The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Fears for missing girl's safety

Story: Julian Ryan

German tourist Simone Strobel disappeared from a Lismore caravan park late last Friday night and has not been seen since. Police hold grave fears for her safety and are hoping the public can shed some light on her whereabouts.

Lismore police hold grave fears for the safety of a 25-year-old German tourist who went missing from a Lismore caravan park last Friday night.

Simone Strobel was last seen around 11.30pm last Friday walking near the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park in Dawson Street, where she and three friends were staying.

Police say Simone spent several hours at the Gollan Hotel earlier that evening before returning to the caravan park with her friends. A short time later Simone decided to go for a walk. She has not been seen since.

"We're extremely concerned about Simone's safety and are asking anyone who may have information about her whereabouts to come forward immediately," said Senior Constable Michael Hogan from the Richmond Local Area Command.

Senior constable Hogan claimed earlier reports suggesting Simone left the caravan park after an argument with her boyfriend now appear to be inaccurate. He said Simone had been travelling with her 24-year-old boyfriend Tobias Suckfuell, his sister and a friend, who all say Simone's disappearance is totally out of character.

"From our investigations we can see that everyone travelling with Simone was very caring towards her and their relationships had all been amicable," he said. "We understand that Simone was never known to hitch hike in Germany or in Australia and by all accounts was a very cautious person."

Since her disappearance last Friday there have been a number of alleged sightings in Byron Bay, however, investigations have left police no closer to solving the mystery surrounding her disappearance.

Simone is described as 170cm tall with brown shoulder length hair, of medium build with a tanned complexion. She was last seen wearing a tight black sleeveless top, a red Roxy skirt with white slacks underneath and no shoes.

Police say Simone was not carrying a mobile phone or any money and only speaks limited English.

Anyone who has seen Simone or has any information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact Lismore Police on 6623 1599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The ride of freedom

Members of local People for Reconciliation groups (l-r) Edda Lampis, Judith Light, Thelma James, Ron Cahill, Rob Garbutt, Steve Fitzgerald, Daniel Peterson and Ken Morgan, who will welcome the Freedom Ride when it rocks into Lismore next Monday.

To mark the 40th anniversary of the 1965 'Freedom Ride', a busload of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth have come together to re-enact the journey and explore just how far Australia has come towards reconciliation.

The 1965 Freedom Ride was the brainchild of the late Aboriginal activist Charlie Perkins, who led a group of Sydney university students through NSW to raise awareness about Indigenous issues.

Four decades later a group of young people are retracing the route of the original Freedom Ride, which brings them to Lismore next Monday, February 21.

"The 2005 Freedom Ride is designed to reinvigorate reconciliation in NSW and get people thinking about ways in which they can actively contribute to reconciliation on a local level," said Lismore People for Reconciliation chair Rob Garbutt. "This is a chance for locals to learn about a part of our local history that's not often talked about and to learn about each other's culture. The only way to live peacefully together as a community is to first understand each other and share each other's stories. The 2005 Freedom Ride part of that journey."

A lunchtime gathering with people travelling on the 2005 Freedom Ride will be held on Monday, February 21, at Southern Cross University from 12-1.30pm. There will be an address from people who travelled on the 1965 Freedom Ride as well as the 2005 ride, and everyone is welcome.

The major event is a special celebration in Heritage Park that evening from 5-7pm. The event will include a welcome by Lismore mayor Merv King, free live entertainment, a free BBQ and the chance to learn more about both the 1965 and 2005 Freedom Rides.

Anyone is welcome to attend the event or for more information phone Rob on 6625 1485.

David Suzuki joins The Echo!

The Echo has added another fine writer to its list of columnists, with world-renowned geneticist Dr David Suzuki (pictured) now joining the team (I know, we can hardly believe it ourselves...)

The Echo wanted to include a perspective on global environmental issues in the paper, and we couldn't think of anyone more qualified than David.

