Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Lismore MP Thomas George (left) presents Mr John Wright with the Premier's Community Service Award for his work in establishing and running the Primex Rural Trade Exhibition held in Casino. Primex celebrated its 20th anniversary last week.

Launching the "Men in the Shed" mobile resource unit at Primex last week were (l-r) Lismore MP Thomas George and Shed representatives Gary Smith, Bill Taylor, Dave Hughes and Ivan Eichorn.

Council rates itself - finally

After a week's delay to allow ratepayers to present alternate rate structures, Richmond Valley Council finally adopted a new rating structure at an extraordinary meeting yesterday.

The rating structure varies the rate for Evans Head and the lower river area based on boundaries close to the previous Richmond River and Casino council areas, for residential and business rates only. Rural ratepayers in the entire Council area will be affected equally.

Essentially, this will result in an average rate rise - water and sewerage included - of $136 for Evans Head and lower river residents, and $124 for Casino residents.

The initial option considered by Council at last week's meeting caused an outcry in Evans Head and surrounding villages because many ratepayers faced huge increases due to skyrocketing land values on the coast.

Despite the adjustments to the initial rating structure, Evans Head ratepayers greeted the decision with dismay.

"A pensioner in Evans Head is no different from a pensioner in Casino or Coraki," said Evans Head ratepayer Mr Mick Aarts. "They only have so much money."

Mayor Charlie Cox was philosophical about the decision and the future for the Valley.

"I'm about the stronger looking after the not so strong and the more endowed looking after the less endowed," he said. "That was the whole basis of Australian Federation - to form a strong nation."

Council will hold information meetings in Evans Head and Casino in July to explain the rating structure.

Men in the Shed

The Richmond Mobile Men's Shed (commonly known as 'the Shed') was launched at Primex in Casino last Friday by Lismore MP Thomas George.

The Shed is a mobile service developed by the Men's Resource Centre in Lismore as a casual, convenient drop in centre for men who want to access services.

"It's often difficult for men to ask for help and the Shed provides a place where men can connect to our services," said community nurse Dave Hughes.

Operating out of a converted 1974 blue Dodge ex-ambulance, the Shed will be used to travel workplaces and industrial estates as well as events, festivals and sports days.

Lismore MP Thomas George said men are often shy about coming forward for specific help.

"Men think they are bullet proof," Mr George said. "I certainly encourage any men that might be struggling and not coping with life's problems to seek assistance."

Services provided by the Men's Resource Centre include anger management, relationship counselling and the Mensline counselling service.

The Shed is seeking funding to help it renovate the Dodge truck and is looking for volunteers. They will be trained in truck repair. If you can help out phone 6622 6116.

Willi Whirlers turn 21

The Willi Whirlers square dancing group is 21 on Saturday and they're celebrating!

Formed 21 years ago in Casino by local enthusiast, Wilma Flannery, the Willi Whirlers are a familiar site at events in Casino including Beef Week recently.

"Square dancing is for young and old," Wilma said. "We have people aged from 8 to 88."

Wilma has invited one of Australia's top square dance callers, Brian Hotchkies, who has 'called' in America, Europe and New Zealand, as well as other visiting club callers to help them celebrate.

The celebrations involve two sessions of dancing, one in the afternoon from 1pm to 5pm, and the big celebration from 7pm to 11pm in the Anglican Church Hall, Barker Street, Casino.

"People are free to join in these sessions either as spectators or they are welcome to join in," Wilma said. For more information phone Wilma Flannery on 6662 6647.

Please feel free to contact Therese with any Richmond Valley news, events, or story ideas, at or Ph: 6662 7735, or fax: 6662 2811.