The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Costello's cappuccinos for Howard's battlers

In 2003, it was the "sandwich and milkshake" tax cut. Two years later, the average Northern Rivers worker can buy an extra two cappuccinos thanks to tax cuts announced in the federal budget on Tuesday night.

With the region's average income at around $28,500, treasurer Peter Costello's 10th budget puts just $6 a week back in the pockets of people earning between $25,000 and $55,000. While there are few benefits for the bulk of local taxpayers, high-income earners will receive the bulk of $21 billion in tax cuts planned over the next four years. Currently, anyone earning more than $70,000 a year pays the top tax rate of 47 per cent. From July 1, that threshold will rise to $95,000, delivering a $41.58 weekly tax cut, then to $125,000 in July 2006, giving the three per cent of taxpayers who earn that much an extra $4500 a year.

A person earning $65,000 gets $17.54 per week from this July, and $22 from next year. The superannuation surcharge for high-income earners has also been scrapped, delivering further benefits to the wealthier end of town.

The treasurer argues that anyone earning up to $40,000 effectively pays no tax thanks to support from other programs like the Family Tax Benefit.

But while the rich receive a major windfall, the poorest and most vulnerable could be up to $40 a week worse off unless they can find work. In a move destined to impact heavily on the region, the federal Government will target people on welfare, including older workers on income support and disability pensioners, and single mothers, in a bid to get them back into the workforce.

Mr Costello said his $3.6 billion 'welfare-to-work' program will help bring the disadvantaged into "mainstream economic life" and "reduce the obligation on other taxpayers".

Anyone receiving the parenting payment will be forced to look for work once their youngest child turns six and parents of school-aged children who separate after July 2006 will no longer receive the parenting payment. Instead they will get the lower Newstart Allowance, be forced to look for a job and work at least 15 hours per week. Those who don't get a job will be $40 a week worse off.

Sole parents make up 21 per cent of the 4700 families with dependent children in Lismore according the 2001 Census data.

The Government will create an extra 80,000 childcare places for before and after school, with subsidies for low income parents.

Disability pensioners assessed as able to work more than 15 hours per week will be expected to find part-time work or study, and be moved to the Newstart Allowance.

And in a move that is likely to hit the volunteer sector, people aged 50-54 on Newstart will not be able to use voluntary work to satisfy the job search requirements.

As previously announced, the Government's broken election promise will see the Medicare safety net thresholds rise to $500 for concession holders and $1000 for others. And the chronically ill and high users of prescription medicines will also be forced to pay more thanks to a rise in the threshold for free or low cost medicines.

Other key initiatives in the budget include $2.5 billion for vocational and technical education, with 20,000 places created for those targeted under the changes to welfare system; $1.3 billion in business tax cuts; and $16 billion set aside for a 'Future Fund' to address the $91 billion unfunded super liability.

The treasurer forecast a budget surplus of $8.9 billion, with unemployment at 5 per cent and inflation at 2.75 per cent.

Earth's greatest treasures

Attending the 15th annual Gem Fest this weekend are (l-r) Heart of the Earth owner Gai Ferguson, her daughter and retail manager Elly, and wholesale manager Patrick Gundersen.

This year more than $10 million worth of gemstones, crystals and jewellery will be on display and for sale at the 15th annual Gem Fest, being held this Saturday and Sunday, May 14-15, at the Lismore Showground.

Gem Fest showcases over 100 trade exhibitors from around Australia including suppliers, manufacturers and importers of cut stones, gold and silver jewellery, opal, pearl and sapphire merchants, and miners of crystals and fossils millions of years old. Hosted by the Lismore Gem & Lapidary Club, Gem Fest has developed into the largest gemstone and jewellery show in regional Australia.

The special theme for 2005 is 'Rainbow Region - Pot of Gold' and features a display of gems in every colour of the rainbow, including gold from Tabulam and Drake, local crystals from Nimbin, Kyogle, Hogarth Range, Tweed Valley and Ballina as well as the famous Tintenbar opal.

In recent years fine jewellers from across Australia have begun taking part to offer something for the 'top end' of the market, including Heart of the Earth in Byron Bay.

The company's wholesale manager, Patrick Gundersen, is former president of the Lismore Gem & Lapidary Club and has been fossicking for crystals since he was a young boy.

Despite having a full-time career that takes him to all corners of the globe to source gemstones and crystals, Patrick still loves the simple pleasure of finding a crystal with his own two hands.

