The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Hey big spender

Lismore Council ratepayers will be forced to pay almost $94 extra in rates from July 1, with Council embarking on an ambitious capital works program that includes projects worth around $18 million.

The draft budget released on Monday includes a 3.5 per cent rate rise in line with the maximum State Government general rate cap. Sewer charges will jump the most at 12.3 per cent, with water charges rising by 7.4 per cent and waste collection up 6.69 per cent.

In return Council has set aside $13 million for roads (a $1 million increase on the previous year's spending), $3 million for the completion of the Memorial Baths, $2 million towards the ongoing CBD redevelopment and almost $700,000 for improvements at Lismore Shopping Square.

Goonellabah residents stand to benefit the most from the budget with $2 million allocated for Stage 1 of the new Goonellabah Leisure Centre, which will be built on vacant land opposite the Council Chambers. This includes a two-court multi-purpose sports hall with spectator seating, a community activity centre, a gym and aerobics area, a children's crèche and play area, an outdoor skate park and a café.

Stage 1 of the centre will be completed by December 2005, with an additional $3.2 million earmarked for the 2005/06 financial year. Stage 2, which includes a 25-metre lap pool and separate toddler/leisure pool, will cost another $5.4 million. At this stage Council has no definite time line for its completion.

Lismore's mayor, Merv King, said the budget was "very responsible" and was particularly pleased with the extra funding for roads.

"One of the important parts of the budget is we're not neglecting roads - we have allocated another $1 million for roads on top of the annual $12 million spent," Cr King said. "In surveys that have been done over recent months roads have come up as something people are concerned about and I think we have responded to that. It would be great if we could put in another $10 million but it's just not possible, so $1 million extra is not a bad effort."

The $13 million for roads includes $5.3 million for general expenditure on urban and rural road networks.

Road reconstruction will receive $4.1 million for the following roads: Lismore - Uralba Street, Wilson Street, New Ballina Road, Brewster Street and Diadem Street. Rural - Eltham Road, Richmond Hill Road, Cowlong Road, Rosehill Road, Tucki Road, Stony Chute Road, Tuntable Creek Road and Broadwater Road.

Lismore Council will also conduct roadworks on contract for the RTA, with $2.3 million for reconstruction and maintenance on Nimbin Road, Dunoon Road, Rous Road, Blue Knob Road, Wyrallah Road, Kyogle Road, Coraki Road, Stony Chute Road and Eltham Road.

Another $900,000 will be directed to Bangalow Road and the Bruxner Highway, with an additional $425,000 to maintain 84 bridges in the local government area.

The budget is on display at the Council Chambers in Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah, and Council's CBD office in Magellan Street until June 22. People can also view it on the website at www. lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Making tracks

Wilson Park Public School 's assistant principal, Greg O'Connor, gives year nine student Danny MacPherson the very first ride on the new bicycle track.

After a mammoth three-year effort that included raising $32,000, work has finally begun on Wilson Park Public School's long-awaited bicycle track.

Wilson Park Public School caters for students with disabilities from four to 18 years of age, and has purchased a number of specially modified bikes to ensure every student can make use of the new track.

As teacher Gail Allan explained, the benefits of having a bike track are many and varied.

"The bikes have had an amazing effect on the students - it's helped them to become more independent, it is a great physical activity and also teaches them about sharing and friendship," she said. "Students might not have the opportunity to ride bikes at home and here they can use the specially modified bikes in a secure environment. One of our students learnt to ride for the first time recently and she's 15... when her mother saw her riding the bike she just cried with happiness. It's warm and fuzzy moments like that which make you realise just how valuable this project is."

While the students will be using the bike track in just a few weeks, landscaping and the construction of a storage shed still needs be completed at the site. A feature of the landscaping is the special Pedal Pathway, which people can still be a part of. The idea is that individuals, families or businesses buy a paver and have their name or business logo engraved into the paver, which is then permanently laid in the Pedal Pathway as a lasting memento. To get involved phone Greg at the school on 6621 7937.

Greg said the entire project would not have been possible without community support and in particular the Lismore West Rotary Club.

Bringing culture into the heart of Lismore

An artist's impressions of the Lismore Cultural Precinct from Keen Street, with the new combined art gallery/museum that will be a major feature of the site.

Plans for the $73 million 'Lismore Cultural Precinct' (commonly referred to as Art in the Heart) have received a positive response after being unveiled at a special Council meeting on Tuesday night.

