The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Wrapped with love

ABC North Coast regional manager Martin Corben with Joyce Funnell from Modanville, who is one of the many North Coast residents who donated woollen squares and wraps for the Drop in Stitches campaign.

ABC North Coast has been overwhelmed with support for its Drop in Stitches campaign, with locals donating hundreds of woollen squares to provide warmth and comfort for people in poverty-stricken countries.

Drop in Stitches has been run by ABC regional stations around NSW, with listeners donating woollen squares that are knitted together to form wraps, which are sent on to the charity Wrap With Love Inc. More than 100,000 wraps have been sent to people in 75 countries over the last 12 years, giving them relief from the extreme cold.

ABC North Coast regional manager, Martin Corben, said there had been enormous local support for the campaign.

"It really says something about the people of the North Coast and their nature to always lend a warm helping hand to those in need," he said.

ABC North Coast will have a special program about the Drop in Stitches campaign this Friday, July 29, at 8.30am. It will include a live broadcast direct from Sydney where a large contingent of volunteers will be participating in the annual 'Knit In' where all the squares sent in from across NSW are knitted together to form wraps.

Public views sought on fluoride debate

By Eve Sinton

Public opinion will play a key role in deciding whether the Rous Water supply should be fluoridated in a bid to reduce tooth decay.

Rous Water has asked the NSW Health to conduct an education campaign and gauge public opinion about fluoridation and the Department will hold community consultation in each of the regional water supplier's constituent council areas - Lismore, Ballina, Richmond Valley and Byron. NSW Health will make an assessment of community opinion before Rous makes a final decision on fluoridation.

Rous Water general manager Paul Muldoon said adding fluoride was primarily a health issue, not a water quality issue.

"I understand Byron Shire Council has already decided not to fluoridate," Mr Muldoon said. "It can still be done individually for constituent council areas, if individual councils opt out."

But opposition to the idea is already growing, with a local lobby group forming to fight the proposal. The Safe Water Action Network (SWAN) is already holding public forums claiming that fluoride is a dangerous poison that causes brain damage.

"This forced drugging of North Coast residents will cause increased mortality amongst the local people," said SWAN spokesperson, Tora Blackman.

The North Coast Area Health Service's project manager for oral health, John Irving, said the community education and consultation program would begin shortly.

He said allegations that fluoridation of water supplies was a health hazard flew in the face of reason.

"There have been thousands of studies and none of them has said 'stop fluoridating water supplies'," he said. "Look at Sydney, which has been fluoridated for 40 years - there's no evidence of any problems. The same is true of American cities which have had fluoridated water for up to 60 years."

Meanwhile, Bonalbo is set to have its water supply fluoridated by July next year.

Kyogle Council approved the recommendation to include fluoridation with the construction of a new filtration plant for the town at its July 18 meeting.

Kyogle Council's asset manager Graham Kennett said the decision followed community consultation led by NSW Health.

"Councillors had no problem with it," he said. "Kyogle's water supply has been fluoridated for around 40 years and there has never been any negative feedback."

Kyogle will also fluoridate the water supply for Urbenville, Mulli Mulli and Woodenbong in the Tenterfield Council area.

$1500 to find stolen puppy

Louise McNamara from Tuncester with her son Connor and dog Liberty. The McNamara family is now offering a $1500 reward to anyone who can help them find their 11-week old golden retriever Boston, who was stolen from their home on July 15.

Louise and Mick McNamara are so desperate to find their 11-week old golden retriever puppy Boston, which was stolen from their Tuncester home on July 15, that they have raised the reward to $1500.

The Echo detailed the theft of the dog last week, but so far, no-one has come forward.

"We've had lots of people ringing to show their sympathy and one lady even rang crying because she's dog lover and knows how we must feel, but as yet no-one has seen or heard anything about Boston," Louise said. "We thought by making the reward higher that it might encourage someone to come forward. We feel like this is our last chance to get Boston back and if he's returned, there'll be no questions asked."

During the theft, the ashes of their deceased dog were stolen, along with more than $3000 worth of jewellery.

Anyone with information should phone Mick on 6621 9322 or 6622 5350. Alternatively, phone Lismore Police on 6623 1599.

See what's on offer at the PCYC

Gearing for the PCYC open day this Saturday is police programmer Ben Warner (front) with belly dance teacher Idell Wadley (centre) and her assistant Celeste.

From belly dancing and gymnastics to boxing and judo, the PCYC open day this Saturday, July 30, will showcase the huge range of classes for children and adults that the PCYC offers.

