The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

One is the loneliest number

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Annamekah Grace from Numulgi public school doesn't have any classmates to play with because she is the only student enrolled at the school.

Numulgi Public School student Annamekah Grace doesn't have to worry about getting distracted by other students in her class. There aren't any.

And unless the school can attract around 12 more students by September 23 the Department of Education will close it.

Annamekah's father, Des Grace, said that if it closes it will be a sad day for his family and a huge loss to the community.

"We chose this school because it has excellent resources, an excellent teacher and is the only chemical free school in Australia," he said. "The Department has given us guarantees that if enrolments increase, the school will remain open so we are calling for more students to support it."

When Annamekah first enrolled in 2002, she had 12 classmates, but numbers had fallen due to what Mr Grace calls the Department's 'revolving door' policy on staff.

"We have had five temporary principals in the last year and this doesn't send a very stable kind of message to parents," Mr Grace said.

"With our new principal, Genevieve Slocombe, we have a committed educator who now provides the stability that we have not had in the past and we desperately need more students."

Department of Education spokesman Sven Wright said the Department's position has been made clear in a number of community meetings.

"Effectively Numulgi has until the end of this term to attract more students. They have been told that unless about 12 more students are enrolled the Department will make recommendations to remove the teacher," Mr Wright said.

"If there is only one child we wouldn't necessarily wait until the end of the year to remove staff, because it's not educationally or socially sound to have one child at the school."

Numulgi Public School will hold an open day on Tuesday, August 23, offering enrolment information and testimonials about the school. For more information, phone Des Grace on 0410 295 611.

Surgeons threaten to walk out

Julian Ryan

Dr Deepak Williams made an emotional speech at last Saturday's public meeting about concerns over an anaesthetists dispute at Lismore Base Hospital.

Surgeons are threatening to leave town unless a pay dispute between the North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) and anaesthetists is resolved quickly. Last month, the anaesthetists walked off the job in Lismore demanding up to $300 per hour, as well as better conditions. In the last fortnight, a group of Lismore surgeons, who have been left unable to work as a result, have threatened to join their colleagues in a mass show of solidarity.

At a public meeting in Lismore on Saturday attended by around 200 people, the surgeons claimed it was dangerous to work with outside anaesthetists they did not know.

"I can't continue to work with locum anaesthetists because it's dangerous," said vascular surgeon Dr John Graham. "You work with someone whose capabilities you know nothing about, it's unsafe surgery. I will stop being available by the end of this week - it's too distressing, this is a solvable problem and it requires compromise between the NCAHS and the anaesthetists."

Dr Deepak Williams reinforced his concerns.

"Before I walk into theatre I ask myself am I feeling lucky today because in the last three weeks I have had three very close shaves," an emotional Dr Williams said. "I want to work alongside local anaesthetists because if this situation continues any longer I'm quite sure that we will lose patients during surgery."

NCAHS chief executive Chris Crawford said he was constrained in resolving the situation, which could have state-wide ramifications with a severe impact on the NSW health budget.

Mr Crawford said he wouldn't be pressured into giving the anaesthetists a pay rise to get them back to work, even if it meant it was costing more money to pay the visiting anaesthetists.

"I will not pay the anaesthetists the locum rate to return to work because it's a backdoor way of getting a pay increase," he said.

Mr Crawford rejected claims that Lismore Base was in crisis and neglected. He said the hospital's budget had been increased by 84 per cent in the last five years to $83.5 million. He listed a series of increases in bed numbers, nursing and medical staff, as well as an expansion in services offered at the hospital, including improved cancer and diagnostic services.

But a concerned community paid greater heed to the doctors threatening to leave and the meeting resolved to send a delegation to Sydney to meet with the former health minister, now Premier, Morris Iemma, and new health minister John Hatzistergos.

Speaking outside after the meeting, Lismore resident Vicki Findlay summed up the mood. "If something isn't done quickly it will be a total disaster and I believe that the problem needs to be taken to Macquarie Street."

