The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Conservatorium fights on

Director of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Gabrielle O'Shannessy (front), office administrator Jill Aitken, student administrator Janene Brooks and head of music Rick Nankivell outside the building that is to be demolished. Despite this, the Northern Rivers Conservatorium is still alive and kicking, and will be running most of its planned courses in 2005.

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium has vowed to fight on and stay open, despite being forced to move because part of its current home will be demolished.

Last Thursday Lismore City Council issued the NSW Government with a demolition order for the unstable sections of the building, which front Magellan Street. The NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) has 30 days to act.

Lismore mayor, Merv King, said he was disappointed that Council had been forced to take action due to the dangerous condition of the building.

The move comes after two years of wrangling and buck passing between NSW Government departments, with the Conservatorium caught in the crossfire.

All sides of the saga give conflicting accounts of how it has unfolded, however all agree that up until four months ago, the building could have been saved rather than being demolished.

Cr King has now written to education minister, Dr Andrew Refshauge, accusing DET of allowing the much-loved building to deteriorate into an "eyesore".

Conservatorium director Gabrielle O'Shannessy said she was baffled as to why DET had not done the repairs as initially planned.

"In May 2003 DET allocated $255,000 to repair the damaged building, but no work was ever carried out," Ms O'Shannessy said. "It's really sad to think this wonderful piece of architecture will be lost forever, especially when there was ample opportunity to fix the building. Meanwhile, the entire fiasco has cost the Conservatorium in excess of $100,000."

While 60 staff and 480 students are left looking for a new home, Ms O'Shannessy said the Conservatorium would continue its courses in different locations. She encouraged students to continue to take advantage of the various study options.

"Enrolments for 2005 are down 50 per cent on last year mainly due to speculation that the Conservatorium is closing, but as far as we're concerned it's business as usual," she said. "What we want to stress that the Conservatorium is bigger than a building - we may be located somewhere different, but the dedication of our staff and the quality of our courses won't change. We're hurting more from public perception than from the building actually falling down."

The Conservatorium plans to move its dance department to Lismore City Hall and the music department to C Block (opposite the library in the old Lismore High School site).

The drama department may move to the Masonic Hall in Magellan Street and staff are hopeful administration can stay in its current location in the northern end of A Block, which fronts Keen Street.

Demolition work is expected to begin in early February and could take until the end of the year. Council's general manager, Paul O'Sullivan, estimated the demolition costs at around $400,000.

Meanwhile, DET has told the Conservatorium that it will not provide additional funds to meet relocation and rental costs, despite DET's neglect causing the problem. The Conservatorium is planning a fundraising auction in March, and is looking for people or businesses to donate goods or services. Phone 6621 2266.

All fired up

Gearing up for this Saturday's open day is fire safety mascot Bernie Cinders and Lismore Fire Station firefighters (l-r) Lewis Fortuna, Rodney Farr and Shane Hulbert.

People have the opportunity to visit the Lismore Fire Station and meet their local firefighters this Saturday, January 22, during a special open day.

Permanent and retained staff will be providing visitors with guided tours of the station as well as giving youngsters the chance to sit in a fire truck and grab a photo. There will be children's activities during the day, an appearance by fire safety mascot Bernie Cinders, a BBQ and plenty of fire safety advice for young and old alike.

"It's great chance to meet the local firefighters in a relaxed atmosphere and get to know them, rather than meeting them for the first time on your doorstep when something goes wrong," said Matt Tucker from Lismore Fire Station. "It also provides kids with the chance to come and see us wearing the more intimidating fire gear and familiarise themselves, so if we do ever have to come to their place they can recognise us as a friend."

As well as being a chance for some final fun before school goes back, Matt said the day is also being used to support a very worthy cause.

"In recognition of our fellow emergency service workers in the devastated areas of Asia and the countless people affected by the recent tsunami we will also be collecting donations on the day to add to the ongoing relief effort."

The Lismore Fire Station open day will kick off at 10am and continue into the afternoon.

Awash with information

Lismore SES controller Lindsay Matterson (left) and Lismore mayor Merv King display the flood kits that were distributed to homes affected by flooding in Lismore last week.

Lismore City Council has distributed 3000 flood kits to low lying homes around the city to prepare residents for the coming flood season.

