The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Business as usual?

Lismore Business Enterprise Centre manager Tony Zillig and administration assistant Carolyn Moynihan, who will both be left unemployed when the BEC shuts its doors in October. The NSW Government recently announced the closure of 50 BECs throughout NSW.

At least 12 people in the Northern Rivers will find themselves without a job come October after the NSW Government announced it will close 51 Business Enterprise Centres (BECs) across NSW.

The centres, including those in Lismore, Casino, Ballina, Maclean and Grafton, will be replaced with 18 centralised offices - the closest in Tweed Heads.

The announcement has devastated Lismore BEC manager Tony Zillig and other staff of North Coast BECs, who only discovered their fate after listening to a radio bulletin on Monday morning.

"They could have at least given us a courtesy call to advise us of their intentions - the Lismore BEC has been established for 15 years and we feel like none of that work has been recognised," Mr Zillig said. "It's left us feeling shocked and disappointed."

The core activity of BECs is to help local people turn business ideas into a viable reality. They also provide existing businesses with advice on how to expand their operations and provide skills training to local business owners. Mr Zillig says while the Tweed Heads 'super centre' will continue to provide the same services, without local knowledge and people it will be far less effective.

"We know what's happening in Lismore and have our fingers on the pulse - that type of experience is invaluable," Mr Zillig said. "It's a huge loss to the community."

In the last financial year the Lismore BEC has responded to more than 4,600 business enquiries and has helped create more than 40 jobs. After being presented with these figures Lismore Council passed a motion at Tuesday night's meeting condemning the NSW Government's decision.

Council wants the State Government to halt the restructure and conduct a 12-month review of BECs or place the 'super centre' in Lismore if it does go ahead. Council is also seeking an urgent meeting with Small Business Minister David Campbell to plead their case.

"I think it's another kick in the teeth from the State Government to rural and regional NSW - they've been taking away services for years and it's a continuing trend," Cr King said. "I think BEC staff are justifiably angry. We should be encouraging business in this area not making it more difficult for people trying to establish a livelihood."

Lismore-based inventor Rodney Johnson has worked closely with the Lismore BEC for the last 16 months to establish his security business. From helping with copyrighting and patenting to assisting with the overall business plan, Rodney says he wouldn't have a business today if it wasn't for the Lismore BEC.

"They've been a wealth of information to me and I am really upset about this decision," Rodney said. "The BEC is a vehicle for ordinary people to find about how they can break into business and it's accessible to everyone. Getting into business is tough enough as it is, and not having direct local support will just make it that much harder."

An Olympic effort

Bert Plenkovich of Alstonville (pictured) claimed a place in Olympic history last week when he carried the Olympic torch through Melbourne as part of the flame's mammoth journey around the globe.

The 68 year-old was chosen from around 6,000 nominees Australia-wide to take part in the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay, and even a knee reconstruction in April wasn't going to stop him taking his rightful place. And while it may not have been a long way, it's 400 metres Bert will never forget.

"The experience was truly amazing and the atmosphere was electric," Bert said. "It's something I will remember for the rest of my life and I feel so privileged to have been given the chance to take part."

The Olympic flame is now on its way to Tokyo. For the first time in history the torch relay encompasses all five continents represented by the Olympic Rings - Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

Lasting memories

Unveiling the new memorial for the Lismore War Widows Guild last Thursday was former City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch president Ken Jolly with (l-r) Lismore War Widows Guild president Eileen McDonald, patron and life member Ruby Myers, War Widows Guild of Australia visiting representative Diana Bland, Lismore War Widows member Phyl Vanderwald, treasurer Geraldine Nicholson, secretary May Keane, member Joyce Cockerell and vice president Irene O'Neill.

A new memorial paying tribute to the region's many war widows was unveiled in Lismore Memorial Park last Thursday.

Former City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch president Ken Jolly came up with the idea for the Lismore War Widows Guild memorial, with Lismore City Council later chipping in the marble and the war widows themselves raising funds for the plaque.