Trinity get art smart

Trinity Catholic College art students (l-r) John Wiley, Alinta Dunbar, Artist Jorja Kena, Carl Smith and art teacher Annie Roberts pose with Jorja's yet to be named sculpture that will feature in next week's ARTsmART exhibition.

Trinity Catholic College will showcase artworks produced by students from every year during their annual exhibition, which runs from Tuesday, August 16 until Thursday, August 18.

This year's exhibition entitled ARTsmART, features artworks in a wide range of categories including, drawing, painting, sculpture, DVD/video, print-making and photography.

Trinity art teacher Annie Roberts said this year's exhibition is of a very high standard and includes 13 pieces by HSC students.

"There are always talented art students amongst us and we expect many of them will go on to become professional artists," she said.

ARTsmART will open from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday, August 16 at St Mary's Site Hall, Dawson Street Lismore.

Opening speakers and presentations are at 7pm.

Entry is $2/$5 families.

For more details, phone 6621 8155.

The good wood on the Variety Bash

Graham MacDonald of Budget Timbers, Lismore, and Bob Boyes of B & B Timbers, Ballina, (pictured), are off on the Variety NSW Bash 2005 today (August 11).

After coming up with the idea of joining the charity drive in the outback over a couple of beers, the mates have raised around $9000 from local businesses in two weeks. The money goes to the children's charity Variety.

Graham and Bob will make the trip from Sydney to Adelaide on back-roads via Queensland in a 1962 Valiant with reinforced suspension, a roll cage and re-powered engine.

"It shows that nothing is insurmountable," Bob said. "Entering the Variety Bash is normally a 12 month project, but with the support of local businesses we have got it together in just two weeks."

Graham said donations are tax deductible. "If anyone else wants to donate, they should call us or phone Variety direct on 9819 1009."

How much can a koala bear?

Friends of the Koala rescue coordinator Rick Vass talks to Brendon, who lost his sight in a road accident and is now a permanent resident.

Friends of the Koala needs more helpers in the group's Lismore Koala Care Centre.

The centre houses sick and injured koalas until they are able to be released into the wild. Two shifts of people are needed to feed, clean and give medication to the animals daily.

Coordinator Kay Sherring said prospective carers need to have around three hours a week they can commit to.

"They must also be willing to become members of the group, a $20 ($10 concession) outlay," she said.

For people who love animals and care about the environment, it's a great opportunity to get close to one of our national icons and make friends with fellow carers.

"It's not heavy work," said Kay. "A lot of our carers are retired or semi-retired people who find it gives them a good interest and companionship."

The Care Centre, in Rifle Range Road, Lismore, is open to the public on Saturday at 9.30am and welcomes visits from people interested in helping out.

For more information, phone Kay Sherring on 6621 4619.

A lamo ready for its fete

Caroona aged care kitchen workers Jenny McKenzie, Helen Stoddart, Karen James, Jacqui Davies, Kate Montgomery and Linda Martin show off some of the dozens of lamingtons they have made for sale at this Saturday's 43rd Caroona Market Day, to be held from 8.30am in the Caroona grounds, Rous Road, Goonellabah.

The market will feature plenty of stalls including plants, produce, handicrafts and free blood pressure testing, while visitors will hum along to entertainment from the Lismore City Pipe Band, the Lismore Concert Band, and puppet shows for the kids.

Council calls for health minister

Lismore City Council has called for NSW health minister John Hatzistergos to intervene in the North Coast Area Health Service's six week-old dispute with anaesthetists at Lismore Base Hospital.

In a special Mayoral Minute at Tuesday night's Council meeting, Cr Merv King said the growing community concern meant there was now an urgent need of a resolution from Sydney.

Cr King called on the Minister to develop a plan by the end of the month to stop the threatened withdrawal of medical services.

The Mayor wants a statewide decision on pay levels for anaesthetists brought forward by a year in a bid to resolve the impasse.

Council also backed a call for full funding for stage 3 of the $90 million redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital. The Mayor said he was also worried about alleged under-funding of the North Coast Area Health Service.

