The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

$16m cancer unit for Lismore

Federal Health Minister, Tony Abbott (left), inspects plans at the site for Lismore's new Cancer Centre, which will include radiotherapy, with NSW Assistant Minister for Health (Cancer) Frank Sartor (right), last week. Also pictured are the nurse unit manager of Lismore Base Hospital's cancer unit, Margaret Gorton-Weller, Health Service assets & capital works manager, John Lambert, and acting CEO, Denice Fletcher.

More than 900 local cancer patients who currently have to travel to Brisbane for radiotherapy will soon find help closer to home thanks to a $16 million plan for a new cancer treatment unit unveiled by the NSW and Federal Governments last Friday.

A two-year community campaign including a 16,000-signature petition has led to bipartisan political support for an improved cancer unit at Lismore Base Hospital. The unit is scheduled to open in 2008, but could begin treating patients a year earlier if the NSW government provides additional funding as part of a major redevelopment of the hospital.

Hailing the $16 million announcement as "a necessary and timely project" federal Health Minister Tony Abbot said the funding marked "a happy day, a great day".

"The Australian and NSW Governments have provided this funding to assist people in the Northern Rivers region to have better access to treatment closer to home," he said.

NSW Assistant Minister for Health (Cancer) Frank Sartor said strong community pressure, as well as lobbying efforts by local MPs, had helped secure the funding.

Mr Sartor said he was keen to see a cancer foundation established in the region to raise funds for accommodation.

"Travelling impacts on the people being treated and their families and makes recovery harder," he said, adding that he was happy to throw his support behind a foundation.

During Friday's visit, Mr Sartor was told that Lismore Base needs an additional $3.7 million from the NSW Government to relocate the mental health unit Richmond Clinic, which will become the new cancer unit. Just $1.1 million was allocated in the State budget two months ago. If the funding can be found quickly, the redevelopment could be fast-tracked, bringing the radiotherapy unit online 12 months earlier.

Coincidentally, federal Labor health spokeswoman, Julia Gillard, visited the Northern Rivers the day before the announcement and said a federal Labor government would fund the project.

The smiles from community leaders and health workers continued when Mr Abbott announced that a Medicare rebate will be offered for patients requiring Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Lismore.

MRI is a scanning technique that produces very clear pictures of a patient's body.

While North Coast Radiology has an MRI scanner in Lismore, patients are forced to pay the full fee, costing hundreds of dollars, or have to travel to the Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour to receive the Medicare rebate.

Warwick Herbert from North Coast Radiology welcomed the announcement.

"An MRI will be an integral support service to the radiotherapy unit, and also has the potential to benefit between 3000 and 4000 patients a year," he said.

In a busy week for the federal Health Minister, Mr Abbott also announced that Medicare offices in Lismore and Ballina would be opening Saturday mornings from August 7.

Like water off a camper's van

Life Saver Rescue Helicopter fundraising officer Howard Atkinson with Barbara and Bill Kain from Melbourne, who will be showcasing their 'Aquavan' at the 4WD Caravan and Camping Show this weekend.

For people who love their creature comforts, but would also gladly spend all day on the water fishing, the Aquavan is a dream come true.

This new invention - a caravan that doubles as a boat - was created by Melbourne's Bill Kain and his son Andrew, so the whole family could enjoy the great outdoors.

"When we went travelling I found a lot of men wanted boats while women wanted modern comforts, and I just had this idea - I'm going to make a house boat you can tow around and live in like a caravan," Bill said. "Three years later it became the Aquavan and now we literally can't build enough to keep up with demand. It came out of left field and we just got lucky!"

Despite being overwhelmed by work - each Aquavan is hand-made and they are now expanding into the American market - Bill and his wife Barbara have found time to showcase the Aquavan at the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter 4WD, Caravan & Camping Show this weekend at the Lismore Showgrounds.

The Aquavan is one of many innovative new products that will be on display at the show, which is the largest outdoor 4WD show in regional NSW.

Along with more than 150 exhibitors there will be demonstrations, casting competitions for fishers, activities for kids, plenty of food and much more.

"It's a chance to look at all the latest and greatest designs like the Aquavan and there really is something for everyone - caravans, camping gear, camper trailers, 4WDs, boats and heaps more," Life Saver Rescue Helicopter event coordinator, Howard Atkinson, said. "Another great aspect of the show is there will be experts and outdoor enthusiasts on hand to give helpful advice all weekend, on everything from how to hook up a hot shower to your truck motor to the best techniques for power cleaning your car. Come along and get a fantastic deal or simply enjoy what's on display."

