Shaggy Dog Comments...

Congratulations to former Kadina High school student Ngaiire Joseph, who appeared in the first semi-final of Australian Idol on Sunday night (as pictured) performing a spine-tingling version of the Mary G Bilge song No More Drama.

She wowed Marcia Hines and Mark Holden, although tough judge Ian 'Dicko' Dickson called her performance 'fidgety'.

Viewers thought she was pretty good too, voting her one of the top four acts among the 10 finalists. Alas, the PNG-born 20-year-old just missed the cut for the next round, but all is not lost - the judges have three wild cards they can use to bring back performers.

In fact, the bookies reckon she's still a strong chance - she's third in the market, offering $7 for a win.

Centrebet's Gerard Daffy even went so far as to predict "Ngaiire will be back, of that there is no doubt".

A shirt load of tourism

Showing off the spunky new t-shirts are Lismore Tourism's marketing and development officer Lisa Murphy (second from left) with (l-r) Tracy Sheen from Lismore Unlimited Opportunities, Carolyn Moynihan from Lismore BEC, Rebecca Bruggy from the Visitor Information Centre, Fiona Farrah from the Department of Regional Development, Fiona Tate from The Left Bank and two local girls.

People who are proud to live in Lismore are being asked to help boost tourism by donning a new t-shirt that promotes the city's culture, cafés, cuisine and colourful locals.

The t-shirts are now being sold at the Visitor Information Centre in Lismore and are only $20 if bought before next Friday, August 20. People who wear the t-shirt at this year's Herb Festival, August 21-22, will also have the chance to win one of 20 instant prizes.

"Our regional city has such a vibrant culture, and what better way to promote that message than through our local community," said Lismore Tourism's marketing and development officer, Lisa Murphy. "People who live and work in the town are our best tourism ambassadors."

Lismore tourism t-shirts are available in a range of sizes, designs and colours. To get yourself one visit the Visitor Information Centre or phone 6622 0122.

The blue-rinse brigade

Showing off first prize in the Bluey Day raffle, a mini police car, is Bluey Day organiser Brian Hyde (centre) with Lismore firefighters (l-r) Shane Hulbert, Louis Fortuna, Wayne Brien and Rodney Farr, who will colour their hair this Saturday for charity.

Local police and firefighters will shave or colour their heads during Bluey Day activities at Bunnings Warehouse this Saturday, August 14, to raise money for children living with cancer.

With the help of Terry Bushell Hair Salon, local firies and cops will go under the clippers to raise funds for Challenge, a cancer support network which has been partnered with Bluey Day since 1995.

"People can come and colour their own hair for a small donation, or help cheer on the people getting their heads shaved," said organiser Brian Hyde. "It's a fun thing to do on a Saturday morning and we encourage everyone to come and get involved in this special event."

Other fun activities will be held throughout the day and raffle tickets for the major Blue Day raffle will be available. The head shave and raffle drawing will kick off at 12pm.