	Mailing List	Issue 1029 - Published 22/07/2004

Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

War Graves smashed

Three war graves, plus 10 marble headstones - some dating back to 1900 - were smashed by vandals at Casino's West Street cemetery last week. Police estimate the damage is in the vicinity of $50,000.

Mayor Charlie Cox is devastated by the attack, which follows a similar incident in January this year when more than100 graves were attacked.

"It's a despicable act," he said. "I'm really concerned that we've had so many incidents. I'm concerned people are just showing a complete lack of respect.

"I know there are a lot of people in the community who are hurting over this," he added.

The latest incident has galvanized council and the community into trying to find a solution to the problem.

The cemetery provides a natural pathway from town to north Casino and Cr Cox is keen for the area to continue to be a public space.

"I'll be recommending that we build a clearly defined path and install lighting," the Mayor said. "I'm keen to encourage people to use the area and build up a greater community ownership of the cemetery. I don't see the cemetery as a place people shouldn't go. It's such an integral part of our history."

Council officer Peter Cotterill said the war graves are smashed beyond repair.

"These people were fighting for their country and for the freedom of these irresponsible people who did this damage," he said. "It's especially upsetting for the relatives."

Mr Cotterill said fencing the cemetery would be unlikely to solve the problem as it simply provides a 'challenge' to potential offenders and has not been entirely successful at preventing break ins at nearby Casino High School.

"We consulted a heritage expert earlier this year and his advice was to make the cemetery as used as possible, to make it an active space."

Mr Cotterill said council is already investigating pricing on lighting for the area.

Police at Casino are appealing for information. Phone them on 6662 0099.

Rates rising

It's on. Richmond Valley Council has received approval from the Local Government Minister for a sizeable 12.71 per cent rate increase.

Council asked for a 13 per cent rise, but General Manager Brian Wilkinson said the difference was due to a variation in land values.

"The 12.71% is based on adjusted valuations which were effective at the time of council's application to the Minister," Mr Wilkinson said.

Now it only remains for council to negotiate their way through the two public information nights to explain the rate rise and the new rating structure, which are scheduled for next Tuesday, July 27, at the Casino RSM Club and Wednesday, July 28 at the Evans Head RSL Club. Both meetings start at 7pm.

Community multimedia

Six young unemployed people will be trained in video and audio production and digital photography, in an exciting new work-for-the-dole program called Project IT at the CTC@Kyogle.

"The Kyogle community is lucky in having so many talented people, and we want to provide a way they can put that creativity to use for the benefit of the community," CTC manager Linda Woodrow said.

Their efforts will be used as promotional material for community organisations.

"Community, volunteer and welfare organisations have an enormous unmet need for audio-visual material to explain and promote their services, but rarely have the budget to provide it. Project IT aims to address this," Linda said.

Experience or qualifications are not necessary to participate - you just need to be eligible for work-for-the-dole.

Contact Linda on 6632 1833 to find out more.


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