The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

We will remember them

Vietnam veteran and City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch vice president, Michael McBride, is encouraging people of all ages to attend local Anzac Day services on Monday and honour Australian soldiers who have fought in war.

Michael McBride says his greatest regret in life is that he never told his father James how proud he was of his war service before he died in 1971.

Michael's father and two uncles, Hugh and John, all saw active service at Gallipoli as engineers, as well as fighting in many other parts of the world. Hugh was killed on the battlefields of France in 1917, while his father and uncle John both returned home injured from service.

However, it wasn't until after his father passed away that Michael began researching the history of WWI, and what he discovered gave him a new respect for his family.

"Dad never spoke about the war but it had a profound affect on him - after he died I read a lot about WWI and I can't believe any of them came home sane," Michael said. "They endured unbelievable hardships both mentally and physically - my father became an alcoholic when he returned from war and 40 years after he came home they found shrapnel still encapsulated in his skull. I wish now, more than anything, that I had told him how proud I was of what he did."

Michael's father and uncles were all decorated for 'gallantry in the field' - his father and uncle Hugh awarded the Military Medal and his uncle John awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Michael - a Vietnam veteran and vice president of the City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch - will join hundreds of other diggers next Monday, April 25, to commemorate Anzac Day and the 90th anniversary of Gallipoli.

He encourages people of all ages to attend local Anzac Day ceremonies, and pay tribute to the men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

"It's a day not to glorify war, but to bow our heads and give thanks - I often do talks at local schools and I always tell the children that we gather to remember them, to honour them, to express our gratitude and to say how proud we are," Michael said. "Our soldiers put their lives on the line to maintain our way of life, and that is something we should all take a few minutes to reflect on this Anzac Day. Without them, who knows what life would be like today."

As part of his role with the Lismore Legacy Club, Michael will be placing white crosses in the Legacy Garden of Remembrance near the Lismore cenotaph on Anzac Day. He is currently inviting people in the 2480 postcode to contact him if they would like a cross placed in honour of a deceased veteran, and says anyone interested should phone him on 6624 8820.

For full details of local ANZAC day services see p8.

Hats off to graduates

More than 400 Southern Cross University students breathed a collective sigh of relief on Saturday, after graduated from arts, business, and health and applied science courses at the Lismore campus.

Among the graduates was Lismore's Amanda Shoebridge (pictured), who was awarded her Bachelor of Business and Tourism degree as her mum Carolyn watched on.

"I felt so honoured to graduate and it was a real sense of accomplishment, although I already miss sipping lattes in front of library in the sun," Amanda said. "Southern Cross University had such a lovely, close-knit community and the best of everything in terms of education and lifestyle. To graduate amongst my peers was just a wonderful experience - the whole three years was worth it for that one day."

As part of her degree, Amanda began an internship with the Queensland Music Festival in July. She impressed her employers so much she now works with the organisation full-time as a marketing coordinator.

For more graduation news see page 8.

26 years nothing to kid about

Enjoying one last cuddle with past and present students is Coraki CWA Preschool director Virginia Brown, who recently retired after 26 years.

There were plenty of tears and lots of laughter at the Coraki CWA Preschool recently when CWA members, students and parents gathered to farewell the preschool's director, Virginia Brown, who retired after 26 years.

While she says she'll miss her students, the McKees Hill resident says she wanted to retire so she could spend more time with her grandchildren, travel to Tasmania where she was born and possibly write a children's book.

The 62-year-old, who's one of seven children herself, gave up nursing to become a preschool teacher in 1974, and says it was the best decision she ever made.

"I have come to school here every day with a smile on my face and left every day with smile - I've loved every minute of it," she said. "Every day is different and every child is an individual - they have all taught me empathy and patience, and I will never forget any of them."

The Coraki CWA Preschool is one of only two CWA preschools left in NSW, and according to CWA member Ruth Blanch, Virginia is one of the reasons it was such a rare success.

"Virginia could name every child she's ever taught and that just staggers me - she just loves and cares for kids so much," said Ruth. "People like Virginia don't come along every day - she is the sort of person you can trust with your life."

