The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Home is where the heart is

When it comes to helping others, Maria Sourry is something of an expert.

The 82-year-old may not have lived out her childhood dream of becoming a nurse, but that hasn't stopped her dedicating her life to caring for those around her.

Maria was yesterday named Lismore's Citizen of the Year as part of Australia Day celebrations for her work at St Joseph's Nursing Home, where she has quietly volunteered since her mother Kate was admitted in 1981.

For the next three years until her mother died, Maria visited the home every day, and was always happy to help in any way she could, preparing lunches or simply lending a friendly ear to the other residents.

"I've always loved the people at St Joseph's - they are just so happy for you to hold their hand, look into their eyes and talk to them," Maria said. "It makes you feel good inside that you can help someone - everyone is so caring and I couldn't think of a nicer place to be."

In 1996 after a long illness, Maria's husband Charles was admitted to the home and she again began visiting each day. When he passed away in 2000 Maria's family and friends expected her to take a rest from volunteer work, but by then Maria's bond with the St Joseph's community was too strong for her to leave.

Two years ago Maria suffered a major stroke, which left her paralysed on her right side, and she herself became a permanent resident of the nursing home.

Despite being wheelchair bound, Maria continued to volunteer, doing everything from organising activities to making decorations. She even taught a fellow volunteer how to speak Greek and showed him such kindness that he continues to write to her today.

In spite of all she has done for the home, Maria was nevertheless shocked to be named Citizen of the Year.

"It's out of this world - I was very surprised but I do feel proud," Maria said. "I don't do what I do for awards or accolades - I do it because I love the work and everyone at St Joseph's. It's home as far as I'm concerned."

Maria is so fond of her home that yesterday, when invited to an Australia Day barbecue to celebrate with family, she opted to go back to the home instead and enjoy pizza with her closest friends.

Other Australia Day winners were:

Young Citizen of the Year: Jacinta King

This year 11 Lismore High School student was awarded one of only five traineeships with the Attorney General's Department, and is a member of Lismore High's SRC and LEOS (junior Lions Club).

Reconciliation: Steve Graman

Steve has worked with the Goonellabah Residents Action Group for many years to improve life for Goonellabah residents. His work includes working with Lismore Council to rebuild Elders Park, and organising meetings with Police to try and reduce crime.

Environment: Blakebrook Public School students

This small school won a Sustainable Schools award in 2004 for beautifying the school grounds and starting a school orchard, bush tucker garden, frog pond and Balinese and Zen gardens.

Art/Cultural: Robin Moore

Robin was founder and benefactor of the Robb Road artist's community at Lillian Rock and is an active member of the Blue Knob Hall committee, founding member of the Nimbin School of Arts and the Regional Arts Gallery in Nimbin.

Community Services (individual): Ruth Butts

Ruth works tirelessly for St Vincent's Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, showing compassion for the sick and disabled, often in their darkest hour.

Community Services (group): Lismore Rural Fire Services

All the members have devoted a lifetime to their community, and often put their own lives at risk to help others.

Seniors Sports: Barry Carney

Barry is a long serving hockey coach and administrator, as well as a former A grade player for East Lismore. He was also instrumental in the development of a synthetic hockey surface at Goonellabah.

Junior Sports: Joshua Keep

Joshua represented Australia in mountain bike cross country cycling in 2004 and was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Award from the Australian Olympic Foundation.

Junior Sports (group): St John's College Woodlawn Under 14s rugby league team

This team won the U14 Rugby League Cochrane Cup state award. The team showed enormous composure and commitment to come from behind and win the final in the last five minutes.

• More Lismore, Ballina and Richmond Valley Australia Day stories and pics on pages 3,4,5 & 7.

Toy library moves down town

The Lismore Toy Library is now located on the ground floor of the Lismore Library in Magellan Street. Enjoying the new surroundings are Tarquin Shay Long (centre) and (l-r) Olivia Landrigan, Jo Long, Perry Long Aimee Landrigan, Elena Matiussi-Pimm, Kerry Pimm, Jake Landrigan.

The Lismore Toy Library has moved from Goonellabah to the ground floor of Lismore Library in Magellan Street to make the service more accessible for members.

