The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Herb festival spices up life

Getting in some practice ready for the Herb Festival's skin care lectures are Paul Orrock, head of Southern Cross University School of Natural and Complementary Medicine and naturopathy honours student Ann Mulder (right), who's applied a herbal clay mask to lecturer Dr Jacinta Arellano.

The excitement is building for this weekend's Greenridge Health and Herb Festival in Lismore's Riverside and Heritage Parks.

Now in its fifth year, the lively two-day festival is a popular fixture with activities, workshops, talks and entertainment for all age groups.

"We want to celebrate the flavour-enhancing and health-giving qualities of herbs in our regional cuisine and in natural medicines," festival coordinator, Anita Mansfield, said.

"The unusual looking finger lime, native to this region, is the featured fruit in this year's festival. Make sure to sample it over the weekend!"

The finger lime is unusual all right. It is about 8cm-long, has rough skin and can be pink, black, yellow, red, green or purple. It is, apparently, totally delicious.

Some of the highlights include the Great Debate in the Talking Tent - an educated yet lighthearted word battle between traditional and complementary health experts and comedians.

The Talking Tent will feature other experts who will present the latest information on complementary medicine, natural living, healthy lifestyles and herb education.

For those with an eye for fashion, the fashion parade on both days will be quirky, original and have plenty of wow factor. As well as featuring the work of many local designers with a range of styles from techno, crochet and classic wear to simply outrageous, one-off creations which are being made especially for the parade.

The designers' work will also be available for sale in the market bazaar, which will also have stalls of herbs and plants, bush foods, arts and crafts, coffee and gourmet regional produce, and a healing corner with massage, acupuncture and tarot cards.

"There are plenty of free activities for families," Anita says, "such as the free canoe rides, the skateboarding competition and fun workshop activities, puppet theatre, cooking classes and face painting for the kids."

Regular fixtures that always attract the crowds include the Herbie Parade of VWs, classic cars, and floats, which is sure to delight again this year, and the HerbBBQ serving delicious food all weekend.

Cooking demonstrations each day will show how to cook with bushfoods and how to send children to school with a healthy, nutritious and delicious packed lunch.

Well-known organic gardener Jade Woodhouse will give practical tips to help the environment. She hopes to inspire and motivate people to adopt a healthy, organic lifestyle and to discover what they can do in their own backyards. Other experts will also chat about herbs for health, happiness and longevity.

To keep toes tapping, the festival's headline act is guaranteed to get the crowd leaping, jigging and bopping. Waiting for Guinness, a theatrical Sydney band, is just one of a great line up of entertainment.

"There really is something for everyone and we would like to welcome you and your families to our fifth festival this weekend," Anita says.

Full Festival program

Refs cry foul, tripped by lights not so fantastic

By Eve Sinton

Soccer players already have a bit of a reputation for doubling over in agony from a puff of breeze, but now it seems the light is hurting their eyes and they're ready to sue.

Local soccer games have been thrown into disarray after two were called off because a player threatened to sue the referee if they were injured while playing on poorly lit fields. Referees halted night games in Byron Bay and Lismore following concerns the lighting failed to meet Soccer NSW standards.

The drama began when a game at Byron Bay was called off at half-time on August 2 following complaints from the Over 35s Tintenbar-East Ballina team about inadequate lighting. A player threatened to sue the referee if he was injured. At the time, the team was down 2-1 and also under threat - of losing the competition lead to Byron.

The issue boiled over again the following Tuesday night, August 9, when a match at the Lismore Thistles Soccer Club was cancelled without warning because referees believed the lights weren't up to standard for a fast-moving premier division game.

Soccer Far North Coast general manager Matt Kelso said the issue had big implications for all sports.

"All night games at the two venues in question have been cancelled until the end of the season," he said. "We'll conduct a lighting audit of all fields and we have to look at our legal position."

Only Oakes Oval in Lismore is believed to have lighting that meets the 110 Lux standard.

Glen Gibbs, president of the Referees' Association, denied the issue had caused a feud with Soccer FNC.

