The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Open all hours for festive spirit

Story & photo: Julian 'can I have a day off' Ryan

The Dardengo family from Mine and Gary's Five Ways store in Wyrallah Road Lismore (l-r) Josh, Gary and twins Mia and Maddie with all the essentials that people buy on Christmas Day.

Garry Dardengo, from Mine and Garry's Five Ways Store in Wyrallah Road, Lismore, reckons he's in business to make friends not money. That's why his doors will be open on Christmas Day.

"I've opened on Christmas Day between 8am and 12pm for the last 20 years as a service to the people who keep the business running throughout the year," he said.

Garry said the biggest sellers on Christmas Day are ice, batteries and incidentals that customers may have forgotten to include on their Christmas grocery list.

"Cream and custard are always popular for the puddings. I've had requests for alcohol, but I'm not licensed to sell it," he said.

While most people will have a holiday on Christmas Day, it's full steam ahead for shoppers in between.

Lismore Shopping Square centre manager Geoff Gooch said retail sales have been excellent.

"It's been very strong this year due to the longer trading period and I think it will be absolutely huge right up until Christmas," he said.

Lismore Square reopens on Boxing Day with Coles and K Mart mostly trading as normal, until Tuesday and selected specialty stores open from 10am to 2pm on Sunday and the Monday public holiday.

At Lismore Central, Woolworths is open on Sunday and trade from 8am to 8pm, until Tuesday. Specialty stores will close until Wednesday.

Ballina Fair reopens on Sunday with the supermarkets resuming normal trading hours and the specialty stores operating from 10am to 3pm until Tuesday.

All the major supermarkets in Ballina and Lismore will be open for business on New Year's Day, as well as the public holiday on Monday, January 3.

Clown doctors admitted to hospital

Snipping their way into Lismore Base Hospital were Dr Sniggles, Dr B. Loony, Dr Dizzy and Dr Kerplunk, watched by staff members Kerry Byrne, nurse unit manager, Children's Ward, Dan Madden, Executive Officer, Kevin Carter, business manager, and Rebekka Battista, Our Kids fundraiser.

Lismore Base Hospital has scored a first for a regional Australian hospital by signing up for a once-weekly visit by members of the internationally known Clown Doctor team who dispense good cheer to patients of all ages.

Led by Dr B. Loony (aka. Jean-Paul Bell from The Channon), the Sydney-based Humour Foundation's creative director, the quartet cut a red ribbon at the hospital's entrance before cavorting their way upstairs to begin their rounds of the Children's Ward.

Patients appreciating their zany humour included teenager Zoe Quinn from Wollongbar who had been in hospital for several days after an appendix operation. She hopes to be home in time for Christmas.

The Clown Doctors working Lismore on a 'roster' basis will be Dr Sniggles, Dr Dizzy & Dr Kerplunk, all specially trained to work in the sensitive hospital setting. They parody the hospital routine and improvise around each patient's situation and interests.

"Two Clown Doctors will visit every week," explained Jean-Paul Bell. "They are especially good at helping children cope with hospital treatment and forget for a moment that they are ill."

Lismore Base Hospital executive officer, Dan Madden, said, the clown doctors also have a therapeutic effect.

"Research has shown that laughter has physiological and psychological benefits. Laughter has a positive effect on the heart rate and blood pressure, reduces pain and relaxes the muscles. It also reduces stress and helps maintain a positive outlook," he said.

School's out at last

Retiring teachers from St Carthage's Primary School, Jan Sandmann and John Cocciola, with principal Gary Burdett on their final day at school last Friday.

After 34 years at St Carthage's Primary School in Lismore, Jan Sandmann couldn't help but shed a tear or two when she attended her final day at school last Friday.

The school held a special celebration to farewell Jan and fellow teacher John Cocciola, who is leaving for St Joseph's Primary School in Woodburn after 25 years at St Carthages.

"It's extremely emotional - we have so many wonderful memories of our time here and there is just such a beautiful atmosphere of friendship and loyalty," said Jan. "I actually wondered today whether I could this all up. The children are so loving and thoughtful and it really has been a home away from home. I've loved every minute of it."

