The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Workers rescue RSL Club

Lismore Workers Club president Max Thompson and general manager Stephen Bortolin contemplate the future after announcing plans to acquire the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club.

• Local deal struck with receivers
• Clubs to merge if members approve
• More than 20 jobs saved

The future of the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club looks assured following an amalgamation deal struck last Friday between the Lismore Workers Club and the liquidators of the Lismore RSL Club.

The deal will rescue the financially viable Goonellabah RSL Sports Club from the crippling $3 million debt it inherited when the RSL Club's downtown site went into receivership last year.

Workers Club president Max Thompson revealed that his Board had been involved in talks with the RSL Club's receivers, SimsPartners, since they took over management of the downtown site in April 2004.

"After many months of discussions, the Board considered that it would be a good business decision to amalgamate," he said.

However, Mr Thompson sounded a note of caution that the deal needed to overcome a number of hurdles before it could go ahead.

"This is only an agreement to proceed with an amalgamation and only the beginning of a long process."

Members of both clubs will need to approve the plan at general meetings planned for September. Workers Club members will deal with the issue at the annual general meeting on September 18, while the RSL is expected to hold a meeting earlier in the month.

If the plan is given the nod, it then needs to be approved by the NSW Licensing Court.

David Leigh from receivers SimsPartners, who is acting for the National Australia Bank, which is owed more than $3 million, said he was hopeful the deal would be finalised prior to Christmas.

While neither side would comment on the value of the deal, Mr Leigh said that it would not be sufficient to cover all the outstanding debts owed by the RSL Club. But the sale will free the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club from any further claims for the outstanding monies.

"We're pleased with the result and that it's finally providing some certainty for the Club, its members and the employees," Mr Leigh said.

Workers Club general manager Stephen Bortolin said that one of the driving reasons for the amalgamation was to see the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club remain in local hands in the face of rival bids from Tweed Heads and Sydney.

"Now the facilities will remain in local hands, retaining profits in the Lismore community," he said.

The amalgamation will improve the profitability of the Workers Club as it battles the NSW Government's poker machine tax. The Club needs to find an additional $3 million over the next seven years to pay the tax.

"The amalgamation will provide another stream of income for the Workers Club," Mr Bortolin said.

He said that if the deal goes ahead, a review of the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club's existing structure would occur some time after the amalgamation.

"We will take it on as a going concern and it will be business as usual."

This latest merger follows the Workers Club's acquisition of the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in 1993 and the Lismore Golf Club in 2000. The combined clubs have more than 13,000 members.

Give my puppy back!

Heartless thieves steal child's new dog

Terra Sword

Louise's daughter Emily with their new golden retriever puppy, which was stolen from their home along with $3000 worth of personal belongings last Friday.

Mick and Louise McNamara may have lost valuables worth more than $3000 when their house was broken into last Friday, but all they really want back is their little puppy.

The couple bought an 11-week-old golden retriever a fortnight before the theft to replace their faithful companion of 10 years, Dakota, who died earlier this year. The thieves also stole the ashes of their dead dog.

Now the family is offering a $500 reward for the puppy's safe return - no questions asked.

"We were devastated when we discovered he was gone. He's our friend and part of our family and we desperately want him back," said Louise. "Our daughter Emily picked him and he was Dakota's great grandson. We hadn't really gotten over his death so the new puppy meant everything to us. He's just priceless."

The theft occurred at the McNamara's Tuncester home between 8.30 and 9.30am last Friday. A neighbour says she saw an early model white Commodore in the driveway and a man, aged 18 to 20, wearing a beanie. While the thief ignored the couple's TV, stereo and computer, he stole almost every sentimental item from the house, including Dakota's ashes, Mick's wedding ring and a watch he received on his 21st birthday, Emily's baby brooch, other jewellery, and a limited edition Mark Skaife model car Mick received last Christmas.

The couple say they will give a $500 reward to anyone who drops the dog off safely at a local vet or who can provide information leading to his whereabouts.