Eleventh time lucky for Fran

Well-known Clovass artist Fran Tomlin is making her eleventh attempt at the Archibald Prize with this stunning portrait of local tarot consultant Lyn Rvby Morris from Inner Sanctvm.

Fran, who will discover if she's been selected for in the Archibald later this week, started painting just 12 years ago, but has already made her mark on the Australian art scene. The 51-year-old has been a finalist in the prestigious Portia Geach Art Prize six times and in 2003 she was named winner of the Lismore Regional Treasures Art Prize for her portrait of local media identity Russell Eldridge.

"I've been trying to crack the Archibald for more than a decade and I'm not going to give up now - if nothing else I should get the inaugural prize for perseverance," Fran laughed. "In the general public's eyes, if you are hung in the Archibald, you are worth investing in, and that's why so many artists are keen to be selected. After 11 years, I'd be happy to win the Packing Room Prize!"

Double demerits this weekend

Motorists are reminded that four days of double demerits will be in force over the Anzac Day long weekend.

Double demerits will apply from midnight tonight (Thursday, April 21) until midnight on Monday, April 25. All speeding, seatbelt and helmet offences will attract double demerits, while other demerit offences will attract one additional point.

Lennox Landcare walk

The Field Naturalists Group, a part of Lennox Head Landcare, invites people to a short 'talk and walk' around Boulders Beach area this Sunday, April 24, to demonstrate what can be achieved in land and bush restoration.

People will be able to see what the many Landcare volunteers have accomplished over the years and how their valiant efforts have fixed some of the damage caused by farm clearing in the early 1900s, sand mining in the 50s and 60s and foreshore erosion from illegal camping and 4WD activities.

The talk and walk will begin at 8.30am. For more information phone Beth on 6687 7042 or Sue on 6687 5135.

Helping a Fijian village stay afloat

Maddy Van Der Leeden from Eureka met these youngsters whilst on holidays in Fiji in 2003. Maddy's mum Alison is holding a garage sale and car wash this Saturday to raise money for the impoverished community.

What started out as a holiday adventure for the Van Der Leeden family from Eureka has developed into a blossoming friendship and the promise of hope for a poor Fijian community.

In 2003 Alison Van Der Leeden and her family travelled to Fiji, where they stayed with pastor Koli Tokalaulevu and his family in a small village off the Fijian mainland.

During their eight-day stay, Alison and her family were humbled by the hospitality and generosity of the Fijian family, who risked their lives every day to catch fish from a rotting boat.

"These people are incredibly poor and without thinking they insisted on us having their beds and always served us first at meal times," Alison said. "The boat they have is ready to fall apart and if this man doesn't catch fish he has no other way of supporting his family and others in the village."

The Van Der Leeden family, with the help of the Alstonville Baptist Fellowship, is now raising funds to buy Koli a new boat and at this stage they have raised more than $6000.

To add to this amount, the Alstonville Baptist Fellowship is holding a garage sale and car wash this Saturday, April 23, at the church in Wardell Road from 8am.

People who would like to donate goods for the sale can still do so today and tomorrow, or simply turn up on the day and hunt for some bargains.

For more information phone 6628 5387.

Knife robbery at servo

The Ampol Collect Service Station in Woodlark Street, Lismore, was held up at knife-point last Saturday at around 10.25pm. Armed with a steak knife, the alleged offender demanded money from the staff member on duty, who set of a duress alarm. The man reportedly opened the till and grabbed $295. As he escaped, the staff member attempted to pin him to the wall with a broom.

Around 30 minutes later, police arrested 20 year-old Jazza Ki Andrews from Lismore at gunpoint in Brewster Street. The alleged proceeds of the robbery were recovered and the man was charged with armed robbery. He was released on bail without entering a plea last Monday, and is to reappear in Lismore Local Court on June 21.

Help save the toy library

Helen Lynne, of Nimbin, and her son Carson enjoy some of the toys available for loan at the Lismore Community Toy Library, which is in danger of closing due to a lack of volunteers.

