The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Time to answer the call

Lifeline Northern Rivers volunteer Ruth Smith from Coraki (front) with other Lifeline workers and volunteers (l-r) Francis Cooper, Sylvia Young, Joyce Butcher, Nelly Brown, Ann Clout, Lynelle Boyd, Joy Mendel and Julie Clifford.

For the past 18 years Coraki's Ruth Smith has provided a shoulder to cry on for hundreds of people in need. As a volunteer crisis telephone counsellor for Lifeline Ruth may not know where the person is from or even their first name, but she does know that the simple act of listening could one day save a life.

"I count people more important than things and I always have," said Ruth, who received a Lifeline award for service in 2001. "As a volunteer I have gained much more than I have given, through the work I do and the friendships I've made. It's been a real journey of personal growth for me. There is something very special about helping people to manage their own lives and come to grips with the difficulties they are facing. If I can help just one person to do that then that is all the reward I need."

Ruth is one of the many volunteers who come out of the woodwork during national Lifeline Awareness Week (May 1-9) to tell their stories and encourage others to take on the challenge of being a counsellor.

"If you want to go on a personal journey and better yourself whilst helping others in their time of need Lifeline is definitely for you," Ruth said. "I'd urge people to join the next training course and see where it takes you. It could be the most challenging and rewarding experience of your life."

Lifeline was established in Sydney in 1963 by Reverend Doctor Sir Alan Walker after he received a telephone call from a distressed local. Three days later the man took his own life.

Determined not let loneliness, isolation or anxiety be the cause of another death, Sir Alan launched the telephone counselling service, receiving 100 calls for help on the first day of operation.

Today, more than 40 years later, Lifeline receives over 1200 calls each day.

"Lifeline is about people caring for people 24/7, so there's someone there to listen no matter what time of day or night," Lifeline Northern Rivers director of counselling, Jan Gates, said. "It started as a suicide prevention line but has grown to become much more and people call to talk about a broad range of issues, from relationships and parenting to mental illness and depression."

A team of volunteers, led by then Uniting Church minister Lindsay Doust, established Lifeline Northern Rivers 21 years ago. Together they self-funded Lifeline for more than seven years, ensuring locals had access to the 24-hour telephone counselling.

"Lifeline receives no government funding to run the telephone counselling service and we rely on the generosity of volunteers and the sales from Lifeline shops to survive," Jan said. "We're always looking for more people to train as telephone counsellors or work in the shops, and often people find working with us gives them new skills to communicate better in their own life."

A new telephone counselling training program starts in July. To register for the training or to become a volunteer phone 6622 4133 or 6621 8516. If you can't volunteer your time, donations are always welcome or you can attend the Lifeline Fashion Parade on August 7 at the Lismore Workers Club. For bookings or to make a donation phone the above numbers.

Send cancer packing

Rock Valley Post Office's former postmistress Joyce Bailey (left) and current postmistress Jenny Marshall gear up for next Tuesday's Biggest Morning Tea in Australia's smallest post office.

Jenny Marshall has the perfect venue to host Australia's Biggest Morning Tea - Australia's smallest Post Office.

The Rock Valley Post Office postmistress is hosting the event next Tuesday, May 4, as part of a nationwide effort to raise money for the Cancer Council. People are welcome to drop in anytime after 10.30am for a cuppa and a biscuit, which they'll receive in return for a small donation.

"I've been hosting Australia's Biggest Morning Tea in Australia's Smallest Post Office for the last seven years - it's a nice social get together and a bit of a novelty," Jenny said. "Cancer is something that affects everyone in the community, whether directly or through family and friends, so I think it's a really worthwhile event to support. It's a lovely drive to Rock Valley for something a little different."

To find Rock Valley Post Office follow the road to Larnook and Cawongla - you can't miss it (if you're still having trouble phone the Cancer Council for directions on 6681 1933.

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is officially held on May 27 each year, so there's still plenty of time to organise and host an event. Simply register on 1300 656 585 to receive a host kit with helpful hints, tips and ideas on how to run a morning tea.

The ride to recovery

Ross and Ann Pearson during their stopover in Lismore.

