The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Battle brews over hospital closure

According to Coraki resident Harmony Walsh, plans by the North Coast Area Health Service to close the village's century-old Campbell Hospital will 'tear the heart out of Coraki'.

Around 200 people attended a community protest outside the hospital on Tuesday, demanding the North Coast Area Health Service abandon the plan immediately. Harmony said many Coraki residents moved to the town because it had a hospital and they would do everything in their power to retain the facility.

'The community is just disgusted and the feeling at the protest was one of overwhelming anger - we feel ripped off by the Carr Government,' Harmony said. 'The community is willing to do whatever it takes to save our hospital.'

Under the plan, which was announced last Friday, the hospital's 14 acute care beds would be replaced with a GP-run health clinic and community health centre. The clinic would provide daytime emergency services seven days per week, while the new community health centre would provide outpatient services. A new Aboriginal Health Post would also be established at Box Ridge.

North Coast Area Health Service chief executive Chris Crawford said the plan would allow $2.3 million to be redistributed across the Northern Rivers. He said $800,000 would be spent on establishing the new services in Coraki, while the remaining $1.5 million would be spent on 'high priority investments'.

This would include additional acute beds at Casino Hospital, extra staff for Lismore Base Hospital's emergency department and $600,000 in surgical funding for Lismore Base and St Vincent's hospitals. It would also allow the Area Health Service to develop improved cardiac services and provide additional transport for people in the Mid-Richmond area requiring non-emergency treatment.

However, despite Mr Crawford's assurances that the plan would provide an 'improved model of care' for Coraki residents, Harmony says closing the hospital would put lives at risk.

'There's a valid need for a hospital in this town - I know of older residents who are scared that if they have a stroke or heart attack they won't make it to Lismore, and parents who have asthmatic children are also really concerned,' Harmony said. 'It's not about sentimental value - it's purely practical. We think all of the new services the North Coast Area Health Service has suggested are needed on the North Coast and would certainly welcome them, but not at the expense of the hospital. It's really just a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul.'

Mr Crawford said the plan would provide better health care for the community, and would not cause any job losses, with staff who could not be accommodated at Coraki being offered positions at other health facilities.

'I feel passionate that the plan has a lot of merit both clinically and in terms of prioritisation of resource usage, but I do expect a robust debate,' Mr Crawford said. 'When you put forward a major plan for change you get people who agree with it and people who don't, and that's what a democracy is all about.'

Mr Crawford said the decision to close the hospital would be dependent on a 12-week consultation process with the community. This would determine whether to go ahead with the current plan, leave the hospital as it is, or develop a compromise between the two.

Mr Crawford met with hospital staff on Tuesday, and says further meetings are likely. There will also be a public meeting in Coraki within the 12-week period and Mr Crawford also plans to speak with both the Richmond Health Advisory Committee and the Aboriginal community at Box Ridge.

When asked if strong community opposition would stop the closure of the hospital, Mr Crawford said he 'was not going to respond to hypotheticals'.

Out of the woodwork

Goonellabah craftsman Lester Sillett with his handmade chess-piece clocks that will be on display at the inaugural Woodwork Show at Alstonville this Saturday.

When Diane Robertson from the Alstonville Agricultural Society began organising Alstonville's inaugural Woodwork Show, she was pretty surprised at how many carvers and craftsmen came out of the woodwork.

One of the people Diane encountered was Lester Sillett from Goonellabah, an avid craftsmen who will be showing his unique chess-piece clocks at this Saturday's show.

'My dad and my brother were both chippies, so woodwork is no doubt in my blood,' Lester said. 'I've been working with wood for 20 years... initially it was trial and error, and the results were sometimes more error than trial! I love turning timber and I'll have a go at making anything.'

The Woodwork Show is on this Saturday, March 12, at the Alstonville Showground, and according to Diane, there will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

'There will be woodworking demonstrations and displays plus the opportunity for people to buy timber products such as outdoor furniture, toys, wooden sculptures and much more,' she said. 'We are hoping this will become an annual event so we encourage people to 'come out of the woodwork' and support us on the day.'

The show will run from 9am to 4pm and entry is free.

For more information phone 6628 1568 or 6628 3957.

Council gets smoked out

The redeveloped Lismore Memorial Baths will have a designated area for smokers following a lively debate on this issue at Tuesday's Council meeting.

In an ironic twist, Cr Ros Irwin, whose known to have the odd puff on a ciggie, argued against the decision, while Cr Peter Graham, who said he had never smoked in his life and was 'as straight as they come' argued for the designated smoking area.