More helping hands are needed to keep Lismore's Community Toy Library open.

The service, which has around 100 members and a huge stock of exciting toys available for loan or hire, has become too much for the few volunteers who run it, and who also have young children to care for.

President Jo Long said the library was looking for people to help save the library from closure by helping out with a variety of tasks for a few hours per term.

"It might appeal to students interested in child studies, or to friends and grandparents with a little time on their hands," Jo said. "It's hard for parents of small children to take on the obligation, but it would be a shame if the service was lost to local families after running for 20 years."

The toy library is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9.30-11.30am on the ground floor of the Lismore Library.

People interested in helping save this valuable community asset should phone Jo on 6689 5329.

New subdivision for Lismore

By Eve Sinton

Lismore is about to expand with the approval of a major residential subdivision in Goonellabah.

Council's manager of planning services, Helen Manning, said development consent had been issued for 236 standard suburban-size lots proposed by developer Robert Hosie for land bounded by Oliver Avenue and Taylor Road, opposite the RSL Sports Club.

"The land was already zoned for development," she said. "The site is perfectly placed for housing for Lismore. It is close to schools and recreation opportunities and is well serviced by public transport. Council is hoping to see houses going up before too long."

Detailed engineering designs still have to be submitted to Council before the development proceeds.

Ms Manning said the lots were not part of Lismore's urban land release strategy, which has been limited to 350 lots by the NSW Government.

Local Jews celebrate Passover

Members of the local Jewish community Rainbow Kehilah, Larisa Barnes and Colin Cussel, with some traditional Jewish food ready for this weekend's Passover celebrations.

The Northern Rivers Jewish community, Rainbow Kehilah, will celebrate Passover this Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24, with plenty of traditional Jewish food, song and dance for everyone to enjoy.

According to Rainbow Kehilah members Colin Cussel and Larisa Barnes from Lismore, Passover is a time for Jews to celebrate in the same way as Christians rejoice every year at Christmas.

"Passover celebrates the exodus of Jews out of slavery in Egypt and has come to symbolise the importance of freedom for all people," Colin said. "As part of our celebrations we eat traditional Jewish food including a lamb shank, matzo bread and other foods that don't contain yeast or leavening, which are all full of symbolisation for Jewish people. The important thing to remember is that there is a Jewish community in the Northern Rivers that caters for all Jews, regardless of how religious they might be."

For more venue details and more information about the Rainbow Kehilah Passover celebrations phone Colin or Larisa on 6622 7171.

Carnival for The Channon

The Channon Community Carnival will be held this Saturday, April 23, with a number of events happening around the village, starting with a tree planting at the environmental walk from 9am.

Other activities include a historical exhibition at The Channon Hall from 10.30am-3pm; activities in Coronation Park from 11am-2.30pm and a picnic in the park from midday-2pm; music, art and dancing in The Channon Tavern from 2.30-6.30pm; a tennis tournament at 3.30pm at the courts; and a disco at Community Trading (opposite the tavern) from 7-11pm. For more information phone Cameron on 6688 6355.

Lismore Lake open for business

Nature lovers have the opportunity to view the many bird species at Lismore Lake at a special open day next Friday, April 29, from 9.30am-2pm. The day will be hosted by the EnvITE Green Corps team, which has been digging in hundreds of native plants on newly created islands to create safe nesting and feeding places for birdlife. Talks, bird watching, raffles, stalls and a sausage sizzle will be among the attractions for visitors.

Help for people with eating problems

Coordinator of the Northern Rivers Eating Disorders Service, Mim Weber, will be running a free 10-week group for women who are feeling trapped by eating problems and depression. Funded by the Northern Rivers Division of General Practice, the first meeting will take place on May 2. For more information or to register for the group phone Mim at the Lismore and District Women's Health Centre on 6621 9800.

Providing a multicultural outlook

Author and expert in Australia-Asia relations, Professor J.V. D'Cruz, will highlight ways Australians can co-exist better in a multicultural society during an address at Southern Cross University's annual Cultural Diversity Talk next Tuesday, April 26.

