The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Kyogle shows its fighting spirit

Norply human resources supervisor Richard Lamond and receptionist and paymaster Kate Carter in front of the smouldering remains of Mr Lamond's office following last week's devastating fire at Norply.

Inset: The fire on Thursday night. Photo courtesy of Rodney Brown from the NSW Rural Fire Service.

• Fire destroys timber factory
• 140 left without jobs
• Community rallies with Govt support

Story & photo: Therese Schier

The Kyogle community is rallying to recover from a devastating fire that last week destroyed the town's largest employer, the Norply plywood factory, and left 140 people without work.

Norply will pay all permanent employees two weeks wages and the company is confident they will get the go ahead to re-build once insurers have completed their assessment.

The fire broke out around 6.40pm last Thursday. Firefighters from as far afield as Tweed Heads, Ballina and Brunswick Heads responded to the incident, but arrived to find the site engulfed by flames. There were 35 staff working at the time and they attempted unsuccessfully to douse the blaze.

Employee Jan Alvos was working on the dryer when she and a workmate saw flames at the back of the factory and ran to raise the alarm. With everyone safely evacuated they could only stand by as their livelihoods went up in flames.

"The flames were huge," she said. "There were explosions and the smell from chemicals was very strong."

The flames spread quickly throughout the complex, fuelled by stockpiles of timber sheeting. Despite being hampered by low water pressure, fire crews managed to prevent a large LPG cylinder from exploding. The blaze continued until well into Friday morning by which time the 5000sq metre site was completely destroyed.

In response, Kyogle Council has kick-started an emergency appeal with a $50,000 donation, while NSW regional development minister David Campbell visited the town on Tuesday to announce that Kyogle has been placed on the Regional Economic Transition Scheme (RETS).

A committee of business and community leaders has been established to coordinate the town's recovery and Centrelink has given a commitment to fast-track payments to eligible people. Several banks have also offered to assist employees with mortgage payments.

However, no-one thinks the task will be easy. The Norply factory employed more than 140 of the town's 4000-strong population and generated $42 million a year for the local economy.

Mayor Ernie Bennett said the public appeal to help the employees would be launched shortly.

"The money will help with the real desperate stuff, like food on the table," he said.

Cr Bennett said the NSW Government's support will help and he is also seeking assistance from the federal Government.

"It's the employees we are worried about," he said. "There's need for immediate help and we'll get whatever assistance we can."

Mr Campbell said the RETS scheme provides jobs growth when there's been an economic shock.

"It's not a magic wand," he said. "The NSW Government understands the nervousness for the future, but I'm struck by the sense of confidence around - there's shock, but hope."

Chamber of Commerce president Tom Rodgers said the Minister's announcement was "a godsend".

"We see a light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "Now we can focus on job retention and creation."

Yvonne Grove, who was serving meals from her food van when the fire broke out, has lost her business, while her husband who worked at the factory has lost his job.

"I feel empty and devastated," Yvonne said. "There's my business, my income, my husband's job... and what's going to happen to Kyogle?"

Friend Donna Clarke, whose husband also worked at Norply, said the effects would be widespread.

"The fire was a little ball but as it rolls on it's miles wide the effect it will have on the district," Donna said. "But we've got our lives and still got the choice to stay and be strong or move on. We'll fight back."

• Interrelate in Lismore is offering free counselling to families affected by the Norply fire. Phone 6621 4970.

Showtime in Nimbin!

Gearing up for this weekend's Nimbin Country Show is Nimbin Show Society secretary Janelle Robinson with local kids Zeke Robinson, Elaina, Blake and Gabriella Elder-Robinson and Montana and Jasper Hancock.

If you're looking for something fun to do with the family over the weekend, the annual Nimbin Country Show this Saturday and Sunday, September 24-25, has plenty of activities to keep all ages entertained.

"This is the first show of the season and it's a fabulous way to enjoy a weekend out in the sunshine and experience the joys of country living," said Show Society secretary, Janelle Robinson. "The Nimbin Showground will have a wonderful carnival-style atmosphere and there are literally hundreds of things to see and do."

The theme for this year's show is ‘Naturally Nimbin', with organisers showcasing everything from sustainable energy to permaculture, ideas for home gardening and other locally-made natural products.