"At the Byron Bay game in particular, players put pressure on the referee - first complaining of poor light at one end of the field and later threatening to sue if it resulted in any injuries," he said. "With the Thistles premiers game, it's a more physical, faster type of game. The referee felt the lighting was inadequate for that sort of game."

"Obviously the clubs are dirty on us, but it was the clubs that started it. They're the ones who threatened to sue us. They must take some responsibility," he said.

"We have insurance but no-one wants to go through the litigation process. Cancelling night games is a preventive measure."

Mr Gibbs said referees were now awaiting the audit results.

"That's all we want," he said. "If the lights come up to spec then we'll happily officiate."

Tintenbar-East Ballina treasurer Chris Hart claimed there was something unusual about the lighting in Byron Bay, when the team complained. "There were dark patches and the ground is pretty rough with holes everywhere," he said.

Byron Bay Soccer Club committee member Tony Dunsmore said the club had played on the field in question for more than seven years with the same lights.

"Now we're losing out on home games and can't play catch-up games," he said. "It's a critical time of year - we're heading into three finals for the premier league, we have to play three games over the next week and I don't know how we're going to do it."

Thistles Soccer Club secretary Glen Harding said the club didn't regard lights as an issue before last week's cancellation.

"It's opened a can of worms," he said. "We are angry that 30 people turned up and got changed, and then were told the game was off. We had hot food we had to throw out. Now all our catch-up games will have to be played on a Sunday."

Olivia blooms after beating cancer

Olivia Transton of Casino survived cancer and is now this Friday's Daffodil Day ambassador.

The Northern Rivers will have a very special Daffodil Day ambassador this Friday- five-year-old cancer survivor Olivia Transton of Casino. Olivia and her family want to give a message of hope to local people. They say cancer can be beaten.

Olivia's mother, Rebecca Transton, said they knew something was wrong with Olivia when she was just a few weeks old.

"After many tests we found out she had acute myeloid leukaemia," Rebecca said. "The specialists did not hold much hope and wanted to start her on chemotherapy straight away as her form of leukaemia was very aggressive. Thankfully Olivia pulled through with the support of many. Olivia has managed to stay well most of the time since returning home around four years ago."

Rebecca said Olivia is now just like every other five-year-old child.

"Cancer is a disease that does not discriminate," she said. "Any one of us at any time can be affected. When Olivia was diagnosed we thought it was a death sentence, we as a family had never heard of anyone who had fought the disease and won the battle. That's why it's extremely important to say you can be a survivor and be normal again."

Cancer Council NSW's FNC regional office spokeswoman Carolyn Forbes said the Transton family's strength, courage and humility would make Olivia a wonderful ambassador.

"We hope Olivia's story will inspire others," she said.

Cancer Council volunteers will be running street stalls throughout downtown Ballina and Lismore and in shopping centres this Friday. Daffodil Day pens, teddy bears, flowers and badges will be on sale, with funds raised going to cancer research and local cancer support services.

Big kites out at Brunswick

Don't panic if you see a 90 foot Trilobite or 50 foot Blue Meanie floating in the skies this Sunday, 21 August. It may not be the after-effects of Saturday night but just a couple of kites featured at this year's Kites and Bikes Festival at Brunswick Heads.

They'll be joining the Giant Squid, the kiteboarders and all the other kites and fun from 9am. The big kites don't get many chances to fly free so kite enthusiasts from along the east coast are eagerly converging on Brunswick to take advantage of the wide spring skies.

The kite flyers will join the local biking fraternity for an action-packed day of activities for the whole family. Don't expect to just be entertained by the wandering musicians, pirate pantomime, jumping castles and Paddy the Platypus as there are heaps of opportunities for everyone to get involved.

You can make a kite, learn to fly one and then take part in setting a new kiteflying record.

There's the chance to decorate your bike, trike, pram or tandem and win prizes in the bike parade or attend a bike maintenance workshop or safety skills circuit. Frizz at Ultimate Frisbee, sweat at the Sweat Hog Challenge or swing for cash prizes at the Talent Quest. Limited places available in advance only.

