The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Art for heart's sake

Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise president Kerrie Ellis, with just two of the magnificent Aboriginal artworks on sale during the Art of the Bundjalung Nation exhibition over the next five days.

The largest exhibition of Aboriginal paintings ever held in the region opens this Friday, December 3, at Lismore City Hall.

Art of the Bundjalung Nation will feature more than 200 stunning artworks valued at over $100,000, with a huge variety of styles for all tastes and budgets.

Presented by the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise, the exhibition runs until next Wednesday, December 8. People can browse through the impressive collection and buy their favourite works.

All proceeds will go to Northern Rivers Aboriginal Health Services to help local Aboriginal people with Type 2 diabetes - an ongoing health issue amongst indigenous communities.

"Type 2 diabetes kills people through heart attacks and kidney failure, and is the world's most common cause of preventable blindness. This is a first world country and I believe we have an obligation to help our fellow Australians," said coordinator Dr Malcolm Tester. "This is one way to help fight the diabetes epidemic and have a lovely piece of Australian culture for your home in return. The art collection is huge and the standard is truly extraordinary."

The Art of the Bundjalung Nation launch begins tomorrow at 5.30pm with a traditional Aboriginal welcome, entertainment and refreshments. Lismore MP Thomas George will auction a painting and an artwork by a descendant of Albert Namatjira will also be raffled.

Tickets to the launch are just $15 at the door.

The exhibit continues daily from 10am to 4pm until next Wednesday. Entry is by gold coin donation.

For more information phone Malcolm on 6624 2423.

Rail pressure builds on Costa

Simon Thomsen

Pressure on the NSW Government to return local rail services continues to build with a Parliamentary inquiry into the closure of the Casino-Murwillumbah rail line calling for it to be reopened using $30 million offered during the election by the federal Government.

The 176-page report, released last week by the NSW Legislative Council standing committee, makes eight key recommendations on returning the rail service, although the three Labor members issued a two page dissenting statement that takes a swipe at the former Greiner government from 16 years ago, and suggests that the federal Government take control of the branch line.

A spokesperson for deputy PM John Anderson said running passenger services is not the federal Government's job, but the offer of $30 million still stands.

The seven-member committee, chaired by Jenny Gardiner (Nationals), included local MLCs Catherine Cusack (Lib) and independent Peter Breen. In an echo of the PricewaterhouseCoopers report released two months earlier, they recommend the establishment of a commuter rail service; a rail corridor linking Murwillumbah with Coolangatta airport; preserving the existing line and that in future, any line closures be announced 12 months before they come into effect.

Predictably, NSW transport minister Michael Costa rejected the report's conclusions and his Labor colleagues on the committee have accused their fellow inquiry members of having "little interest" in the issue, dismissing them for having no engineering qualifications. They also attacked the PricewaterhouseCoopers report as "a poorly resourced and shallow examination written by non-rail experts".

But those backing the parliamentary committee report, including Ballina MP Don Page, point out that its recommendations are consistent with those of the working group appointed by Mr Costa.

"It seems everyone except the Carr government can see what needs to be done," Mr Page said.

"Minister Costa's continuing argument that it would take $188 million over 20 years to maintain the line, is shown to be 'excessive' in the report and fails to acknowledge the Pricewaterhouse Coopers report which estimates a total of $61 million over 20 years being required to maintain the line for a commuter service.

"Furthermore, his suggestion to handover management of the line to the federal Government is just another example of the state minister for transport shirking his responsibilities."

Meanwhile talks between the state and federal governments have stalled.

Cr Ernie Bennett, chair of the combined local councils organisation NOROC, welcomed the parliamentary report saying the NSW Government's economic arguments didn't stack up.

"They're borrowing billions of dollars to put into CityRail, which is less profitable than CountryLink, but they are closing rural train services," he said.

"We call on the Premier to read the report and intervene in this whole process. He's been saying for a while that rail issues could bring down this government. Well this is his golden opportunity to do something about it - take the federal money and give back our rail service. Otherwise, you have to wonder if they've got to the stage where they believe they can't manage this state and want to lose the next election."

What the rail Committee heard

The NSW Upper House Standing Committee inquiry into the closure of the Casino-Murwillumbah rail line received 263 submissions and held local hearings.

While the report found that passenger numbers had declined in recent years, it concluded that it was due, in part, to poor timetabling dating back to 2000, as well as competition from cheaper flights and private transport.