The precinct, which will be built in and around the Old Lismore High School site, will feature three different areas - cultural, commercial and residential - that can be developed in stages as funds become available.

Key elements of the cultural vision include the combined $12 million art gallery and museum, a town square and a promenade - or "iconic spine" as described by the designers - that links Keen and Dawson streets and provides a central focus for the development.

The residential component will include a 40-dwelling apartment complex that includes studio and full-sized apartments, a shaded courtyard and parking to cater for residents. Completing the cultural precinct is the commercial section, which features a 1300 square metre retail area and more than 200 car parks.

The development also features a Indigenous keeping place and resource centre, gallery space for Southern Cross University, low-cost studio and workshop space, childcare facilities, integrated artworks, cafés, restaurants and much more.

Designers have been careful to ensure all but one of the trees on the site can remain so the courtyard atmosphere around the Conservatorium will be maintained. They would also like to see the Lismore Transit Centre moved to Dawson Street to encourage activity around the site and ongoing beautification of Magellan and Keen streets to enhance the development.

"It's our version of Brisbane's Southbank or Melbourne's Federation Square," Lismore mayor, Merv King, said. "The concept is fantastic - the entire site will have a cosmopolitan, stylish atmosphere and will definitely become an icon for Lismore."

Cr King said several funding avenues were available through state and federal governments, with other areas funded by private enterprise, such as the retail component.

The master plan, designed by Thomson Adsett and John Mongard Landscape Architects, will be considered at next month's Council meeting. If adopted the plans will be on public display for 28 days.

A victory of sorts

Story &photo: Julian Ryan

Protesters at Southern Cross University marched towards the university library last Friday where they protested against any rise in HECS fees.

The Southern Cross University Council has announced it will not increase student HECS fees for at least 12 months following a protest by around 500 students and staff.

Whilst HECS fee increases was the major issue for students, staff were also protesting about the long running dispute over pay and conditions.

The peaceful but vocal group confronted the SCU Council during a meeting last Friday, filling the library and demanding that representatives from both groups be allowed into the meeting.

A short time later SCU chancellor John Dowd emerged and told the crowd the SCU Council had decided not to increase HECS fees, but failed to address the staff's ongoing concerns.

"Our decision not to increase HECS fees recognises the fact that SCU provides for many students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and any increase in fees would place a significant burden on these students," Mr Dowd said.

Following the protest National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) state secretary, Mike Donaldson, said staff were unhappy their concerns had been completely ignored by SCU despite repeated attempts to negotiate.

He said SCU had offered staff a nine per cent pay rise over three years, which was well below pay rates at other universities.

"This offer is ridiculous and insulting," Mr Donaldson said. "The university management have badly let down the staff who have worked so hard to make this place a world class facility."

A spokesperson from Southern Cross University told The Echo yesterday that negotiations between the university and the union were ongoing.

Toying with the idea

Gearing up for this Saturday's open day is Lismore Toy Library president Kerrie Matiussi-Pimm with her sons Nicholas (left) and Christopher.

The Lismore Toy Library will hold an open day this Saturday, May 29, to showcase its range of toys and encourage new members to join the friendly, informal group.

Lismore Toy Library is a non-profit organisation that provides low cost access to toys for children from birth to 12 years. Members can borrow toys for up to four weeks and exchange them when their children want to try something new. It is also useful for parents wishing to let their kids play with a toy before making a costly purchase.

Lismore Toy Library president, Kerrie Matiussi-Pimm, said the library was a great community asset and encouraged parents to attend the open day, see how the library works and speak to the volunteers.

"The toy library is a great meeting place for children and parents or carers," she said. "There's a large safe area for kids to play while their parents have a relaxing, free morning out."

The library is run entirely by volunteers and more helpers are always needed. The Lismore Toy Library is located in the Goonellabah Community Centre, Oliver Avenue. The open day will run from 9.30am to 11.30am, with free face painting for kids.

People who can't make the open day can visit the Lismore Toy Library during normal operating hours every Tuesday and Saturday morning during school terms. For more information phone 6622 7818.

Top club closes its doors

Disappointed at the closure of the Apex Club of Lismore are life members Paul Murphy (right) and Graeme Arnett (centre) with current vice-president Trevor Lyle.

After 66 years helping local charities and individuals, the Apex Club of Lismore is being forced to close due to a lack of members.

