The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Alstonville bypassed again

• Bypass delayed by four years
• Election promise broken for second time
• NSW tries to blame Feds

Alstonville Bypass Action Group coordinator Bob Wilson (rear left) with residents Kath Robb, Janet Green, Alison Carmichael, Doug Southerland and Marilyn Perkins, who are outraged that the NSW Government has again delayed the promised bypass until the end of 2010.

Story & photo:Julian Ryan

The NSW Government has consistently deceived Alstonville residents about the town's long-awaited bypass, breaking a key election promise, says bypass campaigner Bob Wilson.

The Bypass Action Group coordinator said he felt like he'd had his "guts torn out" when he recently discovered yet another delay in the starting date for the project, which former premier Bob Carr had promised would be completed by the end of 2006.

The Labor Government had already reneged on the promise in February, announcing a 12-month delay while citing budget difficulties and trying to blame the federal Government for the broken promise.

Last Friday Mr Wilson discovered that the State Government had once again wriggled out of the deal, saying that work would not begin until late in 2010. NSW roads minister Joe Tripodi again tried to blame the federal Government, which has pledged $12 million towards the project, for the delay.

But Mr Wilson isn't having a bar of what he sees as Labor lies.

"Four days before the last election, Bob Carr came here and promised the bypass and now for the Government to backflip like this is completely outrageous and we intend to hold them accountable for going back on their word," Mr Wilson said.

"It's on record that this was fully funded in the RTA's forward capital works program and now we want to know what the hell has happened to the $24 million that was set aside for the project."

NSW Nationals leader Andrew Stoner claimed that the NSW Government's budget crisis was the real reason the project was deferred.

"Mr Tripodi must stop twisting the truth and admit NSW Labor delayed construction of the Alstonville bypass to dig itself out of its own budget crisis," Mr Stoner said.

Meanwhile, an angry Mr Wilson said that with 20,000 vehicles passing through Alstonville daily, it's only a matter of time before someone was seriously injured or killed.

"The lollypop people who control the traffic near the Uniting Church have been hit by cars and abused by the motorists, and it has got to the stage where it may be too dangerous for them," he said. "People have had a real gut full of this city-centric Labor Government who have closed the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line and left our hospitals under-funded, and this latest announcement just goes to prove that you can't believe anything that they say."

All creatures great and small

Shawn Leckie (right) with St Andrew's Anglican Church assistant priest Alan Shaw and Lisa Hofstetter of Tullera with a crayfish, a miniature horse called Lady of the Lake and a donkey called Donkey, who will be some of the many pets at this Sunday's Blessing of the Pets.

Pets of all shapes, sizes and species are invited to celebrate the teachings of St Francis of Assisi with their owners at a special Blessing of the Pets service this Sunday, October 9, at St Andrew's Anglican Church in Lismore.

Assisi was a wealthy 13th century man who gave up his riches to found the order of Franciscan monks, and who claimed he found his affinity with God through animals.

This Sunday people are invited to come with their pets and celebrate the natural world and the joy animals bring to our lives, although there are a few house rules to ensure a harmonious day.

"Dogs and their handlers will be in one part of the church and cats and their owners will be located well away from them," said Reverend Vivian Hoskins. "Birds, rats, mice and crawling things should be caged, boxed or at least well-trained! Large animals must be tethered outside and cane toads are banned!"

Reverend Hoskins said the Blessing of the Pets is great fun for kids, and a wonderful way for everyone to enjoy church in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. The service begins at 9.30am.

Kyogle shows off

Louise Roy, Jessica Muhling and Tara Farenden will all be vying for the title of Miss Showgirl at the Kyogle Show this weekend.

Bull riding, a show and shine car display and a demolition derby are just some of the many exciting events at the 96th annual Kyogle Show this Friday and Saturday, October 7-8, at the Kyogle Showgrounds.

Show Society secretary Wendy Piggott said a visit to this year's Show is one of the best ways people can help the town in the wake of the devastating Norply factory fire.

"The Show is a great opportunity for the community to rally together behind all those people who are left with uncertain futures," Wendy said. "Come along - it's a great family event and the Show really reflects the strong sense of community spirit that is alive and well in Kyogle."

The show commences at 9am this Friday with the vealer judging, followed by the working stock horse challenge from 12pm and children's sports at 1pm. There will also be rides, the ever-popular Sideshow Alley and a historical display about the timber industry.