Professor D'Cruz, from Monash University, is co-author (with William Steele) ofAustralia's Ambivalence Towards Asia, which looks at Australia's difficulties in establishing a meaningful relationship with Asia.

He is well placed to talk about multicultural issues, being himdelf Malaysian-born and of Indian heritage.

Anyone is welcome to attend the annual Cultural Diversity Talk next Tuesday in SCU's Whitebrook Theatre from 12pm.

Nurses put ban on Richmond Clinic admissions

Nurses from Lismore Base Hospital and Richmond Clinic will meet with the North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) tomorrow, following a decision by Richmond Clinic nurses on Monday to stop admissions between 4.30pm and 8.30am.

According to NSW Nurses Association branch secretary, Helen O'Donnell, the nurses imposed the ban due to overcrowding and a lack of staff, a situation she said was putting patients and staff at risk.

A NCAHS spokesman told The Echo the NCAHS was surprised by the action, but were well aware of the high demand for mental health services in the region.

The spokesman said the need to redevelop Richmond Clinic is a high priority for the NCAHS, and plans are in place to establish a $25 million, 40-bed mental health clinic as part of the overall Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment. The clinic could be completed as early as 2007. He said interim measures included refurbishing two rooms in the emergency department at a cost of $80,000 to care for behaviourally disturbed patients.

Following the meeting tomorrow, nurses will meet again to decide whether to lift the ban or take further action.

Trekking Kokoda for kidney research

Founder of Thursday Plantation in Ballina, Christopher Dean (pictured) has set off on a nine-day Kokoda Track expedition to mark Anzac Day and support the Blue Sky Foundation, an Australian charity established to further research natural therapies that can help control kidney disease.

The Kokoda Track is rated as one of the five toughest walking tracks in the world. It is where the Japanese were first defeated on land in WWII by a vastly outnumbered group of Australians, who fought gallantly to hold them back in the inhospitable jungle of New Guinea.

Mr Dean will join two of Australia's sporting legends, Allan Border and Mal Meninga, and Professor David Harris of Kidney Health Australia, on the trek. Through Thursday Plantation, Mr Dean has already contributed $20,000 to the Blue Sky Foundation's research and he hopes the trek will raise hundreds of thousands more.

Describing his feelings on the eve of departure, Mr Dean said, "There is massive work that needs to be done to control kidney disease, which is a huge problem in Australia today and very poorly managed by current drug therapy," he said. "We believe there are great opportunities to relieve suffering and improve wellbeing for kidney sufferers using natural and complementary medicine."

Mr Dean and fellow trekkers hope to reach the Isurava War Memorial for the dawn service on Anzac Day.

A dog of a day

By Eve Sinton

Friends of the Koala rescue coordinator Rick Vass with Brendan the koala. The group is disappointed that Council has chosen not to impose a ban on dogs in prime koala habitat near Southern Cross University.

Friends of the Koala president Lorraine Vass is disappointed after Lismore City Council voted not to ban dogs on several blocks of residential land in prime koala habitat between Southern Cross University and Invercauld Road.

Friends of the Koala made a submission on the draft development control plan (DCP) for the land, requesting a dog free covenant and measures to restrict traffic speeds in the area to 40kph.

However, the dogs had their day at Council's April 12 meeting, when councillors voted 6/5 not to include the dog free covenant (Crs Irwin, Tomlinson, Ekins, Dowell and Henry against. Cr Swientek declared a conflict of interest).

"We're disappointed with the result - this is one of the few prime koala habitats left in Lismore," Lorraine said. "Council staff took that on board and put in the recommendation for a no-dog covenant, and we've lost it."

Friends of the Koala said dog attacks on koalas were common in urban areas, even when dogs were confined to their own backyards, because koalas frequently entered yards by climbing over fences and trees.

"A dog is a natural predator of koalas, and even if a well trained dog doesn't attack one, it may still be torn to pieces by another one down the road," Lorraine said. "So it doesn't help them to become familiar with any dog."