At its peak in the 1980s the Apex Club of Lismore had around 50 dedicated members, but over the years that number has dwindled to just eight, with no sign of new members coming on board.

The situation has left Apex with little choice but to shut its doors, and the club is now inviting any past members, supporters or friends to attend the club's final farewell dinner on June 12.

"We're very disappointed and sad the club has to close - it's a great loss to the local community," current vice-president, Trevor Lyle, said. "I don't think it's just our club having problems with attracting new members - it's service clubs as a whole. With the social and work pressures in today's society, people have less and less time to devote to clubs like Apex. It's a terrible shame but we would love people to come and help us farewell and celebrate 66 years of Apex in Lismore."

The farewell dinner will be held on Saturday, June 12, at the Lismore RSL Club, however, people need to RSVP this weekend to ensure a place. The cost is $25 per person, with smart casual dress and a 'black arm band' theme. For information or bookings phone Trevor on 6625 1336.

Enhancing rural health

Minister for Health Tony Abbott (left) and Head of the Northern Rivers University Department of Rural Health, Professor John Beard, at the opening last Thursday.

The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, made a flying trip to Lismore last Thursday to officially open the Northern Rivers University Department of Rural Health (NRUDRH).

The NRUDRH is a joint venture of the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Southern Cross University that is designed to help overcome difficulties recruiting and retaining health professionals in the region.

The concept of the NRUDRH is to support student placements within the region and provide a positive experience outside of major cities that will encourage students to practice in rural areas once they have graduated. In 2003 the NRUDRH, which caters for medical, nursing and allied health students, hosted over 440 students on placements in the Northern Rivers.

The Department also helps local health services to develop and evaluate innovative models of care, and to foster world-class health research.

The Head of the NRUDRH, Professor John Beard, said the Australian government had provided substantial infrastructure funding that will allow extensions to the existing buildings including a tiered lecture room and video conferencing facilities. The government has also recently offered further funding toward building accommodation on the site for visiting students.

"When our building program is completed we will have a state-of-the-art facility, located directly opposite Lismore Base Hospital, which will allow local clinicians to further build their skills through a wide array of educational opportunities and ensure the quality of health services available to the people of the Northern Rivers," Professor Beard said.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Abbott was full of enthusiasm for the NRUDRH.

"We are giving birth as it were to something very special... it has involved deeply the passions and idealism of local people," Mr Abbott said. "The NRUDRH is very significant in helping to ensure the North Coast of NSW has a critical mass of clinicians and that local people continue to have access to sophisticated services. This is a place the best minds in the area will think the unthinkable and push forward the frontiers of learning."

Give your thanks

The inaugural National Day of Thanksgiving, a nationwide initiative, will be held in Lismore this Saturday, May 29, at Lismore City Hall from 6pm.

The day was announced by the Governor General in February this year as a way to recognise and pay thanks to the many people who make a difference in the community, from emergency service personnel to hospital staff.

The National Day of Thanksgiving will begin at 6pm with a BBQ, followed by an evening of entertainment and presentations in the hall from 7pm.

This will include performances by local school choirs, multimedia presentations, a special ceremony of thanks and prayers by Indigenous Australians, children and members of the clergy.

The event is free. For more information phone 6622 2935.

DOCS worker stabbed

A 31 year-old Ballina woman has appeared in Lismore Local Court after she repeatedly stabbed a worker at the Department of Community Services (DOCS) in Ballina on Monday.

It is believed there was a confrontation between the alleged attacker and her 25 year-old case worker during a routine meeting, which resulted in the victim being stabbed several times in the face and upper body.

The case worker was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment and was released on Tuesday.

Become a better parent

A special parenting seminar with parenting expert Michael Grose will be held next Thursday, June, at the Lismore City Hall from 7.30pm.

A report released by the Australian Childhood Foundation found 75 per cent of parents struggle to balance work and family, more than half lack confidence in their parenting and more than 80 percent want more information and support on parenting issues.

The findings have prompted the Australian Childhood Foundation to host a series of seminars to assist parents and help them create nurturing and stimulating environments for their children.

The seminar costs $10 and includes light refreshments. To register or find out more phone 1800 176 453.

Turning Japanese

By Julian Ryan

Father Paul Glynn (front centre), Father Paul Pidcock, Japan Centre committee chairperson Tazuko McLaren (rear, third from right) and Japanese parishioners from the Tomigaoka Church where Father Tony Glynn worked inspect the site for the Father Tony Glynn Japan/Australia Centre at Southern Cross University.