It also found that the line remained in reasonable condition, although money for infrastructure upgrades had been diverted in recent years to other work. Almost half the $188 million cited to maintain the line over the next 20 years is to replace timber bridges, many of which have speed restrictions because of their condition. A further $32 million is to replace timber sleepers with steel ones. While the line was only costing RailCorp $5.8 million per annum, closing it saves the NSW Government $14.2 million per year over the next five years.

A 'fact sheet' from RailCorp CEO Vince Graham said that less than 10 per cent of the 400-odd passengers who used the service daily paid the full fair. An average of 34 people got off in Lismore every day. The taxpayer subsidy to people using the line between Casino and Murwillumbah was more than the cost of an airfare between Sydney and Coolangatta.

Evidence from Kirklands general manager Peter Shepherd revealed that the introduction of the CountryLink coach service had damaged the Lismore-based business, which could not compete with the Government's subsidised rates. The Committee also discovered that RailCorp gave the bus contract to Queensland-based Sunstate without tendering for the service, which costs $1.4 million a year. Despite telling the Committee tenders would be called by June, five months later, it hasn't happened.

In evidence Lismore ALP councillor Jenny Dowell and former Ballina councillor Sue Dakin, president of the Country Labor state electorate council, told the Committee that local Labor members backed the return of the service - a move later endorsed by Labor's state conference.

Drug dealer caught in street

A woman and young child had a lucky escape when an alleged drug dealer tried to hijack their four-wheel-drive in a bid to escape arrest in Goonellabah on the weekend.

Clinton James Peterson, 29, of Kungula, near Grafton, was being pursued by police after they approached him on Rous Road on Saturday afternoon. Police allege that Peterson fled, leaving behind a bag that contained more than 1000 amphetamines tablets with an estimated street value of around $30,000. Other items found in the bag have been sent away for forensic examination.

As officers began a search of the area, Peterson attempted to force entry into a nearby home, but was pushed away by the owners. He was spotted by a constable who gave chase and he then tried to force his way into the 4WD before the officer used capsicum spray to subdue and arrest him.

Peterson has been charged with supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited drug and a number of serious prior matters. Police allege that he made death threats against his family following the death of his baby daughter from SIDS in early November.

Peterson will receive counselling and has been remanded to appear again in Lismore Local Court on December 21.

Quilt remembers AIDS lives

At the hanging of the memorial quilt panel in Lismore Base Hospital's foyer were Ronald Woods from the AIDS Council of NSW, SHAIDS acting manager Jen Ireland, SHAIDS clinical nurse consultant Rosalind Hawkins and Victor Shepherd.

A panel of the Australian AIDS Memorial Quilt was unveiled this week for display at regional hospitals, including Lismore Base Hospital, to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1.

The panels of the now-famous Memorial Quilt measure 90cm x 180cm each and form personal memorials to Australians who have died of HIV/AIDS.

Five people die of AIDS every minute of every day worldwide, and the HIV virus has impacted on people in every corner of the globe, with more than 42 million men, women and children being infected, some 5 million of them last year alone. More than 6000 Australians have died from HIV/AIDS in the 20 years since the epidemic was recognised.

Ballina dumps Council GM

Ballina Council will not renew the contract of general manager Stuart McPherson after just one term in the job. The decision was made in a secret ballot, behind closed doors, by councillors last Thursday.

Mr McPherson was told his job would end after five years in July 2005, but told The Echo the decision was no great surprise.

"I had strong premonitions that this would be the result. By and large my time in Ballina has presented me with some challenges because some of the personalities I have dealt with are unique," he said.

Mayor Phillip Silver remained philosophical.

"These things come eventually in every organisation," he said. "I'm pleased it's been handled professionally and without acrimony on both sides."

Partying in the park

A performance by Mereki and the Goonellabah Children's Choir (pictured) will be just one of the many highlights at Christmas In The Park - a community Christmas party for Goonellabah residents next Friday, December 10, at Elders Memorial Park. The day will feature free activities for the whole family including a sausage sizzle, kids games, face painting, raffles, live entertainment and of course a visit from Santa. The drug and alcohol free event will run from 4-7pm. And all you need to bring is a blanket to sit on.

Tinkerbell battle continues

Lennox Head-based developer Chris Condon has had a victory of sorts over the development conditions for his $35 million shopping centre at the former Tinkerbell Caravan Park site.

At the October Ballina Council meeting Mr Condon applied to have conditions requiring the relocation of the loading dock and toilet facilities deleted. He also wants an $806,167 roads contribution reduced. The matter was deferred.