The designated smoking area was approved 8/4 (Crs Irwin, Tomlinson, Ekins and Dowell against).

Keeping it clean

Alstonville Primary School student Stephen Palmer, 10, and 2-year-old Lilli Hjelmstrom (right) were just some of many people who gave up their Sunday morning to join in Clean Up Australia Day activities around the region.

Stephen and Lilli gave Alstonville Rotary a hand with their clean up, helping to collect 14 bags of rubbish from the village, while members of the Alstonville Apex Club (pictured above) also managed a large haul. In Lismore around 100 volunteers helped Lismore Council collect more than one tonne of garbage - a mammoth effort given that numbers were down this year.

'Despite the decline in numbers it was still a great day, thanks largely to local Rotary clubs and Girl Guide groups, who put in an enormous effort,' said Lismore Council's Clean Up Australia Day coordinator, Vicki Walker. 'Littering still remains a big problem and we even found a washing machine and sofa on the side of the road, and lots of dumped shopping trolleys. While Clean Up Australia Day is over for 2005, people should be mindful to do the right thing all year round and put rubbish where it belongs - in the bin!'

They've won the battle...

Celebrating Lismore City Council's decision to reject a development application for a Woolworth service station in Diadem Street are Diadem Street residents (l-r) Alice and Hannah Morrissey, Edgar Glasby, Alicia Hopwood and her mum Robyn Martin, Patrick Burns, Cheryl Solomon and Andrew Morrissey, who put the residents' case to Council on Tuesday.

Diadem Street residents were delighted on Tuesday when Lismore Council rejected a development application for a Woolworths Plus petrol station in their street, however, they are not toasting their victory just yet.

On Tuesday Council unanimously rejected the DA (Crs Henry and Chant absent due to a conflict of interest), but residents believe the fight is far from over.

'We applaud Council's decision and we live in hope that Woolworths will accept the decision, give up the fight and start searching for a more suitable location,' said Diadem Street resident Andrew Morrissey. 'We're now concerned Woolworths will take the issue to the Land and Environment Court and we don't want that - the whole ordeal has been very stressful for residents and we also don't think Woolworths shareholders should have to pay for management's poor business decision.'

The residents have spent the last nine months fighting against Woolworths' proposal to build an eight-bay service station adjoining Lismore Shopping Square, directly opposite their homes. Residents believe the development would dramatically increase traffic and noise in the area, and last year they presented Council with a 200-signature petition to back up their case.

'The Woolworths website clearly states that their service stations do not have to be built next to their supermarkets to be successful, and we just can't understand why they can't build it on a main road away from people's homes,' Andrew said. 'We're not quitting until Woolworths quits - we won't simply rollover and let this happen.'

Woolworths were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press. It is unclear at this stage if they will take the matter up in the Land and Environment Court.

RSL goes under the hammer

More than half a century of Lismore history will be up for grabs next Thursday, March 17, when the Lismore RSL Club is auctioned on site at 10am.

The Lismore RSL Club ceased trading in early January, after it failed to trade its way out of a $3.2 million debt owed to the National Australia Bank.

In past weeks Lismore City Council has expressed interest in buying the building to convert into a community centre.

Local auctioneer Peter Butcher said Lismore Council were not the only ones interested in the freehold property and its contents.

'In my opinion there will be six interested parties all bidding on the day to try and secure the property, which definitely represents some sort of potential,' he said. 'To date I have already issued five contracts to interested parties, which is a good indication that there is genuine interest out there for the site.'

After the site is auctioned at 10am the club's contents will go under the hammer at 11am. Items being auctioned include poker machines, furniture, crockery, pianos, billiard tables and everything else inside the club's four walls, from the cutlery to the kitchen sink.

For more information about the auction phone Peter Butcher at Lismore Real Estate on 6621 2438, or for a list of the club's contents visit www.graysonline.com.au and follow the prompts.

Couple drowns at Lennox

Ballina Police are investigating the death of an elderly couple who drowned at Lennox Head yesterday. The couple, believed to be in their 60s, became caught in a rip near the Lennox Head Surf Club around 1pm on Wednesday. It is not yet know if they were locals or visitors to the area.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

Rate structure review

Lismore City Council will be mailing out information on new rating structures to all 16,500 ratepayers this Friday and are looking for feedback before it decides on the final structure.

General manager Paul O'Sullivan said Council was exploring three different rating structures and said the public consultation was essential in deciding on their fairest system.

