The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Bells finally toll for bridesmaid

By John Huxley

Not resting on her laurels... local swimmer Petria Thomas holds her first individual gold medal following the 100m butterfly at the Athens Olympics. Photo: Vince Caligiuri /The Sydney Morning Herald

Through no real fault of her own, she has never been quite as popular with the public as her predecessor, Susie "Madame Butterfly" O'Neill. She's not as glamorous as rivals such as the willowy Dutchwoman Inge de Bruin. And, at 27, she's no longer as youthful as her three teammates in the "golden girls" relay team.

But just when it seemed that Petria Thomas would take the unenviable tag of "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" into retirement, something very dramatic and just and beautiful happened. At her third and last Olympic Games she won her first individual gold medal. At last. At last.

For several seconds, she seemed to show no emotion as she touched the wall, emerged from the water and stared down the pool at the giant scoreboard.

"There seemed to be so many names and the numbers aren't so big," she explained later. "I just wanted to make sure it was a No. 1 next to my name."

No mistake. There it was: 1, Thomas Petria AUS. For a moment she shut her eyes, let her head roll back on the wall, before suddenly "switching back on", smiling and thrusting her hands skyward in exultation. At last. At last.

Far away, in the stands, she could see her mother and her husband, Julian Jones. What she could not see, perhaps, was what television viewers back home could see: his tears. Poolside, she could see her Australian team-mates, who, as she made her way to the warm-down area, jumped onto the deck and formed a guard of honour.

At last, the bridesmaid was walking down the sporting aisle, carrying a winner's bouquet, being backslapped by her friends.

"For me that was just the greatest moment, the icing on the cake," she said, extending the metaphor. "I just hope all the people who have helped me are sharing that moment with me now."

Thomas's injuries have been well catalogued. When asked afterwards to list her various reconstructions - three on her butterfly-wing shoulders alone - she laughed and those familiar with her medical history checked their watches. How long was this going to take?

Whatever, Thomas - who more than makes up in guts for what she may lack in glamour - has repeatedly proved her ability to bounce back. To recover from injury. More importantly, to live with the pain. "It's there, but you just, well, cope," she explained earlier in the week, with a shrug of the dodgy shoulders.

Did she feel pain during her gold-medal swim? "Yes. You expect to, especially in the last 25 metres. You just keep going. Anyway, when you touch the wall the pain goes away." Especially, if you touch it first.

Thomas has never been a drama queen. She is, to use a Greek word, stoic about her setback. Not that she hasn't had her bleak moments, she confesses. "I guess there wasn't a day in training when I didn't wonder if this was all worthwhile, and whether I could keep going through it all."

So, what kept her going? "Persistence. Perseverance. People working to get me there. They never gave up on..." she says before trailing off as tears filled her eyes. "Sorry."

Throughout her 12-year elite career, they have stuck with her through thin and thinner, Team Petria. Four of the key members - physiotherapist Peter Blanch, psychologist Clark Perry, coach Glen Beringen and strength and conditioning coach, husband Julian - are in Athens. Another two, physician Kieran Fallon and physiologist David Pyne are only a telephone call away in Canberra.

"It's been a lot of hard work, for them, for me. Now, I know it's all been worthwhile." She pauses. "It would have been worthwhile anyway. I've been very lucky."

Perhaps not as lucky as she should have been. While other less accomplished but more glamorous athletes have attracted sponsorship with ridiculous ease, Thomas has struggled.

She has had a couple of sponsors, including a fruit juice company, and is a member of the Australian Speakers Bureau (her specialty is the virtue of "dedication, determination and hard work").

She has had a swimming pool named in her honour in her hometown of Mullumbimby.

Her late breakthrough onto the gold standard is unlikely to change her life greatly, she admits with characteristic modesty.

"No, it'll still be the same old me."

That's fine by Australia.

- The Sydney Morning Herald

Thyme for a festival

Herb Festival coordinator Jenny de Greenlaw and The Loft Restaurant proprietor Kieran Brett are ready to serve up some tasty treats at this weekend's Herb Festival.

