The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Reluctant Heroes

Stephen Bartlett from Lismore (left) and Andrew Smith from Goonellabah both received a NSW Fire Brigade Commissioner's Commendation yesterday for bravery.

When carer Stephen Bartlett arrived at the Goonellabah home of a client early one morning in October 2003, he was confronted with thick black smoke pouring from the building's windows.

Together with nearby resident Andrew Smith, the two worked frantically to save the man trapped inside, putting their own lives at risk to try and rescue him from the fire. Sadly, the pair were unable to free the man in time, but their valiant efforts didn't go unnoticed.

Yesterday Stephen and Andrew were both awarded a NSW Fire Brigade Commissioner's Commendation for bravery, although they firmly believe anyone in their situation would have done the same.

"I think that Andrew and I were both reluctant to receive the awards - we were on the spot and didn't think about what we were doing at the time," Stephen said. "We just did what we had to do."

Recalling the ordeal after receiving his award, Stephen said he arrived at the Rous Road address at 8am, and was shocked to see smoke billowing from his client's flat.

"I had the key to the house so I tried to open the door but the heat was intense and the smoke was overpowering, so I yelled out to my client to get to a window," Stephen said.

"It was then that I saw Andrew running with a small fire extinguisher and he jumped over the fence like Superman and we went to a window and smashed the glass, but then the fire really took off. I reached through the flames and grabbed my client's arm and we both tried desperately to get him through the window, but we just couldn't get him out."

Stephen and Andrew received their awards at the annual Richmond Local Area Command awards presentation in Ballina, which pays tribute to police, fire brigade personnel and ambulance officers for long service, as well as members of the public who they believe deserve special recognition.

During the day 32 police were awarded medals for between 10 and 30 years service, while one ambulance officer was recognised for 15 years service.

Phelicity the little fighter

Young Phelicity Sneesby from Goonellabah (pictured) is well on the road to recovery after undergoing open heart surgery at the Colombus Children's Hospital in Ohio, America, last week.

The two-year-old, who was featured on The Echo's front page a fortnight ago, has a severe heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and when she recently collapsed at home, her parents Ben and Veronica rushed her to America for the life-saving surgery.

Feeling the financial pressure, the couple started an appeal to raise money for the operation, which they believe could cost up to $300,000. Already, Lismore residents have donated more than $18,000.

"We would definitely like to say a warm thank you to everybody in the Northern Rivers area - without their support it would not be possible for us to survive," Ben said.

People can still donate to Phelicity through the Sneesby's St George bank account. The name is B and V Sneesby, BSB 112879, account number 056593984.

One hour each way: Bus timetable anger

By Eve Sinton

Uralba mother Tamsin Jackson with her kids Eryn (top right) and Clare (bottom left) and neighbours Katelin and Renee Dale. Tamsin is furious over Kirklands Buslines' new school bus timetable, and says she will now drive the kids to school herself.

It takes Eryn Jackson, 9, and her sister Clare, 7, an hour to get to school in Alstonville each day, even though they only live 5.5km away.

Their mother Tamsin says she will no longer use the bus and describes the recent changes to the Kirklands Buslines school timetables as "unreasonable".

She says under the new changes her children will have to travel almost all the way to Lismore, before the bus backtracks to drop them in Alstonville.

"I am not happy with the distance they will be travelling on busy roads, and there is a question about who has duty of care for them while they are waiting for buses," Mrs Jackson said. "I'm going to drive them to and from school myself, otherwise they will have no time to play or to do homework."

Concerned parents in Uralba are holding a meeting this Sunday to plan a campaign to have the timetables improved. Mrs Jackson said the timetable changes, announced during the school holidays, gave parents insufficient notice of the new bus routes.

A Lindendale parent, who did not wish to be named, said her child now faced a 35 minute trip instead of 10 minutes, and had to come home on a different route where he would be unsupervised on the roadside between buses.

Kirlands Buslines general manager, Peter Shepherd, said the changes aimed to provide improved transport for the majority of children.

