The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Have a heart and help Phelicity

Two-and-a-half year old Phelicity Sneesby, who is flying to America today for open heart surgery, with her parents Ben and Veronica from Goonellabah. The young family are desperately seeking donations to help cover Phelicity's medical costs.

Ben and Veronica Sneesby had thought their young daughter Phelicity was well on the way to recovery from a severe heart condition, but when she collapsed unexpectedly last Thursday, their entire world came crashing down.

The Goonellabah couple are leaving for America today where two-year-old Phelicity will undergo open heart surgery to correct a life threatening complication and give her another chance at a normal childhood.

The sad reality is that apart from the emotional drain, the young family is now faced with the enormous financial burden of travelling to Colombus, Ohio, where it is likely they will live for three to six months during Phelicity's surgery and recovery.

The couple have already spent nearly $1 million in a desperate bid to save Phelicity's life, and are now faced with the agonising prospect of paying for another costly procedure.

Since yesterday the couple have already received $8000 in donations and two airfares to Sydney from Rex Airlines, but they desperately need more money.

"We knew she would need surgery again but we thought it was going to be minor - there's no Medicare in America and we're terrified, but you can't put a price on life," said Ben. "The doctors have said Phelicity shouldn't be alive with her condition and they said they've never seen anyone fight as hard as her to live. We'd do anything to see her happy and healthy again, but we don't know how we're going to live. We don't like to ask for money, but we don't have a choice, and we just hope people can find in their hearts to help us."

Ben and Veronica, who also have a four-year-old daughter, Mahalia, and are expecting their third child in July, are no strangers to the emotional and financial impact of such an ordeal.

Phelicity was born with hypo plastic left heart syndrome, a condition that would have claimed her life without major surgery. Due to the severity and type of her condition, Australian doctors said she would only have a 20 per cent chance of survival - a statistic the Sneesbys were not prepared to accept.

After searching around the world, the couple found a doctor in Ohio who specialised in heart surgery and gave Phelicity a 90 per cent chance of survival. Facing every parents' worst nightmare, Ben and Veronica immediately packed up their lives, sold everything they owned, and headed off to America to give their little girl the best chance at life.

After two open heart surgeries and three catherterisations, Phelicity was well enough to come home and for the last two years the family has led a normal and happy life in Goonellabah - building their first home together and trying to pay off the exorbitant medical costs from that trip.

And then last week Phelicity collapsed.

"We can't believe we have to do this again - sometimes you think it's unfair but it's part of life and you have to accept what you're given," Ben said. "It's incredible that she's here with us now, and we'll do anything for our little girl. When I see her smile it's worth more than all the money in the world."

• Anyone who would like to help Phelicity can make a donation to the Sneesby's St George bank account. (The name is B and V Sneesby, BSB 112879, account number 056593984.)

Eve joins The Echo

After writing for a number of local newspapers for the last 17 years, journalist Eve Sinton (pictured) has joined the editorial team at The Northern Rivers Echo.

Eve lives on a property at Marom Creek with her three dogs, seven cats and two calves, and said she was looking forward to getting back to her community roots as a writer.

"After working for the Byron Echo for 10 years and another local daily more recently I feel like I've come home," Eve said. "I am very keen to get to know all the community members out there and share their stories with our readers."

Final rates meetings

The last of Lismore City Council's public forums on a possible new rates structure continues over the next fortnight.

The final meetings will be held next Monday, April 18, at Goonellabah Community Centre from 7pm and on Wednesday, April 20, at Lismore City Hall from 7pm.

Council is looking for public feedback into three new proposed rate structures and hopes all ratepayers will attend to provide input.

For more information phone Council on 6625 0500.

Make a lantern for Lismore's greatest parade

Encouraging the community to get involved in upcoming lantern making workshops for this year's Lismore Lantern Parade is coordinator Jyllie Jackson (top) and team members Elly Bird, Kathy McCormick and Brett Haydon with some of last year's magnificent lanterns.