While John and Jan were both sad to be leaving, Jan was especially excited about her impending retirement.

"I want to travel, make my garden beautiful and smell the roses with my darling husband," she said. "It's difficult to leave such a caring community, but I'm looking forward to what's ahead and the fact I won't have to worry about time anymore."

School principal, Gary Burdett, had high praise for the two teachers, who were well loved by staff and students.

"We're losing two extraordinary people who are passionate about their job, which is sad for all of us," Gary said. "In a positive sense they are like part of the furniture - John has been our sports coordinator for so long and we've had to appoint two people just to do his job. They will be sorely missed around the school, but we wish them all the best."

Lennox Head ready to party

Ballina Shire Council and the Lennox Head Lions Club have organised a huge New Year's Eve on Williams Reserve in the heart of Lennox Head.

The non-stop six hour stage show with feature some of the region's finest bands, and there'll be plenty of food stalls and rides for the kids, as well as a few surprises to create a family-friendly atmosphere.

Council spokesperson Jillian Pratten said it was time for a professional event to celebrate the occasion.

"In previous years all we did was close the street off, but we found there was very little for the people to do," she said. "This year the entertainment and light show should keep everyone entertained for hours on end."

The highlight will be a 40,000 watt light and laser show that will replace the traditional fireworks display and provide a fascinating nightscape over the town.

Council will run a free bus service to sent revellers home safely to Ballina between 11.30pm and 2.30am.

The gates to Williams Reserve will open at 6pm and entry is free, but partygoers are reminded the Lennox Head CBD and the reserve are glass free zones.

Lismore pollie cleared by ICAC

The NSW upper house MP Peter Breen was cleared of corruption by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in its report released last Friday.

The Lismore-based MP from the Reform the Legal System Party was facing claims that he had rorted his parliamentary allowance by falsely claiming a house in Lismore as his primary residence when he rarely stayed there.

The ICAC inquiry began after officers raided his parliamentary office in October last year, seizing computer files and hard drives.

The search warrant was executed after an anonymous letter was circulated around Parliament, accusing Mr Breen of falsely claiming an allowance for country MPs and misusing parliamentary resources.

The ICAC created a list of "possible nights" Mr Breen spent in Lismore over the past six years. It came to 334 out of a total of 729 nights he had not spent in Sydney.

"Taking into account the information provided by Mr Breen concerning his time spent in Sydney and the evidence of his lifestyle, it was accepted that in nominating the Lismore address, Mr Breen had not engaged in corrupt conduct," the ICAC report said.

But Mr Breen did not emerge entirely unscathed after the ICAC also looked into his use of parliamentary office staff to help prepare a book and a computer program with no connection to his parliamentary duties.

It found his actions, while not corrupt, were "inappropriate and ill-advised".

The ICAC deputy commissioner Peter Hastings, QC, called for an overhaul of parliamentary entitlements in an effort to prevent misuse. His recommendations also include a better definition of the term 'principal place of residence'.

"In view of the lack of clear guidelines for the payment or processes for approval (of entitlements), it is difficult to sustain public confidence that the system is not open to abuse," Mr Hastings said in his report.

Mr Breen said he accepted the recommendations of the ICAC report, which left him with a legal bill of around $40,000, but questioned the competence of the ICAC to investigate MP's allowances.

"The ICAC has a proven track record when it investigates public sector corruption outside the political arena, but not one politician has been prosecuted for misusing parliamentary resources in the 15 years ICAC has been investigating Members of Parliament," Mr Breen said

He accused disgraced former upper house MP Malcolm Jones and One Nation MP David Oldfield of being behind the anonymous complaint that led to the ICAC investigation.

GM quits

Ballina Shire Council general manager Stuart McPherson will leave his job six months early after Council failed to renew his contract last month. Mr McPherson's five year contract was due to conclude in July, but on Wednesday, he announced he had reached a deal to leave early so Council could "proceed with its agenda".

Former general manager Gary Faulks has been appointed as acting general manager from January 17.

Slow down

Double demerits points for speeding and seatbelt offences will be in force from Friday December 24 to January 3 as part of Operation Safe Arrival.

