The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Kids for every day of life

Story & photo: Terra Sword

A local clown doctor shows two-year-old Taylah Bell (aka Miss January) and her parents David and Deborah her beautiful portrait in the 2005 Our Kids calendar, which was launched in Spinks Park yesterday.

Taylah Bell has spent more time in hospital than most people would face in an entire lifetime, even though she's only two.

The bubbly redhead was born with Turner's Syndrome, and she has since had seven operations on her heart, head and bowels, as well as countless visits to Lismore Base Hospital for additional treatment.

Despite this traumatic start in life, or perhaps because of it, Taylah has grown into a bright and vibrant little girl with an amazing strength of spirit - making her the perfect subject for the annual Our Kids calendar.

Her beautiful portrait is one of 12 taken by local photographer Jacklyn Wagner for the 2005 edition, which was launched in Spinks Park yesterday.

Every child featured in the calendar has received care at the Special Care Nursery or Children's Ward at Lismore Base Hospital. Proceeds will go to the Our Kids charity to care for other children just like Taylah.

"It's absolutely superb - really elegant," said Our Kids fundraising officer Rebekka Battista of the new calendar. "My son has been featured in the calendar and it's a real joy as a parent to see these photos - they are so moving. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the lives of these children and raise vital funds."

The calendar is just $15 and available in Lismore from Dymocks, the Book Warehouse, Café 29, Lismore Base Hospital, McDonalds, Northern Rivers Surgical Supplies, The Left Bank and Dr Chris Ingall's surgery. In Ballina get one from Caddies, Bizarre Music, McDonalds and East Ballina Supermarket, in Kyogle at the pharmacy, Eden Country Store and Richard Malawkin Dental Surgery, in Casino at McDonald Pharmacy, Primac Elders and McDonalds, as well as Wollongbar Post Office, or to make an order phone Rebekka on 6620 2705.

Alstonville puts on a show

Story & photo: Julian 'Mr Showman' Ryan

Bonview Charolais Stud owner Beverly Bryant and Alstonville Show Society president Greg Gordon with four year old Gunnaddo Posie and seven month old Bonview Zoro.

Tregeagle farmer Noel Bryant, owner of the Bonview Charolais Stud, reckons breeding stud cattle is a labour of love.

Noel has been showing stud cattle locally for the last 25 years and said he certainly doesn't do it for the accolades or recognition.

"I've been involved with cattle for about 50 years now and once it gets into your blood it's very hard to get rid of," he said. "Of course it's nice to come home with a few ribbons but if you don't it doesn't really matter."

You can see Noel's cattle and a whole lot more at this weekend's Alstonville Show on Friday and Saturday. This is the 116th Alstonville Show and according to Show Society president Greg Gordon the annual event is still relevant to local residents.

"In spite of changing demographics the show remains an integral part of rural life and I believe this one will be every bit as good as ever," he said. "I have been doing this job for five years and encourage members of the public to meet the committee and let us know how we can improve future shows."

Other highlights of the show include the championship dog show featuring 306 entrants, plus ring events on both days, poultry, cattle judging and camp draft events.

The show will be opened at 2pm on Saturday by Ballina mayor Phil Silver as part of the Grand Parade, followed by the sashing of the Alstonville Showgirl.

On Saturday afternoon, be entertained by BJ the Magician and the Celtic Dancers plus all the usual side show attractions, rides and the monster fireworks display from 7.30pm.

For more information on the Show phone Dot Smith on 6628 0358.

Helen's book is all show

Helping launch Helen Trustum's new history book, It's Showtime! at the North Coast National last week were MP Thomas George, Jason Somerville and Darren Perkins, who paid $2600 for the first copy, Helen, the prodigious and profilic author, and ABC personality Colin Munro.

At 600 pages, you could say Helen Trustum's book on the history of local country shows, It's Showtime! is a bargain at $2600. That's how much Jason Somerville and Darren Perkins from George & Fuhrmann paid for the first copy of the book when it was auctioned by Lismore MP Thomas George at the North Coast National on Friday. The proceeds will go to the Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.

