The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Lismore's fountain of tourism

Testing the water at the restored 'Record Reign Fountain' in Spinks Park this week was Glenda Sheehan, great grand-daughter of James O'Flynn, mayor of Lismore in 1898, watched by Mary Betteridge, chair of the Lismore Civic Pride committee, Richmond River Historical Society vice-president Annette Potts, Historical Society member Patricia Roberts, mayor Merv King and piper Neville Northfield.

A century ago, the people of Lismore were a bit miffed that the council had provided horses with plenty of drinking troughs, but there was nowhere, aside from the pubs, to refresh thirsty residents. It was around the time of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne. A committee formed to mark the occasion came up with a practical memorial to record their loyalty to Her Majesty - the 'record reign' drinking fountain. In 1898, it was unveiled, with the mayor at the time, James Francis O'Flynn, promising that the fountain would be properly cared for.

It took another 100 years - and countless mayors - to honour that pledge, but this week, following an $80,000 restoration, the fountain was once more a centrepiece of the city, not to mention a place for people to grab a quick drink.

The fountain had fallen into disrepair and was left neglected, but local historians lobbied Lismore Council during the late '90s to ensure the city's oldest public monument was restored. Heritage experts who helped restore Sydney's Queen Victoria Building worked with the Richmond River Historical Society and local stonemasons to bring the fountain back to its former glory. Marble was imported from Italy to recreate the ornamental top, which disappeared 50 years ago, and the memorial's four fountains are flowing once more.

Historical Society vice-president Annette Potts was delighted to see its return, coinciding with the reopening of Spinks Park following the flood levee construction.

"The Richmond River Historical Society worked long and hard to ensure this important piece of Lismore's heritage once again took pride of place in the city," she said.

While the fountain was originally installed on the intersection of Magellan and Molesworth streets (now the wharf roundabout) it was moved to Spinks Park at the end of World War I. As part of the riverbank restoration project, the area has been planted out with roses in an echo of the time when Lismore's riverside rose plantings were a major tourist attraction.

Mayor Merv King paid tribute to the work of the Historical Society adding that the revitalisation of Lismore's riverbank was set to make the area a major tourist drawcard likely to attract up to 500,000 people a year within a decade.

Fired up over broken promise

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Petition organiser Theresa Culleton and her son Tom with Fire Brigade Union 24-hour manning committee members (l-r) Glen Tester, Shane Hulbert, Ivan Gosper and Peter Williams, who are encouraging people to add their names to the petition for a 24-hour permanently manned fire station in downtown Lismore.

Lismore resident Theresa Culleton has started a petition calling on the NSW Government to honour a commitment to provide 24-hour staffing of the Lismore Fire Station.

A former Fire Brigade commissioner pledged two years ago that Lismore would have a 24-hour station within two years, but the NSW Government has declared that Lismore is no longer a priority.

After learning that the Government had reneged on the Commissioner's promise, Theresa decided to act. She has already collected more than 1,500 signatures

"The commitment was made to have a 24-hour permanently manned fire station by September last year and now the Government's saying it's no longer a priority - it's just dishonourable," Theresa said. "With the size of this city's population and the majority of houses being elevated timber, this service is crucial for Lismore. It's been proven fires go undetected longer at night, so every minute counts."

According to Fire Brigade Union spokesperson, Shane Hulbert, the petition has been endorsed by all firefighters in Lismore and Goonellabah and he now encourages people to add their name to the growing list of supporters.

"This petition says we support Lismore City Council and local MP Thomas George in their push," Shane said. "If people see the petition we encourage them to sign it or write directly to the Minister of Emergency Services, Tony Kelly. We need action on this issue now and public support is essential."

Theresa says people can write to Tony Kelly at Level 34, Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, 2000. The petition can also be found at various CBD stores, in shopping centres and at The Echo office.

Miles to read

Author Miles Franklin's brilliant career is currently on show at Lismore Library as part of a State Library travelling exhibition.

A talented writer, feminist and socialite‚ her first novel My Brilliant Career (1901) was vibrant and witty, but her private diaries told a very different story of a woman plagued with depression and a deep sense of failure.

