The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

SES moves to higher ground

Celebrating the prospect of a new SES headquarters (out of flood) is Lismore SES Unit controller Lindsay Matterson (centre) and members (l-r) Cherie Gadd, Raymond de la Porte, Patrick Burns and Vicki Roy at the new site in Brunswick Street.

After 27 years operating in a flood prone area, the Lismore SES Unit is finally moving to higher ground.

Yesterday Lismore City Council gave the green light for work to begin on a new SES headquarters, with Council and the SES each contributing $50,000 so stage one can get underway.

The new headquarters will be built on Council land opposite the Rescue Helicopter base in Brunswick Street, well out of reach of flood waters. Stage one will comprise a new meeting/training room, boat storage and control centre, while stage two will include the construction of a two storey building that can accommodate all SES equipment.

The total cost of the new headquarters is estimated to be more than $400,000, however at present there is only $100,000 earmarked for the project. Council is hoping to secure further funding through the federal Government which has allocated $30 million to improve emergency management in local government areas.

"We're delighted to see this project get underway as it's long overdue," said Lismore mayor Merv King. "When the flood levee is completed the current SES building will be outside the levee gates, so not only will the building flood but the SES won't have access to the city, which is unacceptable. The SES currently has equipment in Council depots all over town and the new headquarters will also allow the SES to have everything under one roof."

Lismore SES Unit controller Lindsay Matterson was thrilled with the news, saying the SES will be able to provide better support during times of flood if they themselves don't get flooded.

"It's a wonderful step in the right direction and if we can sneak through the 2005 flood season without having to evacuate the current headquarters at the Laurie Allen Centre, we can move to the new headquarters and be well prepared for the 2006 flood season," Mr Matterson said. "If we do have to evacuate our present site we will have to spend at least one hour setting up somewhere else, which is the critical time we need to help others, so that's the scary part. We can cope with storms, but if a flood comes this year we're in trouble."

Fittingly, the announcement comes as Council and the SES prepare to launch Lismore's Flood Safe Week, which runs from Monday, February 7, to Friday, February 11.

As part of the initiative there are two major activities:

1) The SES, Lismore Council, Richmond River County Council and Lismore Unlimited Opportunities will have a shopfront at Shop 2, 17 Conway Street (next to OPSM), open all week. People can find out about flood heights, safety tips and evacuation procedures. A series of new flood brochures for North Lismore, South Lismore and the CBD will also be available, which provide information on how the flood levee will affect people living or working in those areas. There will also be a static display of memorabilia. The shopfront will be open from 9am to 4pm daily.

2) The SES will hold a free Business Breakfast next Thursday, February 10, to ensure all business owners are aware of how the flood levee will affect CBD flooding and how they should prepare. The breakfast will be held at the Lismore Workers Club from 7.30-8.30am, and a hot breakfast with tea and coffee will be served. Places are limited - book with Amber on 6621 4366.

Footy fever strikes

Lismore mayor Merv King hands over the keys for Oakes Oval to Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League secretary Doug Harrison in preparation for Saturday's big match.

According to Lismore mayor Merv King, Saturday night's clash between NRL giants Cronulla Sharks and Parramatta Eels will bring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the city.

Around 10,000 people are expected to converge on Oakes Oval this Saturday, February 5, for the rugby league extravaganza, which Cr King says will help put Lismore on the map as the sporting centre of the North Coast.

"It's a matter of pride for Lismore - we want visitors to go away with a good impression of the city and hopefully we can secure other big matches for the future," he said.

The event will kick off at 1pm with a match between Northern Rivers Under 15s and Palm Beach Currumbin. Other preliminary games will see the Northern Rivers Under 16s playing against Palm Beach Currumbin at 2pm, Northern Rivers Academy 17s versus Northern Division Academy 17s at 3pm, and Seagulls Tweed Heads against the USA Tomahawks at 4.30pm. Local entertainers and visiting performers will provide pre-match entertainment from 6pm, before the main Sharks versus Eels game at 7pm.

Entry to the rugby league afternoon is $16.50 for adults and $6.50 for kids 10 to 16, with kids under 10 free. To book phone the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 6621 5600.

Freebie: The Echo has six double passes to giveaway to Saturday's rugby extravaganza. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 10 & 10.15 on Friday, February 4, and tell us the what the score was last time the Sharks and Eels met.

