The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Local crime falls

New crime figures from the independent Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) have found a major drop in theft from cars and break-ins over the last two years.

In the Richmond/Tweed area, break and enter in non-dwelling is down 21 per cent to 1254 offences and steal from a motor vehicle is down 23.9 per cent to 1538 offences. Dwelling break and enter also fell 6.6 per cent while assault dropped by 5.3 per cent - although 2466 people were assaulted in the 12 months to September 2004.

Other crimes were classified as stable, although car stealing dropped by more than 110 thefts to 742 vehicles and sexual assault rose by 35 attacks to 198 offences in the last year. Indecent assault and other sexual offences fell by 58 to 205 offences. Theft from a person dropped by 52 to 273 offences.

The trends are consistent with state-wide statistics that showed that crime had fallen or remained stable.

Local police have credited the success to an increase in high visibility policing and a series of operations to "interrupt the cycle of crime".

But crime still remains a major problem in council regions like Lismore, and to a lesser extent Ballina, which feature regularly in the 'top 50' local government area crime hot spots in NSW last year.

Measured as a percentage of crimes per head of population, Lismore had the dubious honour of featuring well up the ladder for assault (ranked 19), followed by Byron (41) and Ballina (50). While today, November 25, is 'White ribbon day', a United Nations campaign against relationship violence, Lismore (30), Ballina (44) and Kyogle (47), are listed on the top 50 areas for domestic violence-related assault.

Other problem areas for the Lismore LGA include sexual assault (31), robbery (48), dwelling break and enter (41), non-dwelling break and enter (12), motor vehicle theft (26), stealing from a vehicle (48), and stealing from a person (40).

Ballina also appears for stealing from a vehicle (47), while the Byron local government area also features regularly in the top 50.

Queen bee takes a spell

Therese Schier

Evans River K-12 school spelling champs Chloe Timms and Alix Curtin are all smiles after their success in the Premier's Spelling Bee state finals. Chloe came second in the K-3 section and Alix was 10th in the year 4-6 section.

If you have trouble spelling, you should ring Chloe Timms of Evans Head for help. The seven-year-old came second in the Premier's Spelling Bee state finals in Sydney last Wednesday, out-spelling 400 students in the K-3 division before stumbling on the word 'rhapsody'.

Proud mum Mara Timms said Chloe was less nervous than some other finalists, but knew she got it wrong after being asked to spell the word by commentator Gordon Bray in the ABC's Sydney concert hall.

"For some, spelling correctly is stressful enough under ordinary conditions," Mara said. "But with the clock ticking, a hall full of partisan on-lookers and a number of cameras aimed at your face, it was very nerve wracking."

Chloe is in year 2 at Evans River K-12 school, where her mum is also a teacher.

"She reads all the time. If anyone's learning she wants to be in on it. She wanted to do homework like her older brother when she was just two and a half," Mara said.

Year 6 schoolmate Alix Curtin also made it to the finals and was placed 10th in the year 4-6 division of the final.

More than 800 primary school students from 430 schools across the state took part in the contest and the Evans River School was one of only two schools in the state to have finalists in both age divisions.

"We're incredibly proud of her," Mara said. "We knew she could spell, but doing it under pressure is much more daunting."

Currently Chloe is reading a book about a dog who knows how to talk but keeps it a secret. She hopes to enter the spelling contest again next year.

How to survive after school

Story and photo: Julian Ryan

Safe partying campaigner Michael Buttenshaw (front) with Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge (RRISK) team members (l-r) Melissa Halling, Shannon Turner, Renee Leslie, Natalie Scheef, Philip Bateman, Alecia Van Hest and Kylie Edmonds at the first RRISK seminar held at Southern Cross University on Tuesday.

After a night of drinking and smoking cannabis, Ballina teenager Michael Buttenshaw and two young female friends went on a deadly joy ride.

Michael lost control of his car. His two passengers were killed and Michael was left with serious head injuries, permanent lung damage and will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. He has paid a very high price for a rash moment of youthful stupidity.

That was in 1989, and following years of intensive rehabilitation, Michael now devotes his time to educating young people about risk-taking behaviours when they're out celebrating.

On Tuesday, Michael was a guest speaker at the first of three Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge (RRISK) seminars for more than 2000 young people from 26 local high schools.

His message was simple: you can have a good time without having a dangerous time.

"I want to help young people to keep away from drugs and alcohol and to tell them that you must never drink and drive," he said.

Alstonville High student and member of the RRISK team, Natalie Scheef, said the seminar sent a very powerful message.

"Today has made a huge impact on me and my friends and I am certain that none of us would ever get into a car with someone who has been drinking."

The RRISK seminars are a joint initiative between a number of organisations, from schools to councils and police.

$1 million for Ballina townhouses

Lennox Head based developer Chris Condon plans to turn the former Ballina Quays Marina site into a $25 million residential development, with the big end of town in mind.

