The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Burn baby burn

Gearing up for Rous Public School's annual Bonfire Night is new principal Andrew Green and students (l-r) Jeremy Stevenson, Brooke Convery, Tom Lovell and Kaitlyn Pratten.

There's nothing quite like a big warm fire in the middle of winter and this weekend it doesn't matter if you don't have a fireplace, because Rous Public School has a fire big enough for everyone.

The school is hosting its 25th annual Bonfire Night this Saturday, June 5, from 5pm.

The feature of the event is a massive bonfire made from four semi-trailer loads of wood, which burns during the night, before the spectacular fireworks finale from 8pm.

It's a market style atmosphere all night with food vendors galore, market stalls offering fresh local produce, carnival games and rides for the kids including a merry-go-round and mini jeeps. Local parents will run the Cafe de Rous, serving local coffee and delicious homemade cakes, and with a BBQ, pig-on-the-spit and vegetarian meals, everyone is catered for. There's even a Mechanical Bull this year for those suffering Beef Week withdrawals.

"It's a really unique event in that it involves the whole school community - teachers, parents, children and even local businesses," said teacher Di Golding. "It's a traditional Aussie bonfire on a very, very large scale. Unless you've been to a Bonfire Night before it's hard to imagine - the bonfire just dwarfs the pine trees in the playground. It's a really safe and enjoyable family event and a great big fundraiser for our little school."

Entry is only $2. To find the school turn at the Alstonville roundabout into Wardell Road and follow it past the House With No Steps. Then take your first right into Rous Road, drive two kilometres and look for the signs and cars.

For information phone the school on 6629 5294.

Clamp down on crime

Police have begun a major operation in Goonellabah following a recent crime wave that has included a high number of break and enter offences.

Inspector Dave Driver from Lismore Police said in the past fortnight more police officers have been patrolling Goonellabah, a move he believes is having an immediate impact.

"There's been a significant reduction in the number of incidents in Goonellabah - four people have already been arrested for property, drug and firearms offences," he said. "Potentially any area can suffer a spike [increase in crime] and there has been a spike in Goonellabah but we have addressed that issue and will continue to monitor it. If residents see any persons acting suspiciously please contact Lismore Police on 6623 1599 or 000 in an emergency."

Police have been involved in a number of incidents during the operation, including a confrontation with a young man that resulted in a female police officer being knocked out. The encounter occurred last Sunday after police received a number of calls about a young man brandishing a handgun in Rous Road.

The gun was later found to be a toy, however, at the time police treated the situation as a major incident.

They approached the 15 year-old and a tussle ensued, leaving one officer unconscious after she fell and hit her head on the road during the struggle. The young man has been charged with four offences and will appear in Lismore Children's Court on June 21. This latest incident follows ongoing concerns from Goonellabah residents about petty crime in the area, while business owners in the Rous Road Shopping Centre have reported a number of break-ins in recent weeks. One business owner, who did not want to be named, said he had been burgled several times since the beginning of the year.

"It makes you feel disappointed and disgusted - as a hard working business owner it's very frustrating," he said. "Crime is a huge social issue and while we welcome more police the problem is really how the legal system deals with underage crime. There needs to be major changes or this situation will just continue."

Lismore councillor and Goonellabah resident Frank Swientek is reiterating his call for a permanent 24-hour police station in Goonellabah. He also encourages the community to help in the fight against crime and inform police of any unusual activities.

"Effective policing must have the support of the community and I'd urge people to report crime so police can keep records up to date and monitor what's going on," he said.

"Long term a 24 hour police presence would be the most effective deterrent to crime in Goonellabah because it would reduce current response times of police. Goonellabah has 14,000 plus residents - more than 50 per cent of Lismore's urban population - but it doesn't have its own station. Bangalow, Alstonville, Wardell and many other towns have police stations and they are a fraction of the size of Goonellabah. Centralising policing is not the answer - we need people on the beat in the community they serve. The police have a hard job and not having a presence in Goonellabah just makes it more difficult."

