The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

30 new nurses for region

Around 30 new nurses will begin work at Lismore, Ballina, Casino and Mullumbimby hospitals in coming weeks following lengthy negotiations between the NSW Nurses Association and the Northern Rivers Area Health Service (NRAHS).

Nurses at Lismore Base Hospital went public last week with their claims that nurses were working excessive amounts of overtime and extra shifts to cover the heavy patient load.

They demanded that the NRAHS employ more nurses and provide more beds to guarantee the safety of patients at the hospital. After four hours of negotiations last Thursday, NSW Nurses Association Lismore Branch secretary, Helen O'Donnell, emerged saying that the NRAHS had responded positively.

"The Area Health Service has agreed that additional nurses are required and has guaranteed that extra nurses will be employed," she said. "Interviews were held yesterday [Wednesday] and hopefully those nurses will be on the wards in two weeks or so."

Nurses also implemented a four-day ban on elective surgery last week in an effort to reduce the pressure on what they say is an overstretched hospital system. Ms O'Donnell claimed the Area Health Service has also agreed to fast track the purchase of additional beds to ensure patients in the Emergency Department receive the best level of care possible. She said the NRAHS would also review equipment needs on the wards.

"Nurses are relieved that the Area Health Service has listened to their concerns, however, we will be watching closely to ensure patient safety and that the Area Health Service meets its promises," Ms O'Donnell said. "We give the NRAHS credit for its response, but our focus is on patients."

NRAHS CEO Chris Crawford said the employment of extra nurses and purchase of beds had already been in the pipeline for some time and the increased demand had simply meant bringing plans forward.

"The NRAHS used the opportunity of negotiations with the NSW Nurses Association to brief the Association on the comprehensive winter strategy that has been developed over the last four months," Mr Crawford said. "These strategies, which are put in place each winter to deal with the peaks in demand that occur, involve the opening of 18 extra beds at Richmond Valley district hospitals, the extension of the Lismore Base emergency department including the opening of five additional beds, the transfer of some surgery from Lismore Base Hospital to other local hospitals and the introduction of community care packages to enable patients to be discharged from hospital in a timely fashion. As winter has come early as represented by higher demand last week, the NRAHS agreed to bring forward some strategies and commence them earlier. It was able to do this because recruitment of extra nursing staff was well underway and interviews were able to be brought forward."

The nurses will meet again next week to determine whether further action is required and to monitor the progress of recruitment, bed occupancy rates and the purchase of essential equipment.

The gift of giving

Lismore's Salvation Army officers Robert and Leanne Duncan are encouraging people to give generously during the annual Red Shield Appeal in Lismore this Saturday and Sunday, May 22-23.

Collectors will be knocking on doors throughout the region this weekend, with all money raised used to provide shelter, food, clothing and support to families in need.

"$53 million is a huge target but every contribution counts - if every Australian gave just a few dollars we could easily reach that amount," Robert said. "If for any reason we miss you on the weekend there is still time to donate - simply phone 133 230 or look for the donation envelope in your mailbox."

Salvation Army collectors will be easily identifiable with ID badges and official receipts.

Have a cuppa for cancer

Proprietor of Stephanie Hair Design Pat Shur (left) and hairdresser Kristel Skinner will be hosting an Australia's Biggest Morning Tea at the salon next Thursday.

Pat Shur has lost two close friends to cancer in the last few years and she's determined to work towards a future free of the disease and of the pain it causes.

As she does every year, the proprietor of Stephanie Hair Design in Lismore is hosting an Australia's Biggest Morning Tea next Thursday, May 27, to help raise funds for the Cancer Council. And while Pat knows she won't raise millions or even thousands of dollars, she's a firm believer that every bit counts.

"When you lose someone to cancer it makes you want to do something - to try and make a difference no matter how small it is," Pat said. "It's easy to say I can't do anything to help, but you can - if every single person in Australia has a cuppa for cancer next Thursday we can raise millions. Hopefully the money we raise from events like this will eventually lead to a cure and we can all make that happen by contributing in our own little way."

From 10am to 2pm people can pop into the salon in the Warina Walk Arcade, off Molesworth Street, and enjoy a cuppa and a biscuit for a gold coin donation.

As an added incentive anyone who gives a gold coin will also go in the draw to win a basket of haircare products from PPS.

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea events are happening at various venues around the region next Thursday. To find out where see this week's Around Town column or phone the Cancer Council on 6681 1933.

