The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Off the rails with promises

Simon Thomsen

Labor transport spokesman Martin Ferguson with Countrylink Lismore acting station manager Gary Patch at the Lismore Railway Station last Friday. Mr Ferguson said a Federal Labor Government would fund the reinstatement of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line.

The battle for votes in the looming federal election took a surprising twist this week with both Labor and the Coalition promising to re-open the Casino-Murwillumbah rail line closed by the NSW Government.

Last month during a visit to Lismore, opposition leader Mark Latham dismissed calls for federal Labor to intervene, saying it was a state issue - and 'sorry' they didn't have the money.

But last Friday, Labor transport spokesman Martin Ferguson and acting leader (with Mr Latham hospitalised) Jenny Macklin arrived in Murwillumbah to announce a complex funding deal with the NSW Government to re-open the line. Federal Labor will give the NSW Labor Government $15 million a year for 10 years for the Pacific Highway. The state Government is then expected to divert the funds from the highway to the rail service.

"The NSW Government closed the line for financial reasons and this commitment ensures they have the money to re-open the line and do the necessary engineering works to secure the future of the service," Mr Ferguson said.

But despite the fact that rail workers are currently considering redundancy packages following the line's closure in May, NSW transport minister Michael Costa said it will take at least three months to repair the line before it is ready for trains.

Perhaps betraying that the election is about to be called, federal transport minister John Anderson rubbished the delay.

"A re-opening date of three months away is clearly designed to take the matter beyond the next election," he said.

Labor's Page candidate, Kevin Bell, called it a "community victory" and challenged the Coalition to "come to the party as well". It sparked a bizarre week of claims and counter-claims from both Labor and the Coalition - aided and abetted by the man who broke his promise in closing the rail line in the first place, Michael Costa - as they jockeyed for the political high ground.

Initially, the Coalition slammed the announcement, saying it "treated the people of the North Coast like fools". Page MP Ian Causley said Labor offered "false hope" and "hypocrisy".

"I call on the Labor Party to be serious about it now: re-open the line and stop the cynical opportunism," he said. "The people of the Northern Rivers are not fools and will not be tricked by this latest blatant vote-buying exercise."

Within 72 hours, the Coalition made a counter-offer of $15 million to open the line immediately. Mr Costa said it wasn't enough and wrote to federal transport minister John Anderson for "clarification".

"To return services to the line, we need $150 million over 10 years," Mr Costa said.

Amidst squabbling from both sides, at both state and federal level, over their transport funding records, Mr Anderson demanded the line open by next Monday but did not offer further funding, saying he didn't believe Labor's costings to re-open the line stacked up.

"Given last Friday's outrageous stunt by senior Labor figures, I am amazed that the state Government is now saying three months are needed to prepare the line for the return of trains. This is a government that nobody would want to pay by the hour," he said.

Adding to the pitch for votes, The Greens proposed a $35 billion 'Green Bonds' program to fund an overhaul of the line, including expansion to the Gold Coast, during a visit to the region by Greens Senate candidate John Kaye.

Local councils also entered the fray, with Cr Ernie Bennett, representing local mayors, saying the bidding war had descended into a farce, with party politics swamping the real issues.

"I'm not sure if anyone really understands which offer or promise is better for the region," he said.

Cr Bennett said the region needed a commuter train.

"The highest priority is for a regular local passenger service that runs at a time when local people can use it," he said.

Having campaigned for the last two years to maintain the train line, Northern Rivers Trains For The Future spokesman Neale Battersby said he was dismayed by the politicking of the last week.

"Politicians are competing against each other and forgetting that this is about people's lives and livelihoods," he said. "It's a debacle and I feel sorry for the rail workers who are still unsure about their future.

"We don't care where the money comes from, we just want our train back and we want a commuter service. We won't stop campaigning until that happens."

But Mr Battersby sounded a warning for any federal Government dealing with the NSW transport minister.

"We don't trust Michael Costa and what he's got to say. He's let us down and lied to us," he said.

But he was willing to offer an olive branch to the minister, appealing for him to come and visit the region to discuss the future of the rail service.

Without the media or federal politicians.

A fair call

Quota Annual Craft Fair coordinator Diana Cooper with some of the 57 teddy bears that will be up for auction at the fair this weekend in Alstonville.