The service gives parents the opportunity to borrow a range of fun and educational toys for kids aged birth to 12 years without spending precious dollars on expensive toys.

Lismore Toy Library president Jo Long said the service has recently acquired an exciting new range of toys that will keep children entertained for hours.

"We have so much more space now that we are down town, so we decided to expand on the range of toys that we keep in stock," she said. "The toy library is also a great meeting place for children, parents and carers."

The Lismore Toy Library is a non-profit organisation and is always on the look out for new members. It is open for borrowing every Tuesday and Saturday from 9.30am-11.30am during school term.

For more information phone 6689 5329.

A new home amongst the gum trees

David Reynolds (left) and Anthony Nguta were among 11 people who became fully-fledged Australian citizens in Lismore during Australia Day celebrations yesterday.

Beautiful coastlines, friendly people and good-looking chicks are just three of the things Anthony Nguta loves about Australia.

The Kenyan born 19 year-old was one of 11 people named Australian citizens during Lismore's Australia Day celebrations yesterday, joining more than 12,000 others across the country.

The Kadina High School student, who lives in Goonellabah, came to Australia just over two years ago to join his family, who had made the move from Africa in 1997.

"I love the women, the beach and the Australian people - it's a great place to live," Anthony said. "It's very different to Kenya - it's free here and there is little violence and corruption so you can do anything you want. I just feel so happy right now - I've always wanted to be Australian."

Fellow new recruit David Reynolds, who once called Britain home, was also full of praise for the Australian lifestyle, saying he made up his mind to live here after a backpacking journey 10 years ago.

"I saw what a beautiful and permissive society this was and knew I wanted to be here," said David, who lives on a permaculture community in Nimbin. "In Australia people can be successful in their own right regardless of their background, and I really like the tolerance of the different and alternative lifestyles. It's fantastic to be a citizen and feel the Australian pride here today."

Mayor Merv King welcomed the new citizens, saying they were not expected to renounce their cultural identity or customs, but rather enrich Australia by sharing them.

Bird men have brave hearts

Wayne Bird of Lismore, who received a bronze medal for bravery from the Royal Humane Society on Australia Day, with his wife Monique and 18-month old son Rylan.

When it comes to the Bird family, it seems bravery is a hereditary condition.

As part of Australia Day celebrations yesterday Lismore's Wayne Bird was presented with a bronze medal for bravery from the Royal Humane Society, following in the footsteps of his father, who was presented with the same award last year when he rescued a man from a burning car.

Wayne received his award after saving a woman and her child from a sinking vehicle in April 2003. The woman had crashed her car into Richmond River near Wardell and was trapped in the submerged vehicle with her young child.

Wayne and his pregnant wife Monique saw the vehicle as they drove by, and Wayne immediately jumped into action, swimming out to save the pair before the car sank.

Yet despite yesterday's honour, Wayne says it was simply a case of doing what had to be done.

"It was automatic - it all happened so quickly and it was just an instant response," Wayne said. "I am really honoured to receive the award, but I certainly didn't expect it - I was just happy to help. I would like to think someone else would do the same for my wife and my boy."

Wayne was presented with the award in Lismore yesterday as work commitments prevented him from attending the official ceremony in Sydney last year.

Fernleigh man dies

An 84-year-old Fernleigh man was killed last Thursday when his vehicle collided with a B-double semi-trailer at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Tintenbar Road in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Kenneth Gibbon died at the scene.

The driver of the semi-trailer received minor injuries and was taken to Ballina Hospital in a stable condition. The Pacific Highway was blocked for several hours as a result and traffic was diverted through Ross Lane.

Fire crews from Bangalow, Ballina and Goonellabah and Rural Fire Service crews from Lennox Head and Tintenbar attended the scene.

$2500 fine for South Lismore business

Casagrande's Foodland in South Lismore was fined $2500 in Lismore Local Court last week, after a Lismore City Council health inspection revealed the business was storing food inappropriately.

During the inspection last February a Council officer found spoiled meats, thawed frozen meals and mouldy cheeses within the store. Owner Helen Casagrande said in 40 years this is the first time Casagrande's Foodland had breached health department regulations.

