The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

A healthy budget?

Local hospitals appear to be the big winners in the 2004-05 State Budget unveiled by NSW Treasurer, Michael Egan, on Tuesday night.

The Northern Rivers Area Health Service (NRAHS) will receive a 12 per cent increase in funding from last year - $32.2 million. This includes $4.5 million for elective surgery, a figure NRAHS CEO Chris Crawford says will reduce waiting lists at local hospitals, as well as $900,000 for the Lismore Base Hospital emergency department upgrade.

A further $4 million was allocated for the redevelopment of Kyogle Hospital, with $1 million for Nimbin Hospital and $1.1 million toward the $25.8 million expansion of Richmond Clinic.

"I feel very pleased with the Budget - it's gives us a big increase in funding," Mr Crawford said. "I see it as a further instalment... so we can adequately cater for the patient demand pressures we face. We have a growing and ageing population that needs emergency services, elective surgery and in-patient care, and this money will help the clinicians provide more of all of these types of services."

Only $1 million was allocated for the Ballina bypass in Tuesday's Budget, despite the Federal Government's recent commitment to fund half of the total $245 million cost.

Ballina mayor Phil Silver said while the money will allow works on the Ballina bypass to continue, Council will send a deputation to meet with Minister for Roads, Carl Scully, to press the case for additional funding.

Ballina MP Don Page was not so forgiving of Bob Carr's failure to fund the entire bypass.

"The State Government's response is a disgrace, especially given the Premier's recent comments that the project would go ahead if the Federal Government paid half the cost," Mr Page said.

Sticking to its 2003 election promise, the NSW Government has also confirmed funding of $9.5 million for the Alstonville bypass.

"The funding for Alstonville bypass means the construction contract can be let, which is great news for the Shire, because that's the point of no return," Cr Silver said.

Whilst praising some aspects of the Budget, Lismore MP Thomas George was unhappy there was no reference to a new police station for Lismore.

"I was pleased to see support for health projects in the Lismore electorate like Richmond Clinic and Kyogle Hospital but I was bitterly disappointed that the redevelopment of Lismore Police Station did not get a mention," Mr George said. "It's hard to expect the best out of police working from the current premises. They do a mighty job under the circumstances."

Despite recent protests by teachers over wages, it was revealed on Tuesday that money had already been allocated to fund the full 12 per cent pay rise. It also revealed $1 million for an upgrade of the North Coast Institute of TAFE's Lismore campus, which is expected to be completed in 2006.

The NSW Government Budget will run at a loss of $379 million in 2004-05, in the first deficit since 1995.

Clowning around for kids

Gearing up for Red Nose Day this Friday is Gibson's Amcal Chemist owner Jason Adam and staff member Jenna Weston.

A little spare change is all it takes to support the most recognised charity day on the calendar, Red Nose Day, which is being held this Friday, June 25.

Red Nose Day merchandise will be on sale at Gibson's Amcal Chemist, Best and Less, Coles and various other retail outlets, with pens, teddy bears, chest pins and of course, red noses, to choose from.

Proceeds from the day will be used for research into Sudden Infant Death Sydrome (SIDS - commonly known as cot death) and supporting families who have been affected by SIDS, miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.

"Babies are our future and anything that can help save a baby's life is something we wholeheartedly support," said Gibson's Amcal Chemist owner Jason Adam. "We can't rely on the government to support these charities 100 per cent - we need public support as well. The merchandise on sale ranges from $2 to $6 - it's not a lot to help such a worthwhile cause."

A job well done

Lismore's Karina Duley, who works at the 5 Star Handimart in East Lismore, with her NSW Trainee of the Year award she received at the NSW Group Training Awards in Sydney recently.

When Lismore's Karina Duley accepted her award for NSW Trainee of the Year at the NSW Group Training Awards in Sydney recently, her only disappointment was that her dad couldn't be there with her.

Despite her father becoming seriously ill in February, 19-year-old Karina continued to work at the 5 Star Handimart in East Lismore, where she is currently doing a retail traineeship. That dedication, coupled with a genuine enthusiasm for the job, saw her singled out from hundreds to receive the prestigious award.

"It was pretty exciting but it was also an emotional moment because dad wasn't there," Karina said. "I'm going to the national awards in a few months and I just hope he can make it. It's been a crazy year and my bosses have been so supportive - they're just the best."

Karina, who is now completing a Certificate III in Retail Supervision, says her job at the 5 Star Handimart has been one the best experiences of her life.

