The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

$3m project nothing to kid about

After eight months of widespread community consultation, the YWCA Lismore is gearing up to implement their $3 million Communities for Children project.

The project will provide a range of programs to support children in the first five years of their life, as well as giving parents much-needed support during these formative years.

The YWCA Lismore secured the funding through the Australian Government's Stronger Families and Communities Strategy last April, and since July has been speaking with local parents, schools, health professionals, child and family workers, childcare providers and Bundjalung Elders to decide how the money would best be spent.

From those discussions the YWCA Lismore has developed nine new programs, which will be rolled out in Lismore over the next 12 months.

"The experiences a child has in the first five years of their life can have a profound effect on their lifelong success, which is why we've developed programs to try and give local kids the best possible start in life," said Communities for Children project manager, Tony Davies. "Parenting is the most rewarding and the most challenging thing many of us will ever do, and it's vitally important parents have the information and support to provide their children with a secure and responsive upbringing. By doing this we set children up for a happy and healthy adult life."

Tony said many social changes over the last 30 years have had a major impact on parenting, including the loss of neighbourhood supports and extended family, and the increased stress on families due to work and financial pressures.

He said the project aims to address these problems in a number of ways, from providing more educational resources for childcare providers to ensuring new parents have a friendly should to cry on.

"One of the main things we need to do is break down the isolation many parents feel, which can be caused by lack of transport or perhaps because they don't know a lot of other parents," Tony said. "One of the aims of this project is to create networks between parents so they can talk to one another and share their experiences. Having someone to chat to about the joys and pitfalls of parenthood can make all the difference to a new parent. We also want to back this up with professional support, such as counselling, breastfeeding advice and access to therapists, so local people feel fully supported in their role as a parent."

Some of the programs include a 'Blokes, Books and Babies' early reading program, a 'Parenting Innovation Fund' to support community-based parenting programs, parenting education courses and a range of other programs for children that will be implemented through local preschools and childcare centres.

The YWCA Lismore also plans to liaise with Lismore City Council and other organisations to address other concerns parents raised during the consultation process.

"Virtually every parent we spoke to - and that's over 100 - told us that down town Lismore is a difficult place to go with young children," Tony said. "They identified various issues, such as how hard it is to find a comfortable place to breastfeed in the CBD and the lack of an accessible toilet for children. We want to make this a more child-friendly city and little things like this can make all the difference."

The YWCA Lismore will have the first Communities for Children program up and running by mid-2005, with all nine to begin by early 2006.

Parents or groups who want more information should phone Lismore YWCA on 6625 6600.

Appealing for help

Red Cross northern region fundraising coordinator Scott Krueger and volunteer Melissa Markey are encouraging people to give generously during March to the Red Cross Calling doorknock appeal.

The Red Cross is urging people to dig deep this March and give generously during the annual Red Cross Calling doorknock appeal.

The appeal is held throughout March and supports the Red Cross's many community programs, which range from supporting frail aged people in their homes to disaster relief.

"People have been very supportive of the Red Cross's work in Indonesia following the tsunami and during the South Australian bushfires, but we also need to remember those in our own backyard," said Red Cross northern region fundraising coordinator Scott Krueger. "The Red Cross is always there for the community, whether it's during times of disaster or on a day-to-day basis. By giving even a little to this appeal you can help us help others within the local community."

Red Cross Calling doorknock appeal volunteers will have ID badges, a receipt book and a collection bag. One of the major days for collection in Lismore is next Monday, March 21, when Kadina High School will be out doorknocking.

For more information or to make a donation phone Scott on 6622 3244.

The bald and the beautiful

A bald Anne Petty, (top) with her five-year-old son Jake, helped raise $13,000 during a World's Greatest Shave for Cure fundraiser in Lismore on Saturday night. Bottom: 16-year-old Trinity Catholic College student Emily Kestle raised $4000 after shaving off her locks at the school last week.

Anne Petty's head feels weird, and it's not because she drank too much wine over the weekend.

The local mother shaved her head on Saturday night during the Marist Brothers Rugby League Football Club's special comedy night, which doubled as a major fundraiser for the World's Greatest Shave for Cure. Anne and her friend Jodie Dardengo both lopped off their locks for charity, helping to raise $13,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

"It feels weird but it's much cooler," Anne said of her new 'do'. "The generosity of people on the night was just amazing - it totally blew me away. People were literally handing over $20 and $50 notes and we just couldn't believe it. Jodie and I both had a ball and it was well worth it."

