The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Motel bounty for city

Discussing plans for the $4 million Lismore Bounty Motel on-site yesterday were (l-r) Newton Denny Chapelle partner Damian Chapelle, developer Stephen Kelly, designer Richard Lutze and site foreman Ken Smith.

A new $4 million, four-and-a-half star motel planned for Lismore will create around 25 jobs for local people.

The Lismore Bounty Motel, situated on the corner of Keen and Bounty streets, is being built by local developer Stephen Kelly, who previously developed the Wilson Motel in Ballina Street.

The three-storey motel will include 41 single, double and executive suites, a 50-seat function room and a restaurant for motel patrons, with undercover, off-street parking for 49 vehicles.

Mr Kelly hopes to attract the professional and short-stay tourism end of the market and believes the development will create positive outcomes for the entire region.

"I believe Lismore can attract a lot more tourist dollars, through packaged tours to the area, eco-tourism and short stays, as well as the conference and professional market. Our standard of accommodation will contribute to the pulling power of Lismore," Mr Kelly said. "Local business stands to gain a long term benefit from the project. Local consultants have been engaged in the town planning and the building design process. Everyone involved in the construction process, through to the staff employed to run the day-to-day operation of the motel, will be sourced locally."

Damian Chapelle from consulting surveyors and town planners Newton Denny Chapelle said the new motel would stop money flowing to the coast.

"It's evident there's some leakage to the coast in respect to the accommodation market, but this proposal will help fill the void for accommodation in Lismore," Mr Chapelle said. "People will stay here and spend money within the Lismore economy in a variety of different ways, spelling benefits for the whole town."

Lismore mayor Merv King echoed Mr Chapelle's sentiments, saying the motel would bring employment, investment and quality accommodation to Lismore.

"What we need in Lismore is extra accommodation - we need that badly," Cr King said. "We now have someone in the process of doing this and that's great news. For people that come here for sporting events and conferences finding good quality accommodation is sometimes a problem. This motel will help alleviate that and provide much-needed employment opportunities."

The proposal is the latest in a long line of thus far unsuccessful attempts to build a four-star-plus motel in Lismore. Over the last several years plans have included a motel on the Bruxner Highway opposite Hungry Jacks and another adjacent to the Centrepoint Motel in Molesworth Street.

Lismore City Council has approved the DA for the Lismore Bounty Motel and work will begin by the end of May. Mr Kelly expects the motel will be completed by January 2005.

Firing up for open day

Goonellabah Fire Brigade captain Kevin Muldoon (centre) station officer Mark Flannery and fire safety mascot Bernie Cinders gear up for the Open Day this Saturday.

Each year with the onset of winter and the increased risk of fires, NSW Fire Brigades across the state open their doors to the public to provide advice on fire safety, show locals around the fire station and enjoy a bite to eat.

The Goonellabah Fire Brigade Open Day - being held this Saturday, May 8 - has become a particularly popular event and last year more than 450 people turned up, eating their way through 45kg of sausages in the process!

"It's a great opportunity for people to meet the staff, see what we do and discuss any fire safety queries they may have," Goonellabah Fire Brigade captain, Kevin Muldoon, said. "Winter is the peak time for house fires because people are more likely to use heating and drying equipment in their home, so this is the perfect time to get the fire safety message across. Kids can also inspect the fire engines, including two vintage trucks from 1932 and 1976, meet our fire safety mascot Bernie Cinders and everyone is welcome to enjoy the BBQ."

This year firefighters will be giving away a fire safety CD-Rom, Brigade Kids, to the first 100 families.

Goonellabah Fire Station is located just off Rous Road in Goonellabah. The Open Day will run from 10am-2pm.

Mum's the word

Gretta O'Sullivan, 4, with her mother Melanie Lavelle-Maloney and grandmother Honour Lavelle-Maloney (all front) with other students of Lismore Parish Centre Preschool and their mothers at the Mother's Day Cafe.

