The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

A CARE in the world

CARE Australia volunteer Phil Lacey at Lismore Airport yesterday before leaving for Nepal, where he will coordinate relief efforts for the thousands who have been displaced by severe flooding in southern Asia.

While most Lismore residents pray for rain to end one of this country's longest droughts, Lismore's Phil Lacey is now hoping for the exact opposite.

The CARE Australia volunteer left for Nepal yesterday to help coordinate relief efforts for the 200,000 people who have been displaced by severe flooding, which has already killed more than 200 Nepalese.

Throughout southern Asia 25 million people have been left homeless, particularly in Bangladesh and India, in the worst natural disaster to hit the region in more than 30 years.

As a member of CARE Australia's Emergency Response Team, Phil has been sent to Nepal to manage the distribution of basic relief. He is the only volunteer being sent to the region and will work with locals to manage the huge job ahead.

"Many people have lost their entire livelihood and the pressing thing is to get them clean water, food and medicine so they can stay healthy and stay alive," Phil said. "When the water begins to drop we can start settling people back in villages and provide them with agricultural materials and food so they can get back to some type of normality."

Whilst Phil has never worked in a flood affected area before, he is no newcomer to aid work.

The 53-year-old pharmacist has been working with CARE Australia for almost 13 years and has done stints in Iraq following the Gulf War, Rwanda, Kosovo and many other countries during times of conflict or disaster.

"In third world countries you don't have unlimited resources to work with - you just have to improvise with what you've got and do the job you're there to do," Phil said. "We never see devastation like this in Australia because of all the support systems we have in place - the severity of this tragedy is alien to us."

Despite the devastation Phil is confronted with on a daily basis when working with CARE, he says the experiences will stay with him forever.

"You come back with a lot of memories - some good, some bad - but they are memories that will last a lifetime," Phil said. "It makes you realise just how lucky we are."

Donations toward flood relief are desperately needed. To help phone CARE Australia on 1800 020 046.

Eltham PS - 120 not out

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Students from Eltham Public School, outside the original school building, who will celebrate the school's 120th anniversary this weekend.

In the last 120 years Eltham Public School has grown from a leaky one-room building to a thriving country school that has educated hundreds of local children, including one of Australia's cricketing legends.

Queensland Sheffield Shield great Sam Trimble is just one of the many former students who will return to Eltham to celebrate its 120th anniversary this weekend and help commemorate the significant milestone.

The school first opened in 1884 on an old farm in Eltham, before a proper school building was built in 1907. It still used as a classroom by the school's 80 odd students today.

Coordinator of this weekend's birthday celebrations, Julie Rhodes, invites everyone to come along and see for themselves why Eltham Public School has stood the test of time.

"We feel that Eltham is a community of shared values so we have organised events to reflect the old fashioned ideals that are important to the people of this community," Julie said.

The celebrations begin this Saturday, August 7, with an all-day country fair and cricket match at Sam Trimble Oval in Bexhill. The match, between teams of 'old boys' and current parents, will begin at 10am, with Sam Trimble himself tossing the coin to start play.

Later that evening a bush dance will be held at Eltham Jubilee Hall from 6.30pm, with music by Celtic band Ceileidh Craic. In keeping with the theme tickets are also at old-fashioned prices - just $20 for two parent families and $10 for single parent families.

Tickets can be purchased from the school and families are asked to bring a plate to share for supper. For more information about the celebrations phone Julie Rhodes on 6629 1418.

Bentley the Rolls Royce of art

Organiser of the Bentley Art Prize, Reg Hartley, and his wife Phyllis with some artworks that will be on show this weekend.

The Bentley Hall will be a hive of activity this weekend when hundreds of people flock to the small country hall for the 20th annual Bentley Art Prize.

The three-day event will showcase more than 300 artworks from around the local region including photographs, sculptures, a huge variety of paintings and some Aboriginal art.

"The show gives lesser-known artists and professionals the opportunity to display their work to the public," said organiser Reg Hartley. "The show is a great family event and I think people will be really impressed with the collection of art. It's a lovely drive out to Bentley and a great way to spend a weekend."

The celebrations kick off tomorrow night, August 6, with a wine and cheese tasting evening from 7.30pm, with entertainment by Marge Graham.

On Saturday, August 7, the Bentley Art Prize will be open from 10am-4pm, with a festival-style atmosphere, entertainment, market stalls, food and more. The official opening will take place at 2pm. This year the special guest for the opening is Reg's close friend and former Richmond River Shire councillor David Miller, who donated $1300 of his own money to ensure the show could go ahead, after Richmond Valley Council withdrew its sponsorship several weeks ago.

The exhibition is also open for viewing on Sunday from 10am-3pm. Entry is $3 for adults, $1.50 for children or $10 for a family. All proceeds will go to the St Vincent's Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

Spice up your life

Proprietors of Blue Kitchen Gourmet Foods, Louise and Andrew Nicholson, with their green curry paste that was voted best curry paste in Australia at the Australian Fiery Foods Industry Awards.

From little things big things grow is an old adage that would apply well to Louise and Andrew Nicholson.