"We didn't realise our fridges weren't working properly and we were actually in the process of installing a new $30,000 refrigeration system," she said. "It was an extremely hot, 42-degree day and the fridges were overstocked because we had just received a very large order. We have never had complaints from customers before and now that the new fridges are up and running this won't happen again."

Lismore City Council is in the midst of a crackdown on food safety, and is encouraging business owners to brush up on hygiene and food standards.

"The Northern Rivers is building a reputation for clean, high quality food - that image is jeopardised by poor food handling and storage," said Council's health officer Sharyn Hunnisett. "Council has a duty to enforce the hygienic handling of food to protect the public - and it's something business groups also want taken seriously."

Failure to store or handle food properly now attracts on-the-spot fines of up to $1320.

Council recommends that businesses encourage staff to attend an accredited food handling course. For information on courses available phone TAFE on 6626 6467 or Alstonville Ballina Community College on 6628 5426.

Third youth charged in sexual assault

A third Northern Rivers youth has been charged with sexual assault following an incident that allegedly occurred at Lennox Head on New Year's day.

The youth has been charged with aggravated sexual assault in company after the alleged gang rape of a 15-year-old girl on the Lennox Head beachfront at around 12.30am.

On Tuesday detectives from Strike Force Tabali charged the youth and he later appeared Lismore Children's Court.

The 16-year-old received conditional bail and will reappear in Lismore Children's Court on February 8.

Police are calling on members of the public who may have been near Lake Ainsworth or the adjacent beach on New Year's Eve to come forward with any information.

Anyone who can assist police with their enquiries should immediately phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Riley's Hill death

Police are preparing a coroner's report after a man was killed on Friday night in a single motor vehicle accident at Riley's Hill near Woodburn.

Police say the accident occurred at about 11pm when the man's northbound 4WD left the Pacific Highway and rolled down a culvert. It's believed the deceased came from the Grafton area but Police have not yet released his name.

Head on collision

A 43-year-old man from Jiggi was taken to Lismore Base Hospital with serious injuries last on Friday night following a single vehicle accident near Goolmangar.

The accident occurred after the man failed to negotiate a left hand bend in the road and collided head on with a tree.

As a result of the accident the Lismore to Nimbin Road was blocked for two and a half hours. Police say speed may have been a factor.

Ballina's citizen Lion hearted

Ballina Citizen of the Year Bob Morgan has been a member of Lions for 35 years.

Ballina's Citizen of the Year, Bob Morgan, has spent most of his life helping others through his life long association with Lions.

Over the last 35 years Bob has gone to remarkable lengths to raise money for individuals and charities, including swimming 844 laps of the Blacktown Swimming Pool and riding a bicycle from Sydney to Launceston.

As a member of the Ballina East Lions Bob is well-known around the shire, regularly selling raffle tickets for local projects such as the Marine Seabird Rescue and the Ballina Hospital.

After accepting the top honour at Ballina's Australia Day celebrations yesterday, Bob paid special tribute to his long-suffering wife of 46 years.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to my wife Anne who has given me total support in everything I have ever done," he said. "She is the best wife in the world and without her I would not have had the means to achieve my goals."

When asked what the future holds, Bob said he has no plans of slowing down.

"I'm a full time Lion and I will die as one," he said. "I am going to continue to work for the betterment of human kind."

Other Ballina award winners were:

Young Citizen of the Year: Jemma Burtonwood. Sportsperson of the Year: James Wood. Community Event of the Year: Ballina District Community Services Organisation for the Fair Go Skate & Youth Festival in 2004.

Big Dave is true blue

Dave Arthur from Lennox Head became an Australian citizen during Ballina's Australia Day celebrations.

Eighteen years ago Dave Arthur left Kent in England to go backpacking around the world.

The burly front rower ended up in Australia as part of a football tour and liked the place so much he decided to stay.

"It feels bloody wonderful to now be a fully fledged Australian citizen," he said. "This is truly the land of opportunity because there are so many chances in this country compared to other places in the world."