While the Olympics may have you in the mood to take up hurdling or diving, a far less strenuous way to enjoy your spare time is to take up a craft or two.

The best place to find everything for your new hobby is at the Quota Annual Craft Fair this Saturday and Sunday, August 28-29, at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre.

The two-day event features hundreds of craft displays and demonstrations, with people like Leonie Saunders, from the patchwork wonderland 'Crafty Angels' in Maclean, making the trip north to show her wares and share her passion for patchwork with others.

A highlight of the weekend is the special Teddy Bear Auction, which will see 25 teddies auctioned off each day, including a Holden Lion signed by Mark Skaiffe and Todd Kelly, from the Holden racing team - no doubt with the Honda bears from Ireland Honda in hot pursuit - along with many other beautiful bears donated by local businesses and individuals. All proceeds will go to Southern Cross School in Ballina to assist students with disabilities.

Other features of the fair include lantern making demos by Jyllie Jackson of Lismore Lantern Parade fame and wood-turning demos by Bob May, who will auction what he creates that day. There is even a Kids Activity Tent with face painting, games and lucky dips to keep youngsters out of trouble.

"This year's fair is really exciting because we have so many new stalls and demonstrations for people to enjoy," coordinator, Diana Cooper, said. "We have people coming from right across NSW and Queensland to share their love of craft."

The Quota Annual Craft Fair is open Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. Entry is $5 for adults and $4 for kids. For info phone Diana on 6628 3834.

No money in oldies

Mulgum House resident Margaret Falkenbach (centre) with Nimbin Aged Care coordinators Rose Cubis (left) and Cedar Wicce-Otter outside the aged housing facility in Nimbin.

Six elderly residents of a Nimbin aged care facility face an uncertain future after the church organisation caring for them announced it could no longer afford it.

Anglicare North Coast wrote to residents of Mulgum House on Tuesday, giving them 60 days to quit their residence because of sustained financial losses it suffered in managing the facility for the Office of Community Housing. Anglicare has cancelled its management lease.

The residents have been told to vacate by October 23, leaving them shocked and confused.

Margaret Falkenbach, 81, who moved from Albury to Nimbin in February so she could be closer to her two daughters.

"I'm absolutely devastated and really shocked - I came here to Nimbin with the full intention of spending the rest of my life here and now I have no idea what will happen to me," Margaret said. "It's put us all under incredible emotional and physical stress - I'm at a loss for words because the whole situation is just so appalling. It's hard to stay calm when you're this age and you know you're going to be turfed out of your home with nowhere to go."

Margaret worried that some residents, aged between 71 and 85, will not be physically able to cope.

"A lot of the residents are old and frail, and I really don't think they can move somewhere else," Margaret said. "To find out the way they did is really sad. There should have been a lot more discussion and involvement with the residents and the community. Maybe then we could have come up with some solutions."

In a letter to residents, Anglicare North Coast CEO Wayne Johnson said the decision "has not been taken lightly", but came after 12 months of "considerable" losses "beyond the capacity of Anglicare North Coast to sustain any longer."

Mulgum House is owned by the NSW Department of Housing and officers will be visiting today to discuss alternative accommodation with the residents.

A spokesman for the Department of Housing said they were working with Anglicare and other local agencies to find new homes for the residents.

"The Department assures the residents, their family and the community that Mulgum House will continue to operate until every resident is found a new home," he said.

He added that the Department will assess the future of Mulgum House and consult with the local community before any decision is made.

Nimbin Aged Care coordinator, Rose Cubis, said that she understood the financial reasons for closing Mulgum House, but was worried about her clients.

"Some of the residents don't have a lot of family and Nimbin is where they have spent a lot of time - they're not only losing their home if they move to Lismore, they're losing their community," she said.

Ms Cubis said workers at Mulgum House are now exploring options to save the aged housing facility, including the possibility of another community group taking over the lease.

May the best hand win

Revving up for this Sunday's charity poker run are Northern Rivers Ulysses Branch members Neville Gibbs (front), Graeme Smith, Rolly Kajewski, Barry Donovan, Maz Brown, George Richey and Bob Weston.

If you don't mind the odd punt or motorcycle ride you can combine the two this Sunday, August 29, at the third annual Ulysses Poker Run.

