The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Children's ward comes of age

Lismore Base Hospital children's ward patient Harry Shalders and his mum Leanne with (l-r) children's entertainer Ravi Oli, clown doctors Dr Kerplunk and Dr Dizzy, children's ward nurse unit manager Kerry Byrne and children's ward campaigner Beth Trevan.

When Beth Trevan walked into Lismore Base Hospital more than two decades ago and saw how poor the facilities were for children, she and a small band of other concerned locals decided something had to be done.

The group was told the only way to build a new children's ward was if they raised $250,000, so they enlisted the assistance of the local community to help reach their target.

By the time the matching government funds were available, Beth and her cohorts had raised a phenomenal $584,000, which not only allowed them to build the children's ward, but also fit it out with things like a playroom so children would find it easier to cope while staying in hospital.

"When I first walked into the ward the silent desperation on the kids' faces nearly knocked me over, and I just couldn't stand to see them like that," said Beth. "The ward hadn't been upgraded since the early 1900s, so when the new ward finally opened it was both a thrill and an overwhelming relief. The fact that we did it is an absolute credit to the community."

The children's ward is celebrating its 21st birthday with a number of events over the next three weeks, including a free family fun day this Sunday, May 22, at Lismore's Mortimer Oval (opposite McDonalds).

Beth said it's a chance for the original team and Our Kids (the charity that now raises funds for the ward) to thank the community for helping make their vision a reality.

"The support from the community was unimaginable and this is really a celebration of what they achieved," Beth said. "It is a gorgeous, bright and cheerful children's ward, and none of it would have been possible without our wonderful community."

The family fun day will run from 10am to 3pm with activities including a jumping castle, bike rides, face painting, pluck-a-duck games, displays by local emergency services and a sausage sizzle courtesy of the Lismore Lions Club.

Some of the special highlights include children's entertainer Ravi Oli, who will perform his one-man show at 10.30am, incorporating ballooning, magic, storytelling, juggling, comedy, and audience participation. The Silly Billies will also perform at 11am, with a visit from NBN Big Dog planned for 11.45am.

At 12pm a monster birthday cake, kindly donated by Tanya's Cakes in Lennox Head, will be cut by Lismore MP Thomas George, current children's ward nurse unit manager Kerry Byrne and other members of the original team who raised money for the ward.

After the official ceremony it's time for more entertainment, with the Ronald McDonald Magic Show at 12.30pm, a demonstration by the Summerland Rockers at 1.30pm and a performance by former Australian Idol contestant Ngaiire Joseph at 2pm.

Our Kids have organised to have a 'Cuddles Emergency Unit' on site all day where children can bring their teddy bears and toys for a free 'health' check, and there will be bandages and slings for any toys not doing so well.

There will also be clown doctors providing light relief throughout the day, and all former patients and staff of the ward are invited to place their hand prints on a large mural, which will then be hung permanently in the ward for all to see.

Our Kids encourages families to bring a picnic rug or blanket, enjoy the day's festivities and help celebrate the ward's coming of age. For more information phone Our Kids on 6620 2705.

The art of science

This stunning image by Loraine Watson called Purple Rice is just one of many artworks inspired by the biological world that are featured in a new exhibition called Vegetative Visions 2 (VV2).

VV2 is the second exhibition sponsored by the Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics at Southern Cross University and is now on show at the Next Art Gallery at Lismore campus.

Loraine, a scientist and painter, decided to create the show so people could see there is a lot more to scientists than just lab coats and Bunsen burners.

"Many of the scientists at SCU also have artistic pursuits, and we wanted to showcase that," Loraine said. "We also realised how beautiful and artistic some of the images we create as part of our science practices and experiments are. People will be amazed by the diversity of the artworks, and the whole exhibition is just so colourful and lively. The feedback has been really positive."

VV2 is on show until next Friday, May 27.

You'd be hopping mad not to care

Caring for kangaroos and wallabies (macropods) is a lot like raising kids according to Coffee Camp-based wildlife carer Sally-Ann Moyes, although she says you'll never have to worry about them coming home late or hassling you for an iPod.

The Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers member and former Taronga Zoo keeper is currently inviting people to become carers for little joeys like Buddy (pictured) during a kangaroo and wallaby basic training day in Lismore next Saturday, May 28.

Sally-Ann, who currently has four joeys aged between two and eight months at home, says while caring can be difficult at times, the joys always outweigh the challenges, as it is with any parent.

"You have to have bottles and toilet them and feed them, so it does take patience and care, but if you have a love of wildlife you couldn't ask for better little companions," Sally-Ann said. "Most of the macropods we care for are orphaned through road accidents and like kids, they all have their own personality and individual quirks. When you get them they're so tiny and vulnerable, and it's truly wonderful to watch them grow and then release them back into the wild. I'm so used to having kangaroos and wallabies around the house that I'd feel lost without them in my life now. I just love it."

The Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers basic kangaroo and wallaby training day will be held on Saturday, May 28, at the Lismore Workers Club from 9.30am to 4pm. It will be presented by visiting Newcastle-based wildlife experts Ray and Anne Williams.

Sally-Ann says people can get involved in any aspect of caring, from nursing little ones to transport and rescues.

The day costs just $10 and no experience is necessary. Bookings are essential. Phone 6628 3005.

New rating structure on display

Lismore City Council's proposed new rating structure will go on public display for 28 days from this Saturday, May 21, as part of Council's 2005/2006 budget.

After several weeks of community consultation, Council's has named its preferred rating structure as a base rate system of $270 per household, with the balance to be determined on property values handed down by the Valuer General.

Submissions on the new rating structure can be made during the 28-day public display period. Copies of Council's 2005/06 budget is available from Council Chambers in Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah, their CBD office in Magellan Street or on the website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Quick fix for Kirklands

Ministry of Transport director general John Lee and Lismore MP Thomas George at the Trinity bus interchange during Mr Lee's visit last Friday.

Kirlands has until this Friday, May 20, to fix its new school bus timetable or risk losing its contract altogether.

The Ministry of Transport's director general, John Lee, gave Kirklands the ultimatum during a visit to Lismore last Friday, when he met with Kirklands management and other stakeholders, as well as visiting the Trinity bus interchange to see first-hand the chaos the changes have caused.

Mr Lee said the Ministry of Transport received more than 1000 complaints about the new timetable in the first week it was introduced, and said the week-long deadline gave a clear message that something had to be done.

"We told Kirklands they have a week to make improvements or their contract will be reviewed, and could even lead to termination," Mr Lee said. "They need to fix this or face the consequences."

Mr Lee said yesterday that Kirklands has since held a series of consultations with schools, and said he believed they were now listening to community concerns.

"I think Kirklands has realised that they made an error with how they changed and implemented the timetable, and that the community is hurting," Mr Lee said. "They are now looking for solutions and are prepared to make changes, which is a good step forward. We gave them a short deadline because they've already had a couple of weeks and if you can't fix a timetable in three or four weeks there's structurally a major problem."

Mr Lee will do a review of Kirklands' timetables on Friday and hopes to make an announcement soon after on the Ministry's decision.

Meanwhile Uralba mother Tamsin Jackson, who started a community campaign against Kirklands three weeks ago, was one of eight parents who met with Kirklands on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

"I'm still not happy," she said. "We haven't been given any improvements for Uralba. I don't feel they are listening or making any real changes."

Tamsin said anyone still unhappy with the service should phone her on 6628 5626 to get involved in the campaign.

Kirklands did not return The Echo's calls.

A living reminder of Vietnam

Minister for Veterans Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, will be the guest of honour at the dedication of this beautiful stained glass window at St Andrew's Anglican Church in Lismore this Saturday, May 21.

The 'Vietnam War Memorial Window' was created to honour the 60,000 Australians who fought in Vietnam and according to local Vietnam Veterans Association representative, Sheldon Maher, will be a "living reminder" to those who served.

"Most monuments erected outside eventually suffer wear and tear but this window will be a permanent reminder in the church that will last for centuries," Sheldon said. "Vietnam was Australia's longest war and those who served suffered and are still suffering tremendously as a result. This window will be a constant reminder to the community of the great sacrifices they made for their country."