Saturday's highlights include the beef, cattle, horse and poultry judging as well as a championship dog show, guinea pig pet show, whip cracking and the grand parade, plus plenty of other entertainment such as live music and bush poetry.

Sunday is Kids Day and children are encouraged to dress as their favourite fairy, wizard, witch or elf, with prizes for the best-dressed boy and girl.

Other events include a $50 talent quest, showjumping, a children's pet show, novice whip cracking, dog high jump, face painting and much more. Pavilions will also be open all weekend with fresh local produce, arts and craft, delicious homemade treats, school displays and more.

Tickets to the Nimbin Country Show are $7 for adults and $2 for children. The Nimbin Showground is at the end of Cecil Street, just off Nimbin's main drag.

Trainee is looking deadly

Local trainee Natasha Mercy (pictured) has been named as a finalist for Apprentice of the Year at the 2005 Deadly Awards - the national Indigenous Music, Sport, Entertainment and Community Awards.

Natasha said she was looking forward to joining other finalists in Sydney for tonight's event - dubbed "The Black Oscars" - at the Opera House.

"I feel really good about it - it's a confidence booster," she said. "The night will be hosted by Ernie Dingo and there's a party afterwards at our hotel."

Natasha completed a school-based traineeship with Southern Cross University (SCU) earlier this year and is now studying a Certificate III in Business Administration.

Natasha works in the Student Administration Centre at SCU and her employers nominated her for the award because of her maturity, professionalism and ability to work under pressure.

A day at the races

The ‘face of the Lismore Cup', Kylie Scofield from Casino, with trainer Ann Gordon of Lismore and her horse Silverzam, who will be running in today's $40,000 XXXX Gold Lismore Cup.

More than 10,000 people are expected to converge on Lismore's racetrack today for the annual Lismore Race Day, which features an eight-race card kicking off at 1pm.

The highlight of the day is the $40,000 XXXX Gold Lismore Cup, which will feature 19 starters, while Fashions on the Field will be hotly contested with more entries than ever.

Casino's Kylie Scofield, who is this year's ‘face of the Lismore Cup' says the annual race day is something every Lismore resident should experience for themselves.

"I have loved horse racing since I was 18, and I just love the fashion and the excitement - it's a real adrenalin rush," Kylie said. "And you don't have to know anything about horse racing to have fun - it's just a fabulous social event and a once-a-year chance to get dressed up. I guarantee once you've come to the races, you'll come again."

Lismore Council and Kirklands are providing transport to and from the racetrack for punters who plan to have a drink. Buses will leave from the CBD to the track every 15 minutes from 12 noon until 1.45pm. Return buses start at 4.30pm and continue until 7.15pm. The bus costs $2 each way, while entry to the race day is $15.

Echo named the best!

Sculptor Frédéric Berjot installing his work Echo, which was named winner of the Thursday Plantation East Coast Sculpture Show last Saturday. Photo courtesy of Thursday Plantation.

Queensland-based sculptor Frédéric Berjot has won the 10th anniversary Thursday Plantation Sculpture Show grand prize of $15,000 for his work Echo.

The work features seven life-sized female figures clad in Islamic clothing, which Frédéric describes as both a political and poetic statement.

He says his French upbringing, which brought him close to Muslim communities, prompted him to make a work challenging the "them-and-us" attitudes in Australia.

"It is about showing what is not visible on the surface," Frédéric said. "Although they seem mysterious and remote, these women are there."

The judging panel praised Berjot's work as "bold" and "evocative", while founder of TP Health, Christopher Dean, described it as "breathtaking".

Other winners included John Dahlsen of Byron Bay and Allen Horstmanshof of Newrybar, who were named joint winners of the $1000 Regional Artist's Prize, while Áine of Nimbin won the $500 Crystal Castle Ephemeral Art Prize for her work Coral Wreath.

To celebrate its first decade this year's Thursday Plantation East Coast Sculpture Show features 43 new works by the show's previous winners as well as the permanent sculptures dotted amongst the gardens and paddocks at Thursday Plantation (just outside Ballina on the Pacific Highway).

The sculpture show continues every day from 9am to 5pm until January 31 next year.

Lismore Square open for business

The $40 million Lismore Shopping Square extension was officially opened on Tuesday by (pictured l-r) Lismore Shopping Square centre manager Geoff Gooch, McConaghy Properties managing director Jim McConaghy and Lismore mayor Merv King.