Three months ago Lismore Council backed Cr Swientek's motion to lobby the Minister for Police, John Watkins, for a 24-hour police station in Goonellabah. Cr Swientek will continue to monitor progress.

"Long term a 24 hour police presence would be the most effective deterrent to crime in Goonellabah because it would reduce current response times of police. Goonellabah has 14,000 plus residents - more than 50 per cent of Lismore's urban population - but it doesn't have its own station. Bangalow, Alstonville, Wardell and many other towns have police stations and they are a fraction of the size of Goonellabah. Centralising policing is not the answer - we need people on the beat in the community they serve. The police have a hard job and not having a presence in Goonellabah just makes it more difficult."

Three months ago Lismore Council backed Cr Swientek's motion to lobby the Minister for Police, John Watkins, for a 24-hour police station in Goonellabah.

Little by little

Fran Tomlin's beautiful Buddha artwork, which stands about 10cm high, is just one of the many miniature sized creations in the new exhibition Revenge of Midgets, currently on show at Caddies in Lismore.

Local artist Jimmy Willing presents a 'midget' art show each year, describing the exhibition as "the biggest little show on earth." Revenge of the Midgets features works by 30 artists, with the only criteria being that the artworks must be small in stature.

As Jimmy often says, "it's not how big it is, it's what you do with it."

Revenge of the Midgets is on show until the end of June.

A culture of dance

Students from 40 primary and high schools in the Northern Rivers took to the stage earlier this week for the 19th annual North Coast Dance Festival in Lismore.

Among the many dancers was Ballina High School's all male 'Njaju Jabu' dance troupe (pictured), who have spent the last several weeks rehearsing a traditional Aboriginal dance piece for the event.

"It's a chance for these students to share their culture and teach others about their heritage while learning more about themselves," Ballina High's Aboriginal education assistant, Nathan Manton, said. "It gives the dancers a real sense of pride in their culture and builds their confidence and self-esteem."

More than 1600 students from kindergarten to year 12 performed throughout the two-day event.

Light my fire

A scene from last year's magnificent fire finale.

One of the many interesting aspects of the Lismore Lantern Parade is the spectacular fire finale, something that takes careful planning and a good dollop of artistic flair.

As part of this year's parade organisers are giving people the chance to be part of the extraordinary finale by joining a series of Art of Fire workshops, which begin next Monday, June 7, in Lismore.

The workshops provide an introduction to the crafts and poetics behind the use of fire in outdoor theatre, with an introduction into the philosophies, production values, performance and safety issues surrounding fire when used as a theatrical element.

Participants will help create the fiery elements for this year's parade and experience the magic of being included in one of the North Coast's biggest community events.

The Art of Fire is facilitated by Paul Blackman, an experienced trainer who has worked extensively with fire in outdoor theatre, including the famous Woodford fire event.

There is a small charge for the Art of Fire workshop and participants must be 18 years or over. It starts next Monday and can be done on a part time or full time basis. Participants must be available for the Lantern Parade on June 19.

Organisers are also still looking for lanteneers to carry the feature lanterns. Volunteers must be over 16 years and reliable. For information phone 6622 6333.

Education alive and well

A donation of $13,000 from the Melbourne-based Becton group has ensured Far North Coast Life Education can continue to operate at least until the end of the year.

Far North Coast Life Education was facing a shaky future after Rous Water reduced its sponsorship from $75,000 to $25,000, however, the recent donation from Becton has secured its future.

The money was raised through an auction of a Becton-owned cabin at Byron Bay recently.

To date Becton has donated more than $100,000 from the cabin auctions to local organisations, including the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

JPs support group

Following a successful meeting in March where 170 Northern Rivers JPs met to discuss changes in the law and the need for re-registration, it was decided that a country support group for JPs should be formed.

Each month the group will hear from a different guest speaker who will talk about ways that JPs can enhance their services to the public.

The inaugural meeting of the group will be held next Thursday, June 10, at the Lismore Workers Club from 7.30pm. Local magistrate Nicholas Reimer will be the first speaker.

Organisers also intend to form a pilot committee on the night to run the group.