Anyone with information should phone Mick on 6621 9322 or Lismore Police on 6623 1599.

Two market two market

Gearing up to celebrate the Lismore Farmers Market's second birthday this Saturday are (l-r) Show Society president John Gibson, Caniaba vegetable grower Brian Roberts, Jan Fadelli from Mackellar Range Coffee and Show Society secretary Ian Mulligan.

The Lismore Farmers Market marks its second anniversary this Saturday, July 23, with a special market and celebration at the Lismore Showground from 8am to 12pm.

The Lismore Show Society established the weekly market two years ago to support local growers and cottage industries.

"We wanted to develop a culture where people could buy fresh local produce straight from the growers and also enjoy a coffee and read the morning paper in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere," said Show Society secretary Ian Mulligan. "Buying products direct from the grower means money is going back into the local economy instead of into the pockets of multinational companies."

The market has more than 20 stallholders offering everything from freshly picked fruit and vegies to coffee, bread, seafood, honey, pesto, live chooks and rabbits, nuts, tea tree products, soap and much more.

This Saturday the City of Lismore Lions Club will be holding a sausage sizzle, and there's a special cake cutting at 10am. Some stallholders will offer free tastings and there are giveaways throughout the morning.

The market is held undercover and there's wheelchair access and plenty of free parking.

For details phone 6621 3460.

Give 'em the finger

A finger lime. Photo courtesy of Hugh & Nicholson from Australian Rainforest Plants.

The native finger lime - the featured herb at this year's Northern Rivers Greenridge Health and Herb Festival - is one of the most versatile fruits on earth according to local grower Judy Viola.

Judy, who has owned and operated a finger lime plantation near Bangalow for the last 16 years, says the fruit can be used in almost any type of cooking, and while it's not widely available in supermarkets, it's becoming increasingly popular with restaurants as they discover its many uses in the kitchen.

"I have a great passion for the finger lime - they are native to southern-east Queensland and the Northern Rivers and have been growing here for thousands of years, and finally people with an eye for flavour are discovering them," Judy said. "They can be used with sashimi, oysters and all types of seafood, or with Thai cooking, soups, salads and desserts. They are nothing like a mandarin or an orange - they are filled with small crystals and when you bite into them you get this explosion of flavour and it's an amazing sensation. I've never tasted anything like them and demand is slowly increasing... we expect the finger lime will become a booming industry both in Australia and overseas. There are around 40 to 50 different types in a stunning array of colours from yellows to greens to pinks to oranges. When people try them the first thing they say is "Wow!". They're the most precious little things and once you taste them you're hooked."

Judy will be showcasing native finger lime trees and fruit at the Health and Herb Festival, as well as supplying them to local chefs entering the professional recipe cooking competition, which requires entrants to feature finger lime in an original recipe.

Entry forms for the professional recipe cooking competition are available from The Echo office, The Kitchen Shelf in Wyrallah Road, The Peppertree Kitchen in Magellan Street or online at www.healthandherbfestival.com.

$3 to use new pool

Casual swimmers at the new Lismore Memorial Baths will pay $3 a visit when it opens in September. Council outlined the fees on Tuesday night when it met to discuss the pool's management plan. The $9.6 million facility features three heated pools - an 8-lane 50m pool, a 4-lane 25m pool and a toddlers pool.

While the initial proposal was to charge $2.80, Cr Jenny Dowell objected to plans to slug every child under 16 with a $2.50 entrance fee, including toddlers. After mayor Merv King proposed the original charges, she argued successfully to amend it so that toddlers aged 0-5 are free. The child/pensioner entrance fee was also dropped to $2.30.

The cost for adults will rise to $3.50 during winter when only the 25m pool will be open.

Cr Dowell also changed the closing time from 7.30pm to 9pm during the peak summer season, from October 1 to March 31. The pool will open at 5.30pm. At other times of the year, it will operate from 6am to 6pm.