The central feature of the window is the Long Tan Cross, which is contained within a circle of leaves from a rubber tree. Rubber trees are common in Vietnam and the battle of Long Tan was fought in a rubber plantation.

At the bottom of the panel there is an anchor, two wings and a rising sun to represent the navy, air force and army respectively. There is also a red cross paying tribute to the contribution women made through their medical support.

The stained glass window cost $12,000 and was supplied and fitted by Lismore Glass and Steel Works. It was funded by state and federal grants, Lismore City Council and community donations.

The dedication will be held at the church from 4pm on Saturday, and everyone is welcome (people are asked to be seated by 3.45pm). A dedication dinner will also be held at the Lismore Workers Club that evening from 7pm.

For bookings or information phone Sheldon on 6624 4486.

Kyogle rates may rise

Kyogle residents could be slugged with a six per cent rate rise if Kyogle Council succeeds in making a case to the Minister for Local Government to raise its rates above the 3.5 rate pegging limit.

The rate hike was adopted at an extraordinary meeting held last Thursday as part of Council's draft management plan for the 2005/2006 financial year.

The draft plan is now on public exhibition until Monday, June 15, during which time submissions can be made.

The draft management plan can be viewed on the website at www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au or at the following locations: Kyogle Council office and Kyogle library; Wadeville, Cawongla and Mummulgum stores; and Bonalbo, Woodenbong, Mallanganee, Grevillea, Tabulam, Old Bonalbo and Wiangaree post offices.

Service station fight looms again

By Eve Sinton

Lismore residents (l-r) Edgar Glasby, Robyn Martin, Jane, Hannah, Tom and Andrew Morrissey, David Martin and Patrick Burns are angry about Woolworths' plan to submit a new DA for a petrol station previously rejected by Council.

Andrew Morrissey and his family are bracing themselves for yet another battle with Woolworths after it was revealed the retail giant plans to submit a new DA to Lismore Council for a petrol station in Diadem Street.

In March, Council rejected Woolworths' DA for the proposed petrol station, following a fierce campaign by local residents who believed the service station would create noise and traffic problems, and ruin their suburban lifestyle.

"We're very disappointed that they're going ahead with a new DA and we will definitely oppose it," said Andrew. "They're going to have a tough fight on their hands."

Woolworths' property manager, Peter Thomas, confirmed that the company has prepared a new DA for the petrol station, which would be located adjacent to the new Lismore Shopping Square development.

"We have prepared a new application which includes three parcels of land, rather than the two proposed last time," Mr Thomas said. "The extra land was included after discussions with Council about concerns with the last application, such as traffic and access issues."

The three blocks of land earmarked for the development are owned by Queensland construction company McConaghy Properties, which is also building the Lismore Square extension.

Nearby resident Robyn Martin said she tried to buy one of the blocks to head off the development, but McConaghy Properties wouldn't sell. It is understood McConaghy Properties will now lease the three blocks to Woolworths.

Woolworths hopes to see the petrol station operating by Christmas.

Farmers to rally over OH&S

The NSW Farmers Association will hold a rally against the State Government's proposed Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation next Monday, May 23, at the Lismore Workers Heights Bowling Club from 12.30pm.

Chair of the Association's occupational health and safety taskforce, Jock Laurie, says the NSW OH&S Act will be reviewed this year and urgent changes are needed to ensure employers are not impeded by unrealistic legislation. He said the legislation needed to recognise that there is no such thing as a 100 per cent risk-free workplace, should provide a right of appeal for all OH&S convictions and remove the right of unions to prosecute.

"This is one of the biggest issues facing our farmers and rural employment will suffer dramatically unless practical measures are put in place," he said.

For information about the rally or the proposed legislation phone 1300 794 000.

Rise to the Challenge

Launching the Summit Cross Challenge yesterday were (l-r) Red Cross regional manager Vahideh Hosseini, Northern Rivers Echo sales and marketing manager Heather Williams and Summit Sports and Fitness Centre proprietor Mathew George.

The Northern Rivers Echo, in conjunction with Summit Sports and Fitness Centre and the Red Cross, have come up with a brilliant concept for a few lucky readers to improve their health and lose weight while raising money for Red Cross's valuable community work.

