The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

The bald and the beautiful

Hair today, gone tomorrow... gearing for the World's Greatest Shave for a Cure this Saturday are Peter Jaggle from the Young Drums (centre), organiser Loma Graydon (right), Gary 'hairy man' Mazzer (left) and local kids Jayden and Damon Cook, Sienna Brennan and Kairen Wijeyekoon with Summerland Rockers (rear l-r) Trevor Pethers, Steve and Peggy Garbutt and Elizabeth and Carl 'Hound Dog' Mills.

When Loma Graydon's husband Eric was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1998, Loma and her daughter Cathy Mooney created Shave for a Cure to raise money for research into the disease.

The event was an unprecedented success with 200 people losing their locks for charity. Their unique idea soon became the launching pad for the Leukaemia Foundation's national World's Greatest Shave for Cure.

Loma and Cathy went through a traumatic time in the 15 months after Eric's diagnosis. He died in 1999. While nothing can bring back a caring father and husband, they find some solace in the fact his passing inspired what is now the Leukaemia Foundation's biggest annual fundraiser.

"When you see what patients go through in their battle to survive they are such an inspiration - Eric had to go through so much but he never gave up hope," Loma said. "We have a world-renowned research centre in Brisbane and while we continue to generate funds there is hope of finding a cure. I would like to think that eventually no one will have to tread the road we travelled and live through that trauma."

While a cure may be some way off, people can help beat the existing record for the most number of heads shaved or coloured in Australia - which Lismore holds with 485 - at the World's Greatest Shave for a Cure this Saturday, March 13.

As part of the all-day 'carnivale' in Magellan Street people can sign up to shave or colour their heads, or simply enjoy the day and help raise money by buying local produce stalls that will line the street.

After the official opening at 10am the shave will kick off with the Lismore Base Hospital group, including CEO Dan Madden, first on the chopping blocks.

Lismore resident Gary 'hairy man' Mazzer is even taking the challenge one step further, and promises to do a full body wax on the day if he can raise $2,500.

Other highlights include performances by the Young Drums, Summerland Rockers and the Lismore City Pipe Band, plus a special visit by Prime Possum at 11am. There will be live bands and an all-day disco with two DJs, face painting, free massages courtesy of Inner Sanctvm, salsa and jazz dancers, rides for the kids and much more. The festivities run from 10am to 5pm.

For full details see the program on page 20 of this week's Echo.

Youth gang terrorises Alstonville

A group of teenage youths that locals have dubbed "the gang of six" are terrorising Alstonville residents with threats and obnoxious behaviour. The residents claim that the police seem unable to take action against the youths, who have threatened people with taunts of "We know where you live".

"There's been a string of things that have happened in the last two months - continuous hooning by half-pissed, boisterous youths. We're feeling extremely helpless and when you call the police, they say 'We can't help you'," said one resident, who asked not to named.

"It feels like we've lost control of the streets," they said. "It's not the fault of police, but one police car can't control all this area effectively. And it shouldn't get down to us having to form vigilante groups."

Within the last fortnight, four businesses on the Alstonville main street have been broken into, including the butcher and Adult Education. Two of the businesses were trashed after the thieves failed to find any money.

One Alstonville businessman who starts work early in the morning said he often sees young people who "should be home in bed at that time of the day" wandering the streets.

"We've got an element here - no-hopers aged around 16 to 20 - who are causing most of the grief. On top of that, there are regular burn outs with cars - the skidmarks are everywhere," he said.

"The occasional police car comes through, they watch for it and then continue their activities after the police are gone. We want police patrolling at night on a regular basis - it would at least chase off the hoons."

While many people are too scared to be named for fear of reprisals, Ballina citizen of the year and Ratepayers Association president Bob Wilson says the situation is getting out of hand and has called for more police in the village.

"There has been a spate of petty crimes in recent weeks and the village seems rife with drugs. But the police say Alstonville has a relatively low crime rate. We have two police stationed there, but the station never seems to be open and when you ring the station, sometimes it just rings out, or diverts to Ballina," he said.

Mr Wilson said that even trying to report crime was proving difficult.

"This week I discovered a machine in the Alstonville shopping centre had been vandalised, so I rang Ballina police to report it. They told me to ring the Police Assistance Line (PAL). I rang and they asked for my name, address, phone number and even my date of birth. Then they asked what was my involvement in the crime - was I the victim? When I said 'No, I'm just a concerned citizen reporting a crime', they told me 'We can't accept statement because it's got nothing to do with you'. I'm fuming over this. When police say we don't have crime, it's because you can't report it," he said.