Trinity Catholic College student Emily Kestle also put in a phenomenal effort, raising more than $4000 when her long black hair was reduced to a 'number two' in front of a crowd of cheering students last week. The 16-year-old had hoped to raise $200, and was astounded by the support she received.

"I was pretty nervous and scared because I thought I'd end up with an ugly head, but I'm really happy I did it and have no regrets," said Emily. "Everyone was just so supportive and I can't believe we raised so much money. Two girls from my year even paid $35 just so they could cut off my plaits!"

Young and old meet for Seniors Week

The youngest student from the Friends Childcare Centre at St Vincent's Hospital, three-year-old Zara Butler, had the pleasure of meeting 100-year-old Jim O'Connor earlier this week - the oldest resident at St Joseph's Aged Care Facility.

The students visited St Joseph's as part of Seniors Week activities, which included a number of school visits, performances and an open day for family and friends.

"It's a lovely idea bringing in the little ones - everyone loves children and it's very stimulating for the residents," said Tom Lawrence, whose wife Ferna is a resident at the facility. "It was a wonderful morning and having children around really brightens the place up."

Jim, who turned 100 in June last year, said he was "very fond" of children and loved meeting Zara, saying the visit made him "wish I was back at that age again".

Rous flick-passes fluoride issue

Supporting a push by the Department of Health to fluoridate Richmnd Valley's water supply is (l-r) Northern Oral Health Network manager Julie Hornibrook, dentist Brendan White and GP Dr Andrew Binns.

Local doctors and dentists joined forces earlier this week to support the Department of Health's push for Rous Water to fluoridate the Richmond Valley water supply.

Local dentist Brendan White and GP Andrew Binns said fluoridation was a safe and cost-effective way to improve dental health in the Northern Rivers, which they claim has the highest rate of tooth decay amongst 12-year-olds in the state.

Despite this united stance by health professionals on the issue, Rous Water voted yesterday to refer the matter to NSW Health and asked the department to hold a public information and consultation campaign in each of the water authority's constituent council areas.

In an extension of last month's briefing workshop, both advocates and opponents of fluoridation argued their cases in public access, with some spice added by councillors' refusal to permit filming of the event by the Safe Water Action Network (SWAN).

The 'anti' case included comments by SWAN's Peter Olsen that opting to fluoridate water supplies would leave Rous open to damages claims and class action that could amount to 'billions of dollars'.

Later, when several councillors, including chair Phillip Silver, voiced objections to 'such threats', Mr Olsen stormed out of the room, missing the final resolution.

Northern NSW Oral Health Network manager Julie Hornibrook, who joined Dr Andrew Binns and Brendan White to push the case for fluoridation, said 90 per cent of NSW and all Australian capitals were fluoridated except Brisbane, with Premier Beattie considering a Queensland-wide introduction.

"Water fluoridation is... an important and equitable means of helping everybody - no matter what their socio-economic status may be," Ms Hornibrook said. "Here in the Northern Rivers we have a large population that falls in the high risk of oral disease category and that proportion is projected to grow."

Although Ms Hornibrook explained that installation costs would be covered and running costs open to negotiation, Rous Water general manager Paul Muldoon said fluoridating was a transfer of costs from the State Government to councils. Cr Silver's colourful term was 'an attempted flick pass to Local Government.'

A Master stroke

Launching the 2005 Lismore Masters Games recently were (front l-r) Games manager John Bancroft, Masters Games committee member Tony Clarke and committee chair Therese Crollick with local sportspeople who were named 2005 'Legends' (rear l-r) Trish Wooldridge, Peter 'Jake' Harley and Linda Ball.

The 2005 Lismore Masters Games were launched recently, boasting the theme 'The Legend lives on - it'll be a scream!'

Dressed in Halloween-style costumes to highlight the new theme, organisers encouraged anyone over the age of 30 to nominate now for the games, which will be held in Lismore this September.