Among his many titles, David is a scientist, broadcaster, author and chair of the David Suzuki Foundation. He is an officer of the Order of Canada and a recipient of UNESCO's Kalinga Prize for science and the United Nations Environment Program medal. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and holds 14 honorary degrees from universities around the world. He is also familiar to television audiences as host of the long-running television program The Nature of Things, while his written work includes more than 30 books. He lives in Vancouver, Canada.

David will write a regular column in The Echo called 'Global Connections'. Check out his first article here.

The Echo will also be running a weekly crossword from this week, with both cryptic and quick clues to keep crossword fans happy. See page 14 for the first instalment.

All fired up over a name

Owners of Fire in the Belly Pizzeria, Rod Scott and Julie Dickson (right), with local sculptor Adrian Ward and the magnificent wood-fired oven he created for the business. Inset: The Divine Spark by Adrian Ward is one of the pieces featured in his new exhibition at Fire in the Belly.

It may sound strange, but the owners of Fire in the Belly in Lismore need a name for their wood-fired oven, and they want the community to help out.

The oven - a massive red ceramic dragon - was created by Nimbin artist Adrian Ward when the business opened in July last year.

After seven months without a name, owners Rod Scott and Julie Dickson decided something had to be done, and they are now holding a competition to find a name for their beautiful beast, with a great prize on offer for the lucky winner.

"We have been so overwhelmed by support from the Lismore community since we opened and think it's only fitting that a local be the one to name our dragon," said Julie. "It's a bit of fun and we're hoping for some really imaginative suggestions."

The lucky winner will receive dinner for four at Fire in the Belly and a bottle of fine wine courtesy of Penfolds. Entries close on Monday, March 14, and will be judged by Rod, Julie and Adrian. To grab an entry form or get a better look at the dragon, drop into Fire in the Belly at 109 Dawson Street, or phone 6621 4899 for more information.

• To coincide with the competition Adrian has a new exhibition on show at Fire in Belly, which includes camphor laurel sculptures, pencil and pastel drawings. It will be on show until the end February.

Aye aye, Captain!

Primary and high schools around the region have recently inducted their school captains and vice captains for the 2005 year.

At St John's College Woodlawn students taking on positions are (l-r) Tom Arnett (Captain), Hayley Thomson (Captain), Jemma Buultjens (Vice Captain) and Hamish Bartrim (Vice Captain).

Congratulations and good luck to all students in the Northern Rivers who have been named captains and vice captains for the year.

A new face for Ballina

Nadia Eliott-Burgess (pictured) has scored the top job at Ballina Chamber of Commerce, being appointed as the business and promotions manager last week.

Nadia is originally from the Northern Rivers and has returned to live in Ballina after several years managing a chamber of commerce in Western Australia.

Nadia has a passion for protecting the interests of small business and looks forward to identifying the issues pertinent to the Ballina community.

"I was really excited when I got the job and I'm looking forward to joining the voice of local businesses in Ballina," she said.

Nadia's job became vacant after former manager and Ballina Shire councillor Sharon Cadwallader left to take up a position with Australian Business Limited in Ballina. Sharon was manager of the Ballina Chamber of Commerce for six years.

An Echo by the sea

The Northern Rivers Echo will commence home deliveries in Ballina and Lennox Head today. Keep an eye out for Echo sales consultant Marilyn Manning and journalist Julian Ryan, who will be doing the rounds in Ballina looking for new advertising clients and some rollicking good yarns.

The Northern Rivers Echo has come good on its promise of expanded distribution to Ballina residents, with home deliveries starting in Ballina and Lennox Head today.

An additional 5500 copies of The Echo will now be delivered to Ballina Shire each Thursday, bringing the weekly circulation to 31,000.

Residents of Tintenbar, Newrybar and Wardell can also pick up a copy of the paper from their local store, where bundles will be dropped each week.

Echo sales and marketing manager Heather Williams said the expansion into Ballina Shire is a reflection of the newspaper's commitment to the people of the Northern Rivers.

"We are one of the few independently and locally owned newspapers on the eastern seaboard of NSW, which is something to be truly proud of," she said. "We believe we are creating an environment for competition, which gives businesses and readers the opportunity to tap into new markets in a business and editorial sense. We also think the paper's a pretty good read."