"Sometimes widows of soldiers are forgotten - many of us lost our husbands early and it's nice to have something that officially recognises us as a group," Lismore War Widows Guild president, Eileen McDonald, said. "It's very special for us to have a memorial like this in Lismore."

The Lismore War Widows Guild was established in June of 1951. There are currently around 80 members.

Always look on the bright side

Our Kids Northern Rivers Health Fund volunteers Rebekka Battista (left) and Tammy Allen with Tammy's son Luke and brothers Ben and Tom Miller at the mini lantern parade on Tuesday night.

Young patients at Lismore Base Hospital were given a taste of Lismore Lantern Parade magic on Tuesday night, when volunteers held a special 'parade' in the children's ward, featuring a cross-section of the beautiful paper lanterns.

Lismore Lantern Parade coordinator Jyllie Jackson said the hospital visit was a great way to give children who won't be able to attend the event a close-up look at the lanterns and inspire them to create something for next year's parade.

"So much of what we do is for kids and we wanted these children to experience a little bit of the magic and colour that the parade creates," Jyllie said. "The Lismore Guides carried lanterns for us and did an exceptional job - they worked so hard and we really appreciate their help."

Our Kids Northern Rivers Health Fund volunteer Rebekka Battista said she was delighted the children were able to see the lanterns that have become a familiar sight to most kids in the area.

"The lantern creations have great appeal to children and are a highlight of our area - we're so pleased the kids had the chance to see the lanterns and meet the people behind this wonderful community event."

The Lismore Lantern Parade is being held in Lismore next Saturday, June 19.

A world of difference

Students from Modanville Primary School with street theatre performers 'The Repsyches' at the World Environment Day celebrations in Lismore on Wednesday.

More than 200 students from eight local primary schools converged on Lismore's Riverside Park on Wednesday to celebrate World Environment Day and learn about practical ways to help the environment.

During the day all students got to participate in four activities - a 'bugwatch' to understand the effects of pollution on the river, a litter audit to find out who the 'tossers' are, a recycling relay game and a tree planting of Australian natives.

The day even included a rubbish free lunch challenge, with students asked to bring lunch and drinks in reusable or recyclable packaging, so no waste was generated on the day.

"This is a great way to show students some of the simple things they can do to make a difference to the local environment," said Modanville Primary School teacher, Sally Best. "It gives them an insight into all aspects of environmental management and ties in really well with our school's biodiversity project. It also reinforces positive behaviours at an early age and hopefully as these children grow into adults they'll take up the mantle and work towards a more sustainable future for our environment."

The day was a joint initiative of Lismore City Council, Environmental Training and Employment, the Big Scrub Environment Centre and Dorroughby Environmental Education Centre.

Culture on show

The Draft Master Plan for Lismore's Cultural Precinct will be on public display for the next 28 days, during which time people can make submissions about the proposed development.

The master plan can be viewed at the Council Chambers in Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah, or at Council's CBD office in Magellan Street.

Bypass half way there

The Federal Government made a commitment earlier this week to fund half of the $245 million cost to build the long-awaited Ballina bypass.

The announcement came as part of the Federal Government's $645 million boost to improve the Pacific Highway.

Mr Causley is now calling on the State Government to match the funds.

"In recent times [NSW Roads Minister] Carl Scully has backed away from his original commitment to build the bypass so now the ball is firmly in his court," Mr Causley said. "I put it to the NSW Government ... let's get on with the job of making dual carriageway along the entire Pacific Highway and remove the deadly sections for all motorists who travel on this important road."

A spokesman for Mr Scully welcomed the funding and said that the Ballina bypass is one of the major road projects on the NSW Government's agenda.

"The Ballina bypass is one of a dozen projects currently being considered," he said.

A starring role

Vistara Primary School student Tahlia Staines (front) with other students and parents who helped create the 'Reach for the Stars' entry in the parade.