All members of the NSW Justice's Association and other JPs are invited to attend the free meeting. Confirm attendance with Brian Best on 6624 8499.

Changes to Casino pond

Richmond Valley Council will commence works at the North Casino pond this week, following recommendations from a report into the death of Chloe Ensby at the site in 2001.

Works include tapering the pond edges and bottom surfaces, using stabalising material to make the pond more secure and planting of a native bush area around the pond.

Council will erect a construction fence around the pond, which is situated between Shepard Street and Fairway Drive, for the duration of the works.

Council expects the changes will be completed by the end of June.

Rail line submissions

The Standing Committee investigating the closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line will receive submissions from the public next Wednesday, June 9, at the Lismore RSL Club. People can make submissions from 10am to 4pm. Those who can't attend can email submissions to gpscno4@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

A helping hand for the environment

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) are visiting the Northern Rivers in August to work with the Whian Whian Landcare Group and are now offering other landcare groups and individual landholders a helping hand.

CVA is keen to work with others in the area and have volunteers who can undertake weeding, planting, fencing and other tasks that assist environmental rehabilitation.

Anyone interested in taking advantage of the offer should phone Patrick McEntee on 6583 9355 or Tina Clemens on 6627 0119.

Business Awards

The Lismore Business Awards deadline for entries has been extended to June 15.

The awards are designed to recognise businesses and individuals that provide an outstanding business service, and organisers are now urging people to nominate before it's too late.

Lismore Unlimited Opportunities has also organised a series of information workshops to assist potential entrants. The next workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 8, at the Lismore Workers Club from 6pm.

Entry in the awards is free and a shortlist of finalists will be announced in July.

The awards culminate in a Gala Awards Dinner on August 14 at Lismore City Hall.

For information phone 6620 3932 or see page 21 in this week's Echo for an entry form.

Hospital's new image

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health Cherie Burton, Dr Bill Nardi (left) and radiologist Dr Ian Cappe with Lismore Base Hospital's new $1.5 million CT scanner.

With the ability to 'shoot' a detailed series of 16-slice images from a patient's hip to shoulder in just 17 seconds, a process that took its forerunner x-ray machines about eight minutes, the new digital CT Scanner at Lismore Base Hospital is a valuable new diagnostic tool.

The $1.5 million scanner - the most advanced in regional NSW - was officially opened last Thursday by the NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health Cherie Burton.

"The state-of-the-art CT (computerised tomography) scanner enables an improved series of images to be produced in a much faster time frame," Ms Burton said. "This computer-based system is the equivalent of a digital camera that can take high-resolution x-ray images and make them available immediately on hospital computer terminals."

The CT scanner will reduce patient exposure to radiation, offer more detailed images and improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis.

Sowing the seeds for a healthier world

TAFE Student Association officer Rose Marin presents TAFE teacher Peter Scammell with a native tree during the World Environment Day celebrations at Lismore campus.

The TAFE Student Association at Lismore campus celebrated World Environment Day earlier this week, giving away 200 native trees to students and teachers at a special information day.

The annual event is designed to inform students about ways they can help improve the environment, with representatives from Lismore City Council, the Wildlife Information and Rescue Service, landcare and various other organisations on hand to provide information about their different roles.

TAFE Student Association officer, Rose Marin, said the trees were particularly popular and stressed that the simply act of planting a tree can go a long way to creating a cleaner, healthier planet on which to live.

"The Student Association feels that environmental education is really important for our students and for our planet - we really need to change out habits towards sustainability," Rose said. "Planting trees is a really basic thing everyone can do for our environment. If we all just planted a few trees each it would really help our world."

The Student Association is already planning next year's event. To get involved phone Rose on 6626 6489.

Flood brings more than water

Celebrating their successful pitch for the 2006 NSW Floodplain Management Association Conference is the bid team (l-r) Neil Marks, Paul O'Sullivan, Leanne Clark, Cr John Hampton, Lismore mayor Merv King, John Bancroft, Keira Ninness and Rebecca Bruggy.

More than 200 delegates from across Australia will visit Lismore in 2006, injecting an estimated $250,000 into the local economy, after Lismore successfully bid for the NSW Floodplain Management Association Conference recently.

