The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Writers Fest a great story

Photo by Jeff Dawson, courtesy of The Byron Shire Echo.

Some of the Byron Bay Writers Festival crew (l-r) Rebecca Park, Festival director Jill Eddington, Susie Warrick and Claire Dunigan point out a few of this years program highlights.

If you're seeking inspiration on how to become a writer at this weekend's Byron Bay Writers Festival, one option you might consider is becoming a politician. Queensland's Premier, Peter Beattie has put pen to paper to produce his autobiography is Making A Difference: Life, Leadership and Politics, the latest in a long line of political memoirs.

The Premier is one of 100 writers who'll be speaking at the three-day Byron Bay Writers Festival, which begins this Friday.

Mr Beattie will discuss leadership with Dr Anne Summers and journalist Margaret Simons at 10am Friday and more than 8000 people are expected to attend the festival at the Byron Bay Beach resort.

Director Jill Eddington said the festival, now in its ninth year, is a nationally significant event that attracts the nations best thinkers, as well as leading international authors.

"It used to be purely about books and literary writers, but has become a festival of ideas and a forum for people to come along and engage in debate and discussion."

"The audience now includes a very broad sweep of the community. By bringing a lot of different things into the program such as sport and celebrities the audience is not just a little elite group." she said.

Ms Eddington said her personal highlight was a rare appearance by the acclaimed Australian author Kate Grenville.

"She is one of my most favourite writers. Since the day I started this job I have been inviting her and this is the first time she has been able to make it. She has her wonderful new book [The Secret River] and will be delivering the Thea Astley lecture on Friday evening," she said.

The lineup ranges from satirists to songwriters, playwrights, scriptwriters, poets and authors discussing the key issues of life - philosophy, travel, spirituality, sex and sport.

"To have people like John Clarke, Peter Beattie and John Safran coming is amazing,"Ms Eddington said.

Younger readers have a venue all to themselves on Festival Saturday, showcasing bestselling picture book author Alison Lester, local writer Steven Axelson and the wonderful Nike Bourke.

Local writers are also strongly represented, including Australian literary icon Robert Drewe launching his new novel Grace along with the release of Jesse Blackadder's much-anticipated first novel After the Party.

While some events are already sold out, day and three-day passes to the Festival are still available. Phone 6685 6262 for details. Program details are online at www.byronbaywritersfestival.com

'Shift happens' says Telstra boss

by Simon Thomsen & Eve Sinton

Lismore speech calls for less govt meddling

• Promise to stay in the bush
• Calls for others to serve regions
• Agrees with regional fund from T3 sale

Telstra chief executive Sol Trujillo during his visit to Lismore on Tuesday.

Telstra is crippled by outdated regulations and its competition should be forced to supply more services to the bush the company's new chief executive, Sol Trujillo, said in a landmark speech delivered in Lismore on Tuesday.

Reaffirming the company's commitment to the bush in his first visit to regional Australia, after just four weeks in the job, Mr Trujillo claimed that funding of the federal Government's universal service obligation (USO), which forces Telstra to invest $250 million per annum in regional telecommunications, was inadequate.

In a veiled swipe at competition policy, Mr Trujillo suggested that his competitors were cherry picking the more lucrative city markets and ignoring the more expensive infrastructure required in the bush. "Competition is undermining some of the great things we used to be able to do," he said, giving the nod to cross subsidisation.

The Telstra boss said the Government's current rules are "last century" and lagged behind technological change, hindering competition and stifling innovation. It created a "digital divide" and left his company with one hand tied behind its back.

"Since arriving on the job, I've found that Telstra is not allowed in some cases to match the prices that some of its competitors charge," he said.

The following day, communications minister Helen Coonan dismissed his calls saying Telstra "gets off lightly" by international standards.

In recent weeks, it seemed like the telecommunications giant was on a collision course with the National Party, following comments that the USO was unsustainable. Some senators threatened to cross the floor and block the Government's plan to sell its remaining stake in Telstra.