Schools will pay $2 and spectators $1. Family swim passes and 10 and 20 visit passes will also be offered at a discount rate.

The budget projections reveal that even if pool attendance rises by almost 50 per cent, the facility will still post an operating deficit of around $87,000 per annum. Prior to its closure, the old Baths attracted around 50,000 visitors. Council's "low level" projections are for 73,000 visitors. Even at a "high level" attendance of 97,000, the baths will post a small deficit of around $7000. It is not yet known what impact the new fees structure, which includes free toddlers, will have on the budget projections, although Cr Dowell is optimistic that it will attract more parents to the facility.

Council's operating costs include $275,000 in management fees to the former operator of the old baths. The contract is for one year before it will be put out to tender.

Public submissions on the proposed fees close on August 16.

Council finds room to improve in flood wash up

Lismore Council has announced five key areas for improvement in the wake of the recent floods.

Mayor Merv King said that while the recent response was significantly better than during the 2001 floods, an internal review had uncovered five priority areas to address:

• a review of levee components, including the inability of the pump in the Browns Creek carpark to cope;
• a review of flood heights in North Lismore, to match predictions with the levels observed during the flood;
• expansion of Council's public call centre;
• continued Flood Safe week education to maintain public awareness; and
• discouraging sandbags.

Lismore mayor Merv King said Council's call centre dealt with around 8000 calls, relieving the pressure on the SES. He said the centre should focus on major road information during floods.

He also said sandbags are no longer a solution in the CBD.

"The public in the CBD need to be educated not to expect sandbags, as once the levee is overtopped, they will be ineffective. Sandbags take up considerable Council resources."

A public meeting and debriefing on the recent floods will be held at the Italo Club in North Lismore next Wednesday, July 27 at 6pm.

Representatives from the SES, the Bureau of Meteorology, Police, Council and other emergency services will attend.

Cr King said the meeting will include information about the flood, the new levee and emergency planning, and give owners of flood-affected properties the chance to voice their views on how flood information and height predictions should be passed on.

For more information phone Council on 6625 0500.

Six-month reprieve for illegal tanker depot

A fuel tanker depot that has been operating in North Lismore for the past three years without Council approval has been given a six-month stay of execution after Lismore councillors intervened to stop staff from shutting it down.

Council staff had planned to refuse a development application (DA) for the transport depot in Exton Street, which runs five fuel tankers, on the grounds that it has an adverse impact on the amenity of nearby residents, who have been woken between midnight and dawn by the noise from the trucks.

In an unusual move, councillors Frank Swientek and Graham Meineke called the matter before Council for debate last Tuesday. While the residents, led by Warwick Boyd, mounted a passionate campaign objecting to the development and demanding that Council take action against its illegal operation, Cr Swientek labelled moves to refuse the DA "draconian" and sought ways to mitigate the noise problem by relocating access to the site. Cr Meineke argued that the development was "permissible" in the area and that the onus was on Council to support business.

Cr Ros Irwin said it was "the right business in the wrong place" adding pointedly that if the councillors were subject to similar noise from an illegal business "you wouldn't put up with it for a second". She said the recommendation from Council staff was clear and strong, but Council voted 7-5 to reject the staff recommendation, instead deferring a decision for six months to allow the business time to relocate. It led to an exasperated Mr Boyd interjecting with "might as well make it 10 years". Towards the end of the occasionally heated debate, deputy mayor John Chant revealed that he'd discussed the issue with the owner, who agreed it was time to find new premises for his expanding business.

After decision, some of the residents and staff from the transport company were involved in a verbal altercation outside the chambers until council staff intervened.

Cr Brian Henry declared an interest in the issue and did not take part in the debate.

Drugs fear over ambulance theft

By Eve Sinton

Detective Inspector Anne Langford and Superintendent Virginia McKenna, operations manager with the NSW Ambulance Service, appeal for community help to recover potentially lethal drugs that were stolen when an ambulance parked in Goonellabah was broken into on Sunday night.