"It's like finding lost treasure - sometimes you have an old map from 1910 which is only half accurate and you're scrambling down mineshafts trying to piece together the puzzle of where a crystal might be," Patrick said. "When you actually find it and hold something in your hands that's 250 million years old and has never seen daylight before, it really is like finding the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow."

Fossickers just like Patrick will be selling and displaying rare fossils and meteorites, thunder eggs and many other natural wonders, while metaphysical healers can teach you all about the healing properties of different crystals. There'll also be gold panning and sapphire sieving, sphere making, diamond cutting, bead making and silver smithing.

Kids will love the sand sieving and free treasure hunts, plus there's yummy local food and lots more.

The Gem Fest will be open on Saturday from 9am-5pm and on Sunday from 9am-3pm. The entire festival is undercover so it will go ahead rain, hail or shine.

Entry is $3 for adults and 50c for kids, and parking is free.

A day to give thanks

National Day of Thanksgiving committee member Ian Phillips and guest artist Ngaiire Joseph (centre) with local volunteers (l-r) Charissa Phillips, Michael Ravenscroft, Tiffany Hayter, Glen McIntosh and Amy Bender.

The National Day of Thanksgiving is an Australia-wide event giving people the chance to say 'thanks mate' to people who work tirelessly for their community, from SES volunteers and ambulance officers to the next-door neighbour and even mum and dad.

In Lismore the annual National Day of Thanksgiving will be celebrated with a free variety concert this Saturday, May 14, at the Lismore Workers Club.

The night will feature performances by Australian Idol contestant and former Kadina High student Ngaiire Joseph as well as local singer/songwriter Luke Vassella, the Lismore Pipe Band, a combined Lismore Choir and many others.

According to National Day of Thanksgiving local secretary, Joy Stiles, this year there is a special focus on saying 'thanks mate' to people working in health and education sectors, and she encourages everyone to come along to publicly thank these workers and enjoy some free entertainment.

"We often get an opportunity to say thanks to people in prominent positions, but we don't often say 'thanks mate' to the everyday people making a positive difference and keeping our communities alive," Joy said. "It's basically an opportunity to celebrate community spirit and show gratitude to the many precious people who we sometimes take for granted. People tend to band together during times of disaster or tragedy, but this is an opportunity to come together and show that same bond as a community in a happy and festive way."

The free variety concert kicks off at 7.30pm and anyone is welcome. Bookings are not required but Joy says get there early for a good seat.

Blooming bargains

The Lismore Challenge Foundation's City Farm nursery is holding a three-day plant sale next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, May 18-20, with nothing priced over $4.

The City Farm nursery provides employment and training for people with disabilities and in the last few months staff have been busy cultivating hundreds of herbs, natives and exotic plants for the sale.

"This year we have a whole range of new plants, some of which are as cheap as $1, so it's the perfect time to stock up for your winter planting," said nursery coordinator George Huxley. "We will also have soaps from the Soap Biz factory and other gifts on sale, so come and grab a bargain while you can. There's also a discount on bulk orders for all plants and products on sale."

The plant sale will be held at the City Farm nursery at 47 Caldwell Avenue, East Lismore (just follow the signs down Wyrallah Road) from 9.30am to 2.30pm each day.

For more information phone 6627 5000.

Talking trees with David Suzuki

Tickets are now available to hear world-renowned geneticist Dr David Suzuki during a one-off talk in Byron Bay on Tuesday, May 24.

The author of more the 40 books, Dr Suzuki is currently touring in connection with his latest release Tree: a Biography, which is a lyrical and detailed exploration of the life of a single tree. Tree pays tribute to this amazing organism, which is often taken for granted but is essential for the continuation of life itself.

Dr Suzuki's Byron Bay appearance provides a rare opportunity to share in the thinking of one of the most respected figures of this time and join in a passionate and lively forum. Books will be on sale after the event and Dr Suzuki will be available for signing.

The talk will be held at the Byron Bay High School Auditorium from 7pm.

Tickets are $12 from Dymocks in Lismore (phone 6622 4987), the ABC Centre Ballina (phone 6686 2436) and Jetset Byron Bay (phone 6685 6554).

Reflecting a bright and colourful community

This beautiful, 15-metre mural reflecting the diverse culture and people of Lismore, which covers the entire front wall at the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre (LNC), was unveiled yesterday as part of Neighbourhood Centre Week celebrations.

Showing off the new mural yesterday were LNC project officer Neil Amor and LNC community development worker Jeannette Tyler.