"I love my job - I'd never really had any real responsibility in my previous jobs so this has been a new challenge for me," Karina said. "I believe work is what you make it and working with such a great bunch of people just makes it that much better. I've learnt a lot about myself doing this job and that will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Karina, who has been with the 5 Star Handimart for 15 months, received a trophy and $1000 cash prize as part of the award. She will attend the national awards in September.

A colourful life

'Forest' - one of the works on show in 'Life Through Colour'

Lismore artist Danelle Filby has her first solo exhibition, Life Through Colour, currently on show at Sista's Café in Lismore.

Danelle completed a Diploma of Fine Arts at TAFE in 2000 and since then has been painting at home while caring for her five-month old son, Taj.

Whilst always colourful and vibrant (hence the name), Danelle's works range greatly in style, from abstract to realism, and her depictions of local landscapes are nothing short of spectacular.

"Painting is a bit like meditation for me - it's a way to express myself and relax," Danelle said. "It's second nature - I see something, remember it and I just have to paint it. It's really nice to get my work out there because I've never done an exhibition and it's always interesting to get feedback. It's a good lead up to my exhibition later in the year at Armistead's Gallery."

Life Through Colour is on show until the end of July. Anyone who would like to give Danelle feedback or have a chat should email jamesfilby@optusnet.com.au.

Double trouble

While The Echo fully intended to give the Lismore Rural Australians for Refugees publicity for their Planting Trees for Refugees campaign, we did go a little overboard last week.

We're only human...

One way to manage traffic

Looking at plans for the reversal of traffic flow in Magellan Street on Tuesday were (l-r) Lismore Council's group manager of city works Bill Moorhouse, Sista's Café proprietor Chris Cox, Council road safety officer Wendy Johnson and Lismore mayor Merv King.

The traffic flow in Magellan Street will soon be reversed as part of a trial by Lismore City Council to ease traffic congestion in the CBD.

Lismore mayor Merv King and Council staff hit the streets on Tuesday to discuss the plan with local business owners, many of whom already support the idea, according to Cr King.

"I have talked to a lot of people in the last six months informally and as yet I haven't had one person say it's a bad idea," Cr King said. "Many of the routes into the city are reaching saturation point and this trial has been proposed as a solution. If we can get some of the traffic out of Woodlark and Keen streets it will be a big help. It won't solve all our traffic problems but it will alleviate them."

Cr King said the trial would also "breathe new life" into Carrington Street by increasing access, and make the ongoing CBD beautification easier for Council to manage.

The trial begins in three weeks time and continues until Christmas, when Council will make a decision on whether to maintain the reversed flow. The cost of removing bollards and changing parking arrangements will be minimal according to Council.

Business levy stays

The Nimbin Business Rate Levy will be retained after Council voted 8-3 (Crs Meineke, Swientek and King against) on Tuesday night to keep the levy for another two years.

The move has sparked anger amongst a group of Nimbin business owners, who are unhappy with the way the Chamber of Commerce has managed the funds.

Nimbin businesses in the village each contribute around $550 per annum to the levy, which has been in place for the past 12 months.

Last year the levy raised $10,000 - an amount matched by Lismore City Council and the Department of State and Regional Development. The $30,000 was spent on a tourism campaign that included TV advertisements, a business and services directory and a tourism brochure.

"When the tourism brochure came out we discovered our money had been spent on other people's advertising," said Mal Rothwell, a Nimbin business owner who spoke against the decision at Tuesday night's meeting. "The money from the levy comes from village zoned businesses, however, the brochure and the TV ads included people who did not pay the levy or contribute. I don't like the levy - it's a tax on small business, however, it's how the money is managed that's the problem. If the people who paid the money had control over how it was spent it would be a different story."

Cr Ros Irwin, who spoke in favour of the levy, said business owners should take their concerns to the Chamber of Commerce.

"If businesses are unhappy about the decisions the Chamber of Commerce is making they need to join the chamber and become part of that process," Cr Irwin said. "I think it just needs time to work. It's like the business levy in Lismore - initially people were unhappy about it, but once they had time to see it work, they saw the benefits of it. I believe the same will happen in Nimbin."

Translating creativity

A vibrant graduation show by students of the Aboriginal Art & Cultural Practices Certificate IV course at Casino TAFE goes on show today, June 24, in Casino.

Entitled Jambama - the closest translation to express creativity in the Bundjalung language - the exhibition features a beautiful display of contemporary Aboriginal art that embraces the symbols and traditions of the local Bundjalung culture.