Police and paramedics are concerned that drugs stolen from an ambulance may kill someone if they are used.

They have appealed for public help to find the drugs, taken from an ambulance parked outside a paramedic's house in Ravenside, Goonellabah, sometime between 8pm Sunday and 6am Monday.

Superintendent Virginia McKenna of the NSW Ambulance Service said a back window in the vehicle was smashed and four items valued at $7000 - an oxygen set, first aid kit, drug box and a portable radio - were taken.

"They are worth thousands and their loss makes the vehicle unable to respond to emergencies," she said. "It's extremely importance we get the drug box back. These drugs, while life-saving if used by paramedics, can be deadly if used by anyone else."

The stolen gear was in clearly marked canvas backpacks. The injectable drugs are normally used to treat cardiac arrests.

"We are worried that children might get access to the drugs if they are dumped somewhere," Supt McKenna said. "Then we could have a death on our hands. If the stolen drugs are found, don't touch them, call the police straight away."

Anyone with information about the theft should phone Lismore Police on 6623 1599 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Teenage rioters trash Lennox Head

Gatecrashers at a teen birthday party in Lennox Head created a riot on Tuesday night last week. Sunrise Crescent residents called police as around 150 drunken youths spilled out into the street.

When the family of the 15-year-old birthday girl shut down the party with police assistance around 9.30pm, the unruly mob moved to the main street, smashing bottles and damaging property. Police called for reinforcements to get the situation under control.

Ballina Shire Council general manager John Christopherson said Council was taking the incident very seriously.

"An innocent family had a special occasion spoiled and were somewhat terrorised by the event," he said. "We know it is a complex problem. Lennox Head has been a visible trouble spot but there have been incidents in Ballina, Lismore and Byron as well."

Mr Christopherson said Council would vote next Thursday, July 28, on a proposal to re-focus the existing crime and drugs prevention group into a safer communities group, addressing youth issues on a broader scale.

"When crime and drug abuse become issues, it's too late. This group would have access to a wide range of State funding and would also be looking for volunteer contributions to tackle problems at an earlier stage."

$100,000 for a feed at Council

Simon Thomsen

It seems the most disappointing part about turning up to a meeting at the Lismore Council Chambers is the food. While councillors get by with a few chips, nuts and antipasto after a hard night of grappling with major strategic decisions, they're concerned about the lack of hot food when visitors drop by this seat of regional power for a meeting. Instead of sarnies, tea and bikkies, they want to serve the occasional hot meal to impress their guests.

So last week, Council decided on a spot of home renovations. It will spend $100,000 on an 'annexe' with kitchen facilities to reduce what general manager Paul O'Sullivan calls the "undesirable... distraction factor" of caterers entering the chambers in front of a meeting, rather than at the back. He argues that the extension is not an "extravagance" and will "bring a more orderly approach to this essential aspect of meeting management".

While there's a staff lunch room just fives metres from the room, it was deemed unacceptable for "attendees" to use the space and deny 100 staff access to the room. And a Councillor's kitchen 10 metres away was also off limits because of it's too small and next to the Mayor's room.

Cr Peter Graham believes it will make the chambers "more outstanding and professional" when international trade delegations visit. He's concerned that without such facilities, they may be tempted to head for "greener pastures".

Cr Brian Henry said at first he thought it wasn't a good idea, but now he's a convert. He argued that if you average out the $100,000 cost over 25 years, it works out at just $25 a meeting.

But others were less sanguine. Cr Frank Swientek argued that the nearby Community Centre could do the job just as well.

"I don't believe we should be adding these sorts of accoutrements," he said.

Cr Jenny Dowell said no-one ever has a "meal" - her definition is sitting down with knives and forks - at the chambers.

"The only time I see a meal is takeaway Chinese at the roads committee," she said. $100,000 could be spent on rural roads, while Cr Ros Irwin said it was "a lot of money we could spend on projects that need doing now. It's not necessary."