Anchorage Point will be a strata title development made up of 21 two-storey villas and 20 apartments ranging in price from $750,000 to $1.5 million.

Owners will enjoy private access to the river with a 25 berth floating pontoon, a jetty and a lagoon-style swimming pool, a barbeque area and two car parking spaces.

Mr Condon said the original Development Application (DA) was approved by Council six months ago, but would go before Council today to seek further amendments.

"I'm asking for a variation of the original Development Control Plan to allow a medium density development," Mr Condon said. "I am definitely aiming at a niche market of investor who is moving to the area looking for an exceptional location and amenity."

Brent wins the rat race

19-year-old Brent Hall from Meerschaum Vale with his invention the Bush Rat, which recently won him the $50,000 Nescafé Big Break.

Brent Hall does n't drink instant coffee, but he's glad the rest of his family does.

The 19-year-old inventor saw an entry form for the Nescafé Big Break on the coffee jar and thought he'd give it a go, never expecting that eight months later he'd beat 5000 other applicants to win the $50,000 prize.

"It's pretty amazing, I'm sort of having trouble breathing at the moment," Brent said after receiving the news. "I thought being the country kid I wouldn't get much support, but my local community really got behind me."

The Meerschaum Vale teenager won the $50,000 Nescafé Big Break for a hand-propelled macadamia nut harvester called the Bush Rat. It eliminates the need for hand picking - a back-breaking job at the best of times. The money will help him set up a workshop and begin producing the innovative harvester in commercial quantities, or as Brent puts it, release "a plague of Bush Rats".

"Without the prize money it would have taken five or 10 years to get to this point - I'm just stunned because I thought I had no chance," Brent said. "The local support has been overwhelming."

Brent's family, who've lived in the area for five generations, said it was local support that got him across the line.

"We live in a very small country town and I think the community spirit really came alive," said his mother Leanne. "It really is touching to see how they've gotten behind him."

Nimbin aged meet

The future of Nimbin's aged care facility Mulgum House will be discussed at a forum at Nimbin Town Hall next Tuesday, November 30, at 5.30pm.

The forum will be presented with the results of the community survey, plus the analysis of models for the facility's future management, prepared by the Mulgum House Action Group.

West Ballina arterial route

Ballina Council is planning to choose the best route for the West Ballina Arterial road. An all-day planning session to identify issues about the route will be held at the Ballina Motor Inn this Monday, November 29, from 9.30am.

The day will be broken into two sessions: in the morning Council will seek community input. In the afternoon, councillors will work towards deciding a preferred road alignment.

For details, contact Ballina Council civil works group manager John Truman on 6686 4444.

Ron over

Tregeagle farmer Ron Weir had a not-so-lucky escape on the weekend when he was crushed by a truck at the Bangalow Show. Mr Weir, who stepped down as show society president after 27 years, was collecting gate fees on Saturday when a truck attempted to pass by, crushing him against a car. He suffered a fractured pelvis and was taken to Lismore Base Hospital, where he is expected to remain for the next few weeks. Representatives of the Showmen's Guild came to Lismore to present Mr Weir with a certificate of appreciation for his work as show president.

Disability council

A local Disability Council is being planned to give people with a disability a forum in which to have their concerns heard and seek advice on issues relating to disabilities. A forum to gather interest, support and ideas for the Council's establishment will be held next Tuesday, November 30, at the Goonellabah Community Centre from 9.45am.

For information or transport arrangements, phone Jacob Baldwin on 6624 4055.

Lennox Head rally

Opponents of Coastal Grove estate development in Survey Street, Lennox Head, are holding a public meeting this Sunday, November 28. Spokesperson Mandy Andrews says the estate is overdevelopment and the master plan for the site has a range of environmental, traffic and safety problems. The matter will be decided by the NSW Government and she is urging people to write to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources by December 17 with their views.

The meeting will be held on vacant land opposite the site from 5pm.

For more information, call Mandy on 6687 7844 or email concernedresidents_surveyst@yahoo.com.au

Nimbin's in fashion

Gloria Meltzer

Rhea Clarke and Rosemary Taylor model clothes from the upcoming Nimbin fashion show

Fashionistas used to keeping an eye on the catwalks of Milan and Paris will have their attention diverted next month when more than 60 models strut their stuff for 12 designers at the Nimbin Fashion Show.

While the catwalk may lack a Naomi or Claudia, if you happen to have a normal body, the good news is the clothes are designed for people of all shapes, sizes and ages.

Show co-organiser Christina Chester said the models reflect that philosophy.

"I choose models who have a good presence, who can walk the catwalk with confidence, and who have a nice smile. This is what really matters, not their body shape or their age," she said.

Christina is also a designer and her own work - colourful, hand-painted dresses, tops, flowery long skirts, coats and hats - will be on show.