Thankfully, you can pick up a copy for just $45, at Dymocks, Ian Weir & Son, and other local stock and station agents.

The book details the fascinating history of 16 shows, with plenty of pictures of bygone celebrations.

The book even contains something for art buffs. A photo of the Maclean Show society committee features a young lad wandering past in the foreground. It's the famous artist Ken Done, who grew up in the river town as son of the society's president.

Lismore man in paedophile swoop

A 52-year-old Goonellabah man has been charged with possessing child pornography as police continue their month-long nationwide investigation into internet child pornography.

Lismore detectives executed a search warrant on the man's Goonellabah house last Friday morning, seizing a computer hard drive and other computer materials. After examining them, the man was charged on Wednesday and has been granted conditional bail to appear in Lismore Local Court on November 15.

The raid was part of a national police crackdown code named Operation Auxin.

Detective Sergeant Shane Diehm said the items seized by Police will be sent to the Office of Film and Literature Classification for assessment. He appealed to the public for assistance in identifying anyone involved in the abuse of children.

"Any person who has information concerning suspected child pornography is encouraged to contact their local police station," he said.

This latest arrest follows the charging of a Brunswick Heads man with similar offences earlier this month.

Operation Auxin began on September 25 with a nationwide swoop that saw police raid 400 homes and arrest 198 people. The raids were in response to a global investigation led by the American authorities, which tracked thousands of people around the world who accessed child porn websites hosted by Russian organised crime gangs.

A year-long investigation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers led to them passing on the names of 600 Australian suspects, including their credit card details, to Australian Federal Police. The initial raids were on people who had close contact with children.

The Goonellabah man's arrest was the result of information found following a police search at a property on Sydney's northern beaches earlier last week. Around 80 per cent of more than 150 search warrants sought by Strike Force Auxin officers in NSW have now been executed as their investigations into child pornography continue.

On Tuesday night, the NSW Parliament passed tougher laws relating to child pornography. Plans are also afoot to introduce a national paedophile register.

Children's plan

The YWCA Lismore Communities for Children Project is holding a public meeting for all Lismore the parents of children aged 0-5, next Thursday, November 5, at the Lismore Workers Club, 12noon to 2pm.

The meeting will launch the Project's draft Community Action Plan, and they are seeking feedback.

Lismore Communities for Children will spend $3 million over the next four years for local early childhood development initiatives. They include supporting the health and early development needs of young children aged 0 to 5 years, supporting parents and building child-friendly communities.

Rain win

David Callachor from Goonellabah is the proud owner of a rainwater tank worth $5000 after winning the North Coast National rainwater tank competition.

The competition was a joint initiative between Lismore City Council and Rous Water to promote the benefits of retaining rainwater and as well as highlighting cost saving benefits through rebates.

Kids splash

This Friday the Goonellabah Little Citizens Play Group will hold a 'water fun' day at the Goonellabah Community Centre between 10am and 12noon.

The day is designed to celebrate Play Group Week and also to attract new members.

Entry is $2.50 and everyone is welcome.

For more information phone Allison on 6621 3640.

Better Business

Ballina Shire Council is the first local council in NSW to adopt a high-tech solution to liquid waste management.

The system uses GPS satellite technology to electronically monitor liquid waste transports 24 hours a day and can accurately ascertain pick up and disposal locations of liquid wastes.

The system began in September and will continue to be phased in over the next few months.

Parkland up for grabs?

Lismore City Council is looking at selling parkland on the corner of Brewster and Magellan Streets, adjacent to the expanded Lismore Shopping Square, as commercial land - even though it's currently home to the Lismore Workers Soccer clubhouse and its playing field, as well as disused public toilets.

Council's properties manager, Lindsay Walker, said Council had been approached by a commercial operator interested in the site, and was advertising the possibility that it could be developed to gauge community feedback on whether the land should be rezoned.