But Council decided it was, voting 7/5 in favour (Crs Irwin, Dowell, Swientek, Tomlinson and Ekins against).

Council staff cite the proposal is a key part of 'leadership by innovation'. Cr David Tomlinson was more blunt. "The rates notices are about to go out. How happy do you think they're going to be when they find out we're featherbedding our own nest?" he asked.

Union boss brings IR fight to Lismore

By Eve Sinton

ACTU president Sharan Burrow emerges from Page MP Ian Causley's well-guarded Molesworth Street office after kicking off a regional campaign by unions to fight the Howard Government's proposed industrial relations reforms.

The battle for the future of worker's rights came to the streets of Lismore last Tuesday when ACTU president Sharan Burrow launched the unions' regional campaign against the Howard Government's industrial relations reforms.

More than 100 union demonstrators protested outside the Molesworth Street office of Page MP Ian Causley as Ms Burrow led a delegation into a meeting with the MP.

She said the unions had asked two things of the Government backbencher.

"We've asked him to listen to the concerns of his constituents, to the stories of their lives, to the vulnerability and insecurity that they fear," she said. "We've asked him to stand up in the caucus room and fight for a system that protects workers' rights. The National Party holds the balance of power - without them moderating these laws, Australians will be worse off."

Ms Burrow claimed the laws would tear up 100 years of history and workers' basic rights, and change the basis of Australia's democracy.

"Issues like job security and decent workplace rights and proper minimum standards are particularly important in regional areas," she said. "In a city like Lismore, where more than 60 per cent of working people currently earn only $30,000 a year or less, there are a lot of working families who are already struggling just to keep their heads above water."

Mr Causley accused the ACTU of running a dishonest campaign.

"If award conditions and minimum wages were under threat I would not support it, because I believe those things are important," he said. "The reason for the changes is to put more flexibility into the system. People are entitled to negotiate and I only see negotiations being upward."

Mr Causley said he would be looking carefully at the proposed legislation when it is tabled.

"Unfair dismissal laws come at a very high cost to small business. But people should have some sort of appeal mechanism against unfair dismissal."

Paul Ritchie from employer organisation Australian Business Ltd said North Coast employers were being "held to ransom" by workers who tried to unfairly exploit the unfair dismissal laws.

"Employers and employees have always shared the benefits of increased flexibility. When it comes to unfair dismissal, businesses all over the North Coast will tell you it's the greatest barrier to employing more people. The changes will merely bring the system back into balance."

College plan fails as Feds reject bid

By Eve Sinton

• Election promise delayed
• Howard Govt objects to State Labor involvement
• Skills shortage continues

The Northern Rivers has missed out on the Howard Government's election promise of a new technical college because federal vocational and educational training minister Garry Hardgrave objected to the involvement of the NSW Government.

The decision could delay the start of the college by up to two years, adding to the pressure from a shortage of skilled tradespeople in the region.

Mr Hardgrave said the bid to run the college by a consortium that includes Ballina High School and the North Coast Institute of TAFE had been rejected because the NSW education department was too heavily involved.

"We want to give the money directly to the local area, not to Bridge Street in Sydney," he said. "The State always extracts administration costs. We really want to see the technical college operating and we're going to do everything we can to make things possible."

Mr Hardgrave alleged NSW Government officials had intimidated the local community into allowing it to present the college bid.

He denied the rejection was a broken election promise.

"The announcement was consistent with what we said. The first announcement was in July, there are more announcements coming in the next month or two," he said.

North Coast Institute of TAFE director Neil Black said he did not see the NSW Government's involvement as impinging in any way on their ability to provide a customised local service.

"I'm hoping the application issues can be resolved," he said. "We haven't received any feedback or advice from the Commonwealth - I'll be pursuing that."

Shadow federal education and training minister Jenny Macklin says the region faced critical skills shortages because it missed out on the first round of funding.

"Local businesses will have to wait at least six more years for a single tradesperson to come through," she said.