Nationals leader Mark Vaile said he was "deeply disturbed" by the comments, adding that "Telstra does not have an option about providing these services; it has to provide them whether it likes them or not."

It came to a surprising head in Lismore's Karinga Hotel on Tuesday afternoon when Mr Trujillo held an impromptu meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister. It was the first time they had met, sparking national media interest, with many expecting a showdown.

A few hours later Mr Trujillo praised Mr Vaile's proposal for a $2 billion Telecommunications Future Fund funded from the sale of T3.

"This is the kind of creative thinking we need to encourage," he said.

Having grown up and worked in the sparsely populated US state of Wyoming, Mr Trujillo said he had empathy for the issues facing regional Australia and pledged that Telstra would remain in the bush.

His speech also had some lighter moments. He declared that Telstra dealt in POTS - 'plain old telephone services' - but the future was filled with PANS - 'pretty amazing new stuff'. He concluded by saying that more change was inevitable.

"Shift happens," he grinned.

Calling all car lovers

Story & photo: Julian 'Stick shift' Ryan

Summerland Sports and Classic Car Club president Trevor Davey with club Members Grant Moehead and Bruce Fenwick with Grant's 1969 Triumph TR6 getting ready for Sunday's car show in Lismore.

This Sunday Lismore's Clyde Campbell Car Park will become a motor show extravaganza when more than 200 car enthusiasts will gather for the 22nd annual Summerland Sports and Classic Car Club's Annual Static Car Show.

Club president Trevor Davey said this year's event could be the largest car display ever held in Lismore.

"We have entries from all over NSW and interstate," Trevor said. "This event is a great opportunity for car enthusiasts to get together and catch up on technical assistance and chase spare parts and it's also a fantastic day for the whole family to see some brilliantly restored pieces of automotive history."

This year will feature vintage, veteran, classic, sports and unique cars and motorcycles in categories.

Entries will be accepted on the day with no prior registration required.

The public is also invited to join Summerland Sports and Classic Car Club for a 'car buff' bistro dinner this Saturday at the Pioneer Tavern Wollongbar from 7pm. For booking phone Robynne on 6628 5234 or Jean on 6628 3855.

The 22nd annual Summerland Sports and Classic Car Club Annual Static Car Show is this Sunday, August 7 in the Clyde Campbell Car Park Lismore from 9am to 2pm.

Entry is by gold coin donation and everyone is welcome.

A flood of emotion peaks at levee meet

The atmosphere was tense at the Italo Club last Wednesday, where around 150 people turned out for Lismore Council's public flood debriefing.

Lismore SES Unit Controller Lindsay Matterson was blunt in his analysis of why the call was made to evacuate the CBD during last month's flood.

"We err on the side of caution. I'd rather come to a meeting like this and cop a few eggs and tomatoes than have to speak at a coronial inquest," he told 150 residents who gathered last Wednesday to discuss the city's response to the deluge.

SES Division controller Scott Hanckel echoed his sentiments.

"I'd much rather inconvenience you than kill you... Weather prediction is an inherently uncertain business. We had an untested levee system and strong winds and heavy rain still falling in the morning. As Murphy's Law would have it as soon as we made the decision to evacuate people the weather immediately started to ease," he said

As with the 2001 flood, confusion over water levels was a major concern.

Mr Matterson said the solution was to establish a flood warden system in North Lismore.

"Then you can get accurate, timely advice specific to North Lismore," he explained. Anyone who would like to get involved should phone Vicki Findlay on 6622 0712.

Others were less impressed by the impact of the levee and sought to vent their anger.

Two people were escorted from the room by security guards after emotions were also overtopped. After repeatedly being ignored, one North Lismore woman became agitated.

"This is a sham... we had a lake, a torrent, we were in danger and it's being covered up," she yelled. "The government needs to step in and finance us to fix our houses so we are safe from this new hazard [the Lismore flood levee]."