Strictly ballroom

The Utah Valley State College Ballroom Dance Company will be strutting their stuff for charity at Lismore City Hall next Tuesday, May 25, in their only Lismore performance.

The concert has been organised by the Lions Club of City of Lismore as a fundraiser for Far North Coast Life Education (which is desperate need of money after a drop in sponsorship recently) and the Summerland Early Intervention Programme.

It is hoped the concert will raise $7,500 for the two organisations, whilst also providing a rare opportunity for people to see competition style dancing in the flesh.

"You'd normally only get to see this type of dancing on a TV show like Strictly Dancing," Lions Club of City of Lismore secretary, Debbie Grant, said. "It's not just ballroom dancing, it's a whole performance with fabulous costumes, professional dancers and a little bit of comedy thrown in amongst it all. The company is only doing four performances in Australia so it's a very special event and we encourage people to support these two very worthy organisations."

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are $22 for adults or $16.50 concession. Book on 6621 5600. Tickets are $22/16.50 and are available from Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 6621 5600.

Freebie: The Echo has one double pass to giveaway to the show. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 11am and 11.15am on Monday, May 24, and tell us the capital city of Utah.

Discover Linux

The Sydney Linux Users Group will visit the Goonellabah Linux Users Group this weekend for a series of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions. Topics to be covered include kernel basics, wireless networking and Linux advocacy.

To register or find out more email glug_admin@glug.dyndns.org or visit http://glug.dyndns.org/SLUGs-GLUGs-2004.html.

Last train out of Lismore

Local residents and avid train supports Anne Meagher, Robyn Churchill and Bill and Patti Munro were among the 100 or so supporters who farewelled the last XPT train in Lismore on Sunday night.

The last train on the Casino-Murwillumbah XPT line may have come and gone, but according to Neale Battersby from Northern Rivers Trains for the Future (NRTF) the fight is far from over.

More than 100 supporters turned up at the Lismore railway station on Sunday night to farewell the last train and voice their anger over losing the century old passenger service.

However despite the gloomy outlook, the feeling on the platform on Sunday was one of hope, and Mr Battersby is encouraging people not to give up.

"There are currently two Parliamentary Inquiries taking place - the first into the legality of the decision to close the line the second into the accuracy of figures used as evidence in that decision," Mr Battersby said. "Transport Minister Michael Costa quoted $5 million per year for maintenance of the line, however, Parliamentary figures prove $3 million of that has disappeared. If the inquiry finds the reason to close the line wasn't based on facts and truth the NSW Government may have to reverse its decision. We are hopeful the inquiry will expose the injustice of the decision and we're now looking for people to make submissions expressing their views on the matter."

Representatives from the Parliamentary inquiry will visit Lismore on June 9 and Murwillumbah on June 10 for a public hearing where people can present their own views or findings.

People wishing to make submissions to the inquiry should send them to The Chair, JPSC4, Parliament House, Sydney, 2000, or email to jpsc4@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 4.

Beef it up

Story & photo: Therese Schier

Beef Week president Terry Serone, Miss Casino Beef Week 2003 Stacey Clark and 'Mr Explosive', a Brahman bull from the Clarke's Staben stud.

After more than two decades Casino Beef Week continues to attract thousands of enthusiastic visitors, and a quick look through the program reveals why it's such an enduring community festival.

The festival, which runs from next Wednesday, May 26, until Tuesday, June 1, is the pride of Casino and the town spares no expense to ensure visitors get to see plenty of colour and excitement and enjoy a weekend of country entertainment and hospitality.

Over the years the festival had stretched out to 11 or 12 days, however, organisers have pulled it back to the original seven days this year and Casino Beef Week president Terry Serone thinks the shortened program will make for an even better festival.

"The 'long weekend' of Friday through to Sunday is especially packed with events," Terry said. "People can come for the weekend and have three days of full on entertainment."

The opening day on Wednesday is a great chance to see the brightly dressed shop windows throughout the town, created for the dress up competition, before the Hair and Beauty Expo that evening.

Friday is Beef Week breakfast day where you can stroll around munching on a steak sandwich and hang around to see the milking competition, the infamous 'cow pat lotto' and heaps of street entertainment, before heading off to the popular Beef Week race meeting.