This year sees the return of the wine festival venue, Cellar Door, where people can taste and buy from 12 leading boutique wineries from around Australia.

The 4WD, Caravan & Camping Show is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 16-18, from 9am to 4pm each day. Entry is $8/5, with children under 15 free. All proceeds go towards the Rescue Helicopter's life-saving work.

Baby whale loses fight for life

Rescuers attempt to care for a baby humpback whale found on rocks near Ballina on Monday. Photo: Tyrone McGillick

A baby humpback whale found wedged between rocks at Flat Rock near Ballina on Monday morning couldn't be saved, despite the frantic efforts of rescuers. Acting on advice from vets, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) officers decided to euthanase the whale that afternoon.

Lance Ferris from the Australian Seabird Rescue was one of the first on the scene to examine the 1200kg calf, which could have been separated from its mother for up to three days.

'When I saw the whale it was totally exhausted and had injuries that seemed to be consistent with a shark attack," he said. "A baby whale needs at least 200 litres of milk per day so I knew if it was going to survive it would be an absolute miracle."

NPWS spokesman Lawrence Orel said that after moving the calf from the rocks to the shore, vets from Sea World took blood samples that revealed the whale was in extremely poor health.

"The vets found the whale to be severely dehydrated, anaemic and also suffering from kidney failure," he said. "On top of this there were bite marks from a shark and injuries consistent with being smashed against the rocks in the heavy conditions."

The whale will be buried and later exhumed by the marine department from Southern Cross University for research purposes.

The best in business

Finalists in the Lismore Business Awards (l-r) Peta Cramp from The Garden Florist, Vicki Sheaffe from Caddies Lismore and Karey Patterson from NTech Media.

Finalists for the Oscars of the business world - the Lismore Business Awards - were announced last week by Lismore Unlimited Opportunities.

Dubbed 'The Glynns', after one of the region's oldest families, this year's Business Awards features 35 finalists across 11 categories. The winners will be announced at the awards presentation night on August 14.

"I'm really excited - it's a good opportunity to stand up and feel good about the work we do each day," said Karey Patterson from NTech Media, which has been nominated in two categories - 'Leaders in Innovation & Technology' and 'Most Sensational Customer Service'.

"It's great that Lismore Unlimited is helping to foster and support local business. People in business need to be positively encouraged to keep developing and improving their business and the awards recognise that your efforts do have an effect on the local community," he said

Tickets for the awards night at Lismore City Hall are still available. The cost is $99 ($88 for LUO members), which includes entertainment, dinner and drinks. For bookings and information phone 6620 3932.

For a full list of finalists see the ad on page 14.

Unkindest cut for council trees

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Lismore City councillors Jenny Dowell, Vanessa Ekins and Ros Irwin stand outside Council's Magellan Street building, where two 15 -year- old trees were cut down on Friday.

The removal of two large trees from the Lismore CBD has left three Lismore City councillors feeling angry and embarrassed that they weren't told first.

It appears even Council's senior management were also unaware of plans to cut down two golden rain trees outside Council's Magellan Street office last Friday.

They were removed because of fears that the tree's root systems were damaging the building and posing a liability threat to pedestrians.

Councillor Ros Irwin said there were unanswered questions surrounding the removal of the trees, which provided a shady refuge for many people.

"I want to know how such a change to the CBD was made without the councillors and the relevant group managers and even the general manager being advised," she said.

"The trees were a part of this heritage listed building so normally a Development Application (DA) would have been required, but no such DA has been submitted."

Cr Jenny Dowell said the whole matter has been handled inappropriately.

"I didn't know anything until Saturday morning when I was approached by angry people in the street who wanted answers from me - as a councillor I feel totally embarrassed," she said.

Although she agreed with the decision to cut the trees down because the species is an environmental weed, Cr Vanessa Ekins was critical of the failure to tell the public first.

"Council has lost a great opportunity to educate the public about the benefits of planting natives instead of exotic ornamentals," Ms Ekins said.

Lismore City Council CBD manager Bill MacDonald said after a number of pedestrians had "tripped on leaves from the trees" and the footpath had become cracked.

