The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Alstonville bypassed again

Alstonville Bypass Action Group coordinator Bob Wilson (rear left) with Alstonville residents (l-r) Kath Robb, Janet Green, Alison Carmichael, Doug Sutherland and Marilyn Perkins, who are outraged at the further delay to the Alstonville bypass.

A delay of up to two years in the construction of the Alstonville bypass has outraged the local community, who have called on the NSW Government to honour its election promise.

The delay came to light when Ballina MP Don Page contacted the federal Minister for Transport earlier this week, asking why construction, scheduled to start now, had not yet begun.

Members of the Alstonville Bypass Action Group have threatened the return of community actions and protests, similar to those in the lead up to the 2003 state election, with coordinator Bob Wilson saying the delay poses a serious risk to residents.

"Alstonville's Main Street is an accident waiting to happen and we think this decision is absolutely disgusting," Bob said. "At present around 18,000 cars and B-doubles travel through Alstonville every day, and we're particularly concerned about school children who have to cross the road every day to school and back. We're not going to accept this decision lightly - we're going to fight for what we were promised."

Mr Wilson said the community had been waiting over a decade for the bypass, and claimed local residents had been lied to and misled.

"This State Government is a liability to the North Coast of NSW - first we lose the Casino to Murwillumbah train service and now this," Mr Wilson said. "They are taking away our services and tearing the guts out this area. We simply can't trust this government - they've broken their promise again."

During a visit to Alstonville three days before the 2003 state election, NSW Premier Bob Carr promised $24 million for the $36 million project, saying the bypass would be open by the end of 2006. The remaining $12 million was pledged by the Federal Government at the 2001 federal election.

In an echo of his justification for closing the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, the new NSW Roads Minister, Michael Costa, attempted to blame the Federal Government for the delay. He claimed that the Federal Government had short-changed the State to the tune of $1.5 billion in Commonwealth funding.

"Don Page will say or do anything for a headline. That includes distorting the facts for political purposes," Mr Costa said. "He knows the project has been rescheduled because of a decision by his colleagues in Canberra to remove $1.5 billion from the State budget over the next five years. Instead of playing politics, Don Page should be explaining to his Coalition colleagues in Canberra how their decision has affected the Ballina community."

Despite Mr Costa's accusations that the Federal Government has hindered the project, Mr Page maintained it was time Bob Carr came clean on his election promise.

"Premier Carr cannot have it both ways," Mr Page said. "Either the funds he promised prior to the election are available for the project, or they never were, and he has deceived the residents of Alstonville in relation to a completion date."

Work on the Alstonville bypass has now been delayed until 2006/07.

The Alstonville Bypass Action Group is holding a public meeting next Wednesday, February 16, to discuss further action. It will be held at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre from 7pm. For more information phone Bob Wilson on 0414 708 662.

Council bids for RSL

Lismore Council has decided to make a bid for the Lismore RSL Club when it goes up for auction in March.

Following Tuesday night's Council meeting councillors adjourned to a confidential sitting to review a financial evaluation of the proposal, which already has the support of various community groups.

A report prepared by Council staff has recommended Council purchase the site for a community centre.

"We have lots of community groups who could work much better together under the one roof - it would save administrative costs and would give each of the agencies a higher profile in Lismore," said Cr Jenny Dowell. "The site has lots of space and it's a building that the Lismore community is attached to and wouldn't want to see demolished. It's wheelchair accessible, has ample parking and is close to town - it's perfect for a community hub."

Cr Dowell said the decision had widespread support amongst fellow councillors.

Gung hei fat choy!

Happy New Year (or Gung hei fat choy) is in order once again as we say goodbye to the Chinese Year of the Monkey and enter the Year of the Rooster, which began yesterday.

The Chinese Lunar Calendar names each of the 12 years after an animal. Legend has it that Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from earth. Only 12 came to bid him farewell and as a reward he named a year after each one in the order they arrived. The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on personality, and a common saying is "This is the animal that hides in your heart."