If you're looking for something fun and creative to do with the kids these school holidays, the Lismore Lantern Parade crew are offering lantern making workshops, where kids can make their own beautiful creations to carry in this year's parade.

Coordinator of the parade, Jyllie Jackson, said part of the magic of the event is that children can get involved and actually walk in the procession with their lantern, watched by a crowd of thousands.

"The lantern parade has become one of the premier community events for the region and people even come from overseas to see the parade, so it gives kids the chance to be part of something really special," said Jyllie. "The other advantage of being part of the parade is that you get priority seating on the night and the best view ever."

The artistic theme for this year's 11th annual parade is 'The Sound of Colour', and every shade of the rainbow will be represented in lanterns, costumes, music and dance. The social theme for 2005 is 'Diversity and Tolerance' - a theme Jyllie chose because the rainbow is symbolic of that very theme in myths and legends throughout the world.

Lantern workshops will be held at the LightnUp workshop at 81 Orion Street, Lismore.

They will be held this Saturday, April 16, next Thursday, April 21, and on Saturday, April 23 from 10am, with kids welcome to make lanterns, masks or head dresses.

There will also be another lantern making workshop next Monday, April 18, at the Lismore City Library from 10am. All ages are welcome, although children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Both venues have wheelchair access and cater for kids with special needs. To book phone 6622 6333.

For those who can't make it on the above dates, lantern making will also continue every Saturday at the LightnUp workshop until the end of May. Phone the above number to secure a spot.

Buy a badge to honour the ANZACs

Encouraging people to get behind next week's ANZAC Day badge selling drive is (l-r) City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch members (l-r) Frank Egan, Warren Rose and Wilson McClelland.

This year's ANZAC Day marks the 90th anniversary since Gallipoli, where 8141 Australian soldiers lost their lives and more than 17,000 others returned home injured.

In this anniversary year, City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch secretary Wilson McClelland says it's particularly important for people to reflect on the sacrifices these soldiers made for their country, and remember that time does not heal all wounds.

The City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch's main role in the community is to provide care and support for veterans and their families, and they are now encouraging people to get behind next week's annual badge selling drive and ensure Australia's ex-servicemen and women are well looked after.

"The badge selling is our main source of income for the year and being the 90th anniversary of Gallipoli we believe it's a particularly poignant time for people to support those who fought for the freedoms we have today," Wilson said. "By buying a badge you are not only honouring the memory of the soldiers who fought, but you are also helping us care for the many loved ones who were left behind. Thousands of soldiers gave their lives for this country in 1915 and giving a little money on just one day of the year is not a lot to ask for in return."

Volunteers will be selling badges in the Lismore CBD and Goonellabah next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 20-22, with badges starting at just $2. Other Sub-Branches will also be selling badges over the next week in surrounding towns and villages, so keep an eye out for volunteers.

The Sub-Branch is still looking for more volunteers to help out and anyone interested should contact Wilson on 6621 3851 by next Tuesday, April 19.

As is the tradition on April 25 each year, an ANZAC Day dawn service and mid-morning service will be held in Lismore where people can pay their respects (see next week's Echo for full details).

Any veterans requiring transport to the service or those who would like to attend the luncheon at the Lismore Workers Club afterwards ($10 per head) should contact Wilson before next Thursday, April 21, on 6621 3851.

No pokies for new-look Winsome

By Eve Sinton

New co-owner of The Winsome Hotel, Alex Devantier surveys the scene from the verandah hotel, which he plans to restore and operate as 'the family hotel of Lismore'.

Fans of Lismore's historic Winsome Hotel will be glad to know their old haunt will soon be a grand old lady again - and the taps will be pouring beer from mid-May.

New co-owners Alex Devantier and Dallas Bayly are seeking approval from Lismore Council for a $500,000-plus restoration and will re-open The Winsome's doors to become 'the family hotel of Lismore'.

