Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Casino Beef Week

Casino is once again gearing up for Casino Beef Week, to be held from May 26 to June 1.

This year's Beef Week, the 23rd annual festival, will be trim, taught and terrific, with organisers shortening the time span from 12 days to seven whilst still keeping most of the events.

"It will be more compact but with lots of things happening in a shorter space of time - there will be a great sense of excitement," said Sue Serone from the Beef Week office. "People are looking forward to something happening every day, and it will suit visitors to town who can come for a long weekend and still see most events."

Beef Week opens on Wednesday, May 26, with a cattle sale at the regional Livestock Selling Centre whilst in town the judges will be out and about to check on the best-dressed window and staff competition. This year's theme of books and authors, and the colours gold and purple, is sure to produce many imaginative displays and costumes.

That evening will see a spectacular Fashion and Beauty expo and parade.

"This will be a great night out for the ladies to glam up and have a social evening," Sue said. "It's a chance to view the latest fashions and hair designs from local businesses."

The official opening dinner on Thursday will see the presentation of Miss Casino Beef Week contestants and the crowning of Miss Casino Beef Week 2004. The dinner will be followed by a concert featuring country and western singer Tania Kernaghan.

Friday to Sunday is packed full of events, with the Beef Week Breakfast and street entertainment on Friday, the street carnival day on Saturday and the Family Fun Day on Sunday, making for a full-on long weekend.

During that time there is also the Friday Beef Week race meeting, the Challenge Rodeo on Saturday night and new events like the Bush Olympics, which have been added to the Family Fun Day for Sunday.

With last minute details being put in place Sue is appealing for volunteers to act as 'Beef Week Ambassadors' to answer queries and point people in the right direction.

"Our Ambassadors are the face of Beef Week," Sue said. "We will provide training and a bright yellow shirt, so if you can spare a few hours on Friday or Saturday you'll be helping make Beef Week more enjoyable for visitors and locals."

It may not be "the longest week in Australia" anymore, but it promises to be one of the best.

For more details contact the Beef Week office on 6662 8181 or visit the website at www.casinobeefweek.com.au

Windara Plant Sale

Want to spruce up your garden before the cold weather sets in? Want to have a colourful garden this spring? How about a pot plant for mum this Mother's Day? Well don't miss the huge Windara Car Park Plant Sale this Saturday, May 1.

To be held at the beautiful Windara Nursery and Function Centre at 253 Sextonville Road, just west of Casino, the sale will feature a range of potted plants including Australian natives, exotics and conifers.

Nursery manager, Michael Tinlin, said the sale gives gardeners the chance to enhance their garden while the weather is still warm and gives the plants a chance to get established before winter.

"This will give them a kick start in spring," Michael said. "We have mature plants on sale that give gardeners an opportunity to improve the landscape of their garden with larger plants."

Prices start at $1, so it really is a great opportunity for gardeners to pick up a bargain.

Morning tea and lunch will be held in the Waterbird Restaurant that overlooks the beautiful landscaped gardens and the intriguing 'Maze of Bewilderment'.

Windara is a community-developed project providing employment and training facilities in a wide range of nursery, restaurant and office skills for local people with an intellectual disability.

The Waterbird Restaurant is open on Friday nights or upon request and bookings are essential. The function room is available for weddings, parties, conferences or any special event.

Windara will also be having a Mother's Day lunch, complete with baked meal, dessert, tea and coffee all for $16.50 per person, the following Sunday, May 9.

To make a booking or for more information phone Windara on 6662 3857.

Please feel free to contact Therese with any Richmond Valley news, events, or story ideas, at or Ph: 6662 7735, or fax: 6662 2811.