Fearing nothing she wrote matched the success of her debut, she resorted to writing under different names, including the bizarre pseudonym Brent of Bin Bin, to protect herself from poor reviews. It took 35 years for Miles to produce another literary hit, All that Swagger, in 1936.

Library visitors can read extracts from Miles' letters and diaries. It also reveals that was a terrible flirt who left a number of suitors broken-hearted, including Banjo Paterson.

Miles Franklin: A brilliant career? is on show at the Lismore City Library until next Wednesday, March 30.

Woodlawn kids a step ahead

St John's College Woodlawn year 12 students Maddeson Buck and Scott Braithwaite have been selected to help organise the Step to the Future national youth forum in Canberra on March 29.

After attending the regional Step to the Future youth forum in Lismore last year, St John's College Woodlawn students Maddeson Buck and Scott Braithwaite have been selected to help organise the national event at Canberra's Parliament House on March 29.

The Step to the Future forum is organised by school students for school students and includes talks by high profile Australians on how they came to achieve in their lives. The aim is to provide positive leadership role models for students and instil a 'can do' attitude in young people.

Maddeson and Scott will help introduce and thank speakers. It is also a chance for them to talk about youth issues with both adults and their peers.

"I'm just ecstatic - being chosen to represent the region is a great privilege," Maddeson said. "The Lismore forum was just the best experience ever. I think the national one will be bigger and better."

The forum will coincide with national Youth Week.

Correction

Last week, The Echo featured a profile of Lismore mayoral candidate Ros Irwin that included a series of grammatical errors. These mistakes were made by the newspaper and The Echo apologises for the errors. Following is Ms Irwin's mayoral statement as submitted.

Ros wants to take Lismore forward, providing political leadership to a Council you can trust to make sensible decisions for the community. She is strong, independent, balanced and fair, and has a proven track record, with a reputation as a hard worker who is honest and listens to everyone.

Ros was a senior manager for many years, and has been a Councillor for twelve years, with two as Mayor. She has demonstrated her leadership skills and experience, providing political direction and working cooperatively with a diverse group of Councillors and Council staff.

Ros cares deeply about Lismore and, as a mother and grandmother, understands the problems families are facing. She has lobbied successfully for Lismore as Mayor and is widely respected in local government. A member of the Local Government Association Executive (NSW) for four years, Ros understands the challenges facing local government and has the experience and skills to tackle them.

SES to the rescue

The SES get some pretty strange requests now and then, but none more so than a recent call to a Jiggi farm to save a number of stranded goats.

Usually known for their intrepid mountaineering, the goats found themselves stuck on a cliff face after a dog attack and subsequent storm forced them into a tricky position they couldn't get out of.

However the Kyogle and Urbenville SES units, with the help of Casino police, soon came to the rescue, hauling the nine surviving goats to safety. While seven goats disappeared, owner Faith Harper is thankful at least some of her goats were found alive and well after a harrowing five days on the slope.

"I am just so thankful to the SES for their humane effort and generosity of spirit," Faith said. "They weren't human beings, they were goats, but they still took the time to come and help, which they didn't have to do. My goats are my friends and they are very dear to me and they wouldn't be here without the wonderful efforts of these volunteers."

Before the incident Faith had no idea the SES is a completely voluntary organisation. After discovering this she promptly gave them a donation for their troubles.

Off the beaten track help

Lismore MP Thomas George, who will kick off the Kidney 4WD Adventure on April 14, with entrants Peter and Karen Arthur, members of the Casino 4WD Club.

Getting off the beaten track and exploring rarely visited sites is one of the things 4WD enthusiasts Peter and Karen Arthur cherish about their hobby, and it's even more satisfying when they can raise money for charity while doing what they love best.

Peter and Karen will be heading off to Queensland soon as part of the Kidney 4WD Adventure - a 10-day journey that will kick off in Lismore for the first time in its eight-year history.

As well as raising money for the Australian Kidney Foundation, the 15 entrants will get to see some spectacular sites along the way, including the ancient dinosaur footprints at Lark Quarry.

