Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Locals fear Evans Head property boom

The coastal real estate boom is continuing at Evans Head with two large unit developments about to commence construction and one other in the pipeline awaiting Council approval.

But not everyone in the village is happy, despite their rising home values, with some fearing it will change the character of the town and have a negative impact on families and low-income residents.

Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre manager Gretchen Young said it would lead to a shortage of affordable housing for low-income families.

"Little older houses are being demolished to make way for units that don't have the space that young families need," she said.

Her suggestion is that funds the from Section 94 contributions developers pay to council could be set aside for affordable housing.

LJ Hooker proprietor Dianne O'Farrell said she understood the concerns, but there was nothing to worry about.

"Locals are frightened of unit development," Dianne said. "We understand, and as agents we don't want Gold Coast style development either. The village atmosphere is part of the attraction of Evans Head."

Mrs O'Farrell said a shortage of land in Evans Head meant that more unit development was likely, as developers eye off older houses on larger blocks. On the upside, she said the village needs a bigger population to make local businesses more viable.

Brad Dicinoski from Evans Head First National, agents for the three-storey, 25-unit Seaway apartments, said he expected the units will be sold to Sydney and Queensland investors for the holiday market.

"Seaway will bring a new level of architectural design and sophistication to the town," he said.

First National is marketing a three-storey complex containing three retail shops and four luxury units in Oak Street, opposite the hotel, due for completion by April next year.

Brad agreed that the building boom would boost business development in the town.

"We'll get increased demand for services like retail shops and restaurants," he said.

But community activist Dr Richard Gates said Council should not be pushing ahead with large developments without consulting with the community over the social impact.

"There's a great deal of concern in the community about the fact that Evans Head is being taken over by blocks of multiple units," he said.

"People are concerned about the loss of the village character, and changes to the social structure - what happens to families? Do we become a town of rental accommodation and risk social fragmentation because of lack of housing for families? It has the potential to change the demographics of Evans Head."

Dr Gates said council has not developed a social plan for Evans Head to address these issues.

"What are the social implications of this development, and what does this mean for the community?"

It won't rain on the show

Chris Dockerill, steward for the vegetable section at Casino show, gets things ready for the judges.

Despite the dry conditions, this Saturday's Casino show is set to be bigger and better than ever.

There's more sideshows; the cooking section is the biggest for years; there's the Pelican Man; the Magician; wandering clowns; performing dogs and ducks; an animal nursery; a packed evening's entertainment; sideshow alley; cattle, horse and chook competitions and ring events, and, of course, fireworks.

"We're looking forward to an entertaining day," said Show society president, Martin Maloney.

The evening entertainment includes the crowning of Miss Casino Showgirl, and an auction of eligible 'bachelorettes' - and one not so eligible bachelor. There'll be a new night-time ring show, the Outback Horseman Showcase featuring a spectacular musical performance by 10 riders.

The show will also feature the inaugural Clint Edwards Memorial Ute Muster in memory of 18-year-old Clint Edwards who died earlier this year. Competition in the various ute muster categories kicks off at 3pm with the Clint Edwards Memorial Trophy to be presented at 7pm.

Another new event is a junior bull ride for riders who can stay on the bucking bronco for up to 8 seconds and a poddy ride for the under 12 year olds.

The day kicks off at 8am and continues through to midnight.

Ben's a born entertainer

Brian Eggins with his grandmother Heather.

Heather Eggins was in downtown Casino with her young grandson Ben, who has Downs Syndrome, when a friend noticed she was sad.

"Who are you sorry for?" the friend asked. "Ben or you?"

"I realised Ben was happy," Heather said. "From that moment I changed my attitude about Ben."

Ben, now 21, is training in a café, but it's his musical ability that has people talking.

"One day I heard him playing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' on the keyboard," Heather said. "I could see he had an ear for music, and he sat down and copied me."

Over the years Heather and Ben have played and sung together. Last week Ben entertained the crowd at the Windara nursery spring fair.

"He's a born entertainer," Heather said.

Seeing Ben's happiness while playing and the enjoyment of the audience, we could only agree.

She said Ben's musical gift helps to break down the barriers of disability.

"Ben has taught me not to judge people before you know them," she said.