One small step...

Kindergarten students Blake Butler and Keira Weatherburn arrive for their first day of school yesterday. They are watched by Lismore South Public School principal Erwin Bates and proud mums Liz Weatherburn and Sharee Flanagan.

Blake Butler's day began at 6am yesterday, when his mother Sharee discovered the five-year-old dressed in his school uniform and ready for his first day of school three hours early.

"He was just so keen to get to 'big school' - I had to tell him to change his clothes before breakfast so he didn't get them dirty," she said. "I don't think he was upset about his first day but I shed a few small tears because my little boy is growing up."

Lismore South Public School principal Erwin Bates, who has been teaching for 33 years, said one of the few things that hasn't changed over the years is the reaction of littlies starting school for first time.

"Little kids still experience the same combination of excitement and not knowing what to expect when they turn up for their first day," he said.

Flipping out for charity

Reverend Bob Rutherford from the Uniting Church (front) and Geoff Cahill from UnitingCare Ageing practising for next Tuesday's Pancake Day fundraiser.

Local people are being encouraged to help 'raise some dough' for UnitingCare by joining in Pancake Day celebrations next Tuesday, February 8.

While Pancake Day is a national fundraiser, all money raised from the local event goes back into supporting the local UnitingCare Ageing group (better known as Caroona) and Lismore Regional Mission.

"February 8 is Strove Tuesday and the beginning of Lent - that whole period has to do with sacrifice and we are asking people to make a sacrifice of money and help the disadvantaged in our community," said Reverend Bob Rutherford from Lismore Uniting Church. "In 2005, Pancake Day will have a special focus on children and young people disadvantaged by poverty, homelessness, disability, family breakdown, abuse or neglect."

Orders on the day can be made on 6621 5801. The cost is $2 per pancake.

Businesses can also fax their orders on Monday, February 7, to 6621 5051 with a $20 minimum order, which will be delivered to the business premises on Tuesday.

Alternatively, people can drop by the outdoor café at Lismore Uniting Church, 80 Keen Street, from 8am to 1pm and enjoy delicious pancakes with friends.

For more information phone Maria Klassen on 6624 6333.

Up in smoke

When South Lismore resident Pauline Lowe awoke to find the building opposite her home ablaze on Sunday night, her first thought was that there could be a major explosion.

The 110-year-old heritage-listed building in Kyogle Street is surrounded by petrol storage depots, and was well alight by the time Pauline realised what was happening.

"My husband woke me up because he'd heard a lot of noise and by 2am when we went outside it was like a big inferno," Pauline said. "I went out onto the front verandah and the heat from the fire just made me panic - we grabbed the kids and ran out of the house. We thought there might be an explosion and we just decided to get out - it was quite scary. It must have been bad, because firefighters were still there at midday on Monday hosing it down."

The building was being used as a storage facility for a local transport company, and contained hundreds of wooden pallets, a fork lift and an office. Around 20 firefighters from Lismore, Goonellabah and Alstonville fought the fire for around three hours before extinguishing the blaze. While the building burned for several hours, fire brigade personnel quickly contained the blaze and there was no need to evacuate nearby residents.

Police are now treating the fire as suspicious and are asking the public for assistance. Anyone with information should phone Lismore Police on 6623 1599.

Council looks to buy RSL club

Lismore City Council is looking at buying the former Lismore RSL Club site to turn it into a community centre.

Council will discuss the proposal at its first meeting for the year next Tuesday night.

In a report prepared by Council's special projects and properties manager, Lindsay Walker, says the area has "limited potential", but proposes that the three-storey building could become a community centre housing a range of groups, from senior citizens, the Neighbourhood Centre and Council staff involved in community services. He points out that not all of them are "compatible".

His vision is part of a broader strategy to free up more valuable Council-owned properties in the CBD to improve their commercial returns, as well as linking the redevelopment of the riverbank and bringing the entire precinct under Council control.

Mr Walker says the list of groups that could be housed at the RSL site is "extensive" and "far exceeds the available floor space". He says the Senior Citizens, currently located in the Laurie Allen Centre, are interested, freeing up the old weatherboard building for other uses after the SES relocates (see front page).

Despite the Neighbourhood Centre relocating to the Council-owned former library site just over a year ago, Mr Walker is keen to see them move again to "realise the commercial potential" of the Bounty Street site.