Dave works as a lecturer in sport management at Southern Cross University in Lismore.

Members of the Ballina District Community Services Organisation councillor Peter Moore, Max Perrot, Kellie O'Brien and Doug Stinson (front) were awarded the Community Event of the Year Award for the Fair Go & Youth festival in 2004.

Ballina Sportsperson of the Year James Wood was crowned the best under 18s surfer in the world.

James learned to surf at the famous Lennox Point break and now travels the international circuit chasing his dream of becoming the top world professional surfer in his league.

Ballina Australia Day ambassador, Australian netball captain Liz Ellis, with admirers Clarice and Lars Mellick, both of Ballina.

Liz arrived by jet boat to Fawcett Park yesterday and spoke of how she was a very proud Australian who absolutely loves representing her nation and leading her team on the netball court.

"When I put the green and gold on I swell with pride and get goose bumps," she said. "To captain such a successful netball team is an honour and I do it proudly on behalf of every Australian."

After the official part of the day Ms Ellis demonstrated her skills potting baskets in a friendly game of 'shoot the hoop', much to the delight of onlookers.

Ballina Young Citizen of the Year, 18-year-old Jemma Burtonwood has been actively involved with fundraising for the Red Cross,
Legacy, the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and the Ballina Lighthouse Surf Life Saving Club.

She also won the Ballina High Award for Excellence in 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

The hall of fame

Richmond Valley's Citizen of the Year, Stan Attenborough, receives his award from mayor Charlie Cox and Australia Day ambassador Kerry Saxby-Junna.

Kate Botfield's dream of singing in Nashville moved a step closer after she won the Coca Cola Talent Quest at this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The talented 14-year-old won the senior section of the contest and was pleased to entertain the crowd at yesterday's Australia Day ceremony.

Proud to be an Aussie: Liza Rosolen after receiving Australian citizenship from Richmond Valley mayor Charlie Cox during Australia Day celebrations at Windara Nursery and Tea Rooms near Casino yesterday.

Casino's Stan Attenborough was named Richmond Valley's Citizen of the Year during Australia Day celebrations yesterday for his volunteer work in the Ellangowan community, particularly in steering the upgrade and renovation of the Ellangowan public hall.

He secured several grants that enabled a wheelchair access ramp, septic toilet system and 5000-gallon tank to be added to the hall.

He said volunteering comes naturally in the close-knit Ellangowan community, saying many others also do the same.

"It's just Ellangowan," he said.

However, Stan's community involvement goes above and beyond. He is a member of Landcare and the Ellangowan Rural Fire Service and is passionate about line dancing - both as a participant and a teacher.

Stan was hard pressed to say what he gets out of his community work, but knows exactly what the community likes about the hall.

"They rave about our morning teas," he said.

Kerry Saxby-Junna was once again the Australian Day ambassador, a task she has done for 12 years. She said the friendliness of the welcome she received in Casino is evidence of what being an Australian is all about.

In other award categories, the Casino Relay for Life took out the Community Event of the Year award, after raising over $40,000 for cancer research.

Casino hockey player Jodie Hamilton scooped the Senior Sports Person and Sports Star of the Year awards. Grace Amey won the Junior Sports Person of the Year award for her achievements in the sports of basketball, shotput and netball, and the inspirational Casino High U14 rugby league team were named Sporting Team of the Year for their courageous efforts in reaching the sixth round of the Buckley Shield State Knockout - the school's best performance in over 12 years.

Dog school re-opens

The Wollongbar and Ballina Dog Obedience School has reopened after taking a break for Christmas.

The classes have been running for the last four years, teaching basic obedience as well as educating owners to do the right thing by their pets.

Classes at Wollongbar will begin this Sunday, January 30, at Hill Park Oval from 5pm.

Ballina classes will be held at Kingsford-Smith Park on Tuesday, February 1, at 6pm.

For more information phone 6624 1801 or 0402 443 988.

Free concert for seniors

Ballina MP Don Page is offering seniors free tickets for the annual Premier's Seniors Week Gala Concerts to be held in Sydney on March 14.

Ballina MP Mr Page said local seniors who are travelling to Sydney, and would like to attend the concerts, can obtain free tickets from his electorate office.