Local television journalist Miranda Saunders, of South Gundurimba, was not happy with the information supplied by Lismore Council, having rung on numerous occasions to see if they should raise their home contents, only to be told 'no' and that in fact they'd be better off.

Ms Saunders said the flood came higher than she's ever seen before and the road was already underwater before they could move livestock to higher ground.

And while the levee held, it leaked in three places, but was kept under control by small pumps.

Get washed away at your risk Council tells Lennox residents

Ballina Council plans to keep approving development on the fragile coast at Lennox Head, but is seeking to absolve itself of any responsibility should the land suffer sea damage.

Lennox Head landowners in the 'coastal hazard zone' will receive advisory notes about the land's vulnerability to sea damage warning them that Council accepts no liability 'for any potential harm, loss or damage'. The waiver will apply to land earmarked as vulnerable in the next 50 years, located between Byron Street and Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre.

Cr Margaret Howes left the chamber for the vote, saying she wanted to see the legal advice the Council's recommendation was based on.

"I don't want to be strung up in the future when the sea comes in and the people come head-hunting," she said. "When it happens, this will be one of the biggest issues ever."

Cr Brown said, "We're not lawyers - we can only do our best. I recommend that we get on with this, and set this in concrete."

Cr Silver said ratepayers would be left in limbo if Council didn't adopt the measure.

"We've all wrestled with the issue of personal responsibility," he said. "The best way to deal with this is to follow the technical and legal advice provided to us by staff."

Call to arms over health crisis

Lismore resident Marshall Fittler has called a public meeting at Lismore City Hall this Saturday to discuss health concerns.

The future of critical medical services at Lismore Base Hospital is under a cloud with a dispute between the North Coast Area Health Service and specialist doctors over funding for surgery boiling over into threats of mass walkouts.

While anaesthetists have been fighting for a substantial pay rise over the last month, surgeons are leaving hampered by a lack of funds for operations.

Medical Staff Council vice-chairman, Dr Chris Ingall, said hospitals in the Richmond Valley were under-funded by $5-$8 million annually and that the NSW Government had stalled on the re-development of Lismore Base Hospital, previously the responsibility of new premier Morris Iemma.

"They are leaving because the lack of money means they can't do the surgery they should be doing. Waiting lists are growing longer and surgery keeps being cancelled," he said. "The Government walked away from this hospital five years ago, but the doctors haven't yet. Unless the Government takes immediate action those doctors will be lost. Only people power will make them listen."

Goonellabah resident Marshall Fittler has responded to Dr Ingall's call to action and has called a public meeting at Lismore City Hall this Saturday, August 6, from 2pm to 4pm.

"Do your bit," he said. "Don't leave it up to others to fight this fight for you. This problem will only be solved if we all work together to find a solution."

Local doctors will attend to explain the situation. MPs and Health Service CEO Chris Crawford have been invited.

Mr Fittler found out what it's like to have family life turned upside-down when his granddaughter Bonnie, aged 7, became ill.

"If Lismore Base Hospital loses its specialists and anaesthetists it will be downgraded, and people will have to travel long distances for treatment," Mr Fittler said. "So come along to the meeting and fight for the health and wellbeing of yourself and your loved ones."

Dr Ingall hoped the meeting would convey a message to the Health Minister.

"It will let him know he can't deconstruct Lismore Base Hospital without the local people becoming upset," he said

For more information about the meeting, call Mr Fittler on 6624 4879.

Meanwhile, NCAHS executive officer Chris Crawford met with medical staff from Lismore Base on Monday night to hear their concerns.

The meeting discussed the anaesthetists' dispute, scheduling of booked surgery, and contractual issues.

Dr Ingall said he thought the dispute could be resolved in around a week.

Further discussions on the outstanding issues are planned for the end of this week.

In Sydney on Wednesday, former health minister Morris Iemma was sworn in as Premier, while former justice minister John Hatzistergos became the new health minister.