Echo advertising consultant Marilyn Manning and journalist Julian Ryan will be covering the Ballina Shire, so keep an eye out for their friendly faces around the traps.

"Marilyn has over 25 years experience with community newspapers both in Australia and New Zealand, and joined our team last year after working with The Canberra Times," said Mrs Williams. "Julian has wealth of local knowledge being a third generation resident of the Ballina Shire and while he now lives in Lismore, he's a Ballina boy at heart."

Check your letterbox today and enjoy the read!

A not so secret garden

Photo: Jeff Dawson.

Mark and Sue Kelly from The Tin Dog, with their pooch Bella, who are having an open garden as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme this weekend.

Matt and Sue Kelly from The Tin Dog at Federal will open their beautiful sub-tropical rainforest garden to the public this weekend as part of Australia's Open Garden Scheme.

Like many other properties in the area, the garden was once part of a large dairy farm that was subdivided in the 1970s, and since then various owners have contributed to turning the four acres into a rambling natural rainforest.

Owners in the 1990s began the restoration of the creek area, which was entirely overgrown with weeds, replacing the invasive vegetation with over 30 varieties of palms, tree ferns, gingers and many other rainforest trees.

More formal-type gardens have been developed around the house with gardenias, heliconias, gingers, cordylines and bromeliads.

A flourishing orchard has also been established and the Kelly's have employed a grey water filtering system as part of their ongoing labour of love.

"This garden has been created over many years by lots of different people and we are just its present keepers," said Sue. "It's a very tranquil garden and a beautiful drive out to Federal."

The Tin Dog is located at 1 Macadamia Lane, Federal. The garden will be open this Saturday and Sunday, February 19-20, from 10am-4.30pm. Entry is $5 (children under 18 are free) with part proceeds going to the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter in Lismore. Tea and coffee will also be available, with proceeds from these sales going towards community projects in Federal.

For directions phone 1902 261 026 and select 2.

Thanks for giving

A special Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Lismore this Sunday, February 20, to thank emergency services personnel and pastoral care teams in the Northern Rivers for their work.

Gearing up for the service is (pictured l-r) St Vincent's pastoral care associate and coordinator Graeme Davis, Northern Rivers Rural Fire Service chaplain Bob Rutherford, Wyrallah Fire Brigade deputy captain Sheldon Harrington and Northern Rivers Rural Fire Service family support officer John Mace.

The service is designed to acknowledge the selfless work of pastoral care teams at St Vincent's and Lismore Base hospitals, workers at the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul and emergency teams from NSW Police, NSW Fire Brigades, the Rural Fire Service, Ambulance, SES and the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter service.

"It is only appropriate and proper for the community take time to say 'thank you' to all the men and woman who respond to the call for help, often at great personal cost," said thanksgiving service coordinator Graeme Davis. "This is loyalty. This is love for mankind. This is putting others above all else. Attendance at Sunday's service is public acknowledgement of the work of these 'heroes'. These people don't expect medals or badges or accolades, but it's always nice to get a pat on the back and know you're appreciated."

The Service of Thanksgiving will be held at the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter base at 60 Brunswick Street, Lismore, from 2.30pm.

Local schools share in $2 million

Five non-government schools in the Northern Rivers will share in $2 million, which will help provide an better facilities for students.

The funding, from the Federal Government's Capital Grants Programme for Schools, was announced yesterday by Page MP Ian Causley.

The five recipients are Rainbow Ridge School at Lillian Rock, Blue Hills College in Goonellabah, Casino Christian School, the Cathedral School in Grafton and McAuley Catholic College in Grafton.

"The money will go toward construction of learning areas, libraries, science laboratories, canteens, new toilets and various other projects," Mr Causley said. "These new facilities will help the schools to provide the best possible learning environment for students."

Fresh as a DAISI

Lismore's Disability & Aged Information Service Inc (DAISI) has cemented its place in the local community with an entire building named in its honour last week.

The AMP building on the corner of Magellan and Molesworth streets was renamed DAISI House last week in recognition of its largest tenant, DAISI, and the growing number of community services who now have tenancy in the building.