She said developers should realise that people would pay a premium for a rural quality of life in urban areas, in koala habitat, and that a no-dog covenant could add value to the blocks of land.

As yet, no development applications for the land have been lodged with Council.

End of the line

By Eve Sinton

Transport minister John Watkins (pictured) left Northern Rivers residents derailed last Friday when his visit to Murwillumbah ended with a firm refusal to restore any train services on the line.

While local train campaigners had given up on seeing the XPT service re-instated, they had hoped a commuter train service would be considered.

After Mr Watkins made it clear this would not become a reality, Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC) president Ernie Bennett said the State Government was out of touch with local feeling.

"Every mayor has this issue raised regularly by residents - it is not dying down and it will certainly be on voters' minds at the next election," he said.

Whilst in the area Mr Watkins announced a $1.1 million upgrade for the Casino rail and coach interchange, as well as the appointment of Ruth Hodson as a Lismore-based Aboriginal project and liaison officer for the Ministry of Transport.

Ms Hodson will work with Aboriginal communities to improve transport options for access to community services such as baby clinics and pre-schools.

Graduating a dream come true

Fay Binge of Lismore had plenty of family support when she graduated from Southern Cross University on Saturday, with her nephew Chris and daughter Leann also receiving their degrees.

Fay and Chris both graduated with a Masters of Indigenous Studies, while Leann received her Bachelor of Nursing. Chris was also awarded the shared Bundjalung Prize with Jacquie Welch for their significant contributions to communities in the Bundjalung nation.

Fay, a mother of six who has done countless hours of community work in Casino over the last 11 years, said graduating was a truly special occasion and one she believed would encourage other members of her family to undertake tertiary study.

"I hope what I've achieved is inspiration to my family and my community - my granddaughters have already shown an interest and I want to show others that dreams can come true," Fay said. "It takes a lot of hard work and commitment, but it can be done."

A number of locals were also awarded University Medals on the day for outstanding academic achievement and first class honours. Among them were Carolyne Lewis from Rous Mill, Nigel Hayes from Nimbin, Leon Ludwig from Kyogle and Sue Higginson from Lismore. Sue graduated with a Bachelor of Law with first class honours in threatened species and was also asked to give the student address.

Her degree took seven years to complete, with much of her studies done part-time as she juggled university commitments with raising her two young daughters.

"The girls were wonderful - I feel as if they put in a lot more hours and effort than I did," she said.

Around 400 people graduated from Southern Cross University on Saturday in the first of two ceremonies. The second will be held this Saturday, April 23.

ANZAC Day services

Lismore

Dawn service held at the Lismore Memorial Baths at 5am (form up at the Old Post Office in Molesworth Street at 4.45am). Veterans and families are then invited to the traditional Anzac Day breakfast at the Lismore Workers Club.

Main march and service begins at 9am. Veterans are requested to form up in Molesworth Street, adjacent to Browns Creek car park, by 8.30am. The main service will be held at the Lismore cenotaph on completion of the march. Veterans and families are then invited to the Anzac Day luncheon ($10pp) at the Lismore Workers Club. Info 6621 3851.

Ballina

Dawn service held at the cenotaph opposite the Ballina RSL Club (corner of River and Grant streets) at 5.30am. Main march commences outside Paddy McGinty's Hotel at 10.40am, followed by the commemorative service at the cenotaph at 10.55am. All sub-branch and ex-service personnel are invited to a luncheon at the Ballina RSL Club ($5pp) at 12pm. Info 6686 5921.

Alstonville

Dawn service held at the Private Paddy Bugden Memorial in Bugden Avenue from 5.30am (people requested to be settled by 5.20am). All ex-service men and women are then invited to a traditional breakfast at the RSL Hall at 6am.

The main march will commence at 9.40am (marchers to be ready by 9.30am) at the Paddy Bugden VC Memorial, following a short ceremony and wreath laying in his honour. The main service will begin at the cenotaph in Elizabeth Anne Brown Park at 10am (wet weather venue the Apex Pavilion at Alstonville showgrounds). Those wishing to lay a wreath should phone Bob Campbell on 6628 0570. The Northern Rivers Vintage and Veteran Car Club will offer free transport for ex-service personnel who are not able to march but would like to join the parade. A luncheon will be held at the RSL Sub-Branch Hall following the main service for ex-service and serving personnel, and their guests. Info 6628 0302.