Shop locally and fill the tank for free

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

(l-r) Team Business Power managing director Ray Bailey and AJ Magnay fill the tank, with Nicky Singh and Ann Jackson (front) in front of the other Lismore business people who are involved in the discount petrol scheme.

Shop at the big supermarkets and you'll save few cents on petrol. But shop with Lismore small businesses and get your next tank for free.

A bold new discount scheme launched this week offers up to 50 cents a litre off the price of fuel. The more you spend, the more you'll save and the discount vouchers can be combined, meaning you can fill up for free.

Ray Bailey, of scheme organisers Team Business Power, said participating businesses pay for the discount.

"When customers make a purchase at one of our participating businesses they receive a discount fuel voucher of between five and 50 cents a litre and can accrue the vouchers to receive a discount up to the pump price - which means free fuel," he said.

Ray Barrett, owner of Ra's Lismore Car Repairs said the discount petrol scheme was a fantastic incentive for people to do business locally.

"It's a win-win situation for everyone," Mr Barrett said. "The customer wins by getting cheaper fuel and business wins with increased turnover."

Richard Fisher from Woody's Sports Shoes said the plan kept local money from being gobbled up by larger stores.

"It's about the local guys taking on Coles and Woolworths." he said.

More than 20 Lismore businesses have signed up: Gibbo's Auto Spares, Ra's Lismore Car Repairs, GB's Mattress Discounts, Lismore Books Plus, Luv a Coffee, Qualmark, Kleenheat Gas House, Little Deli, Trevor Oram's Living Entertainment, Lismore Jewel Centre, Lismore Designer Building, City Bikeworx, Planet Music, Robert McLennan Real Estate, The Loft, Lismore Classic Cars, Bob's New & Used Furniture, Woody's Sports Shoes, Menin's Foodworks, Profile Pools, AJ Magnay Hardware and Gibson's Amcal Chemist.

Discount petrol vouchers are accepted at Ampol, Ballina Street, and Caltex, corner of Woodlark and Dawson streets.

A Heartfelt lifeline for survivors

Summerland House With No Steps chairman Dr Bill Buddee (right) hands over the keys of Heartfelt House's new premises to the organisations director and founder, Vicki Hamilton, and chairman of the board, Larry Rawstorne.

A new charity called Heartfelt House has been established to provide support and understanding to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The organisation will provide counselling services, workshops and therapy programs in what founder and director, Vicki Hamilton, describes as an under-resourced area of mental health.

"Those who have suffered sexual abuse need to have an avenue where they can share their emotions with others in a comfortable, accepting and loving environment," Vicki said. "The effects of sexual abuse are profound, costing the national economy an estimated $7.2 billion annually. Heartfelt House will be full of survivors and supporters who can help address these serious issues so people can go onto live happier, healthier lives."

Heartfelt House has been given rent-free premises by the Summerland House With No Steps in Alstonville, which will be renovated and fitted out as a counselling and office space before the organisation's official launch in early 2006.

Heartfelt House is now concentrating on raising funds for the service and has organised a fundraising concert with Isabella Acapella and Voices in the Roar, which will be held at the Alstonville Anglican Hall on Sunday, August 28, from 2-4pm.

Tickets are $15/10 with afternoon tea included and are available now from the Alstonville Anglican Church office, the Alstonville Baptist Church and the Alstonville Uniting Church. For more information phone 6628 7422.

Outdoor drinking banned in Lennox Head

Alcohol consumption has been banned along the Lennox Head beachfront from 10pm to 7am. Ballina Shire Council voted to extend its night-time alcohol ban from Ross Park through to Lake Ainsworth and Main Beach at its meeting last Thursday.

Cr Peter Moore said police had found the ban worked well in Ross Park, but it had created a 'move on' effect down the beach.

Cr Alan Rich said Lennox Head residents had told him there was a need for a greater police presence in the town, as well as the extended alcohol ban.