"The games give mature people the opportunity to compete against their peers and there's always an emphasis on socialising and having fun," said Games organiser John Bancroft. "Last year nearly 2,500 people took part and we're looking to boost those numbers even more for this year's competition. Anyone who loves sport or wants to have a go is welcome. The motto of the Masters movement is 'if you're old enough you're good enough' so don't let age or lack of ability stop you from enjoying Australia's favourite pastime."

Sports being played this year are baseball, basketball, cricket, dressage, golf, hockey, mountain bike riding, netball, Oztag, pool, soccer, softball, swimming, touch and volleyball.

Last year's competitors will all receive an entry form in the mail over the next fortnight. For those wanting to join up grab an entry form from the Visitor Information Centre or phone 6622 1074. Nominations close on August 19.

Principal sues church

Former St Joseph's Parish School principal Annmaree Cox is suing the Catholic Church after being sacked from her position nearly two weeks ago.

The teacher's five-year contract at the Alstonville school was terminated when she received a letter from the Catholic Education Office for the Diocese of Lismore, which offered no reason for the decision.

Miss Cox's Sydney-based solicitor, Gary Patterson, claimed the Catholic Education Office had conducted a formal review in October last year, which recommended Miss Cox serve her full term.

"We want the money that Annmaree is owed for the remainder of her contract and damages for loss of reputation as well," Mr Patterson said.

The Catholic Education Office would not comment on the matter, but stated in a press release that "procedural fairness has been observed at all times".

Mr Patterson refuted these claims and said his client was "devastated" over the situation.

He also called on the Catholic Education Office to release the findings of the October review, which was conducted at the request of Parish priest Father Frank Mulcahy.

The matter will be heard in the Supreme Court, however, it is unclear at this stage when proceedings will begin.

Mr Tim Bleackly has been appointed as acting principal at St Joseph's Parish School for the remainder of term one.

Experiencing Lismore's river

Showing off a mock-up of the panels that will soon line Riverside Park are (l-r) local historian and author Maurice Ryan, Richmond River Historical Society president Bernie Childs, project manager Anne Hart and Southern Cross University visual arts lecturer Leonie Lane.

The Richmond River Historical Society recently unveiled a mock-up of a series of panels that will form the Wilsons River Experience Walk in Lismore's Riverside Park.

The panels will be placed along a trail in Riverside Park so people can follow the historical journey Lismore has made as a city, always with the river at its heart.

Each panel will feature a specific theme - from the history of the local Indigenous population to the arrival of first settlers - giving people an insight into Lismore's historical and cultural relationship with the river.

"The panels are like king-sized quilts that focus on the busy history of industrial, social and cultural activities that have evolved from and around the river in Lismore," said graphic designer Leonie Lane. "The Wilsons River is a vital part of the reason why Lismore exists today and this project is designed to bring people back to its banks."

The Wilsons River Experience Walk is being created as part of Lismore City Council's Wilsons River Development Project. It is due for completion in June this year.

Driver wanted in Strobel case

Police are seeking a motorist in relation to the death of 25-year-old German tourist Simone Strobel in Lismore last month.

Police found Simone's body near Oakes Oval six days after she went missing from the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park on February 11.

Police want to talk to the driver of a late model Commodore who was seen driving through the intersection of Dawson and Uralba streets on the night Simone went missing at around 11.55pm.

Anyone with information about the driver of this vehicle or any other information should phone Lismore Police on 6623 1599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Feedback sought for health plan

A draft 'roadmap' for the delivery of hospital and community health services across the North Coast was released recently by North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS).

The Health Care Services Plan 2005-2008 is the primary strategic document for the delivery of health services to the 470,000-plus residents of the North Coast, and feedback is now being sought from the public.

"The plan is the result of 75 meetings across the region that involved more than 1200 people, mostly medical and other health professionals," said NCAHS chief executive, Chris Crawford. "Now it's the broader community's turn to provide input."

The draft plan is available for public viewing on the NCAHS website at www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au.

Motel owner fined

Lismore businessman and Centrepoint Motel director Bob McKenzie and the motel's owners, Nampula Holdings, have each been fined $3000 by the Chief Industrial Magistrate's Court for breaching industrial relations laws.

The fines follow complaints made by the two former staff members, who claimed they had been underpaid when they worked for Mr McKenzie.

"The Motel and Mr McKenzie had failed to provide time and wages records to Departmental inspectors so that they could investigate the alleged underpayments," said Department of Employment and Workplace Relations deputy state manager, Ross Drysdale.