Local Area Command Superintendent Barry Audsley said the reason the police weren't at the Alstonville station was because they were out working.

"I'd rather they're doing that than sitting at a desk," he said.

Supt Audsley said Alstonville was "a special place", because police from both Lismore and Ballina can respond to calls for assistance.

"In the foreseeable future there won't be any more than two police stationed at Alstonville. One is leaving shortly, but we have processes in place to replace him as quickly as possible," he said.

Supt Audsley encouraged people to report crimes when they occur.

"The police response will be in proportion to the seriousness of the incident," he said.

Members rally to save RSL Club

Lismore residents are throwing their support behind the Lismore RSL Club as it battles the National Australia Bank (NAB), which is demanding the club repay a $3.191M loan by June 30.

The NAB's ultimatum was revealed to more than 300 members who attended a special meeting held last week to explore the future of the RSL Club. While the Club has been making regular payments on the loan, a NAB spokesman would not say why the bank insisted late last year that the Club repay the loan in full.

"Our first priority is to work with the customer to find an acceptable solution and that's what we're trying to do. We've had several meeting with the RSL and will continue to do so," he said.

Meanwhile, the Club is seeking refinancing, as well as exploring an amalgamation with another club. Lismore RSL Club general manager Ken Coughran they had received interest from five clubs for a merger.

"Nothing has been finalised at this stage, we are having discussions," he said.

Residents are also showing their support for the Club by signing up as members. In the last fortnight, 80 people have become members.

Mr Coughran said patrons had also been keen to offer suggestions on ways to raise funds.

"This place has enormous historical significance to the people of Lismore. It was the birthplace of many of the local citizens when it was a private hospital and today it employs 60 people, injecting more than $3 million into the local economy," he said.

Mr Coughran said the club will hold a series of major fundraising activities over the next month as well as looking at ideas to increase revenue.

He said the groundswell of community support has been a great boost for the Club's future.

"I hope we can rise to this challenge, and that the Lismore Community will continue to get behind us."

Sisters share their stories

A special breakfast to celebrate International Women's Day was held at Lismore City Hall on Tuesday. Some of the early birds who attended the event included (l-r) Arakwal Elder Lorna Kelly from Byron Bay, speakers Yvonne Stewart, Dr Jacqueline Boustany and retiring Lismore councillor Diana Roberts, with organisers Lois Kelly and Jen Ireland.

The women talked about their life experiences to the 120 women. The breakfast was hosted by the Spokeswomen's Program for women, with proceeds going to the United Nations International Women's Development Fund.

Arakwal Elder, Lorna Kelly, said it was a good 'bonding experience' for women.

"It was very moving - you look around and there's all these smiling faces and everyone is listening to what one another has to say," Lorna said. "Women coming together like this for a yarn brings us closer to each other." Photo: Terra Sword

Storm damage minimal

A worker cleans up fallen branches outside the EnVite office on the corner of Carrington and Conway Streets, Lismore early on Saturday morning.

Despite winds gusting up to 125km/h, seas of up to 11 metres and 200mm rain falling in just 12 hours, the Northern Rivers escaped last Friday night's wild weather relatively unscathed.

SES divisional controller Scott Hanckel praised the Bureau of Meteorology for giving "timely and accurate" warnings of the approaching storm, the result of a cyclonic low pressure system in the Coral Sea.

"All units were prepared and we were relatively lucky," he said. "The property damage was relatively light compared to the strength of the storm."

SES crews responded to more than 100 requests for assistance. While the wild winds downed a number of trees, damaging roofs and blacking out small areas, there was no major damage. With the skies clearing on Saturday morning, Lismore escaped major flooding, although low-lying roads, including Bridge St, Woodlawn, Wyrallah and the Bangalow roads, were cut until Sunday.

In an unrelated incident, 1000 residences in Wollongbar were left without power on Saturday morning after contract tree loppers accidentally cut powerlines.

In Uki, a 10-year-old boy, Sean Woods, drowned when he was swept away as he attempted to crossing a flooded causeway with his parents.

A movie festival, a number of sporting fixtures and public events like Ballina's Fawcett Park fun day were cancelled or postponed. The Fawcett Park celebration will now be held on Saturday, March 20.