Fellow organiser David Hyett said fashion is a good industry for people who like to work from home.

"It suits our environment and the way that we live, and at the same time to provide a link to outside industry," he said.

David promises a show that pulls out all stops.

"We're creating an event that will support growth in the area of fashion design in Nimbin, thus giving local people new career options."

Artist Pauline Ahern is a first-time contributor who's taken up the challenge. Her exotic range of jackets 'for the mature woman' is designed from offcuts, remnants from friends and materials found in second-hand stores and markets. She'll launch her own label, Powerlina Productions, at the show.

The Nimbin Fashion Show promises to be a spectacular and professional event. It will be held at the Nimbin Town Hall in three sessions over December 3 and 4. Tickets are available from Perceptio's Bookshop.

A step in the right direction

The second Step to the Future youth forum at Southern Cross University was a huge success last week, with more than 450 students turning up to hear about the life experiences of high-profile Australians.

Enjoying the day were NBL star Eric Bailey, NSW Young Australian of the Year Sarah Dunbar, founder of Eagle Boys Pizza Tom Potter and former Federal Minister Larry Anthony with some of the many of the students who attended the day-long forum.

Throughout the day the speakers shared stories with the young students, inspiring them to strive for their dreams and reach their full potential in life.

The best training by far

North Coast Institute of TAFE director Neil Black and Institute manager of organisational development Lorelle Champion with the North Coast Institute's award for Australia's best large training provider.

The 35,000 people who attend classes at the North Coast Institute of TAFE can rest assured they're getting the best training in the country, after the North Coast Institute was named Australia's best large training provider at the 2004 Australian Training Awards in Melbourne last week.

Institute director Neil Black was delighted with the award and attributed the success to the "incredibly hard-working and passionate teachers" and staff.

Lismore campus manager Gary Smith, said people should move quickly to get a place in their preferred course for 2005.

"Now's the time for prospective students to beat the rush by enquiring at the campus about their preferences, getting an application in - even if it's late - or exploring other options and courses. They just need to talk to us," he said.

Mr Smith said that there were still vacancies in high demand areas like accounting, administration, business management and information technology.

For more information, phone 131 601 or visit www.nci.tafensw.edu.au.

Norco profit stays steady

For the second year running, dairy cooperative Norco has posted a $2.3 million profit, despite a drop in sales. It was the fourth consecutive profit for the company, consolidating its viability in the wake of dairy deregulation in the late 1990s.

Holding its annual general meeting in Coffs Harbour last Wednesday - and outside Lismore for the first time in a century of business - new CEO Murray Richardson, who took control of the company in October, said Norco's profitability compared favourably with rival dairy co-ops, which had seen profits slump, adding that the diversity of the company's interests helped maintain its profitability. Sales fell five per cent to $164 million in the 2003-04 financial year, but the company continued to invest and expand, purchasing five new rural stores on the mid-north coast, and investing $3.4 million to expand its Lismore-based ice-cream division to produce moulded stick products.

Norco's Casino-based skim milk joint venture, which became unsustainable due to a poor global market, has been merged to create Richmond Dairies in a bid to reduce costs and secure a market for surplus milk.

Norco also repaid $3.3 million to 'dry shareholders' in July and continues to pay a higher price for milk than many of its competitors. Members will receive a 4.5 per cent dividend and the share contribution scheme has been deferred to optimise cash for members in the face of continuing drought conditions.

The co-operative's financial strength has also seen it refinance recently, moving to the Commonwealth Bank.

The cream of the crop

Around 40 Norco staff were presented with certificates recently after successfully completing studies in a range of TAFE courses.

In partnership with the North Coast Institute of TAFE, Norco ran a number of in-house traineeships, with staff training in areas from frontline management to food processing.

Many of the staff are long-term employees with Norco, and the courses gave them a chance to have their existing skills recognised, while gaining others for the future.

"The development of our people is the key to our future," said Norco CEO Murray Richardson. "The dairy industry has been rationalised for several years and is becoming increasingly competitive. Our success in the future will be dependent to a large part on the ability of our people to provide better products and service to our customers."

No bird is an island

Lismore mayor Merv King and bird lover Molly Crawford discuss plans for bird islands on Lismore Lake. Cr King is holding a model boat recovered from the lakebed when the water receded in recent months.

While pressing ahead with plans to allow rowing on Lismore Lake, Lismore Council is also planning to follow up on recommendations made by the National Parks & Wildlife Service and build three small islands on the lake to provide safe habitat for birds.

Mayor Merv King said the islands will be located in shallow areas at the southern end, near the north-western corner and near the western bank towards the middle of the lake.

"These locations will ensure that a long, wide section of water is available for the potential future use of the Lismore Rowing Club," he said.

"These islands will provide a safe haven for some of our endangered species."