The kids from Lismore Parish Centre Preschool created a novel way to celebrate Mother's Day this week, opening a Mother's Day Café for some very special customers - their mothers and grandmothers.

"The children have always been fascinated and thrilled to be taken out to restaurants themselves, so when we were discussing what we could do to treat our mothers for Mother's Day to show them we love them, the children decided they would like to create a café of their own to serve their mothers," Preschool director, Pam Briggs, said. "This has involved many exciting learning experiences from cooking everything themselves to making placemats and menus for each mother - the children have had so much fun and are justifiably proud of their creation. Of course it will only have a short, but triumphant, existence!"

Gretta O'Sullivan, 4, made it clear the reason for the cafe was very simple.

"Because I love my mummy and I know she will like it," Gretta said.

Understandably, Gretta's mother Melanie was very proud of the children's innovative idea.

"The children organised everything from the music to serving the food - it's really very special," Melanie said. "It's lovely to see the kids making such an effort for us mums."

One person's trash...

Northern Rivers Animal Services secretary Robyn Mostyn with some of the bargains that will be up for grabs on Saturday.

If you love hunting for second-hand treasures the Northern Rivers Animal Services giant op-shop sale this Saturday, May 8, will yield some wonderful booty.

Everything in the shop will be under $5, with some items going for as little as five cents.

"There are loads of bargains - it's a bit of a clearance sale so we can fit in our winter stock," Northern Rivers Animal Services secretary, Robyn Mostyn, said. "We have kids and adult clothing, kitchen ware, toys, books, furniture, records, bric-a-brac, shoes, plants and heaps more. We even have some Billabong clothing and a batman costume - it's amazing what people throw out. Some of our stock is brand new!"

All money raised from the sale will ensure the voluntary service can continue it's valuable work, which includes rescuing and rehousing unwanted animals and subsidising animal de-sexing for people in financial need. The sale kicks off at 8am. The op-shop is at 17 Bridge Street, North Lismore.

Train fight continues

Ballina MP Don Page, Melinda Pavey MLC and Lismore MP Thomas George protesting at the Save our Trains rally in Sydney last Thursday. Mr Page will debate the closure of the rail line in Parliament today.

Lismore City Council has retaliated against the NSW Government's decision to close the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line.

This week Council rejected CountryLink's application to use the Lismore Bus Transit Centre for the buses that will replace the trains.

With only 11 days until the planned closure of the rail line, Lismore mayor Merv King said he would not approve the application if the Lismore train station is closed.

"There is a long way to go in the fight to save the train line - the State Government would do well to listen to public opinion and keep the train services going as it originally promised," Cr King said. "Premier Carr has not considered the impact of the rail closure on communities in the northern region, including the elderly and disadvantaged, who deserve the basic right to travel in safety and comfort."

Cr King is now seeking urgent legal advice regarding claims by Liberal MLC Catherine Cusack that plans to dismantle the rail line from Casino to Murwillumbah are illegal.

"If these claims are justified, we will work with other councils in the Northern Rivers to seek an urgent injunction to prevent the Government from ripping up our rail line," he said.

On Tuesday Transport Minister Michael Costa offered one lucky Northern Rivers resident a poisoned chalice - the chance to become the Regional Community Transport Coordinator, a position likely to be based in Lismore. In a press statement the Minister said the person would "be responsible for identifying and resolving local and community transport problems."

Cricket legend launches Red Shield Appeal

Launching the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal in Lismore on Monday were mayor Merv King, cricketing legend Doug Walters, Salvation Army major Warren Parkinson and Lismore officers Robert and Leanne Duncan. Bottom: Doug with the Wyrallah Road Public School senior cricket team, who were treated to a special visit during Doug's short stay in Lismore.

Being served hot coffee by Salvation Army officers when he was a national serviceman gave cricketing legend Doug Walters a lifelong respect for the organisation, for which he is still an ambassador today.

Doug, who became an ambassador when he retired from cricket 25 years ago, visited Lismore on Monday to launch the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal and encourage others to support the initiative.

