Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Aboriginal art for health

The Casino-based Dharah Gibinj Aboriginal Medical Service has launched an Aboriginal art competition to promote better health to local Aboriginal people

The 'Goorie Art Competition', which runs from now until April 2, is open to indigenous artists aged 15 years and over. Artworks should be A4-sized or smaller and represent aspects of the Bundjalung area.

A winning artwork will be chosen from each of the five local Bundjalung communities, with the artists receiving a $100 prize as well as seeing their works used as part of good-health material, such as posters and brochures.

Entry forms are available at Dharah Gibinj Aboriginal Medical Service, Casino, should accompany all works More details from Joanne Cooper on 6662 3514.

Seniors Week

With Federal Treasurer Peter Costello calling for people to continue working past retirement age, some of the activities planned throughout the Richmond Valley for Seniors Week, March 14-21, might give our older citizens ideas to gain work.

Computer and Internet training features high in the program along with leisure activities like lunches, bus tours, concerts and of course Hoi Days. Free training in how to access the Web is on at Casino High School, with free transport available from Casino Library; phone 6662 3495 for reservations.

The Evans Head Community Technology Centre is conducting a series of computer and Internet training sessions, including learning how to conduct family history research online, use a digital camera and burn those family photos to CD.

For information about Seniors Week activities contact Joanne Petrovic, Community Project Officer on 6660 0225.

Evans Head sewerage

Richmond Valley Council's waste water management committee is still exploring ways to overcome the problems of where to discharge treated effluent before getting the go ahead to begin building a new sewerage treatment.

At its last meeting, the committee received approval from the National Parks representative to provide evidence that their latest option, discharge into Salty Lagoon, will have no negative effects to the lake's ecology.

All previous options have been ruled out either by community opposition - ebb tide ocean discharge; engineer's objections - deep well injection; EPA objections - Richmond River discharge.

A further meeting will be held in a fortnight to consider the evidence.

Meet Candidates

Casino Chamber Of Commerce is hosting a "Meet the Candidates" night next Wednesday March 17, at Casino RSM Club commencing at 7pm.

So if you want to find out more about the candidates standing for election to Richmond Valley Council on March 27 come along with short questions prepared in order to give everyone a chance to be heard.

Let's all square off

Willi-Whirlers Judith and Greg Wirth, Heather Slaney and David James strut their stuff under the watchful eye of champion square dance caller Wilma Flannery as the club celebrates square dance month.

When Wilma Flannery was a teenager, she learnt square dancing in "a little old lady's" garage. She enjoyed it so much she started teaching square dancing in Casino when her children were teenagers.

"I was looking for something for teenagers to get involved in," Wilma said. "I knew from my teenage days that it was a fun thing."

And so the Casino Willi-Whirlers was born, named after Wilma's childhood nickname, Willi Weary. March is square dancing month and to celebrate, the Willi-Whirlers is holding open house every Wednesday in March, at 7.30pm in the Anglican Church hall, Simpsons Parade, Casino.

Wilma is quick to point out that it's not just teenagers who are joining the square dancing set.

"We have people of all ages, from 8 to 80," Wilma said. "Singles, couples and families, it's very good exercise for the body and mind. You need to listen to what the caller is saying. It's excellent for older people."

The health benefits of square dancing have been recognised by the Heart Foundation, which lists it as one of the top three forms of exercise along with swimming and walking.

"Heads square through!" and "Bow to your partner, bow to your corner," are familiar calls to begin the dance. Wilma has been caller and teacher for 22 years and she is currently convenor of the Northern NSW Square Dancing Association.

Wilma said the calls make square dancing easy to learn.

"The calls teach you the moves," she said. "You learn as you go."

Wilma formed the Summerland Larrikins, for Lismore and Alstonville people and this Saturday they are holding their 12th birthday celebrations in the Wollongbar primary school auditorium, and also holding open nights every Friday in March.

And this June the Casino Willi-Whirlers celebrate their 21st birthday with what promises to be one hell of a party with square dancers coming from all over Australia to help the Willi-Whirlers dance the night away. With Wilma calling, of course.

For details, contact Wilma on 6662 6647.