The husband and wife team originally started making curry pastes and sauces at their home in Lismore as Christmas presents for family and friends. With a little prodding from their loved ones, the couple then decided to establish Blue Kitchen Gourmet Foods - a gamble that has certainly paid off.

Since launching their business 12 months ago Louise and Andrew have secured outlets in three capital cities and this week their green curry paste was voted 'best curry paste in Australia' at the Australian Fiery Foods Industry Awards in Sydney.

The couple's labels, created with the help of graphic artist Lisa Newton from the North Coast Ad Agency, were also voted the best in Australia.

"It was unexpected but we're really excited," Andrew said. "For it to happen so early in the life of the business bodes well for the future. It's given us the impetus to really move forward."

Louise and Andrew believe the secret to their success their use of fresh, home grown produce and the hands-on approach from the ground to the bottle.

Blue Kitchen Gourmet Foods products can be purchased at Menins, the 5 Star Handimarket in East Lismore, the Little Deli, the Visitor Information Centre and Fundamental Foods.

Alternatively, people can check out their range of products at this year's Herb Festival, which is being held on Saturday and Sunday, August 21-22, at Riverside Park.

One of the features of this year's festival is a Macca Fusion Recipe Cook-off and Bake-off, where both amateur and professional cooks are invited to create an original sweet or savoury recipe that includes macadamias and another herb of choice. The recipes will be judged by four of Australia's top food writers, who are visiting Lismore especially for the festival, and there are some great prizes to be won.

Entries close at 4pm on Monday, August 9, so get cooking! For details and an entry form see page 26.

For further information phone 6622 8147.

Are you being served?

Enjoying a cuppa at the launch of the newly refurbished Red Cross Lismore Tea Rooms on Monday were (l-r) Australian Red Cross NSW executive director Michael Lynch, Lismore Red Cross branch president Betty Morton and Lismore mayor Merv King.

The newly refurbished Red Cross Lismore Tea Rooms will be used as a model for other tea rooms across the entire country, according to Australian Red Cross NSW executive director Michael Lynch, who visited Lismore on Monday to open the new and improved café.

The Red Cross Lismore Tea Rooms were first established in 1957 by a group of volunteers, who worked tirelessly to raise enough funds to buy the building in Keen Street. Now, more than 45 years down the track, the tea rooms have been revamped with a fresh, modern look that will hopefully attract new clientele and bring in more funds for local Red Cross programs.

"I think it looks fantastic - it's the best tea room we have in Australia and it will set a model for us to work from," Mr Lynch said. "If we can create something similar in other centres in NSW it will generate more money for community programs."

Red Cross Lismore branch president Betty Morton said volunteers were thrilled with the changes.

"We're all very happy - it's bright, it's open and we've already had a lot of comments from people saying they love it," Betty said. "The whole place has been uplifted."

People can purchase a plate of sandwiches, a cup of tea or coffee and a piece of cake from the Lismore Tea Rooms, 132 Keen Street, for as little as $4.

New volunteers are always needed to help out at the tea rooms. To get involved phone Red Cross on 6622 3244.

Calling out for help

Knocking on heaven's door

The Life Saver Rescue Helicopter launched its annual Helicopter Doorknock Day at St John's College Woodlawn yesterday.

Helicopter Doorknock Day will be held on Sunday, August 22, and is the single biggest fundraising event for this vital community service that saves countless lives each year.

This year St John's College Woodlawn students will act as collectors, however, more people are needed to make the day a success.

"You never know when you may need us, but we certainly need all the help we can get on Doorknock Day, even if it's only for an hour or so," said Philip Gibson from the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

For more information or to become a collector phone 6627 4444 or 0422 848 458.

Bed shortage at Base Hospital

A shortage of beds at Lismore Base Hospital, coupled with an overwhelming number of acute patients, has once again left nurses over-stretched and angry with the NSW Government for failing to address the problem.

According to NSW Nurses Association branch secretary, Helen O'Donnell, the shortage of beds at Lismore Base Hospital has caused major problems over the last week, forcing several patients to be transferred to intensive care beds at other hospitals.

Ms O'Donnell said the hospital is experiencing its busiest time in history, and without more acute beds and additional staff, the situation will continue to deteriorate.

"We have never been this busy for this long with patients that are this sick - it simply can't continue like this with patients being shuffled between wards to try and free up beds," she said. "This is not a problem just for the Northern Rivers Area Health Service - it's a state-wide problem that needs a state-wide solution. What we are experiencing is not unique, but it's certainly serious. The NSW Government needs to fast-track the redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital."

NRAHS administrator Chris Crawford said even if the procedures centre (part of the redevelopment) was fast-tracked it would still take at least three to four years. He believes practical measures need to be put in place now to address the situation.

"Lismore Base Hospital is very busy at the moment and that's why I asked the winter strategies committee to come together for a special meeting today to develop additional strategies to deal with this peak in demand," Mr Crawford said yesterday. "In particular the committee has suggested that more specialist medical services need to be made available to the district hospitals so that they can take more acute transfers from Lismore Base Hospital. There are beds available at district hospitals but the patients at Lismore Base are too sick to be transferred unless they have specialist medical support. We're also investigating whether more monitored beds can be established at Lismore Base to supplement the beds available in the intensive care units."