The mural was painted by TAFE students from Lismore, who spent several months painstakingly recreating Lismore's many quirky characters, landmarks and icons for the impressive artwork.

The Lismore Neighbourhood Centre is always looking for more volunteers to work in their now very bright and colourful building. For more information phone 6621 7397.

A nurse like no other

Former Lismore nurse Catriona (Katie) Chardon (pictured) has been posthumously awarded the Australian National Nursing Award for her compassion and dedication while working at Lismore Base Hospital.

Katie worked at Lismore Base Hospital as a registered nurse until January this year, when she died of a sudden heart attack aged 41. She was declared winner of the prestigious award yesterday as part of celebrations marking International Nurses Day (May 12).

NSW Health chief nursing officer, Kathy Baker, yesterday paid tribute to Katie, saying she epitomised the caring nature and dedication of NSW nurses.

"Katie was described by staff and patients from Lismore Base Hospital as a knowledgeable and compassionate nurse, committed and conscientious in her care of patients, their families and her colleagues," Ms Baker said. "While she was a talented nurse with outstanding clinical skills, Katie also endeavoured to really know her patients and offered support to them on many levels. Her laughter, smile and positive attitude were contagious to all."

Lismore reveals new council structure

Lismore Council general manager Paul O'Sullivan will have two deputies overseeing key areas of operations in a major shake up of senior management and the organisational structure of the 270-employee Council.

Under the vision developed by Mr O'Sullivan, two 'executive directors' will replace four group managers. The contracts of those managers - Bill Moorhouse (city works), Craig Kelly (business and enterprise), Michael Bismire (planning and development) and Col Cooper (corporate and community services) - will not be renewed when they expire at the end of June. The new positions will be advertised next month and the current managers are eligible to apply.

In outlining the case for change, the general manager said the existing structure had shortcomings in communication, personal accountability, people management and a council-wide perspective. He said there was a strong need for cultural change in the staff and that the new structure will break down the existing 'silo' mentality. The new roles will have an increased emphasis on leadership, delegation, communication and strategic management.

"The nature of these roles is intentionally a shift away from the traditional assumed professional strengths of say, planning, engineering or finance," Mr O'Sullivan said.

The two executive directors positions are: Infrastructure Services, responsible for the city's 'hardware' from roads to parks, water, waste and other assets; and Development and Governance, responsible for planning, environment, community services and economic development.

It's understood that the new executive directors will be paid substantially more than the current group managers, who are believed to earn between $105,000 and $120,000.

Mr O'Sullivan said that while the roles are effectively 'assistant general managers', the title was "important and sensitive" and 'executive' carried status and seniority. He said consultations with the staff over the changes had been positive. The general manager outlined an increased focus on improved customer service in the wake of ratepayer criticisms revealed in a 2002 survey, and also hopes to see increased personal responsibility placed on middle managers in the Council.

Only Cr Vanessa Ekins voted against the restructure, which takes effect from July 1. A panel including mayor Merv King will choose the executive directors who will be appointed by the end of August.

Policy advisory groups named

Lismore City Council has appointed community representatives to its new policy advisory groups (PAGs). The groups will work with Council, offering advice on policy, budgeting and provide feedback on Council actions.

The sports group was heavily contested, with 13 people nominating for eight positions.

The final makeup of the Sport and Recreation group is: Cheryl Amor (basketball), Melinda Clark (tennis), Ross Dowse (softball), Matt Kelso (soccer), Mark Pearce (rugby), Norm Ryder (cricket), Clint Mallett (hockey) and Therese Crollick (aquatics). They join James Roberts from NSW Sport and Recreation and Tony Clarke from the North Coast Academy of Sport.

The Art and Culture members are: Ros Derrett ('Art in the Heart'), Jyllie Jackson (Lismore Lantern Parade), Stephen Alderton (Lismore Regional Gallery director), Jan Davis, Martyn Fox and Bette Guy.

The Public Transport group is: Peter Shepherd (Bus and Coach Association), Stephen Haywood (Lismore Taxis), Colleen Thomas (Northern Rivers Community Transport) and Linda Lomman (Public Transport Development Project), who will be joined by community representatives Nick Casmirri, Therese Crollick and Robert Weatherby.

A lack of nominations left the four remaining PAGs - Community Services, Roads, Sustainable Environment and Econcomic Development - undetermined. Council will now seek further nominations, and make a decision at its June or July meeting.

9-month pool takes twice as long

Page MP Ian Causley (left) and Lismore mayor Merv King at the Lismore Memorial Baths, which recently received $500,000 in funding for additional facilities.