"We are dealing with 7000 children transported to 50 schools, and we used to get complaints about the number of students who interchanged near Trinity College. Now we have reduced interchanges there by 50 per cent," Mr Shepherd said. "It has been a big undertaking and we recognise that some people have been disadvantaged.

"Our undertaking is to review all the complaints we've received and to make changes where necessary."

Mrs Jackson urged concerned parents to complain to Kirklands Buslines, or to the Ministry for Transport on 9228 4866. She said people opposed to the timetable who would like to get involved in the campaign should phone her on 6628 5626.

Gone but not forgotten

On Anzac Day this year Alstonville's John Rixon (pictured) made a special trip to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to place a poppy in remembrance of his father, Percival Frederick Rixon (bottom).

John laid the poppy at the plaque commemorating Alstonville's Paddy Bugden, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valiant efforts during World War I.

John's father was just 18 when he left Australia in August 1915. He was attached to the 12th Light Horse Regiment and was involved in the charge of Beersheba, many other campaigns in the Middle East and the later stages of Gallipoli.

After recovering from a gunshot wound he sustained in Palestine, Percival Rixon fought in the French trenches and was subjected to frost bite, poison gas and countless other horrors.

On his return to Australia he married and joined the railway as a fireman - a highly dangerous occupation in the days when coal-fired steam had to be fuelled by hand.

After narrowly escaping so many dangers life, Percival was killed on a bicycle on his way home from work in 1941. He was 44 years of age and left behind a wife and six children.

For John, who was just two when his dad died, honouring his father's memory with his son, daughter and granddaughter beside him was a special occasion indeed.

"It was a very moving experience and a chance for me to keep his memory alive in our family," John said. "The men who fought for their country were so brave and each and every one of them were heroes. I never knew my father but I know what he did was tremendously important. We will never forget what he gave."

John is now keen to link up with others who would like to share stories of their parents' experiences in WWI. Phone him on 6628 3358.

For more Anzac Day photos and stories see pages 8 and 9.

Win mum a trip to the movies!

Win mum a couple of hours alone with Orlando Bloom for Mother's Day.

One way to show mum how special she is this Mother's Day is to buy a movie pass from Birch Carroll & Coyle in Lismore so she can take some time out and enjoy couple of hours at the cinema.

Birch Carroll & Coyle now has single Mother's Day gift vouchers available for $12.80 each, which entitles mum to see any movie she likes for the rest of the year. The cinema has also been kind enough to give The Echo seven double movie passes to giveaway to our readers!

There are a host of new and exciting films coming up at Birch Carroll & Coyle over the next two months. Here's a little selection of what's on offer:

Kingdom of Heaven - starring Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson. An epic adventure about a common man who rises to knighthood in the 19th century. Screens from May 5.

The Upside of Anger - starring Joan Allen and Kevin Costner. A mother and four daughters must deal with life after the death of their father. Screens from May 12.

Vera Drake - starring Imelda Staunton. Imelda Staunton received a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards for her portrayal of a mother and wife in 1950s England who, unbeknownst to her family, helps women induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. Screens from May 12.

Ladies in Lavender - starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. Two sisters befriend a mysterious foreigner who washes up on the beach of their 1930s Cornish seaside village. Screens from May 19.

Being Julia - starring Annette Bening and Jeremy Irons. One of London's most celebrated stage actresses falls in love with a young American man. When he dumps her she plans a clever a revenge. Screens from June 2.

Movie pass gift vouchers are now available from Birch Carroll & Coyle in Lismore. For more Mother's Day gift ideas see page 20 of this week's Echo.

Freebie: To win one of seven double movie passes for mum phone 6622 2888 between 10 & 10.15am on Monday, Monday 2, and tell us on what day does Mother's Day fall each year.

The grass is greener...

An estimated 10,000 visitors from Australia and overseas will converge on the small village of Nimbin this weekend for the 13th annual MardiGrass and Cannabis Law Reform Rally.