If you were born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 or 2005 you're a Rooster, which corresponds to the western sign of Virgo. People born in the Year of the Rooster are generally deep thinkers, capable, and talented. Roosters are hard working and brave, but often a bit eccentric and quite outspoken. They make good restaurant owners and world travellers, and are most compatible with the Ox, Snake, and Dragon.

To celebrate the Chinese New Year The Echo has five 'Feast from the East' packs from Pandaroo to giveaway.

The Pandaroo brand was established in 1996 by Kevin and Alvin Yuen - fourth generation Chinese Australians. Aware that people were often confused about how to use imported Asian food ingredients, mainly due to Asian languages on packaging, they developed products for all Australians to use - an 'east meets west' concept.

Every Pandaroo product features English information including cooking instructions and recipe ideas, and there's around 30 products to choose from so you can make all your favourite Asian dishes at home. Pandaroo products are available in Woolworths and most local supermarkets in the Northern Rivers.

Freebie: The Echo has 5 Pandaroo 'Feast from the East' packs to giveaway, which include noodles, rice, prawn crackers, sauces and a variety of other goodies. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 10.30 & 10.45am on Monday, February 14, and tell us the former name of China's capital, Beijing.

A moving story of inspiration

Story: Julian Ryan

Nathan Willis from Alstonville, who spent 12 days providing disaster relief in Banda Aceh after the Boxing Day tsunami, is moving to Thailand with his family to help others in need.

After seeing graphic television images of human suffering after the Boxing Day tsunami, Alstonville nurse Nathan Willis immediately began packing his bags for Banda Aceh.

Within 72 hours Nathan and fellow Alstonville nurse Brendan Gray were on the ground in the once beautiful region of Sumatra, providing primary health care to the thousands of survivors left homeless by the tragedy.

Despite having previously worked as a disaster relief worker in East Timor, Burma and Thailand, Nathan was shocked by the scale of destruction he encountered.

"When we reached the top of Aceh, where the tsunami hit the hardest, I felt like I was visiting ground zero," he said. "It was like the images I'd seen of a nuclear holocaust - everything was completely disintegrated and there was an overpowering smell of death and devastation."

Nathan spent the next 12 days working with countless survivors, many of whom suffered from infection, disease, malnutrition and trauma. The experience touched Nathan deeply and he returned to Australia with renewed inspiration to improve the lives of people living in the third world.

"When I came home I decided that my wife Sandie and my three children should move to Thailand so I could better assist the people of Burma and Aceh," he said. "I will be working for Partners Relief and Development, who are a Christian aid organisation deeply committed to improving the lives of people in third world countries. I want to follow the example set by Jesus Christ by showing compassion towards people suffering from disease, starvation and poverty."

Nathan intends to move to Thailand in May next year where he and his family will live for five years.

G'bah woman fights for life

A 34-year-old Goonellabah woman is in a critical condition at Tweed Heads Hospital after being run over by her own vehicle around 1am on Tuesday morning.

Police believe Vanessa Thurgate, 34, was attempting to push her car back into the garage of a Graeme Avenue premises when she tripped, getting her foot caught in the under carriage of the vehicle. She was dragged down the driveway and across the road before the car came to a standstill.

The woman received extensive internal and head injuries and was rushed to Lismore Base Hospital. She was later transferred to Tweed Heads Hospital and is now on life support.

Three charged with heroin supply

Three people remain in custody in Lismore after being caught trying to supply an undercover police officer with more than $80,000 worth of heroin.

Steven Gary Black, 33, of Crystal Creek, Graham James Ogle, 48, and Christine Hammond, 44, both of Nimbin, were charged with supplying a commercial quantity of heroin in Chinderah last Friday.

They attempted to sell the undercover officer 280 grams of heroin.

Black was refused bail in the Lismore Local Court yesterday, while his co-accused had their charges adjourned until Monday, February 14. Black was also charged with using an unregistered and uninsured vehicle and will reappear in Lismore Local Court on February 22.

Superintendent Bruce Lyons, from Richmond Local Area Command, said the arrests are an example of a coordinated police strategy to combat top level drug supply.