On Saturday, the ring events begin at 8am, followed by the beef cattle judging at 8.30am and the show and shine car display from 11am.

The grand parade at 1.30pm features the crowning of Miss Showgirl, followed by bull riding at 2pm and the popular Demolition Derby from 7pm.

For more details, phone 6632 1220.

Expert warns of climate change dangers

Controversial scientist Dr Tim Flannery argues that we need to do something about climate change now. He'll talk about his new book on the issue in Byron next Tuesday.

One of Australia's leading thinkers on climate change and the future of the planet, Dr Tim Flannery, will visit the Northern Rivers next week to talk about his controversial new book The Weather Makers: the History and Future Impact of Climate Change.

Flannery argues passionately for the need to address - now - the implications of a global change that is damaging all life on earth and endangering our very survival.

The book is unimpeachable in its authority, laying out plainly what we know about climate, what we think might happen and what tools we have available to make a difference.

A writer, scientist and explorer whose writing and ideas are respected around the world, Tim Flannery has written over a dozen books including the award-winning bestsellers The Future Eaters and Throwim Way Leg. He is currently the director of the South Australian Museum.

Tim Flannery will speak at the Byron Bay High School next Tuesday, October 11, at 7pm.

Tickets are $11 and may be bought at Jetset Travel in Byron Bay, Dymocks in Lismore and the ABC Bookshop in Ballina. Bookings are essential. For information call the Northern Rivers Writers' Centre on 6685 5115.

Customer service workshop

Businesses wanting to increase their turnover will benefit from two workshops by nationally recognised presenter Bob Johnson, who will discuss how a good customer service culture is the secret to growing revenue.

Lismore Unlimited Opportunities (LUO) is bringing Mr Johnson from Newcastle to give two half-day workshops on October 11 and 12.

LUO manager Amber Hall said business was no longer only about the movement of goods and services, but more about developing and maintaining personal relationships.

"The workshops are an excellent and cost-effective way to develop more knowledge on a topic that is making and breaking regional businesses," she said. "Customers and clients are demanding to be serviced in a professional manner, and it is ultimately up to the owner/manager to develop this service culture in their organisaton."

Each session costs $25 per person, or $20 for LUO members.

For more information phone Amber Hall on 6621 4366 or email workshops@luo.com.au.

Study targets rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers are being sought to take part in a study to investigate the effects of essential oils as complementary treatments of the disease.

The study is being done by Dr Michelle Standen, a PhD student with the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine, Education and Research, a joint venture between the University of Queensland and Southern Cross University.

The trial is part of a larger project looking at the impact of essential oils on the immune system.

"I am looking for people with an established diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, aged between 18 and 70, with active disease. They will be required to attend two clinic sessions, six weeks apart, at the SCU campus in Lismore," Dr Standen said.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease particularly notable for its impact on the joints.

"Rheumatoid arthritis affects around two per cent of the population, with a greater incidence in women. It tends to most frequently have an onset in people aged in their 30s and 40s," Dr Standen said.

Participants in the study will be asked to apply lotions containing essential oils for a period of six weeks. The trial is expected to start at the end of October. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Dr Standen on 6626 9336 or email mstand10@scu.edu.au.

Business skills for women

Female business owners are being encouraged to take advantage of a special business skills development program starting in Lismore next Thursday, October 13.

The North Coast Women in Business Regional Program will help participants develop their business skills, explore options to reduce costs and attract new business, and extend their local business networks. It will run for three months and will be delivered by Lismore Unlimited Opportunities.

For more information phone 6621 4366 or email wib@luo.com.au.

Lismore cop puts his best foot forward

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Leading Senior Constable Jerrod Luck, Senior Constable Emma Fox and Inspector David Larkin on the beat in Lismore yesterday.

If you've noticed a higher police presence on the beat in Lismore lately, it's largely thanks to the work of Inspector David Larkin, who describes himself as an 'old-style policeman' - but definitely not a dinosaur.

For the last six months Inspector Larkin has been the Richmond Local Area Command duty officer and has set about creating a higher police presence in Lismore, developing a greater rapport between the police and the community.

"From my own views and experience I recognise that residents and business people like to see a visible police presence and in particular uniformed police out on the beat in the CBD," Inspector Larkin said. "We know where the local hot spots are and we task officers on day and night foot patrols to target crimes including anti social behaviour, property offences, crimes of violence and alcohol related crime."