The storm coincided with the 30th anniversary of the cyclonic conditions that caused the 1974 Lismore flood.

Heart starter helps the plateau

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Alstonville Fire Brigade captain Jeff Snow, Northern Rivers' operational commander for NSW Fire Brigades, inspector Chris Fabri, and Lennox Head-Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club captain Lukas Van Zwieten receive a defibrillator from Alstonville-Wollongbar Quota Club members Marilyn Perkins, Julia Adlington and Sandra Robinson.

The Alstonville-Wollongbar Quota Club will donate defibrillators to the Alstonville Fire Brigade and Lennox Head-Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club next week to help save more local lives.

After two years of fundraising the club has purchased two defibrillators, which they will present to the organisations at a special function next Tuesday, March 16, at the Pioneer Tavern in Wollongbar.

Surf Life Saving Clubs were recently told defibrillators will become mandatory equipment, so the timing couldn't be better, especially considering it's also Quota Care Month.

"Ideally there would be someone with CPR experience nearby who could attend [to the victim] before the defibrillator and then Ambulance arrives," Quota Club member, Marilyn Perkins, said. "The Quota Club now wants to run a CPR training campaign so as many people as possible on the Plateau know CPR. We don't want the cost to be a deterrent and we aim to make it affordable for everyone."

Anyone is welcome to attend the presentation next Tuesday from7pm. Tickets are $12, which includes entertainment by Ray 'The Mullumbimby Bloke' Essery and light refreshments.

To book phone Dorothy on 6628 0134 or Sandra on 6628 6080.

Carr wants Fed funds for Ballina bypass

NSW Premier Bob Carr has threatened that the Ballina bypass won't be built unless the Federal Government commits funds to the project by 2006.

Speaking during a visit to Byron last week, Mr Carr said the NSW government had $12 million committed to the 12km project, which is expected to cost up to $250 million, and claimed the project was a federal Government responsibility.

His comments brought a swift rebuke from both state and federal National Party MPs.

Ballina MP and shadow roads minister, Don Page said Premier Carr promised to fund the Ballina Bypass under the 10-year agreement with the Commonwealth.

"Why would the State Government spend $12 million on a road project it believed to be a Federal responsibility? It is a complete abrogation of his responsibility to now claim the project is reliant on Federal funds," Mr Page said.

Mr Page pointed to the Premier's announcement of $540 million for bus transitways in western Sydney as proof that the state funding was biased towards the city.

Federal MP Larry Anthony said the Premier was trying to "blackmail" the Commonwealth Government.

Meanwhile, the Ballina Bypass Action Group has enlisted the support of motoring group NRMA to lobby NSW roads minister Carl Scully to begin work on the project, which is scheduled for 2010. The are proposing that four kilometres of the southern end of the bypass be built initially to ease traffic congestion.

Women's prize

Kyogle resident Helen Flower was named one of four winners in a NSW Government storytelling competition to celebrate International Women's Day.

She won a digital camera, worth $1000 for her story about a young, pregnant, unmarried mother and the compassion of a country town in the face of tragedy.

Dodgy bucks

Police are warning people to be on the lookout for counterfeit $20 notes after a series of them were used in Byron Bay businesses since March 1. Police say they lack the normal security features, like a compass embossed inside the clear window.

Anyone who believes they've been handed a counterfeit note should contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police crack down in Nimbin

A major police crackdown in Nimbin has led to a number of people being arrested for crimes, including drugs and theft offences.

Operation 'Justice' began on February 1, following the community outcry caused by the trashing of the main street last year.

Operation commander Detective Sergeant Andrew Campbell said teams of up to five uniformed police had been patrolling the streets of Nimbin.

"The operation is targeting drug supply, violent and anti-social behaviour related to drugs and alcohol, to arrest wanted persons and deter criminal activity, thereby ensuring a safe street and community environment," he said.

DS Campbell said the operation has resulted in a significant decline in criminal and anti-social activity and had received a positive response from the community.

Last week, 13 people were arrested, 28 people received infringement notices for traffic and parking offences and 21 Court Attendance Notice prosecutions were instigated.

The offences range from supplying heroin and cannabis supply and possession, to goods in custody suspected of being stolen. Arrests for outstanding warrants, breaching bail and AVOs and traffic offences have also been made.

DS Campbell said anyone heading to Nimbin expecting to buy illegal drugs can expect to be caught.