"I asked Parks and Gardens to have a look at the situation based on our concerns and the decision was made to cut the trees down," he said. "I do acknowledge there was little consultation and we could have handled the situation a lot better."

Uni and Council pledge support

Picture: Mayor Merv King (left) and the Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding

Four scholarships funded by Lismore City Council to keep Lismore's "best and brightest" students in town are the cornerstone of a new agreement between Council and Southern Cross University to mark the 10th anniversary of the University's founding. The $15,000 Mayoral scholarships will be based on academic achievement, waste management, water management and applied research.

Cr King announced the scholarships at the signing of a joint Memorandum of Understanding that commits the two institutions to greater mutual collaboration and assistance. Under the arrangement, some Council meetings will be held on-campus, and University Council meetings will be held in the City Council chambers, regular staff briefings will be held to encourage cooperation and University researchers will be encouraged to study the Lismore LGA.

The Mayor said the University had cemented a place in Lismore's social and economic fabric, changing the city for the better.

Rocky Creek open day

Last year's drought remains fresh in the minds of many people and in a bid to raise awareness of the need to continue conserving water, Rous Water has developed a 'Water Walk' at Rocky Creek Dam. The project features an interpretive signage pathway within the rainforest parkland.

Rous Water has been working with local Widjabul elders to tell the indigenous story of the area. The signs tell the story of water from both the Widjabul perspective including the spiritual and environmental importance of water, as well as describing all components of our regional water supply system and the operations of Rous Water. The signage shall feature messages in both English and the Wi-abul language of the Widjabul people.

Rous Water is holding an open day at Rocky Creek Dam this Sunday, July 18, from 11 am to 3pm. Visitors will be able to learn about the importance of healthy catchment areas on a guided tour of the rainforest regeneration areas at 11 am, or 2.30 pm, or take a guided tour of Nightcap Water Treatment Plant to see how our water is treated.

Information will be available on the status of the Rous Water water supply storages, water conservation programs, and progress on the development of future water sources, along with fun games and activities for the kids, lots of giveaways, and from 12pm a free sausage sizzle.

The open day is free.

Go back, wrong way

From Monday traffic will enter Magellan Street at the Keen Street intersection and travel towards Molesworth Street as a trial to reduce congestion in the CBD.

Motorists will be able to turn left into Magellan Street from Keen Street from Monday under a trial being implemented by Lismore City Council.

The change of direction is an attempt to ease traffic congestion in the CBD and has the backing of downtown businesspeople. Drivers will now get access to Molesworth Street from Molesworth Street under the six-month trial.

Mayor Merv King said there has been overwhelming support for the proposal, which will become permanent if success in easing traffic problems.

Being in Byron is the same as Lismore MP tells ICAC

By Joe Hildebrand & Tamara McLean

NSW Upper House MP Peter Breen (pictured) appeared before an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry this week to defend himself against allegations he misused up to $130,000 worth of parliamentary entitlements and falsely named Lismore as his primary home in order to claim thousands of dollars for travel to Sydney.

On Monday, he argued that nights spent in Byron Bay should be counted as nights in Lismore and that days should be counted as nights too.

An ICAC analysis shows that in 2001 Mr Breen spent only 10 nights at Lismore and just seven in 2002, but the MP claims the figures do not reflect the truth. He claimed he would often pay for a week's accommodation at the Byron Bay Beach Resort, but spend one or two of those nights at home.

Mr Breen also said even when he returned to his Lismore property for trips during the day, that should be counted as a night at home.

"Just because I don't stay the night, doesn't mean I'm not there," he said.

He said several factors could prevent him making the 45-minute drive home, including "how tired I was, whether I'd been drinking, whether something more interesting was happening in Byron Bay".

The MP also admitted to putting a second Lismore home as his address on the electoral roll for eight months in 2001/02 even though he wasn't sure he had spent a single night there.

"I was optimistic that I might be resident there," Mr Breen said.

He also said he considered a residence to be "the place where I have my bed, my desk, my golf sticks".

The day got off to a poor start for the MP, who was reprimanded by ICAC Commissioner Peter Hastings over possible contempt.

He had attracted the Commissioner's ire over a statement his staff member was distributing to the media outside the hearing room.

Describing the commission as "unjust" and "a waste of time and money", Mr Breen's statement added: "I haven't seen such a load of rubbish since Marrickville Council closed Tempe tip."