Surgery resumes at Lismore Base

Elective surgery will return to Lismore Base Hospital next week, with Area Health Service chief executive Chris Crawford enlisting the support of visiting anaesthetists to end the standstill caused by local anaesthetists who have refused to work since demanding a pay increase of more than 50 per cent.

As a result, falling waiting lists have once again jumped in the last six weeks. Mr Crawford said booked surgery will begin on Monday and he expects up to 75 operations to be performed next week.

Mr Crawford said the move was an attempt to support the surgeons in dealing with the routine lists.

"We would prefer our surgical teams to include the VMO anaesthetists who have worked with us for some time, but we are unable to engage them on rate higher than the sessional fees agreed to by the Australia Medical Association, representing the doctors," he said.

"At the same time negotiations are occurring with several anaesthetists to see if a compromise agreement can be reached to enable them to return to work at LBH and other Richmond Valley hospitals shortly."

Lest we forget the end of WWII

The City of Lismore RSL Sub-branch will hold a service to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP Day) next Monday, August 15, 11am at the Lismore Cenotaph, outside the Memorial Baths. The public are invited to attend, along with any veterans.

A special commemoration lunch will be held at the Workers Club afterwards. Nimbin identity and WWII veteran Arthur Pike will be the guest speaker. Mr Pike saw active service on the Kokoda Trail and as a gunner in the Battle of Buna. He served for 4.5 years, including a stint as a coastwatcher in M Special Unit behind the Japanese lines in New Britain.

To book for the VP Day lunch, phone 6621 3851 between 9 and 11am.

Big noting with fake bills

Crime prevention officer Senior Constable Michael Hogan holds one of seven fake $50 notes handed over to Lismore police this week. The notes were good enough to go un-noticed until shopkeepers counted their takings at the end of the day.

Lismore Police are warning businesses to be on the lookout for counterfeit $50 notes after seven of them were used in CBD businesses on Sunday and Monday.

Food outlets and even charity groups were among the victims of the fake notes, which have been passed in Lismore and Nimbin intermittently over the last eight months.

Crime prevention officer Michael Hogan said the dud notes are distinguished by a poor quality transparent window and dull appearance.

"The transparent window feels rough and has been stuck on, rather than being part of the note," he said. "The stars on the window are bright white, rather than the cream-colour of real notes, while the overall appearance of the fake notes is dull."

On real $50 notes, the number 50 is embossed on the transparent window, but this is missing from the fake notes. They are made of paper, not polymer, so they feel different from real notes. The fake notes are a few millimetres smaller than real ones, and all of them have serial numbers beginning with CM04.

Shop operators are reminded to check all $50 notes before accepting them, and to report any incidents of fake notes to police immediately.

Sen. Const. Hogan said businesses should check $50 notes as they are handed over, and if they appear to be counterfeit, they should challenge the person passing the note, get a description of them, the direction in which they leave the premises and their vehicle licence plate if possible.

Anybody who thinks they may have been passed a counterfeit note should call police immediately. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage in a bid to identify the people responsible.

Maggie season

The magpies are at it again. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has already received local reports of magpies swooping at people passing nesting sites.

Northern Rivers region senior manager Lisa Walker said the dive-bombing season lasts from around August to November, when the birds are very protective of their nests.

To avoid provoking attacks, wear a hat or helmet, hold an umbrella or stick above the head to deter attackers, hurry past nesting sites confidently and quickly, and if on a bike get off to avoid falling and move away quickly.

"Better still, avoid nesting sites and warn others about risky locations," Ms Walker said.

Magpies are a protected species and it is against the law to harm them or their eggs. If a magpie is causing problems, report it to the local NPWS office and a warning signs may be put up.

Wheelie bin bomb closes Rous Road

A homemade bomb discovered outside the home of a former army sergeant led to a 10-hour drama in Goonellabah on Monday night.

Police and Fire Brigade officers were mobilised and Police closed Rous Road between Oliver Ave and the crematorium for more than 10 hours, evacuating two homes and asking residents in other properties to stay indoors while they awaited Bomb Squad experts from Sydney.

A resident allegedly witnessed a man drop something in his wheelie bin, then flee. When he investigated, the former soldier recognised it as a bomb and called police just after 6pm.