Mr Drysdale revealed this was the second time the owners of the motel and Mr McKenzie had been convicted for these offences and said it was important that employers keep and maintain accurate time and wages records to show they are meeting their legal obligations.

Mr McKenzie declined to comment on the matter.

Employees with concerns about wages or working conditions can phone the NSW WageLine on 1300 363 264, or visit the website at www.wagenet.gov.au.

Rail survey to save train

Tweed Rail Society secretary Neale Battersby (left) and Lismore MP Thomas George are encouraging people to fill out a new rail survey now, before tenders for a bus service to replace the Casino to Murwillumbah train service close on March 31.

NSW RailCorp has extended the deadline for tenders for a bus service on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line until March 31 - three weeks from the original March 9 deadline.

Tweed Rail Society secretary Neale Battersby, whose led the push to save the train locally, is now encouraging people to fill in a new survey about rail transport so the findings can be presented to the Minister before the new deadline.

The survey will be used determine how many people in the Northern Rivers would use a rail commuter service if it was introduced and whether businesses would prefer to use rail freight to road transport.

Mr Battersby said the findings would no doubt show people want their train service returned, or at the very least, a commuter service introduced in its place.

"We call upon the Minister to hold off signing any bus contracts until he gives us a chance to present these findings, and would encourage the Minister to come and meet with the Tweed Rail Society over this issue," Mr Battersby said. "We encourage Northern Rivers residents not to let this opportunity to have their voices heard slip by. We need people to fill out this survey as soon as possible and help us present a strong case for rail services."

Surveys are now available from the The Echo office, Lismore Railway Station and Lismore MP Thomas George's office in Conway Street. Alternatively, you can download a survey from the website at www.mirrabookrailservices.com.au.

Fight to save hospital continues

Coraki residents have formed a 'Save Coraki and District Campbell Hospital Committee' to fight plans by the North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) to close the century-old hospital.

The NCAHS announced its intention to replace the Campbell Hospital with a GP-run health clinic and community health centre on March 4, sparking a community protest in the village.

The new committee is already planning more protests over the issue as well as starting a petition and a letter writing campaign in Coraki, Woodburn, Broadwater and Evans Head.

On Tuesday Richmond Valley Council threw its support behind the committee, passing a unanimous mayoral minute advising the NCAHS that it opposes the removal of beds from the hospital. As part of the plan, all 14 acute care beds would be closed.

Council also passed a motion asking that the NCAHS's 12-week consultation process not begin until the Mid Richmond Health Service Advisory Committee has been appointed. This committee will consider options for the hospital and ultimately help decide its fate.

People interested in nominating for the committee are asked to forward an expression of interest, including a brief resume, to Chief Executive, North Coast Area Health Service, Locked Bag 11, Lismore, 2480. Expressions of interest must be received by next Wednesday, March 23. The NCAHS says nominations should highlight previous experience in representing the community or clinical associations, knowledge of health services and community issues, and a willingness to attend meetings.

Talking sustainability

Internationally renowned environmental consultant Hunter Lovins (pictured) will join Ballina developer Chris Condon, environmental campaigner John Corkill and Dr Keith Bolton from Southern Cross University to discuss sustainable development at a special dinner next Tuesday, March 22.

Ms Lovins has been a champion of sustainable development for more than 30 years and has written nine books. She has been a policy advisor for Friends of the Earth and was named the 'Hero for the Planet' by Time Magazine in 2000.

Topics to be discussed on the night include village lifestyle versus urban sprawl; green real estate development; regional economic sustainability; and energy and water management.

"No current balance sheet accurately captures the real economic value of natural or social capital," Hunter said. "But no human system that systematically degrades either one can long endure. To achieve genuine prosperity and an economy worth sustaining, it's essential to ensure that neither form of capital is diminished."

As well as attending the public discussion, Ms Lovins will meet with representatives from Lismore City Council, Southern Cross University, NORPA and other organisations to discuss how to use natural resources more productively.

The dinner and discussion is being held next Tuesday, March 22, at the Bangalow A&I Hall from 5.30-9.30pm. Tickets are $35 and anyone is welcome.

For information and bookings phone Jessica on 6620 3505 or Robyn on 6625 0533.

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