Since introducing the patrols Inspector Larkin said there has been a lot of positive feedback from the community and was quick to point out that despite other reports, Lismore was not in the grip of a crime wave.

"It's only early days of this yet but our figures clearly indicate that crime in the core areas including assault, break and enter, stealing, and malicious damage are all down and we attribute this to our high visibility strategy," he said. "We are working very closely with Lismore City Council's City Safe program to provide ethical and professional policing and this strategy is all about being out and about in uniform, doing our job preventing crime, arresting offenders and making the community a safer place."

Health Advisory Council appointments

NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos has announced the make-up of the North Coast Area Health Advisory Council (AHAC), with Lismore-based GP Dr Sue Page being appointed as chair.

Mr Hatzistergos said the local advisory councils being formed across NSW would help provide advice on issues such as health service planning and workforce development.

"Members have been selected for their understanding of the health challenges facing NSW communities," Mr Hatzistergos said. "The councils will work with the chief executive of each area health service to ensure that clinicians, patients and the community are effectively engaged and consulted."

Other members of the AHAC are: Lismore Base Hospital paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall; former Northern Rivers Area Health Service director Hazel Bridgett; manager of nutrition and dietetics at Lismore Base Hospital, Scott Wagner; chair of St Andrew's Village aged care facility in Ballina, Dr Janice Herbert; Tweed Hospital director of emergency Dr Geoff Ramin; Coff Harbour's Durri Aboriginal Medical Service CEO Stephen Blunden; long-time Maclean-Lower Clarence Hospital Auxiliary member Sandra Woods; chair of the Mental Health Co-ordinating Council in NSW, Leonie Crayden; Port Macquarie Base Hospital surgeon Dr Bruce Hodge; part-time GP with the Galambila Aboriginal Health Centre in Coffs Harbour, Dr Helena Johnston; Nambucca Community Services Council staff member Carrol-Ann Maher; and chair of the TAFE NSW North Coast Institute Council, Warren Grimshaw.

Rex offers a slice of the action

Less than a month after announcing a 10-fold increase in profits, regional airline Rex is now listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and offering shares to the public.

As part of the Initial Public Offer (IPO) Rex intends to raise $35 million by issuing 35 million new ordinary shares priced at $1 each. Already Rex has had an overwhelming response from the business sector, however, management has specifically earmarked a number of shares for public investors.

"We are reserving a significant portion of the remaining shares to those who have been so loyal and steadfast in their support for Rex," said Rex managing director Geoff Breust. "Our staff and frequent flyers will be given priority allotment and so will investors from the bush."

Anyone interested in the Rex float is encouraged to attend Rex's IPO road show, which will be in Lismore next Monday, October 10. There will be a presentation and light breakfast from 7.30am at Mary Gilhooley's Irish Pub. To secure a place RSVP by this Saturday, October 8, to 9023 3500.

A copy of the prospectus is available online at www.rex.com.au and offers close on October 28.

Carers in frontline fight against dementia

Pamela MacDougal began caring for her mother at home after dementia meant she could no longer care for herself.

With the number of dementia sufferers on the North Coast set to quadruple in the coming decades, Nikki Davies examines one of our major health challenges...

It's been three years since Pamela MacDougal of Lillian Rock and her husband drove down to the south coast of NSW, packed up his mother in one afternoon and brought her home to live with them.

"She was very distressed," Pamela recalls, "and we knew it was time she came home with us to have proper care."

Family or partners care for most of the 70,000 people in NSW with dementia. It's a situation fraught with difficulties as the progressive nature of the illness robs victims of their memories, ability to think logically and clearly, and sadly for loved ones, sometimes their personality.

"Almost each week I can see her deteriorating," says Pamela. "She now can't make herself a cup of tea because she can't remember how to turn the electric kettle on."

It is these moments that bring the impact of this terrible disease home.

Australia's aging population is giving rise to a dementia epidemic that will hit us with full force in the near future according to researchers. A recent report released by Access Economics predicts that 225,000 people in NSW will have the disease by 2050 - more than the total number of people with the illness in Australia today. Lewis Kaplan, chief executive of Alzheimer's Australia NSW, says that, as a result, there is an increasing need for understanding, support and high quality care for people living with Alzheimer's. "Dementia is a devastating condition," he says.