"We're not persuaded that it's the right thing to do. Both staff and councillors are very mindful of the value of public land and would not lightly propose any rezoning or reclassification," he said.

Mr Walker said Council had liased with the Workers Soccer Club about the proposal.

"They have been given undertakings that they will not be disadvantaged in any way should any proposal proceed."

Residents can contact Council to comment on 6625 0500.

* See letters, page 6.

Police catch Goonellabah crims

Police have arrested five youths in the last fortnight for their involvement in break-ins and car thefts in the Goonellabah area over the past few months.

Last week police saturated the area, doorknocking every house seeking information. As a result, two teenagers were charged over the armed robbery of the Goonwah Chinese restaurant on October 5. The Lismore youths, aged 16 and 17, have been charged with armed robbery and are currently before the court.

Another youth, aged 17, has been charged with home invasion and assault following an attack at a house in High Street, Lismore Heights, earlier this month, when he was disturbed by the residents during the break-in.

Police crime prevention officer Senior Constable Michael Hogan said the arrested were possible thanks to assistance from the public.

Enquiries are continuing into the thieves behind a ram-raid at the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club on September 22 and an armed robbery at Video Ezy on September 15.

However, Police have resolved another long-running problem - letterbox attacks - after interviewing five youths, aged 18, 17 and 16. They were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act, aimed at keeping the youths out of the criminal justice system. They were cautioned over 24 incidences in Alstonville, City Acres, Blue Hills and Goonellabah.

"The youths have volunteered to pay compensation for the damage they have caused," Snr Const Hogan said.

Residents riled of land loss

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

McLeans Ridges residents Sue and Mary Colquhoun, Greg Thompson, Greg Luker, Jocelyn Ross, Mike Baker and Ian Gailer on the land they say should never be developed.

A group of McLeans Ridges residents are angry that a house may be built on land they claim should never be developed.

The residents say that when Lismore City Council originally approved the Satinwood Park rural housing development, a 1.5 hectare block was reserved for rainforest and building was prohibited.

Two months ago, residents received a letter from Council explaining that the landowner was seeking an amendment to waive the restrictions.

Greg Thompson, who lives near the vacant block, said previous attempts to amend the legislation by a former owner were unsuccessful, but this time he fears that Council will renege on their promise to keep the land vacant.

"When I bought my property here Council assured me that this land would always be kept as a native reserve and could never be built on," he said. "But this time the Planning Department at the Council told me that the land has been earmarked for development to generate revenue from rates."

Council's planning and development group manager, Mike Bismire, said the future of the land was uncertain at this stage.

"If Council supports the Land and Environment Protection amendment the owner may apply for a development application to build a dwelling on the land."

The matter is expected to come before Council's December meeting.

$1.5 million upgrade for Keen Street

Discussing the Keen Street upgrade are (l-r) Lismore Economic Development Unit manager Isabel Perdriau, Lismore mayor Merv King and Lismore Unlimited vice chairperson Heather Williams.

Lismore Council will begin the long-awaited upgrade of Keen Street in the city's CBD next year after approving the design at last Tuesday's meeting.

The $1.5 million design will replicate Molesworth Street with 45-degree angled parking down the centre of the street, a dedicated parking lane to increase traffic flow and wider pedestrian walkways. The design will also feature box guttering and bollards along the western side of the street and more shade trees.

Work is set to begin in early January - initially, the street will be closed for a fortnight while the road base is rebuilt - and will take three months.

After postponing the works during last financial year, Mayor Merv King said he was happy Council had endorsed the upgrade because of the boost it would provide to the city's economic development.

"The upgrade will be positive for Lismore businesses and shoppers and will provide new impetus for the street," he said.

Cr King said Council is also seeking expressions of interest from businesses that want to create outdoor eating areas on the street.