The operation will also target drink driving as well as motorcycle helmet offences.

This year there have already been 20 road deaths in the Richmond Command Area which is the second highest number of fatalities for a region on country roads in NSW.

Off-road presents

Ballina Shire Council's road safety officer Stephen Bocking has warned that uninsured and unregistered scooters and mini motorcycles, can only be legally ridden on private land.

"Anyone caught riding a motorised scooter or mini motorcycle on a public road or a footpath can be fined for riding an unregistered and uninsured vehicle incurring fines totalling $944," he said.

"In addition if they do not hold a licence for riding the scooter or motorcycle and are not wearing a helmet, the total of fines could be closer to $1500."

Feed your world

Gearing up the free Christmas lunch in Lismore on Boxing Day are 5 Loaves Mobile Soup Kitchen volunteers Sherlee Blake and John Dibley with operator Darcy Goodwin and little helpers Gia and Jade Carney.

Operator of the 5 Loaves Mobile Soup Kitchen, Darcy Goodwin, is holding a special lunch this Boxing Day, December 26, to bring a little Christmas cheer into the lives of needy families.

Darcy will provide a free meal for anyone who wants to come along, with presents for children and plenty of other fun activities for the whole family.

"I believe everyone, and especially children, should be able to enjoy a Christmas lunch no matter what your financial situation," Darcy said. "But it's not just about a meal - the lunch is a social occasion and I think the friendship and fellowship on that day is even more important than the food. It's about community helping community."

The free Boxing Day lunch will be held at the Peace Park in Lismore, on the corner of Keen and Ballina streets, from 3pm. Darcy will also continue serving his weekly meals throughout the holiday period - on Mondays at the Peace Park from 6pm, on Tuesdays at Southern Cross University from 12pm, on Wednesdays and Fridays at Web Park in Casino from 6.30pm, on Thursdays at Nielson Park in East Lismore from 6pm and on Saturdays in Nimbin's main street from 8pm.

Anyone who'd like to donate money, food or furniture should phone 6622 0318.

Watch out for mozzies

Health officials are warning against the dangers of being bitten by a mosquito after recent rains and high tides triggered a major upsurge in mozzie numbers.

Northern Rivers Public Health Unit director Greg Bell warned that people are susceptible to mosquito-borne illnesses such as Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus.

"The best protection against infection is to avoid being bitten," he said. "Use insect repellent, wear long, loose, light-coloured, protective clothing when outdoors, especially during early morning and early evening. Screen living and sleeping areas or use mosquito nets, and remove any containers or rubbish that can hold water from around the home."

Mr Bell said the symptoms of these viruses - pains in the wrists, knees, ankles and small joints in the hands and feet and tiredness that might be followed by a rash and fever - and appear within 3 to 11 days of a person being bitten by an infected mosquito.

There is no known cure for the illnesses - only the symptoms can be treated.

"The danger period for these viruses is usually January to May, however recent rains and high tides have produced large numbers of mosquitoes in some areas," Mr Bell said

"There have been 156 notified cases of Ross River Virus and 112 notified cases of Barmah Forest Virus in the Northern Rivers so far this year."

Visit the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au for details on the illnesses.

Library goes online

(L-r) Richmond Tweed Regional Library manager Martin Field, Lismore mayor Merv King, area librarian Lucy Kinsley and library information technology manager Chris Versace at the launch of the new technology in Lismore last week.

Members of the Richmond Tweed Regional Library now have access to their accounts on-line thanks to new technology launched in Lismore last week.

With the simple click of a mouse, members can now search the catalogue, renew books and place reserves on publications, all from the comfort of their homes.

Richmond Tweed Regional Library manager Martin Field said the new technology will make the library more accessible for the community.

"Members don't have to worry about when the library is open or closed because library transactions can now be done by anyone who has access to a computer and the internet," he said.

To use it, go to www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au and follow the prompts.

High scores open up options

Lismore High School HSC top achievers (l-r) David Rose, Rebecca Johnston, Miriyan Kidson and Scott Braithwaite.