Jambama is on show until next Thursday, July 1, at Buyinbin, Lot 47 Cassino Drive, in the Casino Industrial Estate. The art space is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.

Lismore's night of lights

The 10th birthday Lismore Lantern Parade was a resounding success on Saturday night, with around 8,000 people packing Riverside Park for the spectacular finale.

Parade coordinator Jyllie Jackson was delighted with the show and the turn out, although she is aware there were a few grumbles about being able to see.

"It was huge and it was very beautiful - it was much bigger than I expected," Jyllie said. "I'm really sorry for the people who couldn't see - we had a big screen, which we went to unbelievable lengths to set up, but due to safety and technical issues it had to be pulled at the very last minute. I've already started making moves to get that sorted out for next year. These problems all come down to finance... Despite that I feel really proud of our community and all the people involved."

Mental health plans unveiled

Plans for the new $25.8 million Richmond Clinic facility at Lismore Base Hospital were unveiled to the public at an open forum at Lismore Workers Club last Thursday.

The facility will receive a new name, an extra 23 beds - eight of them in a separate child and adolescent unit - and dedicated spaces, including courtyards, for females and indigenous patients, visiting families and friends.

At present, the clinic's 25 beds face an ever-rising demand from patients in the local area and as far away as Grafton. The next closest purpose-built unit is at Tweed Hospital.

Richmond Clinic's younger patients are kept in proximity to adults, an arrangement regarded as undesirable by today's mental health standards.

"When it comes to mental health planning, privacy, safety and dignity are the watchwords," explained consulting architect, Ron Bridgefoot, in his briefing to the forum.

In time, the current Richmond Clinic site will become a major cancer treatment centre, with the new mental health unit being located north of its present site. To make room for such developments, the hospital's maintenance and stores sections will be moved away, with a small number of nearby properties being acquired to expand car parking, a constant problem at the hospital.

Health service CEO, Chris Crawford, explained that the sites had been valued and that fair market prices would be offered to the owners, with the service having 'some latitude' for negotiation. The project would be modified in the event of any owners choosing to stay on.

Construction work on the mental health facility is expected to begin in mid-2005, with a completion target of early 2007. This week's State Budget allocated $1.1 million to take the mental health facility to the next planning stage.

No mates rates in Lismore

The annual Council Report Card released this week by Minister for Local Government, Tony Kelly, has revealed ratepayers in Lismore pay the fourth highest rates in NSW, outside of Sydney.

Orange City Council came in first at $852.14, Kiama second on $822.23, Albury third on $801.22 and Lismore fourth on $713.46. Brewarrina Shire Council came in last at $84.36.

Lismore City Council yesterday defended its rate charge, with general manager Paul O'Sullivan saying the report card often failed to recognise each local government area had a unique set of circumstances.

"There's not much commonality between Brewarrina and Lismore," Mr O'Sullivan. "In effect, Lismore services an area twice the size of the number of ratepayers - or approximately 100,000 people. Lismore is one of the few North Coast councils not seeking a special increase in its rates this year - we have a well developed sustainable financial management strategy."

Remembering a young life

Michelle Bobbin and Mathew Gray with a photo of their son, Lachlan, who passed away when he was just 14 months. The couple are holding a memorial dinner in his honour to raise funds for 'Our Kids'.

When Lachlan Bobbin-Gray was born, his parents Michelle and Mathew knew that he would not be with them for long. After Lachlan was born he was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy and despite all efforts, no amount of love or medical attention could save his young life. He passed away in July last year, aged just 14 months.

"We understood he wasn't going to live long but we didn't want to believe it - we loved him and cherished every moment we had with him," Michelle said. "It was really important for us to take Lachlan home to care for him, and without the equipment and support provided by the Lismore Base Hospital children's ward we would never have had that joy."

To help raise money for the 'Our Kids' Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund, the inaugural Lachlan Bobbin-Gray memorial fundraising dinner is being held on July 10. The event is a way for Michelle and Mathew to honour their son's memory and give something back to the children's ward where they spent so much time.

"We wanted to create something to help us cope during a difficult time and thank the children's ward for everything they did for us," Michelle said. "The thought that equipment we purchase could help save another child's life makes the pain of losing Lachlan a little more bearable to live with. We have a target of $5,000 and we would love to raise even more. We ask people to look deep into their hearts and dig deep into their pockets."

