The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

RSL vows to fight on

Long-time Lismore RSL Club members Ted and Fay Streckfuss from Lismore and Tamaso Lonsdale from Nimbin (right), who are hoping the club remains open for many years to come.

Despite the Lismore RSL Club being placed in the hands of a receiver last Thursday, the new administrator and the National Australia Bank (NAB) both agree it does not spell the end for the club.

The club previously had a June 30 deadline to repay a $3.2 million loan to the NAB, however, on Thursday night the board decided to call in receivers in the hope of saving the club and its 60 odd employees.

The club's administrator, David Leigh from Sims Partners, said at present closure is simply not on the cards.

"Our position is it's business as usual - we're continuing to run both clubs [Lismore RSL Club and Goonellabah RSL Sports Club] as before and we're reviewing options for the future of both clubs as ongoing enterprises," Mr Leigh said. "We had a staff meeting this morning and whilst everybody was anxious, at this stage we don't foresee any drastic changes or cutbacks. There are a number of options available and we'll be exploring every possible option we can."

Ted and Fay Streckfuss from Lismore, who have been members for more than 30 years, visit the club two or three times a week. The couple are two of the many older residents who are long-term stalwarts of the club. They are now hoping to see it bounce back.

"We've always come to the RSL Club - it's been a part of our social lives for many years," Fay said. "We hope there's another alternative to closing but you have to be realistic - it would be a very sad day if it closed and we'd really miss it."

Echoing Ted and Fay's sentiments, NAB communications advisor Andrew McConville said the last thing anyone wanted to see was the club closing its doors for good.

"There's no basis around suggestions that the club as an entity may close - we don't believe that would be in the best interests of the club, members, patrons or the bank," he said. "I think it's always regrettable when local business and particularly a business like the RSL faces financial difficulty but we'll continue to work with the club and look at the most effective ways of getting on top of the situation. I think the appointment of a receiver manager recognises there's some issues the club needs to work through and its up to the NAB, the receiver manager and the club to do that."

City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch secretary Wilson McLelland encouraged Sub-Branch members to support the club "in its hour of need."

Lismore residents can show their support by attending a special auction this Saturday, April 17, at the club from 7.30pm. The night will feature dinner, entertainment by local band the Mackneys and an auction of sports memorabilia with signed boxing gloves from Jeff Fenech and Kosta Tszyu, an Australian rugby league 2004 guernsey, a Newcastle Knights football and much more.

There will also be an air conditioner, one-week holiday in Byron Bay, power tools, facials and much more up for grabs. Tickets are $40 per head from the club. Book on 6621 2434.

Digging the dirt

Prime Minister John Howard faces the media with Ballina MP Don Page during his visit to Emmanuel Anglican College yesterday.

A flying two-day visit to the Northern Rivers may change the way the entire world sees our PM, after he was given a new tracksuit by Emmanuel Anglican College principal Ian Martineau in Ballina yesterday.

John Howard was at the school to turn the first sod of a new building project that includes a science and resource centre, saying he was "delighted to be associated with the new milestone."

After a quick chat with some school students, a cuppa and a hurried press conference with the throng of national and local media that attended, the PM was whisked away to his next engagement in Grafton.

The school visit was the last stop of the local jaunt, which also included a dinner on Tuesday night with Federal MP Ian Causley and around 300 local residents.

While his Northern Rivers trip was fairly uneventful, it was a different story on Tuesday in Tweed Heads, when 61-year old Byron Bay resident Gareth Smith tried to make a citizens arrest on the PM. Despite causing a media frenzy, neither Mr Smith nor John Howard ended up being arrested.

Flower power

The City of Lismore Orchid Society will present its annual Autumn Show from today until Saturday, April 15-17, at Lismore Central Shopping Centre.

Society president Max Gamble (pictured) has been a member for 40 years - a tradition passed down from his parents, who joined the society when it began in 1946.