Specialist Police bomb technicians from Sydney took a specially chartered flight, arriving just after 3am on Tuesday. After a visual inspection, the bomb was dismantled and rendered safe by 4am without incident.

Police have seized the device for further forensic examination and investigations are continuing. The offender was described as aged 18 to 21, with olive complexion, wearing a t-shirt and tattered jeans and carrying a backpack. Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed something to contact them on 6623 1599 and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

A'vlle park plan on show

The future of Alstonville's Elizabeth Ann Brown Park is up for community comment, with Ballina Council aiming to put the park's draft plan of management on public exhibition by the end of the month.

The park, which includes historic Crawford House, is a focal point for Alstonville and the town's War Memorial is located there. The draft plan covers future upgrades, play equipment, barbecues, paths, seating, landscaping, tree management and the design of an RSL memorial with flagpoles.

At last week's Council meeting, Cr Silver requested Council staff to look at putting a croquet lawn in the park.

Students put union case to MP

Southern Cross University Student Representative Council (SRC) education officer Bianca Urbina (left) with SRC chairperson Megan Harris present Page MP Ian Causley with a documentary criticising the federal government's proposed legislation on voluntary student unionism.

While Page MP Ian Causley might prefer Yes Minister reruns, local students put the case for retaining compulsory university student union fees to the Nationals backbencher when they presented him with a locally-made documentary on the issue last week.

The film argues that the Government's plans, which would prevent universities from collecting a student organisation fee from students, will be highly detrimental to student rights, campus life and the local economy.

Student Representative Council chairperson Megan Harris said even though Mr Causley has joined other Nationals MPs in calling for an amendment to protect regional universities, the impact would still be severe.

"We welcome the fact that sections of the National Party are pushing for a compromise on this legislation that may save the many student services, campus activities and local businesses that rely on SCU Student organisations," Ms Harris said. "However we remain clear that we strongly oppose any Government or university interference in the rights of students to run their own affairs."

Mr Causley said he'd watch the documentary but added that he didn't expect it to change his views. "A film like this can't change government policy but there are areas where we can look at increasing funding for regional universities."

The federal Government's legislation on voluntary student unionism was due to have its final reading in the House of Representatives today, August 11, before going to the Senate.

Local students held a national protest against the legislation last week. Copies of the documentary are available from the SRC on 6620 3044.

All the world's a stage

Far North East NSW Sustainable Region Advisory Committee member Ernie Bennett, Page MP Ian Causley, Committee chairman Geoff Provest (holding the double bass) and Northern Rivers Conservatorium Arts Centre director Gabrielle O'Shannessy celebrate the federal funds for a portable outdoor stage.

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium Arts Centre will soon have a portable outdoor stage thanks to a $29,700 grant from the Federal Government's Sustainable Regions Program (SRP) and $20,000 from Lismore City Council.

Presenting the funds last Monday, Page MP Ian Causley said the stage would primarily be used by staff and students at the Con, but may also be hired for regional outdoor events.

"This is a much needed resource that will facilitate the promotion of a range of cultural activities throughout the Northern River," he said.

Volunteer for Daffodil day

Volunteers who believe cancer can be beaten are needed to help on Daffodil Day in Lismore on Friday, August 19.

Carolyn Forbes, a spokeswoman for the Far North Coast Regional Office of the Cancer Council NSW said volunteers were vital for the success of Daffodil day. "Last Daffodil day we had over 60 wonderful volunteers from Lismore." To register as a volunteers, phone 6681 1933 or visit www.daffodilday.com.au

Cash for community

Non-profit organisations in the Lismore City Council area are invited to apply for funding for their social and community development projects under the Department of Community Service's North Coast Area Assistance Scheme. 92 local projects and 47 regional projects have been funded since the scheme began in 1992. Applications close on September 7, and more information is available at www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au.

Lismore commended

Lismore was highly commended for excellence in community consultation at the recent annual Local Government Awards presentation in Sydney.

Cr John Chant said he was delighted with the success, Lismore's fourth commendation in the last seven years.