"The Salvos support people in need right across Australia and while it's unfortunate we need these types of organisations at all, we are very lucky to have them," said Doug, who became the third-youngest Australian to score a Test century during the 1965-66 season. "One wonders what would happen without the likes of the Salvos."

The Salvation Army has been operating in Australia for more than 120 years and to this day they continue to provide a bed, blanket, meal or friendly face when it's needed.

"The Salvation Army has been an integral part of Australian society since 1880, bringing hope and practical support to those in need," Lismore Salvation Army officer, Robert Duncan, said. "The Salvos are there when it counts - we were with the diggers in WWI and WWII, we were in Darwin when cyclone Tracey hit and we are there when people lose a loved one and need someone to talk to."

The Red Shield Appeal will be held in Lismore on May 22-23 and the Salvation Army is now looking for at least 250 volunteers to help doorknock on the day.

"Being a volunteer for the appeal is easy - in just two hours people can help us make a significant difference in the local community," Robert said. "We hope people will look outside their own door with a compassion heart to people in need. We rely on the generosity of the local community to make initiatives like the Red Shield Appeal a success."

The Salvation Army hopes to raise $53 million nationally this year, with $70,000 of that coming from the Northern Rivers. To get involved as a collector phone 133 230.

A'ville woman dies

19-year-old Alstonville woman Lynnley Doyle was killed on Sunday night when the car she was travelling in spun out of control and collided into a power pole.

The accident occurred around 9.30pm on the Wardell Road, approximately five kilometres south of Alstonville.

The 20-year-old female driver was taken to Lismore Base Hospital and is now in a serious but stable condition. The Ballina Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the accident.

Telstra open day

Telstra Country Wide is inviting people to check out the Telstra Cedar City Call Centre this Saturday, May 8, from 10am-3pm.

The open day will include a raffle, guided tours through the call centre and a gold coin donation sausage sizzle. All money raised will be donated to the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. The Telstra Cedar City Call Centre is at 15 Simeoni Drive, Goonellabah.

Mrs Newell farewelled

Mrs Ena Newell, the mother of State MP Neville Newell, died last Friday at the age of 89.

Mrs Newell was well known in the Mullumbimby area where she resided on a farming property at Myocum for nearly 50 years, before entering a care unit in Lismore approximately two years ago.

Mrs Newell will be buried in a family plot at the Bangalow cemetery next to her husband, who died in 1991.

What a gem

The 14th annual Gemfest will be held next Saturday and Sunday, May 15-16, at the Lismore Showgrounds.

As always the event will feature an amazing variety of beautiful gemstones and crystals as well as ancient fossils such as dinosaur eggs and skeletons from China, meteorites from outer space and a selection of opals, diamonds and jewellery made from silver and gold.

The weekend will also include children's activities such as treasure hunts and sand sieving plus a variety of food stalls.

More than 100 market stallholders and professional jewellery makers are expected to attend along with miners and merchants from all around Australia.

The Gemfest runs from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and from 9am to 3pm on Sunday.

Entry is $3 for adults and 50c for kids.

For more information phone 6624 2366 or 6621 4703.

A sweet deal?

The NSW sugar industry has given a mixed response to the Federal Government's $444 million sugar industry reform package.

The package comes in the wake of the recent US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which excluded sugar from the deal.

NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative Limited CEO, Greg Messiter, welcomed the Government's package but said it's unlikely the NSW industry will significantly benefit from the assistance.

"The government has delivered the short term sustainability grants which will be paid in June and January, and then cease. These will be most welcome to mills and growers alike, even though they are strictly 'once off'," Mr Messiter said. "We are disappointed however that the amount available for diversification projects is insufficient to make a worthwhile impact and also that almost half of the package will be strung out in a long-winded bureaucratic process. It is doubtful that much of this promised funding will be accessed by the NSW industry."

Up to $146 million in one-off grants will add $30 a tonne to the industry's bottom line.