During the poker run, which is organised by the Northern Rivers Ulysses Branch, riders travel to four different destinations in the local area (which are kept top-secret until the day) and are given a poker card at each stop. At the end of the day the person with the best poker hand wins, but with 20 prizes up for grabs, even an average poker hand could score you some goodies. There are also raffles at each destination.

"It's an enjoyable day, it's for a great cause and anyone who rides can join in," said Northern Rivers Ulysses Branch member George Richey. "People of all ages are welcome as long as they have a registered bike and a current licence. It's doesn't matter whether you have a postie bike or a new Triumph - you're welcome to come along."

Entry is $10 per person. Riders should muster at the Crowther Carpark. Breakfast is at 8am, with the poker run kicking off after 9am.

Proceeds from the day will go to the 2LM Children's Christmas Appeal, the Arthritis Research Taskforce, the Cancer Council and the Rescue Helicopter. Simply turn up on the day with your bike, or phone George on 6621 4224.

Alstonville's brightest scoop the pool

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

The students from Alstonville Public School who received high distinctions and distinctions in the 2004 National Primary Research Competition (back row l-r) Jake Williams, Tim O'Neil, Danny Hayter, Caitlin Culver, (middle row) James McHugh, Nick Horowitz (front row) Byron Hardaker, Georgia Black, Gina Granatelli and Becky Sheehan. They are displaying the encyclopaedias that were used as resources by the students in the competition.

There must be something in the water at Alstonville Public School or perhaps the children pictured arrive to school each day with brain food in their lunch boxes.

Either that or it's a thirst for knowledge and a dedicated commitment to study that might explain the school's outstanding results in the 2004 Primary Research Competition against thousands of students throughout Australia.

The School's average mark was an impressive 61/80, compared with the national average of 45/80. The week-long take home test featured 40 questions on politics, history, measurement, religion and current affairs.

Gifted and talented class teacher David Wright said the exceptional results reflected the school's emphasis on research.

"I think the results speak for themselves," he said. "25 students received distinctions and in this group six students received the perfect score of 80, which is a high distinction."

Becky Sheehan scored a perfect 80 and said she has no intention of resting on her laurels.

"I want to find the cure for cancer when I grow up," the 12-year-old said positively. "Last year my brother's friend died and he was only 17. It was really sad."

Thanks for coming to the rescue

State director-general of the SES, Brigadier Philip McNamara (centre), with some of the SES volunteers presented with awards on Saturday night (l-r) George Smart, Gerry Burnage, Bob Kay, John Watson, Bert Plenkovich, Dennis Ellem, Jeff Spash and Judy Spash. Together the group has given more than 200 years of service.

Nine long-serving local SES volunteers were recognised for their valuable work on the weekend, with state director-general of the SES, Brigadier Philip McNamara, presenting a number of awards.

National Medals for 15 years service were awarded to John Watson of Byron Bay and George Smart of Coraki, while Broadwater local Bert Plenkovich received a National Medal for his 45 years with the SES.

Husband and wife team Jeff and Judy Spash were also recognised for their contribution, with an award for 25 years service.

"The Richmond-Tweed Division is one of the busiest in the state and has more than its fair share of challenges - from storms to floods and more," said Brigadier McNamara during the presentation. "The community should be comforted by the fact that these disasters will be managed by highly competent people such as the nine people who received their awards."

Whilst in the region Brigadier McNamara also opened the new headquarters of Urbenville SES unit.

After 10 years it's academic

Southern Cross University Chancellor The Honourable John Dowd AO, QC addresses the crowd during the ecumenical service as part of the university's celebrations last Friday to mark 10 years as a university.

Southern Cross University (SCU) gave thanks and celebrated 10 years since the institution was inaugurated as a university with an ecumenical service last Friday.

In its first year as a university SCU started out with 6,435 students on the Lismore campus.

Since then it has nearly doubled in size and now has 12,069 students, plus additional campuses in Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast.

Chancellor John Dowd said that in a decade the university had become renowned for providing high quality education.

"SCU is considered to be a leader in the fields of plant biotechnology, natural and complementary medicine and indigenous studies," he said.

How's your father?

Andrew Denton will host the 'At the Head of the Table: Talking with Dad' dinner next Friday as part of the Fatherhood Festival.