'All Lismore ratepayers have had their properties revalued by the State Government - but that does not mean their rates will go up,' he said. 'The public consultation gives every ratepayer information about how their individual rates may go up or down. The feedback we receive will help councillors decide on the best rate structure when they make a decision on the issue in June 2005.'

Mr O'Sullivan said a series of public information workshops will also be held in coming weeks to further explain the options.

Fluoride debate fires up

Fighting against any decision to fluoridate Lismore's water supply are Safe Water Action Network members (l-r) Tora Blackman, Rodney Hearne, Alcy Infinity, Habie Habib, Martin Oliver and Colin Locke.

A workshop attended by Rous Water councillors about the pros and cons of fluoridating Lismore's water supply has prompted a group of local residents to form the Safe Water Action Network (SWAN).

While Rous Water says it has no plans to fluoridate the water supply at this stage, SWAN is determined to quash the debate before it even begins.

Leading the charge against fluoridation is 91-year-olf Habie Habib, a SWAN member who was chairman of Rous Water for 28 years from 1954 to 1982. Habie says the Department of Health first suggested Lismore City Council fluoridate the water supply in the mid 1970s and Habie was instrumental in ensuring the proposal was rejected,

'Fluoridation is simply mass medication by the Department of Health - fluoride is a poison and not safe for human consumption, and even used to be sold as rat poison,' Habie said. 'I fought fluoridation in the 70s and I'll fight it again today. Things like chlorine treat the water itself, but fluoride is treating a person, and I think it's unethical to treat people without their consent. You have to be sure what you're giving people is 100 per cent safe, and no one can give that assurance about fluoride.'

On Tuesday Lismore Council passed a motion requesting Rous Water consult with its constituent councils if it is considering approving fluoridation. According to Rous Water general manager, Paul Muldoon, that was always Rous Water's intention.

'We received an approach in November last year from the Australian Dental Association, who expressed some concern about the standard of dental health in the region, particularly in the lower socio-economic segments of the community,' Mr Muldoon said. 'They requested Rous Water consider fluoridation of the water supply as part of participation in the NSW Department of Health Teeth for Life program. Rous Water decided to hold an information workshop with councillors to get the for and against arguments for fluoridation. At this stage, all we are doing is considering a report from that workshop at our meeting next Wednesday. There is no intention to decide anything without consultation with our constituent councils and the community.'

SWAN is holding an information and action meeting tonight (Thursday, March 10) at the Lismore Workers Club from 7.30pm. Anyone is welcome.

For more information on SWAN phone 6629 5358 or email swan@cyberexalt.com.

Simone finally laid to rest

On Saturday, three weeks after her body was found near Oakes Oval in Lismore, 25-year-old Simone Strobel was laid to rest in her hometown of Rieden, Germany.

The German tourist and kindergarten teacher went missing from the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park on February 11, and he body was found six days later in Lismore CBD.

Simone had been on a 12- month working holiday with her boyfriend Tobias Sackful when the couple's trip of a lifetime was cut tragically short.

At this stage police will not confirm if Simone was murdered, and say they are still awaiting the results of her post mortem and toxicology testing.

'Despite all the rumours circulating we haven't charged anyone in relation to Simone's death and no one is in custody,' said Richmond Local Area Command crime prevention officer, Michael Hogan. 'We have followed up on literally hundreds of leads and we are still waiting to determine Simone's cause of death.'

Two weeks ago Fay and Trevor Hopf from Harvey World Travel organised an appeal to raise the money for Tobias's airfare home, and since then donations have continued to pour in.

'At first we collected $1695 for the airfare and since then we have a further $4200 ready to go towards funeral expenses,' Trevor said. 'The response from the community has just been overwhelming and I think it shows that the people of the Northern Rivers wanted to do something for the family that was tangible.'

Lismore City Council is now exploring the possibility of creating a permanent public memorial to Simone.

W'bar dairy goes belly up

The century-old dairy farm at Wollongbar Agricultural Institute will be closed later this year, following an announcement last week by the Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald.

The decision to close the dairy has angered Norco chairman Greg McNamara, who said the local economy would suffer as a result.

'I'm very disappointed because prior to hearing the news that the dairy was to be closed we put forward a number of proposals to the Minister's office to keep the dairy open,' said. 'The reality is that Norco will loose 1.5 million litres of milk per annum, which equates to $450,000 taken out of the local economy.'

