	Mailing List	Issue 1050 - Published 16/11/2004

The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Storm smashes city

Lismore Transit Centre manager Greg Cross and colleague James Stewart stand beside the huge pine tree, which smashed into the centre only minutes before during Monday's freak storm

The Centrepoint Motel was left with its roof dangling across power lines after Monday's storm.

Quick thinking by Lismore Transit Centre manager Greg Cross saved the lives of eight passengers using the centre when a freak storm on Monday afternoon sent a giant pine tree crashing into the building. Mr Cross already had concerns about the tree and was watching it and the storm from behind the counter when he saw tragedy about to strike.

"I saw the tree base lifting and yelled for everyone to get out," he said. "It came down very quickly."

Around a dozen people were sheltering there, including school students, when the tree smashed onto the roof, crushing the entrance door's steel frame as the frightened users escaped through the rear exit.

The tree was due to be cut down by Lismore Council because it was regarded as unstable, but winds gusting at over 100km/h during the brief storm beat them to it.

Just seconds later, on the other side of Molesworth Street, the wild winds ripped the 10m-wide corrugated iron roof off the Centrepoint Motel, leaving it dangling across power lines. Initially, people walked past unaware that live wires dangled just metres from the ground.

Angela McKenzie was working in the motel's reception when it happened.

"It was a huge shock to hear this loud thud," she said. "We rang the emergency services and the fire brigade and the police were on the scene very quickly - I think I was more shocked than terrified."

The roof covered two motel rooms. "Thankfully no-one was inside because our guests hadn't arrived," she said.

The storm, which formed quickly to unexpected severity just south of Lismore at around 3.40pm, brought marble-sized hail, 9mm of rain in just 10 minutes and caused chaos throughout the Lismore, McLeans Ridge and Wollongbar areas. The winds peaked at 102km/h at 3.51pm. By 4pm, it was all over and the sun was shining on shocked residents.

Dozens of roofs were damaged, either by the strong winds or fallen trees, numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, downing power lines and blocking streets, and widespread blackouts left some people without power for up to 24 hours. Wollongbar TAFE lost some of its roof, a tree smashed through the window of a car on Rotary Drive, narrowly missing the driver and passenger, and even the SES division headquarters in Goonellabah suffered hail damage to its roof. Extraordinarily for the 10-minutes of ferocity there were no reports of major injuries.

SES Division controller Scott Hanckel said they received 179 call outs. Volunteers responded from as far afield as Maclean and Grafton. He said the wind caused the majority of the damage. "The storm developed very, very quickly, hence its severity.

"The volunteers have done a stirling job, but they're all pretty tired at the moment. "

The total damage bill is still being assessed by insurers, but Lismore Council estimates it cost them $50,000. Meanwhile, Council has waived the fees for disposing of green waste at the Wyrallah Road waste facility and also extended the closing time to 6pm until Sunday, December 19.

Running rings around Tolkien

Year seven Trinity Catholic College student Lachlan Windsor with his battle axe that he made as part of the Lantern Gifted and Talented Program.

More than 30 year seven students from Trinity Catholic College's lantern gifted and talented program held a special exhibition recently, showing off works inspired by Tolkien's masterpiece, Lord of the Rings.

The students spent the last six months working on creative works ranging from dance pieces to artworks, gowns, poetry, stories, weapons like swords and battle axes, and even models of Helms Deep and the tower of Isengard.

One student even did a scientific comparison of anatomy between Orcs and humans.

"The program enables the students to demonstrate passion and creativity, and frees them up from structured learning so they can show what they are really capable of," said mentor Narissa Phelps.

Grant for Ballina economics

Ballina Shire Council will receive $60,000 over three years from the NSW Government to employ a community economic development officer.

The position is to establish and manage the Ballina economic development unit and facilitate community economic development plans and projects. It follows on from a similar position in Lismore.

NSW regional development minister David Campbell said the role will help further develop local tourism and the management of local events."

The Ballina economic development unit also plans to create an interactive database on economic development, with information available from Council's website. The Ballina Chamber of Commerce will also providing funding for the new officer.

For last minute Christmas bargains

Gearing up for the Carpark Christmas Sale this Saturday is Summerland House With No Steps regional general manager Brett Lacey (front), nursery supervisor Joan Kable and nursery employees Stephen Laws (left) and Peter Irwin.