The free family day will include a visit from NBN's Big Dog and a jumping castle, plus a sausage sizzle, Nintendo games and showbags for kids, live music, Aboriginal dancing, a raffle and displays by the SES, ambulance, fire and police services.

There will also be demonstrations of club activities throughout the day including boxing and boxercise, belly dancing, judo, self-defence, kick boxing, aikido, Pilates, gymnastics, kindy fun and much more.

"Many people don't realise that we offer such a wide variety of activities for all ages, and this is a great opportunity to bring the family and see if you'd like to get involved," said PCYC police programmer Ben Warner. "It's not something we do very often and it's all free, so there's no excuse not to come and have some fun."

The open day will run from 9am to 2pm at the PCYC on the corner of Dawson and Orion streets, Lismore. For more information phone 6621 6276.

Lennox Head salutes the best in business

The Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural business and community awards night last Tuesday night (July 26).

Around 130 people gathered to see the winners of nine categories celebrate their success.

Awards went to Lennox Head Residents Association Inc for community service; Wizz Couriers for trades and services; Lennox Natural Medicines for professional services; Lennox Head Pizza and Pasta (Hospitality 1); Mi Thai (Hospitality 2); Lennox Head Youth Hostel for tourism; and Lennox Head Pharmacy for retail.

The young achiever was Craig Somerville and the people's choice award was taken out buy Mick Marrs of Lennox Head Beachfront Apartments.

Wollongbar growth debated

The growth of the Wollongbar plateau to accommodate 4500 people will be discussed at the Wollongbar Progress Association's monthly meeting next Thursday, August 4.

Association president Marilyn Perkins said issues like open space and shops will be discussed as part of the vision for the expansion of the plateau.

Other issues up for discussion include the Ballina Shire's sustainability project discussion paper. The meeting is at the Wollongbar Hall in Simpson Avenue from 7.30pm. For more information, contact Marilyn on 6628 3880.

Slightly used, but now the levee's ready to go

Lismore mayor Merv King and deputy mayor John Chant with members of the Roving Rowers (front to rear) Alesia Bourner, Jennifer Moore, Lil Bean, Shane Nagle and Sórcha Millican-Nagle, who will perform at the Lismore levee's official inauguration next Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile will visit Lismore next Monday, August 1, to officially open the city's new $19 million flood levee.

The 3km levee was completed in March, just months before Lismore experienced its first flood since construction began in late 2001.

Residents are invited to take part of the launch festivities, which will include a variety of street theatre and dance performances coordinated by NORPA.

"The 'Roving Rowers' will re-live the ghosts of floods past - these would-be emergency workers will paddle their way around Spinks Park as if it were submerged," said NORPA's Wendy Gava. "They'll be joined by 50 school students who will re-enact the ancient story of Noah's Ark. We'll also feature some youth culture."

Lismore mayor Merv King said the inauguration was an important milestone for Lismore and encouraged families to bring a picnic rug and join the fun.

"The levee has helped transform the entire riverbank and we would love families to come and be part of this historic event and enjoy the day's festivities," Cr King said

Performances will begin at 11.20am, with the CWA providing free refreshments for visitors throughout the morning.

Lismore will be awash with federal politicians next week when the Nationals hold their Federal Party meeting in the city. During their two-day visit, the National Party MPs and senators will also meet with businesses and regional councils organisation NOROC to discuss local issues.

"This is a unique opportunity for our region," Page MP Ian Causley said.

War memorabilia wanted

The City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch is looking for World War II memorabilia for a display to mark Victory in the Pacific Day - the 60th anniversary of the end of the war.

The RSL Sub-Branch is also encouraging people to attend the commemorative service to mark VP Day on August 15 at the Lismore cenotaph from 11am.

A luncheon at the Lismore Workers Club will follow. The cost is $10pp. For luncheon bookings or to donate memorabilia, phone the RSL Sub-Branch on 6621 3851 weekdays between 8.30am and 11am.

Boyfriend is prime suspect

The police investigation into the death of German tourist Simone Strobel has taken another step with a homicide squad detective travelling to Germany to share information on the case with investigators there.

German police have named her boyfriend, Tobias Suckfuell, as a prime suspect in the case. The cause of Simone's death has not been released, even to her family.

Not a patch on the old days

Lismore Craft and Quilters members (front to rear) Mary Noble-Pile, Betty McPherson, Margaret Gardiner and Ellen Springall with some of the many colourful quilts that will be on display during the group's 25th anniversary exhibition.