At the November meeting last Thursday, Council agreed to leave the loading dock where he wants it, but upheld its decision to relocate the toilets, based on advice from the police, who are concerned about community safety.

The issue of the road contributions levy has been referred to an independent arbitrator for assessment. The matter is expected to come before Council's December meeting.

Hollywood stars provide a safe haven

Zonta member Mary Compagnone (centre) with Mullumbimby Court Support staff Marguerita Patrick (left) and Ra Ferguson in the newly refurbished room.

Going to court is frustrating for anyone, but for women and children attending for domestic violence matters, it can be a truly frightening experience.

The Zonta Club of Northern Rivers hopes to give women peace of mind by providing comfortable and safe rooms when they're at court.

A women and children's safety room was recently established at Mullumbimby Court House, following on from similar rooms at the Lismore and Ballina Court Houses.

The Zonta Club's next project is to refurbish the room at the Lismore Court House. To get the ball rolling, a fundraising screening of the new movie Ocean's Twelve is on next Thursday, December 9, at Lismore Cinemas.

The much-anticipated sequel to the blockbuster hit Ocean's Eleven, the movie features a star-studded line-up including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The movie will start at 6.30pm with drinks and nibblies from 6pm. Tickets are $20 from Caddies (6621 7709) or Lismore City Hall (6622 0300), or you can try your luck at the door.

Coastal cycleway gets underway

Residents of Angels Beach and Ballina are eagerly awaiting a coastal strip of land between Flat Rock and Lennox Head to be turned into a cycle/walkway linking Ballina and Lennox Head.

Ballina Shire Council is in the early stages of planning a cycleway between Flat Rock and Lennox Head to link Ballina and Lennox Head along some of the region's most spectacular coastal scenery.

Councillor Alan Brown said the cycleway has been on the agenda for about 30 years.

"It will be fantastic for the community because the route will provide access to beaches that have been previously inaccessible,"he said.

Local resident Joe Morris said the cycleway will benefit everyone, as well as being a unique tourist attraction.

"I'm a cyclist and a runner and this will be a fantastic way to get bikes and pedestrians off the main road," he said. "The Romans built walkways that linked towns centuries ago so I reckon it's high time that we had one between Ballina and Lennox Head."

Work on the Angels Beach to Flat Rock section is expected to begin early next year once final funding arrangements are finalised.

Desperately seeking solutions to land use

Robert Brown from Jali Aboriginal Land Council, NSW primary industries minister Ian Macdonald, Ballina Fishing Co-operative chairman Tony Puglisi and Abigail Foley, WetlandCare Australia at Cabbage Tree Island last week.

Helping local agriculture achieve its potential while dealing with the pressures of growing residential development are the aim of a new Centre for Coastal Agricultural Landscapes in Wollongbar - a joint venture between the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Southern Cross University.

Launching the partnership last week, NSW primary industries minister Ian Macdonald said the region was home to a number of important industries including sugar cane, cattle, forestry, horticulture and fisheries.

"As population growth continues along our coastline, the challenge is to find ways to balance urban development and sustainable production, while having minimal impacts on the surrounding environment," Mr McDonald said.

The centre is already looking at two projects - how to stabilise soils in macadamia plantations, and improving irrigation efficiency in perennial tree crops

During his visit, Mr McDonald also launched the Fish Unlimited project at Cabbage Tree Island, which will focus on restoring wetland fish habitat in local river catchments. Commercial fishers and traditional landowners will work together on the project.

Government costs jobs say Clubs

Clubs NSW heavyweights (l-r) Anthony Ball, deputy chairman David Doyle and chairman Peter Newell outside the Ballina RSL Club before a meeting to discuss smoking bans and increased poker machine taxes on Thursday.

Many local clubs will not survive in the wake of increased poker machine taxes and smoking bans, according to the industry body Clubs NSW. The warning came as representatives from 40 local clubs gathered in Ballina last Thursday to discuss the future of their industry.

Clubs NSW president Peter Newell said NSW Government plans to phase in smoking bans from July next year, coupled with increased taxes on pokies, are a "kick in the guts" that could cost up to 1400 local jobs.

"This is all the more reason for the Premier to intervene in this matter and initiate discussions with clubs who desperately need a fairer rate of tax.

"By 2011 when the tax rate finally stops increasing, the region's clubs will have paid an extra $154 million in tax, bringing the total tax paid by far north coast clubs to well over half a billion dollars," he said.