Celebrating fathers and creating a place where men, women and children can talk, sing, laugh, cry, dance and eat together is the aim of the world's first ever Fatherhood Festival, being held next weekend in Bangalow.

The festival features two days of events at the Bangalow A&I Hall and the showgrounds, which are mostly free.

"Celebrate, question and share is the theme of the festival," said Susanna Freymark from the Fatherhood Festival team. "It's about celebrating fathers and positive relationships they have with children and partners; questioning the role of fathers and what fatherhood means today; and sharing father stories with one another, whether they are painful or beautiful."

Highlights include a special dinner with Enough Rope's Andrew Denton next Friday, September 3 (see giveaway below to score a ticket). The dinner will feature a talk by Fatherhood Reclaimed author Adrienne Burgess and performances by Rob Hirst, Gyan, Colin George, Leigh Carriage and special guests. The dinner will be held at the Bangalow A&I Hall from 7pm. Tickets are $75 per person.

A Fatherhood Concert with Jimmy Little, his grandson James Henry Little and other special guests will be held on Saturday, September 4. For full details and the chance to score a double pass see page 28.

On Sunday, September 5, there is a breakfast with Fins chef Steve Snow, entitled Dads in the Kitchen, from 9.30am in the hall. Tickets are $10 for dads and $5 for kids.

On Sunday there will also be a discussion with Andrew Denton and fathers from three generations, at the hall from 11am to 12.30pm. Entry is $5.

To book for any of the above events phone Jan on 6687 0508 or simply go along and enjoy the stalls, demonstrations, talks, art exhibitions, healing circles, dance performances and other free events on offer.

Freebie: The Echo has two double passes to give away to the dinner hosted by Andrew Denton next Friday night. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 11.30 & 11.45am next Monday, August 30, and tell us what song featured prominently in Denton's show Money or the Gun.

Best in Ballina biz

Bob Dahl from OEM Dynamics holds his trophies for Ballina's Business of the Year.	Sponsor Joanne Carusi with Pam Blowes and Ann Tunsted from Summerland House With No Steps, winner of the Community Service Recognition Award.

In a sparkling night for Ballina, a business exporting to Asia and Africa was declared Business of the Year at the Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards. Engineering company OEM Dynamics, which exports hydraulic filtration systems to the world, won both the industry category and Business of the Year.

Awards organiser Cr Sharon Cadwallader thanked everyone involved and praised the standard entries from more than 50 businesses who entered the awards.

Other winners were: Retail, up to 5 employees: Cartridge World; Retail, over 5 employees: Northern Rivers Surgical Supplies; Trades and Services: Wizz Couriers; Tourism & Hospitality, up to 5 employees: Ballina Manor; Tourism & Hospitality, over 5 employees: Ballina RSL Club; Professional Service: Lennox Head veterinary service; Community Service Recognition Award: Summerland House With No Steps; Customer Service Award; Direct Detailing.

Policeman's lot a crowded one

Police Association of NSW Lismore Branch administrator Dean Ferguson (left) with Lismore MP Thomas George, NSW Leader of the Nationals Andrew Stoner and NSW Liberal Leader John Brogden outside Lismore Police Station earlier this week.

"The worst police station in the state" is how NSW Liberal Leader John Brogden described the Lismore Police Station following a tour of the building on Monday.

Mr Brogden joined NSW Nationals leader Andrew Stoner, Lismore MP Thomas George and local police for an inspection. While the station was identified as one of 27 'high priorities' for upgrade in the State Budget, no money was allocated for the work.

Mr Brogden said the situation was 'unacceptable' given the conditions local police are being forced to work in.

"The cramped, archaic conditions of the Lismore Police Station are an insult to the hard working local police who have to work here," Mr Brogden said. "Eighty police work here and they don't deserve to be housed in sub-standard, third world conditions. Mr Carr should hang his head in shame - it's a disgrace."

Local chases gold

Byron Bay kayaker Nathan Baggaley has qualified for the final of the men's K1-1000 metres, at the Athens Olympics after winning his semi-final on Wednesday night.

Baggaley led throughout the race to stake his claim for a medal in Friday's final. He is also competing in the K1-500m (he is current world champion, and the K2-500m.

Bangalow's David Rhodes will also be competing in the K2-1000 final on Friday.