Vistara Primary School has taken on a pivotal role in this year's Lismore Lantern Parade, not only creating an amazing entry for the parade but also organising the first ever Lantern Parade Arts and Craft Fair.

Using the theme Reach for the Stars parents created a boat to carry in the 'Rivers of Light' parade, with students making star lanterns to 'float' alongside it on the night. The boat even features the handprint and name of every child in the school, highlighting the values of inclusiveness and creativity the school strives to foster.

"Reaching for the stars is what Vistara is all about - reaching for the best we can bring out in ourselves," said parent Vicki Findlay. "We want every student to aspire to beautiful and wonderful things."

Parents have also been busily preparing for the special Lantern Parade Arts and Craft Fair that will be held as a lead up to the night-time parade on June 19.

The all-day fair will be held in the 'Art in the Heart' site at the Conservatorium, featuring locally made arts and crafts, face painting, lantern decorating, performances and plenty of yummy, festival-style food.

"We are hoping that this year's fair will be the start of an annual Lantern Parade Arts and Craft Fair celebrating the wonderful creativity of our region," Vicki said.

The fair will run from 10am to 4pm.

In philanthropy we trust

Northern Rivers Community Foundation project officers Megan Edwards (left) and Meredith Crowe with (l-r) NRCF board members Barry Evans, Christopher Dean, Allan Cowley and John Bennett.

A new concept to establish a philanthropic trust on the North Coast could provide local charities and community organisations with a source of income for many generations to come.

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) has been established with a $94, 600 grant from the Federal Government's Sustainable Regions Program to provide support to organisations in the Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle, Byron and Tweed shires.

Over the next five years the NRCF hopes to raise $4 million through tax-deductible community donations to build a permanent public trust. Using the investment earnings from the trust, the NRCF will distribute grants to community organisations, effectively creating a perpetual source of funding.

"The most well known philanthropic trust in Australia is the Myer Foundation and if we can emulate even half of what they do it will make a real impact in the community," said NRCF board member, Allan Cowley. "The difference is that this is a community foundation - the Myer Foundation relies solely on the generosity of one businessman while we are hoping to raise the funds from generous community members. It's an ambitious idea, but not unrealistic - once we get it up and running, it will there forever."

Once established the NRCF will provide grants for a wide range of community initiatives from environmental projects to programs that support children and young families. Two project officers have already been employed to kick start the fund.

For more information on this unique idea or to become a benefactor phone project officer Megan Edwards on 0439 855 899.

A healthy kind of progress

NSW Minister for Health Morris Iemma inspects the expansion of Lismore Base Hospital's Emergency Department with Northern Rivers Area Health Service chair Elizabeth Rummery yesterday.

The NSW Minister for Health, Morris Iemma, yesterday inspected progress on the $450,000 expansion of Lismore Base Hospital's Emergency Department.

The development includes a 140 square metre extension at the western end of the existing emergency department, which has been funded as part of the State Government's $2.5 million commitment to capital works and equipment funding for the Northern Rivers Area Health Service.

"These improvements will create an additional five emergency beds at Lismore - taking the total to 19," Mr Iemma said. "The expansion will mean improved patient access and a more comfortable working environment for nurses and clinicians in one of the State's busiest rural emergency departments. "

Work began on the emergency department expansion in January. The construction is scheduled to be completed this month.

Hear no evil...

Parliamentary Inquiry chair Jenny Gardiner MLC (centre) with (l-r) Lismore mayor Merv King, Lismore MP Thomas George, Kyogle mayor Ernie Bennett and Richmond Valley mayor Charlie Cox, who all addressed yesterday's hearing into the closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail service.

Two key testimonies to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail service were vetoed by Minister for Transport Michael Costa just 24 hours before the hearing.

Two Rail Infrastructure Corporation senior managers from Lismore and Grafton were scheduled to appear at the Parliamentary Inquiry in Lismore yesterday, however, on Tuesday Mr Costa personally intervened to stop rail employees giving evidence.

Chair of the inquiry, National MLC Jenny Gardiner, said she was "disappointed" with the decision.