Lismore Council has once again changed the promised completion time for the Lismore Memorial Baths, which is likely to take twice as long to build as they originally estimated.

After missing an entire swimming season, despite initial plans to open it for Christmas 2004, Council said the pool would be completed by April 2005.

With that deadline passing, Council says it now "hopes" to have the pool ready in time for the start of the swimming season in September - a delay of nine months and twice the original estimate for the redevelopment.

The latest delay will allow Council to install additional facilities at the pool, which has been funded by a $500,000 grant from the Federal Government's Sustainable Regions program.

The money will be used to provide 100 extra seats, bringing the total seating to 500, as well as shading over the grandstand area, improved lighting facilities and an officials' room. A new moveable boom will also be installed so the pool can be turned into a 25-metre shortcourse.

"The upgrades will make the pool a regional aquatic facility that can accommodate any sort of championship event," said Lismore mayor Merv King. "It will be magnificent to finally see the pool open. Council deliberated over the pool decision for a long time and after so many years it will be fantastic to see the doors open and families enjoying themselves."

The total cost of the Lismore Memorial Baths redevelopment is now $9.2 million.

Nurse strike cancelled

A statewide strike supported by local nurses was called off yesterday, after the State Government agreed to have the nurses wage case heard in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC).

Nurses had called the strike as a protest against the NSW Government's offer of a three per cent pay rise - one per cent less than all other health workers in the state.

On Tuesday the NSW Government agreed to go to the IRC and both the NSW Nurses Association and the State Government agreed to abide by the umpires' decision.

Justice Boland will hand down his decision next Friday, May 20.

The decision prompted local nurses to also call off their planned protest next Wednesday, when NSW Health Minister Morris Iemma will visit Nimbin to open the new multiple purpose service.

Trinity considers new bus service to cope with changes

By Eve Sinton

Trinity Catholic College is considering introducing its own bus service to transport students if Kirklands cannot rectify problems associated with the new bus timetable.

Trinity principal Brother Peter said while the school had always had a "good working relationship" with Kirklands, the current timetables were unacceptable.

"The College can't accept these long travel times," Brother Peter said. "If Kirklands can't fix the problem then we will introduce courtesy buses. We are a regional school and we get a lot of applications from children in coastal towns. We're concerned that if the kids have to travel a total of three hours per day we'll lose a number of students. "It's not our preference to introduce courtesy buses - we'd rather overcome the problems with Kirklands - but a Trinity Express could halve travel times from places like Evans Head and Byron Bay," he said.

Brother Peter said the timetable changes meant that students from coastal towns were travelling from 15 minutes to one hour longer per trip, while those from the local area had reported journeys taking 25 minutes longer.

The timetable debacle has prompted a visit from the Ministry of Transport's director general, John Lee, who will meet with schools, transport operators and Lismore MP Thomas George this Friday.

"I've heard of reports of children being left stranded at bus stops and buses being overcrowded - and I want those complaints addressed immediately," said Transport Minister John Watkins. "I have therefore instructed the director general to find out what has gone wrong and put in place a swift plan to correct it."

Mr George has also organised a stakeholders meeting for later this week, and the Principals Association are also meeting to discuss the issue.

Kirklands general manager Peter Shepherd would not be drawn into the debate over changes, saying only that buses were close to achieving the new timetables, despite delays caused by the construction of a new roundabout on Holland Street.

"Then we'll have the breathing space to tackle the other issues of the new timetable," he said. "We can't be all things to all people, but we are consciously working through the issues."

And they're off and rolling...

ABC North Coast regional manager Martin Corben and ABC news editor Tricia Karp with the radio station's very own billycart that will be racing in this Sunday's Bangalow Billycart Derby.

This Sunday, May 15, Bangalow's main street will be turned into a makeshift racetrack for the 10th annual Billycart Derby.

There will be events for juniors, seniors and celebrities and it's as much fun for spectators as contestants, watching people race downhill from behind the protective hay bales.

This year the crew from ABC North Coast Radio will be making an appearance with their new billycart they have been making at their Lismore studios.

ABC regional manager and breakfast presenter, Martin Corben, said his team will be concentrating on safety rather than success.

"Our priorities have changed a bit - when we decided to enter we wanted to win, but now we reckon if we get down the hill in one piece it will be a bonus," he said.

The Bangalow Billycart Derby kicks off at 7am with registrations, before practise runs at 8.30am. The heats for juniors will begin at 9am, with heats for seniors at 10am.