Yesterday (March 10), highway patrol police conducted 105 random breath tests, with three people returning positive tests. There were four other arrests for other criminal activities, including possession of restricted substances, while 19 people received speeding infringements for driving too fast through school zones around Nimbin.

One woman stopped for speeding through a school zone was stopped again at the next school zone, 5km down the road, exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h. She has automatically lost her licence for three months.

Teachers strike over TAFE fee rises

Story & photo: John McPherson

TAFE teachers and students on a protest match in Lismore's CBD on Wednesday morning.

Around 200 TAFE students, staff and supporters took to the streets of Lismore on Wednesday morning over NSW Government funding for TAFE.

The rally coincided with a 24-hour strike by teachers at the Casino, Lismore, Wollongbar and Ballina TAFE campuses.

Geoff Parry, head teacher at Wollongbar Campus, said the march was a protest against increased fees, funding cuts to TAFE, and a reduction in north coast places for students.

The group marched to the office of Lismore MP Thomas George, who was in Sydney for parliament to voice their concerns.

"We have assurances from both Thomas George and [Ballina MP] Don Page that they will bring up this issue today in parliament," Mr Parry said.

"TAFE funding has been cut by $450 million in real terms over the past five years leading to a tremendous cut in places available for students here on the north coast.

"Up to 150 students have been unable to find places in horticulture, 200 art students have missed out and with no classes allocated for Wollongbar, there is a shortfall of 85 places in manufacturing and engineering," he said. "The demand is there, there simply isn't the funding." Mr Parry claimed more potential students were "put off" from trying to get into TAFE because of the increased fees and reduced government support.

TAFE teachers will meet soon to discuss further action in their campaign against the Government's changes.

Coast gets new cancer service

These six Ballina bowlers set a marathon record of 57 hours last November, raising $12,000 for the Ballina Satellite Cancer Care and Haematology Service that was opened on Wednesday.

They were joined by Joan Higgs (seated), a patient and a volunteer with the service, haematologist Dr Peter Rankin (left) and oncologist Dr Adam Boyce.

The Ballina Satellite Cancer Care and Haematology Service will initially open for one day per week, using staff from the Lismore Cancer Care Unit.

In his address at the opening, Dr Adam Boyce said demand at the Lismore clinic was increasing 20 per cent a year because of the area's growing and ageing population.

Many of the patients came from Ballina and nearby coastal areas, he said, and the new service, located at Ballina District Hospital, will offer better access for people who now travel to Lismore for their chemotherapy and blood transfusion treatments.

The bowlers who helped purchase equipment and patient comforts for the unit were Val McKenzie, David Brann, Rick Rodziewicz, Paul Artis, Terry Rogers and Narelle Wilson.

Their fundraising will continue this year, as will that of another sponsor, the womens' service club Scope, which is running a major raffle for the Cancer Service. Details from Marjorie Steinhardt, Scope's national president, on 6628 3172.

Almost good enough to drink...

A 10 second blast of ultraviolet (UV) light is helping Lismore Council's East Lismore sewage treatment plant produce cleaner water. Council has just spent $2.2 million on a high-tech UV disinfection system that removes 99 per cent of the harmful pathogens and bacteria in the effluent, which is discharged into the Wilsons Creek.

Previously, the treatment took several weeks using natural sunlight.

Lismore Water employees Tony Schaefer and Mark Attwater (pictured) joined Mayor Merv King to open the UV plant this week.

Council also plans to use the treated effluent within the treatment plant to reduce the demand on water supply.

Student stripped of scholarship

When Jemima Holmes was named dux of Lismore High School last year, she won a university scholarship to help with her studies. Last week she was stripped of her prize after another student's family threatened legal action because only one of her parents is Protestant.

Ms Holmes, 18, received a Universities Admission Index (UAI) of 99.3 and was awarded a Nesbitt scholarship, believed to be worth $11,700. But under the terms of scholarship set up by the late Lismore businessman George Nesbitt, both parents must be Protestant. Jemima's mother, Julia Holmes, was not baptised.

The matter is now being investigated by the NSW Department of Education as former students have come forward to reveal that their parents did not fulfil the scholarship criteria either.

Julia Holmes described her daughter's situation as "really bizarre".

"It doesn't matter if it doesn't mean anything to you or you don't practise the religion," Ms Holmes told ABC radio. "It just shows how ridiculous it is, as long as they have the holy water tipped on them in a certain church, then the child can get the money."