As part of the 'Summit Cross Challenge' six readers will be chosen to attend a free eight-week program, including at least two personal training sessions per week at the Summit Sports and Fitness Centre in Goonellabah.

In return, participants will be required to raise money for the Red Cross through sponsorship from family, friends and work colleagues, or any other fundraising activity they can think of.

Red Cross fundraiser coordinator, Scott Krueger, said although there is no particular target for each participant, those chosen should stay focussed by linking the amount of money they raise with their exercise program.

"As a guide, participants may want to raise a total of $50 for every kilo they lose so by the end of the program if they have lost six kilos, they need to have raised a total of $300," he said. "It's a great way for people who want to get fit to do so for free - it's really a chance to do something positive for yourself and for the community all at the same time. We have found that donations have slowed considerably following the end of our tsunami appeal, and this is a way for us to generate funds for the many services we provide to those in need."

As an added incentive, the person who raises the most money by the end of the program will be given 12 months free membership at a new, state-of-the-art health club to be opened in Lismore this September.

To be selected for the Summit Cross Challenge you must be over 18 and have no major medical conditions. To apply for this innovative fundraising concept phone Scott Krueger on 6622 3244 by next Friday, May 27.

Also keep an eye on The Echo in coming weeks for profiles and progress reports on the six lucky participants.

Have a cuppa for cancer

Stephanie Hair Design proprietor Pat Shur and hairdresser Kristel Skinner are hosting an Australia's Biggest Morning Tea at the salon next Thursday.

Pat Shur has lost two close friends to cancer in the last few years and she's determined to work towards a future free of the disease.

As she does every year, the proprietor of Stephanie Hair Design in Lismore is hosting an Australia's Biggest Morning Tea next Thursday, May 26, to help raise funds for the Cancer Council. And while Pat knows she won't raise millions or even thousands of dollars, she's a firm believer that every bit counts.

"When you lose someone to cancer it makes you want to do something - to try and make a difference no matter how small it is," Pat said. "It's easy to say I can't do anything to help, but you can - if every single person in Australia has a cuppa for cancer next Thursday we can raise millions. Hopefully the money we raise from events like this will eventually lead to a cure and we can all make that happen by contributing in our own little way."

From 10am to 2pm people can pop into the salon in the Warina Walk Arcade, off Molesworth Street, and enjoy a cuppa and a biscuit for a gold coin donation.

As an added incentive anyone who gives a gold coin will also go in the draw to win a basket of haircare products from Redken or a professional massage.

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea events are happening all around the region over the next week. To find out about other events see this week's Around Town or phone the Cancer Council on 6681 1933.

New charity provides disaster relief

Alstonville nurse Nathan Willis in Banda Aceh just days after the Boxing Day tsunami.

When Alstonville nurse Nathan Willis travelled to Banda Aceh after the Boxing Day tsunami he wasn't prepared for the level of destruction he saw.

For 11 days Nathan worked as a nurse under makeshift conditions providing primary health care to the thousands of survivors left homeless by the disaster.

Since then Nathan has been to Thailand and Burma and most recently to Nias off the coast of Sumarta to assist with relief efforts following the earthquake on Easter Monday.

The experience inspired Nathan to establish Partners Relief and Development Australia, a charity devoted to improving the lives of those affected by natural disasters and poverty in South East Asia.

This Saturday night, May 21, at the Alstonville Baptist Fellowship, Nathan will officially launch his charity and give a video presentation about his work in various parts of South East Asia.

"I hope that people will come out on Saturday night to listen to my experiences because there is a lot of work that needs to be done to help people living in these parts of the world," Nathan said. "I will be calling on people to make donations and the money will be used to provide health care and sustainable development, including the establishment of cocoa and rubber plantations, so that in time these people will have their own industries to rely on."

The Alstonville Baptist Fellowship is on Wardell Road, Alstonville. The launch starts at 7pm. For more information phone Nathan on 6628 7619.