The package also includes up to $21 million in income support for growers, harvesters and their families, up to $13 million in business planning assistance, $100,000 each for co-operative and smaller single site mills, up to $39 million in restructuring grants for growers who want to undertake on-farm improvements and $75 million for regional and community projects. The vast majority of the funding is expected to go to the Queensland sugar industry.

Growers and harvesters who wish to leave the industry will also receive re-establishment grants of up to $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

Calling the global sugar industry corrupt, Page MP Ian Causley said the package would go a long way to helping sugar cane farmers retain their livelihood.

"Not even an agreement from the United States for sugar's inclusion in the recently negotiated FTA could have overcome the issues confronting the industry," he said.

Magic happens - with your help!

Gearing up for this year's Lismore Lantern Parade are (rear) Elly Bird, Susan Andrew, Damon Devine, James Wran, Rowan Mallamoo, Ashley Condie, Chantell Payne, Samantha Quinn and Aleisha Brice with (front l-r) Gabby Ptolemy, Kaleisha Miller and Julia Mallamoo.

With winter approaching most of us are dreaming of log fires and mulled wine, but at the Lismore Lantern Parade workshop things are just hotting up.

The annual parade - held on June 19 - has become a Lismore tradition, attracting thousands of people each year despite the freezing temperatures.

With just six weeks to go until parade time, coordinator Jyllie Jackson is urging people to get involved in the event, whether by making feature lanterns, performing or helping with office work, construction, site preparation and the million other jobs that help create the magic of the parade.

"The Lantern Parade is a fun cultural event, and there's heaps of really interesting and unusual activities to get involved in," Jyllie said. "The parade has always been about the community working together to create something magical for the community, and it's going to be seriously magical this year! People don't need to be particularly arty or crafty - they just need to be enthusiastic and ready to have a good time!"

To get involved in this wonderful community event phone 6622 6333.

Lismore Lantern Parade volunteers will also be at The Channon market this Sunday, May 9, with lanterns to decorate from 10am.

A cry for help

Story and photo: Julian Ryan.

Bruce and Denise Morcombe have launched a comprehensive advertising campaign to try and find their missing teenage son.

Bottom: Daniel Morcombe.

Queensland police investigating the disappearance of Sunshine Coast teenager Daniel Morcombe were in Lismore last week with the missing boy's parents to promote an advertising campaign to find Daniel and those responsible for his disappearance.

Police say that Daniel was abducted while he was waiting for a bus a short distance from his Sunshine Coast home four and a half months ago. Sadly they admit that as time goes by, the chances of finding Daniel alive are slim.

The case has attracted huge public support following a screening on Australian Story on ABC television on April 19. The advertising campaign includes radio, television and newspaper advertising.

Head of the taskforce investigating the case, detective inspector John Maloney, said police believe that a blue car seen near the scene of Daniel's disappearance may have come from northern NSW.

"We are really following a potential lead about the car - we think that it may have come from the Northern Rivers," he said.

Daniel's parents Bruce and Denise Morcombe urged anyone with any information of any kind to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.

"If anyone from this area knows anything, no matter how small or trivial it is, please ring Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," Bruce said.

Get your big break

Young people have the opportunity to get one step closer to their dream or ambition by entering the Nescafe Big Break competition.

Nescafe Big Break is open to people aged 16 to 24 and this year is giving away six grants of $5000, five grants of $25,000 and one grant of $50,000.

Nescafe Big Break is for anyone with a particular goal and there are no categories.

Over the past 15 years the program has helped kick start the careers of young people in areas as diverse as technology, the arts, business, sport, education, agriculture and charity.

For entry details and info visit www.nescafebigbreak.com.au or phone 1800 630 630.

Entries close on May 31.

TAFE talents on show

The Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Wollongbar TAFE campuses held their annual Awards of Excellence on Saturday night, with 49 students receiving various accolades.

Awards were presented in each of the different faculty and study areas, recognising students who had made outstanding achievements in 2003.