Mr Hastings appeared incredulous that Mr Breen, a lawyer of 30 years experience, had committed possible contempt of the inquiry.

"(Isn't it true) that this document is intended to have the effect of lowering the confidence of the public in any report which may emanate as a result of this investigation," Mr Hastings said.

"The point of this release was to colour press coverage of this hearing was it not?"

Mr Breen said he did not believe the document was contemptuous and was designed to "balance" negative press reports.

Outside the commission, he brushed aside reports that he had picked controversial Sydney lawyer John Marsden as his replacement as an upper house MP if he was expelled, noting that Mr Marsden could find himself otherwise engaged defending a former Iraqi dictator.

"You'll have to ask Saddam Hussein that," he said.

On Tuesday, the corruption watchdog heard that Mr Breen ended five years of rent-free living only five days before public hearings into another MP's living arrangements kicked off.

Counsel assisting the commission, Chris Reynolds, said Mr Breen had lived rent free between 1997 and 2002 after providing legal services to his landlady. His first rent payment was made on January 21, 2003, just days before the ICAC hearings into Outdoor Recreation Party MP Malcolm Jones' official residence began.

Papers tendered to the inquiry showed the number of days Mr Breen spent at his north coast home soared from seven in 2002 to 124 the following year when his fellow MP was investigated.

But when it was suggested he increased visits to Lismore on the basis of Mr Jones' investigation, he said: "That's entirely incorrect."

In an emotional second day on the stand, Mr Breen broke down when questioned about his move from Sydney to the north coast and his return to religion.

"I got married and I got caught up in the secular world with a big flash house and a flash car, a boat and all the rest of it and then in 1988 I was very unhappy with my life," Mr Breen said.

"I made a decision to... go back to my roots... and do what was near and dear and important to me."

Mr Breen, who once completed two years training as a priest, moved into a "unique" shared Lismore household in 1996 where boarders prayed the rosary.

He said he was writing a book about apparitions at the time but had "no gainful employment" and was on social security.

When questioned about parliamentary allowances, Mr Breen agreed with his lawyer, Michael Lee, that the in-house rulebook was of "Byzantine complexity" and difficult to understand.

He said he was not properly briefed on allowances when elected in 1999 and was concerned staff, who would often look after such matters on behalf of MPs, also were not properly trained.

The inquiry was adjourned until Monday.

• AAP

Aunty trivia

The Northern Rivers Friends of the ABC is holding an ABC Trivia Quiz night at the Lismore Workers' Club on Wednesday July 28 at 7.30pm. The questions will cover the broad range of ABC radio and TV shows.

Local bookshops have donated prizes. Entry is $10/$5 conc. or school student. To reserve a table, contact Doug Myler on 6624 8853.

Wish you were here

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Robbie Mexted from the Make A Wish Foundation (left) presents Garry Lee from Lismore Motorcycles with a certificate of appreciation for his kind deeds over the past five years.

Garry Lee may not be a member of the Make A Wish Foundation, but his love of children has seen him donate a huge amount of his time in the past five years to help put a smile on the faces of sick kids.

The Make A Wish Foundation is a national charity that grants children with life-threatening illnesses their most cherished wish, helping the children and their families through very difficult times.

Wish-granting coordinator Robbie Mexted said when a sick child from the Northern Rivers asks for a motorbike the Foundation contacts Garry.

"Out of the goodness of his heart Garry decorates the bikes and then presents them to the children - he acts as our sub agent," she said.

Garry was delighted to receive the certificate and said he knows first hand what it is like to be the parent of a sick child.

"After having a child of my own in hospital for three months I can appreciate the hardship families go through," he said. "When I see the joy on a child's face as I deliver their motorbike it is truly a great feeling."

Since its establishment almost 20 years ago, the Make A Wish Foundation has granted more than 4100 wishes.

Legacy welcomes good sports

Federal MP Ian Causley (left) presents a cheque for just over $3,500 to Lismore Legacy Club secretary Peter Bashford (centre) and president Frank Anderson to help run the Legacy Lympics in August.

Lismore Legacy Club received a $3, 545 grant from the Department of Veterans' Affairs this week to help run their Legacy Lympics in Ballina this August.

Designed to coincide with the summer Olympics, the Legacy Lympics sees around 200 ladies from across the region compete for gold in various athletic events including skittles, quoits and indoor bowls.