Former Woodlawn student and Lismore priest Father Tony Glynn, who died 10 years ago, devoted most of his life to developing strong relations between post-war Japan and Australia, with a focus on reconciliation.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary since Father Glynn's death, a group of Japanese parishioners from the Tomigaoka Church where Father Glynn ministered visited Southern Cross University recently, inspecting the site where a centre bearing Father Glynn's name is to be built.

The Father Tony Glynn Japan/Australia Centre will be a place for international students to learn English and will also display exhibits reflecting Japanese culture.

Father Glynn's brother, Paul, joined the Japanese visitors for the inspection and said the centre will be an important part of the university.

"The centre will become a symbol to the memory of my late brother and will serve as a reminder of the message of forgiveness that he spent much of his life promoting," Father Paul said.

Work on the Father Tony Glynn Japan/Australia Centre will begin soon and is expected to be completed by September. It is hoped that the Japanese Ambassador to Australia will attend the opening ceremony.

Captain Kev on fire

When Goonellabah Fire Brigade captain Kevin Muldoon arrived at the Council Chambers last Friday to receive his Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), the last person he expected to see was his old friend Bob Dobson.

Kevin first met Bob, who is now the Assistant Commissioner of NSW Fire Brigades, when he did some relief work at the Goonellabah fire station many years ago, and since then the two firies have remained firm friends.

As a special surprise for his mate of more than 20 years, Bob made the trip from Sydney to Lismore to be there when Kevin received his AFSM - the highest individual honour a firefighter can attain.

"I got the shock of my life when I saw Bob at the door - you could have knocked me over with a feather," Kevin laughed. "I was completely lost for words - it was a wonderful surprise to have him here."

Kevin joined the Lismore Fire Brigade in 1964 when he was 28, before becoming a member of the Goonellabah Fire Station when it was built in 1971. Obviously the young firie showed some promise, as he became captain in 1976 and has held the position ever since.

A humble man with little desire for accolades, Kevin couldn't wipe the smile off his face after being presented with the prestigious award.

"I felt 10 foot tall and bullet proof - I didn't in my wildest dreams think this would happen to me," Kevin said after the ceremony. "I joined the fire brigade to fight fires, not wear medals, but this feels colossal. I couldn't believe it; little old me in a little country town being nominated for something like this - it's just amazing."

Page MP Ian Causley said whilst all firefighters deserved recognition and thanks, there were some - like Kevin - who deserved special mention.

"Kevin is not only admired by his colleagues, but the community as well for his strong sense of duty," Mr Causley said. "He will surely continue to remain a local hero, a calm leader and pillar of support for the people of the Northern Rivers."

Invent your own business

Local inventor Rodney Johnson (left) and Page MP Ian Causley with Rodney's 'Beach Buddy Security Box' at the launch of the Northern Rivers Business Innovation Awards. Rodney's 'Beach Buddy' is the first local invention to be entered in the awards.

Local inventors with unusual products or clever concepts in business now have the opportunity to be recognised for their work with the launch of the 2004 Northern Rivers Business Innovation Awards.

Speaking at the launch recently Page MP Ian Causley said it was often difficult for inventors to convert their ideas into profitable enterprise, and said the awards will give winners a much needed publicity boost to get their concept up and running.

During the launch Mr Causley accepted the first nomination from local inventor Rodney Johnson, who has created a 'Beach Buddy Security Box' - a mobile purpose-built trailer to ensure people's valuables are safe when they go to a concert, sporting event or even the beach.

"Mr Johnson's Beach Buddy Security Box is an excellent example of finding a niche in the market and capitalising on it," Mr Causley said. "Businesses must adopt a novel approach if they are to grow their profits. They must be able to develop new products, or better products and new markets. We have a lot of clever minds on the Northern Rivers and I encourage all businesses to nominate for the 2004 Awards."

Nominations for the Northern Rivers Business Innovation Awards close on June 11.

For information any nomination forms phone (07) 5599 4200.

Get in the ring

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Gearing up for this year's North Coast National Show arena spectacular are (front l-r) Margot Sweeny, the CEO of Summerland Credit Union (the major sponsor), event organiser Mark Eady and Show Society president John Gibson with experienced riders (l-r) Jed Patterson, Darren Pendergast, Bruce Warburton and Michael McMahon, who will perform in the spectacular.