The Lismore Craft and Quilters 25th silver anniversary exhibition at the Lismore Workers Club this weekend is a spectacular tribute to this unique artform and a must-see for anyone who loves needlework.

The exhibition features hundreds of beautiful handmade quilts, as well as a lingerie display and other creative pursuits.

"The women in our group are so inventive and the quilts and crafts they have made are just breathtaking," said Lismore Craft and Quilters president, Margaret Gardiner. "It's a truly extraordinary collection and if you've ever wanted to do quilting or craft, this is the place to find your inspiration."

The exhibition also features a moving tribute to founding member, Olga Buchan, who passed away last year, plus 110 child-sized quilts that were made by Far North Coast quilting groups for the 'Quilts of Love' campaign. Following the exhibition the quilts will be presented to the neonatal unit at Lismore Base Hospital.

The exhibition is this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 28-30, at the Lismore Workers Club, from 9.30am to 6pm. Entry is $5 for adults and $2 for kids.

Council considers booze ban in Lennox Head

Lennox Head business owners feel under siege following a series of break ins and vandalism in the wake of recent riots by teenagers. A real estate agent, hairdresser and gift shop have all been burgled in the last week.

Sam Tancred of the Lennox Head Professionals grew up in the village and is devastated by the crime spree. On Tuesday, thieves stole a camera, laptop and cash from his business.

"We've been here 24 years and this is really disappointing," he said. "The village has got to a point where it needs a permanent police presence. At the moment, the people causing the problems know they have time to escape once police are called because they have to come from Ballina."

Members of the Lennox Head chamber of commerce met last night to try and find solutions the problems afflicting the village.

Meanwhile, Ballina Shire Council will consider plans to extend a ban on late night alcohol consumption in Lennox Head streets and park at its meeting today, July 28.

Council's Crime Prevention and Community Drug Action Team has recommended alcohol be banned between 10pm and 7am in an area stretching from Ross Park to Lake Ainsworth and Main Beach. Police will have the power to hit offenders with on-the-spot fines.

The move comes Ballina Police launched a major crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the village. Last Friday night, Police caught a 15-year-old boy with a large quality of alcohol. Following investigations, an 18-year-old Alstonville man was fined $1000 for supplying alcohol to a minor.

Police will continue to target anti-social behaviour in the village

Anyone with information on the break-ins should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

New supermarket opens in Goonellabah

The new IGA Goonellabah supermarket in East Point Shopping Village is open for business following a recent tussle with Lismore Council over development approval for the site.

Shop assistant Glenn Dawson and manager Trevor Atkinson (pictured) have trolley-loads of great groceries on the shelves and the shop is open 7am-10pm daily.

The supermarket held its official opening on Monday and its convenience a good prices are proving popular with shoppers from nearby, as well as attracting the curious from as far afield as Casino.

Check out the East Point Shopping Village on the roundabout at the corner of the Bruxner Highway and Holland Street.

Attack on homeless man a mystery

Police are appealing for witnesses following a vicious assault on a homeless man in Nimbin. The 36-year-old man is in a serious condition and remains unconscious after being taken to Lismore Base Hospital on Monday. He had been camping by the river on the outskirts of the town. While Police have established his identity, they have few details on the assault, which is believed to have occurred some time over the weekend. Hospital staff notified Police of the suspected attack on Tuesday.

Detective Sergeant Shane Diehm said officers canvassed people in Nimbin on Wednesday morning in an attempt to establish what happened.

"The community has been helpful and are keen to assist Police. We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident over the weekend or has knowledge regarding the incident to come forward," he said.

Contact Nimbin Police on 6689 1244 or Lismore detectives on 6623 1599.

A 34-year-old Lismore male arrested and charged with a range of driving offences, including drink driving. The man was spotted driving a defective vehicle on Invercauld Road Goonellabah around 8pm last Wednesday. As well as mid-range PCA, has was charged with being unlicensed and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Ballina police are investigating a break and enter at a River Street hotel last Wednesday some time between between 9.26pm and 11.56pm. The thieves caused a considerable amount of damage in forcing entry to steal a large quantity of boxed alcohol.

Have you seen these people?

Missing for up to four years without explanation: Paul Lubrano, John Burns and Lucy McDonald.

You are looking at the faces of agony and uncertainty for the family and friends. Paul Lubrano, John Burns and Lucy McDonald.