The kits contain information on evacuation procedures, maps and the anticipated effect of Lismore's flood levee, which is about 90 per cent complete.

Lismore mayor Merv King said the flood information was being distributed for the seventh year and was an initiative supported by the community.

"We are entering our annual flood season and it's important that people are aware of issues surrounding flood safety," he said.

Lismore's official Flood Safe Week will run from February 7-11 and will include a civic reception marking the 50th anniversary of the SES locally and a shopfront in the CBD, where people can obtain flood safety information. Keep an eye out in coming weeks for more details or visit www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Business as usual in Keen Street

Lismore deputy mayor John Chant (left) discusses the $1.5 million Keen Street upgrade with Keen Street retailer Alex Coronakes on Wednesday.Stage one of the $1.5 million Keen Street upgrade has been completed on time, however, one long-time retailer says that too many parking spaces have been lost in the process.

Alex Coronakes from Tropicana has been doing business in Keen Street for the last 20 years and says that since the street reopened on Monday business has been slow.

"I don't have a problem with Lismore Council upgrading the street, but I'm disappointed because about 30 car parks have gone to create the gardens," he said. "I'm certainly not whinging because we expected to lose business during the upgrade and hopefully when it's completed things will return to normal."

Lismore deputy mayor John Chant said he was aware of the parking issue but once complete the upgrade would be a positive for the city. He said Council had compensated by opening up 30 car spaces in the Brown's Creek car park and 60 in the John Crowther car park, which are a short walk from the CBD.

Cr Chant said the final design of Keen Street would be similar to Molesworth Street, with gardens and decorative bollards used to beautify the streetscape.

"The positive thing is that work should be completed in about two weeks - Keen Street will become a showcase and be a very attractive place to shop," Cr Chant said.

Rotary tsunami appeal

Aquabox chairman Terry Brown with an Aquabox standard box ready to be delivered to needy tsunami victims.

When Terry Brown heard about the Asian tsunami disaster he knew immediately how the Rotary Club of Casino could help.

For the past four years Terry has been running the Rotary Club of Casino's Aquabox project, where water purification and humanitarian aid kits are distributed to communities recovering from disaster.

"When I heard of the tsunami I thought the Aquabox would be a solution to many of the problems people were facing," Terry said.

Terry and the Rotary Club of Casino swung into action, raising $60,000 in just two weeks to deliver Aquaboxes to tsunami victims. They have already sent 19 Aquaboxes to Sri Lanka and have plans to send many more.

"I've been absolutely surprised with all the money coming in," Terry said. "It makes everyone feel they want to help."

Available in two versions, the Aquabox 30 contains 30 filters and tablets - enough to produce 33,000 litres of drinkable water. The Aquabox standard is designed for individual families and holds one filter along with goods and clothing.

Donations to the Aquabox appeal can be left at Darragh's Butchery in Casino Plaza or at Rural Irrigation Supplies in Walker Street, Casino. Phone 6662 3005.

Workers provide tsunami relief

Lismore Workers Club president Max Thompson (left) presents a cheque for $6000 to Lions Club of Lismore president Richard Adams last Thursday.

The Lismore Workers Club is lending its support to victims of the Asian tsunami, donating $6000 to the Lions Club of Lismore for relief efforts.

President of the Lions Club of Lismore, Richard Adams, said the donation was a significant contribution from the club in relatively tough times.

"This money demonstrates the important role that clubs play as members of the community," he said.

Ballina's generosity continues

Holding a fistful of $50 bills donated to the Ballina Community Tsunami Appeal are Ballina's National Australia Bank branch manager Scott Gollan and staff members Annette Booth, Helen Meaney and Bob Harper.

The Ballina Community Tsunami Appeal has more than tripled from $12,000 to $40,000 in the space of a fortnight, thanks to the generosity of residents and businesses.

The appeal was launched on January 5 when the Ballina RSL Club and the Ballina Shire Council pledged $6000 each. Since then the Ballina Council has donated another $9000.

The funds are being held in an account at the National Australia Bank until January 26, when a final figure will be announced as part of Ballina Shire's Australia Day celebrations.

Ballina RSL Club chairman Bob Grant thanked everyone who has donated money so far.