To celebrate the 100th year the North Coast National Show has been held at its present North Lismore site, the Show Society is organising a massive arena extravaganza to be performed each night of the show.

The arena extravaganza will feature around 300 talented local artists including singers, dancers, actors, horse riders, vehicle enthusiasts and many more.

"The North Coast National has always been a major event in our district, and the arena extravaganza will be the showcase event to highlight the contributions of all the people that call this region home," said Margot Sweeny, CEO of Summerland Credit Union, the major sponsor of the event. "Summerland Credit Union is particularly proud to sponsor this event because it celebrates important aspects of our local communities, the diversity and the talent of the people."

Organisers are currently looking for singers, dancers, musicians, performers, horse riders, comedians and stage managers to get involved in the event. For more information phone 6621 5916.

A match made in heaven

Displaying some of the delicious wines and cheeses that will be available at this Sunday's 'Jazz and Wine Fest' are Alstonville Café Deli owner Graham Noble (left) and Pioneer Tavern publican John Love.

Nothing goes together better than wine and cheese, except maybe wine, cheese and a little jazz.

The Wollongbar/Alstonville Junior Rugby Club is hosting a special 'Jazz and Wine Fest' at the Pioneer Tavern this Sunday, May 30, as a special fundraiser for the club.

As well as having plenty of fine jazz and gourmet cheeses the club is ensuring people who like a drop or two will certainly not be disappointed.

"We will have wines from some of Australia's finest vineyards including Penfolds, Brown Brothers, Taylors, Orlando and De Bortoli," Pioneer Tavern publican, John Love, said. "For those who don't drink wine there will be some boutique beer to enjoy such as James Squire and others as well."

The afternoon kicks off at 3pm and entry is just $5. For more information phone the Pioneer Tavern on 6628 1848.

Vision for Nimbin

Story & photo Gloria Meltzer

As the newly appointed Nimbin Community Economic Development Officer, David Hallett (pictured), a well-known poet and president of the Nimbin School of Arts, believes his community networks will be an asset to the role.

David has lived in the Nimbin area for more than 30 years and although the position is only a 10-month contract, he hopes to achieve much in that time.

"Nimbin is a vibrant, bubbling, controversial, colourful community and it's a particularly significant year because it's the centenary of the Nimbin School of Arts - the first building in Nimbin," David said. "It's a significant time and I think we should try and create more events and things of interest for visitors to the area, both within the village and its beautiful surrounds. We want to broaden their whole experience of being in Nimbin."

Become a better parent

A special parenting seminar with parenting expert Michael Grose will be held next Thursday, June 3, at Lismore City Hall from 7.30pm.

A report released by the Australian Childhood Foundation found 75 per cent of parents struggle to balance work and family, more than half lack confidence in their parenting and more than 80 percent want more information and support on parenting issues.

The findings have prompted the Australian Childhood Foundation to host a series of seminars to assist parents and help them create nurturing and stimulating environments for their children.

The seminar costs $10 and includes light refreshments. To register or find out more phone 1800 176 453.

Environment funding

Thirteen Northern Rivers based landcare and dunecare groups, private landowners and other organisations will share in $134,485 through the Federal Government's Envirofund.

Some of the projects include:

• $21,836 to aid landowner Peter Steenholdt to control erosion, improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat and improve fish habitat through the fencing of six hectares of land fronting the Wilson River. Around 4000 native plants will be replanted in the first stage;
• $20,705 to help the Widjabal Aboriginal Corporation to establish a walking trail to Nimbin Rocks;
• $8380 for the Rosebank Wild Koala Colonies Rescue to monitor the koala population;
• $7238 to aid landowner Phillip Willis with his project to rehabilitate more than five hectares of coastal saltmarsh along the banks of the Evans River; and
• $5345 for the Angels Beach Dune Care and Reafforestation's littoral rainforest and Melaleuca wetlands project.

Applications for the next round of the Envirofund close on July 9. For information and application forms phone 1300 301 735.

Bridging the gap

Kyogle Shire Council has received $375,000 in funding to establish a bridge management system for the Shire's 300 odd timber bridges.

The system will help to establish an in-house bridge construction capability to service the entire shire, providing five full-time jobs in the process.

The project, valued at $1.5 million, will result in the upgrade of 16 timber bridges over a two-year period, with all other timber bridges in Kyogle Shire to be replaced in the next 20 years.