Along with Nimbin resident Bronwyn Winfield (not pictured) they have all vanished without trace or explanation, leaving those behind to deal with the trauma of their sudden disappearance.

National Missing Persons Week begins this Sunday, July 31. A recent study showed that for every person who goes missing, another 12 are directly affected.

In the last year, 9335 people were reported missing to NSW Police. Around 99 per cent of people who go missing are found, 86 per cent within 14 days. A large percentage of those missing are young people with family problems.

But that's not the case four local people listed with the NSW Police Missing Persons Unit. Their stories are as follows:

• Paul Lubrano of Alstonville, went missing in July 2001 and would now be aged 42. Paul has brown eyes, brown hair, a medium complexion and is of Mediterranean appearance. He is 185cm tall. Paul was last seen by his family in July 2001 when he left the family home. He has travelled around the country for extended periods of time in the past, however has always remained in contact with his family. Paul has not contacted family or friends since his disappearance.  
• John Burns, aged 79 years, was last seen by his wife on April 1, 2004 at their home in Tweed Heads. At the time of his disappearance John was in good health both physically and mentally. John has not contacted any family of friends since his disappearance, and despite extensive enquiries there has been no trace of him. John has grey hair and is of thin build.
• Lucy McDonald disappeared from her home in Lismore on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 and nothing has been heard of her since. She would now be aged 40 and is 145cm tall, of thin build, with medium complexion, of Aboriginal appearance with green/hazel eyes and shoulder length brown hair.
• Bronwyn Winfield of Nimbin, who was last seen by relatives at Lennox Head in May 1993. Bronwyn would now be 43 years old and was described as being of thin build with blond or dyed hair and green/hazel eyes. Police believe she may have travelled to Queensland or could have remained in the Nimbin area.

If you have information on any of these people, phone police on 1800 333 000.

From little things big things grow

Members of Wilsons River Landcare Group (l-r) Nicholas and James Ekins, Cr Vanessa Ekins and Ruth Gould with Jenny Fraser from City Toyota, which is sponsoring this Sunday's National Tree Day event in Lismore.

The Wilsons River Landcare Group will celebrate its 10th anniversary on National Tree Day this Sunday, July 31, with a community tree planting in Pritchard Park - the very site where the group planted its first seedlings.

Since then the group has rehabilitated around three kilometres of the riverbank with native rainforest species.

Landcare Group president Vanessa Ekins invited families to "put down some roots on the riverbank" this Sunday and help plant 1000 trees at the cleared site next to the Winsome Hotel.

"Pritchard Park was the site of Durrough's Timber Mill in the 1880s, but today, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, it is a haven for native rainforest species that existed on the riverbank when the cedar cutters first came up the Wilsons River," Vanessa said. "Since National Tree Day began 10 years ago, 7.5 million trees have been planted around Australia and this weekend the aim is to plant a million more, so we need all the hands we can get."

City Toyota is providing $300 worth of plants and a free morning tea for anyone who gets their hands dirty this Sunday.

The planting runs from 9.30am to 12pm. Wear a hat and sturdy shoes. For more details, phone Vanessa on 6624 5500.

Other National Tree Day events are:

• The Angels Beach Dune Care & Reafforestation Group is holding a community tree planting on Sunday, July 31, at Angels Beach in East Ballina from 8.30am to 12.30pm. The site is east of the Coast Road, about 100m north of the Angels Beach overpass bridge. Wear sturdy shoes and a hat, and bring gardening gloves, insect repellent and sunscreen. For info phone 6681 3557.
• Patchs Beach Dune Care Group will be planting trees on Sunday, July 31, at Patchs Beach Reserve from 8.30am. For info phone Peter on 6687 9580.
• The Friends of the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens are inviting people to a workday on Sunday, August 7, at the Wyrallah Road Waste Facility to plant trees and do some weeding. Arrive between 8am and 8.30am. For info phone Pat on 6629 1435 or Denis on 6689 5261.

More power to the people

One of two new 54-tonne transformers which were manouevered into place last Friday at the new $2.5 million Country Energy zone sub-station in Ballina.

Ballina's new $2.5 million zone sub-station came a step closer to completion last week when Country Energey installed two 54-tonne transformers at the Temple Street site.

The tranformers were manouevered into place with a large crane that was brought down from Brisbane, and each are worth $600,000.