"These awards are designed to showcase the academic achievements of our students as well as providing an opportunity to thank families for the sacrifice and support they give and the hard work of staff," institute director, Neil Black, said. "We have some wonderful students at the four TAFE campuses and these awards illustrate their talents."

East Lismore resident Deborah Barker, who studies at Wollongbar campus, was named Student of the Year. Deborah decided she wanted a total career change and last year made the decision to move into child care and complete the Diploma in Child Studies as quickly as possible. Deborah's accelerated learning program involved studying full time during the day and part-time in the evening with flexible delivery modules at home and weekend workshops. The result was that Deborah completed the two-year Diploma in 12 months with an incredible 48 distinctions.

Local answers to local issues

Federal MP Ian Causley is encouraging local community organisations to apply for funding under the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy.

The funding, under the Local Answers initiative, is designed to help communities develop their own solutions to local problems by providing them with financial support.

"Local Answers is also about early intervention and prevention - targeting and responding to social problems before they become entrenched and serious," Mr Causley said.

Applications close on May 14. For an application form phone 1300 301 735.

Become a Greens candidate

The Greens are seeking expressions of interest from people who would like to stand for the seat of Page in the upcoming Federal election this year.

The Greens intend to contest the seat of Page, which covers Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Grafton, and would like to hear from anyone who thinks they can do the job.

The successful candidate will be chosen by a party vote and if necessary a postal ballot of members from the Summerland and Clarence Greens will be held.

Potential candidates should contact The Greens ASAP to get details of how to nominate.

Write to Page electorate returning officer David McInnes-King c/- Rock Valley PO, NSW, 2480, or phone 6688 0192.

The candidate will be announced on June 22.

Billycarts return at Bangalow

The Bangalow Billycart Derby is on again this year thanks to sponsorship received from the Bangalow Rugby Club.

The popular event was postponed last year due to public liability issues that have since been addressed and the derby will now go ahead on Sunday, May 16.

This year there will be traditional and home grown categories plus novelty and celebrity races for ages five and up.

Entry forms are available from all local schools and from most shops in Bangalow. For info phone Caroline on 6687 2661.

Save a life with CPR

St John Ambulance trainer Alf Smith (right) demonstrates first aid techniques to Mandy Watt, daughter Tabitha and NRMA representative Keith Hosking (St John's sponsor) and Lismore District Family Day Care child development officers (l-r) Sandra Dobbie, Jane Isenhood and Kylie Burnett.

According to St John Ambulance trainer, Alf Smith, being trained in first aid can mean the difference between life and death.

In his 35 years with St John Ambulance Alf has seen many a life saved simply because there's someone on hand to perform basic first aid until help arrives.

"Everyone should have knowledge of first aid - if a person's heart stops beating their brain cannot survive more than three or four minutes without oxygen and often that's not enough time for an ambulance to arrive," Alf said. "First aid training is really just a mix of general knowledge, self-confidence and common sense - as long as you're over 14 you can learn CPR. It's not difficult or time consuming but it could save a life, including your own."

St John Ambulance first aid courses also teach people how to control bleeding, treat snake bites and poisoning, how to ensure minimal harm to someone with head and spinal injuries plus many more life saving skills.

People who have previously completed a first aid course but need to update their skills should attend the Re-Certification Course in Lismore next Tuesday, May 11, from 8am-5pm. A senior first aid course for new beginners will also be held in Lismore on Wednesday and Thursday, May 12-13. All Lismore courses are held at the St John Ambulance office at 105 Molesworth Street. Other courses are held regularly in Alstonville, Ballina and Byron Bay. In addition, St John Ambulance offers a Caring for Kids first aid course as well as courses dealing with allergies and sports injuries.

To book in for a course or find out more phone 6621 8044.

New war memorial for Coraki

Richmond Valley mayor Charlie Cox (left) and president of the Coraki RSL Sub-Branch Lyle Martin with Coraki's new war memorial.

