Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Red Cross Humanitarians

On April 20 Australian Red Cross (ARC) ambassadors will be taking to the streets of Casino inviting residents to become ARC 'Humanitarians' through the annual ARC Pledge Program.

The Pledge Program aims to recruit new 'Humanitarians' in Casino who are interested in donating a set amount of money to ARC on a regular and automated basis, via their credit card or bank account.

According to Red Cross Pledge Program coordinator, Emma Nystrom, a regular donation is one of the most cost-effective ways to support the organisation.

"The Pledge Program makes donating easy and convenient, both for ARC and the 'Humanitarian'," Emma said.

"The funds donated are used to assist programs in the Casino area, such as Telecross, Cosmetic Care, Emergency Services and other branch activities as well as assisting other regions in NSW. Donating funds to ARC via the Pledge Program also allows ARC to plan ahead based on a reliable income. All the 'Humanitarian' has to do is nominate an account from which deductions can be regularly made."

Telecross is a service whereby volunteers call the elderly and medically dependent in their own homes to check if they are okay and provide a friendly contact. The Cosmetic Care service sees volunteers give long-term hospital patients a beauty treatment, doing their nails, hair and skin.

For further information on the Red Cross Programs or to become a Humanitarian call 1800 812 028, email pledge@nsw.redcross.org.au or visit www.redcross.org.au/nsw.

New Council meets

The newly elected Richmond Valley Council will hold two meetings next Tuesday, April 20.

An extraordinary meeting will be held at 10am to elect a deputy Mayor, elect members of council committees and delegates, and to consider "housekeeping" issues including setting payment of expenses to councillors.

Councillor Ray Jeffery, the only councillor elected from the Evans Head, Woodburn, Broadwater end of the electorate, was the only candidate willing to declare his hand at the time of going to print and had this to say about his chances:

"Charlie (Mayor Charlie Cox) has said several times he believed the Mayor should be at one end (of the electorate) and deputy Mayor at the other!"

With a five/four split in allegiances and Jeffery being in the minority faction, this should make for an interesting decision.

The first ordinary meeting of the new council will be held later that afternoon at 2pm.

Beef Week Art Show

Organisers Narelle Jarvis and Christine Smart are appealing to artists and photographers of all ages to participate in this year's Casino Beef Week Art Exhibition to be held in the Casino Sports Stadium on May 28 and 29.

"This is a great opportunity for emerging and established artists and photographers of the region to display their works before an anticipated large audience and potential buyers," Narelle said. "Our fees are very low and no commission is deducted. And the winners in each category are chosen by the viewing public."

Australia's top celebrity artist, Reg Gregor (pictured above), is known Australia wide for his unusual assault on canvas with his now very famous 'Tent Painting' act over the past 25 years. He will be at the stadium on Saturday, May 29. Reg is generously donating his time and extraordinary talent while at the same time raising money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

The total value of all prizes is well over $1,500 - all donated by many generous businesses in the area as well as Chroma Australia (makers of Atelier paint and products) and Faber-Castell.

First place winners in the Open Sections in both art and photography will receive $300 cash plus extras.

Primary and high school students are especially encouraged to enter with boxed sets of paints for all age winners of the artwork sections along with a hamper of Faber-Castell products for one school age winner.

Entry fees are low and no commission will be deducted from pieces that are sold.

Entry forms can be picked up from the Beef Week office, Platypus Gallery, Lismore Regional Gallery, Premier Art & Framing and Northern Rivers Drawing & Drafting Supplies in Club Lane, Lismore, or can be downloaded from the Beef Week website at www.casinobeefweek.com.au.

Be quick because entries close on May 14. Phone Chrissie on 66832 762 or Narelle on 66831 617 for more information.

Evans Head Land Sale

Richmond Valley Council has released for sale the final 21 blocks of land in the residential development near the airport.

Reserve prices will be set following valuation on the morning of the auction on May 8. Blocks range in size from 600 to 1200 sq metres and in the current market, prices are expected to be in the $200,000 range.

The auction will be undertaken by the combined agents of Evans Head and it will be first in best dressed to sign up buyers in what is expected to be a hotly contested auction.