Hundreds of eager shoppers waited outside Big W for the doors to open at 8am, with security guards forced to hold back the excited, chanting crowds.

Lismore Square now features four major stores - Big W, Woolworths, Coles and K-Mart - as well as 75 specialty stores and 1200 undercover car parking spaces.

Petrol decision called off

A technical error in the meeting notice led to Lismore Council calling off Tuesday's meeting to decide the fate of the proposed Woolworths petrol station in Diadem Street. While mayor Merv King had sought to bring the matter to a speedy resolution by calling an extraordinary meeting after a rescission motion on the approval had been lodged, Cr Frank Swientek pointed to procedural errors in the way the meeting had been called. The matter will now go to Council's regular meeting on October 11.

Funding boost for Ballina gallery plan

By Eve Sinton

BACCI president Lyn Cochrane, councillor John Felsch, mayor Phil Silver, councillor Sharon Cadwallader and Page MP Ian Causley turn the first sod at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina.

A community art gallery for Ballina came a step closer this week when Page MP Ian Causley announced a $390,500 Sustainable Regions grant to help build it.

Ballina Arts and Crafts Centre Inc (BACCI) has been raising funds for a community gallery for several years, and the project got a big boost last year when Ballina Council allocated a site on Treelands Reserve along with $400,000 for the project.

Mr Causley wielded the shovel for a ‘turning of the first sod' ceremony for Stage 1 of the Northern Rivers Community Gallery - a 270 square metre exhibition and retail space for regional arts and crafts.

"I have always believed it was a good project and I was impressed with BACCI's own fundraising efforts and Ballina Council's support," he said. "I'm delighted that we got approval last week for the Sustainable Regions Committee funding so that work on the building can now begin."

BACCI president Lyn Cochrane said the gallery was a cultural meeting place and a tourism attraction for the whole region.

"We hope it will be open in July 2006," she said. "It will give our local artists and artisans a place to exhibit their work, improve their skills and be financially rewarded for their efforts."

The gallery will employ a director and up to 40 tutors.

Mr Page also announced a $286,000 Sustainable Regions grant for Lismore signage business Armsign Pty Ltd, which will build a new factory in South Lismore that will generate 12 full-time jobs and traineeships.

In a busy week of federal Government largesse, Mr Causley also visited Koonorigan Hall to congratulate the residents on refurbishing the kitchen with help from a $8548 federal grant.

Gr8 news for sk8ers

Ballina Councillor Peter Moore (centre) with skaters Warren Miller (left) and Turi Ramsay at the Ballina Skate Park.

Work has already begun on a $200,000 upgrade of the Ballina Skate Park, with Ballina Shire councillor Peter Moore saying when the project is completed in a few months the facility will be the best of its kind in Australia.

"The current skate park has a five star rating and following the extensions we will literally cement this park as the premier skate facility in Australia," Cr Moore said. "In its present state the park is suitable for beginners and intermediate level skaters and after the extensions it will be suitable for professional skaters as well."

Ballina Skater Turi Ramsay was thrilled the news.

"I really want to become a professional skater some day and when the park is upgraded it means I can launch my professional career right here in Ballina."

Lismore gets in the swim

Lismore mayor Merv King officially declares the Lismore Memorial Baths open.

Taking advantage of the free entry at the grand opening of the Lismore Memorial Baths on Sunday were (l-r) Nikita Gray, Katyna Hall, Chantelle Parfitt and Amanda Bock, all of Lismore.

Marking the Lismore Memorial Baths grand opening with the first official ‘lap' were (l-r) local medal-winning Paralympian Scott Brockenshire, 1950 100m freestyle State Champion Beryl Wotherspoon and Dr Richard Opie, who swam the very first lap in the original Lismore Memorial Baths complex when it opened in 1928.

The $9.6 million Lismore Memorial Baths complex was opened on Sunday, with around 250 people turning out to get their feet - and much more - wet.

Former North Coast swimming champion Dr Richard Opie, 85, who swam the first lap of the Lismore Memorial Baths when it opened in 1928, recreated history with a lap of the pool. After a look around, he said he was delighted with how Lismore Council had merged the old and the new.

"I think it's quite spectacular - the new facility is about twice the size of the old one and they've done a wonderful job of creating a modern complex while preserving the original facade beautifully," he said. "It sure beats swimming in river like we used to."