"I remember helping mum and dad weed the orchids when I was a kid - I guess it's in the family," he said. "There's so many different varieties and every orchid has its own uniqueness, colour and beauty. They are a truly spectacular flower."

As well as seeing the beautiful array of orchids people can purchase exotic plants, floral arrangements and books on orchid growing. Members will be available to give advice and answer questions.

It's a free event with part proceeds from sales going to local charities.

The show is open during trading hours today and tomorrow and from 7am to 3pm on Saturday. The major awards presentation will be on Saturday at 2.30pm.

The City of Lismore Orchid Society always welcomes new member, and you don't have to be an expert to join. If you're interested visit the show this weekend or go along to the society's next meeting on Tuesday, April 20, at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club from 7.30pm.

For more information phone Ron Campbell on 6624 2316.

Return of the King

Story & photo: Patty Lee

Lismore mayor Merv King with his wife Bernice (left) and 85 year-old Lyla McInnes, who attended Barker's Vale Public School on the first day it opened in 1933.

Lyla McInnes went back to school at the age of 85 last Saturday, but with none of the first day jitters you'd normally expect.

One of the very first students to attend Barker's Vale Public School when it opened in 1933, Lyla re-visited her old school to help celebrate the 75th anniversary since the school was approved to be opened in 1929.

"There was a spirit of community then and it is that spirit that keeps people coming back to the school and the area," Lyla said. "It's wonderful to be home again."

The anniversary was combined with a reunion of the Lillian Rock and Wadeville public schools, which attracted around 50 former students.

One of the more familiar faces was Lismore's mayor Merv King, a former Lillian Rock Public School student, who turned up with his wife Bernice and gave an impromptu speech about his years at the school.

Despite the fact people came from across NSW and Queensland for the reunion, around 15 were from Goonellabah - something Merv noticed whilst looking in the visitor's book.

"We all seem to come from Goonellabah," he remarked, to which fellow ex-student Alex Salkeld from Queensland jokingly replied, "I didn't know Goonellabah was a suburb of Barker's Vale."

Surprise faces on Lismore Council

Below the line preferences from voters have reshaped the final composition of Lismore Council, electing some surprising new faces.

The strong conservative vote for mayor Merv King's ticket has helped elect National Party member Peter Graham (1525 votes), from the John Chant team, as Lismore's 12th councillor. Cr Chant's ticket received a majority of preferences from the King ticket. But while many below-the-line voters expressed strong support for Cr King, who received more than 1500 votes, more than half those preferences then went to rival tickets. It meant that after 30 years on council, John Crowther missed out on being re-elected. An expected personal following did not eventuate and he finished well short with just 615 votes.

But a preference deal with Cr Ros Irwin's team by Labor's Jenny Dowell may have helped elect Cr Irwin's number two, Cr David Tomlinson, at the expense of the Labor number two, Stewart Hase (1507 votes). Dr Hayes missed out on being elected to council by just 18 votes behind Peter Graham.

Green, Democrat and Swientek team preferences, along with a good personal vote, helped Cr Tomlinson win a second term on Council.

Labor was expected to have two councillors after receiving the second highest primary vote behind the King team. Lismore voters also showed their support for former Workers Club manager Barry Crimmins with a high number giving him their preference below the line. He finished just five votes behind Cr Tomlinson on 1613 votes.

Only nine of the councillors received a full quota for election. Surprisingly, more than 600 votes from among the 1700 votes originally classed as informal were declared valid once checked by the SEO in Sydney.

The final composition of Lismore Council, in order of election, is: Merv King, John Hampton, John Chant, Jenny Dowell, Ros Irwin, Brian Henry, Vanessa Grindon-Ekins, Frank Swientek, Graham Meineke, David Tomlinson, Barry Crimmins and Peter Graham.

They will meet for the first time next Tuesday, April 20.