"I've always wanted my own hotel and we're extremely heritage oriented," said Mr Devantier. "We won't be taking a profit out of the hotel until the restoration is complete."

The restored pub will feature a top sound system, a refurbished interior, and even a moonlight cinema seating 70 people. The only thing it won't have is pokies.

The Winsome's original exterior timber doors are being recreated in rosewood and many of the other original features will be restored. Big lounges will adorn the main downstairs bar and laptop computers will be available for public use.

Next door the chill-out room will feature an enormous saltwater fish tank, and the old rugby bar and sauna will be re-opened downstairs. The heritage-listed stables behind the pub will house a wine bar, with the moonlight cinema and barbecue facilities nearby.

Upstairs, the pub's bedrooms will all be converted to ensuites.

"People will be glad to know we're keeping Tutti and Karl, the two men who have lived in the hotel for years," Mr Devantier said.

Mr Devantier's plans will be lodged with Lismore City Council as a Conservation Management Plan, which will operate over 15 years.

Mr Devantier, owner of two skin care companies, said his bloodlines were from Grafton, and he found the Winsome Hotel for sale on the internet.

"Our plan is to be the cheapest pub in Lismore," he said. "There'll be no mains over $15 and we won't be beaten on the price of a beer."

The proposed licensee for the Winsome Hotel is Georgina Benham from Tropical Fruits.

To find out more about the Winsome's restoration visit www.thewinsomehotel.com.

Turning a new Page on portfolios

Ballina MP Don Page (pictured) was named Shadow Minister for the North Coast in the NSW Opposition's major cabinet reshuffle earlier this week.

As part of front-bench shake up, Mr Page was also appointed Shadow Minister for Skills, Development and Training, which is a new portfolio.

Mr Page also remains the Deputy Leader of the Nationals, and continues to hold the portfolios for State Development and Regional Development.

Mr Page said he was particularly pleased to be named Shadow Minister for the North Coast, as it was something he had fought for personally.

"Having lobbied for the creation of the position, I look forward to consulting with local organisations and individuals in the North Coast region and bringing their voice to Shadow Cabinet," he said.

Mr Page said he was now calling on the Carr Government to follow the Opposition's lead and create a ministerial portfolio for the local region.

"The government already has ministers representing Western Sydney, the Hunter and Illawarra and I believe there should be a Minister for the North Coast dedicated to looking after our region at the cabinet table," he said.

Mr Page said he was also looking forward to his role as Shadow Minister for Skills, Development and Training.

"This portfolio will focus on addressing the real problem of a skills shortage in NSW, especially in the building and electrical trades," Mr Page said. "We want to develop policies that encourage young people into the trades because we recognise that not everyone is suited to or has the desire to undertake university education."

ASU in Lismore

Australian Services Union (ASU) executive president Sally McManus opens the ASU's new office in Lismore on Monday with former ASU secretary David Annis-Brown.

The Australian Services Union opened a new office in Lismore on Monday, providing support for community and social workers in the Northern Rivers.

Speaking at the opening, ASU executive president Sally McManus said after July when the Federal Government takes full control of the Senate, social and community workers stand to lose many entitlements.

"Our members are set to lose their rights in their annual minimum pay increases, and will effectively become second class citizens with no right to fair process if sacked, and no rights to redundancy payments," she said. "This union is here to protect community workers who are low paid and do essential work looking after the poorest, most vulnerable people in the community."

The ASU is located at 4 Carrington Street, Lismore (a few doors up from Caddies).

For more information phone 1300 784 278.

Become a MardiGrass volunteer

The Nimbin Hemp Embassy and the Australian Red Cross are looking for volunteers to attend a series of free training workshops next week and help assist during Nimbin's MardiGrass in early May.