The upgrade, which features shade trees between every three or four car spaces will cost around 30 parking spaces, but they will be offset by an additional 60 spaces at the northern end of Keen Street, including 30 in an expanded Clive Campbell carpark.

Meanwhile, work has begun to replace water mains in Keen Street. Lismore Water Manager Anu Atukolara said that Council was mindful of the need to keep disruption to a minimum, so work is only to be carried out on weekends. The project will cost $180,000, and is expected to be finished by early December. Parts of the street will be closed between 5pm Fridays and 9am Mondays.

Ballina gallery support

Ballina Arts and Crafts Incorporated (BACI) is one step closer to building a community art gallery after receiving a $35,000 grant from the State Government earlier this month.

Treasurer of BACI John Cochrane said the gallery will be an important cultural venue for the people of the Ballina district.

"The Gallery will be a place for artists to showcase their work as well as a learning centre, where professional and established artists can pass on their talents to other people," he said.

"We thank the public for their ongoing support and encourage them to continue to support this project by purchasing token bricks and also buying raffle tickets."

The gallery is expected to be built at Easton Park, Shaws Bay, and construction is hoped to begin some time next year.

Anyone interested in sponsoring or supporting the project is encouraged to call BACI on 6681 5874.

Bride's best friend says I don't anymore

After nearly half a century in the bridal business Mary Vidler (left) is retiring. Mary is being congratulated by long time employee and new owner Janelle Power.

When Paul Hogan tied the knot for the second time with his on-screen sweetheart Linda Kozlowski, he wanted his bride to look like the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

That's why Hoges turned to Lismore's bridal expert, Mary Vidler, for Linda's wedding dress.

During 46 years in the business the Hogan nuptials are just one of the thousands of weddings that Mary Vidler has helped dress. This Friday, she hangs up the tape measure for the very last time.

Mary began selling and fitting bridal ware in Lismore in the 1950s and has seen fashions come and go.

"Weddings have become less formal but I think that these days the brides are more beautiful because there were no beauticians in the early days," she said.

Mary will be the guest of honour on Saturday night at the Workers Heights Bowling Club where she will be surrounded by more than 200 friends to farewell her into retirement.

"I'm so looking forward to the party because one couple who I dressed for their wedding in 1957 will be in attendance," Mary said.

Next week, Mary Vidler Bridal Gowns will move to new premises at 16 Carrington Street, Lismore, where you can expect the same old-fashioned service from Janelle, whether you are a movie star or not.

Caring for our valued carers

Far North Coast Commonwealth Carer Respite and Carelink Service program manager Katrina Alexander (second from left) and NRAHS area carer support coordinator Jennifer Lamrock (third from left) with Lismore Base Hospital staff (l-r) Denys Wynn, Anne Reynolds and Scott Wagner. They are pictured with a new poster created for carers and health professionals and the 'Hava heart4 Carers' stress balls.

Recognising the vital support given by carers in the community was the focus of National Carers Week recently.

With the theme of 'Health and Wellbeing', the week was aimed at helping promote and raise awareness of the valuable role that carers play. It was an opportunity for carers to come together, support one another and share ideas and information about how to care for themselves.

It was also a chance to promote the Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres and help connect carers with facilities offering a range of support and services.

According to Carers Australia president, Louise Gilmore, carers are ordinary Australians who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

"These people are the mums, dads, daughters, sons and other family members and friends who make sure that their loved ones maintain a quality of life despite disability, mental illness, chronic illness or frail age," she said. "It is becoming increasingly more important to identify these people and to link and encourage them to access the support networks that are available to them. It is vital to help them to gain access to the information, support and advice they need."

In Australia, more than one-in-six people are in a caring role, and much support is unpaid, so it especially important for society to recognise their tremendous dedication.

For more information on services and support available for carers phone area carer support coordinator Jennifer Lamrock on 6681 9406.

