Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

People power saves the day

Shires Association president Phyllis Miller presented Richmond Valley councillor Col Sullivan OAM with the Emeritus Mayor Award and a 25th Jubilee Award on Tuesday. The awards recognised Cr Sullivan for his mayoral effort and 25 years continuous service to local government. Other recipients included mayor Charlie Cox, who also received the Emeritus Mayor Award, councillor Ray Jeffery, who was recognised for 24 years service as a councillor, and councillors Shirley Wheatley and Norma Thomas OAM, who both received awards for 13 years service.

A group of residents from the Mid Richmond Residents Village in Coraki at Council's meeting on Tuesday, where they learned the village will stay in community hands for at least the next three years.

While the fate of Coraki's Campbell Hospital remains undecided, people power has won Coraki residents a victory over another issue that's been simmering in the riverside town.

On Tuesday, Richmond Valley Council voted to give the Mid Richmond Residents Village (MRRV) management committee the chance to prove they can run the village on their own.

A report by the general manager recommended Council continue negotiations with the MRRV and also seek more detail on an offer by Southern Cross Care to take over management of the village.

However, in a surprise move, councillor Robert Mustow put forward a motion to allow the committee to continue managing the village with Council, while working on a plan to eventually become autonomous.

Council voted 7/2 (Crs Sullivan and Thomas against) to support his motion.

The decision comes after seven months of upheaval, following Council's move late last year to call for expressions of interest from organisations to manage, lease or buy the community village.

The committee now has three years to work with Council to develop a suitable plan, before a review in 2007.

A large group of residents and supporters from the village who attended the Council meeting were clearly relieved by the outcome.

"It gives us breathing space," said committee member Nancy Dransfield. "There's a very positive feeling for the long term sustainability and viability of our village. I'm very happy - it's a good response to a community effort."

Tired but happy, residents piled on the bus for the trip back to their village, safe in the knowledge that their village remains in community hands, at least for now.

Extraordinary meeting

Richmond Valley Council will sell land at the Evans Head Aerodrome following an offer to buy from the Ballina Ex-Services Home, which plans to build a $30 million nursing home.

General manager Brian Wilkinson stressed that the decision is subject to the satisfactory completion of all necessary approvals and processes, including the outcome of a Plan of Management for the aerodrome, which is expected to be completed by the end of April.

Council will hold an extraordinary meeting to consider the draft Plan of Management next Thursday, April 28, at the Casino Council Chambers from 4pm.

Campbell hospital rally

Residents of Coraki, Woodburn, Briadwater and Evans Head are being encouraged to turn out in force for a rally against the proposed closure of the Campbell Hospital in Coraki.

The rally will be held next Wednesday, April 27, from 12pm, with people asked to assemble near the old wharf shed in Richmond Terrace.

Free parenting groups

The Northern Rivers Division of General Practice will be running regular parenting groups from next week for families with babies up to 12 months old.

The groups will provide parents with an opportunity to explore their new role as parents, build on their existing strengths, and develop their parenting skills.

All groups are free and will be facilitated by a GP and an early childhood nurse.

The groups start in Alstonville next Tuesday, April 26, and in Lismore on May 3 for parents of three month olds; in Alstonville on May 10 and Lismore on May 17 for parents of six month olds; in Alstonville on May 24 and Lismore on May 31 for parents of nine month olds; and in Alstonville on June 7 and Lismore on June 14 for parents of 12 month olds.

For information or to book a place phone Tori at the Northern Rivers Family Care Centre on 6622 8705.

New Late Nighter timetable

Lismore's new late night bus service, the Late Nighter, has increased patronage by 50 per cent after introducing a revised timetable.

Lismore Council's road safety officer, Wendy Johnson, said if the increased patronage could be maintained, the service should be able to continue to the end of its 18-week trial, and possibly become a permanent fixture.

The bus now has one extended, easy-to-understand route, which travels past venues such as the Workers Heights Bowling Club, the Hilltop Hotel and the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club. The Lismore Late Nighter runs from 10pm to 3am every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and the fee is just $3.

New timetables are available from licensed venues, Kirklands, Council's offices in Goonellabah and Magellan Street or on the website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

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.