The dinner will be held on July 10 at the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club. Tickets are just $30, which includes a smorgasbord dinner, live music by the Rochelle Lees Band (thanks to HBM Entertainment), a chocolate wheel, lucky door prizes and more. There will also be a special auction on the night, with a Canberra Raiders signed jersey, an 18-carat diamond ring and much more up for grabs.

Tickets are now available from the Lismore RSL Club. For bookings phone 6621 2434.

Fresh start for Big Scrub

Making the big move from one side of Keen Street to the other is Big Scrub Environment Centre president Gray Wilson (second from left) with volunteers (l-r) Roy Buckland, Ian Dixon and Taran Tula.

The Big Scrub Environment Centre will close its Keen Street shop this weekend and hold a final auction sale before making a fresh start in new offices across the road.

For some time the shop has barely broken even, hindering the Big Scrub Environment Centre's role as an information and resource centre.

"We are returning to our roots as a focus point for environmental campaigns," Big Scrub Environment Centre president, Gray Wilson, said. "In the early days the shop was a terrific asset but with the change in the retail climate it's no longer serving its purpose. With this move we hope to revitalise the Big Scrub Environment Centre and the volunteers who staff it."

The centre will hold a final auction sale this Saturday, June 26, at the shop, 123 Keen Street, from 11am. Items on auction include left over shop stock, fittings, computer equipment and other environmental paraphernalia. Local comedian, S Sorrensen, will MC the event.

To access the centre people now need to make appointments. Phone 6621 3123.

Get crafty with the local CWA

The third annual CWA Craft Expo will be held next Monday, June 28, at the Lismore RSL Club from 9.30am.

The day gives people the opportunity to learn a craft, watch demonstrations and view displays by CWA members and visitors.

Crafts on show range from embroidery and knitting to doll making and china painting, with plenty of other weird and wonderful hobbies on offer.

The day will feature more than 20 stalls and there will be information available on the many different craft classes held in the Northern Rivers. Entry is just $4, with morning tea and lunch available at the bistro. Everyone is welcome.

For more information phone 6621 2142.

Opposition to Lake Ainsworth development

Around 200 members of Lennox Head community voted unanimously on Sunday night to reject Ballina Council's proposed redevelopment for the Lake Ainsworth Caravan Park.

"We must state our clear position and tell Council that their current plans are not successful," said Brian Smith from the Lennox Head Residents Association. "If this meeting does nothing else, we must convince Council that it needs to go back and begin again."

In the last three months Council has received 476 submissions regarding the proposal. The issue will be debated at the July meeting of Ballina Council and all Lennox Head residents are urged to attend.

Blood donations needed urgently

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service urgently requires an extra 1000 people to donate blood to replenish existing supplies, which are at a critically low level.

The Lismore Blood Service operates at the Lismore Base Hospital every Wednesday from 12pm to 7pm and every Thursday and Friday from 8am to 2pm.

For more information phone 131 495.

Funding brings little respite

Announcing $38,000 in funding for the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre recently was Richmond MP Larry Anthony and Minister for Ageing Julie Bishop (second and third from right) with (l-r) carer Colin Clark, program manager of the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre and Commonwealth Carelink Katrina Alexander and carers Margaret Lawlor, Elizabeth Hill, Alice Davis, Marcia Bourne and Kerrie Gray.

Whilst welcoming $38,000 in funding for the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre in Alstonville, local carers say the sum will do little to alleviate their problems.

According to the program manager of the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre and Commonwealth Carelink, Katrina Alexander, the money will be used to provide emergency respite to those in need.

But for those who don't fall into the emergency category, like Wollongbar carers Alice Davis and Margaret Lawlor, the money will not provide any reprieve.

Margaret and Alice together care for their 94-year-old mother, Eliza, who has dementia and limited mobility. While they wouldn't have it any other way, after nearly 10 years of caring for Eliza (both full and part time) the sisters know just how important respite can be.

"It can be really difficult - I care for her 24-hours a day, seven days a week and sometimes I just need a break," Alice said. "It's not physically hard, but it's emotionally and mentally draining. The more respite we can access the longer we can keep caring for her - the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre does an amazing job but there's just not enough money to provide the respite needed, even with this funding. Instead of providing money the Government really needs to provide beds that are dedicated to respite in the area. We are of course grateful for any support, but really this is just a carrot."

Speaking at the funding announcement in Alstonville recently, Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, said it was important to hear the stories of carers like Margaret and Alice.