At 12.30pm there will be a street parade and lunch break before the finals and the ever-popular celebrity races.

In addition to billycart racing there will be a skateboard display, while service clubs will be cooking up snags and other food for punters. Local businesses will also be opening their doors throughout the day.

For more information about the Bangalow Billycart Derby phone Tony Heeson on 6687 2221 or visit bangalowbillycart.com.au.

New Pacific Highway taskforce

The NRMA and the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC) have formed a new taskforce to push for the Pacific Highway to be made a dual carriageway within 10 years.

Formed at last week's Pacific Highway Summit in Ballina, the taskforce has been created to lobby both the State and Federal Governments to commit more money for Pacific Highway upgrades.

NOROC President, Cr Ernie Bennett, said he hoped all communities along the Pacific Highway would band together as a strong united voice to get the dual carriageway built.

"This is a hot issue - the future of the Pacific Highway is the number one priority for so many communities," he said. "It is the most dangerous road in NSW - and our communities have had enough."

Mr Bennett said a large percentage of the RTA's planning for the upgrade was either completed or underway, and that a dual carriageway could be achieved in six or seven years if governments committed sufficient funding.

Cadets on parade

The TS Lismore Navy Cadets (pictured) had their annual inspection parade last Sunday in Ballina, where commanding officer of the HMAS Penguin, Commander Peers Chatterton, inspected the cadets during a series of drills.

The TS Lismore Navy Cadets won last year's Best Navy Cadet Unit award for NSW and are now in the running for this year's accolade, to be announced later in the year. TS Lismore is now welcoming anyone aged between 12.5 and 18 to join as new recruits.

"We try an offer a range of activities, from sailing and power boating to cooking and rifle shooting," said TS Lismore's commanding officer, Andrew Horn. "While the activities are fun and interesting, the most important aspect of cadets is fostering leadership qualities, community involvement, self-discipline and respect for others. The Australian Navy Cadets principles are honour, honesty, integrity, loyalty and courage, and these are the guidelines we live by."

For more information or to join TS Lismore Navy Cadets phone Andrew on 0412 647 537.

PCYC break-in causes $4000 damage

PCYC manager Jason Clarke is calling on people to throw their support behind the PCYC after $4000 of equipment was stolen recently.

The PCYC has suffered a major financial blow, with thieves stealing $4000 worth of computer equipment, ransacking the offices and smashing the club's front window recently.

An under 18s dance party held during Youth Week recently relieved some of the burden, and they have now planned a live band night for next Friday, May 20, to raise further funds and help them get back on their feet.

"We're a self-funded charity so we have to find the money ourselves and upgrade the building security in the process, which will be additional cost," said club manager, Jason Clarke. "We don't like to ask for money, but we really need some financial support either through direct donations or by supporting next week's band night."

The PCYC has been open since 1971, providing local kids with access to everything from dance and judo classes to gym facilities and vacation care.

The PCYC's live band night will be held at the club next Friday from 7.30pm to 10.30pm and anyone is welcome. The night will feature performances by Ballina High punk band Brittle Fex and Lismore bands Evasion and Out of Order, which were both formed by students from various local high schools. Entry is just $6.

For more information or to donate to the PCYC phone Jason on 6621 6276.

'Head-on' video tackles breast cancer issues

NSW Cancer Council's Di Fisher and cancer coordinator Sara Hurren, with Liz Terracini and Justina Reynolds, who appear on the DVD 'Empowering Young Women with Early Breast Cancer'.

A new DVD titled 'Empowering Young Women with Early Breast Cancer' is a first of its kind because of the way it tackles personal issues head-on, such as the psychological impact of contracting the disease and the implications for sexuality, body image and fertility.

The 30-minute DVD was filmed during a workshop in Ballina that was attended by local young women with breast cancer and their partners. It was part of the Empowering Young Women with Breast Cancer project run by the Northern Rivers Division of General Practice (NRDGP) and focuses on the major issues facing rural women with breast cancer.

The day was filmed so that newly diagnosed women would be able to benefit from the expertise of the speakers who attended and the frank experiences of the women and their partners.

"We are delighted to be able to bring this DVD resource to young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and hope it will make the often confusing early days of their diagnosis a little easier to cope with," said Sara Hurren, cancer coordinator at the North Coast Area Health Service. "We're already getting a great response, and both health professionals and women diagnosed with breast cancer have said it's way beyond their expectations."

The DVD will be available from GPs, specialists, breast care nurses and local branches of the NSW Cancer Council.