Saturday is street carnival day where you can experience everything from a 'live' beef auction, led steer competition, wood chopping and whip cracking to a car and bike show and the spectacular art, photography and craft exhibitions. The street event is capped off by a float parade then it's off to the showground for the Rodeo.

Sunday is Family Fun Day at the Casino showgrounds with a pet competition, Old McDonald's Farm and plenty of rides. While everything is bigger and better this year, Sue Serone from the Beef Week office is particularly excited about expanded program for kids.

"We're holding a Bush Olympics inter-school challenge with local schools competing in novelty events like a scarecrow making competition, a backpack wheelie bin race and old fashioned races like the sack race and egg and spoon race," Sue said. "Parents can also join in - if they dare."

For a change of pace on Sunday head to the draught horse field at the showgrounds to see these magnificent animals being put through their paces in a series of working trials like log snigging, a slide obstacle course and ploughing championship.

For a full program or more information phone the Beef Week office on 6662 8181 or visit www.casinobeefweek.com.au.

A fishy little project

Students from Tuntable Falls Primary School with their 'cod fingerlings' and Lismore Lantern Parade supporters and volunteers.

The Lismore Lantern Parade has always focused on the river and has always been a huge attraction for children, so it seems only natural that this year the two are being combined with the Fishy Lantern Project.

Students from Tuntable Falls Primary School visited the lantern workshop in Lismore recently where they made 20 cod fingerlings to 'swim' in the Lismore Lantern Parade and the fire finale, along with a Giant Eastern Cod made and sponsored by Lismore City Council's Revive Our Wilsons program and local fishing enthusiasts.

As well as creating the fish lanterns for the parade the children are learning about the cod's habitat, how it became endangered and ways of looking after the river. The Eastern Cod can now only be found in the Northern Rivers - and very rarely these days, although local fishing groups are trying to change that by releasing thousands of the tiny fingerlings into the Clarence and Richmond rivers.

"Students get to learn a bit about the eco systems of local rivers as well as get involved in a really inspiring community event," Tuntable Falls Primary School teacher, Brenda Crosby, said. "The project is engaging, creative and teaches the students about co-operative learning. It's fantastic."

The fingerlings, which have been decorated with Aboriginal-inspired designs with the help of an indigenous artist, will be amongst the many beautiful lanterns that are created for the Lismore Lantern Parade each year.

There are still plenty of opportunities to get involved in the parade as a volunteer or to create a lantern of your own. For information phone the workshop on 6622 6333.

Lismore means business

Launching the 2004 Business Awards recently was Summerland Credit Union CEO Margot Sweeny (and her Glynns from 2002) with (rear l-r) two-time award winner in 2000 Barbara Gosper from Immediate Reception, potential entrants John Ward and Marina Fitzhenry from On-Q Human Resources in Lismore, Lismore Unlimited Opportunities manager Peter Fraser and LUO board member Heather Williams.

If you've always thought the local milk bar has excellent service or your plumber does an exceptional job every time you call, it's worth nominating them for the 2004 Lismore Business Awards.

Presented by Lismore Unlimited Opportunities (LUO), the Lismore Business Awards are designed to recognise the efforts of businesses that go above and beyond to provide the very best service possible.

"The Awards celebrate Lismore as the business capital of the Northern Rivers - a place to work, live and do business, and offer the community a chance to recognise excellence in business practice," LUO manager, Peter Fraser, said.

There are 12 categories in the awards and LUO is now planning a series of information workshops to assist potential entrants like John Ward and Marina Fitzhenry from On-Q Human Resources to prepare their entry.

"I think the awards are an excellent idea - they bring the business community together and give people the opportunity to learn more about business in the area," Marina said. "They recognise local talent and I think that's very important."

Nominations close on June 1, with a shortlist of finalists to be announced in July.

The first of the free workshops will be held next Tuesday, May 25, at the Lismore Workers Club from 6pm. To register phone 6620 3932 or download this form.

Lighting the way

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Olympic torchbearer Bert Plenkovich shows off his official Athens shirt and SES helmet.

It will take more than a bad knee to stop Alstonville resident Bert Plenkovich fulfilling his duties as a torchbearer in the lead up to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens later this year.

Bert will carry the flame through the streets of Melbourne in June as part of the torch's trip around the world, before arriving in Athens in August to signal the opening of the games.

Whilst delighted to be chosen from more than 6000 nominees Australia wide, Bert was worried he would not be able to participate following a knee reconstruction in April.