Casino is the Beef Capital and Dunoon is the Macadamia Capital, and now Lismore is making a name for itself as the Herb Capital of Australia.

What squarely puts it on the map is the Northern Rivers Greenridge Herb Festival, which is on this Saturday and Sunday, August 21-22, at the newly beautified Riverside Park.

The festival kicks off with the 'Herbie' VW Parade through the CBD at 11.30am, launching two days of fine food, music and herb-related entertainment for young and old.

One of the tastiest reasons to go is the HerBBQ, where local chefs prepare entreé-sized delights of herb-inspired dishes.

Kieran Brett from The Loft Restaurant is just one of the many chefs showcasing tasty morsels, with creations such as salt and pepper squid with honey-garlic mayonnaise and tandoori chicken wraps with mint yoghurt.

Other highlights include the massive Cook Off and Bake Off recipe competition on Saturday, featuring recipes using macadamias from local residents. There are also cooking demonstrations, bush food tours, healthy living seminars and a variety of stalls selling delicious local food and products.

New highlights for this year include free canoe rides on the river, performances by the Spaghetti Circus and the Gypsy Roller Puppet Theatre, free mechanical surfboard rides and even a 'Gladiator Dual'. The Herb Festival are includes concerts, dance demonstrations, a 'MAD Thyme' skateboard and breakdance event face painting, chess clinics, yoga classes and much, much more.

Come and discover why Lismore really is becoming the herb capital of Australia! For a full program see p.17.

Entry to the festival is free. For more details visit the website at www.herbfestival.org

Dig deep - because you never know when...

Life Saver Rescue Helicopter pilot Patrick Wright with the Whitney Family, Shane, Jodie, Samantha (nine) and Brandan (five). Patrick was the pilot on Shane's transfer to Brisbane.

Over the past 20 years, flying 4300 missions, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter has helped so many local families, including Jodie and Shane Whitney of Lismore. The service came to their rescue twice - Jodie was flown to Brisbane with a premature labour and Shane made a similar trip after a workplace accident.

"We are grateful for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, as our family life may be very different without it," Shane Whitney said.

As a way of saying thanks, the Whitney family will be taking part in this Sunday's Doorknock Day to raise funds for the service, which costs $3000 an hour to run and is available 24 hours, every day of the year, free of charge to the Northern Rivers community.

"You'll never know when you may need the it; it could be driving home from work, playing sport on the weekend, or on holidays," Rescue Helicopter general manager Perry Wells said. "We now need your assistance this Sunday and you will be helping save a life, which may be even yours or your loved one.

"We are proud of the support we receive from the public, however with our on-going operating and maintenance costs increasing, this public support needs to continue, and Doorknock Day provides an ideal opportunity for everyone to support their Rescue Helicopter by either time or a financial contribution," he said.

If you can spare a few hours on Sunday to doorknock call 6627 4444, or report to a door knock coordination point at the Helicopter Base, Brunswick St Lismore; Ballina Bowls Club, Cherry Street Ballina; Wollongbar Rugby Grounds, Cerrito Circuit; Westpac Bank, Casino; St Brigid's School, Kyogle; the CWA Hall, Lennox Head, or the Evans Head Surf Club.

Mr Wells encouraged everyone to dig deep when a Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter collector calls on Sunday. They will be clearly identified by the ID sticker and the official receipt book.

If you miss out on donating, you can still help by calling 6627 4444 or online at www.helirescue.com.au.

GP clinic for Lismore hospital

The federal Government will establish an after hours GP clinic at Lismore Base Hospital, federal health minister Tony Abbott has announced.

The centre will be one of three new after-hours GP clinics co-located at public hospitals in NSW, but is subject to approval by local doctors. The Government is offering $50,000 to set up the clinic.

Last month, opposition health spokeswoman Julia Gillard said Lismore hospital didn't need an after-hours GP service and local GPs have expressed concern about the Government proposal.