New panel for better local roads

By Julian Ryan

NRMA deputy director Wendy Machin (second from left) with Far North Coast Better Roads Panel members (l-r) Lexi Hurford, Linda Echentille, Sharon Cadwallader, Ernie Bennett and Tracey Mills.

The NRMA's deputy director, Wendy Machin, was in Lismore yesterday to launch the Far North Coast Better Roads Panel, which will aim to influence government policy on local roads.

The 12-member panel is made up of community members, local councillors, and business people from all over the Northern Rivers, who will work together to come up with community-based solutions to local road problems.

The panel will identify local road issues of concern and develop strategies to fix the problems, with findings being submitted to the NRMA later in the year.

Panel member and Kyogle mayor Ernie Bennett said there were many local issues that needed to be considered by the panel, but he singled out the Pacific Highway as a major local concern.

"Every day the Pacific Highway remains a single carriageway, the lives of motorists are being placed at risk," he said. "I'd like to think that a dual carriageway on the Pacific Highway between Hexham and the Queensland boarder will be a reality within seven years and this will be a major focus of the panel's work."

Members of the community are invited to have their say on local road issues by forwarding comments or submissions by email to betterroads@mynrma.com.au.

No escaping Coraki

Lismore MP Thomas George, NSW Minister for Health Morris Iemma and North Coast Area Health Service chief executive Chris Crawford during Mr Iemma's visit to the region yesterday.

Coraki residents outraged by the North Coast Area Health Service's proposed closure of Campbell Hospital will travel far and wide to have their voices heard.

A group of around 15 protestors confronted NSW Minister for Health Morris Iemma in Nimbin yesterday, where he was opening the new $4.8 million Multi Purpose Service.

Narelle Jarvis from the Save Coraki and District Campbell Hospital Committee presented the Minister with 270 letters and a petition expressing the widely-held community view that the hospital should remain open.

"We wanted to let the Minister know that we have a great deal of community support behind us and this fight is far from over," she said. "We were very angry that during his visit to the North Coast the Minister didn't have the decency to discuss this issue with our committee."

Mr Iemma would not be drawn into the debate over Coraki's health services, saying only that he would give the protestors' concerns "serious consideration".

As well as opening Nimbin's new Multi Purpose Service, Mr Iemma also inspected the $210,000 expansion and upgrade to Lismore Base Hospital's emergency department.

The works include an extra five bed allocations, and are expected to be completed in June.

A life-changing parade

Lismore Lantern Parade employees Brett Haydon and Elissa Keating-Lowe (front) with (rear l-r) assistant director Elly Bird, director Jyllie Jackson and international artists Nicholas and Emma Gosling Lealand.

For some, the Lismore Lantern Parade is a fun night out once a year with the family, but for Lismore's Brett Haydon, being part of the annual event has been a life changing experience.

Brett was unemployed when he first started a Work-for-the-Dole program with the Lismore Lantern Parade in 2002, and says at the time he was feeling a little lost and lacking direction in life.

Three years and five Work-for-the-Dole projects later, Brett is an indispensable member of the parade team, and is now employed full-time. The whole experience has not only given him a sense of self-worth and a new family of friends, but also skills that will allow him to work on festivals anywhere in the world.

"I don't know where I'd be right now without the parade - it's changed my life completely," Brett said. "It's given me the opportunity to express myself creatively, and be part of something really special that the whole community has embraced. I feel like it's given me more than I could ever give back."

Ellissa Keating-Lowe, a 23-year-old Work-for-the-Dole participant who is also now employed, said she felt "lucky" to be associated with the parade.

"When you see the audience's expressions on the night and you see how touched they are by what we create it makes you feel pretty amazing," Ellissa said. "Last year there were people really choked up with emotion, and it made me feel part of something that's really valuable."

The Lismore Lantern Parade is still looking for volunteers of all sorts - dancers, singers, drummers, lantern makers, backstage crew and more. Parade director Jyllie Jackson is especially keen to hear from people who would like to carry a feature lantern in the parade, and with less than a month to go, she encourages people to register ASAP on 6622 6333.