"When I was told that I had been selected I thought I would certainly miss out because I am under strict doctors orders to take it easy after my knee surgery," he said. "The organisers told me I would be able to walk with the flame on the Melbourne leg, so now I am very excited and proud."

Bert's selection reflects a lifetime of community work, which includes being the longest serving member of the NSW SES after 49 years with the organisation. He has also taught judo locally for most of his life and has been the President of the Richmond River Cane Growers Association for the past 13 years.

Talking of his achievements, Bert paid tribute to his family and wife of 38 years.

"I would like to thank my long suffering wife and family for supporting me over the years," he said. "Without them I would not have been able to reach my full potential."

A time to say sorry

Well-known local singer/songwriter Mereki with her daughters Gemma, Tashi and Ruby. They will perform a special theme song together for Sorry Day next Wednesday.

Sorry Day 2004 will be celebrated next Wednesday, May 26, focusing on the theme of the 'three R's' - rights, respect and reconciliation.

During the day local high school students are invited to participate in Indigenous film screenings and performances with Aboriginal performers at Lismore City Hall.

That evening people are also invited to attend a special program of events that includes performances, film excerpts and surprise entertainment. It will also feature a talk by keynote speaker Patsy Nagas, the deputy mayor of Kyogle Shire Council and the first Aboriginal councillor in the area.

The free celebrations start at 6pm and everyone is welcome.

To celebrate Reconciliation Day a family BBQ and 'Yarn Up' will be held on Sunday, May 30, at the Conservatorium in Lismore's CBD from 10am-2pm.

The focus of the family day will be to debate issues surrounding reconciliation, visions for the future and how people can make a real difference to the reconciliation movement in their everyday lives.

For more information phone Judith Light on 6624 1926.

By George, what a surprise

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Lismore MP Thomas George, Trinity Catholic College student Zachi Darab and principal Brother Peter after Mr George presented Zachi with a cheque for $2100 to help him attend the Global Youth Leaders Conference in June.

A surprise donation of $2,100 by Lismore MP Thomas George will go a long way to getting Trinity Catholic College student Zachi Darab to America for one of the most important occasions of his young life.

The year 11 student has been selected to attend the Global Youth Leaders Conference in Washington DC in June, an opportunity he'll definitely be able to enjoy thanks to the unexpected financial contribution. The money was made available through the Premiers Department miscellaneous grants fund.

"My mother and I approached Mr George for financial assistance in April and he promised us that he would do whatever he could to help with the airfare," Zachi said. "I would like to thank not only Mr George and the Premier's Department but also the school executive who have given me a further $1000 to be used for expenses."

The Global Youth Leaders Conference is a forum for young people to discuss issues such as communications, diplomacy, law, human rights, peace, security and the role of the UN.

Something old and something new

Members of the Apex Club of Alstonville (l-r) Glen Faulkner, Peter Denton, Sonny Barker and Richard Lutze, who are kindly donating their time to help restore Alstonville's historic Crawford House.

The restoration of Alstonville's historic Crawford House took another step forward on the weekend, with the Apex Club of Alstonville lending a hand to paint the inside of the building.

And it's not just the Apex Club of Alstonville getting in on the act. It seems the restoration is generating a fair bit of public interest, with a special Anzac Day open house attracting more than 200 visitors from around the region.

"The low-key opening turned into a highly successful community event - for people living on the Plateau the house holds a lot of memories and I think it's special to the people of Alstonville," Historical Society member, Desiree Marshall, said. "The fact that community groups like the Apex Club of Alstonville are willing to help restore the building demonstrates the level of community interest in the old house and true spirit of a community working together for the common good."

Crawford House has been a hive of activity in the last two months with tradesmen from Ballina Shire Council rebuilding the gracious old verandah and members of Alstonville Plateau Historical Society toiling long and hard to remove years of debris and repair the timberwork, bathrooms and many other features that had fallen into disrepair.

Once restored Crawford House will have multiple uses as the headquarters of the historical society, a small museum and a place for community groups to meet.

To help raise further funds for the restoration a garage sale is being held this Saturday, May 22, at 42 Simpson Ave, Wollongbar, from 8am-12pm. For directions or more information phone 6628 6053.

Bringing home the bacon

The Northern Co-operative Meat Company has received $825,000 from the Federal Government to open a new export pig meat boning room at its Booyong abattoir.