It all happens this Sunday. Head down to Brunswick Heads for a day of fun, fitness and frivolity.

Lismore cadets simply the best

The Lismore 326 Squadron Australian Air Force cadets won the prestigious 'Drill and Ceremonial' marching competition.

Members of the 326 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets from Lismore are still on cloud nine after winning a prestigious marching competition for the second year running.

Earlier this month the unit travelled to the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Richmond, where they competed against more than 30 other NSW squadrons in a number of disciplines, including, shooting, air craft recognition and marching

Leading aircraftsman Joe Phillips said the Lismore cadets are still celebrating two weeks after the win.

"The whole unit is still in a total state of euphoria after winning the marching competition for the second consecutive year, because the competition is just so fierce," he said. "To win twice is a true reflection of the commitment, dedication and effort these cadets have put into their training."

At the moment the Lismore Air Force Cadets are recruiting teenage girls and boys between 13 and 18. For more information, phone Joe Phillips on 0401 040 003.

Local clubs show community spirit

Lismore Workers Club manager Steve Bortolin (left) and Manager of Goonellabah RSL Sports Club Rick Lennon present secretary of the Lismore Division of Legacy Kaye Martin with cheques to the value of $3,000 at the Lismore Council Chambers last Thursday.

The Lismore Workers club and the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club donated $45,000 to community-based organisations last week.

Both clubs contributed $2000 each to the Lismore PCYC and the City of Lismore Sub-Branch. Together, they also donated $3000 to Lismore Meals on Wheels, $4000 to Far North Coast Life Education and $5000 to Lifeline Northern Rivers Gambling Counselling Service.

Lismore Legacy secretary Kaye Martin said she was delighted to receive a $3000 donation.

"We have more than 400 Legacy widows who we provide all sorts of assistance to, so we are very grateful for these donations from the local clubs," she said. "This kind of support will go a long way towards improving the lives of our widows."

Other organisations to receive donations from the Workers Club were; the Multiple Sclerosis Society of NSW, Autism Spectrum, Internal Support Teachers, Goolmangar School of Arts, Australian Red Cross, Goonellabah Senior Citizens Club, Nim-FM, YWCA Northern Rivers RSL Sub-branch and Lismore City Accord.

End in sight for health dispute

Lismore Base Hospital's anaesthetists are hopeful a resolution to their drawn-out battle over pay and conditions with the North Coast Area Health Service will emerge from a meeting to be held last night, August 17.

Anaesthetist Dr Neil Stokes said the meeting would consider detailed information from Area Health CEO Chris Crawford about a proposed return to work until the end of November.

"We're hopeful," he said. "It's always good when we can negotiate with Chris Crawford, and it sounds like he's been given more flexibility to negotiate."

Dr Rob Simon of the hospital's Medical Staff Council said he thought there would be a temporary return to work soon.

"I think they are moving closer to sorting out something that is satisfactory to everyone," he said.

Meanwhile, new health minister John Haztistergos has agreed to meet to with a delegation from the North Coast to discuss local health issues. Last week, the Minister responded within 48 hours to Lismore mayor Merv King's concerns about the dispute saying that "resolving the issue is regarded as being of the highest priority".

Cadets celebrate 25 years

Carol and Andrew Horn pictured at a Naval ceremony in Ballina receiving an award for commendation.

The TS Lismore Naval Cadets notched up 25 years of operation on the weekend. Their longevity is largely thanks to the dedication of mother and son, Carol and Andrew Horn of Lismore.

The milestone as recognised a special dinner at the Ballina RSL Club, where Carol and Andrew's services to the unit were honoured. After being a cadet for more than 20 years, Andrew became the unit's commanding officer three years ago, taking over from his mother.

Andrew said the Cadets were a huge influence on his life and admitted that the family tradition is set to continue.

"Mum is now the regional support officer for the Northern Rivers and I have already signed my son Jason to join the Cadets next year," he said.

The Cadets are currently seeking help to fund a three-day adventure on a tall ship in September and support from the community would be greatly appreciated.