The Memorial Baths are open from 6am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 6pm on weekends. During daylight savings it will be open from 5.30am to 9pm.

Entry is $3 for adults and $2.30 for children, with kids 0-5 free. Discount passes are also available.

Take me to the river

Lismore City Council's catchment management officer Vanessa Tallon (front centre) with Kadina High School teachers Joyce Cordery and Geoff Doust, National Parks Discovery Rangers Brendan Taylor and Kate Adams, and the Kadina year nine geography class before embarking on an Estuary Tour.

Lismore City Council is using the lure of adventure to teach local school students about estuary issues, with a 4.2km canoe trip on the Wilsons River giving students a first-hand look at the impacts of land use on the river environment.

The paddle is part of a new Estuary Tour developed by Council and the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources to educate young people about their local river whilst enjoying a day of fun and physical activity.

"While canoeing the students get an up close look at remnant riparian vegetation in Currie Park and at Landcare sites, which are rare examples of lowland rainforest on floodplain - an endangered ecological community," said Council's catchment management officer, Vanessa Tallon. "We ‘raft up' and discuss issues together including changes to the river such as bank erosion and sedimentation, weed infestation and the decline in water quality and aquatic biodiversity. After the paddle we hop on a bus and continue with a visit to Pelican Creek to see how a local project has improved fish passage and then onto Bagotville to look at floodgates and acid sulphate soil management. It's a great way to demonstrate what is going on in different parts of the Richmond River estuary, and because it's outdoors and adventurous, it engages them to listen and to learn."

Council is now inviting schools in the Lismore area to register for an Estuary Tour, which is run with the help of National Parks Discovery Rangers. To find out more phone Vanessa on 6625 0572 Tuesday to Thursday.

Free cancer seminar

With 201 people from Northern Rivers diagnosed with melanoma every year, the Cancer Council is holding free public seminars to teach local residents how to spot skin cancers early.

The first of these seminars will be held next Thursday, September 29, at the Lismore Workers Club from 10.30am.

People over 55 are particularly encouraged to attend. Anyone who can't attend the seminar can find out more by phoning the Cancer Helpline on 131 120.

Discover National Parks these holidays

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Discovery spring school holiday program kicks off next Monday, September 26, with a range of activities for young and old.

Highlights include spotlighting at Wilson's and Victoria Park Nature Reserves, canoeing the Brunswick River and a bush food tour in the Nightcap National Park.

Coordinator Kate Adams said the spring Discovery program is the perfect way for families to discover the many natural wonders just on their doorstep.

"Our first activity on Monday, September 26, is an exploration of the edible and medicinal plants of Nightcap National Park, followed by a native cuisine snack," Kate said. "On September 28 we will be on the beach at Evans Head for some beachcombing and games to learn about the coastal environment. Then on September 29 join our Rangers for a spotlight tour at Wilson's Nature Reserve near Lismore and meet some animals that only come out when the sun goes down."

Other activities include canoeing on the Brunswick River on September 30, spotlighting at Victoria Park Nature Reserve near Alstonville on October 3, an Aboriginal cultural walk at Fingal Head on October 4 and a whale watching walk at Broken Head Nature Reserve on October 6. The program concludes on Friday, October 7, with a morning bird walk in Richmond Range National Park, just west of Casino.

Bookings are required for all activities. Phone NPWS on 6627 0200 or check out the full program at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.

Success by degrees

Antony McCardell from Nimbin was awarded the University Medal for exceptional academic achievement.

Lismore's Katie Britton graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science with Honours. She is pictured with Dr Don McMurray, who supervised her thesis.

More than 690 students received their degrees during Southern Cross University's annual spring graduation ceremony in Lismore on Saturday.

Among the graduates was Nimbin's Antony McCardell, who graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours and was awarded the University Medal for exceptional academic achievement.

Lismore resident and TAFE teacher Katie Britton, who is profoundly deaf and uses Auslan as her first language, graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science with Honours. She completed a thesis entitled ‘The Use of Australian Sign Language (Auslan) as a Communicative Tool for Deaf Children' and now plans to write a book on deaf communities.

"I could relate my thesis to my own experience of deaf education," Katie said. "There are still old ways around, with Auslan not always readily accepted as part of the curriculum or communication methods."