Dr Tony Lembke, chairman of the Northern Rivers Division of General Practice, said Lismore already had adequate after hours services through local GPs.

"The [Government's] funding announcement is insufficient to replace current services such as home visits, nursing home care, continuity of care by a patient's usual GP and 24 hour availability," he said.

"In the Lismore area, GPs remain committed to providing this service to their patients. This is reflected in the lower than average GP-style presentations in the Lismore accident and emergency department."

Lismore business centre survives

The Lismore Business Enterprise Centre, which was threatened with closure in June in the wake of funding cuts by the NSW Government, has survived - just.

The BEC has been offered the contract to run the new Northern Rivers Business Advisory Service in conjunction with Southern Cross University's Regional Gateway.

While the head office will be in Tweed Heads, the Lismore office will act as an as an 'outreach centre' to Ballina, Byron Bay, Casino and Kyogle, where the BEC offices will close

Lismore BEC manager Tony Zillig said he was delighted about winning the tender.

"This is very good news, a great outcome and I am very happy for the Northern Rivers business community," he said.

The four-year contract is to provide Business Advisory Services for the NSW Department of State and Regional Development. The Centre will also have a 1300 number and is expected to handle around 5000 business inquiries a year.

The new service begins on October 1.

Disability cuts target the vulnerable

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Judy van Hasselt of Alstonville with her 21 year-old son Andrew and his service provider Graham Hardy at the protest.

'Have a Heart Mr Carr' was the strong message from around 200 protestors, who rallied in Lismore last Friday to oppose NSW Government cuts to disability programs. Young people with disabilities sang an emotional rendition of Shannon Noll's 'What About Me?' as they fought to retain a program that helps them adjust to everyday life.

Protest organisers say the reforms will reduce support services for local people with a disability and severely affecting their quality of life.

Alstonville resident Judy van Hasselt said the cuts are an "absolutely heartless decision". She is worried about the future for her son Andrew, 21, who is part of the ATLAS (Adult Training, Learning and Support) program at Lismore Challenge. He spends five days a week learning new skills and integrating with his peers.

She said the funding cuts will reduce Andrew's time at Lismore Challenge by a third.

"It's really devastating - it takes away opportunities for these young people to have independence and choice," Judy said. "Being at Lismore Challenge gives Andrew the opportunity to learn and grow - it means he can live and socialise in his community rather than being isolated at home. To take that away from him would be very destructive, and being his carer, it would make it a lot more difficult for me to cope."

Andrew's service provider, Graham Hardy, said the funding cuts will target disabled people aged between 18 and 22 as they prepare to face for the world.

"We help clients to learn how to use public transport, do budgeting, shopping and other everyday living skills. By cutting the hours, the pressure is put back onto families. It's just heartbreaking," he said.

The funding cuts come into effect on January 1, 2005.

And it was all yellow

Trinity Catholic College year 10 students (l-r) Karina Pirlo, Renae McIntosh and Woody Saulwick with some of the Daffodil Day merchandise they will be selling in the CBD tomorrow.

While there are many initiatives to raise money for cancer research throughout the year, none are more recognised than Daffodil Day.

The humble daffodil is now recognised as the international symbol for hope for cancer patients and tomorrow, August 20, the entire community is encouraged to spend a few dollars and help make a difference in the search for a cure.

Year 10 students from Trinity Catholic College will once again be selling merchandise around the CBD.

Fresh daffodils are $5 per bunch, single stems are a gold coin, and there are $2 silk lapel daffodils, $4 pens, $5 enamel badges or the cuddly Dougal Bear for $7.

'Mums and dads' hotel plan

Scott Harvey has been pursuing his dream for Lismore- an upmarket boutique hotel - for many years. He'd originally hoped it would be ready for the last Olympics. Now he's hoping Northern Rivers mums and dads will share his dream and help bring it to the fruition five years down the track.

Last week, Mr Harvey launched the prospectus for shares in the 36-room, four-floor Hotel Siena to help fund the $7.5 million project.