"In recent times police have been criticised for targeting only those persons involved in soft drugs," he said. "I gave a commitment to the Nimbin community and indeed the wider community of the Northern Rivers that our energies would be concentrated on those persons supplying hard drugs and these arrests are indicative of such a strategy. I can assure the Nimbin community their police will continue to target all persons responsible for supplying illegal drugs and I am confident the police have overwhelming community support on this issue."

Bangalow man dies

A 47 year-old man died on Saturday after his motorcycle collided with a car at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Coolamon Scenic Drive, 5km north of Bangalow.

The man was Robin Robinson, 44, of Bangalow.

Police say Mr Robinson was thrown off his motorcycle onto the road after the impact. He was airlifted to the Gold Coast Hospital with serious head and internal injuries, but died a short time later.

Anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact Byron Bay Police on 6685 9499.

Reducing crime by the book

Lismore MP Thomas George, with Senior Constable Adam Lorkin (centre) and Constable Dean Ferguson, launched a new booklet on Monday that aims to reduce local break-ins.

A new booklet aimed at reducing home and business break-ins will be mailed to every household in the Lismore electorate this week.

Launched by Lismore MP Thomas George and local police on Monday, the booklet contains a comprehensive property register, which can be used by home and business owners to record details of their valuables.

"So often Police attend the scene of a break-in and householders do not have at hand the information we require to begin investigations," said local area commander, Superintendent Bruce Lyons. "This way, if everyone takes just 10 to 15 minutes to fill out the make, model and serial numbers of items such as their television, VCR and DVD, it has to reduce thieves' disposal options as well as hopefully leading to the prompt return of stolen items."

The booklet also contains an 'absence from residence' form which people can fill out and leave with police when they go away as well as a number of handy hints for improving car, home, office and farm security.

Sale helps nippers stay afloat

Ballina Lighthouse nippers (l-r) Reece Balkin, Erin Baker, Callum Carmont, Ellie Carmont, Ebony Shirvill, Baille Shirvill, who will benefit from a unique fundraising idea developed by the Ballina Professionals.

Ballina Professionals has devised a unique way to support the Ballina Lighthouse/Lismore Surf Life Saving Club.

The Ballina Professionals Real Estate recently bought a house, which will be demolished, and are selling the contents to raise funds for the nippers.

This Saturday, February 12, members of the public can tender for the contents of the house and according to principal of the Ballina Professionals, Peter Carmont, there are plenty of bargains to be had.

"There's an oven, hotplates, tiles, a complete kitchen, a hot water system and we're even selling the kitchen sink," he said. "We will notify the successful tenders and use the money raised to buy much needed equipment for our juniors."

The general public can inspect the property at 33 Redford Drive between 9am and 12pm. For more information phone Peter Carmont on 6686 3511.

SES reaps rewards

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Lismore SES Unit volunteer Tom Maxwell (left) with Lismore mayor Merv King (centre) and unit controller Lindsay Matterson.

After 40 years helping people in times of disaster, Lismore SES Unit volunteer Tom Maxwell was yesterday presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Lismore City Council.

Tom joined the SES in 1965 and has done all aspects of SES work, from storm damage to road accident rescue. Unit controller Lindsay Matterson said the real joy about having Tom on board was that he always had a smile on his face.

"It's a great honour to be recognised - I don't go around looking for accolades, I just like helping people," Tom said. "Being an SES volunteer is both challenging and rewarding, and seeing the relief on someone's face when you turn up makes it all worthwhile."

Lismore City Council also presented the Lismore SES Unit with a special Community Service Award, recognising 50 years of service in Lismore and surrounds.

"We put in 6000 people hours last year and that's a hell of a commitment from our volunteers," said Lismore SES Unit controller Lindsay Matterson. "Volunteers are the lifeblood of this service and this award is recognition of their outstanding contribution."

Lismore Park reclassified

Lismore City Council says it has no intention of selling off Lismore Park following its decision to reclassify the land at Tuesday night's Council meeting.

Despite protests from several councillors and community representatives, Council voted to reclassify Lismore Park, which includes Crozier Field and Oakes Oval, from 'community' to 'operational', enabling Council to offer long-term leases to private and sporting bodies.