"It's just a great adventure with a great bunch of people and we always have a ball," Peter said. "It's great to be able to do something we really enjoy and raise money for a good cause. There are more than 50 people on dialysis in Lismore alone and the Australian Kidney Foundation needs all the support they can get. We hope to raise $6,000 before we head off."

On April 13 the entrants will hold a street parade in Lismore's CBD from 3pm, with a fundraising dinner at the Lismore Workers Club that evening, which includes entertainment and fine food. People can help by attending the dinner ($27pp) or sponsoring the event.

The following morning, Lismore MP Thomas will flag the starters at Heritage Park at 8am.

To book for dinner or help out with sponsorship phone Peter and Karen on 6663 1442.

Comment on Shaws Bay

Ballina Council will host a public meeting into the future of Shaws Bay and surrounds this Sunday, March 28.

The meeting will look at a range of issues, including the management of stormwater, native vegetation, Denison Park, the surf lifesaving club and improving facilities around Shaws Bay and Pop Denison Park.

The meeting will be held at the Ballina Beach Resort from 2.30pm and include a short presentation on Council's precinct plan for the area, followed by group discussions and a survey on priorities for the area. For details, contact Gary Varga on 6686 1408 or 6680 8329.

Lawrence of Labor

The National President of the Labor Party, Dr Carmen Lawrence will visit Lismore next Saturday, April 3, for an ALP fundraising dinner.

Dr Lawrence was Australia's first female premier in WA, before moving into federal politics. An outspoken advocate for the rights of refugees, she was education and Aboriginal affairs minister and became the first popularly elected national president of the Labor Party.

The dinner is at The Lismore Workers Club on April 3.

Bookings can be made at Dymocks on 6622 4987 or phone 6688 2015.

Pictures worth a thousand kids

The 'Our Kids' Calendar team who donated their time and services to help make the calendar a reality are (l-r) Sean McGuiness (Lismore Printery), Soren Hjorth (calendar designer), Dr Chris Ingall (paediatrician), Rebekka Battista (calendar coordinator), Jacklyn Wagner (photographer) and Brian Hope (Frame-it Picture Framing).

The generous support of the local community has made the 2004 'Our Kids' Calendar a resounding success, with $35,000 going to the Children's Ward and Special Care Nursery at Lismore Base Hospital.

The calendar has now raised a total of $60,000 since it was launched in 2003 and work is already underway for another masterpiece for 2005.

The calendar features a series of stunning black and white photographs by Jacklyn Wagner, which capture the spirit of 12 local children who have spent time or have ongoing treatment in the Children's Ward and Special Care Nursery.

While businesses all over the Northern Rivers have helped make the calendar a success, special mention must go to Lismore and Ballina's Budget Eyewear, who sold a remarkable 640 calendars in a recent promotion.

For information on the 'Our Kids' calendar, phone Rebekka Battista on 6620 2705.

Legacy looks after those left behind

President of Lismore Legacy Ladies Auxiliary Vilmai McDonald (front, second from left) presented a cheque for $5000 to Chairman of Lismore Division of Legacy Hazel Bridgett (front, second from right) last week while the ladies auxiliary looked on.

The Lismore Legacy Ladies Auxiliary have outdone themselves this year, raising a phenomenal $5000 for the Lismore Division of Legacy through the sale of raffle tickets in the last 12 months.

The money will go to the Lismore Legacy Appeal Fund for the welfare of widows and children of Australian ex-servicemen in the local area.

Raffle prizes in the last 12 months were generously donated by Bunnings Hardware, Diamonds Plus, Farmer Charlies, Lismore, and Mrs Miriam Venness.

Firies caught on tape

Harvey Norman Lismore has donated a JVC digital video camera worth $1200 to the Lismore Rural Fire Service training team so they can develop training videos for incoming firefighters.

Getting a little advice on how to use the camera is training team instructor Sam Leary (left) with Harvey Normal electrical proprietor Roger Stretton, who made the presentation recently.

With 28 brigades in the Lismore Shire and more than 400 firefighters trained each year, the camera will be a valuable tool in teaching new firefighters about the realities of rescue operations.

"We really appreciate this donation from Harvey Norman Lismore - their support will benefit the whole community," Sam said.

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