Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Tammy Davis tries out her costume for the Evans Head Village Players' first production, Robin Hoodwink, to be held in Evans Head on July 23-24 and 30-31.

Evans Head reports

Richmond Valley Council has announced that it intends to proceed with the augmentation/upgrading of the Evans Head Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

A report titled 'Evans Head Sewage Treatment Plant Augmentation - Review of Environmental Factors' has been prepared for Council and is now on public display for 30 days.

Council's manager strategic planning, Mr Ray Medhurst, said the project would proceed in two stages.

"The first stage of the project will result in improving the performance of the treatment plant," Mr Medhurst said. "The second stage of the project will involve developing a strategy for a wet weather release together with proposals for re-use options that are outlined in the report. Council staff will be on hand to discuss any issues raised in the report at Council's Evans Head office."

A letter has been sent to all ratepayers who are connected to the Evans Head plant explaining the proposal and seeking comments and views.

It's good to hear that communications are improving between Council and ratepayers - especially in regard to this long drawn out saga. Let's hope it leads to a speedy resolution.

Robin Hoodwink

Come on Richmond Valley people - let's put any rancour over Council rates and post Beef Week/Primex blues behind us and get down to see the Evans Head Village Players' production of Robin Hoodwink coming up at the end of July.

The production is a comic performance with all the traditional Robin Hood characters being sent up by the creative writing of Paul Johnson.

A snippet from their latest blurb may suffice to whet your appetite:

"Robin Hoodwink has been honing his 'debonair' without mercy - the Queen has given new depth to the meaning of the word "acting", the Sheriff has brought fear and trepidation to all onlookers with his rendition of the role, and Prince Charlie is the epitome of Charliness."

The disclaimer at the end of this blurb may be a warning to some (prominent) locals.

"Any similarity of characters to any persons living or dead is purely... coincidental."

Performances of Robin Hoodwink will be held on Friday and Saturday, July 23-24 and July 30-31 in the Evans Head K-12 Performance Hall. Patrons are invited to bring their own supper and tickets are $15 (or $10 for pensioners) from outlets in Evans Head or by phoning Jenny Strong on 6682 6398.

Coraki Artsfest

Narelle Jarvis, one of the organisers of the annual Coraki Tea Tree Art Prize, said the group is looking to expand the event to a full blown 'Coraki Artsfest' this year and are looking for ideas and input from local artists.

"We are looking at the possibility of running a series of workshops that could include fibre art, circus skills, youth art, music, ceramics and a poetry competition," Narelle said. "We are holding a meeting at the Club Hotel Dining Room next Wednesday, July 7, at 12pm to assist us with this new development. It will be a time to brainstorm, socialise and stir those creative juices."

For information phone Narelle on 6683 1617.

Free English classes

Their numbers may be few but there are non-English speaking migrants in the Richmond Valley and to cater for their needs, the Department of Immigration has offered to fund small groups of two or three people to have 100 hours of free English tuition.

Students can choose what aspects of English they would like to focus on, whether it is writing, conversation, or for a special purpose such as applying for a job or using English at work. The classes can be held at Casino TAFE or in the students' home.

Anyone interested should phone Casino TAFE on 6662 0111.

Explore the valley

With the school holidays here again the Casino Visitor Information Centre (VIC) can point visitors and locals in the right direction for a great holiday experience in the Richmond Valley.

Casino VIC coordinator Nadine Smith outlined some of the things to see and do.

"The Evans Head Fishing Classic (July 9-16) offers a great family weekend," Nadine said.

"Or you could explore the surrounding World Heritage national parks, visit the farm stays and 4WD parks in the Upper Clarence for canoeing, fishing, bush walking and horse riding. In Casino jump aboard the Minirail every Sunday, meet real farm animals at Wyreema Animal Nursery, or get lost in the hedge maze at Windara Nursery."

For information phone 6662 1536, or email tourism@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au.

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