Casino

Dawn service held at the Mafeking Lamp at 5am (form up at Casino RSM Club at 4.45am). Main march commences at Graham Place at 10.15am, followed by main service at the Casino Civic Hall at 10.30am. All returned servicemen and their partners then invited to a luncheon at the Casino RSM Club at 12.30pm. Info 6662 1795 or 6662 3545.

Coraki

Main march commences at the Bottom Pub at 10.30am (all ex-servicemen welcome and encouraged to wear medals. Form up at 10.20am). Main service at the Coraki cenotaph at 10.40am. BBQ for ex-servicemen and their families courtesy of Coraki Lions at the rotunda in Coraki Memorial Park at 12pm. Afternoon service held at Mid Richmond Retirement Village at 1.30pm. Info 6683 2651.

Woodburn/Evans Head

Dawn service held at the Evans Head War Memorial in Riverside Park at 5.30am (form up at 5.20am outside the Evans Head Council Library). All welcome to a traditional breakfast at the Evans Head RSL afterwards (donation required). At 9.15am a free bus will travel from the Evans Head RSL to the Evans Head war cemetery for a short service. Bus continues on to Woodburn for the main service at the cenotaph in Riverside Park at 10.30am. Bus will then return to Evans Head. All ex-service and serving personnel and invited guests welcome to attend a luncheon ($5pp) at the Evans Head RSL from 12pm. Info 6682 4657.

Kyogle

Dawn service held at the cenotaph next to the Kyogle Baths at 5.30am.

Main march will leave the cenotaph at 10.30am and make its way down Summerland Way to Geneva Street and back to the Kyogle Memorial Hall for the traditional service at 11am. A wreath laying ceremony at the cenotaph will follow. All ex-service personnel are invited to a luncheon at Kyogle Bowling Club from 12.30pm. Info 6632 1227.

Have a ball on Black Friday

Keith Johnson and other Cancer Council volunteers have been busily creating magical and mysterious decorations (with a little help from Jyllie Jackson at the LightnUp workshop) for the Scare Cancer Away Black Friday dinner dance on May 13 at Lismore City Hall.

Tickets are now on sale for this huge Cancer Council fundraiser, with punters assured that between 80 and 90 per cent of the $35 ticket price will go directly towards helping those living with cancer.

A virtual army of volunteers are working around the clock to make the hall into an eerie and breathtaking spectacle for the event, which includes a three-course dinner, dancing to local band Fossil Rock and the chance to win fantastic prizes. There will also be a special fundraising auction, with items including an Adam Gilchrist signed cricket bat and an ARL Parramatta Eels jersey.

Tickets for Scare Cancer Away are now available from the Commonwealth Bank in Magellan Street or by phoning the Cancer Council on 6681 1933.

Fired up over a name

Owner of Fire in the Belly pizzeria, Julie Dickson (centre), with dragon naming competition winners Alex Cavanagh and Nicola Shortiss, and Firenzo Bright Belly.

The large ceramic dragon from Fire in the Belly pizzeria in Lismore finally has a name, thanks to some creative thinking by Alex Cavanagh, 10, of Tregeagle, and Nicola Shortiss, 8, of Wyrallah.

The two youngsters recently won Fire in the Belly's dragon naming competition, which was held to find a suitable name for their wood-fired oven - a massive red ceramic dragon created by Nimbin artist Adrian Ward. After sifting through hundreds of entries they decided Alex's entry 'Firenzo' would become the dragon's first name, while Nicola's entry of 'Bright Belly' would be the dragon's surname.

"The two names were just so good we had to use both - we think it's a gorgeous name and it really suits him," said Fire in the Belly owner, Julie Dickson. "We want to thank Alex and Nicola for their fantastic entries and all our other customers who provided ideas and feedback."