Students at Lismore High School may not have been particularly confident about their marks this year, but the HSC results tell a very different story.

Three of the school's highest achievers - Scott Braithwaite (UAI 91), Rebecca Johnston (UAI 88.95) and David Rose (87.35) - said they were all surprised by the marks, and now suddenly found themselves with a lot more options for the future.

"I had to change my university preferences because I didn't think I was going to be able to get in to some courses, but with this UAI my chances are a lot better," said Scott, who hopes to study journalism at the Queensland University of Technology. "The mark was really unexpected - I was so stoked and I think my parents were pretty surprised. It's been a hard slog but I've really enjoyed the experience along the way. Lismore High is a great public school and we have quality teachers."

Like Scott, Rebecca now hopes to study media. David has gained early acceptance into a Bachelor of Business at Southern Cross University, although he is also exploring other options after learning of his high score.

After the HSC, there's time to burn

Kadina High School's highest HSC achievers, Rachel Graham and Lauren Vogel, with Jemma Golding, who received the Minister's Award for Excellence, and other high achievers (rear l-r) Alex Garsden, Kim McGregor, Mark Middleton, Tegan Morgan and Josh Keep.

Lauren Vogel reckons there's nothing quite like a ritual burning to celebrate the end of school.

The former Kadina High student and HSC high achiever says when she finished her exams, she threw all her study material on a bonfire, although she may have done better had she followed in the footsteps of friend Jemma Golding, who sold hers on eBay.

"It was so cathartic burning everything - it felt so good," said Lauren. "You just feel so weightless and free without all the school commitments . It's so nice after 13 years of school. I don't think it's sunk in yet though - I still feel guilty every time I sit down to watch TV!"

Lauren scored a UAI of 95.05, with her highest mark 49/50 for extension English 2. She also received 90 in advanced English, 46/50 in extension English 1 and 90 in Ancient History, and now hopes to study psychology with honours at the University of New England.

Joining her at the top of the school table was Rachel Graham, who scored above 90 in all but two of her subjects and came away with a UAI of 98.15.

Rachel, who now hopes to study medicine at Monash in Melbourne or James Cook University in Townsville, said she was careful not to get her hopes up too high.

"I hoped for the best but I didn't have any expectations, which made waiting for the results a lot easier," she said. "It didn't really sink in at first for me, but my mum cried and when I rang my sister in Brisbane she cried too. I had such amazing support from my family, my friends and my teachers and I wanted to do well for them as well as myself."

Fellow student Jemma Golding also deserves a special mention, being the first Kadina student to ever win the Minister's Award for Excellence for her all round performance. She was one of only 44 students in NSW to receive the award, and says she was "absolutely ecstatic" when she discovered her good fortune. She now hopes to study law at Griffith University - her eBay sales no doubt helping fund her HECS bill.

Top students to a tea

Trinity Catholic College students Sophie Balding (left) and Kate Bills are two of the school's brightest students receiving University Admissions Indexes (UAI) of 97.10 and 98.65 respectively. Both Sophie and Kate will study arts/law at university next year.

Trinity Catholic College students Kate Bills and Lisa Mackey will receive the Premier's Award in Sydney next year for obtaining higher than 90 per cent in 10 or more units of study in this year's HSC.

The girls were among 25 Trinity students to receive UAI scores of more than 90, with Lisa leading the pack on 99.45, closely followed by Kate with 98.65, and Natasha Littler with 98.2.

Kate said the award reflects the high level of work and commitment she put into her last year of study at Trinity.

"I was very happy to win this prestigious award and it's certainly an honour to be recognised and acclaimed for all my hard work," she said.

Kate thanked the whole school, but one teacher in particular came in for special mention.

"In particular, I'd like to thank Mr Derrett for his support in drama and extension two English. He is very concerned with student welfare and scholastic success but on top of all this he's always good for a laugh and he makes a mean cup of tea."

Friendly rivalry raises the bar

High achievers from Alstonville High School in this year's HSC (rear l-r) Jack Chiu, Kim Vidler (front) Ashley Skilleter and Henry Morris all received University Admission Indexes (UAI) of 94 and above.