Opening the new room on Tuesday were (l-r) Page MP Ian Causley, Northern Co-operative Meat Company chairman Peter Carlill, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Warren Truss and Richmond MP Larry Anthony.

The money, received through the Dairy Regional Assistance Program, is designed to help the company meet overseas meat handling requirements so it can remain competitive in an increasingly tough market.

"The new facility will provide new job opportunities in the area and allow the industry to service wider markets by employing a value-adding process that cuts pig meat to suit specialist United States, Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese requirements," said Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss. The new boning room has created 25 new jobs.

HSC student design showcase

A number of innovative creations by local HSC students in 2003 will be showcased in the Board of Studies' DesignTECH exhibition, which opens at Ballina Fair today.

The exhibition features some of the most unusual and brilliant major design projects by students who studied in the HSC Design and Technology course last year.

As well as seven local designs the show includes 22 'travelling works' that were exhibited in Sydney's Powerhouse Museum.

The exhibition will open for viewing every day until next Wednesday, May 26.

Garden makes a great Retreat

Story & photo: Julian Ryan.

Opening the Lismore Interchange Respite Care garden last week were Lismore mayor Merv King (centre) with (l-r) volunteer Bonnie Paff, Interchange Respite Care manager Margo Sten, Westpac Lismore branch manager Jenny Mowbray and other Westpac representatives Roslyn Parsons and Lyn Sten.

It seems community spirit is alive and well in Lismore with a number of people joining forces to create a therapeutic garden at the Retreat.

Several individuals, businesses and the Westpac Bank have all chipped in money and time to create the garden, giving the Retreat's many visitors a place in which to enjoy the great outdoors.

The Retreat, part of the Interchange Respite Care facility on Molesworth Street, is a respite house for young people with disabilities that has helped more than 200 families since it opened three years ago.

Manager of Interchange Respite Care, Margo Sten, said the new garden would provide additional therapy for the disabled youngsters who used the Retreat.

"The wheelchair access garden has given us the opportunity to take all of our guests outside so everyone staying here can enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the garden and no one is excluded," she said. "The garden has a secure fence, a water feature and is painted in vibrant colours that all create a very therapeutic setting for our guests."

Lismore Westpac branch manager, Jenny Mowbray, said that each year the bank raises money through raffles and sporting events for different Lismore charities.

"We managed to raise nearly $10, 000 from a charity golf day and the bank also matched staff contributions on a dollar for dollar basis," she said. "We think Interchange Respite Care does a fantastic job for young people with disabilities and their families, and believe they are more than worthy of our help."

Interchange Respite Care is Lismore's only community funded respite care centre and is run entirely by volunteers. To help out or find out more phone 6622 2267.

Child obesity 'tsunami' approaches

Story: Robin Osborne

Obesity researcher Dr Michael Booth, NRAHS health promotion manager Uta Dietrich and St John's College Woodlawn year nine students Courtney Barnes and Emma Hart. Photo: Franklin John-Leader.

One of Australia's leading obesity researchers has warned of a looming catastrophe in children's health, predicting that unless dietary and exercise habits change, around half of all young people will be overweight or clinically obese by the year 2020.

"It's like a giant tidal wave that will sweep over us with catastrophic consequences," according to Dr Michael Booth, co-director of the Sydney University-based NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity Prevention, who spoke of "a tsunami that we can hear hissing out to sea and will soon be able to see clearly."

Already as many as 30 per cent of children are overweight or obese and the number appears to be rising by one per cent a year. The consequences include self-esteem and orthopaedic problems, and chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Dr Booth was keynote speaker at the recent 'Preventing Obesity in Children and Youth' conference in Byron Bay. The meeting, a local response to the NSW Government's Childhood Obesity Summit, was the first step in developing strategies to control obesity in the Northern Rivers.

Dr Booth said the weight of children in developed countries began to upsurge in the mid-1980s because of the trend to sedentary recreation, increasing car usage and the popularity of takeaway foods.

Of great concern is the availability of snack foods - Australia is the world's fourth highest consumer of them, with an average 327 purchases each per year, along with an annual consumption of 120 litres of soft drink.

The outcomes of the Byron Bay conference included working groups to promote healthier schools, active communities, parental support, treatment options and healthy child and after-school care.