Joining DAISI under the one roof is Guide Dogs of NSW/ACT northern region branches and the Deaf Society of NSW.

DAISI manager Dona Graham said the renaming of the building gives a visual presence to a service that has been operating on the Far North Coast for the last 13 years.

"We help people who are aged and those of all ages with disabilities to connect with a plethora of services and supports that are available in their community," she said.

For more information about DAISI services phone 1800 800 340.

Council pushes forward Ballina Ex-Service Home

Richmond Valley Council is pushing ahead with plans to sell land at Evans Head aerodrome to the Ballina Ex-Services Home, despite a plan of management Council commissioned still not being completed.

The plan of management was commissioned by Council to provide direction on the future operation and use of the World War II RAAF aerodrome. Any sale of land has to wait until the plan is completed, which is not expected until April.

Ballina Ex-Services Home plans to build a $30 million retirement village at the heritage-listed aerodrome. However, they must settle on a site in Evans Head by July this year or risk losing the allocation of subsidised beds from the Department of Health and Ageing.

A report by general manager Brian Wilkinson at Tuesday's Council meeting said the development would provide accommodation for up to 340 people, bringing considerable social and economic benefits to Evans Head and surrounds. The report also said work on the site could commence well before the end of 2005, once the sale of land and the development application is approved.

However, he warned that Council should not pre-empt the process and further meetings are planned with the Heritage Council over the matter.

In the meantime, Council is pressing ahead with a valuation report for the land and the impact it would have on Council's nearby depots.

The original land approved for the development on 10 hectares of Crown Land was abandoned due to ongoing delays with Aboriginal Native Title claimants.

Aunties needed now

The Aunty Program in Mid Richmond urgently needs volunteer aunties to be mentors for girls aged 4-16 years. One aunty is matched with one young girl and it involves 2-4 hours contact per week for 12 months.

The relationship can enrich and benefit both involved and can make a real difference to a young girl's life. A training day for potential aunties is being held this Saturday, February 19. To register your interest phone Gina on 6682 4334.

Rate debate simmers

The Lennox Head Residents Association is calling on Ballina Shire Council to change the current system being used to calculate rates in the shire, claiming the current system is unfairly slugging Lennox Head residents.

Under the current ad valorem system used by around 45 per cent of local councils in NSW, rates are calculated as a percentage of the residential land value determined by the Valuer General.

However, according to Lennox Head Residents Association president, Brian Smith, the present system is inequitable. The Association is urging Lennox Head residents to lobby individual councillors and staff to adopt a 'base rate system'.

"The system being used by Ballina Council at present leads to an unfair distribution of rate payments throughout the shire," he said. "We're aware of cases reported to us where Lennox Head residents' rates have increased by 37 per cent over a 12 month period, which is unacceptable. This situation could be improved if Council introduced a base rate structure as the method to determine the cost of rate payments."

Plateau councillor Keith Johnson rejected Mr Smith's claims, saying if a base rate system was introduced rates in other parts of the shire would increase by the same margin.

"The ad valorem system delivers an equitable rating system across the shire," he said. "Some people pay more because they have more, which is exactly the principal which underlies the progressive taxation system in Australia."

The matter will be discussed when the Ballina Shire Finance Committee meets on Thursday, March 3. Recommendations from the meeting will be considered at the next Ballina Council meeting on March 24.

A wheely good idea

Southern Cross University vice-chancellor professor Paul Clark, Leukaemia Foundation chief executive Peter Schell and Lismore MP Thomas George with the new Holden that will provide free transport for local leukaemia patients and their families.

An incredible effort from the Lismore community in last year's World's Greatest Shave for a Cure will provide local leukaemia patients with free transport and ease the burden on local families.

Last year's event raised a $54,000, which the Leukaemia Foundation has used to purchase a new Holden. The vehicle will used to transport patients and their families to and from treatment centres in Lismore, Ballina and Tweed Heads, and will be driven by a dedicated team of volunteers.

"The local community has given the Leukaemia Foundation so much support over the years and it's great to further add to our services in the area," said Leukaemia Foundation chief executive, Peter Schell.