"The population is expanding rapidly on the Far North Coast and that is going to continue, so we are continually upgrading our facilities to meet the community's requirements," said Country Energy's Far North Coast regional general manager, Brian Glawson. "The delivery and installation of the two 30 megawatt transformers is just another stage in the project, which has been underway now since late 2004."

Mr Glawson said the sub-station construction is on schedule, and will be completed by Christmas this year.

Fight for a pub puff continues

Peak health groups have launched a new campaign - Go Smoke Free For Real - to counter pressure from the hotel industry to water down smoking bans.

Diana Fisher from the Cancer Council's Far North Coast regional office said the hotel industry is now trying to convince the NSW Government to change the definition so that smoking can continue in areas that are 75 per cent enclosed.

"We're concerned that the final ban in July 2007 will be quite different to what people expect if the hotel industry succeeds in getting this loophole,"

"Unless we give the public a way to counter the industry pressure, the final ban could actually mean smoking is allowed in rooms that have large windows or a wall missing,"she said.

Georgina Benham, licensee of the Winsome Hotel in Lismore, is a smoker, but believe the tougher laws should stay.

"I think everyone will feel pretty let down if the industry gets away with this," she said. "When the Government announced smoking would be banned in pubs in July 2007, everyone expected pubs to be smoke-free. You can't just change the goalposts halfway through."

The Cancer Council is now encouraging Northern Rivers residents to log on to www.cancercouncil.com.au/gosmokefree and show support for the Go Smoke Free For Real.

To the manor sold

The historic Ballina Manor up for sale, but you'll need deep pockets to buy it.

The heritage-listed 12-room guesthouse has been put on the market by owner Jeff Champion, a former Lismore mayor. He expects it to fetch between $3- $4 million when it goes up for auction in Sydney in September.

Mr Champion said the manor was being sold to consolidate his businesses.

"I must admit I have mixed feelings about it," he said. "Old buildings have always been a passion of mine. Having spent a couple of million on this one, I'm probably more attached to it than most people are to a business. The current managers have done a wonderful job and I'm sure Ballina Manor has a great future."

Mr Champion said he'd already had a number of enquiries from prospective buyers.

Manager Michael Fuller and his wife Anke have been running the Manor for the last four years.

"We have won quite a few awards," he said. "We're interested in keeping it going and it's certainly got great potential for the future."

The building was been a girls' college, boarding house and flats before being refurbished by Mr Champion.

A smart way to tackle drugs

Launching the new Drug Smart Z-Card this week were (l-r) Cr Jenny Dowell, Danielle Gough from Civic Video in Goonellabah and Community Connections manager William McManamey.

A drug advice card for young people to keep in their wallet was launched in Lismore this week. The NSW Government's new Drug Smart Z-Card highlights potential danger scenarios for drugs and offers advice on where to get help if it's needed.

Lismore councillor Jenny Dowell launched the card saying it encourages young people to think about their behaviour.

"The Drug Smart Z-Card dispels common myths about some of the drugs that young people may encounter and provides accurate information on drug and alcohol related issues," she said.

To make it more appealing, Civic Video has included three video coupons with the card.

"This is an excellent example of government and business working in partnership to tackle problems affecting the community," Cr Dowell said.

Regional achiever awards close soon

Entries in the inaugural Regional Achievement and Community Awards close next week. The awards are designed reward people making an exceptional contribution to their local community and playing a vital role in building and improving the region. There are five categories: Business Enterprise; Events and Tourism; Regional Service; Environment and Landcare; and Community of the Year.

Prizes include up to $20,000 in Commonwealth Bank Award Saver accounts and the support of Prime Television with airtime packages to category winners. Nominations close on August 5. Winners are announced on November 26.

Nomination forms are available from all Commonwealth Bank branches and Rex Airlines or visit the awards website www.awardsaustralia.com.

Tea and scones anyone?

Trying out some of the herb-inspired scones that will be available at the Devonshire Tea Tent at this year's Health and Herb Festival are Ozanam Villa residents (l-r) Evelyn Attewell, Irma Wiffen, Jean Elphick and Kevin O'Brien with (rear l-r) Summerland House With No Steps CEO Brett Lacey, House With No Steps employee Therese Anderson and Health and Herb Festival coordinator Anita Mansfield.

This year's Greenridge Health and Herb Festival will feature a number of new events, including the Devonshire Tea Tent to provide older visitors with a unique way to enjoy the use of herbs in cooking.

The Devonshire Tea Tent will brew Madura Tea from Murwillumbah, while the Summerland House With No Steps will serve three different scones - jam and cream, pumpkin and herb, and lemon myrtle.