The Wollongbar Agricultural Institute is now looking at various options to use the pastures at the defunct dairy, including the possibility of expanding the existing beef operation onto the site.

Airport development costs $4 million

Lismore Council will spend almost $4 million developing highway frontage land near Lismore airport for new businesses.

Development of the site, opposite Bunnings Warehouse, has been on the drawing board for more than 12 months following a proposal from Cr John Chant to offer industrial land with high visibility for businesses he claimed had already turned away because they could not find suitable land. The NSW minister for planning is set to approve rezoning of the land, currently used as a tea-tree plantation, this month.

Lindsay Walker, Council's manager of special projects and properties, says the land will cost an estimated $3.835 million to develop and is concerned about the 'short term cash flow risks' to Council. He says four lots will have to be sold for Council to break even on the project and has proposed developing the eight lots in two stages.

Mr Walker told Council that a register of interested buyers included two 'very keen purchasers', with another two lots likely to be snapped up within two years.

'It is not likely that all eight lots will sell in the short term,' he said.

To minimise the risk of Council being stuck with developing land it can't sell, Mr Walker proposed that work not begin on the site until two buyers have exchanged unconditional contracts.

On Tuesday night Council approved the development of stage one and the infrastructure costs for stage two. $3.358 million has been allocated from internal reserves for the work.

A final departure for Habie

91-year-old Habie Habib, who retired from the Lismore Aerodrome and Development Committee last week after 36 years service, with Lismore mayor Merv King (left) and Habie's son John. Lismore Council presented Habie with a framed picture of Charles Kingsford Smith and former Lismore mayor SJ Hosie in recognition of his contribution.

After 36 years service on the Lismore Aerodrome and Development Committee, 91-year-old Habie Habib has finally called it a day.

Last week Lismore councillors and staff paid tribute to Habie's enormous contribution, presenting him with a framed picture of Charles Kingsford Smith and former Lismore mayor SJ Hosie from 1933. It was a picture Habie had long admired in the airport lounge, which was named in his honour in 1991.

'The aerodrome was my life - I volunteered without getting a cent and I loved every minute of it,' Habie said. 'Charles Kingsford-Smith landed in Lismore in the 1930s and when the official Lismore Airport opened in 1969 it was one of the proudest days of my life.'

Mayor Merv King praised Habie for his persistence and tenacity in fighting for an airport for Lismore, and said Habie's airport antics were renowned throughout Lismore, particularly amongst the older community.

'The stories of Habie lighting kerosene flares on the tarmac in pouring rain when an air ambulance would arrive are legendary,' Cr King said. 'He was so devoted to the airport and he always went above and beyond the call of duty. His contribution has been nothing short of tremendous.'

A week to remember for seniors

Seniors Week runs from March 13-20, and with the theme 'The Best Time for Ages' it's worth getting out and about to enjoy some the many activities on offer, from computer courses and dances to luncheons and live performances.

Some of the highlights include 'Stepping Out in Lismore' - an afternoon of dancing from the 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s at Lismore City Hall next Saturday, March 19, from 2-5pm. The event is free, but bookings are essential on 1300 361 106.

Throughout the week, Community Technology Centres (CTCs) will be running a range of free computer courses teaching internet and email skills, with a special focus on researching local and family history online. For bookings phone 6629 1668 (Clunes), 6689 1183 (Nimbin), or 6632 1833 (Kyogle).

Australian Hearing Lismore is offering free hearing screenings throughout the week, and the procedure is simple, quick and non-invasive. For information or to book for an appointment phone 6622 1095.

There are a multitude of other events happening in the Northern Rivers, and Nimbin has a particularly full program offering outings, morning teas, dancing, school performances and much more. For more information on these events or to arrange transport phone 6689 1709.

For a full program of Seniors Week events in your particular area visit the office of your local MP or council.

A lifetime of caring

Righteous Among the Nations Adrian Vanas, 'local hero' Stuart Thomson and Courage to Care chairman Andrew Havas at the exhibition opening a fortnight ago.

When the Germans began occupying Holland in 1942, Adrian Vanas and his wife Bertha were horrified by the persecution of Jews and immediately joined the underground, a decision that saved hundreds of lives.

More than 50 years later the horror of those days is still palpable for Adrian, which is why he has spent the last four years travelling to regional towns in Australia to promote the Courage to Care exhibition. The exhibition, which he opened at the Lismore Regional Gallery a fortnight ago, tells the stories of holocaust survivors and those called 'Righteous Among the Nations' - non-Jews like Adrian who put their lives at risk to save others.