"We plan to sail a tall ship called the 'South Passage' from Moreton Bay to some islands off the Queensland coast and need to come up with about $4,500 between now and then," he said. "We have already raised $4000 and are seeking donations and sponsorships to make the trip possible."

Donations and sponsorships can be made by contacting Andrew Horn on 0412 647 537 or post them to PO Box 434, Lismore.

With a little help from your friends

Trevan Ford general manager Andrew Bing, NRMA director Wendy Machin and NRMA Far North Coast regional manager Mario Napoli and met in Lismore last Tuesday to launch the NRMA's Helping People awards.

The NRMA has invited North Coast people to nominate people who go the extra mile to help others for its Helping People Awards.

NRMA director Wendy Machin said the awards recognised and rewarded unsung heroes.

"Everyone knows a person in their community who tirelessly helps others without asking or expecting anything in return," she said. "They could be your next door neighbour, a friend or a relative or a member of your community."

For a nomination form, go to www.mynrma.com.au/helping people or call 02 8222 2165. Entries close on Friday, September 16.

The winner will receive a trip for two to Gallipoli for ANZAC Day, a $10,000 donation to a charity of their choice and a three-year subscription to NRMA Premium Care membership.

Skennars Head playground sale delayed

Community concern over plans to sell a children's playground in Skennars Head to the Catholic Church has led Ballina Shire Council to delay a decision on selling.

The land in Headlands Drive is to be used in a commercial development by the Church. It is already zoned as a potential business area, but the playground has to be changed from community land to operation land before it can be sold.

Funds from the sale will be used to upgrade Spoonbill Reserve in Redford Drive, which has been abandoned by the birds that once frequented the area in the face of development pressures on surrounding land. Council staff said increased human use of the area is unlikely to impact on the spoonbills, adding that they area unlikely to return.

Responding to a suggestion from the Mayor that the decision be deferred, Crs Moore and Johnston moved that Council get more reports on the Church development and its impact.

The move reflected concerns from residents who attended a public meeting on the proposal on June 28.

Grab the baton

In the lead-up to next year's Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games the Queen's Baton relay will pass through Lismore on January 30.

Locals have until September 9 to nominate themselves or others to carry the baton for one leg of the journey.

To nominate, go online to www.queensbatonrelay.telstra.com and download a nomination form, or simply visit your local Telstra Shop. You can even nominate someone else who you think should take part.

More information on the Commonwealth Games can be found at www.melbourne2006.com.au.

Shot fired in Georgica cannabis raid

A 35-year-old man is facing numerous drug and firearms charges following a Police raid on a rural property north of Lismore on Tuesday morning.

Specialist police executed a search warrant on a property on Jiggi Road, Georgica shortly after 6am. During the operation, a shot was fired from inside the house. Nobody was injured. The man was arrested around 7.25am. Police allegedly found 327 cannabis plants, with estimated potential street value of more than $650,000, growing in a shed, along with 2.4kg of dried cannabis. They also allegedly found ammunition and four firearms. The man was charged with cultivation, supply and possession of a prohibited drug, possession of a shortened firearm, four counts of possessing unlicensed firearms, and endangering life with a loaded firearm, among other weapons offences. He was granted bail and will appear in Lismore Local Court on September 12.

Dairy display churns up memories

Story & photo: Julian 'Cream rises to the top' Ryan

Ross Heath fof Ballina pictured with a cream cans from Tintenbar farms formerly owned by the Ryan and Jordan families, a butter box and metal Richmond ice cream container, which form part of his historic dairy display at the Lismore Showground.

Growing up on the family farm at Tintenbar was a wholesome experience, and when the property was sold in the 1990s I never thought I'd be so easily reminded of how three generations before me made a living from a small herd of Jersey cows.

That was until I visited Ross Heath's historic dairy display at the Lismore Showground, where I found an old cream can stamped with my late father's name and milking number.

This nostalgic relic, is just one of hundreds of pieces of local dairying memorabilia on display as part of Mr Heath's exhibition, which documents the rich dairying history of the Northern Rivers since the mid 1800s.