Life education seeks lifeline

Far North Coast Life Education vice-president Bruce Towner (left) and educator Nava Henry with the Life Education van's most famous face - Harold the giraffe. The organisation is facing closure unless they can source more funding.

A dramatic cut in sponsorship by local water authority Rous County Council has left the children's anti-drug program Life Education on the brink of closure.

Rous County Council - made up of representatives of Byron, Lismore, Ballina and Richmond Valley councils - voted to cut its annual sponsorship of Far North Coast Life Education from $70,000 to $25,000 at its February meeting.

Rous is looking at giving other charities the money under its draft budget for the coming financial year, which is set down for approval next Wednesday.

Far North Coast Life Education vice-president Bruce Towner said the unexpected move has left the organisation facing closure unless it can find another source of funding to make up the shortfall.

"We don't care whether it's 50 businesses giving us a $1000, 10 businesses giving us $5,000 or one business filling the $50,000 gap - the bottom line is we need to find sponsorship if we want to keep operating," Mr Towner said. "At present we can survive until December 31 and finish the school year, but even that is tight at this stage."

The Rous Water draft budget has reallocated the funds to the Council's demand management strategy, plus community sponsorships including $10,000 for Henry Rous Marathon, $4,000 for Paddle for Life, $10,000 for BUNSEP (Bundjalung Nation Stormwater Education Project) and $5,000 for various minor charities.

Rous general manager Paul Muldoon said the Council had provided sponsorship to Life Education for three years and the decision to allocate money elsewhere was in the interests of the whole community.

"We reviewed community sponsorships and we had been approached by other organisations for funding, so Rous County Council as a regional organisation decided to spread the sponsorship dollar wider," he said. "Council still maintains its support for Life Education and has resolved to incorporate into its 2004-05 budget $25,000 for that purpose."

Started by Reverend Ted Noff in the early 1980s, Life Education provides health and drug education to primary school children. Mr Towner said nothing could replace it if it were forced to close.

"I'm sure all parents and grandparents would be grossly upset if the service was no longer available," Mr Towner said. "We believe in giving children the skills to make informed choices about the path they take in life. Even if we save one child from a life of drugs, we have succeeded in our goal."

The Tweed Byron mobile van was the first of its kind in the world and over the last two decades Harold the giraffe has become a familiar face to some 400,000 local students on the far north coast.

The Life Education committee is now seeking support to ensure they can continue their work. Any businesses, individuals or parents who would like to contribute should phone Mr Towner on 6621 6644. All donations are tax deductible.

Not yet the end of the line

Members of Country Labor, Northern Rivers Trains for the Future and the Greens held a protest last Friday, expressing their anger over the axing of CountryLink's Casino to Murwillumbah XPT train service.

The protest followed an announcement last week by the NSW Government that the rail service would be scrapped and replaced with buses.

"We are not puppets of the government, we are elected to these positions to voice the concerns of our rank and file members," Country Labor Ballina president, Sue Dakin, said. "Our ultimate goal is to have the decision overturned, and at the very least be reviewed."

Lismore Country Labor secretary and new Lismore councillor Jenny Dowell said the announcement to cut the service effectively meant the government had lied.

"We are all disgusted at this," she said. "To have a reprieve announced less than four months ago and then to go back on their word is disgraceful."

The group say the protest is the first of many campaigns to see the decision reversed.

Recognising good kids

Launching the Kids in Community Awards in Lismore recently was Byron Bay Olympic hopeful Nathan Baggaley (left), winner of the 2003 Against All Odds 19-25 year award category Nicole Sten (front), sponsor Richard Marlin from Success Martial Arts and Kids in Community committee members Norma Pharaoh and Barbara Meaney.

When Nicole Sten won the Against All Odds 19-25 year category at last year's Kids in Community (LIC) Awards it was a thrilling moment that saw her years of hard work recognised publicly for the very first time.

Nicole, a painter who teaches art classes to people with disabilities, is typical of the many young people who make valuable contributions in their local community with little or no recognition - something the KIC Awards aims to change.