Lismore's 'Reconciliation Father' honoured

Story & photo: Robin Osborne

Father Paul Glynn, holding the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan's highest honour awarded to his Lismore-born brother, the late Father Tony Glynn) with SCU's first vice-chancellor Professor Barry Conyngham and chair of the Father Tony Glynn Australia-Japan Centre, Tazuko McLaren.

He might not have been present, but the spirit of the late Father Tony Glynn, a Woodlawn College educated Marist priest, was certainly evident at a recent ceremony honouring his life's work.

The ceremony was held to enshrine the medals he received from the governments of Australia, Japan and Britain, along with a collection of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints and books of famous literature donated by his close friend, and physician to the end, Dr Yamaga from the ancient city of Nara.

Held at the Father Tony Glynn Australia-Japan Centre at Southern Cross University, the moving event featured traditional Japanese music, heartfelt tributes by his brother Father Paul Glynn and a performance by the Isabella A Cappella choir.

Thanks largely to funds raised in Japan during four tours by the choir, the cultural and language centre honouring Tony Glynn's work was opened last year.

During his four decades in Japan, Tony Glynn made many friends and helped establish aged-care centres and kindergartens. He also worked to reconcile the former WWII enemies by bringing cultural displays to Australia and persuading Australian ex-soldiers to return the samurai swords captured from Japanese officers during the war.

Modest to the end of his life, Tony Glynn was awarded many honours, including the Order of Australia and Japan's Order of the Rising Sun, presented to him by the Emperor.

In a fine example of historical continuity, his last surviving brother, Father Paul Glynn, based at the Marist order in Sydney and another keen supporter of Australia-Japan links, will also receive this prestigious award, from the Japanese Ambassador, in about a month's time.

Council budget released

Lismore City Council released its 2005/2006 budget on Tuesday night.

The big ticket items include $13 million for roads, $6 million for the Goonellabah Leisure Centre, and $3.8 million for water and sewerage.

$640,000 has also been allocated for improvements at the Wyrallah Road Waste Facility.

Residents can get a copy of the budget from the Council Chambers in Goonellabah, Council's CBD office in Magellan Street or visit the website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Origin legends Ballina bound

People will have the rare opportunity to meet some of the State of Origin's best players at the Ballina RSL Club's Legends of Origin Sportsmans' Night on May 30.

Andrew Ettingshausen, Mario Fenech, Gary Belcher and Billy Moore will be attending the Legends of Origin Sportsmans' Night, which includes an auction and raffles, with items provided by the NRL in support of the Make a Wish Foundation.

Entry is $50, with $5 from each ticket purchased being donated to the Make a Wish Foundation along with the proceeds of the auction.

As well as getting to meet the former Origin stars, people will enjoy a two-course gourmet meal, with complimentary beer and wine on arrival. To secure a seat book now with the Ballina RSL Club on 6686 2544.

Find your place at SCU

Southern Cross University is now encouraging prospective students to apply for the university's mid-year intake.

An information session outlining all courses available will be held next Monday, May 23, at the Campus Central union from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Southern Cross University always reserves places for people who can't enrol at the start of the year because of work commitments, family responsibilities or the pressure of other studies.

The closing date for enrolments through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) is June 3.

For information phone 1800 626 481 or visit the website at www.scu.edu.au.

Bring a worm to Landcare day

A Landcare agricultural day is being held next Thursday, May 26, at the Department of Primary Industries in Wollongbar from 9am to 4pm.

The day will provide local farmers with information on soil processes and showcase landcare projects. People are welcome to bring live specimens of earthworms, insects, native plants or weeds for identification and there will be a prize for the heaviest live earthworm and the most amount of live fruit spotting bugs.

Booking are essential. Phone Jackie Luethi on 6626 1329 or Lyn Cullen on 6626 1302.

Old wharf gets a new look

By Eve Sinton

Wilsons River redevelopment project manager Lois Kelly and Lismore Regional Gallery director Steven Alderton at the Old Government Wharf site, which recently received a $62,000 grant for upgrades.

The Old Government Wharf on the Wilsons River in Lismore has received $62,500 towards a major upgrade that will provide access for small recreational crafts and charter vessels.

NSW parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Sports, Eric Roozendaal, announced the funding during a visit to Lismore on Saturday, where he inspected the initial works that have begun on site.