Another development to come out of the workshop was the establishing of a local support group for young women. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, June 1, from 10am to 12pm at Lismore Community Health, Level 3, 29 Molesworth Street, Lismore.

Anyone who attends will receive as free copy of the DVD. To register, phone Sara on 6622 4453.

Stories of a café town

Lisa Murphy from Lismore Tourism and Nick Volpato, son of legendary Lismore businessman Florian Volpato, with the footpath marker that pays homage to Florian introducing the first espresso coffee machine in 1958.

Lismore's new Café and Culture Trail will open in June and creators of the footpath trail that runs through Lismore's CBD are now looking for your stories to include in the project.

The Café and Culture Trail will feature 30 footpath markers around the CBD block, each with its own story reflecting the culture and people that have contributed to Lismore's rich history.

So far the markers include stories about the Queen's stay at the Gollan Hotel; the Memorial Baths producing Australia's female diving champion of 1938, Lurline Hooks; the introduction of Lismore's first espresso machine in 1958 by Dr Florian Volpato; and even the story of Mrs Wilson, who took a trip up the river on a raft, complete with her family, animals, furniture and even a piano.

"The footpath messages are pithy reminders of how the city has developed," said Ros Derrett, project manager for Southern Cross University's Regional Gateway, who is helping to develop the trail. "We are still interested in hearing from people who may have some quirky or unique pieces of information about Lismore's CBD to share."

People are asked to submit 25 words or less based on an incident or identity, which will be of interest to people walking the trail. You can email your submission to Anne Hart on ahart@scu.edu.au or phone her on 6626 9423.

The trail will be launched on June 18 on the same day as the Lismore Lantern Parade.

Aunties mentor the young

By Eve Sinton

Renee Fuller and Maureen McDermott (pictured) from the Aunty Program in Ballina are now looking for volunteers to join their team and help provide friendship and mentoring for young girls in the community.

Renee, a 19-year-old arts student from Southern Cross University, became an 'Aunty' to an 11-year-old girl last year, and has virtually found a new family member.

"She's like my little sister - we're really good friends and have lots of fun," said Renee, an only child. "We see each other once or twice a week - we go to the beach, or the movies. We go shopping and on family outings."

Coordinator of the program, Maureen, is currently looking for any women over 18 who, like Renee, want to become a role model for a younger person.

She says the Aunty Program is founded on the belief that it takes a whole community to raise a child, and so in this age of isolated nuclear families, an 'Aunty' can make a very real difference in the life of a young girl.

"Aunties go into it to put something back into the community, but they're often surprised at how much they get out of it themselves," Maureen said. "Aunties make a commitment for one year, and we match them with the girls on our books, who are aged four to 16 years."

People who would like to take part in the Aunty Program, or find out more about mentoring a young girl, are invited to an information session in Alstonville next Thursday, May 19, from 5-6.30pm. The Aunty Program will also be expanding into Lismore soon, and new aunties will be needed.

To register your interest phone Maureen on 6628 6550.

Children's Ward turns 21

Lismore Base Hospital Children's Ward nurse unit manager Kerry Byrne (left) and Our Kids fundraising officer Rebekka Battista will soon be celebrating the Children's Ward's 21st birthday, and they're inviting the whole community to share in the special milestone.

Our Kids, a charity established to raise money for the Children's Ward, is holding a family day at Mortimer Oval in Lismore next Sunday, May 22, to mark the occasion.

The day will feature plenty of great family entertainment with a BBQ, the Ronald McDonald Magic Show, a performance by Australian Idol contestant Ngaiire Joseph, an appearance by NBN's Big Dog, a jumping castle, Clown Doctors, displays by local emergency services and much, much more.

"Turning 21 is exciting and we wanted to invite the whole community to celebrate with us in a family friendly atmosphere," said Kerry. "The community helped us build the ward and they're continuing to provide brilliant support through the Our Kids charity, so this is our way of saying thank you."

The Children's Ward was established in the early 80s by a team led by Beth Trevan, Anne Miles, Miss 'Billy' Negus and Brian Mahaffey, who raised $300,000 to build the ward at Lismore Base Hospital, with matching funds from the government of the day.

As well as the family day, the 21st birthday celebrations also include a reunion for the ward's founders and past and present staff on June 2 (the ward's actual birthday) and the Our Kids Black and White Ball on June 4, which is already sold out, illustrating the huge amount of support the Children's Ward continues to generate.