A general term used to describe a range of symptoms, dementia has no cure and while we may more often think of Alzheimer's Disease when we think of dementia, there are actually more than 70 diseases that can cause it. Without a cure, carers and sufferers must manage as best they can.

"I think if you can understand that they aren't in control of their thoughts then it is easier," says Pamela of the frustration common with caring for someone with dementia. "It's very sad, but it's a part of our lives."

Emotional support is vital, Pamela believes, and she is fortunate that her husband offers strong support. While she doesn't have a great need for the wide range of support our region offers to carers, they do use respite care during their annual holiday. Time away, no matter how brief, makes it easier to care for someone who is becoming progressively helpless.

"It's frustrating to live with someone who's conversation is repetitive and their behaviour illogical", Pamela says. "You have to ride it without chiding them, as chiding them makes them more stressed."

For Pamela and her husband there was never any thought of putting his mother in a home. As long as she is alert, she will remain with them.

"At the moment I couldn't do it, but eventually she'll have to go into permanent care." Until then, it's patience and a sense of humour that gets Pamela through.

"She's a dear, inoffensive lady," she says fondly. "And she knows what we do for her and she's grateful. She often tells me 'I love you Pamela'."

For information on local services and carer support phone Commonwealth Carelink on 1800 052 222 or the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Lismore heritage rules up for debate

By Eve Sinton

Heritage building owners in Lismore can apply for up to $2000 from Council to help with conservation work and repairs. The heritage assistance fund is a dollar-for-dollar subsidy for buildings on Council's list of heritage items. Applications close on October 20. Council's heritage planner Angela Jones said free advice on preservation and restoration of heritage buildings is also available from Council.

And anyone wanting to renovate old buildings or develop in the city's historic areas will soon have a new set of guidelines for their projects.

They are contained in a draft development control plan (Draft DCP 50) which is currently on public exhibition. Submissions close on October 26.

Council's planning services manager Helen Manning said the design guidelines would encourage sympathetic change when heritage buildings are renovated or extended.

"The plan can also be used by owners of older buildings, even if they're not listed as heritage items," she said. "Heritage places can give identity and meaning to a town and can be a drawcard for tourism."

The Lismore Local Environment Plan lists over 100 buildings and places as individual heritage items as well as five heritage conservation areas: Dalley Street, Spinks Park, St Carthages and St Andrews precincts, Girrards Hill and the main street of Nimbin.

The new DCP does not intend to freeze historic properties in time.

"The need to upgrade older homes to modern standards is accepted," it states. "But these changes must be made in the most sympathetic way possible. Those elements which led to a property being protected must be maintained."

Draft DCP 50 can be downloaded from www. lismore.nsw.gov.au (under 'On Exhibition') or seen at Council's Oliver Avenue chambers in Goonellabah until October 26.

Protests stop Tuntable road work

Resident Greg Crane and protesters Kate Smith, John (who didn't want to give his other name) and Robert Lonetree sit on a newly felled log to discuss their differences. Two more protesters brew tea on the roadside.

By Eve Sinton

Lismore Council has been forced to abandon road-widening work at Tuntable Creek Road, near Nimbin, following a protest over tree felling on the site this week.

Half a dozen people got in the way of the machinery on Tuesday - enough to persuade Lismore Council workers to down tools and leave the area until the conflict was sorted out. The vegetation, including some significantly large habitat trees, was being felled so that a narrow and dangerous section of Tuntable Creek Road could be widened and sealed.

While everyone agreed the work was needed, the tree removal provoked a range of views that were discussed over a cup of tea brewed on the roadside.

Tuntable Creek Road landowner Greg Crane was in favour of the widening.

"There's an unmarked 30-metre drop over the edge of the road right there," he pointed. "I've seen a tour bus take a lean over the edge when they stopped to admire the view. The bus couldn't move and they were lucky the whole thing didn't go over. Since the lower section of the road was sealed, there have been no accidents, but cars find themselves in what I call 'novel parking solutions' all the time up this end."

Nearby resident Robert Lonetree disagreed.

"I don't want to deny people their tar-seal, but widening the road will make people drive faster and it will be more dangerous. The road doesn't need to be wider and we want to keep these big habitat trees."

Kate Smith was concerned that the area was a wildlife corridor. "I can show you a rare Alberts Lyrebird nest just over there," she said.