A team of representatives from Lismore City Council and Richmond River County Council staved off significant opposition from Gosford to host the event, promoting the city's flood history and current levee construction as ideal reasons for the conference to be held in Lismore.

"Lismore flood levee and our relaxed and enjoyable tourism opportunities were popular with conference goers," Lismore's mayor, Merv King, said. "It is also significant that our new levee will be finished by the time the conference takes place, so the conference organisers were keen to see how the latest state-of-the-art levee operates. Every year we work with the SES and local community to ensure that our city is as prepared for flooding as it can be. It is a city-wide approach to the problem of disaster management that the flood mitigation conference is interested in."

Lismore City Council will now work with local accommodation providers to ensure there is enough room in the city to support the conference.

A film from hART and soul

Gearing up for the Big hART launch in Nimbin next week are (rear l-r) Big hART mentors Maire Barron and Li Moore with community organisers Lizette Twistleton and Leanne Draper, and young people (l-r) Zac Palein, Lewis Hensen, Laura Hawken, Tara Manussen and Colin Roberts, some of whom will travel to Sydney with the Big hART group.

It's not often young people in Nimbin get their voices heard in Parliament House, but come the end of June they will have the opportunity to talk candidly about their lives to the very people who make decisions for them.

The group is travelling to Sydney as part of the Big hART project to present a footprint of the film Handle With Care to the NSW Parliament, which looks at how drugs and alcohol affect the lives of young people in country areas.

The film has involved more than 245 young people and their families from 13 regional communities in NSW, who all had a pivotal role in the making of the film.

"The trip will give the young people the opportunity to connect with participants from the other towns and I think that will be a really positive experience because they will see that no matter where you live you can be affected by the same issues," community organiser, Lizette Twistleton, said. "It's about broadening their horizons and part of that is taking them out of Nimbin to experience the city. I think it will have a profound affect on their lives and create opportunities for them to build on their talents, develop skills and feel more confident within themselves."

As part of the project the young people from Nimbin will rehearse at the Bangarra Dance studios with around 70 others, where they will create a performance to accompany the film.

Handle With Care will be launched in Nimbin next Wednesday, June 9, at the Hub Cafe from 2pm. The group is still looking for donations to help with the trip and would love interested people to attend the launch. To register your attendance phone 6689 0000.

The trip would not have been possible without the generous support of local sponsors including Nimbin Dance 4 Drug Law Reform crew, Nimbin Hotel, DOCs, Community Connections, HEMP Embassy, YOWIE (youth transport), Summerland Credit Union, Southern Cross Credit Union, MardiGrass youth gig, Christopher Dean, Byron Film Club, Nids Project, Woolworths and Coles.

Local police honoured

More than 90 local police and ambulance officers were honoured for their tireless commitment to the community yesterday at a special presentation by the Richmond Local Area Command.

Amongst the many commended for their service was Lismore police officer Robert White - pictured with his mum Carol (right) and fiancé Emily Fogarty - who received a Local Area Command citation after helping a woman at a road accident in February this year.

Arriving at the scene Constable White promptly assisted a female passenger, whose leg was amputated as a result of the crash. With nothing more than the strap of a handbag and his nursing skills, Constable White managed to stem the bleeding until an ambulance arrived.

As well as Local Area Command citations, Superintendent Barry Audsley also presented 29 National Medals, 68 NSW Police Medals and a number of commendations. A number of 'Volunteers in Policing' were also recognised for their efforts.

Waste not want not

Darcy Goodwin with one of the trailer loads of donated goods he received from the Salvation Army, via Woodburn couple David and Jenny Gibson.

When Woodburn couple David and Jenny Gibson discovered the local Salvation Army store was closing and around five trailer loads of clothing were ear marked for the tip, they quickly realised they had struck gold for another, equally worthwhile local charity.

Firm believers in the old adage 'waste not want not', David and Jenny decided to donate the clothes to Darcy Goodwin from the 5 Loaves Mobile Soup Kitchen - a particularly welcome gesture with the onset of winter.