The Local Government Act restricts leases on community land to five years.

A spokesperson for Council said many sporting groups and catering services were not interested in investing in businesses that could only offer five-year tenures.

"The reclassification will enable us to enter into longer term leases, but we have no intention of changing the way we manage the park," he said. "There has certainly been no consideration of selling any part of the land."

Council also voted to reclassify Goonellabah Leisure Centre, the Left Bank Café and Greenhills Park from community to operational.

Meals on Wheels on the move

Lismore Meals on Wheels will relocate to Goonellabah Community Centre following a decision by Lismore City Council to provide a $50,000 bridging loan to help fund the move.

The organisation - which provides 40,000 meals to residents in Lismore, Alstonville and Nimbin each year - is planning to relocate from Lismore Base Hospital before its planned upgrade.

The upgrade will result in less meal preparation space for the organisation, which decided to move and expand its operations. Lismore Base Hospital will be providing an oven and other kitchen equipment to Meals on Wheels free of charge to help them get re-established.

While Council has not defined the terms of the bridging loan, it will be subject to a guarantee of future funding for Lismore Meals on Wheels from the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.

Council also agreed to write to the Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, John Della Bosca, asking that he expedite the organisation's application to fund the $86,000 relocation.

Meals on Wheels has also submitted funding applications to the NSW Meals on Wheels Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Small Business & Partnerships Board and Ballina Shire Council.

Raffle winner flying high

Life Saver Rescue Helicopter fundraising officer Philip Gibson with winner of the annual fundraising boat raffle, Yvonne Gill, her granddaughter Tahlia Gill and hubbie Ralph Gill.

Ten years after her son Bruce was rushed to Brisbane by the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter after a farm accident, Yvonne Gill from Ulmarra has won the Rescue Helicopter's annual boat raffle.

Yvonne's winning ticket was drawn in Lismore on Australia Day and she is now the proud owner of a Quintex Explorer Trophy Aluminium Boat valued at $11,500 (supplied by Watson's Trimming & Marine). Second prize, a $1000 open order from Fishing Tackle Australia, went to Campbell Timmins from Coledale.

The raffle raised more than $40,000 for the Rescue Helicopter, which represents around 14 hours flying time.

Hospital fundraising takes the cake

Pam Page from Grafton (left), who was visiting her mother in Lismore Base Hospital last week, bought some tasty goodies from Hospital Auxiliary volunteers (l-r) Joan McKenzie, Ann Clapham and Peg Wells.

As they have done for years, Auxiliary members toil to make a range of delicious cakes, biscuits, jams and other produce, then offer them for sale at a fundraising table in the hospital's foyer on the first Thursday of each month.

Receiving an average of $700 each time, they pool the money with other funds raised by the Auxiliary to buy a range of medical equipment and patient comforts. In the past year the Auxiliary has raised a total of $68,657, making it the most significant benefactor of the hospital.

A driving force for reconciliation

Licensed drivers are being asked to take part in a Rally for Reconciliation next Friday, February 18, and help Aboriginal L platers get closer to holding as licence.

"In Aboriginal communities there is a definite lack of licence holders and this rally is one way for learner drivers to get their log book hours up," said Steve Fitzgerald from Adult Community Education. "For the non indigenous vehicle owners, teaching an Aboriginal L plater to drive for a couple of hours will be a positive step towards reconciliation."

The rally will leave Lismore at 10am and travel to Evans Head and back. Lunch will be provided. To get involved phone Steve on 6622 1903.

A dream come true for College Dux

Trinity Catholic College students Lisa Mackey (College Dux for 2004) and Catherine Bills, who were both placed on the Premier's All-Rounders Merit List, with some of Trinity's other top achievers who were recognised at a special HSC academic awards ceremony last week.

According to Trinity Catholic College's Dux for 2004, Lisa Mackey, achieving high marks in the HSC isn't solely about intelligence.

Lisa was in Canada visiting relatives when she discovered she was named Dux - a dream she had since starting high school.