The $148,500 upgrade will see the Old Government Wharf extended into a multi-level wharf to provide access for a range of vessel sizes during different river heights.

"Boating activity is increasingly popular in the area and a new wharf will help encourage it, with positive spin-off benefits for the Lismore area," Mr Roozendaal said.

Work on the wharf is expected to be completed in June.

The upgrade is part of Lismore's $13 million Wilsons River redevelopment project, which will see the riverbank redeveloped to include parks, cafés and restaurants, as well as a cultural walking trail.

Journey of healing

The Sisters for Reconciliation and the Arakwal People are joining to celebrate the spirit of reconciliation at the Byron Bay Community Centre next Thursday, May 26.

There will be guest speakers, videos and displays and a bush food lunch will be available for a small donation.

For more information phone Bronwyn on 6684 3342 or Jennifer on 6624 7879.

Healing hands give Barrie a new lease on life

Korean martial arts master Doju Kim with Teven man Barrie Restall. Doju Kim is in the area to give demonstrations of his unique martial arts techniques.

After all but beating a very aggressive form of leukaemia that should have claimed his life, Teven man Barrie Restall is certain that he has more than doctors to thank for his survival.

When the 66-year-old was first diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003, his doctors gave him a 30 per cent chance of living and said his only hope was to receive a bone marrow transplant and to undergo chemotherapy.

Two years later Barrie is fighting fit and attributes much of his remarkable recovery to a particular healing technique he received from a Korean martial arts instructor.

Barrie, a martial arts teacher himself, was introduced to master Doju Kim Yun Sang through his student Jarrod Taylor, who studied in Korea with Doju Kim.

When Jarrod told Doju Kim that Barrie was dangerously ill with leukaemia, he travelled to Australia to help, despite the fact they had never met.

"We trained every day and in between sessions Doju Kim used special manipulation techniques on me as well as massage and after a week of this treatment my friends and doctors said I looked 200 per cent better," Barrie said.

Doju Kim will conduct a training seminar tomorrow night (Friday, May 20) at Success Martial Arts in South Lismore from 7pm, and another in Murwillumbah on Tuesday, May 24.

The 73-year-old martial arts master rarely gives public demonstrations of his art, which includes being able to manipulate opponents without touching them. He is one of the few people in the world who can perform this technique.

For more information phone Barrie on 6687 8385 or Richard Marlin on 6622 4799.

On the road again

Wollongbar TAFE students Brian Kelly, Michael Marks, David Blackney, Glen Conlan and Mike Schmidt with the 1974 Dodge they restored as part of a 10-week spray painting and panel beating course.

Eight local unemployed men have learned valuable automotive skills while helping the Men's Resource Centre in Lismore to continue their good work, after recently completing a spray painting and panel beating course at the Wollongbar TAFE.

During the 10-week course the group restored a 1974 Dodge owned by the Men's Resource Centre, which is known as the Men's Mobile Shed.

The Men's Mobile Shed travels around the Northern Rivers, providing a place where men of all ages can access counselling services and talk about their problems. Thanks to the work of the TAFE students, it is now back on the road and looking spiffier than ever.

The Men's Mobile Shed covers Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle, Casino, Woodenbong, Byron Bay and surrounding villages. For information on the shed or how to access its services phone the Men's Resource Centre on 6622 6116.

Boost for local artists

Visual Arts Network (VAN) coordinator Melitta Firth with VAN business and marketing consultant Peter Wood at the Lismore Regional Gallery with a painting by Lismore artist Carmel Knight.

Arts Northern Rivers has responded to issues identified by Northern Rivers artists with an exciting new initiative called the Visual Arts Network (VAN).

According coordinator Melitta Firth, the VAN will help artists make a living from their work by connecting them with galleries inside and outside the region and providing them with business and marketing support.

"The Northern Rivers is full of talented artists who deserve exposure and recognition for their creativity and talent," she said. "Our role is to promote artists and their work to the local, national, and international marketplace and also to develop professional networking opportunities for the benefit of the local artistic community."

For more information on the VAN phone Melitta on 6628 8120.

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