Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Swimmers lap it up

Richmond Valley Swim Club member Karrisa Lisha is off to the Australian age championships in April, and is one of many swimmers from the Casino club who have working hard in the pool all summer long.

Coach Michael Freney says he's pleased with how committed his young charges been during the newly formed club's first season.

"It's been a busy time with swimmers competing throughout the summer in regional swimming competitions in an effort to better their performances and to gain qualifying times to state level competitions," he said. "It's a just reward for their dedication and efforts through this summer."

Karrisa, who is also a member of the Far North Coast Academy of Sport, recently attended the NSW state age championships to vie for a spot at the nationals. And she didn't disappoint. She managed to place third in the 100-metre breaststroke, fourth in the 200-metre breaststroke and swam a personal best time in the 50-metre freestyle.

Michael is also proud of the efforts of his daughter Jaqui Freney, who competed for the first time at the NSW state open championships in the open freestyle multi-disability events, where she improved her time in the 400 metres by an amazing 19 seconds. Jacqui also competed in the NSW country championships where she came third in the open multi-disability 100-metre freestyle.

Michael thanked the club's sponsors John McMahon Realty and Casino Outdoor & Disposal for their support and generosity throughout the season.

Crafty givers

The Casino Country Crafts handed over their final cheque from the proceeds of their craft shop to the Jumbunna Early Intervention and Preschool last week. The group has donated a total of $1250 to local charities and community groups this year. A remarkable effort given that the shop is only open for 16 weeks a year. With the shop ready to open again on April 26 locals will have the opportunity to not only buy local craft but also help the Casino community.

Seniors go Techo

Evans Head seniors who took part in Senior's Week Techno workshops at the Evans Head Community Technology Centre enjoyed the learning experience so much a computer club is now being formed.

Participant June Howard said everyone who attended wants more sessions for seniors.

"We all had a chance to try new things," June said. "We can't wait to see a computer club set up so we can exchange information."

Manager of the CTC@Evans Head, Barb Hamilton, said over 60 people attended the workshops. She said seniors were particularly interested in the photo reproduction session where participants scanned and touched up old photos that held valuable memories.

For more information on the new seniors IT club in Evans Head phone Barb on 6682 6410 or drop into the CTC@Evans Head, which is located in the Evans Head Living Museum.

Richmond Valley Swim Club swimmers (l-r) Jaqui Freney, coach Michael Freney, Morgan Freney, Karrisa Lisha and Tayla Dean have had a great first season. Karrisa is off to the national age championships after her top performances in the state age championships.

Deputy director of the Jumbunna Early Intervention and Preschool Karen Handcock (left) receives a cheque for $500 from Casino Country Crafts president Barbara Reynolds and secretary Jeanette Toms. They are pictured with preschoolers Andrew, Annabelle, Cory, Abigail and Lara.