"We want to lift the image of youth," KIC committee member, Maria Kelly, said. "Young people often get negative press and the awards provide an opportunity to recognise the good work teenagers and young people do in the community and shower them with praise."

This year's awards were launched in Lismore recently by young Byron Bay kayaker Nathan Baggaley, who heads off to the Athens Olympics in two weeks. It is the fourth time the awards have been held and organisers are now looking for nominations in the following categories - peer support, community support, Indigenous youth support, homeless youth support, against all odds, mentor or role model and community or individual supporting youth or youth programs.

Nominees must be aged 13 to 25 and be available for the awards presentation on June 29 in Lismore.

A nomination form is on page 16 of this week's Echo and will continue to appear in coming weeks.

Nominations are due by June 4. For more information phone Maria Kelly on 6624 4053.

4WD adventure kicks off

A group of 4WD enthusiasts from across Australia left Lismore on Wednesday on the annual Kidney 4WD Adventure - a 10-day journey that raises money for the Australian Kidney Foundation.

The 15 entrants will travel from Lismore to Coral Cove near Bundaberg, during which time they hope to raise $80,000 for research into kidney disease.

"We are all four wheel drive enthusiasts and this adventure is the perfect chance to see Australia and raise money for a worthwhile cause at the same time," said coordinator, Peter Arthur, from Casino.

People wishing to make a donation should phone the Australian Kidney Foundation on 9299 4599 or Peter on 6663 1442.

A hole in one

In front of Lismore Council's new $250,000 pothole truck, which will repair potholes at twice the speed and half the cost, are Council staff Allan Newton and Dean Hayward with Mayor Merv King.

Next time Lismore Council is out fixing potholes, you won't see anyone leaning on a shovel thanks to a new $250,000 automated pot-hole fixing truck that will double the rate at which potholes are repaired - at half the cost.

The truck is mounted with a mechanical arm that enables one employee to fix the potholes in a much shorter time, making the whole process more efficient. Undoubtedly this is great news for Council as Mayor Merv King said potholes were one of Council's biggest infrastructure problems, averaging around one request for repairs per day.

Cr King said that the 'Jetpatcher' would join a similar 'Paveliner' machine purchased in 2001 for road repair tasks.

"It is a sign of how the times change - where previously up to four employees were needed to patch a pothole, one person can now do it without getting out of the truck," he said. "The operator can see the pothole from inside the cabin, and use a mechanical arm to prepare, fill and seal a pothole with hotmix."

Helping people to help themselves

Lismore's new Salvation Army corps officers, Robert and Leanne Duncan.

Captain Robert Duncan and his wife Leanne are the new corps officers for Lismore's Salvation Army, replacing majors Russel and Betty Adams.

Robert and Leanne have been full time officers with the Salvos for 12 years, and have moved to Lismore from Newcastle.

Robert said that one of the main areas of concern in Lismore is homelessness and he believes in helping people in need realise that their lives are relevant and worthwhile.

"From what I can see the biggest contributing factors to homelessness in the community are mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse," he said. "I want to promote the Christian message and get people to the stage where they can help themselves and become self sustainable."

Robert's main focus now is to promote the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, which is one of the organisation's major fundraisers.

"The Red Shield Appeal provides the funding for most of our work relating to the needy in the community," he said. "One of our projects is sponsoring a summer camp in Sydney so about 20 local kids can get away and experience a holiday in the city."

Robert and Leanne are now looking for volunteers to get involved in the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock, which will be held in Lismore on May 22 and 23.

"We need about 200 people to help with the doorknock," Robert said. "This year our target is $70, 000 and all those who participate will receive a certificate of appreciation and a voucher from McDonalds."

To get involved in the Appeal phone 6624 7326.

Road toll reaches four

A 31-year-old man became the fourth person killed on the roads over Easter in an accident on the Summerland Way on Sunday night.