"The tent will complement the other features of the festival and showcase herbs in a way people haven't tried before," said festival coordinator Anita Mansfield. "We really wanted to provide something more specific for the older community at this year's festival, and it's also a great way to involve people with disabilities in one of Lismore's most popular community events."

The Greenridge Health and Herb Festival is on Saturday and Sunday, August 20-21, in Riverside Park, Lismore.

Any proceeds from the event will help Summerland House With No Steps continue to provide employment and training opportunities for local people with disabilities.

Rous flushed with success

Rous Water is looking at offering the Aquasaver - a hand basin that attaches to the top of the toilet and recycles water - to residents in a bid to save water.

A simple water-saving device featured on the New Inventors could change the way Northern Rivers residents wash their hands.

Rous Water is investigating offering 100 units of the Aquasaver hand basin to residents at the discounted price of $200. But Rous has delayed a decision on the proposal while they investigate the future of the water tank rebate scheme.

Meanwhile, Rous will invite the Aquasaver manufacturers to demonstrate the device at the North Coast National Show in October.

The Aquasaver fits on top of a toilet cistern, and the water used for hand washing gets re-used to flush the toilet. Its manufacturers say the device saves up to two litres of water with each use, or 15.7 kilolitres per annum in the average household.

School leavers consider their future

Kate Herron, Lisa Lewins and Zoe Quinnell (pictured l-r), from Ballina High School, were three of the 550 HSC students exploring options at the North Coast Tertiary Information Day at Southern Cross University on Tuesday.

The day was organised by the Summerland Careers Advisors Association. The closing date for school leavers to apply for university admission in New South Wales and Queensland is September 30.

Ballina Council backs Rivafest

Ballina Council has thrown its support behind the annual Rivafest celebration.

Rivafest, formerly the Ballina Alive Aquatic Festival, has been running successfully for the past five years and will be held in Fawcett Park on the weekend of September 17-18.

Ballina Alive chairperson Jo Halpin said Council had offered dollar-for-dollar support to employ Kerry Greedy as event coordinator. She began work six weeks ago.

"Rivafest will showcase the history, culture and the lifestyle of the local Ballina Shire community by celebrating the life of the Richmond River," Ms Halpin said.

Rivafest will highlight the role the river has played in the development of the community over the past century.

To find out more about the event, volunteer or to become an event sponsor, contact Kerry Greedy at the Ballina Visitor Centre on 6686 3484.

Cancer nurses among the chosen few

Lismore Base Hospital cancer nurses Nancy Jaeger and Suzanne Hutton are about to undertake higher level studies.

Breast care nurse Nancy Jaeger and cancer liaison nurse, Suzanne Hutton have been offered prestigious positions in the Graduate Certificate in Breast Cancer Nursing course offered by the College of Nursing.

Describing their selection as "a fantastic opportunity, both personally and professionally," Ms Jaeger explained that the 12-month distance education course will begin next week.

In 2002, Ms Jaeger received a NSW Cancer Council Award for her involvement in cancer in the Northern Rivers and promoting cancer clinical trials in a rural area. She helped introduce the after-breast cancer program, YWCA ENCORE, to Lismore two years ago.

Suzanne Hutton is based at the cancer care and haematology unit at Lismore Base Hospital where she works with many cancer patients.

She sits on a range of hospital and community committees, including the Cancer Council Steering Committee, which is planning a major forum for late 2005, and facilitates the Lismore general cancer support group.

"This has given me a real enthusiasm for women's health and breast cancer in particular," Ms Hutton said.

Going green earns a Tassie holiday

Ballina couple Benjamin and Prue Gray (pictured) are looking forward to a Tasmanian holiday they won by signing up for Country Energy's Countrygreen option.

Prue and Benjamin opted for energy from renewable sources when they moved to Ballina in April.

"We were green power customers in Queensland as well and didn't hesitate to sign up when we connected here," Prue said. "We didn't know there was a competition running and I couldn't believe it when someone rang me to say we'd won a trip."

They will head for the Tarkine rainforest in November for a tour hosted by conservation organisation WWF Australia.

The Countrygreen option was launched by Country Energy last December and is attracting around 150 sign-ups weekly.

Retail sales general manager Ramy Soussou said green energy customers saved an average of eight tones of greenhouse gases annually, equivalent to taking two cars off the road.

"For only $1.50 extra per week, or $78 per year, Countrygreen Energy customers can help reduce greenhouse gases," he said.

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