The MardiGrass kicks off this Friday, April 29, with a special sunset opening ceremony in Allsop Park, with celebrations continuing throughout Saturday and Sunday.

As well as a welcome from Bundjalung Elders and the traditional 'moments silence', the opening ceremony will also feature a dance performance by local Ganja Faerie and belly dancer Chantico, which will be dedicated to Schapelle Corby.

"We always have a moments silence for the millions whose lives have been shattered by the inhumane and unjust war on drugs," said Michael Balderstone from the Nimbin Hemp Embassy. "The Australians in Bali are on a lot of people's minds and this performance is dedicated to them and all victims of prohibition."

Some of the highlights of this year's MardiGrass include the 10th anniversary Hemp Olympix (where you can try your hand at bong throwing or joint rolling), forums on the legal and medicinal aspects of cannabis, the Pickers Ball in the Town Hall on Saturday night and a World Record attempt for the greatest number of joints lit and smoked simultaneously. There's also comedy and live music performances, the colourful Kombi Konvoy and the annual law reform rally featuring the green-clad Ganja Faeries, the 12-metre giant joint and a host of other outrageously adorned locals.

For more details see the feature on page 29.

Lennox seniors village on the rocks

By Eve Sinton & Simon Thomsen

Controversial plans for a 148-unit seniors development on Condons Hill in Lennox Head are in jeopardy following a recommendation from Ballina Shire Council staff to rezone most of the site to protect it from development.

While the 'Seniors Living' development appears to have strong regional support, the vast majority of Lennox Head residents are vehemently opposed to it and back Council's plan to rezone the land as an 'environmental protection zone'. The site has been under investigation for possible development, and developer Margaret Condon has lodged a DA for the retirement village, but at the same time, Council staff have been developing a draft LEP (local environment plan) for the area.

The 'Seniors Living' development has sparked heated debate in the village, with many concerned about its visual impact on the escarpment.

A spokeswoman for Margaret Condon said while Ms Condon understood the reasons for the rezoning, she believed the new LEP was excessive.

"We object to the extent of the rezoning - we believe there is a considerable amount of open land that should be preserved, just not to the extent they're proposing," she said. "It's an issue the Lennox Head community has a considerable interest in - just where do seniors go? There's no existing option for them. We've had a lot of support for the proposed seniors' community."

However, the Lennox Head Residents' Association and the Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce are opposed to the development and want to see the scenic escarpment remain untouched.

Residents' Association president Brian Smith said the Condons Hill escarpment was earmarked as a significant feature of Lennox Head as far back as 1987.

"We encourage councillors to remain true to their commitment to the Lennox Head Strategic Plan, which was adopted after a long community consultation process," Mr Smith said. "That plan identified the importance of that area to the amenity of Lennox Head."

The call for public submissions on the draft LEP and the retirement village DA overlapped by three weeks and attracted a dramatic response.

The draft LEP received 988 public submissions and while 81 per cent where in support of the development and against protecting the land, the vast majority were form letters, including a number from outside the shire.

Council received 201 letters it deemed as "individual submissions" and in a detailed breakdown in their report to councillors, staff explained that 90 per cent of the 160 individual submissions from Lennox Head residents supported protecting the land from development under the LEP. They raised concerns about the visual impact, the need for consistency with the existing strategic plan for the area, and the impact of the development on the village's character and atmosphere. Around 67 per cent of the 762 form letters supporting the retirement village came from outside Lennox Head.

Councillors will consider the matter at their meeting today, which could spell the end for the proposed development.