"The award was for Lismore's strategic planning, which involved widespread community consultation on the future of Lismore," he said. "It has since become Lismore's guiding plan and we are now putting it into action."

Council helps community

Lismore Council gave representatives from 29 local halls $1000 each to help maintain their buildings as part of Local Government Week.

Representatives from the 18 local Rural fire crews who received $250 each from Council.

Lismore City Council handed out $33,500 to local community halls and rural fire brigades this week as part of Local Government Week. Mayor Merv King presented $1000 to 29 halls and $250 to 18 brigades saying it was a good way to acknowledge the many volunteers who contribute hundreds of hours of work to keep organisations going.

"Our community halls, our not-for-profit community service groups, Rural Fire Services and clubs all make a valuable contribution to our city," he said. "It's fitting that some of these volunteers should be recognised during Local Government Week - they are the best example of what being local means."

Bass live to fight another day

Department of Primary Industries' fisheries officer Damien Stanford helps rescue bass trapped in a pool on Rocky Creek after floodwaters receded.

Around 70 Australian bass have been rescued after becoming trapped in a pool below Rocky Creek Dam during the recent floods. When the floods dropped, the fish started to die.

Commercial fisher Graeme Loy, Rous Water and the NSW Department of Primary Industries joined forces to catch the fish and release them in safer waters.

NSW DPI Fisheries spokeswoman Sarah Fairfull said about 15 fish died in the week before the rescue.

Rous Water has agreed to pay the commercial fisher's costs.

"Rous Water's contribution and involvement is greatly appreciated and will help to ensure healthy bass stocks in the Rocky Creek system," Ms Fairfull said.

Ready when disaster strikes

Tsunami Response 05 team members Raymond Haggith, Carsten Sundby Nielsen and Paul Clayton are gathering medical supplies for disaster relief around the world.

A local group of Work for the Dole participants is building up a store of much-needed supplies for international disaster relief.

The Tsunami Response 05 project was inspired by the devastating Boxing Day tsunami last year. The six member team from Lismore is has created a local outlet where vital support can be gathered and distributed to disaster stricken areas around the world.

The project is funded by EnviTE (Environmental Training and Employment) and managed by funded sponsor ARC (Advocacy Relief for Children).

The team has been approaching hospitals, doctors, medical equipment suppliers and the general public sourcing items such as walking sticks, crutches and wheelchairs, hospital supplies, hand tools and even pushbikes.

Project manager Carsten Sundby Nielsen is keen to hear from people with similar useful items to donate.

They need to be in basic working order, but any slightly defective ones may be repaired at the workshop. All donations will then be sent to a distribution centre in Melbourne. From there it can quickly be dispatched to a disaster anywhere on the planet, whether it be a tsunami, earthquake or flood.

Distribution is managed by CBMI (www.cbmi.org.au), which supports more than 1000 aid projects in over 100 countries.

For more information, phone 6622 3609 Mondays-Tuesdays.

Crazy and the best

The award winning team from Crazy Clark's in Lismore (l-r) Andrew Meagher, Michelle McDonald, Michelle Simpson, Nick De Re, Stacey Steele and team leader Nigel Moore.

The team at Crazy Clark's, Lismore, is enjoying the sweet taste of success after winning the recent Top Gun Award for the best store in Australia.

As part of the inaugural award, judges visited all 330 Crazy Clark's stores across the nation. Lismore was judged the best for service, presentation, management and sales figures.

For their efforts each full-time team member and their partners were given an all expenses three-day holiday at a Gold Coast resort and the store is celebrating the win with a red hot sale from this Saturday until Monday, August 13-15.

Crazy Clark's team leader Nigel Moore praised his staff for their valuable contributions.

"This award is a true reflection of all the hard work and the dedication that every team member demonstrates when they come to work each day," Nigel said. "We didn't expect to win because the city stores have bigger teams than us, and to think that we won is absolutely fantastic."

As part of the celebratory sale there will be plenty of red-hot specials in every department, so come on in and grab a bargain.

Crazy Clark's is at 96 Molesworth Street, Lismore. Phone 6621 3496.

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