An Olympic effort

A grant of $3,545 will help Lismore Legacy members join in the fun and games of a Legacy 'Lympics Pacific Coast Challenge.

The Legacy 'Lympics, involving other branches from NSW and southern Queensland, will held in Ballina to coincide with the 2004 Olympic Games. It involves team sports and games, as well as demonstrations and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Find a park

More than 100 car parks are again available in the Lismore Rowing Club car park now that the latest stage of Lismore's flood levee nears completion.

Parking is available at $1 for four hours or $2 for all day.

Entry to the car park is off Molesworth Street.

See birds in Ballina

Birds Australia Northern NSW and Ballina Adventure Kayaks will celebrate Bird Awareness Day by providing a unique bird watching opportunity on Sunday, June 6,in Ballina.

People will have the opportunity to paddle into Mobbs Bay on a kayak to see some interesting sea and shore birds, and explore their natural habitat from the whilst in the mangroves. All equipment is provided and no kayak experience is necessary.

The event will begin at 10.30am.

The cost is $40 or $35 if you come with a friend. For information and bookings phone 6685 3722.

By the book

Councillor and avid book reader Jenny Dowell (centre) draws the Book Warehouse library sponsorship draw with Richmond-Tweed Regional Library manager Martin Field and Book Warehouse manager Angela Axford.

The Richmond-Tweed Regional Library recently held its Book Warehouse library sponsorship draw, rewarding local library members who purchase books from Book Warehouse.

Each month 10 per cent of all book sales to library members goes back to the Richmond-Tweed Regional Library for the purchase of new books.

"The program provides the library with free books each month and it helps to remind people in the book shop that there is an active public library - it's positive encouragement for people to check out their local library," Richmond-Tweed Regional Library manager, Martin Field, said. "It also shows Book Warehouse customers that it's a business which has a commitment to the local community."

The winners of this month's draw were - first: Vicki Naoum from Casino, second: Cheryl Amor from The Channon, third: Maureen Alexander and fourth: Rosalind Hawkins from Jiggi.

To get involved visit the Lismore Library and join the other 19,720 library members in Lismore.

Seeing stars in Lismore

Celebrating the successful bid to host Northern Stars Under The Big Top recently were (l-r) Department of Education and Training school education area director, Greg Cloak, director of the event, Robyn Ludeke, and principal of Doubtful Creek Primary School (who also happens be the producer) Michael Coleman, with year one and two students from Clunes and Eltham primary schools.

Lismore City Council has made a successful bid to host the Northern Stars Under The Big Top event in Lismore until 2009.

The first Northern Stars Under The Big Top event was held in Lismore last year, involving more than 3000 performers from regional primary and high schools, and attracting an estimated crowd of 10,000 people.

The 2005 production, The Sky's the Limit, will be held next April, with the biennial event also being staged in Lismore in 2007 and 2009.

"The 2003 show created a huge buzz around Lismore as a result of the social and economic impact it created, and the quality and professionalism of the show," Lismore Council's events coordinator, John Bancroft, said. "It is our pleasure to bring such an event back to our city."

Businesses interested in finding out about sponsorship options should phone Lyn on 6623 5908.

Firies help kids breathe easy

Our Kids fundraising officer Rebekka Battista (left) and volunteer Tammy Allen receive a cheque for $1000 from Goonellabah Fire Brigade captain Kevin Muldoon, firefighter Crystal Maher, zone commander Geoff Barnes and firefighter Randall Jones.

The Goonellabah Fire Brigade has donated $1000 to the Our Kids Northern Rivers Health Fund to help pay for a new ventilator for the children's ward at the Lismore Base Hospital.

Thanks to donations from organisations like the Goonellabah Fire Brigade Our Kids already have $12,000 for the ventilator, but they need to raise a further $30,000 so the new machine can be purchased.

"A new ventilator is a number one priority for Our Kids at the moment," Rebekka said.

"The existing ventilator needs to be upgraded so that is compatible with the unit at the Mater Children's Hospital in Brisbane."

Our Kids are hoping to purchase the ventilator by the end of this year.

Give your thanks

The inaugural National Day of Thanksgiving, a nationwide initiative, will be held in Lismore this Saturday, May 29, at Lismore City Hall from 6pm.

The day was announced by the Governor General earlier this year as a way to recognise and pay thanks to the many people who make a difference in the community, from emergency service personnel to hospital staff.