Council's executive director of infrastructure services, Garry Hemsworth, said a meeting with the protestors on Wednesday resulted in a halt to the tree felling until Aboriginal heritage issues were addressed.

"We had previously walked through the pegged-out site with several residents and the local landcare group, and some compromises were made," he said. "But the environmentalists who held up the work this week have raised issues we have to do some more work on. It involves going over the site with a knowledgeable Aboriginal person and we have agreed not to continue clearing until that is resolved."

Mr Hemsworth said he was not aware of any specific Aboriginal artefacts in the area.

HSC advice just a call away

Trinity Catholic College students (l-r) Leah Pagura, Mala Roberts and Brett O'Connor are all intending to use the Higher School Certificate Advice Line to help them prepare for their exams.

As she prepares for her HSC which begins in two weeks time, Trinity Catholic College student Mala Roberts expects to be on the phone a fair bit, but she won't be chatting with friends.

Instead, Mala will be using the HSC Advice Line, which opened this week to help the state's 65,000 HSC students prepare for their exams.

Now in its eleventh year, the telephone information service is operated by experienced teachers who provide after hours and weekend advice to HSC students for the cost of a local call.

After recently attending a study day at Southern Cross University, Mala said students from her school were briefed about the service and encouraged to use it when they needed help with their studies.

"I intend to use the Advice Line for help with chemistry, two unit religion as well as legal studies," Mala said. "I think it's a very valuable study tool and I need a very high University Admissions Index (UAI) if I'm to be accepted into university to study either law and business, bio medical science or radiology, so I'm going to take all the help I can get."

The HSC Advice Line is open from 4pm to 10pm Monday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and from 10am to 10pm on Sunday.

Students from NSW can access the Advice Line from anywhere in the state by phoning 131 112.

The HSC exams begin on October 17. The Advice Line is open until November 10.

New deal leads to better health

At the signing of the health partnership agreement last week were (rear l-r) North Coast Area Health Service chief executive Chris Crawford, VC of Southern Cross University Paul Clark and TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute director Neil Black with (front l-r) NCAHS director of nursing and midwifery Anne O'Donoghue, Prof Jenny Graham of SCU, and head teacher of nursing at Coffs Harbour TAFE, Karyn O'Reilly.

Three of the region's leading organisations have signed an agreement aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of local residents.

Southern Cross University, the North Coast Area Health Service and North Coast TAFE signed a Memorandum of Understanding that emphasised collaboration between the three groups.

NCAHS chief executive Chris Crawford said the relationship would help strengthen the theory underpinning improved health services, especially with educational support.

Neil Black, director of TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute said the partnership will also play a key role in regional development and improved educational opportunities in health as well as work placements.

House prices go beyond reach of locals

BCU marketing manager, Gillian French.

By Eve Sinton

The great Aussie dream of owning your own home is now less likely to come true for Northern Rivers residents new research has revealed. The cost of housing came under the spotlight at a recent forum organised by the Northern Rivers Social Development Council (NRSDC) and held, ironically, in the region's most unaffordable town - Byron Bay.

NRSDC spokeswoman and Lismore councillor Jenny Dowell said research from the Banana Coast Credit Union (BCU) showed that local housing prices had risen to the point where a $50,000 a year income was needed to service a mortgage. The current average is only $30,000.

"It's not the interest rate that makes housing unaffordable, it's the starting price," she said. "For example, in Lismore it's about $250,000."

Cr Dowell said affordable housing, which includes caravan parks, need to be protected and expanded.

Strong population growth and demand for new housing on the coastal strip has seen house prices rise sharply. The NSW Department of Planning has predicted that an additional 18,000 houses will be needed in the Northern Rivers region over the next 25 years - one third of them for people aged over 65.

Meanwhile, more than half the population is seeking some type of affordable housing.

BCU marketing manager Gillian French said the credit union was looking to launch a pilot project in a bid to assist them.

"We're focusing on home equity for low income-earners," she said. "Our research into economic development shows that we need better housing, health and education services to grow healthy regional communities. The workers have to live somewhere and we see it as critical to attract and retain those people in our area.

"We want to take action and get something happening," Ms French said.

The BCU report, compiled by Southern Cross University researchers, says the Australian Government's home ownership schemes have been poorly targeted and have actually made the problem of housing affordability worse by causing an inflationary effect.

First home buyers and those on relatively low incomes are finding it harder to enter the housing market, both locally and across the nation.