Through pictures, stories and artefacts the exhibition provides a touching and powerful insight into the holocaust and is a stark reminder that prejudice can have devastating consequences. It aims to highlight how each and every person can change the world if they just show a little compassion and kindness towards others.

'We want to give children a sense of what happened during the war so that they will remember and never let it happen again,' said Adrian. 'It's impossible to believe one human being could do those things to another human being - it's hard to comprehend but it was our reality. It is especially important nowadays with what's happening in the Middle East - we all have a right to live and you can't go around killing people just because they are different.'

As an employee of the Dutch Government during WWII, Adrian was in charge of food distribution in Holland's largest Nazi transit camp. As part of the underground, it was Adrian's job to remove names from deportation lists, supply false papers and find safe houses for those in danger, while Bertha hid documents under her corset and smuggled them out of camp. They were aware the Nazis suspected them, but seeing the injustice around them, were unwilling to give up.

'You never knew if you were going to be alive the next day and the pressure was phenomenal, but we saw it as a calling,' Adrian said. 'We felt we had a responsibility to help our fellow man.'

On April 12, 1945, the Germans fled the camp and Adrian became Camp Commander. He stayed on after liberation until the last Jews were escorted from the camp. He had saved nearly 1000 lives.

Adrian's extraordinary story is just one of many in the exhibition, which also features Lismore City Council ranger Stuart Thomson as a 'local hero' after he saved a little boy from drowning in Goonellabah in 2001. He was presented with a Commendation for Brave Conduct last year, and said he was 'humbled' and 'overwhelmed' to be included in Courage to Care.

The exhibition will be on show until March 20.

A mantra worth remembering

Visiting yogi Dada Prana (pictured) will be conducting a two-day 'Mantra Therapy' workshop in Lismore next weekend to help people deal with unresolved issues.

Dada has been a travelling yogi for more than 35 years, teaching mantra therapy right across the globe. Whilst in the Northern Rivers Dada will be giving people the opportunity to try this unique therapy completely free of charge, and become happier people in the process.

'Lifelong issues that have been disturbing people for years have been resolved during these seminars,' Dada says. 'I have benefited from it myself and I have seen many people turn from tears to laughter in the process. It has shown me that we do not have to live with unpleasant memories or issues disturbing us forever.'

Dada is an experienced teacher with deep insight and humour, and his presentations are renowned for being both entertaining and empowering. He says mantra therapy is remarkably effective and easy to learn.

Dada's workshop will be held next Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20, in Lismore. For more information or to register phone 6621 3911.

Sports centre gets underway

Trinity Catholic College's youngest student, Harry Deacon (centre), turned the first sod last Thursday on Trinity's new $8 million sports centre, with help from fellow students (l-r) Nicholas Enter, Jenna Tyrrell, Luke Cleaver and Jenaya Lucas.

Last Thursday students from Trinity Catholic College turned the first sod on the new $8 million Trinity Sports Centre, which is being funded entirely by parent contributions.

The centre, which is being built on Orion Street, will include a 25-metre swimming pool, a basketball and netball stadium with seating for around 2000, a combined indoor cricket, soccer and hockey court, a gymnasium, weight training area, classrooms, a function centre and a café.

The sports centre will be operating outside school hours and will be available for use by other schools and the wider community.

It is expected to be completed by the end of 2005.

Walking the walk for poverty

Lismore Walk Against Want organisers Alanna Horgan (right) and Madeline Padma Long, who will be putting their best foot forward to tackle poverty this Sunday.

Taking a few hours of your time to stroll through Lismore this Sunday could help provide clean water for a community in East Timor or assist a tsunami affected village to rebuild their lives.

The Oxfam Community Aid Abroad Walk Against Want is being held this Sunday, March 13, and organisers are looking for people to join the walk, make a donation and help tackle poverty across the globe.

'In third world countries some people have to walk 10 or 20 kilometres to get to school or spend half a day walking to get clean water, so this is really a show of solidarity with those communities,' said co-organiser, Alanna Horgan. 'The money raised in Lismore will make a real difference to the lives of people in third world countries - just $35 can provide a month's supply of rice for a family in the Solomon Islands, while $50 can help educate a child who has lost a parent to HIV/AIDS in South Africa. It's so easy to join in and the impact you can have is enormous.'

The Walk Against Want will be held at Kadina Park from 4pm this Sunday, March 13.

