Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

New Casino SES headquarters

Four years after a severe storm left the town declared a natural disaster area, Casino has a new SES command centre - a far cry from the shed the SES used the day the storm hit.

Opening the $70,000 centre built on land at the end of Casino airport, SES brigadier general Philip McNamara said the scale of the damage from the 2001 storm highlighted the need for a command centre.

"Now they have a building they can be proud of where they can train and operate from," Mr McNamara said. "It's a truly co-operative effort with input from federal and state governments and the Richmond Valley Council."

NSW emergency services parliamentary secretary Neville Newell said the Casino unit had raised $15,000 towards the new centre and praised the "volunteers in orange."

"The new base is a credit to all of those who worked so hard and gave so generously," he said. "It has provided vastly improved facilities and resources to make the volunteers' job that much more efficient - particularly in managing significant storms and floods. Thank you for a job well done and to your families and employers."

Richmond Valley mayor Charlie Cox said Council was aware at the time of the 2001 storm that the SES was operating under poor conditions. Money from the CMCA Casino Motorhome village allowed Council to proceed with the new centre.

"The centre is a continuing benefit to the town," he said. "And it hasn't cost us a penny. It's all come from those people over there," he said, pointing to the motorhome village.

Gourmet Aussie Day

Tickets are still available for the gourmet Aussie breakfast that will kick start the Richmond Valley Australia Day celebrations at Windara Nursery & Tea Rooms next Wednesday, January 26. With dishes like toasted macadamia muesli, lemon myrtle muffins, pancakes with mango butter and eggs benedict under your belt you'll be sure to have enough energy to tackle Windara's a-maz-ing hedge maze and to celebrate the region's high achievers with Australia Day ambassador, Kerry Saxby-Junna. Tickets for the breakfast are available from the Casino tourist information centre. Phone 6662 3566, and at Norma's Arts and Crafts. All other celebrations are free.

Retirement village

Richmond Valley Council is continuing negotiations with Southern Cross Care Inc and St Andrew's Village Ballina Ltd about the possible lease, management or acquisition of the Mid Richmond Retirement Village in Coraki.

The current management committee, who are opposed to any change in operations, are still in the race and have been asked to present their case for working with either of these organisations or to operate the village themselves.

The decision to negotiate with only the above two organisations and the current committee was made at the December Council meeting.

Cr Col Sullivan continued to argue that the existing committee should not make contact with the two other prospective organisations, and that each organisation should present its case autonomously.

Crs Ray Jeffery and Norma Thomas argued against the village management going to the Sydney-based Southern Cross Care Inc, with Cr Jeffery saying the representative from Sydney was 'too smooth, too suave'.

"Big is not always better," he said.

Council is continuing negotiations with all three parties.

Water policy on display

A development control policy aimed at conserving the region's potable water supply and protecting the water quality of local beaches, rivers and creeks is now on public display at Richmond Valley Council.

The draft policy is on display at Council's Casino and Evans Head offices until March 4 or people can visit the website at richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au.

For further information phone Damien Grace on 6660 0236.

Evans bowlers boost cancer kitty

Making an $11,000 donation to the cancer unit at Lismore Base Hospital recently were Evans Head bowlers Robin Montague (men's president), Pam Siemsen and Jack Bowden (board chairman) with cancer nurse, Lola Olley, and Richmond Valley mayor, Charlie Cox.

The tally of funds donated by members of the Evans Head Bowling Club to Lismore Base Hospital's Cancer Care and Haemotology Unit has now topped $40,000 thanks to a recent charity day and valuable support from a range of corporate sponsors. Major support came from T & G Insurance and Harvey Norman Lismore, with many other businesses and individuals in Evans Head, Woodburn and Broadwater also helping out.

Noted for its generosity in supporting important local causes, including the surf club and the rural fire brigade, the Club holds an annual 'bowl cancer over' fundraiser in early January. This year's event was again a great success, with $11,000 in the kitty by the end of a busy day on the greens.