"The minimum investment has been deliberately set at the low level of $5000 to encourage the 'mums and dads' of Lismore and surrounds to invest in their city," he said.

The share float hopes to raise at least $5 million

The Italian-style 4.5 star hotel, located adjacent to the Lismore courts, will cater to the corporate market and upmarket travellers.

It will feature a function room for 60 people, a 120-seat café-restaurant with an outdoor terrace and a pool set in landscaped gardens.

"The Hotel Siena will fill a much-needed gap in the Lismore accommodation and small conferencing market," Mr Harvey said.

If investors are willing, he hopes the property will be ready to open by October 2005.

A prospectus is available from Peter Burge at Capminster Realty on 6622 1077, or online at www.hotelsiena.com.au

Independent grocer for Goonellabah

Goonellabah is set to have another supermarket, with the developers of the Eastpoint Shopping Village, on the eastern fringe of the suburb, announcing today they have secured the IGA chain as anchor tenant for the site.

The centre, on the corner of the Bruxner Highway and Holland Street, could open as early as Easter 2005.

Developer Peter Burge said work on the site is due get begin in October.

"We are looking to secure a broad range of tenants and still have openings for a coffee shop, bakery, chemist, bottle shop, Laundromat, newsagent, takeaway food store and other services," he said.

"With negotiations already underway, we anticipate finalising the tenancy mix in the coming months."

Mr Burge said the 1500 square metre site will offer convenience shopping to Goonellabah residents.

Gary Dawson from IGA said the $1 million store will employ around 80 people on a full and part-time basis.

"The Goonellabah store will be a full-line supermarket with fruit and vegetable, delicatessen and meat departments, all at competitive prices," he said.

The best in business

Photos courtesy The New Camera Store

The Lismore Business Awards were a huge success on Saturday night, with a crowd of around 400 people turning out to see which businesses were named Lismore's best for 2004.

The biggest winners were Barbara and Rowan Gosper from the Goonellabah-based Immediate Reception Virtual Office, who won the award for Most Professional Business Services and the Golden Glynn for Most Outstanding Business 2004.

Other winners were:

• Exceptional Community or Nor-For-Profit Group: Animal Rights and Rescue.
• The Brian Slapp Community Service Award: Lindsay Matterson from the Lismore SES Unit.
• Most Outstanding Employee: Vicki Sheaffe from Caddies Coffee.
• Most Sensational Customer Service: Peta Cramp from The Garden Florist and Jenny Marshall from Rock Valley Post Office (joint winners).
• Terrific Trade Business: ACE Plumbing.
• Retail Excellence: Cartridge World.
• Leaders in Innovation & Technology: NTech Media.
• Entrepreneur: Mathew George from Summit Sports & Fitness Centre.
• Best New Business: Zen Sushi.
• Business of the Year: The Left Bank.

Recycled water for plateau farms

Story: Julian Ryan

Ballina Shire Council plans to build a 20 mega-litre dam to hold treated effluent at the Alstonville Sewerage Treatment Plant for use on local farms.

The proposal, which also includes a 1.6 mega-litre reservoir at the Teven Road site is currently up for public comment following the release of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) into the proposal.

The dam is a response to long-term community concerns about the disposal of treated effluent with is currently being discharged into Maguires Creek, where studies have found it is having a "significant and detrimental ecological impact".

Under the plan, the treated water would be used on eight local farms, including nurseries and orchards, as well as Council playing fields. Council aims to 'reuse' 100 per cent of the water in dry months by 2013.

Plateau councillor Keith Johnson said the facility will be a 'win-win' for the environment and the community.

"Highly treated effluent that is now pumped into Maguires Creek will be stored in the reservoir and then gravity fed to participating farms and used for irrigation," he said.

"The facility is designed to make full and effective use of highly treated effluent and at the same time will significantly reduce any negative impacts on the environment."

The EIS and proposal can be viewed at Ballina Council chambers. Public submissions close next week.