If you're still looking for Christmas presents or something uniquely Australian, the Summerland House With No Steps Carpark Christmas Sale this Saturday, December 18, is the place to look for last minute bargains.

The carpark will be brimming with plants, gifts and homewares all under $5, with the shop and nursery also open. The festival-style sale is a family affair with a BBQ, jumping castle, balloons, visits from Santa and much more to keep the kids amused. You can also roam the beautiful grounds or get some expert gardening advice from ABC 'Gardening Guru' Phil Dudman between 10 and 11am.

"The Summerland House With No Steps is a not-for-profit organisation and money raised will go toward creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities," said regional general manager Brett Lacey. "At present we have 58 people with disabilities working on the premises, from the cafe to the macadamia de-husking facility, but we have many more who would like to come on board."

The Carpark Christmas Sale runs from 8am to 5pm. The Summerland House With No Steps is at 253 Wardell Road, just 4kms from Alstonville. Phone 6628 0610.

Santa says get a move on

Showing off some of the toys St Nick can deliver this Christmas to encourage exercise are Francesca and Hugh Bell from The Channon with Santa and Northern Rivers Health Promotion Unit manager Uta Dietrich.

Following a worrying rise in childhood obesity, Santa has joined forces with the Northern Rivers Health Promotion Unit to highlight the benefits of giving toys that encourage exercise.

Research shows that sedentary activities such as video and computer games have led to a wide increase in overweight children, creating a major health issue for Australian families. Northern Rivers Health Promotion Unit manager Uta Dietrich says one way to tackle the problem this Christmas is to make physical activity a family affair.

"Parents can set a good example this Christmas by making exercise a regular family habit - something fun the whole family can do together," Uta said. "Presents such as skipping ropes, balls, sports gear, bikes, sandpits, swing sets, beach toys, play dough and gardening tools are as exciting as some of the more expensive toys available on the market. The best present you can give children is your time and doing something physical together is the prefect recipe for a happy and healthy family."

Sweet reward for preschool

Clarence MP Steve Cansdell presented the Sugartowns Community Preschool with a $575 cheque recently from his Pedal for Preschools appeal.

Just over $9,200 was raised and split equally between the 16 community preschools in the Clarence Electorate. Pictured with Mr Cansdell is John Ryan and preschool director Sharon Foran, along with staff, parents and children.

Lodges light up Christmas

Del Woodford and Kay Henderson from the Salvation Army (both left) gratefully accept a hamper of goodies from Lodge Lismore City United members Tom Maxwell and Ken Hirst, and Lodge Eltham member Fred Trow and his wife Maisie.

Local Freemasons from Lodge Lismore City United and Lodge Eltham have joined forces to help local families this Christmas, donating a hamper of goodies to the Salvation Army.

The members wanted to spread a little joy, and are well aware of how important the Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal is to local people struggling to make ends meet.

"All these small donations add up and at Christmas time we are able to feed about 80 families and distribute toys to around 250 kids," said Del Woodford from the Salvation Army. "There are lot of families that would otherwise have nothing and we couldn't continue our valuable work without this sort of support."

The donation is just one of the many ways local Freemasons support the community throughout the year. Younger men are always wanted to join the local Lodges and there are plenty of social and community activities new members can participate in. It's a great way to give something back to the community and new members will be made very welcome.

For Lismore phone Ken Hirst on 6625 7006 and for Eltham phone Fred Trow on 6628 5879.

Credit where it's due

Southern Cross Credit Union has given away accounts worth a total of $1000 to three Northern Rivers TAFE students as part of the annual TAFE student discount guide, of which the credit union is a major sponsor.

Pictured at the presentation on Tuesday were (l-r) Southern Cross Credit Union representative Robyn Moston, with TAFE students Simone Watson ($500), Catheryne Taylor ($300) and TAFE student association officer Rose Marin with her toddler Gryffen.

The third prize of $200 was awarded to John Aldis of Murwillumbah.

Art's vital contribution

Bentley Art Prize coordinator Reg Hartley (right) recently presented St Vincent's Hospital Palliative Care Services coordinator Jenny McFarlane with a cheque for $2000 for vital medical equipment.