For further information on any of the above activities or how to help Our Kids, phone Rebekka on 6620 2705.

Local Law Week activities

Law Week (May 15-21) is a national event that gives people a chance to learn about the law and how the legal system works.

Locally there are a number of activities that have been organised, including an open day at Ballina Court House next Wednesday, May 18.

Activities will include guided tours of the building and a film screening designed to inform people about how to prepare themselves if they ever had to appear in court.

There will also be representatives from over 20 government agencies on hand to answer law related questions as well as information stalls and displays to educate the community about the role of the law in society.

The Public Trustee is also offering people the chance to update their own will for free at their Lismore branch next Saturday, May 21, between 9am and 2pm.

Phone 1300 364 103 to make an appointment with Public Trustee or visit the website at www.pt.nsw.gov.au.

For a full Law Week program visit www.lawweek.com.au.

A picture says a thousand words

North Coast photographer David Freund has won a silver award in the wedding category of the NSW Australian Institute of Professional Photography Awards for this stunning photo of local couple Candice Heilbron and Tim Casagrande on their big day.

The couple were married at the Lennox Head Anglican Church in January and David was there to capture the emotion and elation as they tied the knot in front of family and friends.

"Candice and Tim were wonderful to work with and I'm really pleased to have been recognised at such a prestigious event," David said. "As a professional wedding photographer, I strive to capture each couple's excitement and happiness in a natural and unobtrusive manner and this image achieves that. It is a perfect reflection of the emotions Candice and Tim experienced as they left the church on their wedding day."

David was presented with the award in Sydney recently, and his photograph is now in the running for the Canon Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPAs), which will be announced in Brisbane next Monday.

To see more David's work visit www.davidfreund.com or phone him on 0418 167 141 to arrange a viewing at his Lismore studio at 43A Wyrallah Road, East Lismore.

Channon heart starter

The Channon Tavern will host a 'defibrillator launch' next Friday, May 20, to let people know about a new initiative to keep local residents alive.

Tuntable Creek, Terania Creek and The Channon areas have come together to raise money to buy a portable defibrillator machine (heart starter), as people in the area can be 30 minutes or more from medical help or an ambulance when heart failure occurs.

The $4500 machine, which will be demonstrated on the night, talks the user through all steps of CPR and defibrillation. Thanks to the already generous donations of local groups they are well on the way to the first $1,000.

People are invited to see the defibrillator demonstrated and be part of raffles on the night. For more information phone Lisa Larsen on 6689 1487.

Youth space for homework

Community Connections has opened a Homework Centre in C Block (behind the Lismore Library), which is open to all young people aged 12 to 18.

The Homework Centre offers a place to chill out after school and get help with homework, or simply hang out with friends in a safe and supervised environment.

Young people are welcome to use computers at the centre and there is internet access available and also digital cameras. There's even free afternoon tea. For information phone Lindie on 6621 1729 or C Block on 6621 5025.

A lovely lake for all

Long-time Lismore Lake advocate Molly Crawford, Green Corps team leader Brian Braby, Page MP Ian Causley and Lismore mayor Merv King planted a Moreton Bay fig on the newly constructed viewing platform at Lismore Lake recently during a recent open day.

After a hotly debated four-year campaign, Lismore Council voted to ban motorised water sports and allow the lake to remain a haven for local birdlife and a tranquil setting where families can enjoy lunch or a walk.

In the last five months Green Corps teams have planted more than 2000 trees at the lake, while Council created a viewing platform and two special islands where birds can nest. The islands have been planted out with native trees and in years to come volunteers hope to see them covered by a beautiful wetland forest.

Ramsay returns to the wild

Ramsay is a young male koala who was released back into the wild by Friends of the Koala last Monday after a seven-week recovery from a dog attack, including treatment at a specialised wildlife hospital in Queensland.

Friends of the Koala care coordinator, Barbara Dobner, was moved to tears last Monday when a young koala named Ramsay, who had recovered from a near-fatal dog attack, was finally released back into the wild.

After seven weeks in her care, he scampered happily up a big tree near the place he was rescued.

"He was well and ready to go, but it's hard for carers knowing that koalas face the hazards of humans, dogs, cars and fragmented habitat around Lismore," said Barbara. "But under our National Parks and Wildlife licence, we have to release them as near as possible to where they were found."

Ramsay was found in the backyard of a dog-owner who realised the koala had been attacked. Fortunately, the person contacted Friends of the Koala immediately and Ramsay was taken to a Lismore vet. He was treated for a major wound on his leg but failed to make progress.