Small grants a big help

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Richmond MP Larry Anthony (left) with (l-r) Lorraine Harvie from Skennars Head Coast Care, vice president of the Wollongbar Progress Association Neil Chesworth, Lorrelle Gilbert from Skennars Head Coast Care, Mike Sutton from the Brain Injury Support Service and president of the Alstonville and District Ratepayers Association Bob Wilson.

Four local community organisations will share in $8,500 worth of funding under the Federal Government's Volunteer Small Equipment Grants.

Wollongbar Progress Association received $2,609 to purchase a lap top computer for Internet access, while Alstonville and District Citizens and Ratepayers Association received $2,062 for a laser printer that will be used to print regular newsletters.

The Brain Injury Support Service was presented with $2,900 to help in the provision of support and services to local families, with Skennars Head Coast Care also given $968 for garden equipment and tools.

Presenting the grants at Wollongbar recently Richmond MP Mr Anthony praised the work of all recipients.

"Volunteers do an outstanding job and make a significant economic and social contribution to our society," he said. "It's important that we support these volunteers in their achievements and I am happy these local groups have been successful in attaining funding which will make their jobs easier."

Creating a better future for Fiji

Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise members Fay Hopf (left) and Chris West with some of the donation that will be sent to Fiji.

In the last seven months Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise member Chris West has sewn 157 bed covers for impoverished school students in Fiji, which she will personally get to deliver come July.

Chris is part of a contingent that's travelling to Fiji to deliver donations from local people to a number of schools in the highlands as well as to needy families living at the Rotary Rotahomes Subdivision.

Rotary has purchased land for the subdivision and Rotary Clubs from far and are now providing funds and teams of volunteers to build modest one-room homes to accommodate destitute families.

For Chris having the opportunity to meet the children she has worked so hard to help is the opportunity of a lifetime.

"I love being able to help children - the chance to meet the students in the schools and in particular a child I'm sponsoring will be a life-changing experience," Chris said. "I think seeing the poverty will be heartbreaking but we are trying to bring some hope and I can't wait to see the excitement on the children's faces."

The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise is still seeking donations to send including sewing machines, cottons, fabrics, children's reading books, blankets, footwear, towels, kitchenware, eating utensils, water bottles, sporting equipment, toiletries, dictionaries and reference books.

While the group is not leaving until July, donations are needed by the end of May, as these will have to be shipped. The freight cost of a container to Fiji is between $2000 and $3000 so cash donations are also needed. For more information or to donate cash or goods phone 6621 2548 or drop into Harvey World Travel in Lismore.

Sustainable community turns 10

Story & photo: Gloria Meltzer

Jarlanbah Permaculture Community designer Robyn Francis recently celebrated Jarlanbah's 10th birthday.

When Nimbin's Jarlanbah Permaculture Community recently celebrated its 10th birthday it was also celebrating the success story of a unique community that has broken new ground in NSW.

From 1983 Jarlanbah's designer, Robyn Francis, lobbied state government for community title approval, finally gazetted in 1990, and it became NSW's first rural community title.

This was not the only 'first' the community achieved. Robyn persuaded Lismore Council to allow lots of less than one acre and 3.6 metre wide roads on the community, instead of the former 5.5 metres.

Interestingly, the design for Jarlanbah is now Rural Settlement Planning Guidelines for Northern NSW, and has received both state and national planning awards.

It inspired Leichhardt City Council to implement Australia's first energy efficient housing development control plan and in New Zealand, Auckland's Waitakerie City Council followed suit.

Around 100 people gathered in the new community centre to celebrate Jarlanbah's 10th birthday recently - The Old Spice Boys band had the hall jumping and jiving, as did Jarlanbah resident Dave Reynolds with his moving didgeridoo performance.

"Jarlanbah has been a real little ray of light, particularly in getting things happening for a more sustainable world," said Robyn.

A stepping stone to success

Scott Braithwaite from Lismore High School, who recently attended the Step to the Future national youth forum in Canberra.

Attending the Step to the Future national youth forum in Canberra recently has given Lismore High School year 12 student Scott Braithwaite renewed motivation to make the most of his life.

Scott was one of two local students who were chosen to help organise and run the forum, where school students heard high profile speakers talk about their life experiences and how they have achieved success in their lives. By providing positive role models the forum aimed to instil a 'can do' attitude in students and if Scott's reaction is anything to go by, the concept worked wonders.

