Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Casino turns 150

Party time is fast approaching as Casino gears up for its sesquicentenary celebrating 150 years of township over the October long weekend.

The celebrations will kick off in style with a Supper Ball where guests are encouraged to come dressed in the style of their favourite decade.

Council's events coordinator Nyree Epplett said the Ball will take people back to a time when dancing was fun and food was elegant.

"Dust off that polyester pants suit, dig out that mini skirt and those go-go boots and get ready for a night of non-stop fun," Nyree said. "Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed individual and group, and there will be loads of giveaways."

The Casino Sesquicentenary Supper Ball starts at 7.30pm in the Relihan Centre on Friday, September 30. Tickets are $25 from the Casino Visitor Information Centre on 6662 3566.

The full progam is:

• Sept 26-Oct 1: ‘Essence of Casino' photography and art exhibition, Casino Civic Hall.
• Friday, Sept 30: Sesquicentenary Supper Ball, Relihan Centre.
• Saturday, Oct 1: International Food Festival, Barker Street; Crankfest 2005, youth hip hop event, Casino pool; Nostalgia Film Festival - ‘Back to the El Gronda', car park at rear of El Gronda Arcade.

All weekend: National Camp Oven Festival, CMCA (Casino) Village; 3801 steam train rides to Kyogle and Rappville.

Tickets for all events are available from the Casino Visitor Information Centre on 6662 3566.

Aboriginal youth centre planned

An Aboriginal youth centre in the town looks set to go ahead with support from Council and several community groups.

The centre is an initiative of the Junbung Elders Aboriginal Corporation Youth Advisory Committee (JEACYAC). It will be run as a partnership between community members and agencies including the Casino RSM Youth Club, police and the youth service.

A report tabled at this week's Richmond Valley Council meeting said the centre will divert young people who are most at risk from criminal activity.

"Young Aboriginal people will have the opportunity to be involved in sports, cultural and social activities on a Friday night," it noted.

General manager Brian Wilkinson welcomed the proposal. "Statistics from Casino Police Station show that the offence rate drops alarmingly when young people have activities to keep them occupied," he said.

Council has earmarked $4680 towards rental and associated costs for the centre.

Singing up a storm in readiness for the Casino Sesquicentenary Ball are (l-r) Richmond Valley Council deputy mayor Sandra Humphrys and daughter Brettney, Hayley Dennis and mayor Charlie Cox with piano player Brian Watkins. The ball will kick off the sesquicentenary celebrations, which are being held over the October long weekend to mark the 150th anniversary of Casino being proclaimed a town.

Intrepid riders Ian Willis and Jean Foster show off their scooters during a scooter training day held in Casino this week. Mrs Foster said she wouldn't be without her wheels and uses it to shop and visit friends.