Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Chambers sale

A hastily arranged extraordinary meeting of Richmond Valley Council this Tuesday had Casino residents expecting a decision on the fate of the old Casino Council Chambers.

After considering the issue and tenders for bitumen resealing and an ultra-violet disinfectant system for the Evans Head sewerage treatment plant behind closed doors, a coy general manager, Brian Wilkinson, would only reveal that "council is proceeding with negotiations over the sale of the building on the basis of matters presented to the meeting".

Wedeco Pty Ltd won the tender for the ultra violet disinfectant system, which will help the Evans Head plant comply with EPA license conditions.

Helping hand for a mate

Mates of Shawn Butler, who injured his neck and back after falling from his horse while mustering at Malanganee two months ago, are organising a fundraising night to help with Shawn's expenses whilst he's recovering in Sydney.

Shawn is now at the Ryde rehabilitation centre where wife Sonya is by his side. Close friend Geoff Yates said he's expected to make a full recovery but will take many more months.

"Shawn told me he can now hold a beer, so he must be improving," Geoff said with a grin. "But neither of them are working, so we want to raise money to help cover their expenses".

Items already collected for the auction include a set of jockey silks signed by Sydney jockeys, signed football jerseys and vouchers from local businesses.

Tickets for the two-course dinner and auction on Saturday, September 18, at Casino's Cecil Hotel are still available.

If you have sporting or other goods to donate to the auction, phone Geoff Yates on 6664 7337 or Cameron George on 6682 6226.

Casino Show

Organisers of the 116th anniversary of Casino Show being held on Saturday, October 16, are calling for entries in the Miss Casino Showgirl competition.

The competition is open to young women aged 18-24. Entrants need good general knowledge, a wish to be involved in their local community and of course, an outgoing personality.

Casey Saunders, the 2003 Casino Showgirl, said her experience should encourage other young women to enter the competition.

"This has broadened my knowledge of the area and what is going on in our town," Casey said. "It's been a great experience and I have really enjoyed it."

For further information about the competition contact the showgirl coordinator Jannie Stevens at Vogue on 6662 1325.

Show society president Martin Maloney said despite the dry conditions the program will be jam-packed.

"Entertainment this year will include the Pelican Man from Ballina who will demonstrate his skills on rescuing seabirds," Mr Maloney said.

"The children's favourite, the Magician will entertain throughout the day and Wyreema Animal Farm from Yorklea will operate an animal nursery."

Phone the show office on 6662 5991.

BEC stays in business

The Casino Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) will remain open, despite losing state government funding.

Chairman Mark Miller said that whilst the community-operated BEC would now have to charge for services, it will continue to provide free business resources and referrals.

The centre will be renamed the Richmond Valley Business Centre and will continue to be managed by Shirley McNaughton.

"Shirley has extensive experience and established business networks to call on across the region," Mr Miller said. "She can assist with business planning, organising seminars and offering small business workshops that can be tailored to meet specific needs."

The RVBC will continue to sponsor the free Northern Rivers Rural Financial Counselling Service and the Northern Rivers Aboriginal Enterprise Development officer.

Contact numbers for the services are 666 5055 for the Centre, 6662 6191 or 6662 6503 for the rural counseling service and 6662 6502 for the aboriginal enterprise development officer.

A beef with cancer

Casino builder and cancer fundraiser Ron Davis, with some of the cattle he sold to raise funds for the fight against cancer.

Ron Davis was so impressed with the quality of care his 91-year-old father, Cecil, received in the cancer care unit at Lismore Base hospital, he came up with a unique way to say thank you.

Ron convinced Casino auctioneers T&W McCormack to waive their commission on the sale of his father's steers at Casino's weekly cattle sales and is donating the proceeds of the sale to the cancer care unit.

Now Ron is throwing out a challenge for other local farmers and auctioneers to do the same.

"Contact your usual agent and see if they will contribute," he said.

Ron said his involvement with the unit during his father's treatment convinced him this was a worthy cause.

"You see people of all ages in the unit, including kids," he said. "I wanted to do something to raise money for the cancer care unit. It's a pretty stressful period for everyone and the staff help the patients and the families."

Wednesday's sale raised just over $2000 for the unit.

For more information, contact Ron on 6662 4382.