For someone who was told three years ago that he would never walk again, Ross Pearson is a remarkably active man. So active in fact that he and his wife Ann are tandem cycling 18,000km around Australia to raise awareness about strokes.

Ross suffered a severe stroke in 2001 that left him unable to speak, read, walk or stand. And while it's been a long road to recovery Ross is now able to all those things and more, because he simply wouldn't accept the word 'can't'.

"If you work hard enough to reach a goal you can find a way, no matter how hard it is," Ross said during a stop over in Lismore last week. "We've called our journey able2ride - it's about being able, not disabled, and about our journey together."

The couple will take 12 months to complete the ride, raising money for the National Stroke Foundation along the way. However, they're main aim is to raise awareness and encourage people to get regular check ups.

"I urge people not to be complacent - I hadn't been to a GP for 10 years when the stroke happened," Ross said. "If I'd done the right thing and gone every six months things would have been different. Don't let this happen to you."

People can find out more about Ross and Ann's ride on their website at www.able2ride.com. To make a donation phone 1800 787 653.

For love oar money

Paddle for Life founder and organiser, Tim Limbert, was all smiles as he set out on the 100-kilometre marathon last Saturday with 50 fellow paddlers.

The group kayaked from Lismore to Ballina over three days, raising more than $4,000 for Summerland Early Intervention and The Buttery Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Program.

It is expected once all donations and sponsorship monies come in the final amount will be close to $5,000.

Open garden at Nimbin

Believe it or not, there's another reason to head to Nimbin this weekend other than the annual MardiGrass festival.

The beautiful Wallaby Park at Basil Road, Nimbin, will be open to the public this Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2. It is the last Australian Open Garden Scheme event for the season.

The large garden, owned by Sue Boardman and Michael Hannan, features a wonderful selection of native and exotic plants in a creek side setting. There is also a range of bamboo plants and a Japanese garden centred around a miniature waterfall.

The garden is open from 10am-4.30pm each day and entry is $4.50.

For maps and directions phone 6622 0122 or 1902 261 026 and select 2.

Carr on the wrong track

More than 1000 angry Lismore residents forfeited sleeping in on the Anzac Day long weekend to attend a rally in Lismore to save the Casino to Murwillumbah train.

Other rallies in Mullumbimby yesterday and Casino today are also expected to attract large numbers of concerned locals, who are calling on Premier Bob Carr to honour his promise to keep the line open until December 2004 and then conduct a full review.

With the closure planned for May 17, residents have less than three weeks to persuade the Premier to change his mind. Lismore mayor Merv King believes the rallies are a good start.

"The loss of the service would be disastrous - the NSW Government must take notice of just how many people oppose his decision," Cr King said. "The response to the protests has been overwhelming and reinforces that people are not going to lay down and accept what Mr Carr is doing. The Premier was quoted in a Sydney newspaper saying that he listened to mayors. Well let's hope he does."

Lismore MP Thomas George joined a protest train to Sydney last night with other community members, where he will personally present letters condemning the axing of the service to Mr Carr.

The last Council organised protest in the district is next Wednesday, May 5, at the Murwillumbah train station at 12pm. People are again asked to wear red as a sign of protest.

Find a New Best Friend

Animal Rights and Rescue Group coordinator Barbara Steffensen with two of the beautiful puppies you can meet at the Pet Adopt-a-thon this weekend.

The Animal Rights and Rescue Group (ARRG) is holding a Pet Adopt-a-thon this Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2, at the Alstonville Showground.

With hundreds of dogs, cats, kittens and puppies abandoned each year ARRG is looking for responsible people who would like to bring a pet into their life. Last year they found homes for 27 animals.

"Having a pet can be an extremely rewarding experience - they become members of your family," ARRG coordinator, Barbara Steffensen, said. "It's a big commitment but one you won't regret."

Entry to the Pet Adopt-a-thon is free and kids can not only meet lots of real pets, but also say hello to Sylvester the life-sized cat, who will be giving away free goodies.

The Pet Adopt-a-thon will run from 10am to 4pm each day.