Willing and able with a disability

Showing off the new access ramp at Lismore Council's CBD office is (l-r) Lou Limoges from the Royal Blind Society in Lismore, Cr Jenny Dowell, Maryann Octavio-Anderson from the Northern Rivers Area Health Service and East Lismore resident Robert Dingle with guide dog Brittany.

This Friday, December 3, local identities will get a taste of what it's like to be disabled when they try to make their way around the CBD to mark International Day of DisAbility.

MPs, the vice chancellor, the mayor and media personalities, including Echo editor Simon Thomsen, will be put to the test with a simulated disability. Mayor Merv King, who is joining in, said the simulated challenge is one way of showing just how skilled people with disabilities are.

"Almost one in five people in Lismore have some kind of disability. This is a remarkable statistic and one that often goes unnoticed because many people with disabilities are incredibly successful at adapting to their environment, despite enormous challenges," Cr King said. "I would encourage individuals and businesses to do what they can to provide an environment, and services, that allow people with disabilities to participate fully and equally."

At 11am Lismore Council will be opening the new access ramp at Council's CBD office.

Council's Access Committee will continue to look at further ways to improve access to Lismore's facilities over the coming year.

Shopping centre on track

Coster Constructions civil worker Walter Fadelli cooled down after a hard day's work at Lismore Shopping Square yesterday. Walter said the hot weather didn't bother him, although he said at the end of a 39-degree day it's "bloody nice" to cool off.

Construction works on the $40 million extensions to Lismore Square shopping centre are on track for the expanded site to open in just 10 months.

The centre will double in size from its existing 15,000msq to 30,000msq to include a Big W store, a new Woolworths supermarket, an additional 30 specialty stores, a 450-seat capacity food court, 600 extra carparking spaces and a 2000msq bulky goods and services centre.

Centre owner Jim McConaghy said he's expecting more than two dozen new brands will open in the centre, from fashion houses to household and giftware shops and food outlets.

He said that the existing centre will be refurbished in line with newly-constructed areas.

"We will be announcing at a later stage some of the themes throughout the centre that will put the final touches to what we believe will be a retail focus for the Northern Rivers," he said.

Mr McConaghy said that using a local workforce had helped keep the construction on track.

Tanks a lot!

Robyn Farlow from Lismore Water with Goonellabah resident David Callachor, winner of the the North Coast National Rainwater Tank competition.

Goonellabah resident David Callachor has been putting a little bit of money away each week to buy a rainwater tank for his home - money he can now spend quenching his thirst down at the local.

David recently won the North Coast National rainwater tank competition, receiving a 13,500-litre water tank from John Fleming of Duraplas Tanks as well as installation.

The water supplies rainwater to his garden tap and washing machine, and will save him 41,000 litres of town water every year.

"Not only will I be saving money on my water bills, there will be no runoff leaving my property causing problems downstream, and as long as I have rainwater in my tank, I get to water my garden all year round, no matter what the weather conditions," David said.

The competition was run by Lismore City Council and Rous Water to raise awareness among town water users of the benefits of installing tanks.

Baby bats are the best

The Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers youngest volunteer, Jenna Thompson, 19, with her micro bat Hannibal.

When 19-year-old Jenna Thompson first saw a micro bat, she fell in love with the tiny creature. However, it was when she discovered just how important they are to the local environment that she decided to become a bat carer with the Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers.

"Bats distribute seeds across hundreds of kilometres to ensure our rainforests can regenerate," Jenna said. "One wildlife group has the motto 'no bats, no trees, no koalas' and it's true - without bats you would literally have plagues of insects and eventually our rainforests would die. For such a small creature they do a mighty big job."

With the flying fox birthing season now in full swing until the end of December, Jenna is asking people to be on the look out for injured bats who may need some help.

Don't try to rescue bats though - it's a delicate job that should only be attempted by a trained and vaccinated carer. Call the Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers 24-hour rescue line on 0500 888 822.

Christmas present for kids

A new toddlers playground at Kadina Park will be finished in time for Christmas day picnics, Lismore Council has announced.

Recreation Planner, Alex Wilford, said stage two of the Kadina Park development was almost complete.

"Installation of the toddlers playground equipment, and an adventure climbing net for older children, will begin next week, and will be finalised by Christmas."

"There will also be additional picnic and BBQ facilities ready for use for Christmas day barbeques."

The toilet block, access road and carpark will be completed early next year.

It all adds up to the best

Alstonville Public School students Jeremy Gray (left) and Shane Larsen display the medals they received for gaining a perfect score in the recent Australia-wide maths Olympiad competition.