"When I found out I starting jumping around and screaming - I was just ecstatic," said Lisa. "I really don't think it was talent or intelligence that got me there, it was more about hard work and study. Right from year seven I had hoped that one day I could be Dux and I just can't believe it. This school has such a great spirit and I know I couldn't have done it without my teachers or my friends."

Lisa, who achieved a UAI of 99.45 and is now studying medicine at Monash in Melbourne, was named Dux during a special academic awards ceremony at the school last week. Her high marks also scored her a place on the Premier's All-Rounders Merit List of Excellence, along with fellow student Catherine Bills (UAI 98.65).

The pair both achieved 90 per cent or above in 10 or more units of study, and were among 24 Trinity students who scored a UAI over 90. The school also had 45 students make the Board of Studies Distinguished Achievers Merit List, which recognises students who scored 90 or greater in one subject. Principal Brother Peter said the awards ceremony was a "proud College tradition" and great way to inspire other students to do their best.

Raising funds for Ballina SES

The Ballina SES is having a fundraising drive during February to raise money for much-needed rescue equipment.

Money raised will be used to purchase the 'Jaws of Life,' a vital piece of road-accident rescue equipment, valued at over $2500.

"The 'Jaws of Life' consists of hydraulic rams, cutters and spreaders that are used to force open doors, cut pillars and remove dashboards, so that trapped passengers can be removed from vehicles quickly and effectively," said SES spokersperson David McKenzie. "This important piece of equipment has helped save countless lives and will be an important addition to our rescue service."

Local businesses Ampol Pied Piper and Caltex Star Shop Big Prawn have each donated $500 in Caltex StarCash to the Ballina SES, which is first prize in a special fundraising raffle. Second prize is a 51cm TV from Gary Fox The Good Guys and third prize is a portable DVD player from Leading Edge Electronics.

SES volunteers will be selling raffle tickets from February 17-19 at Ballina Fair. There will also be a BBQ held on the second and fourth weekend (February 12-13 and February 26-27) at Gary Fox The Good Guys. For more info or to make a donation phone 6686 3725.

A bloody good idea

Lismore police officer Phil Hughes is comforted by his colleagues Dave Charter and Bronwyn Auchterlonie before giving blood as part of the annual Summer Blood Challenge.

The Australian Red Cross officially launched its Summer Blood Challenge in Lismore recently to try and top up blood supplies in the Northern Rivers.

The challenge is a friendly competition between the police and motorcyclists to see who can make the highest number of blood donations before the end of February.

Since it's inception the two groups have potentially saved over 75,000 lives by donating blood during the challenge.

Nurse unit manager from Lismore Blood Service, Francine Hoye, said it's important to donate blood throughout year, but even more so during summer.

"Summer is a difficult time for the blood service, as many regular donors are away on holidays," she said. "We encourage members of the public to give blood this summer and help us save lives."

For more information or to arrange a blood donation phone 131 495.

Help keep Ballina youngsters safe

The Ballina Safety House Committee is desperately looking for area coordinators and helpers or the committee may be forced to cease operating.

It has been running in NSW for 20 years.

Safety House provides a safe haven for young people who may be lost, frightened, threatened or scared for any reason. Safety house participants are not required to give up much of their time; they have a regular area to cover (normally where they live) and to establish that approved residents of the safety house still reside at those premises.

The next meeting of Ballina Safety House will be held next Monday, February 14, at the Ballina Police Station from 7.30pm. If you have a little time to spare go along to the meeting or phone 6623 1599 or 6628 8337.

Last chance to give

The Australian Red Cross will be the charity of the day the The Channon market this Sunday, February 13, where they will raise funds for tsunami relief. Red Cross volunteers have been overwhelmed by the support of Northern Rivers residents and are urging locals to once again dig deep.

According to volunteers, the Red Cross tsunami appeal is winding down, and they encourage people to give generously while they can.

Make your debut

The Friends of the Cathedral are holding a Debutante Ball on April 30, and are now urging young ladies to register.

All funds raised by the event will go towards the ongoing beautification of St Carthage's Cathedral in Lismore.

The ball will be held at the Lismore Workers Club. For information phone Ann on 6627 9340 or Gail on 6622 2305.

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