For the last 13 years, Mr Heath has visited hundreds of farms and auctions to collect old dairying equipment. This is the first time his entire collection has been on public display.

"Anyone with an interest in local history and farming should come along and check out the display to get a feel of how farming was done locally in the early days," he said.

"The Northern Rivers has a very rich dairy farming history that over the years has changed and modernised and shouldn't be forgotten."

Mr Heath's display includes a huge collection butter boxes, buckets, photographs, milk coolers, old milk bottles, churns, cream cans and butter pats, and Norco memorabilia, as well antique farming tools and equipment.

The display is in the Lismore Showground pavilion until Wednesday August 31 and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Entry is $2 and will be donated to the Lismore Show society.

For details phone Ross on 6686 0588 or 0414 860 587.

Big sister visits Lismore

Seven Japanese students from Lismore's sister city Yamato Takada have just visited Lismore for a two-week cultural exchange, staying with host families.

The Students were accompanied by their teacher Tetsuya Iemura who said the program gave the students a first hand insight into the Australian way of life.

"We met the mayor of Lismore and also visited the beach where we saw dolphins and we saw a snake in the rainforest - that was very frightening," he said.

The students, pictured at Southern Cross University's Yamato Takada sister city monument, were (front l-r) Mariko Uejima, Narumi Akata, (second row) Miku Hamada, Ai Ohnogi, Madoka Onaka Akane Matsui, (rear) teacher Tetsuya Iemura and Soichiro Takeuchi.

Vietnam vets remember

Vietnam Veterans Day will be marked by local veterans in Lismore this Saturday, August 20. The ceremony will mark 32 years since Australia withdrew the last troops from Vietnam.

The veterans will march down Molesworth Street at 5pm to the Vietnam memorial for a wreath laying ceremony. Dinner will follow at the Lismore Workers Club, with special guest Vicki Northey from the Australian War Memorial.

Dinner tickets are $25. Phone Sheldon 6624 4486 or Graeme 6624 1564.

Ballina war veterans acknowledged

Ballina resident and World War II veteran Trevor Bancroft displays the commemorative medallion he received to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Lyn Wright of Ballina was also presented with the commemorative medallion.

Although Ballina resident Lyn Wright didn't see active service during World War II, her hard work as a member of the Voluntary Aid Department (VAD) was appreciated by many who fought for Australia.

Lyn was one of 11 people presented with commemorative medallions in Ballina last week to mark the 60th anniversary of World War II.

As part of her VAD role, Lyn supplied the troops with good food and cheer as they passed through Queensland on their way to serve in New Guinea.

"We met the troops at all hours of the day and night in Bundaberg and we gave them plenty to eat and drink and tried as best we could to cheer them up before they were taken away by train to serve up in the islands," Lyn said. "We half expected that we were going to be invaded because General Douglas Macarthur had drawn the Brisbane Line and was prepared to let Queensland go if the Japanese came.

"As a young nation we really lost our youth and our innocence and our whole sense of security because the enemy was so close."

Also receiving the medallion was Trevor Bancroft, who served in the infantry in New Guinea. He enlisted when he was 17 and trained in the anti-tank division, but of course it wasn't needed in the rugged jungle.

"It was so hot and wet up there that the tanks were all bogged so I was transferred to the infantry," Trevor said. "I am very proud to get this medal today because we all played a vital role in keeping Australia free.

The other recipients were Mrs Wessels, Pamela Laing, William Jung, Maisie Stratton, Norma Parmenter, Jessie Roberts and Enid Armbruster.

Diggers remember 60 years since guns fell silent

By Eve Sinton

Ex-airman Col Badham caught up with his old army friend Guy Trudgeon at Monday's VP Day ceremony.

Members of the Summerland Ex-Service Women's Association were amongst the crowd at the 60th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day ceremony at Lismore last Monday.

Mates John McDonald and Bob Anderson at Monday's VP Day ceremony.