He suggests reusing the club's indoor pool area as a youth facility and has also identified other community groups, such as the Northern Rivers Social Development Council and Community Legal Centre, as potential tenants for the RSL site.

As well as the 1-hectare site of the club, the area also includes 1.6 hectares of land currently used for car parking.

While a financial evaluation of the proposal has yet to be prepared, Mr Walker recommends that Council purchase both the land and buildings as part of a long term strategic plan for the area.

Bobbie Hodge from Uki (pictured) features in a new TV commercial as part of a $4 million campaign by the NSW Government to promote regional areas to Sydneysiders.

In the ad, Bobbie is at her home, which has spectacular views of Mt Warning, talking about how there is no better place to live than the North Coast. She knows and we know it... we just hope not too many Sydneysiders see it. Then again, at least they still have trains... for now.

Battle over village ownership brews

Story & photo: Therese Schier

Chair of the Mid Richmond Retirement Village management committee, Nancy Dransfield, addresses the public meeting held in Coraki last Friday to air community concerns that Richmond Valley Council may sell the community run retirement home.

The search is on to find out just who owns the Mid Richmond Retirement Village, after residents confronted Richmond Valley Council at a public meeting held in Coraki last Friday.

People were concerned Council may sell the village and asked for Council to provide proof of ownership, at which time mayor Charlie Cox admitted he had not seen the trust deed and agreed to produce it.

Speaking to The Echo this week, he said Council is still trying to locate the trust deed documents but said Council had always been convinced they were owners of the village.

"I'm acting on information that Council owns and operates the village," he said. "We are recognised by the Department of Ageing as the provider of aged care services at the village."

Mayor Cox also said the fact that the buildings are listed on Council's asset register with a value of $2.4 million is further indication that Council has ownership.

However, speakers at last Friday's meeting disputed Council's legal right to sell the village, which was built with money and bequests from the community.

Council is the trustee of the village, which stands on crown land, and is continuing negotiations with two aged care providers (Southern Cross Care Inc and St Andrew's Village Ballina Ltd) as well as the current community management committee to decide future operation of the village.

Former councillor David Parkinson told the meeting that the Richmond River Shire Council had agreed to become trustee of the village in the 1980s in order to secure a loan that has since been repaid.

"It was local money that built this place," he said. "Whilst Council might be the trustee, we as the community own it. This community worked damn hard to raise the money for this village."

Mayor Cox told the meeting that Council had no problem with the current management committee or the financial viability of the village. He said the village operation was being assessed as part of a Council review of all programs and services, as required by the State Government.

"The position is still fluid," he said. "We have not made a decision."

Secretary of the management committee, Joan Roots, said the uncertainty was sad for village residents.

"We have 39 contented happy residents and a dedicated staff," Joan said. "I ask you councillors, why are you doing it?"

Unanimous motions passed at the meeting called on Council to leave control of the village with the local management committee, to lift a confidentiality gag on the management committee and to produce trust deed documentation within seven days.

A sobering idea

Lismore Taxis representative Doug Lawrence, Lismore City Liquor Accord (LCLA) vice president David McDonald, Inspector Tony Crandell from Richmond Local Area Command and LCLA chairman Brad Stamp after the accord's first meeting in Lismore on Tuesday.

Lismore City Council is planning to trial a late night bus service in Lismore later this month to help get local revellers home safely.

The trial of the new bus service, which will coincide with O Week at Southern Cross University, was one of the positive initiatives discussed at the first Lismore City Liquor Accord (LCLA) meeting on Tuesday.

The forum was attended by Police and a committee of business owners and employees from local hotels, bottle shops and licensed restaurants. Together they discussed some of the issues surrounding the responsible service of alcohol, such as late night curfews and anti social behaviour, as well as strategies to make Lismore's streets a safer place.

Chairman of the LCLA and Mary Gilhooley's licensee, Brad Stamp, said everyone involved in the sale of alcohol needed to work together with the interests of the whole community in mind.

"As a condition of our licence we need to ensure that there is quiet in the neighbourhood after people leave licensed premises," he said. "As far as I know there hasn't been an increase in alcohol related problems in Lismore but our aim is to eliminate them totally."

The trial of a late night bus service was welcomed by Police and the LCLA, who believe it will help reduce drink driving incidents and alcohol-related violence and crime.

