The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

We'll do it ourselves

Councillors take control of committee changes

Lismore councillors have taken charge of a restructure of the Council's committees, putting aside the changes developed by general manager Paul O'Sullivan.

Mr O'Sullivan had spent eight months developing a new committee system believing it better reflected the council's recently adopted strategic directions. But the changes caused alarm among community representatives on the existing committees, especially the Lismore and District Sports Association, who said they weren't consulted.

LDSA member Therese Crollick said that while they recognised the need for change, Mr O'Sullivan had failed to discuss it with the people who felt the biggest impact - the committee members.

"No meeting was called and no input sought from these committees," she said. "I am amazed that if you [Mr O'Sullivan] had a problem, that you didn't come and speak to us."

After saying that she objected to Mr O'Sullivan's description of some committees as "old boys clubs" Ms Crollick added that Council "fell well short of providing the necessary backup and support for community members".

While Mr O'Sullivan's proposal included a standing committee of all 12 councillors to implement Council's strategic plan and oversee the other committees, Councillors have gone back to square one and have written to the committees seeking their views on the restructure.

Under the O'Sullivan plan, seven key policy advisory groups would be created, including economic development, the airport, roads, sport and recreation, aboriginal issues, community services and sustainable environment.

They will consist of two-to-four councillors, plus up to nine community members based on specific criteria. For example, the roads committee would have nine community members - one from each section 94 catchment.

The art gallery, Masters Games, tourism, public transport and Nimbin water supply committees are to become reference groups providing specialist advice.

While many councillors were in broad support for the changes in the wake of two workshops on the issue, many felt Mr O'Sullivan had failed to adequately canvas the existing committee members for their views.

They agreed to establish the steering committee, but its first task will be to consider community responses to the restructure. In the meantime, the existing committees, many of which had gone into hibernation during the review, have been reconvened to discuss their futures next month.

Administrative services manager Graeme Wilson wrote to around 100 committee members just prior to Christmas seeking their feedback. Council will discuss it in March before deciding on a final structure in April - 12 months after Mr O'Sullivan first proposed the review.

With her tongue in her cheek, Cr Ros Irwin summed up the process observing, "I know it's a pain in the neck being democratic and consultative. And it takes time".

Can't buy me love

Ballina residents Kerry Greedy and Sonya Soulby with some of the toys that will bring a little bit of happiness to the children of Aceh affected by the tsunami. Photo: Marilyn Manning

Motivated by graphic media images of destruction after the tsunami, Ballina residents Kerry Greedy and Sonya Soulby wanted to do something for the children orphaned by the disaster.

Last week the mother and daughter launched a toy appeal because they say money alone will not comfort the children whose innocence was washed away by the giant waves that destroyed their villages.

"We were inspired because my eight year old grandson Henry became upset after watching the television and he asked me what would happen if a tsunami came to Ballina," Kerry said.

"We then began the toy drive so at least the children will have something to play with or cuddle, that might help to take their minds of what has happened."

Donations of toys including bats, balls and fluffy animals, as well as books, games and crayons, can be taken to shop seven at the Ramada Complex in Fawcett Street, Ballina.

The shop will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 12pm on Saturdays, until the appeal ends on January 21.

The toys will be taken to Brisbane courtesy of Ballina Removals before being flown to Indonesia by Garuda Airlines.

For more information phone Kerry or Sonya on 0410 621 990 or 6686 3085.

You can also contact them by email on tsunamitoys@yahoo.com.au.

Last post for RSL Club

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Leaving the Lismore RSL Club for the very last time on Sunday evening were (l-r) Margaret and Lyle Beddoes with Karen and Larry Falls and Mikayla Falls and Sarah Beddoes (front).

When the end came for the Lismore RSL Club after 56 years on Sunday night, it came earlier than expected. By 7pm, the doors were closed and security guards prevented members like Warren and Mae Lee, who visited the club for a drink every Sunday night, from entering for a final farewell.

Despite hosting dinner for the Prime Minister, the Lismore business awards, and legendary gigs by the likes of Jimmy Barnes, Men at Work and the Angels, the RSL Club suffered from years of poor trading and was placed in receivership last April and will be sold to recover bank debts of $3.2 million.

According to receiver David Leigh of Sims Partners, the demise of the Club is in many ways is a sign of the times.

"Clubs have a lot more competition these days because the hotels now have poker machines," he said. "The Lismore RSL simply couldn't generate the profits needed to service the debt to the bank."

Clubs NSW CEO David Costello said registered clubs are now closing "at an alarming rate".