The Seagulls Club in Tweed Heads also provided funds for the vehicle, and Southern Cross University has kindly offered to house the car.

"Leukaemia touches so many people in our community," said SCU vice-chancellor, professor Paul Clark. "We hope that by assisting with this project we can make their day-to-day life a little easier."

ASR spreads its wings

Lance Ferris and Marny Bonner from Australian Seabird Rescue in Ballina (both left) with ASR Central Coast coordinator, Cathy Gilmore.

Lance Ferris and Marny Bonner from Australian Seabird Rescue (ASR) are spreading their wings to help sick and injured animals right across Australia.

From humble beginnings in Ballina over a decade ago, ASR has inspired the evolution of similar initiatives in Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia, making it a truly national endeavour.

Lance and Marny are now preparing to launch ASR Central Coast, which will coincide with the official opening of their new Wildlifelink Sanctuary and Coastal Discovery Centre in Ballina during March.

Coordinator of ASR Central Coast, Cathy Gilmore, first met Lance in 1994 and they became firm friends after discovering their shared passion for animal rescue.

When Cathy realised ASR's licence applied throughout all of NSW, she jumped at the chance to establish a branch in her own backyard.

"From day one, Lance and Marny have been a real inspiration," said Cathy. "Not only do they continue to save these stricken creatures, they educate the community on how and why they're doing it. I just hope we can have a fraction of the impact here that Lance and Marny have had up north."

Over the past 12 years ASR has rescued, rehabilitated and relocated over 680 pelicans, as well as countless seabirds, marine turtles and other endangered species. These efforts, combined with extensive public awareness programs, have seen a 60 per cent reduction in injuries to seabirds and shorebirds on the North Coast of NSW.

ASR was recognised for its achievements at last year's National Landcare Awards in Canberra, where Lance and Marny were presented with the inaugural Natural Heritage Trust Coastcare Community Award.

The realisation of the ASR dream requires commitment not only from individuals like Lance and Marny, but also from other volunteers and local businesses.

To make a donation, find out more or become a volunteer, phone 6686 2852.

'Dinamic' donation keeps patients safer

Max Gamble, his wife Margaret, a patient in Lismore Base Hospital, and clinical nurse consultant Margaret Gorton-Weller with the Dinamap monitor that the family has donated to the hospital's Cancer Care & Haematology Unit.

As a token of appreciation worth $4,116 and a lot more in human terms, Max Gamble of Lismore has donated a Dinamap portable monitor to the Cancer Care & Haematology Unit at Lismore Base Hospital.

Explaining that his wife Margaret had been a patient at the unit for the past five years and received wonderful care, he said, "It's the least we could do."

Described as the 'gold standard' in the non-invasive monitoring of a patient's circulatory condition, the Dinamap is a high-tech piece of equipment that provides rapid and highly accurate readings of blood pressure and pulse rates.

Mr Gamble received the gratitude of clinical staff when he was visiting his wife earlier this week.

Senior cancer nurse Margaret Gorton-Weller said the unit was extremely grateful for the Gambles' generous donation.

"It will benefit many patients who attend the Lismore Cancer Care & Haematology Unit for treatment," she said.

Toys help brighten Indonesian lives

Packing toys to send to tsunami victims on Saturday were Alstonville/Wollongbar Quota Club members (clockwise from rear left) Shirley Armstrong, Diana Cooper, Maree Pollock, Marilyn Perkins, Mary Wain and Julia Adlington.

Thousands of toys will soon be on their way to schools and orphanages in Indonesia following an enormous response from local residents and Southern Cross University staff based at Lismore, Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour campuses.

The toy appeal was coordinated by Alstonville/Wollongbar Quota Club member and SCU worker Diana Cooper, who roped in some of her colleagues and members of the Quota Club on Saturday to help pack the toys for shipping.

The 22 volunteers had their work cut out for them, sorting through hundreds of boxes of donated toys, which Diana hopes will brighten the lives of children affected by the Boxing Day tsunami.