The report says all levels of government in Australia have failed to adequately address housing affordability, with most attempts generally appearing to be ad hoc and/or political rather than considered or targeted.

Surprisingly, the report interviewed a number of people who said they were not particularly troubled by current housing costs and generally did not see housing affordability as a major problem. However, many appeared not to fully appreciate the effect of significant increases in interest rates on their ability to manage their mortgages.

Free copies of the 92-page report are available from the BCU. To obtain one email ahreport@bcu.com.au.

Brunei sets sail for Ballina

The HMAS Brunei will visit Ballina in November as part of the Ballina Naval Association's annual All Ships Reunion.

Ballina Shire Council has pledged $4,000 to the Ballina Naval Association to host a visit by the HMAS Brunei on Friday and Saturday, November 25, and 26 when more than 300 ex-navy personnel will be in town for the All Ships Reunion.

The Brunei is a tank carrier that is used to move large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore.

Ballina Sub Section Naval Association president, Merv Stevens, thanked the Council for the funding and said preparations were well and truly underway for the annual event.

"There will be a formal dinner at the RSL Club on Saturday night and there will be a parade down River Street on Sunday morning followed by a service at the cenotaph as well as a salute near the RSL," Merv said.

"We expect that the money will be used to cover costs such as water, waste, traffic management, power and resources for the ship."

Make or update a will for free

As part of Good Will Week, Public Trustee NSW branches will be open across the state next Saturday, October 15, to help people make or update a Will for free.

Lismore Branch manager Col Gray said it's vital for everyone over 18 to have a Will as those who don't risk giving all their assets to the NSW Government rather than their loved ones.

"This is a fantastic chance for those who may be too busy during the week, or have a demanding schedule, to stop putting off writing a Will and get the best advice from people who know what they are doing," Mr Gray said.

The Public Trustee NSW recommends your Will be updated every five years or when your life circumstances change.

"Your Will should be updated at every milestone in your life, such as marriage or starting a family," Mr Gray said. "It is surprising, if not alarming, to think that so many people across NSW are without the one document that controls the future inheritance of their assets."

For every Will made with Public Trustee NSW over the next 12 months, $1 will be donated to the Variety Club of Australia.

The Lismore Branch of the Public Trustee is located at 6 Zadoc Street, Lismore. For more information or to make an appointment phone 1300 364 103 or visit the website www. goodwillweek.com.au.

Casino has its cake and celebrates too

Life-time Casino resident Marie Shephard (front left), 93, was given the honour of cutting Casino's 150th birthday cake during the weekend's festivities. Pictured with her are Casino's bullocky man Jack Axford, Pat McDonald, mayor Charlie Cox, Ylma Lockett and Salvation Army captain Madge Moore.

The party of a century (and a half) attracted thousands of visitors, and fifth generation resident Pat McDonald said the celebrations gave her a stronger sense of her family's long connection to the town.

"To think I'm descended from people who would have been here when Casino was proclaimed a town," she said. "And now to be in town like my ancestors were when the celebrations are being held is really exciting."

It's more than Greek to me

Dr Stewart Hase
Psychologically Speaking

The other evening I was chatting with the owners of a small restaurant in Rhodes, Greece. (It's a tough job but someone has to do it!)

It was late and the restaurant was quiet. Well, quiet for a while at least because people seem to start partying very late in Greece, mostly long after I have gone to bed until about when I get up. The meal had been a traditional home cooked Greek dish served with the usual Greek friendliness and eagerness to please. My mellow feeling was helped along by a couple of glasses of really nice local retsina, a white wine. So I was feeling quite reflective. Being something of a people watcher (I like to think it is because of my trade rather than a tendency for voyeurism, although perhaps they are interrelated) I had been watching the interaction between the owners and their daughter and her friends who were in their late teens. The daughter spent the evening helping her parents and then chatting with her friends. They also spent a lot of time on their mobile phones either talking or text messaging. One of her friends kept leaving the restaurant to help her parents in their establishment across the narrow road.

Watching all this led me to ask the parents about how Greek culture was changing. I mentioned my observation that their daughter seemed to be caught between two worlds. On the one hand she helped her parents in the evening in the restaurant, as might traditionally have been expected in the past in a family business. On the other hand, she had her friends with her and was preoccupied a lot of the time with more modern activities such as texting the other three billion mobile phone users on earth. The parents talked a lot about how Greek culture is founded on the family. Children are of central importance in Greece and you can see this everywhere even as a casual observer. They were fairly accepting of what was happening but pointed out how the focus on the family was changing and that traditional values were slowly disappearing.