It's official: the levee is working

(l-r) Page MP Ian Causley, deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile, Tweed MP Neville Newell and Lismore mayor Merv King at the opening of the Lismore flood levee on Monday.

What does $5.5 million buy you these days? Well, if you're the deputy Prime Minister, it scores you an invite to come and open the Lismore flood levee. The Nationals leader and deputy PM Mark Vaile officially opened the $19 million levee on Monday - a month after it successfully kept floodwaters from spilling into the city's CBD.

Mr Vaile hailed the 3km-long levee a resounding success.

"Here we are on the banks of the Wilsons River celebrating the new levee and one thing we know for sure is that it works," he said.

The NSW Government also chipped in to the tune of $8.5 million, giving local Labor MP Neville Newell - representing Craig Knowles, who resigned from parliament on Wednesday - the chance to say a few words too. Perhaps Mr Vaile deserved a few minutes in the sunshine after being overshadowed by former NSW premier Bob Carr when they visited Lismore at the same time during the floods.

Ballina hands development approval to staff

By Eve Sinton

Until recently, if you wanted to put up a fence in Ballina shire, you had to get the approval of the shire's nine councillors. In the last few months, the elected representatives have taken a more hands off approach, only looking at development applications that attract objections. In a landmark decision at last week's Council meeting, the entire approval process for development applications (DA) will be handed over to Council staff.

Handing this power over to staff caused heated debate when Crs Alan Rich and Margaret Howes opposed the change.

Cr Rich said the move was flawed.

"Our regulatory division is over-stressed and under-staffed," he said. "Council is for making assessments and providing advice to staff. We all represent different views from different sections of the community. Those people have the right to have their voices heard around this chamber. This takes a section of the community's voice out of the public arena," he said.

Mayor Phillip Silver saw it as a way to control costs.

"We're not forfeiting our authority. These DAs will still be advertised and people will lobby us," he said. "I can't see any loss of democracy. We have struggled for years over issues like carports in relation to building lines. The staff can do a better job of this."

Cr Sharon Cadwallader said the move was in line with other councils, including Lismore.

"This resolution is for a trial 12 months. It does allow DAs to come back to us in the business paper, and I have every confidence in our staff team," she said.

Cr Margaret Howes said it was giving an "open slate" to staff.

"We could all go home an hour earlier, but Councillors are here to be the voice of the people," she said.

Staff will now determine the development proposals, including applications that attract objections. The approved DAs will be listed in the monthly business paper and Councillors will be given a list of outstanding DAs. They will still be able to request a DA be brought to the meeting for decision and anyone who has a DA turned down can also request that Councillors review the staff decision.

Captain Des douses his burning ambitions

By Eve Sinton

Captain Des Fairfull retired this week after 46 years with the fire brigade

After more than 26 years as captain of the NSW Fire Brigade's Lismore Station, Des Fairfull is hanging up his helmet. Des joined the brigade around 46 years ago as a volunteer. He was talked into it by the firefighter next door, who rode to call-outs on his push bike.

"Early in the piece there was a big fire at a paint depot in Wyrallah Road, and there was the AMP fire in Magellan Street," Des recalled. "I remember a fire at a freight depot in North Lismore. It was about three or four in the morning, and in those days we wore the old black suits. I remember seeing the frost on the fellas' backs."

Firefighting can be a dangerous job, and often involves dealing with fatalities in burned out buildings or road accidents.

"I've been fortunate not to have a problem with that. Some people dwell on them, but to me it's just part of the job," Des said. "Nowadays we go to a lot of accidents and the fire engines are fully equipped for rescues. You spend as much time training in first aid and rescue work."

Fire trucks now all have a minimum crew of four, and where smoke and flames are present, compressed air breathing suits are used. It's a big change from polished brass helmets.

"In the old days there were lots of fires with people doing things like drying nappies by the kerosene heater," Des said. "These days, most fires are caused by old, faulty electrical wiring."

Besides fires, Des has spent many days pumping water out of cellars and hosing mud off pavements in the wake of Lismore's floods.