Success by degrees Shaen Springall of Lismore, who was awarded the Royal College of Nursing High Achiever Award at Saturday's graduation ceremony, with his two children Aengus, 2, and Georgia, 5. Aaron Silk of Lismore was awarded a University Medal on Saturday for his Bachelor of Human Movement Science (Honours). More than 25 years after Shaen Springall of Lismore first decided he wanted to be a nurse, the father of two is now doing what he loves most. Shaen left school at 17 and did various jobs, from driving a truck to selling hardware, before taking the plunge at age 34 and embarking on a nursing degree. Three years later he has emerged with a Royal College of Nursing High Achiever Award, after attaining distinctions and high distinctions in every one of his units. Shaen, who graduated along with 500 other Southern Cross University students on Saturday, is already working as a nurse at Lismore Base Hospital. And while he has achieved everything he wanted, he doesn't take all the credit himself. "None of this would have been possible without my mum and dad and especially my wife Cheryl - I can't thank them enough," Shaen said. "It was great to have the family with me on Saturday and they were all really proud. It was pretty exciting and to win the award it was just great recognition for all the hard work I've put in. You don't realise how difficult or challenging being a nurse will be until you do it, but I love dealing with people and when you help someone and see them get better, it's definitely rewarding." A number of other locals were also singled out for special mention on Saturday. Lismore's Aaron Silk received the University Medal for his Bachelor of Human Movement Science (Honours) while Luke Daley from Kyogle and Rachel Venn of Lismore shared the Darrell Chapman Memorial Prize for outstanding achievement in the Bachelor of Human Movement Science course.

Gay and lesbian playgroup for Lismore

Lismore mother Lucy Sporne with her twins Rani (right) and Cooper. Lucy is starting a new playgroup for gay and lesbian parents next Thursday called Rainbow Babies.

A new weekly playgroup for gay and lesbian parents called Rainbow Babies will begin in Lismore next week.

Coordinated by Lismore mother Lucy Sporne, Rainbow Babies will provide a place where parents of children 0-6 years can come together to socialise, share stories and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

"There's a group called Lemon Sundaes that's similar and meets once a month, but we just wanted something a bit more regular," Lucy said. "The kids can play together while the adults can meet other parents in the local community. As a gay or lesbian person the path to becoming a parent is quite different, and this will give us all a chance to share experiences and talk in an informal setting."

A special open day for Rainbow Babies is being held next Thursday, May 5, at the Tropical Fruits 'Fruitbowl' at 111 Phyllis Street, South Lismore, from 10am to 12pm.

The playgroup will then be held every Thursday.

For more information about Rainbow Babies phone Lucy on 6628 2468.

New charges laid over Lismore rape

New charges have been laid against three 17-year-old Lismore youths in relation to the rape of a young woman and the assault of a young man at Mortimer Oval on March 20.

The incident occurred around 3am, when a 20-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were approached by three men who demanded money from them. The man was bashed and robbed while the woman was chased and then raped.

When the three youths were arrested over the incident, all were charged with assault and robbery. However, following police investigations and DNA testing, police have now charged one of the youths with rape and all with aggravated indecent assault.

Two have also been charged with being passengers in a stolen car, while another was charged with growing cannabis. Several plants were found in the youth's backyard when police went to arrest him.

The three alleged offenders will remain in custody before their next appearance in Lismore Children's Court on May 16.

Wasting away

Northern Rivers Waste officers Chris Spencer (left) and Charlie Crethar are now running a free household hazardous waste drop-off service on the last Friday of each month so people can safely dispose of unwanted chemicals.

Keeping dangerous chemicals out of landfill is now easier than ever before, with Lismore City Council's monthly hazardous waste drop-off service beginning next Friday, April 29.

Residents of Lismore, Ballina, Richmond Valley and Byron council areas are all welcome to use the service, which will be operated by Northern Rivers Waste on the last Friday of every month.

"This is a chance to get rid of a wide range of chemicals including paint, solvents, pesticides, gas bottles, fire extinguishers and pool chemicals in an environmentally friendly way," said Council's waste minimisation officer, Lesley Trott. "By doing the right thing and sorting out your household chemicals for safe disposal, rather than putting them in your waste bin, you are helping reduce landfill, and this means saving money in the long run for the whole community."

Ms Trott said household quantities of up to 20 litres would be accepted.