"We are delighted to have received a donation of $10,000 from the Ballina Bowling and Recreation Club through their chairman Brian Riley," he said. "When the appeal ends on Australia Day we hope to have raised in excess of $50,000, but we would be delighted if it was more. The Mayor and I are posting appeal letters to Ballina businesses asking for donations to the fund and we are also raffling electrical goods at the club which will also go towards the appeal."

Donations can be made at the Ballina RSL Club, the Ballina Shire Council Chambers or any National Australia Bank branch.

Double demerits

Double demerits will be in force over the Australia Day holiday period from Friday, January 21 to Wednesday, January 26 inclusive.

Double demerits will be imposed for speeding, seatbelt and helmet offences.

Tourists targeted in Nimbin

Police issued a number of overseas tourists with cannabis cautions on Saturday after two tourist buses and two cars were searched near Nimbin.

With the help of sniffer dogs Police found 12 people in possession of cannabis.

All were tourists from England, Canada, Ireland and Sweden. One tourist bus was also issued with a defect notice and one driver was cautioned for not displaying his authority card.

Thieves climb ladder of opportunity

It seems the expectation of thieves has moved up a rung, after a complete spiral staircase was stolen from a North Lismore home recently.

Owner of the house, Gordon Fraser-Quick, said he is offering a reward for information leading to the return of the staircase, which was cut down with a hacksaw.

The staircase had a steel centre pole, aluminium fixtures, fitting and curved handrails.

"No questions asked, no worries, all I want is the stairs returned or info about where I can pick them up or parts of them," he said.

Information about the stairs will be treated in confidence and can be passed on to Mr Fraser-Quick by calling 0428 264 670.

Australia Day celebrations for 2005 are being held across the region next Wednesday, January 26. On this day we pay tribute to the many people who enrich our community, whether through volunteer work, sporting achievements or their care for the environment.

Following is a list of Australia Day celebrations happening around the North Coast. Everyone is welcome.

Lismore

Time: 8.15am for 8.30am start.
Place: Lismore City Hall.
Ambassador: Olympic swimmer Duncan Armstrong.

Followed by free sausage sizzle and morning tea.

Ballina

Time: 7.30am start (9am official ceremony begins).
Place: Fawcett Park.
Ambassador: Australian Netball captain Liz Ellis.

Complimentary tea and damper, live performances and sausage sizzle.

Casino

Time: 7.30am start (9am official ceremony begins).
Place: Windara Nursery & Tea Rooms (253 Sextonville Rd, Casino).
Ambassador: Olympic walker Kerry Saxby-Junna

Live music, sausage sizzle, stalls, whip cracking, face painting and family fun.

Kyogle

Time: 9.30am start.
Place: Kyogle Memorial Institute.
Ambassador: Rugby Union great Jeff Sayle.

Followed by a light luncheon and free afternoon for families at the Kyogle Memorial Pool.

Dunoon

Dunoon Sports Club (James Street, Dunoon) is having an Australia Day tsunami benefit. Starts 2pm. Live entertainment with 'Ocker Rockers' and 'Closet Cowgirls and Swinging Chaps'. All day raffle and auction from 4-7pm, with proceeds to Aid Australia and to establish a tent orphanage in Banda Aceh (thank you to local businesses for donations - more donations to Graham Drew on 6689 5444). Also BBQ, kids rides, family fun day and bistro open. All welcome.

Come fly with me

On Australia Day flying instructor Nicki Schwebel will provide the public with information about the joys of flying at the Northern Rivers Aero Club's open day.

Lismore mother of two Nicki Schwebel has been flying light aircraft for a decade and since October last year she has been carrying out flying training at the Northern Rivers Aero Club in South Lismore.

Nicky said that flying is addictive and is the best fun you can have while keeping your clothes on.

"I derive so much pleasure from flying and my motto is that anyone can learn to fly a plane as long as you have the right instruction," she said.

On Australia Day the Northern Rivers Aero Club will have a special open day promoting general aviation to the public as well as adventure flights, scenic flights, tandem parachuting, classic aircrafts on display and an appearance by the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

Club vice president Gary Lewan said one of the highlights of the day will be air experience flights.

"Members of the public will have the opportunity to sit beside a qualified instructor whilst airborne and actually fly the plane themselves," he said.

The fun begins at 10am and there will food and drinks available all day along with all the information you ever wanted to know about aviation.

