Massey and registered nurse Gareth Daniels.

While not a local government issue, Julia said improving local rail services is high on the team's agenda, and they will lobby the NSW Government to fill the gap between Murwillumbah and Coolangatta airport.

"Trains are the future of transport, not the past," she said.

Comment on cultural precinct

Lismore residents can have a say about the development of a cultural precinct in the CBD when intensive public consultations begin this weekend.

Mayor Merv King said the project consultants wanted to hear all the good ideas about how to develop the Old Lismore High School site into a truly significant arts and cultural precinct.

"The project funding is waiting in the wings - but we need to hear from the public about what features to develop on the site," he said

Cr King said the precinct had the potential to revitalise the CBD with a blend of community and cultural facilities, public open space, a commercial/retail section and a multi-level car park.

"Ultimately it will create jobs and a major tourist attraction for Lismore," he said.

Consultants Thomson Adsett Architects will finalise the design of a Masterplan for the site, which includes a new regional gallery and museum.

The community consultation meetings are tomorrow, February 27, 1-4pm at Council's CBD Centre in Magellan Street, that night 7-9pm at the library and Saturday, February 28, 9.30am-1.30pm, at Council's CBD Centre.

Volunteers galore

To mark last Friday's NSW Health Volunteers Day, a 'thank you' morning tea for Lismore Base Hospital volunteers was well attended by members of the LBH Auxiliary, the Our Kids fund, Red Cross, NSW Fire Brigade (regular visitors to the childrens ward) and other valued supporters.

Nimbin develops business directory

The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Nimbin Community Development Association, is compiling a Business and Services Directory for the Nimbin Valley.

They are calling for all businesses in the area to take part by completing a form that was recently distributed through both Nimbin and Kyogle post offices.

The project is partly funded through the special Nimbin Business Rate Levy, with assistance from the Dept of State and Regional Development.

Nimbin Chamber of Commerce President, Kevin Soward, said the project forms part of an overall marketing campaign for the Nimbin Valley that will also include a tourism brochure and television ads.

Marian Forwood, Nimbin's Community Economic Development Officer said it was a great opportunity for local business and services to promote themselves.

"It will be a handy, quick reference for householders and other businesses," she said

"There are businesses like feltmakers, website developers, photographers, coffee growers, artists and musicians who operate from their homes, as well as plumbers, electricians and bobcat drivers. The project aims to include as many of these business and services as possible,"

Ms Forward said the objective was to promote local businesses to local people.

The directory will be distributed to households in the area, including Barkers Vale, Wadeville, Stoney Chute, Cawongla, Tuntable, Bishops Creek, Mt Nardi, Blue Knob, Lillian Rock and Coffee Camp. It will also be available online.

Deadline for return of completed forms is next Friday, March 5.

Alstonville bank in heritage row

Marelle Lee

The 81-year-old former Bank of NSW building on Alstonville's main street is at the centre of a major heritage row between Ballina Council and the building's owners.

The Alstonville Plateau Historical Society has asked Council to heritage list the 1923 timber building, a move backed by Council's heritage advisor who said the "landmark building" is largely original and has heritage significance.

But the Gough family, which inherited the building following the passing of their mother last year, and hope to sell it, say the threat of heritage listing has scared away buyers. The family acquired the property in the post-war era. The bank closed in 1942.

Family spokesperson Aub Gough said they were opposed to heritage listing and "tired of outside interference". He claimed a potential sale had been "completely scuttled" by the heritage push.

Cr Margaret Howes sided with Mr Gough, declaring "this house belongs to the family, not the community." She also proposed moving Council-owned Crawford House, which is being restored by the Historical Society, because it was "occupying more space than it should".

Mayor Phil Silver was also sympathetic to the Gough family's plight saying compulsory heritage listing was "disgraceful".

Cr Silver said he didn't want 'frivolous' requests for heritage listing, but his proposal to waive development application fees on important heritage items was lost.

Council also rejected heritage listing for the bank building.

Council planners advocated community-based heritage studies, rather than ad hoc individual requests for heritage listings.

New initiative sends cancer packing

Launching the Cancer Council's new Support and Information Pack last week was Cancer Council regional programs director Diana Fisher (centre) with Northern Rivers Prostate Cancer Support Group chairman Graham Lester and Yamba Breast Cancer Support Group president Pauline Plant, who are both cancer survivors.

When cancer survivor Graham Lester was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999 there were no local support groups and information about the disease was hard to find, except through the Cancer Council.

For Graham it was a devastating and bewildering discovery that left him feeling like he was no longer in control of his life, but for others like him, that is hopefully about to change.

The Cancer Council has produced a new 'Support and Information Pack' that aims to lessen the impact for people newly diagnosed with the disease - an initiative Graham heartily supports.

"If I'd had this pack when I was diagnosed it would have been an enormous help," said Graham, who's now the Northern Rivers Prostate Cancer Support Group chairman. "The only word you hear when you are diagnosed is 'cancer' - everything else fades into insignificance and it's a tremendous shock. A pack like this one makes it easier to manage the emotional roller coaster of diagnosis."

The free pack includes information on local support groups, dietary and financial issues, emotional support, contacts for treatment centres both here and in Queensland and even a diary so people can keep a record of treatments. It was produced using funds raised from the Relay for Life events and according to Cancer Council regional programs director, Diana Fisher, was developed after some cancer patients expressed they couldn't access adequate information.

"The packs ensure cancer patients have the information and contacts they need and that helps to alleviate anxiety," Diana said. "It's a stressful time but if people know where treatment centres and support service are that helps support them while they're going through their cancer journey."

The free packs are available through the Cancer Council in Ballina or phone the Helpline on 13 11 20 (cost of a local call).

Banana Coast on the money

Banana Coast Credit Union business development manager at the Ballina branch, Rod Kilby, with one of the two awards BCCU won in Money Magazine's Best of the Best Annual Awards for 2004.

Banana Coast Credit Union (BCCU) has started the year on a high after winning two awards in the prestigious Money Magazine's Best of the Best Annual Awards for 2004.

A panel of experts judged BCCU's savings account as the 'Best Transaction Account - Electronic User', with the credit union also coming equal first in the 'Best Transaction Account - Combination User' for its personal cheque account.

BCCU was the only financial provider to win two awards from a field that includes almost every bank, building society and credit union in Australia.

"We're obviously very pleased with the recognition that the credit union has done so well in the eyes of our peers," Ballina BCCU branch manager, David O'Brien, said.

"Customer service is our number one priority because the members are our lifeblood. As a credit union we're always looking for ways to be innovative with out products and services and I think the awards are proof of that."

Great sale this Saturday

After cultivating hundreds of herbs, native and exotic plants over the last few months, employees of the Lismore Challenge Foundation are ready to hold their Super Summer Sale this Saturday, February 28, at the City Farm Nursery in East Lismore.

Showing off some the plants that will be available on the day are nursery employees (clockwise from front right) Richard Dwyer, Chris Hendry, Robert Tracey, Michael Barrett and Garry Hart with new Challenge Foundation nursery coordinator George Huxley (back right).

The Lismore Challenge Foundation provides training and employment for people with disabilities.

The sale is a great chance to pick up a bargain as nothing is priced over $4. There's also a free BBQ, $50 lucky door prize and ABC Radio's Good Gardening presenter, Phil Dudman (the foundation's former nursery coordinator), will be there to give advice and answer questions.

It runs from 8am to 1pm.

Lismore Challenge is at 47 Caldwell Avenue, East Lismore (follow the signs down Wyrallah Road, turn left at Mine and Gary's Ampol, then right into Caldwell Ave). For info phone 6627 5000.

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