And while he'll miss all his work friends, his wife Glenna is looking forward to undisturbed nights and uninterrupted family occasions with their children, Louise, Peter and Paul.

"I won't miss getting up at 2am when I'm called out to a fire," Des says with a grin

As well as spending time with his family, Des plans to pursue his hobbies of restoring old rocking horses and clocks.

Get rich for charity

Six local financial experts will present a financial charity event to raise money for the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter at the Lismore Workers Club on Wednesday, August 17, from 6pm.

Entry to the seminar is $10 and there will be hot food, lucky door prizes, an auction and giveaways. For more information phone Roette on 6679 3888 or 0410 591 848.

Red Cross wills day

The Red Cross and Trenches Solicitors will hold a 'wills day' at the Red Cross regional Centre at 130 Keen Street Lismore on Wednesday and Thursday August 18-19.

Trenches staff will donate their time to prepare the wills. The cost is $60 for a single person and $90 for a couple.

The money raised will be put back into the local community through various Red Cross programs. Bookings are essential. Phone 6622 3244.

Dunoon Oval lights

Dunoon's Balzer Oval will have a $62,000 competition-standard lighting upgrade completed by October.

The NSW Government will grant $35,000 to the project along with Lismore City Council is contributing $20,000, Dunoon Soccer Club pledging $5000 and Dunoon Little Athletics $2000.

Bill fought the law and won

Head of School of Law and Justice Professor Stanley Yeo, with law student Bill McCaughey, 81, and his wife Joan.

Learning never stops. Just ask Lismore's Bill McCaughey who turns 81 this month and has been studying law at Southern Cross University.

Mr McCaughey, known for his volunteer work as a pension officer for the Lismore RSL sub-branch, studied Veterans' Law to help with his role in assisting veterans, war widows and their families with compensation and pension claims from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"I became interested in how the claims I dealt with actually fitted with Veterans' law, which is an established body of law. So studying case histories has been critical," Mr McCaughey said. "Law is one thing but to understand how it applies is important. It opened a door for me, a way of thinking."

The Veterans' Law short course at SCU is a partnership between the university and the Veterans' Review Board. It is the only university veterans' law course in Australia, and one of only two in the world with the other at the Columbus University in Washington DC.

Head of the School of Law and Justice, Professor Stanley Yeo said Mr McCaughey's decision to study after retirement was admirable.

"He selected a subject with special personal relevance. It matched and furthered his interests and life experiences. Completing the unit is a real accomplishment," he said.

Mr McCaughey grew up in Lismore, and spent two years with the RAAF during WWII. He later studied at night school and commenced a long career as an accountant with the office of the Post Master General. He moved back to Lismore 27 years ago and there's no doubt he rises to challenges—having also come through a quadruple heart bypass operation two years ago with flying colours.

Beans means wins

By Eve Sinton

Philipp and Lyn Kreutzer and Wilma and Hal Sherlock, of High Trees Coffee Estate at Dalwood, with their Food Challenge Award for a non-alcoholic beverage. They beat some heavy-weight corporates with their organically grown and processed coffee.

Things may go better with coke, but the judges at the Sydney Food Challenge Awards reckon they go even better with Northern Rivers coffee

High Trees Estate's certified organic coffee scooped the top prize for a non-alcoholic beverage in the recent Awards at Darling Harbour.

The Dalwood-based family coffee venture was one of seven finalists, and beat big players like Cadbury Schweppes and Coca Cola Amatil with a great cuppa grown and roasted on the property.

High Trees Estate partner Philipp Kreutzer said they were elated to have taken out the top prize.

"We were encouraged to enter the competition after we won four firsts at the North Coast National," said Philipp. "That gave us an enthusiasm for competition and we went on to win bronzes at the Royal Easter Show for our espresso and single origin coffee."

The win came just as High Trees, run by Lynne and Philipp Kreutzer and Lynn's parents Wilma and Hal Sherlock, was delighted to get organic certification after seven years of hard work establishing the business.