Volunteers will be taught how to effectively respond to overdose situations ranging from substance induced anxiety through to unconsciousness. They will then be asked to assist during the three-day event, and help ensure the estimated 10,000 revellers are in safe hands. People will also receive full CPR accreditation, which they can take away with them.

The training will be held next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 21-23, at the Nimbin Bowling Club. For more information or to become a volunteer phone the Hemp Embassy on 6689 1842.

Rewarding kids in our community

Launching the Kids in Community Awards in Lismore last week were (l-r) Kids in Community committee member Maria Kelly, Australian actress Rachel Ward and past award winner Nicole Sten.

After launching the 2005 Kids in Community (KIC) Awards in Lismore last week, well-known Australian actress Rachel Ward was adamant that similar initiatives should be rolled out across the entire country.

Designed to recognise local young people for positive achievements within their community and within their own lives, Rachel said the awards gave Lismore a chance to reward some of its unsung heroes.

"We're not talking about kids who jump highest, run fastest, who score the highest in a test or play the flute best," Rachel said. "We're talking about kids who excel in the most important areas of all - kids who contribute to their communities, kids who achieve despite adversity. Kids whose optimism, enthusiasm and contribution are the bedrock of tomorrow's Lismore."

The awards are now in their fifth year and organisers are looking for nominations in peer support, community support, Indigenous youth support, homeless youth support, against all odds, mentor or role model and community and individual supporting youth or youth programs.

This year there is also a new award called the Bronwyn Donaghy Memorial Award. It was developed in honour of the late journalist, author and mother Bronwyn Donaghy, who was guest speaker at the inaugural 2000 KIC awards and often wrote about youth issues. This 'Judges Choice' award will go to one of the nominees from the other categories, be it a group or individual, whose actions embody the spirit of the awards.

Nominees must be aged between 13 and 25 and be available for the awards presentations at the Lismore Workers Club on June 28.

Nominations close on June 3. For more information phone Maria Kelly on 6624 4053.

Dr Page named health chair

By Eve Sinton

Local GP Sue Page of Lennox Head (Pictured) has been appointed to three key health councils.

Dr Page will chair the new North Coast Area Health Service and has also been made a member of the Health Care Advisory Council (the state's new peak advisory body to Health Minister, Morris Iemma) and the state wide Rural Health Taskforce.

As chair of the North Coast Area Health Service, she will be responsible for the appointment of the North Coast's advisory committee, for which there has been a tremendous number of applicants.

"I'm extremely confident we'll be able to have a committee with a good mix of backgrounds, a team that will work well together," Dr Page said. "The committee will be half clinicians and half non-clinicians, working together for the best outcomes for our health care systems. There's a compulsory indigenous representative - in fact I hope we will have two of them because the Aboriginal communities of the North Coast and the Mid North Coast are quite different from one another," Dr Page said.

Dr Page said she hoped members would leave their hats at the door and work for the best health needs of the community, not just those of their own organisation.

"Health is not about hospitals... not about treating disease but about doing our best to prevent people becoming sick in the first place," she said. "For example, it's not about kidney dialysis but about getting people to change their lifestyles, control their weight and blood pressure so they don't get kidney disease in the first place."

Dr Page said that by choosing a general practitioner as chair of the Area Health Service, the minister and the CEO were saying something.

"90 per cent of people see their GP at least once every year, so we see what's really going on and have a feel for the needs of the community," she said.

Among her many roles, Dr Page is also president of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, works in local hospitals and delivers outreach medical services to the Cabbage Tree Island Aboriginal community.

New gallery for Ballina

Ballina Arts and Crafts Centre Inc. (BACCI) are thrilled after Ballina Council announced last week that it will provide land at Treelands Reserve for the Northern Rivers Community Art Gallery.

Council has committed $400,000 for the project and have also earmarked the Treelands Reserve site for other community facilities such as the Ballina Community Services Centre and a Youth Activity Centre.