Awards showcase Ballina's best

Last year on the eve of the Ballina Business Awards, Mayor Phil Silver proudly described the event as the 'debutante ball' for the businesses of the shire. According to organiser, Cr Sharon Cadwallader, this Saturday night's awards at the Ballina RSL Club looks set to be a royal command performance.

"This is the event of the year for the Ballina Shire business community and the single biggest occasion for the Ballina Chamber of Commerce as well," she said.

"In the last three years I have seen the Ballina Business Awards grow from strength to strength."

Businessman Ron van Setton has nominated his surgical supplies business in the Retail and Industry categories and praised the way the Chamber of Commerce has helped his business to expand.

"I joined the Chamber of Commerce one year ago and in this time my business has grown by 47 per cent," he said.

This year there have been 123 nominations in nine categories, with the most nominations received in the Professional Services category closely followed by Trades and Services.

Roid rage takes its toll

A study by Southern Cross University (SCU) scientists into the side effects of performance enhancing drugs, released on the eve of the Athens Olympics, has found that steroids change a person's personality and increase their risk of cancer.

The six-week study, led by Dr Robert Weatherby, found that anabolic steroid use significantly increases susceptibility to viral infections and cancers. The study was carried out in conjunction with a British TV channel and New Scientist, for the documentary 'High Performance', which screened on Pay TV last week.

Dr Weatherby said that even at doses 50 times less than those commonly used by steroid abusers weakened a vital part of the body's immune system. The researchers also found that steroids could change a person's psychology and their personality, reducing their empathy for others, and making them less sensitive.

This may have legal implications, as for the first time, people using steroids who are charged with a criminal offence may be able to argue a defence of diminished responsibility from so-called 'roid rage'.

Dr Weatherby said the study found that the effectiveness of NK (natural killer) cells, a type of white blood cell crucial to the body's immune system, was reduced by 20 per cent in people administered with the testosterone.

Age should not weary them

Manager of the Northern Rivers Health Promotion Unit, Uta Dietrich, and actor George Shipley from Banora Point show off the new bus advertising that's part of the Stay Active Stay Independent campaign.

A local campaign to promote the benefits of physical activity to people over 55 was launched by the Northern Rivers Health Promotion Unit recently.

The Stay Active Stay Independent campaign encourages older people to take up four core activities - walking, gardening, swimming and Tai Chi. The idea is that these activities are easy, affordable and great for physical wellbeing.

"I thought I used to be active but I realised after joining the campaign that there's so much more I could do," said George Shipley, 74, of Banora Point, who is one of the older people featured in the advertising. "Once I started exercising I felt a lot fitter. I decided to join a local group where I've met heaps of new people and we all exercise together and have a great laugh. I really believe that laughing and activity are the two things that will keep you young."

The next stage of the project, a 'Get Active' booklet that explains how to make contact with relevant organisations such as sporting groups and gardening clubs, will be launched in September.

Donation makes perfect sense

Westpac Bank Lismore financial manager Peter Warren and branch manager Jenny Mowbray hand over a $6000 cheque to Wilson Park Public School principal Helen Rea (rear) and students Dean and Scott Nicolia for the school's planned 'sensory garden'.

A $6000 donation from Westpac Bank in Lismore will enable Wilson Park Public School to build a sensory garden for its students, many of who have sensory impairments.

Wilson Park Public School caters for students with disabilities from four to 18 years of age, and according to assistant principal, Greg O'Connor, the sensory garden will have an important role in their development.

"I think it's a fantastic initiative - it will provide students with a stimulating sensory environment they would not normally have access to and will link in well with our sensory room," Greg said. "We have children with hearing and visual impairments and students who are tactile sensitive, so it will enable them to explore their sensory world and develop their senses. The project couldn't have happened without Westpac and we are just so grateful for their donation."

The garden will feature herbs with different smells, walls with different textures, mobiles, wind chimes and even a music wall where children can touch the wall and hear different sounds.

The school hopes to have the garden completed by the end of this year.

This week's features: Your Shopping Guide - Local Businesses