Law graduate and Aboriginal community leader Julie Anne Perkins of Coffs Harbour was named 2005 Alumnus of the Year.

North Lismore wards against floods

Discussing the establishment of a ‘Flood Warden' system for North Lismore is North Lismore resident Vicki Findlay and Lismore SES Unit controller Lindsay Matterson (both right) with SES volunteers Penney Macrokanis and Eric Baker.

Widespread complaints from North Lismore residents that they did not receive adequate notice of the July flood has prompted the Lismore SES to establish a ‘Flood Warden' system to streamline the process.

The SES has proposed that North Lismore establish a network of residents and businesses who are prepared to receive information directly from the SES and then pass this onto their neighbours.

"We are hoping to have a number of wardens for each street so that early warnings can be spread quickly," said North Lismore resident Vicki Findlay. "We are keen to hear from people as to the best means of communication, and we're looking at options such as SMS, email and phone."

A meeting to establish the warden network is being held next Thursday, September 29, at the Italo Club in North Lismore from 6pm. Staff from Lismore City Council and the SES will be in attendance.

Anyone unable to attend who is interested in being part of the network should phone Vicki on 6622 0712 or email vfindlay @bigpond.net.au.

Tune-up and save water

People can reduce their water bills and help make the region's water supply last longer by taking up Rous Water's special offer of a home water tune-up for just $15 until the end of November.

The tune-up, which is available to people in the Ballina, Lismore or Richmond Valley council areas, includes having showerheads replaced with a AAA-rated water efficient model, the installation of aerators at the kitchen sink and hand basin, a toilet flush adjustment and a check for leaking taps around the house.

For more information phone Rous Water on 6621 8055.

Beaches patrolled

Swimmers at Ballina's Shelley Beach and Lennox Head's Seven Mile Beach will be under the eye of surf lifesaving patrols between 8.30am and 5pm until Sunday, October 9. Beach-goers to remember to swim between the flags and take notice of any instructions from the lifesaver on duty.

What a surprise!

Lismore's Mary Josephine Fisher - or Dolly as she's better known - was treated to a surprise party for her 95th birthday at the Goonellabah Soccer Club last week.

The party was organised by her lifelong friend Colin Thompson, who secretly gathered together around 100 of Dolly's family and friends for the occasion.

"I'm pretty sure she enjoyed herself - she hasn't stopped talking about it since!" laughed Colin. "I've had a great friendship with Dolly - she is a wonderful, good natured person and people always treat her with the greatest respect. She's one of a kind."

Dolly was born in Bendigo in 1910 and says some of her most memorable experiences were working as a corsetiere, a professional ballroom dancer and a volunteer driver during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where she met Prince Philip.

She moved to the North Coast 16 years ago.

Happy birthday from everyone at The Echo.

Murals with a vital message

Senior students from Nimbin Central School including (l-r) Rahima Jackson, Elle Egan, Anna Zagel Geiss and Amy-Kate Dillon recently unveiled a new tiled mural at the school, which they created to highlight the importance of safe and respectful relationships within families.

Two murals have now been made, with the other to be placed at the children's playground in Peace Park. The mural making was an initiative of the Nimbin Domestic Violence Committee, timed to coincide with National Child Protection Week.

"We are committed to educating students about safer relationships and wanted everyone in the community to hear and see our message," said Mandie Hale from the Nimbin Neighbourhood Centre. "The mural making also coincided with our Silent Witness initiative, where we placed eight life-sized wooden figures in prominent positions throughout the village. Often child abuse and domestic violence are not talked about and kept secret and hidden within families and the community, so we wanted something visual that would convey our message and have an impact."

Are you being served?

Opening SGE Credit Union's new state-of-the-art service centre in Lismore last week were (pictured l-r) Lismore mayor Merv King, SGE assistant general manager Paul Willis, Health Services Union organiser Ken McIntosh, SGE business development officer Melissa Dundas, Public Services Association general secretary John Cahill and Public Services Association president Sue Walsh.

SGE Credit Union provides a comprehensive range of financial services and public sector union representation, with an emphasis on customer service.

The new service centre is located on the corner of Conway and Carrington streets, Lismore, and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Members can also access their accounts 24/7 via phone and internet banking, or the ATM located at the front of the branch.

For more information phone SGE Credit Union on 6622 3693.

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