Mr Black said the technical college will give better options to year 11 and 12 students who want to pursue a trade while completing their HSC.

"The Northern Rivers Technical College Network should be very effective. The North Coast Institute of TAFE and Ballina High School have won awards in this field, they both have proven strengths, and our solution is a local solution."

Walker scores top job

Lismore Council's client services manager Lindsay Walker (pictured) has scored one of the two key roles under general manager Paul O'Sullivan following his shakeup of senior management.

Mr Walker was appointed executive director of development and governance this week. He is responsible for planning, environment, community services and economic development. The Echo understands that at least one of the former group managers who had their positions abolished last month under the restructure had also applied for the position, but was unsuccessful.

The other position, executive director of infrastructure services, responsible for the city's 'hardware' from roads to parks and other assets, has yet to be filled.

Business booming, but planners warn of shrinking Lismore

By Eve Sinton

Business on the North Coast is booming according to a major survey released on Wednesday.

The survey, by local accountants and business consultants WHK Rutherfords, involved around 300 businesses between Coffs Harbour and Grafton, and found that many local businesses are outstripping national growth benchmarks, although some expect tough times in the coming year.

WHK Rutherfords management consultant Graham Correy said more than half of North Coast businesses enjoyed sales increases of greater than 10 per cent in the last 12 months. "Further, 75 per cent of businesses are confident about their prospects for the forthcoming 12 months," he said.

Lismore Unlimited Opportunities manager Amber Hall said the trends were expected.

"Business growth on the Northern Rivers is strong," she said. "Businesses that use innovative marketing strategies and businesses bringing new products and services to the market are growing strongest. Relying on tradition won't get us through anymore."

The survey showed a wide variation in performances, depending on the business sector. Transport, wholesale, financial services, tourism and medical services led the way, increasing sales by 55 to 59 per cent. This contrasted with construction, which was up by 14 per cent, although the industry was pessimistic about the next 12 months. No sectors recorded negative growth.

Population growth and changing demographics were seen as the most positive business factors in the region, with over-regulation seen as the biggest barrier.

Meanwhile Lismore City Council has reported another record year for building approvals, with an increase in the value of development applications of $12 million for the 2004/05 financial year.

Mayor Merv King said the figures confirmed that builders and investors remained keen to invest in the regional business hub.

"DA numbers remain an important barometer of economic development, and these figures provide hard evidence that investor confidence levels in Lismore remain high. Overall there has been a growth in DAs - comprising a small drop in the number of new developments, but a strong increase in the number of DAs for residential improvements."

The DA figures appear to contradict projections from the Department of Infrastructure and Natural Resources (DIPNR) that Lismore's population will fall from 31,000 people to 26,000 by 2031.

DIPNR predicts strong population growth in the coastal strip, especially in the number of people over 50. Nearly 50 per cent of Byron residents will be over 50 by 2031, with the number of people aged 85 or over expected to triple.

William's a happy camper

The Life Saver Rescue Helicopter's camper trailer raffle winner William Elliott receives the keys for his new acquisition from Life Saver Rescue Helicopter pilot Patrick Wright.

William 'Monty' Elliott of Goonellabah reckons the $2 he spent in the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter's camper trailer raffle was one of the best investments of his life.

William discovered this week that he had won the major prize of a $16,000 camper trailer in the fundraising raffle, which has generated $60,000 for the Rescue Helicopter in the last three months.

"When I received the call I couldn't believe it - I thought someone was trying to pull my leg," William said. "I looked at the ticket as a donation to a worthwhile cause and didn't expect to win. My wife Sharon went off the planet and my kids were so excited and think I'm the best dad in the world!"

Helicopter fundraising manager Howard Atkinson thanked the many volunteers who sold tickets and the hundreds of people who purchased them.

Leukaemia lunch

The Leukaemia Foundation is currently encouraging people to register for their fundraiser, the World's Largest Lunch, and help raise money for people living with cancer and their families.