"The concerts have proved to be very entertaining in past years and I have received great feedback from local seniors who have attended," Mr Page said. "I encourage seniors interested in tickets to contact my office as soon as possible, as tickets must be ordered by close of business on Friday, February 4."

Seniors wishing to reserve tickets should contact Mr Page's office on 6686 7522 and provide the names and address of each individual wishing to attend.

Lismore MP Thomas George with members of Lismore Rural Fire Services Noel Johnston (front left), Cecil Battistuzzi (front right) and (rear l-r) Col Johnston, Mac MacGuiness, John Mace, Robert Johnston and John Chamberlain. The Lismore Rural Fire Services was named the Community Services group winner for their vast experience and dedication to helping the local community.

Codie Austen from St John's College Woodlawn's Under 14s rugby league team (winners of the Junior Sports Group award) with Seniors Sports winner Barry Carney and Junior Sports winner Joshua Keep.

Reconciliation award winner Steve Graman has worked to improve the life of Goonellabah residents for many years.

Ballina charity markets

The Ballina East Lions Club is holding a one-off market this Saturday, January 30, to raise funds for victims of the Boxing Day tsunami and South Australia bushfires.

The special market, which will feature a wide variety of stalls, will be held at the circus grounds in Canal Road, Ballina.

Casino teachers are ACE

Lynne Smith and Barbara Lachlan were thrilled to receive the 2004 Award for Excellent Service to Public Education and Training for their work at Casino ACE.

Talking to Casino Adult and Community Education (ACE) teachers Lynne Smith and Barbara Lachlan, it's easy to see why they recently won an award for service to public education.

The two women have a passion for their work that extends far beyond the Casino classroom where they run education programs for Aboriginal students in Casino and Tabulam. From offering help with filling in forms, using art as therapy, encouraging students to learn more and helping students sell their artwork, their non-judgemental, open access policy has won them the trust of the Aboriginal community and helped many students into jobs and further education.

Their dedication has scored them the 2004 Award for Excellent Service to Public Education and Training from the Board of Adult and Community Education.

For their part, Lynne and Barbara say they are simply doing what they love.

"I really like kids," Lynne said. "We've built a strong connection with the students - the trust is built up and parents are happy for the kids to come."

ACE North Coast principal Jim Nicholls had high praise for the two women.

"Their program is a success story in indigenous education," he said. "By getting the community onside with their open access policy people see ACE as not a threat. They teach people what they want to learn."

Become a disaster volunteer

Australian Red Cross Northern Region regional manager Vahideh Hosseini said the Asian tsunami highlights the need for trained local volunteers who can deal with victims of disaster. The Red Cross is conducting training in mid-February.

As the Northern Region regional manager of Australian Red Cross, Vahideh Hosseini said the Boxing Day tsunami demonstrated that when disaster strikes, it's always unexpected.

She said in times of crisis the assistance of trained disaster relief volunteers on the ground is invaluable, often saving countless lives.

"In the case of the tsunami, over 9000 trained Red Cross volunteers have provided emergency assistance to rebuild their own communities," she said. "From the first instance these volunteers provided first aid and medical support along with the evacuation of sick and injured people. These volunteers played an integral role in the relief effort and without them it would have been impossible to reach the 200,000 people affected by this tragedy."

Vahideh said the tsunami and the recent bushfires in parts South Australia highlights the need to have trained volunteers ready to take action if a local disaster occurs.

In an attempt to build a base of trained volunteers locally, the Red Cross is holding a free emergency services support course in February. People will be trained to help during disasters such as floods, landslides, bushfires, earthquakes and storms and Vahideh says interested volunteers need to be team players, caring and practical ,with plenty of common sense and a listening ear.

The course will be held on Wednesday, February 16, at St Paul's Presbyterian Hall in Lismore. The free course will run from 9am to 3pm with lunch and morning tea provided.

To find out more or register for the course phone Vahideh or Lyndall on 6622 3244 by Friday, February 11.

Head on collision

A 43-year-old man from Jiggi was taken to Lismore Base Hospital with serious injuries last on Friday night following a single vehicle accident near Goolmangar.