Mullumbimby's Petria Thomas ended her swimming career with a gold medal and world record in the 4 x 100m medley relay. She also won silver in the 200m butterfly to finish with three gold medals and one silver.

Scrub your calendar for this one!

Gearing up for the Big Scrub Rainforest Day next weekend are organising committee members (clockwise from left) Kelvin Davies, Bob Jarman, Anthony Acret, Johanna Kempff, Kerry Francis, Tony Parkes, Kirstie Fisher and Vanessa Ekins.

From workshops on sustainable farming and botanic art to bushwalks and street theatre performance, the Big Scrub Rainforest Day is a day-long festival for families and anyone interested in the environment.

The day is on next Sunday, September 5, from 7am to 4pm in the beautiful surrounds of Rocky Creek Dam, and has something for all ages and interests. There will be expert talks on rainforest restoration and threatened species, practical workshops, guided forest walks, mountain bike tours, early morning bird walks, yoga in the rainforest, kids activities and more. Food stalls, games and live music add to the festival-style atmosphere.

See next week's Echo for a full program or visit www.rainforestrescue.org.au.

Council hand-me-downs welcome

Lismore mayor Merv King (centre) recently presented 31 community organisations with old Council computers. Happily posing with one of the machines are recipients (l-r) Jill Hepburn and Ann Johnson from the Lismore Over 50's Learning Centre, Rohan Stewart from Rosebank Community Inc and Friends of the Koala president Lorraine Vass.

To celebrate Local Government Week, Lismore City Council recently held a civic reception for local community groups and halls, acknowledging the work of volunteers throughout the region.

Mayor Merv King presented 31 community organisations with old Council computers and fax machines as well as giving $1000 to each of Lismore's 29 community halls. Council also presented $43,000 in Community Development and Support Expenditure funds (from the Lismore RSL Club/Goonellabah RSL Sports Club and Lismore Workers Club) to 14 community organisations.

Ann Johnson from the Lismore Over 50s Learning Centre, which received one of Council's computers, believed the donation was a win-win for everyone.

"I think it's a lovely gesture from Council and a great way to recycle resources," she said

Keen to brighten the streets

Lismore TAFE teacher Steven Giese and students Anna Pilling and Paul Barnard paint one of the power poles in Keen Street.

Lismore TAFE students have transformed a number of drab concrete power poles in the CBD into brilliant works of art, under a new project by Lismore City Council that's designed to raise awareness about the dangers of littering.

Six power poles in Keen Street were painted with images depicting the Wilsons River and aquatic wildlife last week, which is designed to remind residents and visitors that the Wilsons River receives run-off from Lismore's streets.

"If you visit the riverbank or creeks around Lismore you will see that a lot of litter such as drink bottles, plastic bags and food packaging is ending up in our waterways," said Council's waste and education officer, Vanessa Tallon. "Combined with cigarette butts, every rain storm potentially sends a lot of pollution into the creeks. Disposing of waste correctly, by using rubbish bins or taking waste home with you, is an important thing everyone can do to reduce the problem."

The artwork painted on the poles was inspired by the late environmental activist and architect, Hundertwasser.

Them Dems have a go too

Australian Democrats federal candidate for Page, Julia Melland, launched her campaign at Lismore Base Hospital yesterday with NSW Leader Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans.

Ms Melland said she held the launch at the hospital to highlight the Democrats' policies on health and to condemn John Howard's plan for an additional private health insurance rebate for senior citizens.

"The rebate announced by John Howard is an immediate political vote catching exercise - it's not a long term solution for health care in Australia," she said. "If Medicare was reliable people wouldn't need private health insurance, but John Howard is systematically dismantling Medicare."

Mr Chesterfield-Evans said Ms Melland is the perfect candidate for Page, being a mother and someone with extensive political experience through her 20-year association with the Democrats.

"Julia has high principles and has always fought for transparency in government - she is a community activist with a social conscience and has a broad understanding of political issues," Mr Chesterfield-Evans said.

Ms Melland stood as a Democrat in Lismore at the 2003 state election and in the local government elections earlier this year.

New TAFE buildings on track

North Coast Director of TAFE Neil Black, state Parliamentary secretary Bryce Gaudry, Richmond MP Larry Anthony and Wollongbar TAFE campus manager Peter Mehan gathered for the official opening of Stage 3 at the Wollongbar Campus on Tuesday.