BACCI president Lyn Cochrane said Council's decision not only cleared the way for the gallery to be built, but would also help greatly in supporting the group's application for federal funding.

"The Northern Rivers Community Art Gallery is sure to be a hit with Ballina and Northern Rivers locals as well as tourists," she said.

The group itself raised over $1500 for the gallery with a fundraiser held at the Montanna Resort last Saturday, where architectural concept plans for the building were unveiled by Dayne Mearns from Thomsom Adsett.

The group's next fundraiser is an art exhibition at the Alstonville Plaza next Thursday and Friday, April 21-22.

For information on the new gallery or BACCI itself (or to make a donation toward the new gallery) phone John Cochrane on 6681 5874.

Arthritis seminar

The Lismore branch of the Arthritis Association of NSW is holding a seminar on arthritis this Saturday, April 16, at the Presbyterian Church Hall in Keen Street.

Speakers include St Vincent's Hospital CEO Trevor Sanders, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Richard Hudson, rheumatologist Dr Douglas Gray and naturopath Peter Wilson, plus a physiotherapist and occupational therapist.

There will be plenty of time for questions after the seminar, free information and leaflets, and aids will be on display and for sale.

All proceeds from the event go towards research into arthritis.

People are asked to arrive at 9.45am for a 10am start. Entry is $10 and includes lunch. RSVP to Jill on 6628 1640 or Ann on 6629 8221.

A model student

Southern Cross University student Catherine Reid is a finalist in the Ralph Australian Swimwear Model of the Year competition, which is being held this week on the Gold Coast.

What started out as a little bit of fun between a group of friends may be the beginning of a high profile modelling career for 23-year-old Southern Cross University student Catherine Reid.

Catherine's boyfriend Brady and a few mates entered her in the competition, and after a bit of cajoling she finally agreed to take part.

The move certainly paid off for the stunning blonde, who won her heat in Lismore and is now competing against 36 other hopefuls at the Ralph Australian Swimwear Model of the Year competition. Catherine, who's on the Gold Coast strutting her stuff this week, is vying for a cover spot on the Ralph Magazine 2006 Swimwear Calendar and share of $12,000 worth of prizes.

"I really didn't think I had any hope of winning but Brady kept encouraging me by saying that I was good enough and he was obviously right," Catherine said. "If I don't win at the Gold Coast it doesn't matter, but if I do win who knows what might happen."

Catherine is currently in her fourth year at Southern Cross University, where she is studying primary school teaching.

Nurses a real life saver

Celebrating Perioperative Nurses Week on Tuesday were Lismore Base Hospital perioperative nurses (rear l-r) Les Lee, Adam McCabe and Val Armstrong, and (front l-r) Leann Somerville, Marilyn Swift, Mary MacKenzie, Lisa Pullen, Chris Rogers and Bill Parmenter.

Some of the 80-odd perioperative nurses who work in Richmond Valley hospitals were honoured for their valuable work earlier this week as part of Perioperative Nursing Week celebrations.

North Coast Area Health Service director of nursing, Anne O'Donoghue, said while perioperative nurses often worked behind-the-scenes, their role was a vital one.

"While they tend not to have prolonged contact with patients, they meet them at times that can be quite stressful," she said. "Our perioperative nurses are appreciated not only for their professionalism but for their cheerful manner, which is an important morale booster for anyone about to undergo an operation, or having just had one."

A number of perioperative nurses from Lismore Base Hospital left for Canberra today, where they will attend the annual Operating Theatre Association Conference.

Advisory committee first meewting gets emotional response

Emotions spilled over in Coraki on Monday night at the first meeting of the Mid Richmond Advisory Committee, when members of the Coraki community, led by primary school teacher Chesne Olive, stormed into the meeting room with shouts of "save our hospital".

However, the passionate display did little to ruffle the feathers of North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) chief executive Chris Crawford, who said the community had a right to voice their concerns.