"I suspected there must have been more internal injuries that had not been apparent at the initial time of rescue," Barbara said. "We decided to ferry Ramsay to the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation Hospital at Beerwah in Queensland, which specialises in koala treatment.

"It was the right decision," she said. "Following observation and tests, Ramsay was operated on and found to have blood in his lungs and trachea and an abdominal hernia caused by puncture wounds from the dog. Seven days later he was back, a much healthier and happier koala."

With the ongoing demise of wild koala populations along the eastern coast of Australia, Friends of the Koala believes that every animal that can be returned to the wild counts.

The group says dogs should be locked up at night, the time koalas are most likely to be moving around. When a koala is seen passing through a yard, dogs should be kept inside or tied up until the koala has gone on its way. Even small dog breeds can do great damage to a koala. If there is any possibility that a koala has been bitten by a dog, call Friends of the Koala immediately on the rescue hotline 0427 045 823.

Other ways to help koalas are to drive slowly in habitat areas and to plant koala food trees in your backyard, which are available for free from Friends of the Koala.

Keeping kids safe

Safety House committee member Narelle Smee and Senior Constable Michael Hogan have been busy doing the rounds of local schools with Safety House mascot Sam to mark Safety House Awareness Week and let children know what the project is all about.

The Safety House project is designed so that children who may be scared or lost can ask the occupants of officially sign-posted houses or businesses to contact their parents or Police for help. The occupants of these premises have all passed a Police check.

More volunteers are always needed for the group. To get involved phone Robert Wilson 6628 0506.

Living with schizophrenia

While it's not often discussed, schizophrenia now affects around one million Australians either directly or indirectly. To mark Schizophrenia Awareness Week, 33-year-old Stella from Ballina talks about her lifelong struggle with the illness.

Stella first heard "voices" when she was just nine years old, but wasn't officially diagnosed as schizophrenic until 19 years later.

After growing up with panic attacks, depression and confusion, as well as an eating disorder that nearly claimed her life, Stella now lives a normal life thanks to the support of a loving family and boyfriend.

This is her story:

"The depression started and when I entered senior school and I developed paranoia as well as an eating disorder and I used to cry in the toilets and hide in the library because I felt safe by myself. When I was 18 I ran away from home thinking that nobody loved me and ended up becoming homeless. I became involved with drugs and started drinking heavily to escape the confusion in my head and I became suicidal and nearly overdosed a number of times. During this time my family received no government help and was at a loss as to how they could support me, because they didn't understand what I was going through. I was taken in by a series of families and managed to hold down a couple of jobs but I always ended up losing them because of my illness. I found it so difficult to communicate because I was so confused, and all this time the voices were telling me that I was no good and I often had serious hallucinations about people trying to "get me". I had a huge emotional breakdown and I knew I was sick, but the doctors kept telling me I was a hypochondriac and gave me medication that didn't work. After this breakdown I remained undiagnosed for a few years until my aunt convinced me to go to a psychiatrist. It was then that I was finally diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression, and was given the proper medication that has allowed me to get my life back after living undiagnosed for nearly 20 years. I could not have recovered so well without the amazing support of my family, and I truly feel for those who don't have those support networks to help them through their darkest moments. I am happy and back in control of my life but there are many others who continue to live this waking nightmare. As a community we need to embrace these people and not turn away from them like so many people turned away from me. A single act of kindness from another human being can help you through the darkest days and give you hope for a better future."

During the Schizophrenia Awareness Week the Schizophrenia Fellowship will be selling sunflower badges and bringing attention to the plight of those living with schizophrenia.

If you would like further information visit the Fellowship's website at www.sfnsw.org.au. Information and support for those affected by schizophrenia can also be obtained from the Mental Health Accommodation Rehabilitation Service.

For more information phone Jacqui Connor on 6622 0399 or David Smith on 6686 2033.

Midwives do it twice as well

International Midwives' Day was celebrated worldwide last Thursday, nowhere more proudly than at Lismore Base Hospital where newcomers to life included twins Charlotte Grace and Ryan James, born to Maddy and Mark Goldsmith of Springrove, near Casino.

Mark (centre) celebrated the arrival of his new family with Lismore Base Hospital midwives Terry Cameron, Tania Andrews, Leanne Chamberlain and Brad Mills.

Midwives are registered nurses who have done a further year of university postgraduate study, including a professional placement in a supervised clinical environment.

Recent changes in legislation means midwifery is now recognised as a profession distinct to nursing.

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