The federal Government in partnership with the NSW Government, provided $8.7 million for five new buildings that will be used as classrooms and for training in welding, hospitality, engineering and manufacturing.

Karen Jeannette Lloyd

7-12-1960 - 9-8-2004

Coordinator of the Deaf Community Association for the last 14 years, Karen Lloyd, lost her battle with cancer on August 9 in St Vincent's Hospital.

The 43 year-old was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities throughout her life, and helped establish the Deaf Centre in Lismore in 1990.

Karen's long association with the local deaf community began in 1984 when she enrolled in a short sign language course at Lismore TAFE so she could communicate better with a deaf child who lived next door.

Discovering how few courses and services there were for deaf people, Karen lobbied for Auslan classes and interpreting services to become available at Lismore TAFE. She then became the first accredited interpreter in the area.

Today Lismore TAFE has three permanent Auslan courses, three signed English courses and boasts the largest enrolment in Auslan courses anywhere in regional NSW.

According to her colleague Bronwyn Watson, who met Karen during that first signed English course in 1984, the development of these services would simply not have been possible without Karen.

"She was dynamite - a great visionary who didn't let obstacles get in her way and could achieve anything she put her mind to," Bronwyn said. "The first word that comes to mind when I think of Karen is humble - she was a gracious, compassionate woman and a truly beautiful human being. She will be missed by all those who knew her."

Bronwyn says Karen's attitude towards life was summed up poignantly by her friend and colleague Vicki Heydon-White at her funeral, saying "There is a quote of Margaret Mead which echoes one of Karen's beliefs - that is "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

As well as her work with the deaf community, Karen was a mentor, teacher and volunteer who had a special passion for nature and gem fossicking.

Her funeral was held at Bexhill Cemetery.

She is survived by her two children, Christopher and Belinda, partner Steve, mum Shirley and sisters Deborah and Annette.

Scottish folk go nuts over Dunoon

Andrew and Colette Cannon (pictured) have travelled half way around the world and have found a place that's pretty close to home. The siblings from Glasgow visited Dunoon recently, where they got macadamia nuts and postcards to take back to the townspeople of Dunoon in Scotland, just 12km from their home.

The pair arrived in Lismore nine months ago to stay with family and friends in a cross-cultural adventure that most children their age only dream about.

Asked the best things about Australia the answer from Colette was quite clear.

"The wildlife and the friendly people have been fantastic," she said.

The Scottish siblings intend to stay in contact with their Australian friends via email once they return home.

Primate visits Lismore

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Recently arrived Sudanese refugee Gabriel Majok, Archbishop Dr Peter Carnley and Teagan Brownrigg chat after Sunday's church service at St Andrew's in Lismore.

The head of the Anglican Church in Australia, Archbishop Dr Peter Carnley, visited St Andrew's Anglican Church in Lismore on Sunday to mark 100 years since the church's first foundation stone was laid.

The faithful congregated to the sweet sounds of St Andrew's historic bells.

Dr Carnley is well known for his views on social justice and promoting women in the church.

In 1992, he ordained Australia's first female priest. Speaking after the service, the Primate said women have a definite role to play as members of the clergy.

"Women have been badly treated in general and as priests they definitely deal with things like conflict resolution sometimes better than men," he said.

Dr Carnley said the Church faces a challenging future.

"Religion has divided the world and the real challenge for the Church is to unite the world and isolate the extremist and radical political elements that have all led to this division," he said.

Due to step down as Primate in nine months, the Archbishop intends to take things easy for a while.

"When I retire I will build a garden where I will grow my tulips and look forward to reading and writing as well as spending time with my family." he said.

Cooking up a lesson in life

First year apprentice chefs Eli Fraser, 18, of Jiggi and Mieko Tuckey, 16, of East Ballina with acclaimed chef Neil Perry during a visit to Wollongbar TAFE this week.

One of Australia's greatest chefs, Neil Perry, visited the Wollongbar TAFE campus this week to pass on his wisdom and experience to commercial cookery students.

Over the last two decades Mr Perry has helped shape the Australian food scene through his flagship Sydney restaurant Rockpool - acclaimed as one of the world's top 50 restaurants - and a number of other ventures, from fresh curry pastes for Woolworths and in-flight meals for Qantas. He also has his own TV show on Pay TV.

