Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

According to Tony Butcher from Casino Family Support Service, growing up without a father around can make life hard for young boys and their mothers, especially during teenage years.

Tony is often asked by mothers to find a mentor for their sons, so last year he and a group of fellow welfare workers decided to set up the Casino Uncle program.

Based on the Byron Bay Uncle project, the program aims to offer a supportive relationship to guide boys aged eight to 12 through their formative years. Uncles and nephews are carefully matched and supervised during a series of camps and activities that bring together the men, boys and mothers who make up the Uncle community.

Now the Casino Uncle Program is ready to recruit local 'Uncles' and is holding a camp in conjunction with the Byron Bay Uncle project in Evans Head from March 11-13.

Tony said the camp would be a good way for interested men to see what being an Uncle is all about.

"Volunteers can join in the activities and talk to other Uncles," he said. "We are hoping to get guys who genuinely care. Someone who's willing to support a young person in their growing up. It's a challenging time for boys, especially if they don't have a father to help them."

Men who can participate and facilitate activities - sport, trades, trips and talks - are also invited to attend along with those willing to mentor a boy on a one-on-one basis.

"You just need to be over 18 and willing to commit time to helping out young boys without active fathers," Tony said.

For more information contact Tony Butcher at Casino Family Support Service on 6662 6792 or visit the Uncle website at www.uncle.org.au.

Gas meeting

Ellangowan resident Gloria Horne wants gas exploration company Metgasco to answer all the questions put to them at a public meeting recently, which was held to discuss concerns about the company's planned test drilling in the area.

"A lot of people were unhappy with the lack of response to the questions," Gloria said. "We want more information."

Metgasco announced plans in December to conduct further drilling in the Ellangowan area to test the potential of a large gas filled coal seam. If commercial quantities of gas are found they plan to build a gas fired power plant and feed electricity into the power grid.

Around 140 people attended the public meeting, airing concerns about reduced property values, lack of compensation for crop damage or the effect on livestock, possible ground water contamination and the odour from burning gas.

Speaking to The Echo, Metgasco managing director David Johnson emphasised the project was by no means certain to proceed.

"We cannot say at this stage that the project is economic," he said. "The purpose of the trial production is to measure a large number of parameters for which we as yet have insufficient information."

He added it was unlikely the company would conduct test drilling any further than 500 metres along the Ellangowan Road and said as yet the company had received no complaints from property owners where test drilling had taken place.

A sub-committee of Ellangowan residents was formed after the meeting to seek further answers. Metgasco representatives will be conducting further meetings in Casino within a few weeks. Watch this space for details.

Bill Harrigan visit

Russell Crowe doesn't have first call on the services of retired rugby league referee Bill Harrigan, despite Harrigan's attendance at the movie star's sevens tournament in Orara last weekend.

That honour goes to Casino's Stuart George, who had Bill lined up weeks ago to referee the game against the USA Tomahawks and the Casino RSM Cougars next Tuesday, February 1.

"Bill's been a friend of the family for over 12 years now," Stuart said. "He jumped at it. He loves coming to Casino."

Casino RSM manager Darren Schipp said the Tomahawks would provide stiff competition for the Cougars under new trainer and former Queensland State of Origin player Cavill Heugh.

"It's good for the town and good for the Tomahawks to play in Australia," Darren said. "They are the first international sporting team to play in Casino."

The match will be played at Queen Elizabeth Park at 6.30pm next Tuesday. Entry is $3 and everyone is welcome.

Casino Lions tsunami housing appeal

Lions Club of Casino has officially launched the Lions Club of Casino Sri Lankan housing appeal following confirmation from Lions clubs in the Negombo area, north of Columbo, that land is now available for the Lions Village project to go ahead.

The project will see 50 houses built by the end of February, with financial assistance from the Lions Club of Casino and land donated by the Sri Lankan government.

With each house costing approximately $2600 complete with furniture and fittings, coordinator of the appeal, Peter Gunthorpe, is hoping that individuals, businesses or organisations might band together to raise the money for one house.

"It's an opportunity to make a personal donation," Peter said. "To see where your money is going."

A plaque naming the donors will be placed on each house.

To make a donation to the housing appeal contact Peter on 6662 3728.