People simple need to organise a lunch with family, friends or workmates from September 10 to 18 and raise money by asking people to donate. For a free host kit and more information phone 1800 620 420.

Student unions doco

A new documentary putting the case against the federal Government's plans for voluntary student unionism (VSU) will be screened next Thursday, July 28, at the Star Court Theatre.

Disconnecting Community: the impact of Voluntary Student Unionism on the Community of Lismore has been made by the Southern Cross University Union (Campus Central) together with the Student Representative Council.

Local opponents claim the changes will strip $2.5 million from the Lismore economy and cost more than 150 jobs.

Australian Greens Senator Kerry Nettle will launch the screening and a public forum will follow. The screening begins at 5.30pm. For more information phone Marie Reilly on 6620 3044.

Tertiary info day

HSC students wanting advice on tertiary education, degrees and careers are invited to the free North Coast Tertiary Information Day at Lismore High School next Tuesday, July 26.

More than 40 representatives from Queensland and NSW universities, private colleges, TAFE, Centrelink, the Defence Force and others will take part, offering information on costs, entrance guidelines, scholarships, accommodation options and much more.

It runs from 9am to 2.30pm.

Ballina beach award

Ballina's Seven Mile Beach was recently named winner of the Community-Local Government Partnership Award in the 2005 Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach Challenge.

The award recognises the close relationship fostered between Ballina Shire Council, Landcare groups and residents to improve the health of the beach.

A fruitful event for local charity

Happily accepting their $500 donations yesterday were group captain of Lismore Rural Fire Service James Chamberlain and Red Cross Northern Region fundraising coordinator Scott Krueger (both centre) with local pool party promoter Michael Beasley (left), Tropical Fruits secretary Punita Boardman and Tropical Fruits committee member Aren Healy.

Tropical Fruits has donated $500 to both the Lismore Rural Fire Service and the Red Cross as a way of saying thank you for the valuable community services the two organisations provide.

The money was raised from collection tins at the Tropical Fruits' New Year's Eve party and New Year's Day pool party, which bring thousands of people and tourist dollars into the region each year.

"People may not see them every day, but the rural firies and the Red Cross support the community every day of every year, and they deserve our respect and our thanks for the work they do," said Tropical Fruits secretary, Punita Boardman. "This is our way of giving something back to the broader community and we couldn't think of two more worthy recipients."

Tropical Fruits' next event is a dance party called 'Sinsation' at the Italo Club on August 27. Keep an eye on the entertainment pages for details closer to the event or check out their website at www.tropicalfruits.org.au.

Tom the life saver calls it a day

By Eve Sinton

Long-serving Lismore ambulance officer Tom Maxwell, pictured here with his favourite Number 503 ambulance, retires today after 40 years and 24 days with the service. He's also 40-year veteran of the SES.

Lismore ambo Tom Maxwell retires today after 40 years and 24 days with the service. Not surprisingly, he's seen a lot of changes during his four decades.

"I joined the NSW Ambulance Service as an honourary bearer in 1965, " he said. "Back then, all you needed was a St Johns first aid certificate - and you had to raise your own money by running raffles down at Brunswick Heads in the summer holidays."

The equipment used was very basic: the ambulances were Ford Fairlanes and an old Landrover, and officers mostly worked alone - a difficult situation especially at accidents with multiple victims. "Then you had to ask people on the scene to help," Tom said.

The worst and most harrowing moments involved friends or family and young children. "At the time you don't think of these things, you've got your job to do, and you go home and sit down and think about it afterwards," he said.

Tom's biggest moment was the 1974 flood.

"We were moving people to higher ground and evacuating nursing homes. Then there were the two big bus crashes, a lot of the boys from here went down to those to help out."

These days, new technology means better training and greater success in saving lives.

"You go back to school here every 12 months, you're learning new skills and it keeps you on your toes. We used to go to Sydney, but now we have our own training officer here in Lismore."

When Tom joined the service, it had a handful of employees. Now there are 24 staff.