Lismore City Council road safety officer Wendy Johnson said during the 18-week trial the bus will run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights on existing bus routes around Lismore and Goonellabah. Licensees will be asked to display a map of the bus route and the fare will be around $3.

Keep on eye on The Echo in coming weeks for specific details of the service.

The LCLA plans to meet every three months to monitor alcohol-related incidents and develop new ideas to combat problems.

The LCLA plans to approach all liquor licence holders in Lismore and Goonellabah to become members of the accord. For more information phone LCLA secretary Michael Timbrell on 6621 3176.

Imported beans given green light

After a long battle that began in October last year, the Byron Bay Coffee Company has been granted the right to roast imported coffee beans at the company's Newrybar headquarters.

On Thursday Ballina Shire Council approved the company's development application (DA), despite claims by one rival grower that imported beans posed a risk to the local industry.

At Thursday's meeting Newrybar coffee grower June Zentveld urged Council to reject the DA on the grounds that the imported beans may carry the coffee leaf virus and infect neighbouring crops.

" I represent more than 100 coffee farmers, many of whom are here today and we all join in requesting Council to refuse the DA submitted by Byron Bay Coffee," she said at the meeting.

Despite Mrs Zentveld's comments, Council voted 5-4 (Crs Silver, Rich, Felsch and Johnson against) to approve the DA. Byron Bay Coffee Company owner Franco Ivancich said his business posed no harm to local growers as coffee leaf virus could not survive for more than three hours on dry green bean or the sacks used to transport them.

"It takes a minimum of four to five weeks before we get the beans so there is simply no risk," he said.

The Byron Bay Coffee Company plans to begin roasting imported beans early next week after roasting equipment has been installed.

Animal instincts in Ballina

Northern Rivers Animal Services volunteer Amy Lodington with seven-week old puppy Jasper (who was found abandoned) in the service's new op shop in Ballina.

Northern Rivers Animal Services (NRAS) has opened an op shop in Ballina selling a range of second hand clothing, books, toys and household items.

All proceeds from the shop will help NRAS continue to look after abused, abandoned and lost companion animals in the Northern Rivers.

Op shop manager Robyn Mostyn said there are lots of bargains to be had and donations from the public are also greatly appreciated.

"It's great to have a presence in Ballina and we're hoping locals will really get behind the op shop and help us continue our valuable work - most people aren't aware just how many animals need care," she said. "We're always on the look out for donations of money, pet food or saleable items to sell in the store. Alternatively, come into the op shop and grab a bargain."

The shop is located at 3/268 River Street and is open for business Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

For more information phone Robyn on 6681 1860.

Another day in paradise

On Sunday these Summerland House With No Steps packing staff will fly to Vanuatu for an eight-day adventure, as part of a biennial holiday program.

Each week the staff contribute about $25 towards the holiday program, which has seen them enjoy the delights of Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Bali, not to mention a cruise on the Fairstar.

Packing shed manager John Parmitter, who will accompany the workers, said the holidays have proven to be a huge success in previous years.

"We find that after being on holidays the staff morale improves by 100 per cent," he said.

"When the staff and workers return to the packing shed everyone is on a high and production increases."

Ballina High's green machines

Ballina High School year 11 students (l-r) Ashlee Hughes, Kerrie Moore, Ashleigh Turner, Elide Newton and Sally Hunt get ready to test drive one of the electric cars being used in the school's driver training program.

Ballina High School is leading the way in alternative energy, recently acquiring two electric/battery cars to be used in the school's driver training program.

The four-seater vehicles are easy to manoeuvre, have two driving modes and a top road speed of 40km per hour.

Not only will the cars be used to teach students to drive, but also to teach young adults about sustainable future and alternative energy.

Principal Ros Mayberry said the Neighbourhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) are simple to charge and have many advantages, including zero noise and pollution.

"One vehicle can be charged by plugging into mains power and the other vehicle is engineered to charge the batteries whilst driving in the sun, and can also be charged with mains power," she said.

"These cars certainly are the way of the future and are widely used in America as an effective means of inner city transport."

Other alternative energy projects being explored by Ballina High School include the production of bio diesel, solar and wind power.

Local tender for tech college

The North Coast Institute of TAFE, Tursa and Australian Business Limited have joined forces to submit an expression of interest to operate a new Australian Technical College in the Lismore/Ballina area.