The accident occurred after the man failed to negotiate a left hand bend in the road and collided head on with a tree.

As a result of the accident the Lismore to Nimbin Road was blocked for two and a half hours. Police say speed may have been a factor.

Local doctor has eye for change

Retired eye surgeon Dr Malcolm Tester from Goonellabah has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2005 Australia Day Honours List.

When Dr Malcolm Tester travelled to Fiji for a holiday with his wife in 1983, he had no idea it would change his life and the lives of local Fijians forever.

The eye surgeon and his wife Yvonne, a nurse, were shocked by the lack of specialist equipment to treat eye problems in local villages, and they began conducting basic eye clinics to provide some relief.

The experience led to a lifelong commitment for Malcolm, who was yesterday awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2005 Australia Day Honours List for 20 years work in Fiji.

"I was very surprised - you don't do this sort of work to be rewarded so it's a little embarrassing," said Malcolm. "We just started doing simple things and one thing led to another - it became an obsession. We had the knowledge and the know-how to help, so we did."

Within two years Malcolm was receiving requests to supply hospitals with medical equipment and new furnishings. With each year that passed Malcolm received more and more requests for specialist ophthalmic equipment and was asked to conduct clinics in more remote areas.

However, his greatest achievement took shape in 1996 when he launched Beam of Hope - an ambitious project to set up a laser clinic in Suva and educate the population about the link between diabetes and blindness.

With help from the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise and Rotary International, Malcolm raised more than $300,000 for the project and by 1999 Fiji had its first free laser clinic. To this day, he continues to visit each year to supervise the clinics and update the public awareness campaigns.

"The project has directly and indirectly benefited around 200,000 people," Malcolm said. "I get an enormous amount of satisfaction knowing we started with nothing and now, with the addition of a second laser clinic in 2004, have a self-sustaining program to reduce diabetic blindness. While this AM award is certainly an honour, seeing the real difference we have made is reward enough."

Despite now being retired, the 67-year-old continues to provide outreach clinics in the Northern Rivers for Aboriginal communities.

Op shop finds good home

Animal Rights and Rescue Group president Barbara Steffensen (right) and volunteer Amber Strand recently opened the charity's new op shop in Keen Street, Lismore.

The Animal Rights and Rescue Group (ARRG) has relocated its op shop to bigger and better premises at 181A Keen Street, Lismore (next door to Red Rooster).

All money raised from the op shop goes towards rescuing abandoned and unwanted pets, which are cared for in volunteer foster homes until suitable full-time homes are found.

ARRG has a no kill policy and is totally self-funded by public donations and op shop sales.

President Barbara Steffensen said the organisation is looking for more foster carers to care for rescued animals until they can be placed elsewhere.

"We need people to take care of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats, and we supply the food," she said. "We also need saleable items like clothing, bric-a-brac, furniture, books, crockery and household items to sell in our op shop."

Items can be dropped off or to arrange pick up phone ARRG on 6622 1881.

The new op shop is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3.30pm.

A summer of study

Attending the Summer School of Hospitality graduation at Wollongbar TAFE last Friday were TAFE teacher Ian West (left) and course coordinator Rachel Griffiths (right) with graduates (rear l-r) Raf Perversi-Burchall, Jesse Flanagan, Shane Davis, Brenton Morgan, Damian Bowdon and Shaun Oehlman, (middle l-r) Cassandra Gadsby, Jennifer Forster, Terri-Jayne Bussell, Phillipa Macey, Chloe Anderson and (front l-r) William Riggs, Kevin McDonald, Keira Phillips and Rebecca Harrison.

Fifteen local high school students aged 15-17 did the unthinkable recently, giving up a large chunk of their holidays to complete the Summer School of Hospitality course at Wollongbar TAFE.

During the two and a half week course the students learnt many industry related skills including food preparation, hygiene, drink mixing and coffee making.

In addition to theory and practical work the students visited a number of local businesses for a first hand insight into the industry.

Course coordinator Rachel Griffiths said it was a pleasure to have been associated with such an enthusiastic group of young people.