He started out as a restaurant manager, but soon gravitated towards the kitchen, inspired by his butcher father, who he used to accompany on trips to the Casino saleyards to buy cattle.

Mr Perry is a big fan of local produce, from Bangalow pork to Yamba prawns, and was keen to pass on his tips, which ranged from keeping fit to travelling overseas to gain experience.

"I think it's important that the students be shown just what is possible in today's global gastronomic society," he said.

The chef's visit was part of Qantas' Sharing the Spirit program.

Herb Festival 2004

The annual Northern Rivers Greenridge Herb Festival was the biggest it has ever been this year, with an estimated 20,000 visitors attending under sunny skies over the two days.

The festival drew people of all ages and all walks of life to Riverside Park for the weekend, with punters enjoying everything from hip hop dancing and canoe rides to bush food workshops and live music.

The images below capture some of the colour and magic of the event.

Photos courtesy of Lismore Camera Club.

Two many cooks

Celebrating their success in the professional section of the Herb Festival Recipe Cook Off earlier this week were Basilico partners Peeter Pruul (centre) and Steven Silcock with Kadina High School year 11 student Sulmae Moffat, who has been lucky enough to do work experience with these prize-winning restaurateurs.

It was probably the most ambitious progressive dinner the region has ever seen. As part of the Herb Festival, four judges - Matthew Evans and Simon Thomsen from the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, Vogue Entertaining deputy editor Sally Webb and food writer Belinda Jeffrey - ate at five restaurants in Lismore, Ballina and Byron Bay on Saturday night to judge the professional section of the Recipe Cook Off. Chefs submitted recipes featuring macadamia nuts and a herb of choice.

Mr Evans said he was impressed by the standard of the dishes and skills of the local chefs.

"This has been a really enjoyable competition to judge," he said.

In the end, the judges couldn't separate the best dishes: Basilico in Lismore was declared joint winner with Fins in Byron.

Basilico chef Peeter Pruul served pan-fried whiting filled with a scallops and chervil mousseline on steamed spinach and asparagus, finished with lemon and macadamia nut beurre blanc to tantalise the judges tastebuds, while Steve Snow from Fins served an apple and macadamia polenta cake with lemon myrtle.

The Ramada Riverside came second with a spiced white chocolate parfait with a macadamia nut praline, and fresh apple and mint salad.

Free women's health training

Cervical screening coordinator, Sandi Hill, explains the Bodies Matter/Pap Test Kit materials to helper Susan Walker.

A successful way of spreading health messages through local communities will soon be introduced soon to the local area, starting with free training courses for older women who will form the basis of the network.

The courses will start in late September.

The first phase of the program will focus on promoting the benefits of regular pap tests to women in the local area, explained cervical screening coordinator, Sandi Hill, who works for Northern Rivers Area Health's western community health.

"Using the Learning Circles method, we will be helping the first volunteers to use the special Bodies Matter/Pap Test Kits in a group setting such as service or sporting clubs, or other social groups," Ms Hill explained.

"The Learning Circles help to create a 'ripple effect' that spreads information to target groups in the local community. The initial focus will be on the need for more widespread pap testing amongst older women, say 40 to 70."

Inviting all interested women to contact her for details of the training sessions, which will be held over two successive days, she said, "These educational tools are very innovative and great fun to learn and work with. The material includes quiz cards, information sheets and activities such as bringing along news clips and articles, or photos and other memorabilia for discussion.

"The Learning Circles are a fun way of involving people in the discussion of important messages for their well-being," Ms Hill said.

Once the core groups have been trained, they will be given the necessary materials and supported in their community liaison work.

"This is a pilot program and the first in a series for women that will discuss key health issues," Sandi Hill added.

"Research shows that the adult motivation to learn is usually practical, arising from life experiences or community problems. This is why the kits were developed in the way they were. The best adult learning encourages and supports a process of critical reflection on what we think we already know."

Learning Circles Australia, a highly regarded learning group, was contracted by the NSW Cervical Screening Program to produce peer educational approaches to such issues as cervical screening. The methodology has been combined with the special 'Bodies Matter' kits to encourage the group session programs.

For information on how to become involved in this free initiative, leave a message for Sandi Hill at NRAHS Community Health on 6620 2967.

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