Alstonville High School students Kim Vidler, Jack Chiu Ashley Skilleter and Henry Morris are now members of an elite club after gaining University Admissions Indexes of 94, 96.8, 97.7 and 99 respectively.

The results mean the four are in the top 10 per cent of students who sat for this year's HSC.

Their outstanding scores end years of friendly rivalry that dates back to Alstonville Primary School where the young scholars began keeping tabs on each other's end of year results.

Ashley said over the last decade she and Kim mostly beat the boys at English, but Jack and Henry usually came out better at maths and science.

" I remember beating Henry at maths one year, but when he checked his paper he realised that the markers had made a mistake and in fact he had beaten me," she recalled. "It was the closest I had ever came to beating Henry at maths but I'm one up on him because this year Kim and I were named joint duxes of the school."

All the students have accepted university places. Breaking with tradition, Ashley is off to study engineering at the University of Queensland, where Jack will study science and arts and Kim will study education.

Meanwhile Henry is off to the University of NSW to study engineering.

Deborah becomes a Bond girl

Ballina High student Deborah Horsley (right) with workmate Maddie Orchard at McDonald's in Ballina.

For the last year, former Ballina High student Deborah Horsley has done nothing but work her fingers to the bone. The 17-year-old HSC student's efforts have paid off spectacularly.

Deborah made history as the first Ballina High student to receive a full scholarship to Bond University where she plans to study journalism.

To say that Deborah has been busy is an understatement. She received a University Admission Index (UAI) of 92.3 and a mark over 80 per cent in every one of her Higher School Certificate (HSC) subjects.

In addition, Deborah was named Lions Youth of the Year, dux of the school and was a finalist in the Sydney Morning Herald Plain English Speaking Competition.

She also won the School Education Area Award for public speaking and all round academic excellence.

When Deborah reflects on her final year at high school she admits that the workload was daunting.

"When I look at all of my achievements on paper I get exhausted, because it just looks impossible. I put an enormous amount of effort into my studies, but I enjoyed every minute of it because I love expressing myself and discussing ideas," she said.

0.9 from a perfect score

Story & photo: Therese Schier

Casino High School student Stephen Russell is thrilled with his 99.1 in the HSC. Stephen has a scholarship to study business information and software design at the University of NSW

After winning a scholarship to study business and IT at the University of NSW former Casino High student Stephen Russell regarded his UAI score of 99.1 in the HSC as "icing on the cake."

"I needed 93.8 for the scholarship and I didn't know what (UAI) the marks would bring," he said, having waited another day for confirmation on the scholarship.

Stephen scored 95 or higher in four subjects, plus a 92 and 85. He made it on to three state merit lists, plus the honours list for his five subjects in the top band, the merit list for an 8th in the state in software design and 12th in information processes and technology; and the all rounders list for scoring 90 per cent in 10 or more units.

Stephen, who wants to focus on software design at university, had high praise for his teachers.

"They are awesome," he declared.

Relieving principal Gary Wray said the school was above the state average in 12 subjects. He singled out industrial arts teacher Chris Simpson, who had two students gain 90 and 95 respectively in metals and engineering and four students score 84 or above in industry technology.

Other Casino High students who achieved high results were Daniel Standing who made the state honours list for his 95 in metals and engineering, Chris Bentley with 93 in industry technology, Mohommed Deen for 90 in metals and engineering and Kathleen Oliver a year 11 student who scored 89 per cent for maths.

Evans River best

Top results at Evans River K-12 came from Emma Brooks with 92 in business studies and 90 in PD/H/PE, and Jemma Craven with 90 in general mathematics. Principal Rob Walker said all students who studied extension 2 English, extension 1 mathematics and senior science recorded a result in one of the top two bands in the state.

Mural colours the neighbourhood

Showing off a section of the beautiful new mural that will adorn the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre are TAFE students Melanie Vanaria-Jamieson and Sho Wakejima (both right) with (rear) Jeannette Tyler from the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre, TAFE teacher Steven Giese and TAFE students Clinton Kyle and Bill Clifton.