There will also be forums addressing test flying, aircraft maintenance, flying the big jets, careers and instructing.

The Northern Rivers Aero Club is located off Three Chain Road in South Lismore.

For more information phone Gary on 6684 7104.

Celebrate being Australian

Australia Day celebrations will be held in Ballina's Fawcett Park next Wednesday.

This year's Australia Day celebrations in Ballina are jam packed with entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, thanks to a combined effort between the Ballina RSL Club and the Ballina Shire Council.

The celebrations will happen at Fawcett Park and the RSL Club and there will be plenty of shelter, so wet weather won't spoil the day.

People are reminded to bring along a picnic blanket, cushion or a chair so they can sit back and enjoy the festivities.

The huge program includes music, wine tasting, poetry, great food and even fireworks in the evening.

After the official ceremony featuring ambassador Liz Ellis (Australian netball captain), people are encouraged to stay at the park and enjoy the breathtaking views of the river whilst celebrating Australian culture - Ballina style.

The full program for the day is as follows:

From 7.30am: Cooked Breakfast on Ballina RSL Wharf ($9 p/head)

9-10am: Activities commence at Fawcett Park. Entertainment provided by the Ballina Shire Band. Billy tea and damper courtesy of the Ballina Scope Ladies and sausage sizzle with the East Ballina Lions Club.

10-11.30am: Official ceremony, flag raising ceremony with the TS Ballina Naval Cadets, Australia Day Ambassador address, Australia Day citizenship program, announcement of Australia Day Awards and Ballina Community Tsunami Appeal.

11.30am-1pm: Australian ballads with entertainer Dr Bob, Shoot the Hoop with Liz Ellis and Lennox Head Junior Linedancers.

1-3.30pm: Australian wine tasting, cheese and fruit platters, sandwiches, soft drinks, Tapestry String Trio, Old McDonald's Farm, face painting and animal balloons.

From 3pm: Entertainment with band Rock Wallaby at the Ballina RSL Riverside Lounge.

From 5.30pm: Dinner on the Ballina RSL Wharf (includes barramundi and BBQ prawns, crocodile steaks, plus free kids meals).

7pm: Entertainment with a bush poet at the Ballina RSL Riverside Lounge.

8pm: Tsunami Appeal raffle draw and RM Williams members only prize draw at the Ballina RSL Riverside Lounge.

8.30pm: Fireworks on the Richmond River courtesy of the Ballina RSL Club.

Bon voyage Symone

On Saturday Blue Hills College student Symone Speeding (front) will fly to Japan as part of a 12-month Rotary Youth Exchange program. Wishing her goodbye was her father James, sister Jymia and Rotary Club of Alstonville president Greg Hjelmstrom.

For most 16 year-olds, the idea of living and studying in a foreign country for a year would be a daunting task, but for Symone Speeding of Goonellabah, it promises to be a cross cultural adventure of a lifetime.

This Saturday Symone will fly to Japan as a Rotary Youth Exchange student who will stay with a number of host families in the city of Yokkaicha, south west of Tokyo, whilst completing year 11.

Symone is one of the first Aboriginal students from the Northern Rivers selected to participate in the program and says despite the change of diet she can't wait until take off.

"I have visited Japan before and speak Japanese at intermediate level after studying the language at school for the last 11 years," she said. "I will miss my family and dog Xena but to remind me of home I have packed a years supply of Vegemite because I'm not all that fussed on the food."

Symone is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Alstonville, which has taken an active role in the Youth Exchange program for the last 30 years.

Booked out

Hope Springs Charity Bookshop volunteers (l-r) Ann Main, Darlene Cattell, George Pick and manager Stuart Wales dumped about 15,000 books recently after being unable to find them a home.

The Hope Springs Charity Bookshop in Lismore was forced to dump 15,000 books recently, with volunteers unable to find anyone to take them.

The store is closing on Friday and despite repeated attempts to donate the books to other organisations, manager Stuart Wales said no local charity would accept them.

The bookshop has saved around 2000 of the best books, which will be auctioned this Saturday, January 22, at Weir's Auction at the Lismore Showground from 9am.

The Hope Springs Charity Bookshop had been in business for more than three years, raising money to improve the lives of people living in East Timor and Africa.

This week's features: Your Shopping Guide - Local Businesses