"We decided to take the organic path because it would differentiate our product from those of around a dozen other local brands," Philipp said.

After years of developing organic techniques such as on-farm compost production and strict quality control, High Trees Estate is now one of only a handful of certified organic producers in Australia.

Donna gets to meet the Pope

This weekend 17-year-old Donna Lowden from Lismore will join 25 other young people from the Diocese of Lismore on a three-week Catholic pilgrimage to Europe.

After travelling to Canada in 2002 to take part in world Youth Day celebrations, Donna Lowden returned to Lismore with a burning desire to see more of the world. Now the 17-year-old is packing her bags for Europe.

This Saturday Donna, 25 young people from the Catholic Diocese of Lismore, their chaperones and Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett will fly to Europe for a three-week pilgrimage, before taking part in World Youth Day celebrations in Cologne, Germany.

World Youth Day is a Catholic celebration that brings together young people from over 150 countries to learn about their faith.

Donna will stay with host families in Germany, Italy and France and will visit important Christian sites like Assisi and St Peter's Basilica as well as attending a Mass celebrated by the Pope.

Donna raised around $2500 for the trip.

"I'd like to thank the butchers in Lismore who donated sausages, the Lismore Challenge for the soap as well as local artist Gary Holmes and the Diocese for their generosity," Donna said. "I am so excited to be given this opportunity."

Council squibs on road route

Afraid of a community backlash, Ballina Council has avoided recommending a route for the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade with councillor John Felsch calling the issue a "minefield".

Council's submission to a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into the upgrade is careful to stress it didn't advocate any particular route options, apart from the southern end section, which impacts on plans for the Ballina bypass.

Cr Felsch said Council had to "steer clear of endorsing any route".

"There are so many conflicting views in the community - if we are seen to endorse any one of them we're going to be tarred and feathered by everyone else," he said.

Kids appeal straight from the art

CASPA chairperson Lisa Gardiner (left) with Blue Hills College students (rear l-r) Tahlia Perkins, Sean McCarthy, Matthew Hicks and Sophie Watts, and (front l-r) Jamie Johnson, Jacinda Hackett and Tyla Johnson, who will all be creating artworks for the children's art competition being held as part of the CASPA Art Auction in September.

Watching children express their feelings and find comfort through art has inspired Lismore-based organisation CASPA (formerly the North Coast Children's Home) to hold a fundraising art auction in early September.

Over the next four weeks CASPA staff will gather artworks from leading local and national artists to auction at Invercauld House in Goonellabah on Friday, September 9.

A children's art competition is also part of the event, with all entries to be exhibited and on sale at Invercauld House the day after the art auction.

CASPA chairperson Lisa Gardiner said art is a fantastic insight into a child's thoughts and feelings, and how they see themselves and their place in the world.

"The thing that seems to appeal and connect with kids when they don't have the words to express themselves is art." said Lisa. "They get so much joy from the process of making art and we wanted to share that with others and raise awareness of just how many kids are still in and out of home care in this community."

Since 1919 CASPA has been working to keep children safe from neglect and abuse, and it is hoped that the CASPA Art Auction will become a regular event to raise vital funds for the service.

Entries for the children's art competition are open until August 26. There are prizes for all age groups and various themes from which kids can draw inspiration.

Any children who would like to get involved should ask their art teacher at school for an entry form, or for more information phone Kay on 0408 834 799.

Compost keeps Caniaba kids in vegies

Lismore Council's waste and education officer, Libby Kelly (right), with Caniaba Public School teacher Sally Mansfield, principal Douglas Osterio and students after receiving their nursery compost last week.

Caniaba Public School students will probably be looking pretty grubby when they return home from school over the next few weeks, after winning a tonne of compost from the Tryton worm farm in a promotion run by Lismore Council.

Teacher Sally Mansfield said the compost was timely, with the school just recently planting garden beds to provide fresh vegies for the school canteen.