Participants can enjoy a leisurely 5km ramble through the lush parkland of the Birdwing Butterfly Gully, and then a post-walk celebration at Kadina Park with live music, market stalls and a free BBQ. Participants can choose to walk, roller-blade or run the 5km, and people are welcome to bring along a pram or pet.

For more information phone Alanna on 6622 7907, or just turn up.

Books for babies

The Richmond Tweed Regional Library has partnered with local Rotary clubs to welcome new babies born in Lismore and Byron Bay.

Parents of babies born after January 1 2005 are now entitled to a free 'Books for Babies' library bag, which contains a beautiful board book, information on the library and reading for new parents, a membership form and more.

'This is a lovely gift to families and a very important reminder of the importance of books in the life of young children,' said Nicole Eldridge from the Richmond Tweed Regional Library.

Books For Babies are now available at the Lismore City Library and Byron Bay Library.

Small grants available

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation has announced $50,000 is available under their first Small Grants Program to increase opportunities for people living on low incomes on the Far North Coast.

The Small Grants Program focuses on projects that assist single parent families, young people, older people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and individuals and groups facing barriers to social inclusion based on gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, mental health or disability.

The grants are available for people or organisations in Lismore, Kyogle, Ballina, Byron and the Tweed. The maximum funding available to any project is $10,000.

For information on guidelines phone 6684 1552 or visit www.nrcf.org.au.

Applications close on April 4.

Positive women's business

International Women's Day was celebrated at Southern Cross University on Tuesday with a series of story telling workshops delivered by local women.

Attending the workshop were (pictured l-r) Gabrielle Inman, Amy Harris and Lismore and District Women's Health Centre manager Karuna Fielden, with guest speakers Irene Roberts and Sandra Bolt (front).

'This workshop is a perfect example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when women get together to collectively discuss issues that affect all levels of society,' said Sandra.

Cold sore testing

People who suffer from six or more cold sores a year are being sought to take part in a Southern Cross University (SCU) trial to test the safety and effectiveness of Shea Butter extract in treating the virus.

SCU researcher Dr Joan O'Connor said she was looking for 40 volunteers from Lismore who had the Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

'HSV infections are among the most common diseases in humans with an estimated 60 to 90 per cent of adults affected worldwide and 20 to 40 per cent of the adult population having recurrent cold sores,' Dr O'Connor said.

Dr O'Connor said the virus can remain dormant until triggered by things like a cold, fever, emotional stress, illness or trauma. The study will look how effectively Shea Butter extract can reduce the duration and severity of cold sores and also whether it is able to reduce the number of cold sores people suffer.

Volunteers will be required to attend a clinic once a month for nine months. To get involved phone Dr O'Connor on 6620 3649 or email joconnor@scu.edu.au.

Suicide workshop

A free Suicide Prevention Workshop is being presented by Wesley Mission's LifeForce next Thursday, March 17, in Lismore.

The workshop is designed to educate people about warning signs and teach participants skills to refer a person with suicidal thoughts onto appropriate, qualified help.

'Even the smallest intervention can make a difference,' said Lifeforce national manager, Cate Sydes. 'Every member of the community can do something to improve the outcome of a person contemplating suicide.'

The workshop will be held at Invercauld House in Goonellabah from 8.45am to 4pm.

To register phone 1800 100 024 or visit www.wesleylifeforce.org.

A bird's paradise

Lismore councillor Vanessa Ekins (centre) with Green Corps volunteers Kylie Montgomery and Jade King on one of the islands built in Lismore Lake to provide a safe nesting place for birds.

Visitors to the Lismore Lake might wonder why large barren earth mounds are sitting in the middle of the lake with dead trees pointing skywards from the dirt.

The strange looking construction is in fact a series of specially created islands, which have built in and around the lake by Lismore City Council as an artificial native wetland habitat for birds.

This week local Green Corps volunteers from Environmental Training and Employment (EnviTE) began planting the mounds with native wetland species to encourage birds to come and nest on the islands.

At this stage about 350 natives have been planted and by mid May, some 2000 trees will cover the islands, creating a beautiful wetland forest in the middle of the lake.

According to Lismore City councillor Vanessa Ekins, the lake has always been a popular place for many native birds, including the rare and threatened Jacana and Jabiru.

'The Lismore Lake is an interesting and shady parkland for bird watching and schools regularly use the lake as an environmental education resource,' she said. 'It's wonderful to see Council contributing to the park and putting so much effort into creating a safe place for the birds. We hope to see even more bird species visiting the lake over the next few months.'

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