"I don't like seeing anything go to waste and we'd heard Darcy helped a lot of homeless people so we thought he could put the clothes to good use," David said. "It's hard to make ends meet on a low income these days and having struggled a lot in my own life I know just how hard it can be. There's simply no point throwing something out when it can help someone in need. If anyone knows where it's most needed, it's Darcy."

As well as providing around 400 free meals to local communities every week, Darcy also distributes furniture and clothing to families in need. Whilst thrilled with David and Jenny's generous donation, Darcy is now in desperate need of storage space for the many community contributions he receives.

"Over the last 15 years I have been given so much support - I rely on the generosity of individuals to keep this service running," Darcy said. "My motto is 'the work never ceases and the pleasure never ends' and it's so true - there's always more to do and I'm happy to do it. As long as there are people out there like David and Jenny we can continue to help those in need."

Anyone who can help out with storage space or funds should phone Darcy on 6622 0318.

Alternatively, you can donate to Darcy as the Lismore Carboot Market this Sunday, June 6, where the 5 Loaves Mobile Soup Kitchen is the charity of the day.

People looking for a free hot meal are welcome to take advantage of Darcy's Meals on the Street program. He serves food at the following times each week: Monday at Park Street in Lismore from 6pm, Tuesday at Southern Cross University from 12pm and at Dawson Street from 6pm, Wednesday at Web Park in Casino from 6.30pm, Thursday at Nielson Park in East Lismore from 6pm, Friday at Web Park in Casino again from 6.30pm and Saturday in Nimbin's main street from 8pm.

We'll meet again

Local soldiers Conan Bland and Annette Rawson will join former 41st Battalion members Norm Clapham and Jack McDonough at the 41st Battalion reunion on July 3.

Members of the 41st Battalion Reunion Committee and Reserve Forces committee members are invited to attend a meeting this Saturday, June 5, at the Lismore RSL Club to discuss the reunion of the 41st Battalion in Lismore.

As well finalising details for the reunion on Saturday, July 3, committee members will also discuss the Reserve Forces march planned for Sunday, July 4.

The 41st Battalion Royal NSW Regiment has a proud 90-year history in the region.

Committee member Norm Clapham joined the Battalion in 1953 as a machine gun corporal and was actively involved with this local branch of the army until he retired in 1983.

"The army taught me respect, self esteem and confidence that I applied to my personal and working life," he said. "The reunion will be a great opportunity to catch up with a lot of people who I haven't seen since I retired."

This Saturday's meeting starts at 1pm. For information phone Norm on 6621 5767 or Jack on 6632 1981.

Tea anyone?

Woodlawn students Siobhan Kean (left) and Tracey Burnett serve senior citizens Kevin Norman and Clair McGuire tea and sandwiches during celebrations for Catholic Schools Week.

To celebrate Catholic Schools Week yesterday, St John's College Woodlawn invited senior citizens from Lismore, Ballina and Alstonville to see a matinee of the school's annual musical and have morning tea with the students.

About 160 senior citizens watched the college's musical comedy How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, before enjoying a bite to eat and a cuppa with students and members of the Parents and Friends Association.

The last performances of the musical will be held from tonight until Saturday (June 3-5) at 7.30pm each night.

Tickets are available at the door. For info phone 6621 2315.

Good health spans the generations

Lismore Base Hospital's renal case manager Jane Ruane takes the blood pressure of her grandfather, Alex Fraser of Lismore, as part of health checks during Kidney Awareness Week.

This year's message for Kidney Awareness Week was '2Bs & a Wee', emphasising the importance of having a blood pressure check at least yearly, leading a balanced lifestyle and feeling comfortable talking to a doctor about urinary health, a key warning sign of kidney problems.

"Kidneys help to control blood pressure and high blood pressure can cause damage to our kidneys," explained Lismore Base Hospital's renal case manager, Jane Ruane. "It's important to remember that you can feel okay but still have high blood pressure."

Although there is no fixed rule about what constitutes normal blood pressure, a reading of '120/80' or less is desirable, with high blood pressure being regarded as '140/90' and over.