"The event gets widows out of the house and away from their normal surroundings - it's a lot of fun and gives them the chance to meet and socialise with other ladies," Lismore Legacy Club secretary, Peter Bashford, said.

In other funding news the Vietnam Veterans Far North Coast Sub-Branch and Ballina RSL Sub-Branch received $14,850 and $1,822 respectively to help veterans and war widows make claims for pensions and other benefits.

Writers workshop it

The Byron Bay Writers Festival is just a fortnight away and the leadup features a jam-packed, stand-alone workshop week, bigger and better than ever.

Twenty-four workshops and whether you're a published author, a beginner or a reader there's one to suit you.

With infectious enthusiasm Jenni Cargill brings the tale to life in her storytelling workshop. Learn to use character voices, vocal sound effects and mime to draw listeners into the exotic world of story.

Create the dynamo that sets your characters alight with fire in Dialogue as DNA. As an Australian of English-Pakistani descent, Wayne Ashton's life has straddled three worlds. He uses these experiences to examine the voice as a vessel for ideas, characters, narrative and cultural articulation. Give your new voice a distinctive quality exploring its colours, hues and tones.

Have you ever wanted to review books, art, film, websites or CDs? Linda Jaivin will guide you through the minefield with grace, ethics and critical intelligence in The Critical Eye. She will also teach you the art of exploding an ego or two along the way.

Award-winning cook Belinda Jeffery will give you tips on breaking into the highly competitive cookbook market by creating a unique voice in Writing that Cookbook. Learn how to record and write recipes with an expert.

Signpost stories so the reader knows how to read them. Confront the here and now. Delve into the ethics of using family or friends as models for characters. Fine-tune the art of observational research with Malcolm Knox in Writing in a Contemporary Setting.

Numbers are limited and bookings are essential.

To get a copy of the full program and order form or to purchase tickets, visit www.byronbaywritersfestival.com or phone 6685 6262.

Tintenbar Hall's glory restored

Richmond MP Larry Anthony caught up with Tintenbar's oldest resident Mary Grant, who at the age of 92 can remember making paper flowers for the dances at the Hall when she was a young girl, when he handed over $40,000 for Hall restorations.

Tintenbar Hall has been given $40,000 for its restoration from the federal Government. Richmond MP, Larry Anthony announced the funding at a community morning tea held at the Hall last week.

He said the money would be used to assist in labour and materials costs for extensive restorations.

"I congratulate the Tintenbar Hall Committee President, Russell Kelly and his dedicated team of volunteers for their work in attaining these important local funds, which will certainly be of great benefit to the whole community," Mr Anthony said. "It is great to see so such enthusiasm in the local community for the restoration of this magnificent old building."

Helping Robyn

Robyn Minge was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Since then she has undergone surgery and chemotherapy. To help Robyn with the costs of ongoing treatment, a fundraiser will be held at the Lennox Point Hotel next Thursday, July 22 from 4pm.

The evening will include entertainment by local muso Dr Bob and comedian George Smilovici, plus a monster auction of a holiday, artworks, a guitar singed by Phil Emmanuel, a print singed by Steve Waugh and a mounted State of Origin poster signed players.

For details call the hotel on 6687 7312.

Ballina rubbish

Waste collection services in Ballina are set to expand to the Cumbalum Heights, Summerhill Crescent and Ballina Heights Estate areas.

Council waste services Manager Gordon Fraser-Quick the change has been prompted by Ballina's on-growing population growth and will begin over the next few months.

Affected residents will receive a letter from council advising the changes plus a new bin and a waste recycling calendar.

Citrus check

Horticulture and regulatory staff in the Northern Rivers will conduct a series of surveys this week to reassure local citrus producers that citrus canker has not spread across the QLD border.

Technical coordinator of the exercise Neil Treverrow said the aim of the exercise is to rule out the presence of the disease, which was confirmed on a property at Emerald in central QLD. "The survey will be conducted with growers located north of Grafton and east of Kyogle and is really a precautionary measure," he said.

Thanks for keeping the flame

Trinity Catholic College history teacher Wayne Maguire (right) was recently presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Lismore RSL Sub Branch president Bob Mowle for his continued support of the RSL.

Mr Mowle praised the ongoing support Wayne has shown over the last 13 years in organising Trinity students as badge sellers for the Anzac Day Badge Appeal, Legacy Appeal and Poppy Day in November, as well as making young Australians aware of the meaning of these significant events.

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