"The Lismore RSL Club has the unfortunate distinction of becoming the 126th club to have closes or amalgamated in just the last four years," he said. "There is a clear spike in the number of clubs that have closed since 1997, which in no coincidence, is when the State Government gave the green light to a significant increase in gaming machines in hotels."

But according to South Lismore resident and Lismore RSL Club member of 35 years, Lyle Beddoes, the club could have been saved from going under.

"It's a disgrace to think that all the diggers who formed this club now have to sit back and see that it's closed," he said.

Of the 51 employees at the Lismore RSL and Goonellabah RSL Sports clubs, 15 have lost their jobs, while a further eight have accepted voluntary redundancies.

Mr Leigh said the property will be put on the market for sale later this month, and may be auctioned.

Developer sells shopping centre

Julian Ryan

After years of struggle to get the project approved by Ballina Council, local developer Chris Condon has entered into a conditional contract with the Sydney-based Mirvac Group for the sale of his Tinkerbell development in Ballina.

Mr Condon said that under joint venture arrangement, he will continue to work on the construction of the retail shopping complex.

"My involvement with Tinkerbell will cease when the shopping centre is opened later this year when the Mirvac group will retain full ownership," he said. "Once operational the Tinkerbell retail development will secure Ballina as the retail capital of the Northern Rivers."

Mr Condon said after four years of hard work surrounding the development, he decided to sell to release funding to be used for other local ventures.

"I'm planning to reinvest the proceeds of the sale into existing projects and future developments in the Ballina, Lismore and Byron Shires," he said.

His other projects include the redevelopment of the former marina site on the Richmond River and a housing development at Lennox Head.

House torched, shots fired in dispute

A domestic dispute escalated in wild scenes with shots fired, house and carport set alight and three cars destroyed on neighbouring properties at Mount Burrell, near Nimbin, on Saturday night.

Robert Michael Green, 27, of Mount Burrell man is now facing 10 charges over the dispute with his parents. He has been remanded in custody for psychiatric assessment after he allegedly set fire to his parent's home after an argument. They were able to extinguish blaze before it caused too much damage.

Police, ambulance and fire brigade officers were called to the properties on the Kyogle Road around 7.50pm. It's alleged that Green went to his next-door neighbour's property armed with a tomahawk and iron bar and set the carport on fire, destroying three vehicles. He then allegedly smashed windows at his neighbour's house, who responded with gunfire, forcing Green to retreat. He eventually surrendered to police and Ambulance officers at the scene treated him for a wound to his lower calf. The neighbour also gave himself up and was taken in for questioning.

Green is facing a range of charges including three counts of malicious damage by fire with intent to injure/endanger life, threatening to destroy property with intent to injure/endanger life, malicious damage by fire and armed with intent.

Love to have a beer with Dunc

Oympic gold medallist Duncan Armstrong will be Lismore's Australia Day ambassador at celebrations at Lismore City Hall on January 26.

The former swimmer and young Australian of the year will join in the award presentation for citizen of the year, as well as giving the occasional address.

Lismore's festivities begin at 8.30am.

Corrections

An article in the January 7 edition meant to say former NSW Police Commissioner Tony Lauer and his wife are an example of a high profile people on grandparents bringing up their grandchildren.

A report on page 4 last week incorrectly suggested that a Leeville man was involved in a car theft racket. Police investigations are continuing.

Local church services to remember tsunami victims

As part of Australia's National Day of Mourning this Sunday, local churches will devote services and prayers to tsunami victims.

In Lismore, St Carthage's Cathedral will have a one-minute silence at 11.59am before the Angelus lasting about 30 minutes. People wishing to attend this service should arrive at 11.50am.

Every Anglican church in the Lismore Parish will also observe a time of silence offer a special blessing as part of the usual Sunday service. At St Andrew's there will be services at 7.30am, 9.30am and 6.30pm. There will also be Anglican services in Dunoon and Nimbin.

The Uniting Church will launch their Tsunami Appeal this Sunday with services in Lismore at 8.30 am, Nimbin at 11am and Coraki at 9am.

People are asked to contribute by putting their donations in clearly marked envelopes, including their names as well as the donation amount. All are welcome.

The Baha'i community is hosting a multi-faith gathering this Sunday from 8am to 10am at 3 Redwood Drive Goonellabah. Another Baha'i service will be held in Ballina in the Richmond Room, behind Ballina Library, from 5 to 6pm.

There is also a combined Christian church service at the Missingham Bridge amphitheatre in Ballina from 7.30 pm to acknowledge the victims of the tsunami.

Organisers say 'Church Under the Stars' is an informal yet spiritual way for people to gather and pray.