"It didn't have any impact on the meeting and as I've said before we're a democratic country and people have a right to peacefully protest," he said. "I do have to add though that what we're interested in is quality arguments, not who can shout the loudest."

The 22-member advisory committee has been established to provide feedback on the NCAHS's plans to restructure Coraki's health services, including turning the Campbell Hospital into a GP-run health clinic.

The committee includes Richmond Valley mayor Charlie Cox and Lismore mayor Merv King, six community representatives, two senior clinicians from Lismore Base Hospital, various staff from local hospitals including the Campbell Hospital, as well as a number of other people who work in local health services.

During the meeting the committee was presented with 14 alternative options for the restructure, which were developed by community members, staff and clinicians.

"At the second meeting we are going to invite Gerard Criss [a member of the Save Coraki and District Campbell Hospital Committee] to present his arguments against the NCAHS's preferred option, and also consider all the alternative options in more detail," Mr Crawford said. "In one alternative, Lismore Base Hospital clinicians have suggested we open 10 beds at Lismore Base with funds derived from the change of role of the Campbell Hospital. With Lismore being the hospital under the greatest pressure from patient demand, they believe that opening 10 beds at Lismore would be the best way to improve patient care throughout the region."

The advisory committee will meet four more times during the consultation process between now and June. The next meeting is on April 26.

A public meeting will also be held in Coraki on May 9.

Set-back for would-be developers

Landowners keen to subdivide their properties in the North Lismore plateau, Tucki Creek and Invercauld Road areas appear destined to remain disappointed as a result of state planning policies.

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) has advised Lismore Council it cannot increase Lismore's overall lot allocation in its urban land release strategy.

This means that Council can only include new areas in its strategy if it deleted existing areas and could demonstrate the new areas were more environmentally appropriate.

Currently, Council has only 350 lots to distribute over its release areas.

A Council report said any attempt at re-allocation would be problematic given the expectations of landowners already in the strategy and the fact that it is a relatively small 'pie' to be shared.

At Tuesday night's meeting, councillors resolved to write to each of the landowners involved, inviting them to submit an estimate of the minimum number of lots that would be viable for development to proceed in their area.

Council will also try to ensure that if lots are offered to landowners and re-zoning hasn't been approved within 12 months, the decision will be reviewed.

"This is so developers can't sit on blocks and not do anything with them," Cr Ros Irwin said.

All aboard for transport minister's visit

By Eve Sinton

Transport minister John Watkins will arrive in Murwillumbah this Friday, April 15 to discuss community concerns about the closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line.

The minister has arranged an authentic experience, travelling from Sydney to Casino overnight on the CountryLink XPT and then climbing aboard the CountryLink coach to complete the journey.

Mr Watkins says he wants to look, listen and learn about local transport options, but won't be discussing the return of rail services.

"It's important I reiterate that there are currently no plans to revisit the decision to cease those rail services - but I want to talk to local people about its impact, and alternatives," he said.

Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC) president, Ernie Bennett, said the minister's visit was welcome.

"It's been some time since we had the train taken away, but the community has not forgotten," Mr Bennett said. "We believe commuter trains are the answer. There is $30 million of federal funding on the table, which we believe is enough to restore the service. We can't understand why the State Government doesn't take it up. For example, with rising fuel prices, rail gives people an option."

Mr Bennett said NOROC's first priority was a commuter train, and the second was linking to the Queensland line.

A delegation from NRTF (Northern Rivers Trains for the Future Inc) will also welcome the minister and push their case for local passenger trains, which they believe are more cost effective and more appropriate for local users of the rail service.

The minister will arrive at Murwillumbah at around 7am (no doubt refreshed after being forced to change from the train to the bus at 3.46am in Casino), and the NRTF is encouraging as many people as possible to turn out and wear red.

A move to help others

Jacob Baldwin (pictured) may be confined to a wheelchair, but he's been more mobile than most able-bodied people. He spent more than four years travelling around Australia, trundling along at 5km/h in his motorised chair.