"They were a fantastic bunch of students and I anticipate that some will go on to pursue full-time careers in the hospitality industry," she said.

Step out in style

Blue & White Auxiliary president Joyce Cleaver (right) and debutante ball founder Mary Vidler with Matt McKee and Amy Power modelling fashions for the upcoming deb ball.

Young women are being invited to register now for the ninth annual Blue & White Auxiliary debutante ball, which will be held on May 7 at the Lismore Workers Club.

The ball is the first of the deb season and a major fundraiser for the St Vincent's Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

Limited places are available and with dance practice starting in early March, ball founder Mary Vidler is urging young ladies to register now.

"The ball is a great way for girls to get their first taste of what it's like to be a young lady in society," Mary said. "It's a great experience where girls get to have fun and look beautiful, and this year will definitely be the biggest and the best yet!"

President of the Blue & White Auxiliary, Joyce Cleaver, said the ball is just one of the many ways in which the auxiliary supports local cancer patients.

"All money we raise throughout the year goes toward specialised equipment for the Palliative Care Unit, making life a little more comfortable for patients," Joyce said. "The auxiliary has been fundraising for 17 years but there's always more to be done."

Girls interested in making their debut should register with Janelle on 6621 6724, Joyce on 6624 4342 or Mary on 6624 1229 (a/hrs).

Our Kids goes online

Dillon Brice from Wolf Tracks and Our Kids fundraising officer Rebekka Battista try the new Our Kids website.

The local children's health charity Our Kids is now online. The site features the latest news and fundraising events involving Our Kids, and you can even order the beautiful calendar, featuring local children who've been helped by Lismore Base Hospital's Children's Ward and Special Sare Nursery.

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista thanked website designers Wolf Tracks for donating their services to bring the site to life.

"Without the support of Dillon Brice and the team from Wolf Tracks, this wouldn't have been possible," she said.

The website is www.ourkids.org.au.

Having a BLAST

BLAST coordinator Lindie Shrestha (left) with workshop regular Jade French in front of a mural that was painted by local youth during one of the BLAST workshops.

A new youth group in Goonellabah is now providing young people with a safe and friendly place to hang out whilst taking part in some really cool activities.

Called BLAST (believe and stay true), the program is run by the YWCA Northern Rivers Community Centre and operates every Wednesday and Friday from 3pm to 5pm.

BLAST coordinator Lindie Shrestha said since commencing 10 weeks ago the program has been a huge success.

"We have activities including art and craft sessions, dance and music workshops as well as computer access," she said. "We provide free food and drinks as well as excursions and the best part is that it's absolutely free."

BLAST is open to anyone aged between 13 and 18 and new members are very welcome.

BLAST workshops are held at the YWCA Centre in the Rous Road Shopping Centre (above the former Video Ezy store).

For more information and to become part of the fun phone Lindie on 6625 6602.

New docs make Lismore their base

Lismore Base Hospital resident Daniel Khamoudes gives young patient Brian Adams, 9, a check up. He is watched by (l-r) Lismore Base Hospital director of medical services Geoff Williamson, new interns Atef Sallam and Jennifer Yu, and resident Heman Tse.

Five newly qualified doctors, on secondment from Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital, started work at Lismore Base Hospital this week, kicking of the 2005 intern year.

The doctors are part of a 539-strong contingent of interns who have taken up training placements in the NSW public hospital system. They will work at Lismore Base Hospital until April 2005 before moving on to complete a year of three-month appointments at hospitals in both metropolitan and regional centres.

The interns completed their university medical studies last year and their work in Lismore marks their first full-time work in a hospital setting. According to Daniel Khamoudes, who started as an intern in 2004, country hospitals are perfect for getting started.

"It's a much more tight-knit community in a regional hospital and you really feel like everyone is working together - it's an easier atmosphere in which to learn," he said. "It's also good because you get to experience all aspects of the hospital and get wider exposure to general medicine rather than staying in one specialised area, which is what happens in the city. It's also just really nice to meet new people and enjoy a different lifestyle."

On the completion of their year-long placement program the interns will go on to become Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) and undertake a second year of hospital placements, including work in more complex clinical areas.