"Simply turn up at the Wyrallah Road Waste Facility and follow the signs to the new household hazardous waste storage depot," she said.

Residents are reminded never to mix chemicals, as this may produce dangerous reactions, and to try to keep them in their original containers. As liquid can leak during transport, people should also wrap containers securely in newspaper and place in a sturdy plastic bag, then pack into a plastic bucket or tray in the boot.

For more information or to arrange an alternative time for drop-off phone Northern Rivers Waste on 6621 9671.

Adopt a pet this weekend

The Animal Rights & Rescue Group is holding their annual pet Adopt-a-thon this Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, at the Lismore Showground Animal Nursery.

The aim of the day is to find homes for unwanted pets in the Northern Rivers and people will have the opportunity to meet dogs, cats, puppies and kittens of all shapes and sizes.

The Adopt-a-thon will run from 10am to 4pm on both days and entry is by gold coin.

For more information phone 6622 1881 or visit www.anamalrights.org.au.

A'ville bypass action begins

The Alstonville Bypass Action Group has reformed to once again put pressure on NSW Premier Bob Carr to come good on his state election promise and build the long-awaited bypass.

The group is holding a community rally next Tuesday, May 3, in Alstonville's Main Street (near the pedestrian crossing) from 8am, and people are being encouraged to turn out in force with placards and banners.

Next Friday, May 6, the group will then be taking a busload of protestors to Ballina to attend the Pacific Highway summit at the Ballina Beach Resort.

For more information contact Bob Wilson on 0414 708 662.

Making the most of wastewater

A half-day workshop looking at how to make better use wastewater, Wastewater Systems for Resource Recovery, will be held next Friday, May 6, at Invercauld House in Goonellabah.

Guest speaker Professor Ralph Otterpohl from Hamburg University of Technology in Germany will discuss how to make better use of the water, nutrients and energy contained in wastewater.

The seminar costs $50, which includes morning tea and lunch. It will run from 9am to 2pm, and registrations are due by next Tuesday, May 3. Phone 6620 3505 or 6625 0533.

Overseas exchanges for plateau kids

The Rotary Club of Alstonville is currently looking for secondary school students to be part of their Youth Exchange Program.

All students from the Alstonville plateau aged 16.5 to 18 years are welcome to apply for the program, which includes a 12-month study and travel adventure overseas in 2006.

Students will be expected to have discussed the opportunity with their parent or guardian as the programme does require some financial input.

For information phone Gordon King on 6628 0522 or send applications to the Secretary of the Rotary Club of Alstonville, PO Box 50, Alstonville, 2477.

Applications close on May 31.

Ballina tsunami appeal success

The Ballina Community Tsunami Appeal - a joint initiative of the Ballina RSL Club and Ballina Shire Council - has raised $46,126 for CARE Australia.

The funds will used to support tsunami survivors in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India as they rebuild their lives after the devastating impact of the Boxing Day tsunami.

With the immediate emergency response phase completed in many areas, CARE Australia will be focusing on rebuilding homes, schools, roads and medical facilities as well as training local volunteers to handle basic health needs.

The Ballina RSL Club and Ballina Shire Council would like to thank all the people in Ballina who gave so generously to the appeal.

Become a DoCS carer

The NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) is looking for local people to help care for children and young people with complex support needs who can't live with their families.

DoCS' Far North Coast Out-of-Home Care manager, Ray Wilton, said it is vital more carers are enlisted as soon as possible.

"We need as many carers as possible to help us look after children and young people requiring either short, medium or long-term placements," Mr Wilton said. "These young people can't live at home for a variety of reasons and need a predictable, consistent and safe home environment. The people we are looking for need to like and respect young people, and be flexible and patient with a good sense of humour."

Mr Wilton said DoCS often finds it difficult to find carers for children aged 10 and upwards, including siblings and teenagers with complex issues.

"Foster carers can be any age or gender, a single person or a couple and from any cultural background," Mr Wilton said. "They don't have to be well off or have a large home - they are simply ordinary people making an extraordinary contribution."