"We really appreciate what Reg does for charity each year and we're always happy when we're the beneficiaries," Jenny said. "He does a wonderful job and we can't thank him enough."

Picture perfect

Emerald Kelly (centre) with second in charge manager at Harvey Norman Computers, Chris Nott (right), and Sue Lloyd from the FNCR Guides, after receiving her new digital camera.

Emerald Kelly from Brunswick Heads has scored a Minolta digital camera package valued at $370, after winning the Far North Coast Region Guides photography competition recently.

Emerald won the camera, donated by Harvey Norman Computers in Lismore, with her photo of fellow guide Alanna Noone at a BBQ in Byron Bay recently. The photo will possibly be used in a new local Guides brochure.

"We were just mucking around when I did the photo and I really didn't think I'd win," said 11-year-old Emerald. "I was so excited when I found out and I want to say a big thank you to the Guides and Harvey Norman."

Young people can enjoy activities like abseiling, camping, surfing, canoeing and much more with the Guides. New Guides and Guide Leaders are always welcome. For more information phone Sue on 6624 5985.

Organic market here to stay

Celebrating five years of markets are Rainbow Region Organic Market organisers Maureen Pederson and Dave Roby (front) with local organic producers (l-r) Geoff Smith, Margo Turnbull, Elly Oort, Dave Gray, Rita Oort, Dianne Vickery and Margaret Singh.

At the first Rainbow Region Organic Market (RROM) there was only six stalls and a handful of visitors.

Five years later the RROM has between 25 and 30 stallholders and more than 500 visitors each week, a figure organisers say will continue to grow as people discover the social and health benefits of organic food.

"It's about customers being connected with their food producers, which is lacking in our every day culture," said organiser Dave Roby.

"You don't have to know anything about organics to come along, but you will find the freshest produce available and unlimited choice."

The market features bread and cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, coffee and tea, honey, flowers, gourmet products such as sauces and pestos, rainforest seedlings, local fertilisers and even take away food.

It's held every Tuesday at the Lismore Showground from 8 to 11am. Stallholders who are certified organic are also welcome to set up shop. For info phone Maureen on 6636 4307.

* TROPO (the Tweed River Organic Producers Organisation) are having a field day this Saturday, September 18, at Avi and Zehvit Mishtlera's organic greenhouse from 10am. The farm is on the Kyogle to Murwillumbah road at Byangum, about 2km south of the Tweed River Bridge (if you get lost phone 6672 7078).

For more info, phone Dave Forrest on 6620 4287 or 6688 4346.

Crime award

A Ballina anti-crime project has won a Certificate of Merit from this year's Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. The Ballina District Community Services Associations' Street Beat Project also received a $2000 cash prize.

Page MP Ian Causley said community-based crime prevention projects would soon receive a further boost from the Australian Government, with round two of the successful National Community Crime Prevention Grants Program. Applications close on Monday, February 7. For more information phone his office on 1300 301 735.

Dam rise

Summer rain has helped top up water levels at Rocky Creek dam, which has risen to 75.25%, more than double the level two years ago. Despite the topup, Rous Water chairman, Cr Phil Silver, urged people to use water wisely.

Father & son camp

Helping fathers connect with their sons is the aim of the Father Son Journeys Men and Boys Camps, which have been re-launched in time for Christmas.

According to Chris Hawke from Community Connections, these camps are invaluable for men and their boys, and gift vouchers are available so you can give dad a meaningful gift this Christmas.

"The Men and Boys Camps are a perfect opportunity for positive time for a man and his boy," Chris said. "Our camps are about fun, adventure and connecting."

For more information on these unique camps or to purchase a gift voucher phone Chris on 6622 3143 or 0427 227 734.

Hampers spread the Christmas joy

Students and staff from Trinity Catholic College have donated 65 hampers to St Vincent de Paul to bring the joy of Christmas to local families in need.

CWA on the money

CWA state president Mrs Judy Richardson presented three young school students with CWA scholarships during the Far North Coast CWA annual conference recently. Aiden Cubis of Empire Vale Primary (pictured with Mrs Richardson), Jemma Burtonwood of Ballina High and Shane Breen of St Anthony's Primary School received the $350 scholarships, which are designed to help the young students with school expenses.

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