Health Service tops state awards

NSW Health Minister, Morris Iemma, with the coordinator of the top award winning team, Jenni Prince (on his left), Department of Health director-general, Robyn Kruk (seated left), NRAHS administrator Chris Crawford (top left) and other members of the award-winning teams. Photo: Robin Osborne

Two teams of clinical staff from the Northern Rivers Area Health Service (NRAHS) have won the state's highest honours for innovation and teamwork in providing quality healthcare to local communities.

The awards, presented at a ceremony in Sydney last Friday night, marked the end of NSW Quality in Health Care Week. Sponsored by the Baxter healthcare supply company and backed by the NSW Government, the awards featured the state's top 50 health projects.

The winner of the 'Continuity of Care' category was the 'Women's Referral and Access Project' (WRAP), put together in Lismore by staff members Kerry Leitch, Val Gilmour and Michelle Sheldrake. The project trialled a model for improving the quality of life, including health and social circumstances, of rural women dependent on illicit drugs.

Not to be outdone, a project aimed at 'Minimising Pethidine Use' in North Coast hospitals won the overall Minister's Award for excellence, the highlight of the night's judging.

The project was coordinated by Jenni Prince, Lismore-based area clinical nurse consultant/pain management, and supported by specialists in emergency medicine and pharmacology.

The aim was to significantly reduce the prescribing of pethidine within Emergency Departments in the Northern Rivers. The project has now been rolled-out across the area.

Once used widely, pethidine - dubbed a 'dirty drug' in Ms Prince's acceptance speech - is regarded as less desirable than morphine as a painkiller for several reasons. These include its potentially toxic effects, shorter duration of action and the risk of serious interactions with other drugs. It is also a common drug of abuse.

At the conclusion of the project, pethidine prescriptions at local hospitals had decreased by 68 per cent, while the number of pethidine ampoules issued to the project hospitals was down by 80 per cent.

A story of survival

Recognising breast cancer survivors by placing 100 pink silhouettes of women in Riverside Park on Monday were organisers Nancy Jaeger (front right) and Sue Lloyd (front left) with local breast cancer survivors (l-r) Judy Santarossa, Veda Dorrough, Zephyr Napaljarri, Robyn Carlill, Mary Ford and Karen Hanlon.

Karen Hanlon of Goonellabah knows that breast cancer can strike at any time.

She was just 38 when she was diagnosed with the life-threatening disease. While she has the all-clear now, the ordeal left her well aware that many younger women don't believe it can happen to them.

"I have two young children and it was very scary - you realise you're not immortal," Karen said. "I had always thought breast cancer was something older women got, but now I know how important it is for young women to have checks. We're actually looking at starting a support group for younger women in the near future. If I had had someone to talk to about the different feelings and emotions I went through when I was diagnosed, it would have made the journey so much easier."

Karen was just one of the many breast cancer survivors who met in Riverside Park, Lismore, on Monday to discuss their experiences. 100 pink silhouettes were placed in the park in recognition of local breast cancer survivors and in memory of those that have been lost.

It's now Karen's mission to promote the benefits of early detection to younger women.

BreastScreen in Lismore advocates, "early detection is the best protection". The organisation offers women aged 50-69 free mammograms, as well as advice and information for women of any age. For an appointment or information phone 132 050.

What's that smell?

Doctoral researcher Joy Bowles is looking at the benefits of aromatherapy oils on aged care patients.

What do acid sulfate soils, dietary fat and stress, grandkids, and women's fashion magazines have in common? Not a lot, except for the fact that they're just some of the diverse topics being researched by postgraduate students at Southern Cross University (SCU).

The researchers have gathered this week for a three-day conference highlighting their work, which will benefit the arts, science, health and business.

Jan Backhouse of Alstonville is researching grandchildren raised by grandparents - an increasing international phenomenon due to changes in family and society, while Scott Henderson of Coraki is studying acid sulfate soil management and Joanne Bradbury of Ocean Shores is looking at a link between dietary fat and stress.