Two charged over new year rape

Two teenage boys have been charged with aggravated sexual assault following an attack on a 15-year-old girl shortly after midnight on New Year's Day. Officers from the sex crimes squad arrested two 17-year-old boys later that day. The assault allegedly occurred on the beachfront opposite Lake Ainsworth Caravan Park around 12.30pm, despite the fact that more than 10,000 people were in the village to celebrate the new year.

Police have also formed Strike Force Tabali to investigate claims of multiple rape. Police withheld announcing the first two arrests until last Thursday as their investigations continued.

One youth appeared in Lismore Children's Court on Monday and cannot be named. The other will appear in Ballina Children's Court on January 21. Both youths have been released on conditional bail.

Anyone with information about the assault should contact Ballina Police on 6681 8699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Health service announces team

North Coast chief executive Chris Crawford (centre) with two members of his new senior management team, Anne O'Donoghue and Dr David Hutton.

The newly formed North Coast Area Health Service has announced the six-member senior executive team to head up merged service, which began on January 1.

Chief executive Chris Crawford, said the team, featuring many members of the former Northern Rivers executive, had a proven track record and a wealth of valuable experience.

Anne O'Donoghue has been appointed director of nursing and midwifery, Dr David Hutton is the director of clinical governance, Vahid Saberi, director of population health and planning and Denice Fletcher, director of clinical operations, are all former Northern Rivers executives.

From the Mid North Coast, Nick Sheehan has been appointed director of workforce and Stewart Dowrick director of corporate services.

Recruitment for managerial positions under to the senior executive team is expected to occur next month.

Fish farm finds the right angle

NSW minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald (centre) gives Casey Lane of East Ballina and Brent Davie of Alstonville some fishing tips whilst inspecting the fish farm in Ballina last week.

If you haven't been getting too many bites lately, don't despair - a new Ballina saltwater fish farm has the perfect angle for anglers.

The former prawn farm in North Creek Road is now open to people keen to drop in a line.

Marshal Chang, manager of the tourist fishing park, said the ponds are stocked with jewfish and bream, and while anglers aren't guaranteed of catching a fish, they'd have to be unlucky not to.

"We have had people catch as many as seven and eight fish in an hour and I can only think of one or two people who haven't got a bite at all," he said.

NSW primary industries minister Ian Macdonald visited Ballina last week to inspect the state's first saltwater fish farm open for public angling.

"I am very excited to be here, because it will be a massive boost for tourism, which is clearly one of the most important industries to support the local economy," he said.

Anglers have the choice of releasing the fish back into the water or buying their catch when they leave the farm.

Careful Liz...

Ballina's Australia Day curse has returned to haunt organisers, with problems obtaining an ambassador emerging once again. Since 2001, the official ambassadors, organised by the statewide Australia Day comittee have either turned up late, cancelled at the last minute, or failed to arrive at all, with the exception of Dr John Yeo in 2003.

The curse began in 2001 when the late celebrity chef Bernard King missed his flight and was late. The following year, environmental unionist Jack Mundy "forgot" what day was Australia Day.

Last year actor Steve Bisley cancelled at the last minute and fellow thespian Nick Bishop became his understudy. With 13 days to go, Ballina had not as yet secured an official ambassador, until Mayor Phil Silver told The Echo that Australian netball captain Liz Ellis would be Ballina's "special Australia Day guest".

Council will meet today to finalise the festivities, which will relocate to Fawcett Park by the riverside, and begin at 9.30am.

Christmas winners have reason to smile

(l-r) Harvey World Travel assistant manager Kaylene Hopf and Lismore Unlimited Opportunities (LUO) representative Amber Hall, with three of the lucky winners of LUO's Christmas promotion, Wendy Klaus, Candace Hall and Vern Jarrett who accepted the $200 cheque on behalf of his daughter Elizabeth Pattison.

As part of Lismore Unlimited Opportunities (LUO) Christmas promotion, five lucky readers now have $200 to spend at participating businesses in Lismore.

LUO representative Amber Hall said the promotion was a fantastic way for the retailers to give something back to the customers who support them all year round.

For Candace Hall, of Richmond Hill, the decision of what to purchase was very simple.

"I'm going to spend mine on a lovely beauty treatment including a facial and a massage," she said.

New health website

The newly created North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) has launched a new health internet site.

Chief Executive, Chris Crawford, said the site features services, health news and information, population statistics and employment opportunities within the NCAHS.

"The site will feature a comprehensive directory of Hospital and Community Health services throughout our operating area, from Tweed Heads down to Port Macquarie, and offers easy-to-use access to many thousands of pages of information," he said.

It also includes specialist information on Aboriginal and mental health, drug and alcohol services, the merit program, living with chronic disease, women's health, palliative care, nursing, parenting, pharmacy services and community health.

The new website is at www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au

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