Alex and Nicola each won a family dinner at the pizzeria for their efforts.

Mission accomplished

Members of the Uniting Church Lismore Regional Mission, Sue Lloyd and Rod Campbell, presenting a cheque for $2400 to Father Chris Riley from Youth Off The Streets. The money will be used care for Indonesian children left homeless by the Boxing Day tsunami.

For Father Chris Riley from Youth Off The Streets in Sydney, making the trip to Lismore to address the District 9640 Rotary Centennial Conference over the weekend was well worth his while.

As well as enthralling the 600-strong audience with an impassioned speech about his work with homeless youths in Sydney, Father Riley was also presented with a cheque for $2400 from the Uniting Church Lismore Regional Mission. The money will go towards his Children's Care Centre in Indonesia, which has been established to care for children left homeless or orphaned by the Boxing Day tsunami.

The money was raised at a special breakfast and auction held by the Lismore Regional Mission recently, where Sue and Les Wiles were special guests. The couple spoke of their daughter Sheridan's work with Father Chris Riley in Indonesia, inspiring the Lismore Regional Mission to donate the funds. $2000 was raised that morning, while the remaining $400 was donated by an anonymous community-minded local.

"After speaking with Father Riley I was encouraged by his passion and love for these children, both in Sydney and Indonesia," said Sue Lloyd, a member of Lismore Regional Mission and a local Rotarian. "We definitely know this money will go to help those children who need it most - Father Riley is a truly inspiring man and we're just thankful there are people like him out there."

Healthy males wanted for SCU study

Southern Cross University (SCU) is seeking non-smoking, healthy males between the ages of 30 and 55 to take part in a four-week study on immune function.

Run by the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education, the study is investigating the possible benefits of a natural product called lactoferrin, a protein found in mother's milk as well as tears, saliva, blood and white cells.

Researcher Anne Mulder said this would be the first study of its kind in Australia to test the benefits of the protein in humans.

Volunteers in the trial will be given a supplement to take daily for three weeks and will be required to provide blood samples and attend clinics at SCU's Lismore campus.

For more information or to volunteer for the study phone Anne Mulder on 6626 9485 or email amulde10@scu.edu.au.

Spitfires over Lismore to honour Anzacs

Northern Rivers Aero Club vice president, Gary Lewan, with the commemorative wall that will be officially dedicated by Battle of Britain veteran Air Commodore James Coward on Anzac Day.

To commemorate the 90th anniversary of Anzac Day the Northern Rivers Aero Club has organised an open day next Monday, April 25, from 10am, as well as a fly-over of the main march in Lismore.

Northern Rivers Aero Club vice president Gary Lewan said the fly-over is a tribute to those men and women who paid the supreme sacrifice for their country during war.

"The fly over will be in V formation over the main parade in town and will be led by a replica Spitfire in front of two other classic war planes," he said. "After the march we invite members of the public to come to our open day when our special guest, ex-Royal Air Force Battle of Britain veteran Air Commodore James Coward, will officially dedicate a commemorative wall at the club to those Australians who flew with the 'few'."

At the open day there will be a number of classic aircraft on display including a Beech 18, a Ryan PT22, a Tiger Moth, an RAAF CT4 Trainer, an Auster J1 and a Wirraway.

Other things to do and see at the open day include an appearance by the Life Saver Helicopter and crew, scenic flights over Lismore, as well as a raffle of an original painting called Spitfires Over Dover by Edgar Jackson.

Entry to the Northern Rivers Aero Club open day on Anzac Day is free and there will be food and soft drinks available.

The Northern Rivers Aero Club is located off Three Chain Road in South Lismore.

For more information phone 6621 4844.

Making good on a school motto

Over 70 kilos of rice was boiled up for students of Trinity Catholic College recently to raise funds for the Trinity Tsunami Relief Appeal.

Students and staff paid $2 to "enjoy" boiled rice and water for lunch as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with those people in Asia affected by the Boxing Day tsunami. The rice day raised around $2000, bringing the College's total to more than $11,000.