The smart students at Alstonville Public School have been recognised once again for top academic results - this time in the Australia-wide mathematical Olympiad.

The students scored a staggering 240 points out of 250, with two students achieving the perfect score of 250.

Alstonville Public was declared top country school for its outstanding efforts.

Principal Lorraine Bryant said all the students did extremely well, but the honours went to Jeremy Gray and Shane Larsen, who managed perfect scores.

"I'd particularly like to acknowledge Jeremy because he represents the Aboriginal community in the district and I'm extremely proud of his faultless score," she said.

Jeremy, however, was quite blasé about his efforts and reluctant to divulge his secret to success.

"I didn't study much at all for the test because I didn't know what would be in it so I couldn't see the point," he said. "When I got the perfect score my parents were really happy for me and I felt pretty good as well."

The beauty of our own backyard

Lisa Murphy from Lismore Tourism and the year two class at Our Lady of Lourdes Infants School recently launched a new tourism education pack, designed to help local children learn more about the beauty of their own 'backyard'.

The packs contain a colourful poster of the Rainbow Region highlighting many natural local attractions as well as question and answer sheets for school projects and class activities.

"The Rainbow Region Education Packs will be sent to every school within the Lismore region, and will provide a valuable resource for schools when teaching students about our local history, and the richness of our local environment," said Lisa. "We hope the packs will encourage children and their families to spend more time in the spectacular natural environment Lismore provides."

A good looking idea

Look Good... Feel Better local coordinator Kay Johnson (right) and volunteer Lynne Crandon are trying to recruit volunteers to help bring a little joy to local ladies diagnosed with cancer.

The local Look Good... Feel Better group is seeking volunteers to help bring a little joy into the lives of ladies diagnosed with cancer.

Look Good... Feel Better is a national program offering women techniques to improve their appearance during chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The program relies on volunteers to provide the workshops.

"All women are beautiful, even when they have cancer, and we're here to remind them of that," said local coordinator Kay Johnson. "It's a fun atmosphere and is a fantastic way to boost these ladies self-confidence during a difficult time in their lives. The workshops are all free and every patient gets take home a complimentary make-up kit."

A volunteers training session will be held next Thursday, December 9, at Lismore Base Hospital from 3-5pm. A workshop with patients will be held the following day at the hospital from 10am-12pm.

Anyone is welcome to become a volunteer. Experience with make-up or hairdressing is helpful, but not essential. To get involved phone Kay on 6621 6605 or 0428 216 606.

Rex strikes airport deal

After months of uncertainly, Regional Express (Rex), which flies to Lismore and Ballina, has signed an 11th-hour deal with the Sydney Airport Corporation over terminal access.

The airline's lease on its Gate 39 facilities and passenger lounge in Terminal 2 expired on Tuesday. In March next year, Rex will relocate to Gate 47 with similar facilities, including a new lounge, under a five-year lease.

Rex managing director Geoff Breust thanked MPs, mayors, passengers and the community for their support.

Over the next four months, Rex will share its facilities with VirginBlue.

Thanks to the backbone of caring

Lismore MP Thomas George (front) with Dianne Soward and the rest of the volunteers who received certificates of recognition for their tireless work throughout the year at the Ozanam Villa aged care facility in Lismore.

It's said that volunteers are the backbone of any community. This is certainly true according to the staff and residents at the Ozanam Villa aged care facility in Lismore.

On Tuesday, Lismore MP Thomas George presented 25 people with certificates of recognition of their support for the nursing home's residents.

Ozanam Villa divisional therapist, Suzette Anlezark, said the volunteers enrich everyone's lives.

"Each week these people help in so many ways, including driving the residents to various appointments, calling bingo, working in our shop and many other different ways," she said.

Oz Day nominations

Nominations for Lismore Council's 2005 Australia Day awards for 2005 are open.

Mayor Merv King said the awards are a great opportunity for Lismore to show its appreciation to citizens who had excelled in their chosen field, or who had shown dedication and commitment on behalf of community causes.

"It is by no means limited to volunteers - anyone who has shown dedication and commitment to a community cause is eligible," he said.

Categories for the Awards are; Citizen, Young Citizen, Community Services, Art/Cultural, Sportsperson (senior and junior), Reconciliation and Environment.