You can bank on these two

A new Bank of Queensland branch was opened in Ballina last week by Ballina MP Don Page and Bank of Queensland managing director David Liddy.

The branch is owned and managed by locals Louise and Kynan Gooding (pictured), who say they are well aware how dissatisfied people have become with banks and that's why they provide a customer focused service.

"I suppose we have all complained at some stage about the bank we are with, about feeling like a number, not a customer, about having to wait in queues, about not feeling like our business is important," Louise said. "Our livelihood is totally dependent on how well we serve our customers, and we will happily go out of our way to make sure they feel we are giving them the service they deserve."

Kynan and Louise invite people to drop into the new Bank of Queensland branch at 75-77 River Street, Ballina.

Environmental input wanted for Regional Strategy

The Total Environment Centre (TEC) is holding a number of community meetings over the next fortnight to provide information on the Far North Coast Regional Strategy and gather community input.

The TEC is looking for feedback from local environmental and community groups, as well as residents, on the major environmental issues facing the region and what conservation priorities should be included in the Strategy.

"Now is the time to coordinate strong environmental input into the Far North Coast Regional Strategy so that protection of biodiversity and the natural values of this region are placed at the forefront," said Valerie Thompson from the TEC. "The Strategy, which is being compiled by the regional Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources, will give direction to local environmental planning across the region. Anyone in the community who is interested in the long-term wellbeing of the region's natural environment is encouraged to attend and take part."

The meeting dates are as follows:

Ballina: Wednesday, February 2, at the Ballina RSL Club from 7-9pm.

Byron: Thursday, February 3, at the Suffolk Park Community Hall from 7-9pm.

Richmond Valley: Monday, February 7, at the Evans Head and Woodburn RSL Club in Evans Head from 7-9pm.

Lismore/Kyogle: Tuesday, February 8, at the Lismore Workers Club from7-9pm.

For more information phone Valerie on 6689 5205 or email valerie@tec.org.au.

Recognising wonderful women

Lismore MP Thomas George is calling for nominations for the Lismore Electorate Woman of the Year.

On United Nations International Women's Day 2005, held on March 8, the NSW Office for Women is recognising the achievements and leadership of women across the state both in business and their local community.

"There are so many women whose contributions, successes and achievements encourage and inspire," Mr George said. "Honouring women for their contribution to our communities is an important means of building the confidence and pride of all women, and encourages other women and girls by publicly presenting role models."

Thomas George called on residents to nominate a woman from the community who they think has made an important contribution.

"They may be a teacher, nurse, a business woman, author, community worker or even a sports person, as it is also the Year of Sport and Recreation," Mr George added.

For a nomination form phone Mr George's office on 6621 3624 or call into 55 Carrington Street (opposite Lismore Post Office).

Respite care program success

Students from Lismore's Wilson Park School recently took part in a nine-day respite care program during the January school holidays.

Program coordinator Belinda Scott said the respite service was designed to give parents of children with high need disabilities a break, while giving students the opportunity to have a bit of fun during the holidays.

"We had a series of daily activities including craft, cooking, media presentations and a whole lot of fun in general," she said. "Given the success of the program we are looking to secure further funding so we can organise future respite programs for the next school holidays."

The program, funded by the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre in Alstonville and WeCareFor Services Inc, was run by local firm Australian Carer Providers.

Building better homes

Lismore businessman Geoff Lawson on a building site in Goonellabah that is using his revolutionary building product and system Onecrete.

A revolutionary building product and system that was developed right here in Lismore is now available to local builders, home owners and investors.

Onecrete is a load-bearing panel that replaces a conventional house frame for a fraction of the cost. The new product leaves homes fully insulated and termite proof, and construction time can be reduced by up to four weeks.

Onecrete marketing director Geoff Lawson said the product has many advantages compared with traditional timber or steel house frames.

"This product will quickly revolutionise the building industry because it's so simple and looks great at the same time," he said. In addition to this, Onecrete is sound proof and all the panels are individually numbered, which makes the construction process very simple.

For more information about Onecrete phone Geoff Lawson on 6628 5584.

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