Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Casino Beef Week

Casino Beef Week coordinator Sue Serone with 'Sir Loin' and 'Millie' - the mascots for the 24th annual Casino Beef Week, which runs from May 25-31 in the Beef Capital.

Beef will be well and truly on the menu in four weeks time, when the 24th annual Casino Beef Week kicks off.

Casino Beef Week coordinator, Sue Serone, said there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy, including the Beef Week breakfast, a live cattle auction and beef cooking demonstrations.

The fun starts in earnest on Wednesday, May 25, with the window dressing and staff dress up competition, when the town's many shopkeepers try to impress the judges with weird and wonderful costumes on the theme of 'countries of the world and colours of the rainbow'. That evening the ever-popular Fashion, Hair and Beauty Expo showcases the latest fashions and hairstyles modelled by locals.

The all-important crowning of Miss Casino Beef Week will be held at the official opening on Thursday night.

Friday is filled with activities for all ages, with Beef Week breakfast, loads of street entertainment and the infamous 'Cow Pat Lotto'. Those who like a punt can also try their luck at the traditional Casino Beef Week Cup race meeting.

Saturday is the big street carnival day with cattle on parade and an auction right in the middle of the street. There's also live entertainment, competitions and exhibitions including a vintage car and bike show, an art, craft and photographic exhibition, and wood chopping.

The NSW Farmers Federation is sponsoring local chefs who will be cooking up their best beef recipes throughout the day at the Food and Fun Fest. Saturday concludes with the grand street parade of floats, vehicles of all shapes and sizes, clowns and much more. Then it's off to the showground for the annual Beef Week rodeo.

Sunday is a family day at the showground with cattle dog trials, a pet show, games for young and old in the Bush Olympics and rides for the kids.

Most events at Beef Week are free, however, tickets are now available for the Fashion, Hair and Beauty Expo on Wednesday and the official opening dinner on Thursday.

To more information or bookings phone the Beef Week office on 6662 8181 or grab a full program from the website at www.casinobeefweek.com.au.

Close to 500 people braved heavy downpours in Coraki yesterday to protest against North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) plans to replace the Campbell Hospital in Coraki with a GP-run health clinic and community health centre.

Clarence MP Steve Cansdell read from a letter a young girl has written to NSW Premier Bob Carr saying, "We don't want you to shut our hospital because we'll get sick and have nowhere to go. My brother has asthma and that's bad, and we don't have a car."

This Friday, April 29, the NCAHS will meet with the Lismore Base Hospital Medical Staff Council to discuss the issue. A public meeting has also been planned for May 9 in Coraki.