"Sustainability is the way of the future and this is one way the school can reduce its environmental impact. It's fantastic because we are a small school and that means all the kids can get involved in the garden. We can't wait to harvest our first crop and begin supplying the canteen with fresh tomatoes and lettuces,"she said.

Volunteers needed

The Life Saver Rescue Helicopter's annual Doorknock Day is on Sunday, August 28 and Doorknock co-ordinator Philip Gibson is calling for volunteers to donate just a couple of hours of their time to help doorknock.

"A collector will be given everything they need, including an official receipt book, identification, pen, sunscreen and water. All we need from them is themselves, a good pair of walking shoes, and their enthusiasm to raise money for this vital life saving service," he said.

For details on volunteering call 6627 4444 or philip@helirescue.com.au

Soft drinks rot teeth

Thirsty people should think twice before reaching for a can of soft drink, choosing water instead, says the North Coast's oral health project manager, John Irving.

Offering the advice during Dental Health Week Mr Irving said the high sugar and acid levels in soft drinks were bad for both the body and teeth.

"Pure tap water contains elements and minerals that our bodies need and it has no damaging impacts on our teeth," Mr Irving said, explaining that carbonated soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices all contain acid that erodes teeth and are likely be harmful if consumed regularly.

"Sugary drinks produce bacteria that creates acid that eats away at the enamel and causes cavities that require costly treatment."

Community groups score Council donations

Ballina Shire Council approved donations totalling $28,577 to community groups and $21,753 to support public halls at its meeting last week.

Community donations included: Ballina, Alstonville and Wollongbar garden clubs $250 each; Alstonville Golden Years $200; Ballina Senior Citizens $1000; Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter $2000; Ballina Shire Band $4000; Ballina Pipe Band $4000; Ballina Bridge Club $1500; BDCSA - Fair Go $1500; Far North Coast Orchid Council $300; NC Academy of Sport $3500; Riding for Disabled $427; Alstonville Agricultural Society $5000; Southern Cross Arts Festival $1000; Australian Sea Bird Rescue $2500; Blue Knob Hall $400; Meerschaumvale Hall $500.

Under the public halls assistance program grants were made to: Tintenbar School of Arts $4800; Wigmore Hall $600; Wollongbar Hall $8000; Newrybar Community Hall $1000; Rous Mill Memorial Hall $2661; Wardell Memorial Hall $1000; Northlakes Community Centre $3692.

Research grant planted in Lismore

Research pro-vice chancellor Professor Peter Baverstock, regional services minister Warren Truss, Page MP Ian Causley and SCU vice-chancellor Paul Clark with the $495,000 cheque for the university's plant research institute.

Every year, researchers at Southern Cross University collect around 100,000 samples for analysis, from humpback whale skin to water and plants. Up until now, every sample was dealt with by hand, generating a long paper trail and taking up valuable time.

Now, thanks to a $495,000 federal Government grant, the system will be computerised, tracking the samples and research results with a barcode in the same way a supermarket scans its products.

Regional services minister Warren Truss announced the grant under the federal Government's $12 million Sustainable Regions program during the National Party's two-day conference in Lismore this week.

SCU will spend $1.2 million in total to develop the digital laboratory information management system to cope with the 2000 samples it handles every week.

Pro vice-chancellor of research, Professor Peter Baverstock, said the new system will help attract further funding, making Southern Cross the nation's leading regional research university.

"SCU already attracts $17 million in research and PhD funding and we're hoping to double that figure in the next five years," he said.

The project is expected to bring 33 research-based jobs to Lismore over three years and cement Lismore's reputation as a centre for agricultural biotechnology.

The Minister also announced a $330,000 Sustainable Regions grant to Kyogle cattle handling equipment manufacturers Bordin Bros. The money is part of a $1.2 million expansion of the business, which plans to build a 1300 sq metre building on the Summerland Way. The project will result in 10 full-time jobs for the town.

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