And in the wake of Cathy Freeman swapping trainers for high heels in fashion features Diana Sweeney of Byron Bay is examining the representation of non-white and Aboriginal faces in women's magazines.

Conference coordinator Joy Bowles of Lismore, also a postgraduate researcher, said most participants were in the middle of PhD research programs lasting three or more years.

She said the conference was a chance for postgraduates to present aspects of their work in a supportive environment and receive feedback.

Ms Bowles, a science Honours graduate and established author on aromatherapy, is researching a PhD on aromatherapy and aged care-finding the practice used in 28 of the region's 44 aged care facilities.

"The physical touch, the scent of the oil and its penetration into the skin, the engagement of the carer and the patient all seem to benefit the patient," she said. "Registered nurses, assistants in nursing and activities officers are applying treatments - often it's essential oils and blends of oils used in foot baths, or for short massages of limbs, hands, feet, neck or shoulders."

She said the directors of care at the aged care facilities reported positive effects on psychological symptoms and physical ailments like arthritic pain.

Her PhD study will look at this widespread usage and its positive outcomes.

'Basket weavers' bring back life skills

Katie Charles helps people put their lives back together.

Occupational Therapy began with basketweaving and became a highly skilled profession dedicated to improving people's lives. To mark National Occupational Therapy Week, which runs until Saturday, October 30, Robin Osborne spoke with Katie Charles, one of the new breed of OTs.

As she admits with a laugh, Katie Charles has never woven a basket in her life, yet the profession she proudly represents has its roots in the teaching of remedial basketweaving to incapacitated soldiers during World War II.

Occupational therapy has indeed come a long way and it is now a university-trained discipline like its better-known relation, physiotherapy.

"While physios fix muscles, we do lifestyle things," as Ms Charles said. However, it remains a specialty that is little understood by those who have not had the need to call upon its skills.

Occupational therapists are health professionals who assist people to overcome limitations caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay or the effects of aging. Their goal is to help people move from dependence to independence, and improve their quality of life.

"Occupational therapists in metropolitan areas tend to specialise in their work, for example working with children, or the aged, or doing one specific thing, such as hand-splinting," Ms Charles explained.

"However in a rural setting it's very different. In a day you could be working with kids, helping stroke sufferers or people with farm related injuries," she added. "Each client and every challenge is different, although the goal remains the same - to help people function better in their own environment."

To this end, OTs, as they are known, also involve themselves in preventative work, such as identifying and remedying possible hazards in clients' homes, especially if people are elderly or have health problems.

Originally from southern Queensland, Katie Charles first took a job in Casino before moving to Kyogle Community Health, helping people everywhere from hospital to home, school or the workplace.

For information about careers in occupational therapy, visit www.ausot.com.au.

Women after dark

The organisers of this Friday's Reclaim the Night rally (front l-r) Tania Sirota, Lilian Gomez and Rosalie Kenedy, with (rear) Gabrielle Inman and Liz Hajenko. Photo: Janine Anderton

Women will take to the streets to protest against violence and abuse during the annual Reclaim the Night rally this Friday, October 29.

Kicking off at 5.30pm outside the ACE building in Magellan Street, women will march around the block to the Lismore Library carpark at the Conservatorium, where there will be speakers, performers and an art exhibition, plus a dance party to end the celebrations.

Women are asked to "bring your kids, drums and optimism" and wear the international colours of purple, white and green to show solidarity with women worldwide. Men are encouraged to show their support from the footpaths.

Reclaim the Night originated in Rome in 1976 and became a symbol of hope for women who dreamed of a world free from violence and abuse.

"By taking part in this protest we are able to unite in a joyful celebration of our collective strength and solidarity, demanding not only safety on the streets but at home and in the workplace," said Marie Reilly from the organising collective. "We march to reclaim our public space and demand that which has been denied us - paradoxically, the right to walk alone."

Marie encourages women to help make a difference and turn out in large numbers to mark this significant date for women right across the globe.

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