"The message I got out of it was if there's an opportunity in life take it and don't be afraid of failure," Scott said. "Hearing the different stories was really inspiring - they all followed their hearts and got to where they wanted to be in the end. There was a lot of talk about fear and overcoming that. You just have to go out there and do your best."

The Step to the Future regional forum in Lismore and national forum in Canberra were both pilot programs. Scott and other students who organised the Lismore Step to the Future forum will hopefully be used as mentors for other local school students when the next regional forum is held.

$45,000 worth of cannabis seized

A 40 year-old couple from Myrtle Creek have been charged after police seized 276kg of cannabis and a quantity of hydroponic equipment during a raid on their property.

Police estimate the value of the seized drugs to be $45,000.

The couple have also been charged with stealing electricity from Country Energy.

Recognising good kids

Nominations for the Kids in the Community Awards are due by Friday, June 4.

The aim of the awards is to recognise the efforts of young people and people involved with youth who are making the community a better place to live.

Categories are peer support, community support, Indigenous youth support, homeless youth support, against all odds, mentor or role model and community or individual supporting youth or youth programs.

Nominees must be aged 13 to 25 and be available for the awards presentation on June 29 in Lismore.

A nomination form is on page 28 of this week's Echo. Alternatively, phone Maria Kelly on 6624 4053.

Keep it in the family

Families from various cultures and of all shapes and sizes enjoyed a special celebration in Lismore last Friday to mark National Families Week.

Funded by Family and Community Services through Centrelink, the celebration had a distinctly multicultural flavour, with families from different ethnic backgrounds sharing stories and delicious treats from their countries of origin.

"This type of celebration is a chance, particularly for mums, to relax and connect with each other and be pampered and catered for," Centrelink Lismore Multicultural Service Officer, Ritera Nikora, said. "Families are the fabric of society and this is an opportunity for us to think about families, whatever shape they take, and celebrate what family means to us."

Blind faith

Lindyn Goldston and guide dog Dallas.

Lindyn Goldston is a remarkable woman with a passion for adventure that has seen her travel the world and try her hand at sky diving and speed boat racing along the way.

The fact that the second year Southern Cross University student is totally blind has not distracted her from making the most out of life.

"I don't regard being blind as a disability considering all the things that I have done and achieved," she said. "I think that life is about being challenged and I want to continue to live my life to the fullest."

As part of International Guide Dog Day recently Lindyn held a special stall at Southern Cross University to raise awareness about guide dog etiquette.

"Its basically teaching people about the do's and don'ts of approaching a guide dog and a blind person," Lindyn said. "Its very important for people to be aware that is inappropriate to distract, touch or feed a guide dog, and these actions can jeopardise the safety of the handler."

Small business seminars

The Lismore Business Enterprise Centre, in conjunction with the Australian Taxation Office, will conduct a series of free workshops in the Northern Rivers to help small business people with issues relating to bookkeeping and taxation.

The first of these seminars is being held next Monday, May 24, at the Lismore Workers Club from 6pm to 9pm.

The workshop will focus on Business Activity Statements, GST, income tax and record keeping. Similar seminars will be held in Ballina and Casino.

For more information and to register phone 6622 1933.

Recognising good kids

Nominations for the Kids in the Community Awards are due by Friday, June 4.

The aim of the awards is to recognise the efforts of young people and people involved with youth who are making the community a better place to live.

Categories are peer support, community support, Indigenous youth support, homeless youth support, against all odds, mentor or role model and community or individual supporting youth or youth programs.

Nominees must be aged 13 to 25 and be available for the awards presentation on June 29 in Lismore.

A nomination form is on page 28 of this week's Echo. Alternatively, phone Maria Kelly on 6624 4053.

Money for the bush

Are you interested in getting some funding for looking after your land? Another round of funding through the Australian Government Envirofund has just been announced.

If you would like to undertake environmental repair work, such as planting trees along your creek, fencing cattle out of a degraded area to allow regeneration, or to provide off creek stock watering points on your farm, you may be able to apply for funding.

Twenty Landcare and Coastcare groups and individual landholders in the Tweed, Brunswick and Richmond catchments have just received funding for their projects, which include working to repair littoral rainforest along our coast, re-establishing degraded wetlands and planting corridors to connect vegetation remnants. These projects total more than $236,000. If you are interested in finding out more about Envirofund and whether your project is eligible, visit the website www.nht.gov.au or phone Kerri Francis on 6627 0114.

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