They were interested to hear that this was also happening in every other developing country of the world. That globalisation had brought with it a culture of high speed communication, access to vast amounts of information, the need for immediate gratification, the me generation, McDonaldisation and values embedded in the cult of consumerism. We shared the fact that childhood was so short now and the pressure for success so much higher. And then they go so very quickly. It seemed to us that the extended family had died out in the seventies. Now it was the turn of the nuclear family. We shrugged our shoulders as we wondered what was next in the brave new world. It's hard to tell. But one thing seemed certain: that this is a global phenomenon at least in what we call developed countries and we baby boomers are starting to sound like our parents bemoaning how things have changed.

Raising awareness of mental health

Richmond Clinic Mental Health Support Group coordinator Barbara Swain and her husband Peter (pictured) with the quilt Barbara has donated for the main prize in a raffle being held to mark Mental Health Week and raise money for Richmond Clinic patients.

Tickets for the double-bed size quilt, which Barbara created by sewing together more than 2,200 squares of material over a three-month period, will be on sale this Saturday, October 8, at Ballina Fair and from October 10-16 in the Lismore Base Hospital foyer along with gifts, home cooking, toys, crafts, flowers and much more.

The raffle will be drawn at Richmond Clinic on Sunday, October 16, and winners will be notified by phone that evening.

"Patients at Richmond Clinic need equipment often not funded by the health service, and we raise money for things like paints and books as often creative pursuits are very therapeutic for the patients," Barbara said. "Often patients don't have family to buy them creature comforts, so we aim to provide things that a lot of us would take for granted. With mental health increasing within the community it's important for people to be aware of mental health issues and have the same attitude towards it as any other disease."

The Richmond Clinic Mental Health Support Group is always looking for more volunteers. For information about joining or to find out about other activities happening during Mental Health Week phone Barbara on 6628 7936.

Wheels fall off Nimbin skate park

Lismore City Council is holding a new round of community consultations in an attempt to overcome noise concerns about Nimbin's new skate park.

The project is nearing completion, but has already attracted a series of noise complaints from nearby residents, leading to a noise assessment and a delay in opening the park.

The Nimbin Community Development Association was building the park for local youth and it was approved by Council subject to a range of conditions to address noise issues. While an independent acoustic report suggested a range of options for noise abatement, there is a level of community concern regarding the cost and potential social impacts.

Council staff are currently meeting with several key stakeholder groups in a bid to find an acceptable resolution so the skate park can open.

Seven Mile wins award

Seven Mile Cafe in Lennox Head has won the best informal modern Australian restaurant award in the 2005 Restaurant and Catering NSW Regional Awards for Excellence.

Up the coast, Fins Seafood Restaurant at Byron Bay took out restaurant of the year as well as best seafood restaurant.

Entries encouraged

If you know a young person who is making a significant contribution to rural Australia, now is the time to nominate them for the 2006 Rural Achievers Award, for which entries close on October 14.

Finalists get an expenses-paid trip to Sydney for next year's Sydney Royal Easter Show. More details on www.eastershow.com.au or phone 9704 1175.

Kids enjoy Ballina fun

Ladies from Murwillumbah Quota with local students (l-r) Jeremy Amos from Rous Public School, Harley Welch from Gloucester Public School, Shara Davis and Hannah Britton from Lismore Public School and Courtney Smith from Ashford Public School, who recently attended the annual deaf school camp in Ballina. The camp has been running for 18 years with the support of Quota, the Variety Club and other local service organisations.

Water tune up for home

Reduce your 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.

Town water users in Ballina, Lismore or Richmond Valley council areas are eligible for the tune-up. An accredited plumber will replace your showerhead with a AAA-rated water efficient model, install aerators at your kitchen sink and hand basin, adjust the toilet flush and check for leaking taps around the home.

Rous Water chairman Phil Silver said that while Rocky Creek Dam was now 98 per cent full, we are heading into the dryer part of the year.

"It's a good time of year for all of us to think about how much water we use at home and look at ways to use less," he said.

For more information, contact Rous Water on 6621 8055 or visit www.rouswater.nsw.gov.au.