Tips for healthy kidneys include eating lots of fruit and vegies, more lean meats, less fatty and salty foods, and regular exercise. Smoking is a definite no-no, while alcohol consumption should be kept at sensible limits.

The 'Wee Week' focus is a catchy way of trying to encourage the estimated 500,000 Australians unaware of their early kidney damage to have a urine test from their GP. It's worth remembering that kidney disease is a contributing factor in 10 per cent of all deaths and our ageing population will add to the problem. In Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders kidney disease is up to six times more prevalent.

Advanced kidney failure affects about 14,000 Australians who are being kept alive either on dialysis - which costs up to $50,000 per patient a year - or waiting for a transplant.

"Detecting kidney disease early can prevent the progression of the disease and halve the number of people requiring dialysis," Jane said.

For more information phone the Kidney Health Info Line on 1800 682 531.

Here's to you sister

By Julian Ryan

Ballina resident Barbara Veling (centre) received her Order of St John from NSW Governor Marie Bashir and Sir Nicholas Shehadie at Government House recently.

Ballina resident Barbara Veling is now a member of the Order of St John after being admitted as a Serving Sister at a special ceremony at Government House recently.

Barbara joined the far north coast branch of St John Ambulance as a trainer in 1989 because she wanted to teach people how to save lives. In the last 14 years she has volunteered more than 3000 hours of her time doing just that - a mighty effort St John Ambulance deemed worthy of recognition.

"I was extremely excited when I learned that I had been nominated - it was completely unexpected, " Barbara said. "I have no idea who nominated me but to be admitted as a Serving Sister is a big thrill. It [volunteering] is definitely one of those things that gets into your blood - the more you do the more you want to do."

Racing legend Grenville Anderson (right) being congratulated by long-time friend and car owner Murray Gegg at a national championship victory in 1993. Grenville, a Lismore resident, passed away on Monday at age 52. Photo: Wayne Pinna Photos (Brisbane).

Grenville Anderson 1952-2004

by Ben Daley

The undisputed "King" of Australian speedway sedan racing, Lismore's Grenville Anderson, peacefully passed away on the morning of Monday, May 31, 2004.

A life member of the Lismore Automobile Club, Grenville sustained serious head injuries during the time trial component of the Canon Cup Super Sedan series at Archerfield Speedway, Brisbane, on May 8, 1993. The injuries that he sustained in the crash had severely diminished his quality of life. Not only would this change the family and close friends of Grenville forever, the incident and its aftermath also had a lasting impact on the nation's speedway community.

Anderson built an impressive record in Australian speedway. As well as winning innumerable state titles and major races throughout the nation, he is still unchallenged as the only person to have won four national super sedan titles.

It is not re-creating history to say that Grenville was revered by all that knew him, by those he competed against, and by the thousands of fans that packed speedways during his ascendancy.

To them, Anderson was known as 'The King', 'The Best of the Best' or even 'The Legend' - difficult yolks for any man to bear, but ones that Grenville carried with dignity.

His heroics on the track also won him the respect of the visiting American teams with Anderson regularly being the only local capable of matching, and beating, the visitors.

Grenville wowed the crowds at many speedways nationwide, including his home stomping ground, the Lismore Speedway. Anderson was known best for his amazing highline passes, complemented by his aggressive driving tactics.

Local businessman Paul O'Neill from Lismore Nissan reflected back on his super sedan career, speaking of his experiences, races and memories of Grenville.

"What can I say... He was an absolute ambassador, a true sportsman. He was a great race-car driver and a great person, both on and off the track," O'Neill said. "It is truly a great loss to the sport."

One of his biggest fans, Lismore Speedway's Tony Powell, was shocked at his passing, saying simply, "He was just purely the best at what he did. There was basically nothing he couldn't do in a race-car. He will always be remembered for what he was - a legend".

The final word is best left to one of his closest rivals and friends. At the 1995 national super sedan championships, a year after Grenville's incident, three-times Australian Super Sedan champion and close friend, Ron Pyne, was quoted as saying, "No matter what, Grenville will always be the champion".

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