For more information phone Barbara on 6622 1881 or Suzanne Lavis on 6663 7035.

Culinary classes

The Pepper Tree Kitchen holds cooking classes throughout the year specialising in a wide range of international cuisines that are demonstrated by experienced local chefs.

Next week's topics include cake decorating, Thai, Italian and cooking with herbs. New classes are starting all the time in every cooking topic imaginable.

For info call Helen on 6622 0180.

SCU's Autumn graduation 2004

More than 700 students have graduated from Southern Cross University during two graduation ceremonies in the last fortnight. Last Saturday a special dedication ceremony was also held following the graduation to open the University's new Alumni Court.

During the event magistrate, author and former SCU law lecturer David Heilpern and tourism industry executive and adviser Geoff Beames were named joint winners of Southern Cross University's Alumnus of the Decade award. Lismore's Shé Hawke was also awarded the University Medal. The next graduation will be held in Spring.

Joint winners of SCU's Alumnus of the Decade award magistrate and former SCU law lecturer David Heilpern (left) and tourism industry executive and adviser Geoff Beames (right), with SCU Chancellor, Justice John Dowd, AO.

Keith and Valerie Hawke, both from Canberra, with their daughter and University Medal winner Shé Hawke and her daughter Kiri English-Hawke, both from Lismore.

Cindy-Lee Castella, 26, and her mum Judy Boag both graduated from SCU with a Bachelor of Indigenous Studies on Saturday.

Connor Wyles, 4, and Angus Wyles, 7, congratulate their mother Kimberley Pronger from East Lismore on her graduation.

Stone walling

A nationally touring exhibition on the history of dry stone walls, A Stone Upon A Stone, is now on show at the Richmond River Historical Society Museum.

The exhibition illustrates how the multicultural craft of dry stone walling has shaped the Australian landscape. The dry stone walling story is told through a series of 27 panels and a new panel has been especially created to describe the rich history of the practice in the local area.

A Stone Upon A Stone is on show until next Tuesday, May 4, at the museum, 165 Molesworth Street, Lismore. For info phone 6621 9993.

BES reborn

Ballina Shire's oldest environmental watchdog, the Ballina Environment Society, is about to be reborn and is looking for new members.

Affectionately known as the BES, the society was originally formed to protect Ballina's coastline from sewerage pollution outfall.

The society now includes a fresh new team that will soon be ready to take on the major issues affecting Ballina's environmental welfare.

The society will meet next Tuesday, May 4, at 445 North Creek Road, Lennox Head, at 5.30pm.

Everone is welcome and all past and present members are urged to attend.

For info phone 6687 6116.

Let's get loud

If you've always wanted to look great but don't have a lot of cash, a new event hosted by the Ballina Youth Service and The Richmond Tweed Library next week will have you looking fashionable.

Fashion Revamps (a part of the Loud in the Library series) will be held next Thursday, May 6, at the Ballina Library from 5.30-7.30pm.

Local fashion specialist Catherine Perkins will demonstrate what can be done on a simple budget to achieve a great look and any young people interested in fashion are welcome.

For info phone 6681 5511 or 6686 7776.

Sail the seven seas

Petty officer Ashley Mills (front centre) with TS Lismore cadets (l-r) Liam Oates, Nick Kanaef, William Hancock, Katrina O'Hehir, David Gregg and Carl Ptolemy at Lismore's Anzac Day commemorative service Sunday.

The TS Lismore Australian Navy Cadets are holding a recruitment information session for prospective cadets this Saturday, May 1, in Ballina.

Anyone aged 12 to 18 is welcome to join TS Lismore and take advantage of the many opportunities being a cadet provides.

Not only do cadets learn self-discipline, leadership skills and seamanship, but they are also taught practical activities like sailing, navigation, powerboat handling and much more.

The recruitment information session will be held at Training Ship Lismore in Endeavour Close, Ballina, from 10.30am. Whether you want to sign up on the day or simply find out more it's a great place to start.

The grass is greener

The Cannabis Drug Law Reform Rally on Sunday is a highlight of Nimbin's annual MardiGrass.