The National Day of Thanksgiving will begin at 6pm with a BBQ, followed by an evening of entertainment and presentations in the hall from 7pm.

The event is free. For more information phone 6622 2935.

Next stop - the Opera House

Story & photo: John McPherson

The voices of the Lismore Public School choir sang up a storm after learning they had been chosen to sing at the Sydney Opera House later this year.

The Lismore Public School Choir has been asked to sing at the prestigious NSW Primary Schools Choral Festival at the Sydney Opera House later this year.

The school sent in an audition tape to the NSW Education Department's Performing Arts Unit late last year, leading to their selection recently.

The school's choir teacher, Jean Berry, said the students were extremely excited.

"There were 172 primary school choirs that sent in audition tapes and our children were amongst the 82 that made the final cut," Ms Berry said.

The 35 children will perform as part of a massed choir on November 14.

"It will mean a lot of commitment from the children as they will have to start rehearsing privately, in addition to their school hours practice," she said. "But we know they have it in them because they showed such a huge level of commitment to the Under The Big Top show last year."

The students will be looking at ways to raise the money needed to get such a large group to Sydney. Ms Berry said that the trip would be a wonderful way for the students to extend their horizons and will be an experience that will stay with them for life.

Zenah's power to the people

Rural scholar Zenah Bradford-Hartke from Nimbin with former scholarship recipients (l-r) Matthew Curry from Tyagarah, Boyd Buschmann from Nimbin, Jeremy Snowden James from Byron Bay and Matthew Linney from Eureka.

Nimbin's Zenah Bradford-Hartke has taken the first step towards her dream of developing a more efficient, eco-friendly form of power, winning a prestigious scholarship to study chemical engineering at the University of NSW.

Zenah, who started at UNSW in March, attended a formal scholarship presentation in Sydney recently with rural scholars and their families from across Australia.

The scholarship, worth $34,000 ($8,500 a year for four years), has allowed Zenah to pursue a long-held passion for finding alternatives to mainstream energy.

"The community in which I live in runs largely on solar power, my house included," said the former Nimbin Central School student. "I have lived for extended periods without power for computers or television, which has not been to my advantage. I wish to develop a better and more efficient way of generating electricity that is environmentally friendly."

The Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarships Program will be offered again in 2005 with up to 20 scholarships available. The closing date for 2005 applications is September 30.

For information and application forms phone (02) 9385 6429 or visit www.eng.unsw.edu.au.

Cooking up a storm

Belinda Jeffery from TV's Better Homes and Garden show (centre) was in Lismore this week to present a cooking class at the Pepper Tree Kitchen in Magellan Street.

The Pepper Tree Kitchen Cooking School conducts regular classes in a variety of cooking styles, using well-known local and visiting chefs such as Belinda to teach students about the finer points of culinary expertise.

Classes will be running until October and are open to people of all ages. To find out more about the many classes on offer phone Helen at the Pepper Tree Kitchen on 6622 0180.

Word bandits strike again

The Lismore Scrabble Club Anzac Day Tournament was a huge success last month with more than 40 competitors, some from as far away as Sydney, making the trip to Lismore for the event.

Amongst the winners were Lismore residents Linda Render and Peter Donnelly (pictured), who took out first and second place respectively in the novice division, and will now progress to the next division.

The Lismore Scrabble Club is always looking for new members of any age to join their friendly group of word bandits and they encourage people to drop in and see what it's all about.

"Being part of a Scrabble Club is a wonderful lifestyle - you get to meet lots of new people and travel to other tournaments, and you're always welcome wherever you go," Lismore Scrabble Club president, Leah Jackson, said. "Our youngest player is 12 and our oldest is around 70, so there's certainly no age limit. As long as you like words, you'll love Scrabble."

The Lismore Scrabble Club meets every Wednesday from 12-4pm and every Thursday from 7pm at the Lismore Workers Club. For more information phone Leah on 6624 3216.

Last chance for sugar assistance

Northern Rivers cane farmers and harvesters have just five days to apply for income support assistance under the Australian Government's Sugar Industry Reform Package.

The cut-off date for applications is next Monday, May 31, with successful claims to be backdated to Tuesday, March 2.

"Income support payments, to be paid fortnightly, are available to eligible cane growers and cane harvesters whose primary source of income is obtained from the growing and harvesting of sugar cane," Page MP, Ian Causley, said.

Mr Causley urges can growers and harvesters to contact their nearest Centrelink office to discuss their individual circumstances.

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