The 60th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day) was marked in a ceremony at the Lismore Memorial Baths on Monday (August 15) to honour those who served in the Pacific during World War II, and renew comradeship amongst the ex-service people, their families and friends.

Salvation Army Captain Phil Sharp said VP Day brought mixed emotions.

"There is joy for those at peace and sorrow for those who paid the ultimate price," he said.

RSL Lismore Sub-Branch vice president Mike McBride said he hoped there would never be another world war.

"Unfortunately it's in the nature of man," he said. "I'm a Legatee and every Legatee thinks they'll be the last generation of Legatees at war - but then up pops Korea, Vietnam, Malaya, Borneo, East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan - let's hope there's no more global conflict."

For ex-airman Col Badham it was a great chance to catch up with his old army friend Guy Trudgeon. The pair looked forward to a beer after the service before being driven home.

Col Badham served in bomber command in Europe where he was shot down and spent five days on a rubber raft in the Bay of Biscay. Having survived that he went on to serve in the Pacific.

Later on, Page MP Ian Causley presented around 20 WWII veterans with Australian Government commemorative medallions.

History comes alive at Rivafest

Local historian Margaret Kennedy stands outside Brundah, an historic Norton Street home built in 1908.

Margaret Kennedy has a passion for history she'll be sharing next month at Ballina Rivafest.

Margaret is one of the local historians who will share their knowledge and stories on a series of Heritage Trails over the weekend of September 17-18.

"Ballina Rivafest will provide an opportunity for people interested in history to learn more about the area," Margaret said.

Planned to follow the existing 'Norton Street Trail', which is easily accessible from the town centre, you'll enjoy a morning or afternoon tea at a prestigious homestead such as Brundah, Riversleigh Guesthouse or Ballina Manor.

With a treasure trove of information to discuss, Margaret said Norton Street was historically important because it linked the former Government Wharf at North Creek to River Street.

"It was very convenient because of North Creek's wharf, which was a stepping off point," Margaret said.

With its wide thoroughfare and picturesque pines (many planted by Ballina Shire Council in 1915) Norton Street and environs has a concentration of history within a relatively short range, making it perfect for history lovers of all ages - including families.

Each tour will take approximately 90 minutes and finish at the Maritime Museum.

The cost is $10; $7 conc. Book now at the Ballina Visitor Centre, tel: 6686 3484.

The Heritage Trails are an integral part of Ballina Rivafest 2005, which showcases the history, culture and the lifestyle of the local community. It will be held at Fawcett Park.

Local students top TAFE awards

Scott Jenkin (right) with Neil Black, TAFE Insttute Director.

Janos Ertz (right) with Brett Cotteril, Senior Supervisor at Perry Homes (sponsor of the award).

Adric Maggs (right) with Peter Millmore, Manager, Manufacturing and Engineering Faculty.

Apprentice of the Year is one of the four TAFE NSW Student Achievement Awards won by students at Lismore and Wollongbar campuses.

Adric Maggs, of East Lismore, was named the 2005 Apprentice of the Year. He also won the Manufacturing and Engineering Faculty Student Achievement Award.

Janos Ertz, of Goolmangar, was named as the Construction and Transport Faculty Student Achievement Award winner, while Lismore campus student Scott Jenkin took out the Environmentally Sustainable Practice Award.

The awards recognise outstanding achievements in academic effort, community involvement and career commitment.

Mr Maggs won his awards for his work in the Certificate III in Fabrication/Welding, which he passed with an aggregate mark of 84.4%.

Mr Ertz, who completed the Certificate III in General Construction (Carpentry - Framework/Forming/Finishing) in 2004, after migrating to Australia in 2001, is now undertaking more building studies with the aim of gaining a Builder's Licence and eventually setting up a company to design and build eco-friendly housing.

Mr Jenkin received his award for demonstrating a consistent commitment to environmental sustainability, from organising World Environment Day events on campus and tree planting days, to recycling course materials, promoting campus rubbish clean-ups and responsible paper use and disposal in classes.

Eight other outstanding students received recognition during the annual awards ceremony.

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