"We will hear from the Sydney boss of the Rail Infrastructure Corporation at Parliament House on Friday, however, it it's always better to hear these things first hand rather than have it filtered through bureaucrats," Ms Gardiner said. "Those employees have an intimate knowledge of the issues and of the state of the track, which is now an important part of the debate. Despite that, I have been very impressed by the overwhelming support for the line to be kept open. It's always possible public opinion will lead to some change of heart."

Among the many people speaking at the hearing was Northern Rivers Trains for the Future member Neale Battersby, who said Mr Costa's decision to stop the employees giving evidence was "sneaky".

"He is banning the very people who have the recent knowledge to speak out against the decision to close the line," he said. "Personally, I want to know what Mr Costa's hiding."

The hearings continue today in Byron Bay and Murwillumbah, with the last hearing to be held in Sydney on Friday. Ms Gardiner said the inquiry committee hopes to present a report to the NSW Parliament by the end of July.

Bypass half way there

The Federal Government made a commitment earlier this week to fund half of the $245 million cost to build the long-awaited Ballina bypass.

The announcement came as part of the Federal Government's $645 million boost to improve the Pacific Highway.

Mr Causley is now calling on the State Government to match the funds.

"In recent times [NSW Roads Minister] Carl Scully has backed away from his original commitment to build the bypass so now the ball is firmly in his court," Mr Causley said. "I put it to the NSW Government ... let's get on with the job of making dual carriageway along the entire Pacific Highway and remove the deadly sections for all motorists who travel on this important road."

A spokesman for Mr Scully welcomed the funding and said that the Ballina bypass is one of the major road projects on the NSW Government's agenda.

"The Ballina bypass is one of a dozen projects currently being considered," he said.

Schools photography workshop

Recognising the special bond between children and their parents and/or carers is one of the main aims of the third regional schools relationship photography workshop and competition.

Primary and secondary students across the region are being invited to participate in a free workshop that concentrates on depicting relationships through photography.

Themed "Who Matters..." the workshop will be held next Friday, June 18, at the Lismore Workers Club from 9am to 3pm.

Students attending the workshop are encouraged to bring their best 'relationship' photograph in one of five categories - dads or men with our children; mums or women with our children; friends together; relationship photo taken by a primary student; and open - any photo depicting a relationship. There will be a $100 prize for each category.

To book or find out more phone Rhea Clark or Chris Hawke on 6622 3143.

Canteen workshop

A workshop outlining the NSW Government's new canteen strategy to reduce childhood obesity will be held next Tuesday, June 15, in Lismore.

The workshop is designed to assist canteen managers to provide a service that is reflective of national dietary guidelines.

For information and bookings phone Jillian on 6620 7531.

Taking up the challenge

Planting trees at Kadina Park on Tuesday were (l-r) EnviTE Work-for-the-Dole member Glen Buckley, Bungawalbin Greencorp team member Kylie Johnson and Chris Hendry from the Lismore Challenge Foundation.

The Kadina Park Planting Challenge held on Tuesday to celebrate World Environment Day has transformed a bare embankment at Kadina Park into a beautiful hillside with 2000 rainforest trees.

The Environmental Training and Employment (EnviTE) Work-for-the-Dole team, the Bungawalbin Greencorp team and the Lismore Challenge Foundation Green Team all descended on Kadina Park to see who could plant, fertilise, water and mulch the most trees in one day.

After a mammoth all-day effort there was no clear winner, except the park itself, which has been designed as a central recreation space for families in Goonellabah.

"The EnviTE team has been creating a concrete bike path that circumnavigates Kadina Park - planting rainforest trees on the edge of the park was a nice change of pace," said EnviTE supervisor Richard Burer. "Local species of rainforest trees that are suitable for south facing ridge tops have been planted to enhance the park and act as a wind break for park patrons and floral corridor for birds. The Kadina Park project is the first of its kind in this region and teams have done a great job in all kinds of weather planting native species of shrubs and shade trees and installing picnic and playground facilities."