"The appeal has the added bonus of teaching students about those less fortunate in the world gives students a chance to reach out to others and act on the College's motto of 'Deeds not Words'," said head of religious education David Kenyon. "Over the past two months students have contributed to a daily collection of funds and have also enjoyed 'mufti days', with students paying a gold coin to wear casual clothes. These kids have delved into their own pockets for this and their effort has been tremendous. We're really proud of what they've done."

The money raised from Trinity's appeal will be given to both Caritas and Marist Asian Pacific so they can continue helping those most in need.

Get on board with Kirklands

Kirklands Buslines operations supervisor Dene Petty with Lorna Stoddart (left) and Mary Barlow taking advantage of the reduced fares between Lismore, Casino and Kyogle recently.

Kirklands Buslines and Northern Rivers Community Transport are now offering an affordable bus service from Casino and Kyogle to Lismore twice a week.

Every Tuesday and Friday elderly and disabled passengers in Casino can travel to Lismore and back home for $8, while Kyogle residents will pay $12 for the round trip.

The new service will collect Kyogle passengers from their door, while in Casino Northern Rivers Community Transport will collect travellers from their homes and deliver them to the depot.

Kirklands general manager Peter Shepherd said the new service was created to ease the pressure placed on Northern Rivers Community Transport.

"This service is flexible - when it arrives in Lismore we will deliver passengers not just to the Transit Centre, but also to the major supermarkets and to medical appointments as well as other limited drop off points around Lismore," he said.

"All passengers using this service will be well looked after because there will be experienced drivers on the bus to help the passengers get on and off, and to help them with their parcels. Groups of passengers can also bring a carer free of charge."

People from Kyogle should book with Kirklands on 6622 1499 no later than 4pm the day before they travel. Casino residents should phone the Casino Neighbourhood Centre on 6662 2898, also the day before they travel, to arrange pick up.

From the stage to the page

Ballina identity Peter Weston has just released his third book Second House, which documents the great stage performers of the 1930s, 40s and 50s in Peter's former home of South London.

Peter Weston is a well-known identity around Ballina's café circuit and a spritely English gentleman who just loves a yarn.

Peter has just released his third book, Second House, which tells the stories of interesting characters he met in the 1930s, 40s and 50s in his former home of South London.

The book contains many anecdotes of South London's greatest vaudeville performers, who were the city's primary source of entertainment before television brought its sad demise.

"I grew up in the atmosphere of vaudeville and variety because my father was a stage comedian and from a very early age the theatre and the performing arts have always been a big part of my life," Peter said. "As a retired journalist I can't help writing and because I am documenting the places and the people that I love, it's not like work at all."

As well as being an accomplished writer, Peter also regularly presents a radio program on award-winning Brisbane radio station 4MBS Classic FM.

Peter's books are now available from the ABC Bookstore in River Street in Ballina.

Andy's no dummy in helping save lives

Dubbed 'Andy' by nurses at Ballina Hospital, this interactive manikin is the latest training equipment for staff in an emergency department or acute care setting. The life-sized model comes with a computerised CD-ROM link box that gives instant feedback on how successful a nurse's resuscitation techniques would have been with a real patient.

Andy was bought with funds raised by volunteer members of the Ballina Hospital Auxiliary. Given that he can even replicate human responses like moans and groans, it's not surprising that he didn't come cheap. In fact his price tag was $13,602 - raised by the Auxiliary through market days, theatre nights at the local Ballina Players, street stalls and sports club charity days.

The hospital's executive officer/director of nursing, Meryl Brown, expressed heartfelt thanks to the Auxiliary members for their ongoing and generous efforts.

Extra bus services

Kirklands Buslines has introduced a new timetable to deliver improved services for school students and better route services with a particular focus on Lismore Square, Lismore Base Hospital, Southern Cross University, Goonellabah Shopping Centre, Ballina Fair Shopping Centre and the Alstonville/Wollongbar areas.

The new timetable commences next Thursday, April 28, and a student travel planner is now available on www.kirklands.com.au. New timetables are available at the Lismore Transit Centre and the Ballina Bus Zone.

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