Police say the man was heading south in a Toyota landcruiser at Wiangaree, when he lost control near the railway level crossing. The car collided with a tree and fence, and rolled. He died at the scene after being ejected from the car.

A 16-year-old passenger escaped the wrecked car and alerted residents on a nearby property before being taken to Kyogle hospital with minor injuries.

Understanding Aboriginal culture

Aboriginal performer Matthew Doyle (left) and St Carthage's Primary School indigenous assistant Craig Condie with students (clockwise from front right) Brett Kelly-Wirth, Mahalia Bon, Matthew Hayward, Riana Tatana, Alinta Tatana, Erin Paschkow and Sarah Foster.

NAIDOC Week usually falls in the school holidays so St Carthage's Primary School decided to hold celebrations early to coincide with Harmony Day and allow every student to get involved.

Opened by Bundjalung Elder Irene Harrington, the celebrations included dance performances, a special mass, a kangaroo BBQ and other activities such as doing Aboriginal-inspired artworks in class.

The children were also treated to a special dance, didgeridoo and storytelling performance by visiting Sydney-based artist Matthew Doyle.

"For me it's important that kids are entertained while learning - from my experience that's the best way to teach kids," Matthew said. "I get them to come and dance with me and play instruments, so it's very interactive and gives them an insight into Aboriginal culture. I think it's important all children have an understanding and appreciation of indigenous culture."

You're the voice

Some of the local school students who took part in a special youth forum during Youth Week recently.

A recent Youth Week forum giving local young people the chance to talk about issues that affected them was so successful that similar forums are already being planned for the future.

Focussing on safety, the forum identified three major issues young people were concerned about - the lack of public transport, the need for a specific youth space where young people can hang out and the trend of being stereotyped by the wider community.

Students were so inspired by the event they now plan to make a presentation to Lismore City Council about the issues, with supporting recommendations from the day.

"People at the forum heard what we had to say and we'd like the Council to hear what we think too," Lismore High School Year 11 student, Rachael Muller, said. "We need Council's support to establish something like a youth centre and we would like them to hear our opinions. Everybody has a voice they want heard and a youth forum like this gives us a platform to talk about what's important in our lives."

Young people taking part in the forum came from Lismore High School and Trinity Catholic College, the Channon Youth Group, Brunswick Heads Youth Group, Bundjalung Youth Group and Kyogle Youth Ventures. Organisers are now hoping to hold similar forums every three months, with the next one focussing on legal rights and responsibilities.

Mapping a lifetime

John Cavil (left) and local researcher Bernie Childs.

John Cavil resides in Western Australia but he knows every inch of the Northern Rivers like the back of his hand.

During WWII John worked with the Second Australian Field Survey Company as a topographer, and recently visited the Richmond River Historical Society, where seven of the maps he made 62 years ago are on display. John's job was to make detailed maps of the region for defence and intelligence purposes, given the possibility of a Japanese invasion at the time.

Richmond River Historical Society researcher Bernie Childs said that he often uses John's maps when he traces ownership of property and researches general local history.

John's maps are on display at the Historical Society for anyone who'd like to take a look.

Nimbin's secrets revealed

Nimbin's community economic development officer, Marion Forwood, at the launch of the Nimbin tourism campaign.

A campaign to promote the Nimbin Valley as a tourist destination was launched last week, quite fittingly in the hills below Mt Warning.

The marketing campaign, worth nearly $30,000, features three TV commercials (that are now being aired), a brochure and a website. These highlight the natural beauty of the region and its range of alternative attractions as well as the unique styles of accommodation available.

Nimbin's community economic development officer, Marion Forwood, said that many people are unaware of the many things that are available to do and see in Nimbin.

"Since the Aquarius Festival took place here 30 years ago Nimbin has become a very well recognised name yet there are many people who have not actually been here to discover the place for themselves," she said. "This campaign is about showing off Nimbin's best assets and encouraging people to stay in Nimbin to experience them first hand for a day or two."