A new era in education

SCU student Chris Edwards-Haines, Professor Judy Atkinson and NSW Minister for Tourism Sandra Nori at the Bachelor of Indigenous Tourism launch.

Indigenous culture and tourism may seem worlds apart, but a new degree launched at Southern Cross University (SCU) yesterday aims to bring them together for the first time.

As part of NAIDOC Week celebrations NSW Minister for Tourism Sandra Nori launched Australia's first Bachelor of Indigenous Tourism, as well as a degree in Indigenous Studies and a Master of Indigenous Studies.

Head of the College of Indigenous Studies, Professor Judy Atkinson, said the new courses were developed because western models were not meeting the needs of Indigenous students.

Chris Edwards-Haines, an Indigenous student completing an Indigenous Studies Masters, believes University helped change his life.

Chris's father was killed before he was born and he was taken from his mother at nine months of age, leading to stays in a series of foster homes where he was abused and traumatised. This led to countless stints in jail as an adolescent and later as an adult.

For Chris, education is akin to empowerment.

"Education has given me the confidence to articulate my feelings and in doing so I have found that the first step is getting to know yourself properly," Chris said. "My safe place was unfortunately in jail, but I have now found a safe place outside jail."

Chris is now a successful artist and regular works with Aboriginal communities in areas such as family violence and assault.

In another first, students in all schools will now be able to study an Aboriginal language from kindergarten to year 10. The idea is to teach and revive some of the state's 70 Aboriginal languages, including Bundjalung.

Body found

Last night police were still investigating the death of a 40-year-old Lismore man who was found dead at a McKenzie Street premises yesterday.

Lismore Police Inspector Tony Crandell said police were still searching for evidence last night and are treating the matter as suspicious.

The body will be flown to Sydney for a post mortem.

A great debate

Director of Anglican Youth Works Al Stewart and Tom Flanagan from the Northern Rivers Socialist Alliance will go head to head in a special debate next Tuesday, August 10, at Southern Cross University's Y Block Theatre.

The topic for debate is 'Not a hope in the world?'

The debate starts at 12pm.

Bushfire danger comes early

The bush fire danger period for 54 local government areas in NSW was declared last Sunday, two months earlier than usual due to ongoing dry weather conditions across the state.

Property owners in the Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley shires are now required to apply for a fire permit before any type of burning.

To obtain a fire permit or get advice phone your local Rural Fire Service in the white pages.

Don't let incontinence hold you back

Incontinence is a major health condition affecting 2 million Australians. It affects people of all ages, gender and every walk of life.

One-third of women who have had a baby in the past 18 months and four in ten older Australians will be affected by incontinence.

Continence Awareness Week, August 1-7, has the theme 'Don't let incontinence hold you back', reminding people that while incontinence affects quality of life it can be managed, treated and even cured.

The Australian Government is providing $31 million from 1998 to 2006 through the National Continence Management Strategy to address this important health and quality of life issue.

Any worry about bladder or bowel control should not be dismissed. For help with continence problems contact your GP, continence nurse advisor, community health worker, physiotherapist or call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.

For more information on Continence Awareness Week visit www.continence.org.au

Grants help volunteers

Coordinator of the Volunteer Home Visiting Program, Rose Hogan, Tammy Allen from Our Kids Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund and Federal MP Ian Causley with at last week's presentation.

The Volunteer Home Visiting Program (VHVP) run through the Family Support Network had more than one reason to celebrate recently, with the presentation of a Volunteer Small Equipment grant on its fourth birthday.

In a special ceremony Page MP Ian Causley presented the VHVP with a cheque for $2090, to help refurbish the Family Support Network's backyard.

The Our Kids Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund was also presented with $2900 for a new computer and printer.

The VHVP is designed to help parents and families in the local area with children under three. A volunteer spends a few hours every week with a family, promoting positive parenting with practical support and general encouragement.

Currently the VHVP has 19 active volunteers, but they are always looking for more.

"The VHVP is about strengthening community and supporting parents in the challenging role of raising young kids," coordinator, Rose Hogan, said.

Training for new volunteers will be held in August. To get involved phone 6621 2489.

Round two of the 2004 Volunteer Small Equipment Grants has also been announced, with 48 local organisations sharing in $109, 595.

Black bean bandit strikes again

Ballina Shire Council is trying to discover the identity of a mystery person dubbed "the black bean bandit", who has spread hundreds of black bean seeds throughout the Boulders Beach area.

Council believes someone has spread the seeds in three sites in a mistaken attempt at bush regeneration. While Council thinks the person's intentions were probably admirable, the act has forced landcare volunteers to search on hands and knees to gather up the estimated 30kg of seeds that have begun sprouting.

Landcare representatives say whilst the black bean is a local species it is not native to the coast and goes against Council's vegetations management plans.

Ballina Shire Council and the Lennox Head Landcare Group are appealing for the person to stop planting the seeds and instead join a local landcare group.

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