During last year's federal election the government announced that 24 colleges would be established across the country and called for expressions of interest from the public and private sectors to administer them.

Each college will provide both academic and vocational education, as well as giving students the opportunity to gain trade skills whilst completing the HSC.

The college will use existing infrastructure already in place at local TAFE campuses and schools, and will be run by a 'governing council' of local business and industry representatives.

General manager of Tursa, Ron Rathborne, said if the joint tender is successful his organisation would contribute $100,000 towards the project for working capital.

"The college will generate the availability of trades qualified young people who can then either go on to TAFE to finish their apprenticeship or pursue other educational options," he said. "This is not a high school or an old fashioned technical college, but rather a combination of the two."

It is anticipated that Australian Technical Colleges will be operational by 2007.

Volunteer for your environment

East Ballina Landcare has secured a $6,300 grant from the NSW Environmental Trust to continue its conservation work in the East Ballina Crown Reserve.

The money will be used to spray ground asparagus infestations, which are threatening the Crown Reserve, a major area of high conservation value.

As part of the grant East Ballina Landcare needs to enhance the level of on-ground volunteer work in the Crown Reserve and they are desperately seeking volunteers.

To join East Ballina Landcare and help conserve native vegetation in Ballina, phone Lee Andresen on 6681 3557 or Helen Beattie on 6686 8867.

Funding helps Red Shed rabbit on

Red Shed Holdings in Kyogle will receive $354,700 from the Federal Government's Sustainable Regions Programme, helping the business to employ 11 new staff.

Celebrating the news on Wednesday were (pictured l-r) Page MP Ian Causley, Red Shed Holdings director David Knibbe, Red Shed Holdings managing director Paul McVerry and chairman of the Far North East NSW Sustainable Regions advisory committee Geoff Provest.

The money will fund stages two and three of the Red Shed Rabbit Farm's expansion program, which will allow four new breeding sheds to be purchased. It will also be used to purchase specialised equipment that will enable Red Shed Holdings to supply rabbit meat to domestic and overseas distributors, blood products to the biotech/pharmaceutical industry and offal to the gourmet food industry.

The business is also looking to breed a rabbit that is unique to the Kyogle area.

"The grant is a consequence of four years of significant research and development at shareholders' expense, so we're just delighted," said Red Shed Holdings managing director Paul McVerry. "It will help make our commercial venture a reality."

The expansion has already seen three new staff employed, with another eight to begin work in the next three to six months.

A little Rae of sunlight

Rae Juliet Simpson was one of only four Australians in 2004 to be bestowed with an Order of the Southern Cross from the Baden-Powell Guild of Australia.

On her 70th birthday last year, Rae Juliet Simpson walked the Sydney Harbour Bridge and took a flying lesson - an experience that now compares with only one other achievement.

Late last year Rae was bestowed with the prestigious Order of the Southern Cross by the Baden-Powell Guild of Australia, an honour which got her heart racing almost as much as the Sydney harbour climb.

"It was such a thrill - it just didn't seem real when they told me," said Rae, who was one of only four Australians to receive the honour last year. "I certainly wasn't expecting it, but it feels very special to be chosen."

Rae has been a member of the Baden Powell Guild (for retired guides and scouts) since 1988, and was instrumental in forming the Far North Coast branch, serving as the inaugural president for two years.

She took on roles too numerous to mention over the next decade, from catering to promotions, whilst also forming an Extension Cub Pack for young people with disabilities and initiating the first local Cub-O-Rama.

But Rae was not content to simply stop at scouts or cubs. She has also been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for 25 years, with the Caroona op-shop for 16 years, the Legacy Ladies Auxiliary for six years and a member of the local View Club for a further six. While many would say Rae has gone above and beyond for her community, she simply waves it off with a shrug and a smile.

"My kids tell me I'm too friendly, but if someone needs a hand of course I'm happy to help out," Rae said. "I believe whatever you put into the community you get back tenfold. The work I do brings me the greatest joy."

Have a ball

Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise community service director Noreen Colley is encouraging young ladies to make their debut in Lismore this May.

The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise is holding a debutante ball at the Lismore Workers Club on May 28, with part proceeds to provide clean drinking water for tsunami victims.

Club community service director Noreen Colley said the ball promises to be a gala affair for young ladies as well as a great way to raise money for a very worthy cause.