A new war memorial was dedicated at Coraki's Memorial Park on Saturday, replacing an old monument that was in a state of disrepair.

President of the Coraki RSL Sub-Branch, Lyle Martin, said that the new memorial was an important tribute to veterans and praised the volunteers who built the monument.

"This is very important because the whole town came together to build this memorial and all the materials were either donated or bought at cost price," he said. "There were 19 people involved in the construction who donated their labour, and they will all receive a certificate of appreciation from the Coraki RSL Sub-Branch."

Richmond Valley Mayor Charlie Cox said that war memorials did not glorify war but were a powerful reminder of those who died defending our freedom.

"War memorials are a continual reminder that the democratic way of life we all enjoy has been secured at great cost," he said.

Over-the-counter contraception

Emergency contraception also known as the 'morning after pill' is now available over the counter at pharmacies throughout Australia.

Before December last year the pill was only available via a doctor's prescription.

Women's health nurse at the Lismore Women's Health Centre, Andrea Brooks, said that easier availability will ensure women can access the treatment earlier.

"To be effective in preventing conception the medication must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but is most effective if taken within 24 hours," she said.

Ms Brooks also pointed out that emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and advised women who have had unprotected sex to see their doctor or consult a sexual health clinic for a check up. For more information phone the Lismore Women's Health Centre on 6621 9800.

Keeping the Anzac spirit alive

Attending Trinity's Anzac Day ceremony last Friday were Federal MP Ian Causley (second from left) and war veterans (l-r) Barry Antill, Ric DeRe, Warren McBurney, David Spiteri, Dom Cechini and Frank Egan with piper Neville Northfield, principal Brother Peter and Trinity Catholic College students (l-r) Joel Saye, Chris Gorman, Sigrid Ryan, Petria Thomas, Samantha Barnett and Nicholas Green.

As Anzac Day always falls in the school holidays, Trinity Catholic College has begun a tradition where they have a special Anzac Day commemoration to honour local WWII and Vietnam veterans after school resumes.

This year the ceremony was particularly significant, as students presented local veterans with four seedlings cut from the famous pine tree at Lone Pine Ridge in Turkey.

Principal Brother Peter said the annual ceremony gave students the opportunity to remember and pay their respects to local veterans and those who made sacrifices in the name of freedom.

"Anzac Day is one our most important national occasions and a reminder to the students of the great Australian spirit of courage and endurance that lives on from generation to generation," Brother Peter said. "The invited guests and veterans who attended the ceremony are an inspiration for the students - every one of our students stood to give the veterans a standing ovation as they left the ceremony. It was a very moving moment."

A lifeline for Lifeline

Interact Injury Management and Lismore Unlimited Opportunities (LUO) have raised $500 for Lifeline Northern Rivers through a workplace harassment and bullying seminar for business people.

Happily receiving the money last week was Lifeline Northern Rivers director of counselling Jan Gates (front) with Interact Injury Management regional manager Cate McHugh and LUO president Damian Chapelle.

"Lifeline provides a great service to the community and we're very happy to support it," Cate said. "Lifeline receives no government funding so every bit of assistance helps. It's nice to know that money raised from a local event will go directly back into helping the local community."

The seminar was such a success Interact Injury Management and LUO are now looking for a bigger venue for a similar event later this year.

Syringe incident raises safety concerns

Deputy Mayor John Chant stands outside the gates to Crozier Field, which Council have locked after two children found discarded syringes last weekend.

Parents are being urged to warn their children about drugs after two children were pricked by used syringes whilst playing at Crozier Field last weekend during a football match.

The incident has prompted Lismore Council to lock the park at all times accept when it is being used for sport.

Cr Chant said that the council did not intend to install needle disposal bins because there are already a number of facilities elsewhere in the city.

"We don't want to place bins at the field because these are places for families rather than drug users," he said.

"Unfortunately syringes can be found in public places such as sporting fields, and the best system in the world won't prevent it."

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