For further information about becoming a carer phone Neil Williams (Lismore) on 6621 8099 or Robin Kelly (Ballina) on 6686 1999.

Grants help save a precious resource

Lismore and Ballina councils have both received funding under the Federal Government's Community Water Grant scheme to implement local water saving projects.

Lismore City Council will receive $39,090 for a water-saving project at the soon-to-be built Goonellabah Sport and Leisure Centre. The project involves using harvested rainwater for flushing toilets and for irrigating gardens as well as installing Hydrapave paving in the carpark to help treat stormwater run-off and divert it to holding or infiltration areas. These features are expected to save over 100,000 litres of water a year.

Ballina Shire Council will also receive $45,454 for the Saunders Oval Complex Reclaimed Water Project. It is expected that this project will save around 30,000,000 litres of water per year through the installation of a reclaimed water irrigation system and associated pump station for the re-use of effluent. The reclaimed water will be used to irrigate the Saunders Oval Complex, which is used by many of Ballina's community sporting groups.

The next round of the Community Water Grant scheme will be in June, and people can apply for grants of up to $50,000 that will help them save water or improve the health of local waterways.

For information and registration phone 1800 780 730 or www.nrm.gov.au.

Breast cancer grants

Grants of up to $10,000 are being offered to local groups to improve community-based support for women with breast cancer.

The National Breast Cancer Centre is seeking applications from community groups, volunteer organisations and health providers with innovative ideas to improve access to health and support services for women with breast cancer.

The grants are funded by fashion company Polo Ralph Lauren to provide support to the 11,000 women in Australia who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

"In addition to the physical impact of their disease, women with breast cancer are dealing with emotional, psychological and practical day-to-day issues," said National Breast Cancer Centre director, Dr Helen Zorbas. "We are offering the seeding grants to help launch projects that will improve support for these women in their own communities."

Applications for the grant program close on May 20.

For more information visit www.breasthealth.com.au/pinkpony or phone 9036 3030.

Thousands turn out for Anzac Day

City of Lismore Sub-Branch secretary Wilson McClelland (right) and WWII veteran Vic Slade from East Lismore after the Anzac Day service on Monday.

More than 60 years after he served in the Army, WWII veteran Vic Slade is still plagued by nightmares.

The 85-year-old East Lismore resident served in the infantry in the Middle East for 15 months, before being transferred to Darwin in 1942 when the Japanese started bombing the city.

He said the memories of his time there are still some of the most vivid, and the most horrifying, of his life.

"I try to forget but the images just keep coming back - it was frightening and every night you wondered if you were going to make it out," Vic said. "A lot of my mates died up there and that's something you can't just erase. To me, nobody wins a war, and a lot of people get slaughtered for nothing. It's not easy to describe just how much that affects your life."

Despite the painful memories Anzac Day brings back, Vic was heartened by the huge turn out on Monday, saying it showed "great respect" for all Australians who fought in wars.

City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch president, Bob Mowle, said it was the biggest crowd he has seen in 10 years, with more than 6000 people lining Molesworth Street to cheer on the diggers as they marched.

"We're extremely proud of Lismore, and the support from the local school students, particularly during school holidays, was tremendous," Bob said. "I think a number of things contributed to the large crowds - this year it is 90 years since Gallipoli, 65 years since the Battle of Britain, 60 years since Victory of the Pacific Day and 30 years since Australian troops were withdrawn from Vietnam. I also think the recent Sea King helicopter crash reminded people that service personnel still face dangers every day while serving their country, and all those factors drew people together to reflect this Anzac Day. Whatever their reasons, it's wonderful for the veterans to see that 60 years on from WWII, their efforts are still greatly appreciated by the community."

Surviving the battle fields

Although the Battle of Britain took place 65 years ago, 89-year-old former pilot Air Commodore James Coward (pictured) vividly remembers the day his Spitfire was shot down by Germans over his home soil in England.