The small village of Nimbin will come alive this weekend, May 1-2, for the 12th annual MardiGrass and 'Just Say Know' Cannabis Drug Law Reform Rally.

Nimbin is Australia's third most popular tourist destination and on MardiGrass weekend the town attracts more than 10,000 visitors from across Australia and the world.

"MardiGrass is now an international cultural event, which is very popular in the backpacker's calendar as well," HEMP Embassy spokesperson, Michael Balderstone, said. "It is a unique event that suits our unique community. It's an added bonus that it has real purpose and meaning for a lot of people."

Organisers of this year's MardiGrass are tackling the difficult subject of cannabis and mental health with a special 'Pot Psychosium' on Saturday at the Nimbin Town Hall from 12pm.

Facilitated by John Howard from the Ted Noffs Foundation, the Psychosium will be attended by doctors and other health professionals. MardiGrass organisers are now urging concerned parents and young cannabis users to do the same.

"We hope the mothers who were on the front page of The Northern Star a couple of times in the last year saying their children had ended up in Richmond Clinic after smoking cannabis will come forward and tell their stories, for example," said Michael. "We hope to identify what is really going on from the experts in the field and gain some sort of consensus on what can be done to minimise harm, under the current constraints of prohibition."

The MardiGrass Opening Ceremony will be held in Peace Park at sunset this Friday, April 30, with Bundjalung Elders and a Ganja Harvest Dance performance, followed by the annual Picker's Ball.

A real highlight of the festival is the Hemp Olympix, which kick off at 11am on Saturday for the now famous joint rolling, bong throwing and growers' iron person events. Compered by comedians S Sorrensen and Alan Glover, the Hemp Olympix continue on Sunday with more heats in the morning followed by the finals. The other big event is the Cannabis Drug Law Reform Rally on Sunday at 1pm, when the residents of Nimbin dress up in their finest for a colourful cultural display through the village's main street.

The rest of the weekend is a smorgasbord of book launches, film premieres, concerts, exhibitions and performances, with events including the Cannabis Cup, Harvest Festival Ball, MardiGrass Markets, Dance for Drug Law Reform and much more.

An all weekend MardiGrass pass costs $20, payable on arrival. For more information visit the website at www.nimbinmardigrass.com or simply go along and see first-hand what MardiGrass is all about.

A journey to the heart of yoga

Kriyavidya from the Saraswati School of Yoga & Arts in Lismore with children from the Sivananda Math project in India late last year.

The Saraswati School of Yoga & Arts in Lismore raised $9,000 over Easter for Sivananda Math, an organisation founded by Swami Satyananda that's dedicated to fostering and developing local communities in Bihar, India.

Swami's Kriyavidya and Layananda from the Saraswati School of Yoga & Arts raised money selling sweets and chai at a recent Yoga Convention in Mangrove Mountain near Gosford, where more than 500 yoga enthusiasts gathered to hear talks by Swami Niranjan (president of the world's first Yoga University). Having also recently returned from the Bihar School of Yoga in India, where she worked first hand on the Sivananda Math project, Kriyavidya is full of renewed inspiration for her chosen path. She and Layananda are now starting a new term of Satyananda Yoga classes in Lismore and Bangalow.

"Satyananda Yoga is firmly based in Yogic tradition, yet continues to be modified to suit the needs of contemporary life," Kriyavidya said. "It is highly adaptable to people of all levels of fitness, age and size. Classes are taught in a progression to allow students to move at their own pace in a non-competitive, self-honoring manner. A typical class includes postures, breathing practices, deep relaxation and meditation. Each session is designed to enhance inner awareness."

The Saraswati School of Yoga & Arts Term 2 program begins next Monday, May 3, in Lismore.

It includes ongoing casual and term based classes in the Satyananda style - dynamic flow, evening meditations, over 50's gentle, foundation courses for beginners, progressive courses and even kids yoga. There is also relax and recharge retreats throughout the year and a trip to India over Christmas. Saraswati Term Passes and student discounts are now available. To find out more phone 6621 2649 (Lismore) or 6687 0567 (Bangalow).

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