After growing up on the family cane farm at Tuckurimba, he spent 10 years at Lismore's wholesale grocer, PC Notts. A colleague suggested become an ambulance volunteer, while another wanted him to join the fire brigade. A toss of the coin sealed his fate.

"It came up on the ambulance side," he said. "I enjoyed helping people, particularly the old people, they really appreciate it."

Tom volunteered for the SES the day before he joined ambos and will continue to volunteer. His passion is growing orchids and he has a shed-full of old machinery such as his lovingly restored 1950 Howard Kelpie tractor, which travels the countryside and last year was one of 1862 tractors involved in the world ploughing record-breaker at Cootamundra.

With extra time on his hands, Tom is sure his collection of old farm gear will grow and he also looks forward to spending more time with his three Brisbane-based children and two grandchildren.

"The ambulance service has been great, I have really enjoyed it, but I'm getting a bit long in the tooth and it's time to give it away," he said.

Lou on the mend

Former Herb Festival director Louise Barry (pictured) has made a remarkable recovery after receiving serious injuries in the London terrorist bombings a fortnight ago. Last week, surgeons fitted her with a brace and 'halo' to help repair her fractured neck. She also provided English police will a vital clue for their investigations into the destruction of the bus she was travelling on after doctors removed the bomb toggle from her leg.

Speaking to The Echo from her hospital bed, she said she was in excellent spirits and preparing for a visit from Prime Minister John Howard. She was also optimistic that she would be discharged from hospital on Thursday, London time.

Uni founder retires from the frontline

One of the founding members of Southern Cross University, Professor Don Gartside, has retired after 21 years in local education.

He was one of four foundation professors of SCU and was instrumental in establishing many of the University's programs. Professor Gartside was made an Emeritus Professor in recognition of his outstanding contribution.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Clark said he would be missed.

"Professor Gartside has helped shape Southern Cross University as an innovative and vibrant institution. He has contributed greatly in the development of new courses and in research," he said.

Professor Gartside started the nursing program at the then-Northern Rivers College of Advanced Education, as well as starting the Bachelor of Applied Science in Coastal Management. He also expanded the sport and environmental science programs, and introduced the forestry degree.

In 1988, he started the Bachelor of Business in Tourism degree, one of the first degrees of its kind in Australia.

"That was a huge achievement and I'm very proud of that legacy," he said. "I have had terrific support from my colleagues. I have been blessed with colleagues who are leaders in their fields and I certainly acknowledge their efforts in achieving these things."

Professor Gartside was born in Melbourne and completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and PhD degrees at the University of Melbourne. He spent five years working with the South Australian Department of Fisheries, in charge of fisheries management, before moving to Lismore.

While being heavily involved in course development, Professor Gartside has maintained a strong research profile, publishing numerous papers and winning grants in the fields of fisheries, marine science and natural resource economics.

He has retired from the 'paperwork' but will continue to pursue his research interests and supervision of a number of PhD and Masters students. He is also co-writing a book on fisheries management.

Square readies for big opening

McConaghy Properties project manager Phil Symonds foreshadows a shop-til-you-drop experience at the extended Lismore Square, where a new Woolworths Supermarket and Big W will open their doors on September 21.

Shopaholics will rejoice next month when the $40 million Lismore Square extension opens for business.

McConaghy Properties managing director, Jim McConaghy, said the recent heavy rains have not affected the project timing.

"We have used 20,000 litres of paint and in excess of six kilometres of additional electrical cable throughout the building in the last couple of weeks," he said. "All the hard construction work has almost been completed, and now we can concentrate on the final stages that will set this centre as a retail showcase for the whole of the Northern Rivers. This work includes the refurbishment of the existing centre so that the total area will be to a very high standard, matching capital city shopping centre benchmarks."

Big W and Woolworths are now working on their fit-outs and stocking their shelves in preparation for the opening day.

Mr McConaghy said that all available space has been leased, except for one specialty store and food outlet, which are both under negotiation.

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