"We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response from people from Coffs Harbour all the way up to Queensland and want to say a big thank you to all those people who donated," Mrs Cooper said. "We have got about 20 cubic metres of toys and more are being delivered each day. "One lady in Queensland donated about 120 teddy bears, which she and her mother had made."

The toys will be flown to Indonesia within the next fortnight.

"The toys will be delivered to schools and orphanages in remote villages and the Australian Army will work with the Indonesian Army to make sure the toys go where they are most needed," Mrs Cooper said. "There are also negotiations taking place with the Army for a member of staff to accompany the toys to Indonesia and report back on their delivery."

A Knight in Finland

Former North Coast Institute of TAFE student Michael Knight (pictured) is off to Finland in May to represent Australia at the 38th International WorldSkills Competition, after being named Australia's top panel beater last year.

Michael is one of 25 trade champions to be selected in the Australian squad who will compete against 700 other national trade champions from around the globe.

During the competition Michael will be required to remove the front end from a damaged Volvo within a specified time and replace it with new parts including headlights, indicators and a bumper bar.

"I have managed to find a Volvo to practice on and I have one thing in mind - to win," Michael said. "I'm really excited because I have never been overseas before and to be selected to represent my country is just awesome."

A hack's progress

Renowned Australian journalist John Highfield will speak in Bangalow this Sunday.

Highly respected ABC foreign correspondent John Highfield will provide valuable insights into the world of journalism when he speaks at a Northern Rivers Friends of the ABC meeting this Sunday, February 20, in Bangalow.

The former co-host of ABC radio's The World Today, John Highfield has spent more than 40 years perfecting his craft. He has covered everything from the terrorist attack at the Munich Olympic Games to the sacking of the Whitlam Government and the first free elections in South Africa in 1994. He has a detailed understanding of foreign and political journalism and will talk about the current state of federal politics, significant world events he has covered and the current status and funding of the ABC.

"We all look to the ABC to provide an Australian perspective on international news, and John Highfield was a leader in this field of journalism," said Northern Rivers Friends of the ABC president Neville Jennings. "It's a bit of a coup for us to have such a high-profile journalist here on the North Coast and I think anyone with an interest in major world events, politics and how they're reported will find his talk extremely engaging."

Following his address there will also be time for discussion and questions.

The talk will be held at the Bangalow Bowling Club from 2pm.

Entry is $10 or $5 concession. To book phone Doug Myler on 6624 8853 or Neville Jennings on 6674 3830.

Black spot funding

Page MP Ian Causley recently announced $301,000 in black spot road safety funding will be spent in the Northern Rivers in the 2005/2006 financial year.

The works will include improvements for delineation, signage and shoulder and surface sealing along the Bruxner Highway, from Richmond Hill Road to Oliver Road. Raised pavement markers and safety barriers will also be installed along Angels Beach Road, north of Prospect Bridge, to Coast Road.

Mr Causley said he hoped the funding would help reduce the local road toll.

Have a bash at LAN

Local gamer Jared Woodbridge with LANbash centre owner Graeme Appleby (right) and Qualmark Computers staff Renee Mussared and Daniel Appleby.

The first ever Local Area Network (LAN) games centre has been established in Lismore, giving computer game addicts a place to meet and battle it out on screen.

The LANbash centre has seating for up to 70 players, and people can either bring their own computer and games or hire the computers already set up for gaming.

Networked computer gaming is now a hugely popular hobby for young and old alike, and the new centre - located in the Qualmark Computers building in Molesworth Street - gives people the opportunity to play computer games against one another in a supervised and safe environment.

"Often people have LANs at home, but this way everyone can meet together and compete against one another in a friendly environment," said owner Graeme Appleby. "It's something Lismore has been crying out for - there are a lot of LAN fans about, and we hope to see them come out of the woodwork and join in the fun."

The LANbash centre is an alcohol and smoke free venue, and there is also an internet café and canteen. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am-6pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to midnight. Graeme also holds special LANbash competitions every school holidays and provides free pizza and prizes for participants.

If you'd like to check out the LANbash centre drop in over the weekend. For more information phone 6622 7000 or visit www.lanbash.net.

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