But it wasn't the Germans who nearly took his life.

After parachuting into a nearby cornfield, a brave local farmer mistook Air Commodore Coward for the enemy and came at him with a pitchfork.

"He obviously thought I was a German so I yelled at him to piss off and get me an ambulance, and ended up in hospital a short time later," the Air Commodore said.

Air Commodore Coward was the guest of honour at the Northern Rivers Aero Club on Anzac Day, where he officially dedicated a commemorative wall to Australians who flew alongside him in battle. Today, the battle is credited as saving Britain from German invasion.

"This commemorative wall will stand as a permanent reminder to future generations of the contributions made by those Australians that took part in this battle," he said.

"We only won by a whisker and the invasion didn't happen, and that's why we are all here now to enjoy the peace."

While Air Commodore Coward escaped being impaled by a pitchfork, he did lose his leg when he was shot down by the German bombers. Despite the agonising pain he must have felt, it didn't stop this English gentleman enjoying the view.

"I started to fall and the blood was streaming from my leg," Commodore Coward recalled. "I pulled the ripcord and noticed that it was a glorious day over Britain. You could see for miles."

Age shall not weary them

Despite their age and the long distances they must travel, former HMAS Lismore shipmates Ken Wyndham from Inverell (left) and Ross Parker from Victoria wouldn't miss Lismore's Anzac Day march for the world.

Each year the WWII veterans watch as their ranks dwindle, and this year alone eight of their crew died. At 85, Ken is now the ship's oldest surviving crew member, but he still says only when he can't move will he stop making the annual trek to catch up with old mates.

"When you've been to war together you have a bond that goes beyond friendship, and for me this is one of the main events of my year," Ken said. "That ship was full of good officers and good men - I love catching up with everyone and Lismore is a bright and happy city to visit. It's a sad day for us all, but we always honour it together."

Images of Anzac Day 2005

Auxiliary breaks its own record

The Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary has set another fundraising record, surpassing its already impressive tallies of recent years and making the state's 'top 7', an achievement recently recognised at the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW annual state conference.

In 2004 the Auxiliary funded more than $70,000 worth of critical care equipment that is now used in various wards at Lismore Base Hospital, while this year the hard-working volunteers are on track to exceed the previous total.

Recently, their efforts enabled the hospital to purchase two resuscitation trolleys for the operating theatres, valued at $33,000. They will be used to keep newborn babies at a stable temperature after birth.

The Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary is always looking for new volunteers of all ages, and there are many ways people can help out, from selling cakes and jams in the hospital foyer to making clothes for newborn babies.

To become a part of this record-breaking team phone Jan Clifford on 6624 1583.

Healthy living in Alstonville

People will have the opportunity meet and hear from popular author Dr Sandra Cabot (pictured) at the North Coast 'Healthy Living' Expo this Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre.

The expo will feature a wide variety of health-related exhibits, showcasing everything from organic food and weight loss programs to alternative therapies like acupuncture and natural beauty treatments.

You can even join in interactive activities and discover your biological age, test your hearing, have a live blood analysis, take a yoga class or enjoy a massage.

Whether you're a health nut already, or thinking about changing your lifestyle to becoming healthier, this is the perfect place to start. By attending you'll also be doing your bit for local charities, with all proceeds going to the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and the Alstonville Rotary Club.

The North Coast 'Healthy Living' Expo will be open from 9am to 4pm each day.

Entry is $5 for adults and children under 15 are free. For more information phone 6627 4444.

Breast cancer grants now available

Grants of up to $10,000 are being offered to local groups to improve community-based support for women with breast cancer.

The National Breast Cancer Centre is seeking applications from community groups, volunteer organisations and health providers with innovative ideas to improve access to health and support services for women with breast cancer.

The grants are funded by fashion company Polo Ralph Lauren to provide support to the 11,000 women in Australia who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Applications for the grant program close on May 20.

For more information visit www.breasthealth.com.au/pinkpony or phone 9036 3030.

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