Calurla Tea Garden Restaurant operator, Robert Maxwell, left the stress of corporate life behind him when he moved to Nimbin from the city a few years ago to run his business in the hills near Lillian Rock. He offers full restaurant dining and chalet style accommodation, and believes the campaign will reveal many of the region's hidden secrets like Calurla.

"We hope that this campaign shows that Nimbin isn't just a drive through town," he said. "There is great food, great accommodation and loads of local cottage industries for tourists to discover."

The marketing campaign to promote Nimbin is funded by Lismore Council and the local business community. For further information on the delights of Nimbin phone the Rainbow Region Visitor Centre on 1300 369 795.

Agreement ensures best care for Kyogle's aged

The signing of a collaborative agreement between Northern Rivers Area Health Service and the Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes of NSW at Kyogle Court Hostel was attended by representatives of both organisations recently, including chairs Elizabeth Rummery and Ken Mobbs.

Providing better aged care facilities to residents in the Kyogle Shire took another step forward recently with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Kyogle Court, run by Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes of NSW, one of the state's biggest aged care providers, and Kyogle Memorial Hospital. The $10 million hospital and residential aged care redevelopment project is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2004.

The agreement formalised a process for providing top quality care for hostel and nursing home residents. Kyogle Court and Kyogle Hospital provide different types of residential and hostel care to local people, but have a close collaboration that will enable even better care as some patients move from one service to another.

Join a National Parks advisory committee

Applications to be a member on the National Parks and Wildlife Service Advisory Committees are now being accepted. Advisory committees play an important role in the relationship between the NPWS and the community. The closing date for potential applicants for the Advisory Committees has been extended to 12pm on Friday, April 16. For further information and application forms visit the website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/advisorycommittees or phone Merilyn Mayhew on 9995 5265.

Cancer education

Two acclaimed programs to help local people who are living with cancer, and provide information and support to family members or friends, will begin in Evans Head in early May.

The eight-week 'Living with Cancer Education Program' and four-week 'Living with Advanced Cancer Education Program' are both designed to help people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

"Cancer is now expected to affect every one in three people," Cancer Liaison Nurse, Sue Hutton, said.

"While treatments have advanced considerably in recent years, it is still a shock to get a cancer diagnosis. It is essential to receive as much accurate information about an illness as possible, including lifestyle advice and how best to access and ask for support."

The Living with Cancer Education Program begins on Monday, May 3, for eight weeks (except the June 14 public holiday), from 10am-12pm. The Living with Advanced Cancer Education Program begins on Monday, May 17, from 1-2pm.

The programs will be run at Evans Head Community Health Centre. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential. Phone 6620 2562.

Stop the flu before it flies

Sue Devlin, communicable diseases nurse, gives a flu vaccination to Christine Murphy, nurse manager of Community Health Services at the Northern Rivers Area Health Service.

Members of the public are being reminded to consider being vaccinated against influenza, in light of the fact a severe strain of 'Fujian' flu is expected to hit Australian shores before winter.

The Northern Rivers Public Health Unit director, Greg Bell, said an annual vaccination was the best line of defence against the flu, with the northern hemisphere experience serving as a reminder of the risks to people of all ages, especially the elderly or people with underlying medical conditions.

"The best time to be vaccinated against influenza is autumn, before the annual outbreak," Mr Bell advised, saying it took about two weeks after vaccination to develop protective antibodies.

Influenza vaccine is free to people 65 years or older. The vaccine is also free for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or over, and those younger who have underlying chronic illnesses.

Flu vaccination from a GP costs around $20, and children under 10 years of age need two shots, one month apart in the first year they are vaccinated.

Greg Bell advised people who do become ill to stay at home and rest for enough time to ensure recovery.

To reduce the chance of infection to yourself and others, wash your hands regularly, cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing - and give up smoking.

Contact your GP if you are sick - save the emergency department for emergencies.

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