"I've come to the electorate to talk to people about their everyday experiences," Ms Bishop said. "It's very important to listen to them [carers] tell their story and hopefully respond in a meaningful way."

At the car wash, yeah!

Lachlan Smith from Focus Detailing will be holding a charity car wash this Saturday to raise money for the St Vincent's Hospital Rehabilitation Unit. He is pictured with his mother Marcia - a diversional therapist with the unit.

After seeing first-hand the loving care his grandmother and aunty both received at St Vincent's Hospital Rehabilitation Unit, it was easy for Lachlan Smith to choose the beneficiary of his charity car wash.

The 19 year-old recently established his mobile business, Focus Detailing, and decided a charity car wash was a good way to get his name out there and raise much-needed funds for the unit. He has organised the day with the help of his mum, Marcia, a diversional therapist with the unit, and a few of his good mates.

"I'm very proud of what he's doing - we don't have that many people from outside the hospital coming to us with ideas to raise money, so it was really lovely," Marcia said. "The staff are an exceptional team and money to support them in the work they do is always welcome."

Lachlan's car wash is on this Saturday, June 26, at the Caltex service station on the corner of Dawson and Woodlark streets, Lismore. The boys will be washing cars for just $5 from 8am to 12pm.

All proceeds will go towards the purchase of medical equipment.

Computers, anyone?

Lismore City Council is giving away more than 30 computers and some fax machines to community based organisations in the Lismore area.

Mayor Merv King said council has recently upgraded its information technology systems and is happy to be able to give the unused equipment to local organisations that otherwise do not have access to computers.

"Council recognises the importance and value of community organisations and this is a small way of showing our appreciation," Cr King said.

For application forms phone Michelle Bailey on 6625 0450 or collect a form from Council's CBD office in Magellan Street or the Council Chambers in Oliver Avenue.

Applications close on Wednesday, July 7.

Flying high

QantasLink has added ten additional flights per week between Sydney and Ballina, bringing the total number of return services on the route to 38.

The additional flights will depart Sydney on weekdays at 6.30am and arrive in Ballina at 8.10am.

To celebrate the extra services QantasLink is offering a special fare between Sydney and Ballina for $89, which will be available until July 18 (conditions apply).

To book phone 131 313, visit www.qantas.com.au or visit your local travel agent.

Help Keaton reach Europe

Southern Cross K-12 student Keaton Fletcher has been selected to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) in Europe next weekend and now she just needs the money to get there.

Keaton has been sponsored by her school and local businessman Chris Condon but is looking for additional funds to help with her expenses before she leaves next weekend.

The conference aims to provide students like Keaton with the opportunity to collaborate with other students from around the world to resolve issues such as global conflict.

Anyone who is interested in sponsoring Keaton should phone her on 6687 293.

You are amazing

Thanks to the NRMA Foundation Betty Baldwin and her son Paul now have a fully fitted vehicle to safely take Paul's brother Peter to vital medical appointments in Sydney and Brisbane.

A $15, 000 donation from the NRMA Foundation has enabled Goonellabah's Betty Baldwin to buy a van so she can transport her severely disabled son Peter between frequent medical appointments in Sydney and Brisbane.

Two years ago Betty contacted the NRMA Foundation and asked for financial assistance because the van she had was not properly fitted for wheelchair access. She says the new van will make a huge difference to their lives.

"We bought this van and then my son Paul fitted it with an automatic wheelchair ramp, which means that I will no longer have to lift Peter in and out when we are going somewhere," she said. "I am very grateful to the NRMA Foundation for the money and the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise who facilitated the funding."

Final chapter for library volunteer

Jean McNaught has been a volunteer at the Richmond-Tweed Regional Library and after 14 years on the job has decided to call it a day. Jean (front seated) was joined by a group of friends from the library recently, who held a special celebration to say farewell.

During her time at the library Jean willingly undertook the painstaking task of compiling copies of The Northern Star into an alphabetically listed set.

A tireless worker, Jean says she will take a short break before embarking on a new project, writing the history of Presbyterian churches in the Northern Rivers.

Open for business...

Manager of Retravision Lismore, Damian Nathan (pictured), said everything in the store has been drastically reduced so customers are advised to be quick to avoid disappointment.	Chandlers staff members (l-r) Abby Shoebridge, Amy Haddin and Michelle Wilkinson, with some of the electrical items that will be on sale at Chandlers Lismore this weekend.

This week's features: Your Shopping Guide - Local Businesses