A sign of the times

Lismore MP Thomas George, petition organiser Theresa Culleton, Lismore mayor Merv King and Fire Brigade Union 24-hour manning committee member Shane Hulbert with the 10,000 signature petition.

The 10,000 people who signed a petition calling for a 24-hour permanently manned fire station in Lismore will have their voices heard in the NSW Parliament in less than a fortnight.

On Wednesday petition organiser Theresa Culleton presented Lismore MP Thomas George with the weighty bundle of signatures, which he will table in Parliament on June 22.

Theresa began the petition after discovering the NSW Fire Brigade Commissioner had broken his promise to ensure Lismore had a 24-hour permanently manned fire station by September 2003.

"It's a very loud message from the community that reinforces the importance of 24-hour staffing at Lismore Fire Station," Mr George said. "During a recent visit to Lismore the NSW Fire Brigades assistant commissioner, Bob Dobson, indicated that in the northern region Lismore was the third priority - he believes Kempsey and Coffs Harbour are a higher priority for permanent staffing. Figures shown to me well and truly support Lismore's case - now we have to try and convince the minister and the NSW Fire Brigade."

Theresa said despite the massive response to the petition the fight is far from over.

"We're pretty overwhelmed by the support we've had and we're not going to give up - we'll keep calling for signatures and submissions until someone listens," Theresa said. "We want to keep the letters pouring in - people should write to the Minister of Emergency Services, Tony Kelly, at Level 34, Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, 2000."

Kick starting health

The Alstonville-Wollongbar Quota Club is launching its 'Kick Start the Plateau' campaign next Tuesday, June 15.

As part of the campaign the club has placed a defibrillator at the fire station in Alstonville and club members now want to get as many people as possibly on the plateau trained in CPR.

In an medical emergency the best option for a patient is to have someone commence CPR immediately and continue until a defibrillator is in place. The defibrillator can then continue until an ambulance arrives. The club's goal is to have hundreds of people on the plateau trained in CPR so that in the event of an emergency this procedure can be put in place.

Training sessions will be held every Tuesday at Crawford House in Alstonville from 5pm-6.30pm and 7pm-8.30pm. The cost is just $10.

For information and bookings phone 6628 1118 or 6628 3880.

Dark times for koalas

Happier times... Friends of the Koala president Lorraine Vass with Willie the koala, who died last week following a dog attack at Wyrallah.

Friends of the Koala are calling on dog owners to be extra vigilant after three koalas died last week as a result of dog attacks in Wyrallah, Tucki and Ruthven villages.

Two of the dead animals were male and the third was a female with a pinky (baby) in her pouch. The pinky is in care although its chances of survival are not high.

"At this time of the year koalas are particularly vulnerable to predatory dogs," said Friends of the Koala rescue coordinator Rick Vass. "The shorter days means our pets are often still outside when it is dark, even if they are brought in and let out at their usual time. To lose three koalas in such a short period of time is extremely worrying as it may only be the tip of the iceberg."

Rick outlined a number of points to remember:

• Most dogs react to the sight of a koala in 'their' yard and will instinctively attack.
• A quick bite is enough to kill a koala. Their skin is pliable, they do not store fat and internal organs are easily punctured.
• Even if a yard is fenced and contains no trees, a koala can climb most fences and often has to cross yards to reach food trees.
• Koalas are mostly active at night. By restraining dogs during darkness, many attacks would be avoided.
• If an attack occurs the koala must receive appropriate attention as soon as possible if it is to have any chance of surviving. People should contact Friends of the Koala on 6622 1233 or their veterinarian.

Crozier Field re-opened

Lismore City Council has re-opened Crozier Field to the public.

Council closed the park a number of weeks ago after two children found used syringes at the oval during a weekend football match.

The park has been re-opened following a Council review of security at the site. It will remain open at all times except when booked for a sporting event.

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 stabilising 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.

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.

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 here an entry form.

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.

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