The Lismore Neighbourhood Centre is getting a major spruce up next year thanks to a beautiful mural painted by local TAFE students.

The Centre supplied materials to the students, who were more than happy to create the outdoor masterpiece during their spare time. It depicts many aspects of life on the North Coast, and amongst the many characters you can see the town clock, the annual Lantern Parade, local wildlife and many other identifiable features of Lismore - including someone reading their weekly Echo!

"It's a good learning experience for the students and a positive way to contribute to the community," said TAFE teacher Steven Giese. "The diversity of this city and its surrounds is second to none in Australia - it's a really groovy place to live and that's what we're trying to celebrate."

Jeannette Tyler from the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre was thrilled, saying the mural will make the centre much more welcoming for visitors.

"I think it's fantastic - it's vibrant, colourful and wonderful tribute to Lismore's unique culture," Jeannette said. "We'll have a community centre that's bright, beautiful and inviting."

The mural is expected to be in place by February next year.

Don't mug your moggie with crackers

Lismore City Council Rangers Donna Green and Stuart Thomson with three cats and 'Spot', the pound mascot, want pet owners to keep a special eye on their animals in case of festive season fireworks.

Lismore City Council's animal shelter is gearing up for this year's festive season when unfortunately there could be an increase of up to 250 per cent in the number of animals ending up in the pound.

Ranger Stuart Thomson said the influx of animals to the pound happens every year and is most likely due to pets fleeing Christmas or New Year's Eve fireworks.

"The loud sudden noises can create spooking, causing the animals to act irrationally and become extremely distressed," he said. "As fireworks are usually let off in large succession, the animal will run until the noise stops and they often become lost and disoriented."

Stuart also had some advice for people who were intending to give others pets as Christmas presents.

"If people are going to give pets as presents they really need to discuss this with the recipients," he said. "Of course this will spoil the surprise but it could prevent another pet being dumped because it is unwanted."

Family Care Centre proves itself

Olivia Mosse (9 mths) of Alstonville and Asha Bright (8 mths) of Modanville (rear) at a recent mothers' morning tea at the Family Care Centre.

The Northern Rivers Family Care Centre (FCC) in Lismore has come up trumps in an evaluation of its services by the Centre for Children and Young People (CCYP) at Southern Cross University.

The award winning FCC provides a day stay service to parents with babies, from newborn to around 12 months, who are experiencing difficulties, or need further support, with feeding: unsettled behaviour and related sleeping patterns; adjustment to parenthood issues for the family; postnatal distress; or parentcraft issues.

"This evaluation is welcome news that the service we have been providing to new parents for nearly three years now is hitting the right note," Dr Tony Lembke, chair of the Northern Rivers Division of General Practice, which runs the FCC, said.

"Mothers consistently tell us that the FCC helped them gain confidence and regain a feeling of control in their new role as mothers."

Many mothers said they recommended the service to other parents they knew.

Next year the FCC will be introducing parenting classes and a monthly newsletter of tips, information and advice for a baby's first 12 months.

Monthly outreach services are also held in Ballina and Iluka for families unable to get to the FCC in Lismore, and in Casino and Evans Head on an as needs basis.

Parents who would like to be referred to the service should see their GP.

Local students score early uni spots

SCU student ambassador Samantha Newnham, left, showed Chris Gorman around the Lismore campus after he'd been offered an early place prior to getting his HSC results tomorrow.

While thousands of Year 12 students anxiously awaited their HSC results last Friday, Chris Gorman from Trinity Catholic College was already planning for his move to Southern Cross University next year.

Chris is among more than 100 students who secured a spot at SCU - even before their results.

Through the STAR Entry Scheme, Chris was offered a place in the Bachelor of Exercise Science and Nutrition course. As part of its commitment to keep local students living, studying and ultimately working in the region - and to reward students for their diligence throughout the school year - SCU offered places to Year 12 school students who were expected to score well in their final exams.

Chris, who was college captain, said studying locally would enable him to keep his job at local grocery story Farmer Charlie's, where he has worked for the past two years.