Nobody on earth could have a greater knowledge of travelling with a mobility problem, and now Jacob has come up with a course for people who want to help others.

The Mobility Care course is for caring people who enjoy travel and holidays. Jacob says it could lead the way to work as a travel attendant, or simply help people learn how to help others in need of mobility assistance.

The course looks at theoretical and practical aspects of caring and gives insights into areas such as communication, problem solving, holiday planning and assessment, and tips on how to make the mobile experience an enjoyable one for all concerned.

The course starts this Friday, April 15, and runs two days a week for three weeks. Jacob will run another free course if enough people show interest. For information phone Jacob on 6624 4055.

Having a blast during Youth Week

Celebrating Youth Week in Lismore on Monday with a rainbow tie dye workshop were Blast 4 Youth members (rear l-r) Crystal Wilks, Jessika O'Brien, Brenda Walker, Henry Walker, Kayla Williams and Bucky Torrens, with (front l-r) Chyanne Dunber, Maddison Smith, youth worker Lindie Shrestha, Matt Walker, Kayrenia Kelly and Jake Barnett.

To celebrate national Youth Week, 15 local youngsters from the YWCA's Blast 4 Youth Program in Goonellabah enjoyed a special rainbow tie-dye workshop on Monday.

Funded by Lismore City Council, the workshop was a "resounding and colourful success" according to Blast 4 Youth coordinator Lindie Shrestha.

"We thought with the state of the world today the kids needed some colour in their lives and it's also a good way to reflect where we live in the Rainbow Region," she said.

The Blast 4 Youth program provides young people aged between 13 and 18 with a safe and supervised environment to enjoy a whole range of activities, from watching videos and dancing to cooking and craft.

Blast 4 Youth runs every Wednesday and Friday from 3-5pm at 33-35 Rous Road, Goonellabah, and new members are always welcome.

For more information phone Lindie on 6625 6602 or 6625 6600.

Show us your tatts!

Bob Wilson of Creative Tattoo Art in South Lismore inscribing a work on client Megan. Creative Tattoo Art is presenting a Charity Tattoo Show in Lismore this Saturday.

The ninth annual Lismore Charity Tattoo Show, a fundraiser for the South Lismore Soup Kitchen, will be held this Saturday, April 16, at the Italo Club in North Lismore from 1pm.

Nola Davidson of Creative Tattoo Art, who present the show each year, said every dollar of profit made from the show represents a meal for a person in need.

It's a great opportunity to show off your tatts and piercings for a good cause: there are 25 tattoo categories and two piercing categories for judging. People can register for contests between 1 and 3pm, with judging kicking off at 3.15pm.

Entertainment will be provided by John Glenn and Darken the Skies, and it's a family affair, so bring the kids. There's plenty of action with raffles and auctions to boost the amount raised, which over the years has amounted to many thousands of dollars. Entry is $10.

Hats off to Spinnakers

Ballina RSL Club executive chef Gerhard Spatz (left) and Nathan Sherwood from Spinnakers Restaurant, who have made it to the finals of a state wide culinary competition.

Ballina RSL Club is celebrating after being selected as one of 12 finalists in the state wide Clubs NSW Chef's Table Culinary Competition.

As part of the competition, Spinnakers Restaurant will host a special dinner next Wednesday, April 20, where a team of visiting judges and invited guests will taste Spinnaker's fine cuisine and judge whether it is one of NSW finest restaurants. The all-important meal will be prepared by award-winning chef Gerhard Spatz and his assistant Nathan Sherwood.

Spinnakers will be judged on the execution of the three-course meal as well as taste, presentation and cost.

Winners of the 2005 Chef's Table Culinary Competition will be announced in Sydney at a special presentation dinner on May 27.

To make a booking at Spinnakers Restaurant and see what all the fuss is about phone the Ballina RSL Club on 6686 2544.

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