A Department of Education spokesman said they were awaiting legal advice on what to do next.

"The terms of the scholarship are exceptional," he said. "The award has a long history. It's not our practice to hand out awards based on religious affiliation."

Since The Northern Star broke the story last Saturday, it has since attracted national media attention.

Frankly my dears, how 'bout a pool

Politics has gone to the dogs... 'Team Swientek' - Peter Stenbo, Therese Crollick, David Larkin (who said he was trying the "trickle down effect"), Graham Askey, Stan Heywood and Cr Frank Swientek at the site of the proposed Goonellabah recreation facility with their "Merv King-sized" Goonellabah swimming pool.

The dour struggle for control of Lismore Council took a lighter turn this week when Cr Frank Swientek launched his election campaign with a publicity stunt on the site of the Goonellabah recreation centre.

Having spent the last four years opposing the rebuilding of the Memorial baths - advocating instead that it should have been left in its existing state while a pool was built in Goonellabah - Cr Swientek was keen to take a swipe at mayor Merv King and the group dubbed "the six-pack", calling the Memorial baths redevelopment "overblown". He said there should be a pool in Goonellabah and that the city could have two pools.

"They ignored the advice of consultants, senior council staff and more importantly, they ignored the wishes of the people of Lismore,"he said.

While Cr King is keen to put planning for the recreation centre on his Council CV, Cr Swientek mocked him with a 'Merv King-sized' inflatable children's wading pool.

"Lismore needs a new direction and my team will provide just that," he said.

The six-member Swientek independent group is, in descending order on the ballot paper: Frank Swientek, David Larkin, who stood on the ALP ticket at the 1999 council election, flood levee advocate Graham Askey, Rosebank farmer Stan Heywood, medical technologist and Masters Games chair Therese Crollick and retired businessmen Peter Stenbo.

Scrubbed out

Big Scrub Environment Centre president, Gray Wilson, at the Keen Street shop, which will close in June.

The Big Scrub Environment Centre Shop in Keen Street is closing.

The centre will continue to exist as an environmental information hub, but owing to a decrease in retail earnings the management committee has decided to close the shop at the end of the financial year.

"It is with great sadness that we have taken this decision, but the continued existence of the centre is more important than flogging a dead horse and struggling to continue with the shop," Big Scrub Environment Centre president, Gray Wilson, said. "The original purpose of the shop was to support the activities of the centre, but it has become more and more of a burden as it has gradually ceased to fulfil that purpose. We hope that with our grants and ongoing community support the Centre will continue to fulfil its main purpose as a source of information for the public and activists, and as a centre for local actions of all sorts."

The Big Scrub Environment Centre is holding a special general meeting next Tuesday, March 16, at the Lismore Workers Club from 7pm to discuss its future. The public is invited to give their support and ideas.

Lennox candidates

The Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce is holding a Meet the B Ward Candidates evening next Tuesday, March 16, at the Lennox Head Bowls Club. The event goes from 7 to 9pm and includes five minute presentations followed by an hour for questions from voters.

For moer details, phone Judy on 6687 6640.

Nimbin art

Nimbin is seeking artistic genius to brighten up the entrances to the town.

The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce has $3,000 for the creation of two welcoming signs for the town entrances.

Expressions of Interest are sought from Nimbin valley landscape designers, artists or sculptors, individually or as a team, to design, construct and install them.

The deadline is Tuesday, March, 30. For details phone Marian Forwood on 6689 1559.

Women's prize

Kyogle resident Helen Flower was named one of four winners in a NSW Government storytelling competition to celebrate International Women's Day.

She won a digital camera, worth $1000 for her story about a young, pregnant, unmarried mother and the compassion of a country town in the face of tragedy.

Dodgy bucks

Police are warning people to be on the lookout for counterfeit $20 notes after a series of them were used in Byron Bay businesses since March 1. Police say they lack the normal security features, like a compass image embossed inside the clear window on the note.

Anyone who believes they've been handed a counterfeit note should contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Flu vaccine

Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against influenza this winter, warning that a severe strain of 'Fujian' flu is on its way to Australia.

Northern Rivers Public Health Unit director Greg Bell said older people and anyone with underlying medical conditions, especially children, should see their GP to get a flu shot.

The influenza vaccine is free to people over 65 and people aged 15 to 49 years with chronic illness.

Anyone can be vaccinated by their GP around $20.

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