Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Evans Head sewerage

Richmond Valley Council is feverishly trying to contain both bacterial and pollution problems associated with the ageing Evans Head sewerage treatment plant (STP) whilst completing an environmental review regarding the upgraded plant.

Council's strategic planning officer, Ray Medhurst, said that contrary to reports, Council is complying with Environmental Protection Authority license requirements and is addressing both bacterial and environmental problems associated with the struggling plant.

"We are complying with existing EPA license conditions," Mr Medhurst said. "What we are trying to do in the interim is to go a step further and are trialing a chemical dosing program to improve effluent quality. We are also intending to install a UV disinfectant system that will provide disinfectant to kill bacteria from secondary treated effluent. This plant will remain as part of the upgraded plant. A recommendation to install this system will go to this month's council meeting."

Mr Medhurst said a review of environmental factors report for the plant upgrade will be finished and on public display by the end of May.

"Once this is approved council can proceed with the design and construction of the upgraded STP," Mr Medhurst said.

Beef Week dresses up

Hairdresser Belinda Owens-Birney practices on model Emma Lyons in readiness for the Hair and Beauty Expo being held during Casino Beef Week on May 26.

Organisers of Casino Beef Week are urging businesses, schools and community organisations to get their entries in by next week for the Beef Week Staff and Window Dress Up competition. And anyone wanting tickets to the Hair and Beauty Expo better get in quick. Now that ex Olympian Duncan Armstrong is confirmed as compere, remaining tickets are sure to be snapped up.

With just two weeks to go until the opening of this year's Casino Beef Week, word has it that supplies of gold and purple crepe paper are in short supply in the Beef Capital.

"This year's dress up theme is story books and the colours purple and gold," explained Janet Caban from the Beef Week office. "We have heard that rivalry is great among shopkeepers, schools and community organisations to see who can catch the judges' attention. Between the window and staff dress up competition and the float parade, supplies of paper and book character costumes are getting stretched."

Entry forms are available from the Beef Week office or can be downloaded from the website at www. casinobeefweek.com.

In a show set to rival Sydney's Fashion Week the Hair and Beauty Expo promises to be a glitzy occasion made even more entertaining with Duncan Armstrong as compere - just ask anyone who saw his performance last year!

"There's a cocktail party for those wanting to get in the swing early on," said organiser Margaret George. "And every audience member will receive a gift pack from local and regional outlets."

If that's not enough to whet your appetite for Beef Week then get along to the pre-Beef Week dinner being held on Friday, May 21, at Windara Nursery function room. Music, good company and fine food are all on the menu, with a special three-course gourmet meal featuring Casino beef and chicken. Tickets are $30 per head. To book phone Gail at Windara on 6662 3857.

Casino Beef Week kicks off on Wednesday, May 26, and the program is available now from local outlets, from the website at www.casinobeefweek.com.au or phone the Beef Week office on 6662 8181.

Evans Head land sale

Richmond Valley Council is still considering its options regarding the sale of 20 residential blocks near the Evans Head airport. The original sale date set for last Saturday was postponed at last week's extraordinary meeting - seemingly due to lack of buyer interest, said by agents to be partly due to Bob Carr's land tax frightening off investors. Council's executive will meet next Monday to discuss whether to go to auction or sell on the open market. A report will go to next Tuesday's council meeting.

Country Dancing

An old-fashioned family country dancing day is being held next Sunday, May 23, at McKees Hill Hall to raise money for the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

Hosted by the Casino Willi-Whirlers and Summerland Larrikins Square Dance Clubs, the day will feature a variety of old style dancing including square dancing, clogging, contra dancing, round dancing, mixer dances, line dancing and bush dancing.

If you don't know how to 'clogg' or contra dance, there'll be instructors on hand or you can just sit back and enjoy watching those who do.

Cost is $2 for adults and $1 for children, with kids under 12 free. A sausage sizzle and drinks will be available.

For more information phone Wilma on 6662 6647 or Karen on 6662 2984.

Marketing and tax seminars

Casino Chamber of Commerce and Casino Regional Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) are organising two separate seminars in May to assist local businesses.

Casino Chamber of Commerce has secured the services of the CEO of the Australian Institute of Sales, Marketing and Management, Mr Don Keady, to present a marketing seminar next Wednesday, May 19, at the Casino RSM Club.

President Jannie Stevens said the seminar is open to all interested business people, not just Chamber members.

"Don will be presenting practical information that is easy to understand and apply to individual businesses," Jannie said.

The Tax Office is also coming to town to run a Tax Basics for Small Business seminar on Tuesday, May 25, at Casino RSM Club from 6-9 pm. The seminar aims to provide small business operators with an introduction to the taxes that will affect their business.

"These seminars are particularly helpful if you have just started a business or are thinking of starting one soon," BEC manager, Shirley McNaughton, said.

For information about the seminars phone Jannie on 6662 1325 or the BEC on 6662 5055.

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