"We are calling on young ladies to nominate now because numbers are limited and there is a lot of training that needs to be done before the big night," she said.

For more information and nominations phone Noreen on 6622 8028.

Remains found

Human remains were discovered buried at Airforce Beach in Evans Head last Thursday.

Police are investigating the possibility that the remains are those of 80-year-old James Errol Lane, who went missing from his Evans Head home last June.

The scene was examined by forensics experts before the remains were taken to Lismore Base Hospital's morgue.

The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the skeletal remains are not being treated as suspicious. Police are now awaiting the results of forensic testing.

Fourth youth charged in sexual assault

Another Northern Rivers youth has been charged with sexual assault following an incident that allegedly occurred at Lennox Head in the early hours of New Year's Day.

On Tuesday detectives from Strike Force Tabali charged a 17-year-old Goonellabah male with aggravated sexual assault in company.

He is the fourth person to be charged in relation to the alleged gang rape of a 15 year-old girl on the Lennox Head beachfront.

The youth was given conditional bail and will appear in the Lismore Children's Court on February 28.

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.

Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Taste of Byron

Restaurant and food producers in the Northern Rivers are invited to attend a public discussion about the annual Taste Of Byron next Thursday, February 10 at Earth and Sea in Lawson Street, Byron Bay.

The meeting will start at 10am.

Barry's last slice

Barry Keates - the face of Mega Pizza for 15 years - closed his shop earlier this week.

After 15 years at the helm of Mega Pizza in Lismore, owner Barry Keates is hanging up his apron and taking a well-earned break.

Barry closed his Ballina Street shop earlier this week, and while pleased to finally have some time off (he worked seven nights a week, every week), he says he'll miss the many customers he now calls friends.

"I have met some wonderful people and shared some very funny stories and happy times - I have loved every minute," he said. "The majority of my customers have been with me so long they feel like family."

Over the last 15 years Barry has employed around 50 young people in the store, although not one of them actually ever made a pizza - something Barry prides himself on.

"I can honestly say that over the past 15 years every pizza was personally made by me," Barry said.

Barry said he would like to sincerely thank his team and his suppliers, and hopes after a good long break to start up another pizza business in Lismore.

"Over the past couple of days I have been overwhelmed by the level of support I have received - I feel very humble," Barry said. "I want to thanks all my loyal customers for their friendship and support over the last 15 years."

Over 50s learning

The Nimbin Over 50s Learning Centre's first term begins soon with a program including yoga, French, music, creative and script writing, dance and computers. Enrolments for term one are being held next Wednesday and Thursday, February 9 and 10, at 81 Cullen Street, Nimbin from 10am-3pm. The term starts on February 16.

Have the Courage to Care

Courage to Care is a travelling exhibition telling the stories of holocaust survivors and non-Jews who risked their lives during the holocaust to save Jewish people.

The main aim of the exhibition is to get high school students to attend so they can see how ordinary people had the courage to make a difference.

After visiting Courage to Care in Newcastle, one year 10 student wrote:

"I learned that by doing one simple thing you can make a big difference to someone's life. We should have the courage to not just be another link in the chain of wrong but to dare to speak out and break the chain."

Courage to Care will be on show at the Lismore Regional Gallery from February 24 to March 20. A special Courage to Care briefing and information session is being held next Thursday, February 10, at the Lismore Workers Club from 4-5.30pm so local teachers can find out more about this exciting project.

To RSVP phone Elaine on 9880 2373.

The write moves

Fellowship of Australian Writers Far North Coast Regional member Michael Hunt being presented with the John Quinn award for best short story by John Quinn's wife Jo.

Due to the closure of the Lismore RSL Club, the Fellowship of Australian Writers Far North Coast Regional has relocated to the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre in Carrington Street.

The group's first meeting for 2005 will be held next Wednesday, February 9, in the new location from 7-10pm, and anyone with an interest in writing is invited to attend.

"If you are a budding writer or a long-time writer and wish to enjoy fun, friendship and sharing together then come along," said president Alison Lubow. "Don't be afraid to bring along your suggestions to be thrown in the melting pot!"

In other news, the group recently awarded Michael Hunt the John Quinn award for best short story. The in house competition is held in memory of the late John Quinn, an avid writer and secretary of the group. His wife Jo was on hand to present Michael with the award.

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