Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

Relay for Life

This week is Breast Cancer Week across our nation.

Locally, our focus on cancer will culminate at Queen Elizabeth Park with the Casino Relay for Life. The 24-hour event has captured the support and interest of communities throughout the State and is a unique opportunity to support cancer research and participate in a fun-filled social experience at the same time.

Blood needed

Last week I contacted the Australian Red Cross Blood Service in response to the Governor General's urgent appeal for new donors to come forward. You would be heartened to learn that the Blood Service holds Casino people in high regard for their generosity and immediate response to the appeal.

However, more donors are urgently needed, especially first-timers. Become part of a caring group of people who provide the "gift of life" to an estimated 100,000 of their fellow Australians each year.

Visit www .donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to arrange an appointment time to suit your availability.

7th Division Reunion

We have received communication from the 7th Division AIF Association thanking Casino for its hospitality and assistance during their recent reunion. The 7th Division AIF has a proud reputation of service to our country.

Throughout the three functions I attended during the reunion, I developed a better understanding of the quiet pride that these ex-servicemen have in what they were able to achieve in protecting our country from aggression. We heard no talk of war glory but rather a feast of good hearted banter and humorous happenings.

My predominant impression is that these men epitomise that quality of mateship so basic to the Australian character.

Beef Week plans

Beef Week 2005 is off to a good start with the election of a strong committee at its Annual General Meeting.

Led once again by Terry Serone, the 2005 committee has sufficient experience and energies to ensure a successful festival. I'm hopeful that individuals within our community who are not necessarily directly involved in the beef industry will come forward with offers to become involved in Beef Week's planning and projects. Contact Sue Serone on 6662 8181 if you want to help promote Casino's image.

Casino turns 150

Also to be celebrated next year is the sesquicentenary of Casino. Our town was proclaimed in the Government Gazette of November 1855 following the survey made by Frederick Septimus Peppercorne. At its October meeting, Richmond Valley Council determined to initiate action to establish a community committee to plan for the celebration of this milestone in our history. Following discussion at the upcoming meeting of November 16, Council will call for expressions of interest in committee membership.