Nominations close on January 15, 2005. Nomination forms can be obtained from Council's administration building in Goonellabah, phone 6625 0500, or online at www. lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Remembering a friend

Kerry Morris (second from right), Henry Morris and Jane Gaertner (left) present a cheque for $621 to St Vincent's Hospital Palliative Care Unit manager Loretta Hill and coordinator Jenny McFarlane.

When Lismore resident Kerry Morris turned 50 earlier this year, she didn't want any presents. Instead she asked her friends to donate to a cause that is very close to her heart.

Three years ago, Kerry's 13-year-old daughter Alinta died from a brain tumour. During Alinta's final days at the palliative care unit at St Vincent's Hospital, Kerry couldn't help noticing it needed to be more child-friendly.

"I decided to brighten up the place and do what I could to put a smile on the children's faces," she said.

Kerry wrote and published her own book and used the money raised from its sales to start the Alinta fund, in memory of her late daughter.

"The money is to be used to buy balloons and small gifts for the children who use the services of the palliative care unit," she said. "I'd like to say a huge thank you to all of my friends who continue to support this fund."

The Alinta fund is ongoing and people wishing to make donations can do so by contacting the palliative care unit. Phone 6621 8411.

Breathe easier with lung disease

Cheryle Winkler and Steve Sawtell both have a pulmonary disease that affects their breathing, but a program offered by local GPs has made their lives easier.

Nothing else matters if you can't breathe. About one in 10 people over 45 years of age in the Northern Rivers are sufferers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As COPD is a slow, progressive disease, many people may not know they have it until significant breathing problems begin to dominate their lives.

"People in their 40s and 50s may have been developing COPD for many years beforehand," said Cecily Barrack, the respiratory coordinator at the Northern Rivers Division of General Practice.

"Early symptoms can often be ignored, but the disease progresses slowly and eventually the sufferer may find it difficult or impossible to walk even a few steps. A person with any changes to their ease of breathing and a history of prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke or other irritants may have COPD and should see their GP."

Cecily coordinates gentle exercise and education programs that slow the progress of the disease, relieve symptoms, improve exercise tolerance and the ability to self manage and reduce the number of days spent in hospital.

Cheryle Winkler of Goonellabah reckons her COPD started in her late 30s, when she remembers having occasional breathlessness, although she wasn't diagnosed until her early 50s. Her condition has escalated in the last 18 months.

"I am only 56. Some days I feel 156. It's horrible. I don't do things like I used to. I don't go shopping or anything, although I'm starting to do that sort of thing again since starting the program," she said.

Steve Sawtell, 46, of South Lismore, is an ex-smoker who had a heart attack in June 2002 before being referred to the program by his cardiologist.

"I feel I'm a lot better. The program has helped me to try and breathe. I tend to forget to breathe when I'm doing activities," he said.

For those who already have COPD, or are at risk, getting support to quit smoking is the single most important thing you can do.

Reducing exposure to other airborne irritants, such as sprays and chemicals in the home and workplace, also prevents the disease's development and progression.

For more information about pulmonary rehabilitation courses available in the region, phone Cecily on 6622 4453.

A good feed from business

Lismore Soup Kitchen volunteer Mieke Bell (left) receives a cheque for $200 from Lismore Unlimited Opportunities representative Sue Lloyd and Interact Injury Management regional manager Cate McHugh.

A joint effort between Lismore Unlimited Opportunities (LUO) and Interact Injury Management has raised $200 for the Lismore Soup Kitchen.

Interact Injury Management regional manager Cate McHugh said the two groups gathered at The Left Bank Café in Lismore for a breakfast seminar and used the opportunity to raise money.

"We had a breakfast seminar for employers about the consequences of drugs and alcohol in the workplace and decided to donate the profits to this very worthy cause," she said.

What a gem!

The Lismore Gem & Lapidary Club celebrated its 40th anniversary recently, with around 60 past and present members gathering at Christmas All Year Round to celebrate the milestone.

Foundation members (l-r) Norm and Josene Robinson, Heather Boulton and Ron Smith were given the honour of cutting a ruby gemstone cake to mark the occasion, before each was awarded a Life Membership. The club still has many of its original members, which is no surprise to current president John Hoffman, who says once you get a taste for gemstones, it's stays in your blood forever.

"Being a gemstone enthusiast is a bit like having gold fever - once you get the bug it stays with you for life," said John. "We're all very passionate about our hobby and for us this is a remarkable achievement. We've survived 40 years, through good and bad times, and now host one of the largest regional gemstone shows in Australia. That success is purely because of the amazing people in the club and their appreciation for nature, beauty and real craft."

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