"It's given me peace of mind to know that I can keep working and living here in Lismore while I undertake my university studies," he said. "I'll also be able to keep living at home, which is a much cheaper while I'm at university."

Chris said his ultimate aim was to work as a dietician for elite athletes.

The colours of your credit union

Showing off the Colour Your Christmas winning entries are Summerland Credit Union CEO Margot Sweeny (right) and Echo marketing manager Heather Williams.

The Northern Rivers Echo/Summerland Credit Union Colour Your Christmas colouring-in competition was a huge success recently, with the flood of entries adding a touch of colour to the credit union's Lismore branch.

"We had such a fantastic response and it's given the branch a festive local flavour that's bright and beautiful," said Summerland Credit Union CEO Margot Sweeny. "Congratulations to all the children who put the time and effort in to enter - the standard was very high and it was a hard decision picking just six winners."

The winners were: 5-8 years: 1st Luke Gillies from Dunoon, 2nd Jacob Dhesi from Tullera and 3rd Rani-Grace from Wadeville. 9-12 years: 1st Nichola Paraschos from City Acres, 2nd Emma Tunnicliff from Ocean Shores and 3rd Tamika Wilson from Clunes.

They each won a cash account worth $100, $50 or $25 with the Summerland Credit Union.

The real Melbourne Cup winners

Presenting nearly $2000 to the Cancer Care Unit at Lismore Base Hospital and the State Emergency Service was Topsy Mason (front), from Lismore Lions to grateful recipients, cancer nurses Anthony Steel and Suzanne Whitney and SES Controller Lindsay Matterson.

The money was raised at a Melbourne Cup lunch organised by the Lions Club. Ms Mason said they chose the Cancer Care Unit and the SES as beneficiaries because "they're both great local causes that do a lot to help people."

The gift of sight

Alyssa Ferguson with her mum Shirley and brothers Nicholas and baby Jarrod. Three-year-old Alyssa, who has had a vision impairment since birth, is one of the many children who benefit from donations to the Royal Blind Society.

Three years ago Shirley Ferguson was only vaguely aware of the Royal Blind Society's role in the community, but today she can't imagine life without them.

In 2001 the Lismore resident gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Alyssa, who was born with a vision impairment. Since then Shirley has received vital assistance from the Royal Blind Society, which has helped Alyssa become the curious and fun-loving young girl she is today.

"We had so many questions and they actually had answers - we were overwhelmed by the support they gave us right from the start," Shirley said. "They gave us information and advice that made us feel more in control, and were supportive every step of the way. It's a very personal service and they've helped Alyssa so much - they were our rock when we going through tough times."

The Royal Blind Society is now seeking donations so they can continue to help people like Shirley and Alyssa. The money raised goes towards a huge variety of services for local people.

To contribute, phone 1800 422 077.

Stuff the turkey and not yourself

Encouraging people to enjoy a healthy Christmas lunch this year are chef and nutritionist Jane Dixon (left) and Northern Rivers Health Promotion Unit manager Uta Dietrich with Jane's daughter Charlotte Feagan-Dixon and Uta's children Ina and Cara Hobson.

Like many adults children often over-indulge at Christmas, eating fatty and unhealthy foods that will often make them feel stressed and sick.

According to Jane Dixon, project officer of the award-winning health project Tooty Fruity Vegie, as well as a trained chef, nutritionist, and parent, Christmas lunch doesn't have to be unhealthy to be delicious and fun.

"Over-indulging in a traditional Christmas feast often leaves us feeling unwell and brings out the worst in our children's behaviour and adds further stress to an already hectic day," Jane said. "There are a lot of decadent non-traditional choices such as fish and seafood, salad greens, mangoes and avocados, which are in season and absolutely delicious. It's a great way to teach children how to celebrate with food in a healthy manner."