The proposal aims to take advantage of the very low water level within the lake from the current dry spell. Council now has permission to pump into the lake, but has been prevented from doing so under the licence conditions due to low river flows.

A development application addressing any impacts caused by the plan is now on public display for comment.

Construction of a sheltered bird observation hide near the eastern bank of the lake is also being planned as part of an EnviTE Green Corps environmental project.

The colour of money

Summerland Credit Union staff members Ranae Allman (right) and Sasha Rattray are encouraging kids to enter the Colour Your Christmas colouring in competition and be in the running to win cash accounts.

A little imagination and a pack of textas is all you need to enter The Northern Rivers Echo/Summerland Credit Union 'Colour Your Christmas' colouring in competition, and be in the running to win cash accounts.

The entry form, downloadable here, features a Christmas themed picture with a distinct local flavour by graphic artist Jeni Binns. Entry forms are also available from The Echo office and the Summerland Credit Union's Lismore branch at 101 Molesworth Street.

Children can enter in two categories (5-8 years or 9-12 years) with three prizes in both categories - a Junior Saver Account with a $100, $50 or $25.

All entries will be displayed on the walls of the Credit Union in the lead up to Christmas.

"We want to encourage children to save and this is a great way to get them started," said Summerland Credit Union regional supervisor Debbie Davidson. "We also want to add a bit of colour and vibrancy to the branch for Christmas and thought this is a perfect way to do just that."

Entries can be dropped in at the Credit Union or posted to Colour Your Christmas, c/- Summerland Credit Union, PO Box 657, Lismore, NSW, 2480. Entries close on December 10.

The winners will be announced on Monday, December 13.

The art of good health

Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise secretary, Dr Malcolm Tester, with one of the stunning Aboriginal artworks that will for sale at an exhibition in Lismore next week.

Painting can be good for your health - as local indigenous artists have found. Many of them have painted works for the Art of the Bundjalung Nation exhibition, a fundraiser for Aboriginal Health Services, to be held at Lismore City Hall from next Friday. Many of the artworks have been painted by people who use the service.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise, the exhibition is a rare opportunity for art lovers to own beautiful Aboriginal art whilst raising money for treatment into Type 2 diabetes - a major health issue in Aboriginal communities.

"If we can improve the quality of treatment we can improve the quality of life for indigenous people," said Dr Malcolm Tester. "But it does require money, and that's where the community comes in. The works are of an exceptional quality and we know that art lovers will not be disappointed."

Art of the Bundjalung Nation opens next Friday, December 3, at Lismore City Hall from 5.30pm, with traditional Aboriginal performances and refreshments. A painting by local artist Albert 'Digby' Moran will be auctioned. Tickets to the launch are $15 from Dymocks in Molesworth Street.

The exhibition will then be open daily from 10am to 4pm, and runs until December 8. Entry is by gold coin.

Rotary has also organised a fantastic raffle featuring an artwork by a descendant of Albert Namatjira - the pioneer of indigenous Australian art.

For more information, phone Dr Malcolm Tester on 6624 2423.

Uni takes its foot off the gas

Southern Cross University vice chancellor, Professor Paul Clark, and the new electric car.

What's bright yellow, powered by batteries and tows up to six tonnes? No, it's not the energiser banana but one of two new electric cars at Southern Cross University.

The $30,000 cars will replace petrol-driven maintenance vehicles used on the campus, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 16 tonnes per annum, and saving more than $7000 a year in fuel costs.

The NSW-built cars can travel at up to 32km/h and will be used mainly for mail deliveries and maintenance.

SCU vice chancellor, Paul Clark, said he'd like to see electric cars used in universities everywhere.

"Just last week, the International Energy Agency predicted that carbon dioxide emissions would be almost 40 per cent higher by the end of the decade than they were in 1990," he said. "It's imperative that we all do our bit to contribute to a more sustainable energy system and environment."

Our kids breathe easier

Our Kids fundraising officer Rebekka Battista and paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall (both left) demonstrate the new ventilator worth $47,000 donated by Sunnybrand Chickens directors Ron Lang and Sam Gilmore.

A recent trip to Lismore Base Hospital to visit his young grandson prompted Sunnybrand Chickens director Sam Gilmore to donate a new ventilator worth $47,000 to the Our Kids Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund.

The vital piece of equipment will be used in the hospital's Special Care Nursery, providing life support for newborns that are premature or sick and need assistance with their breathing.

"It's just such a huge donation - it would have taken a lot sausage sizzles and raffles to raise this sort of money," said Our Kids fundraising officer Rebekka Battista. "The ventilator has been on our wish-list since Our Kids started and for someone to come along and donate the whole amount is amazing. I was speechless - I got off the phone from Sam and just cried."

Sunnybrand Chickens have donated numerous pieces of smaller equipment in the past.

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