To ensure you have an enjoyable and healthy Christmas, Jane has some tips for healthy holiday eating:

• Don't skip breakfast or lunch before the main Christmas meal. Hungry people are more likely to overeat. Having a piece or fruit, wholemeal bread or some yoghurt will keep the appetite under control.
• Eat in moderation - often our Christmas meal involves several courses. Choosing small amounts means we can enjoy all courses without feeling overfull
• Serve salad as the first course or place salad and vegies at the start of the table if you're having a smorgasbord-style meal. It encourages people to have an ample share of the healthiest part of the meal
• Fruit and vegies are ideal finger foods in platters, great in salads, as part of the main meal and for dessert. Prepare fruit and vegetable based snacks, as opposed to chips and lollies.
• Enjoying seasonal food such as berries, mangoes, cherries, peaches, asparagus, tomatoes and avocados is a delicious treat.
• Enjoy simple meals. Cold meat and salads and fruit are just as healthy and save a lot of energy in cooking and washing up. Salads with cheese, eggs, canned fish or canned beans are very nutritious.
• Do not leave food out all day - not only can this be unsafe due to bacteria growth but people will tend to eat all day.
• Have plenty of water available and avoid drinking too much alcohol, also keep alcohol out of reach of small hands. Kids can enjoy diluted fruit juice as an alternative to soft drink. Try using half juice and half soda water for a delicious sparkling drink.
• Healthier choices are generally more filling, so they reduce the likelihood of over indulgence and tend to result in better behaviour from kids.

Donations keep chopper flying

Life Saver Rescue Helicopter chairman Warren Tozer (left) presents Country Energy general manager Col Ussher with a framed photo of the helicopter in recognition of the company's recent donation of more than $58,000 from customers.

Country Energy has donated more than $58,000 to the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter in Lismore, which will go towards the service's campaign to replace its ageing fleet.

The money was raised by thousands of Country Energy customers, who made donations when they paid their account.

With a new helicopter costing up to $5 million, Life Saver Rescue Helicopter general manager, Perry Wells, said the money is a huge boost.

"We are humbled by the generosity of its many customers," Perry said. "We've been putting funds away for 15 years and if everything goes according to plan, we may have the new aircraft by next year. "

In the past 12 months alone the Northern Region Life Saver Rescue Helicopter has carried out more than 300 missions.

Country Energy customers who want to donate can make arrangements for regular donations of any size, or a one-off contribution.

Phone 132 356 for details.

Kids hang out downtown

Community Connections general manager William McManamey, Bundjalung Elder Roy Gordon and Lismore mayor Merv King (all seated), with Links to Learning coordinators Paul Paitson and Paul Laverick, and participants Lee Newbold, Sarah Salvestrin, Callan Jackson, Troy Downes and Jessica Leigh-O'Brien.

A new youth education space has opened in the heart of Lismore, thanks to a partnership between Lismore City Council, Community Connections and the Conservatorium.

Council contributed $20,000 to upgrade facilities on the old Lismore High School site and will waive rent.

Community Connections refitted the premises, creating a classroom and two offices. The space will be used for the youth activities service and community services grants program, providing activities and projects to help young people develop their personal skills.

Community Connections manager William McManamey said the youth space, known simply as C Block, was something Lismore desperately needed.

"C Block is a fantastic space and we can now focus on developing the skills of young people and linking them with education and training," Mr McManamey said. "Some of the courses we will offer include literacy and numeracy programs, computer skills and anger management."

Green thumbs create wildlife corridor

At the launch of the Koala Corridor Connection and Bundjalung Walking track Project (back row l-r) Green Corps team leader Brian Braby, Lismore Councillor Vanessa Ekins, Page MP Ian Causley, with Green Corps members Cameron Smith, Jay Hopkins, Robert Morris, Scott Wright, Kylie Montgomery, (front) Jade King, Bodhi Ireland, Nathan McMurray, Kaleena Geary, Lee Dorahy.

A koala corridor on council land between Rifle Range Road and Goonellabah will be completed in six months thanks to the dedicated work of the local Green Corps.

Between now and June next year, the volunteers will address the decreasing koala habitat by planting thousands of native trees and collecting eucalypt seeds for propagation.

The team will work with Lismore City Council Staff, Friends of the Koala and Southern Cross University to reverse the trend of population decline in the area.

Lismore is one of four remaining areas in NSW to have an indigenous koala population and since 1989 more than 700 local koalas have been returned to the wild.

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