The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Ballina RSL Club thinks big

Ballina RSL Club chairman Bob Grant and director Gary Hooley are leading the charge for a multi-million dollar redevelopment of the waterfront site in a bid to ensure the Club's future under the burden of poker machine taxes.

By Eve Sinton

Ballina RSL Club has unveiled a multi-million dollar plan to transform the riverfront in a bold vision to ensure the Club's future.

The proposal includes a major refurbishment of the existing club, improved conference facilities and a four to five-storey hotel and retail building on the site of the current car park. Plans have also been drawn up for a senior's village on the nearby Canal Road Bowling Club site, but recent improved trading figures may give bowlers a stay of execution on the Club, which has been under financial pressure for some time.

Board chairman Bob Grant said the RSL Club's progressive vision was part of a bid to boost membership, and maintain income in the face of the NSW Government's poker machine tax.

The Club wants to show off the prime waterfront site. Mr Grant revealed an architect's concept plan for the site on Tuesday.

"We believe the response will be very positive, because it will be good for Ballina," he said. "It will give the town conferencing facilities that can accommodate large numbers of people. Conferencing is big business but at the moment there's no capacity for big events in Ballina."

Mr Grant said the first priority was the Club's refurbishment.

"It's very tired and badly in need of an upgrade," he said. "This will hopefully improve our trading figures."

While not revealing a specific time frame for the extra developments, the hotel and retail plan is still a few years from fruition. The Club is looking for an investment partner to help fund the project.

Stage four of the plan is a new auditorium, bars and function areas on the Club's upper floor.

Mr Grant said one of the most exciting aspects of the project was public access to the entire foreshore by means of a walkway.

"The boardwalk is designed to link in with Council's public access at Fawcett Park, giving public access right along the foreshore," he said.

Mr Grant could not put a value on the plans.

"These are just concept plans to show what can be done with the Club's land," said general manager Bill Coulter. "We have to do sub-soil tests to see how far we can dig down, and Ballina Council's new DCP to be completed by December will also affect what can be done. We can't put a value on it yet."

Mr Grant said the NSW Government's poker machine tax was forcing the Club to come up with a brave new plan to maximise the value of the Club's assets, with profitability being reduced from $500,0000 to around $140,000 in the next few years.

"By 2010 we'll be paying about $1 million in taxes unless the Government does something about it," he said. "We note that the Coalition has promised to peg the tax at the current level, which would be helpful, although we'd rather see it dropped."

The Club is now seeking a response to the plans from members.

"Naturally, we'll be listening to them," Mr Grant said. "We want our members to tell us whether or not we're on the right track."

The concept plans are featured in the Club's October newsletter and are on display in the foyers of the RSL Club and Bowling Club, but they have refused media requests to publish images of the proposed redevelopment.

Laced with history

Sisters Rosemary (left) and Margaret Playford of the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society admire some of the lace garments that will be on display at Crawford House in Alstonville this Saturday. The sisters are descendants of early settlers in the area and a photo of their great-grandparents hangs above the sewing machine.

Story and photo: Eve Sinton

Lovers of fashion and history will have a treat this Saturday, October 15, when Crawford House Heritage Museum in Alstonville opens its doors for a celebration.

Orange Blossom Lace, a collection of bridal accessories designed by Pat Milne of Wollongbar Lacemakers, will take pride of place amongst the pioneer homestead's displays of life from yester-year.

A jazz trio will play at noon while the barbecue lights up.

Crawford House was built in 1910 for William Ambrose Crawford and his new bride, Olive. The home has been lovingly restored and features many interesting household objects dating from the turn of last century to the 1960s.

The open day runs from 10am until 4pm at 10 Wardell Road, Alstonville. For more information phone 6628 0700.

It's Showtime again!

Lismore Show Society secretary Ian Mulligan (front) and Show Society workers Brad Davis (left) and Tony Powell begin setting up the first rides in preparation for next week's North Coast National Show.

Hundreds of local singers, dancers, actors and children will bring the famous Australian poem Waltzing Matilda to life during the North Coast National Show, which runs from next Thursday, October 20, to Saturday, October 22, at the Lismore showground.

The Summerland Credit Union Waltzing Matilda Story, featuring former Australian Idol contestant Peter Ryan in the lead role of Banjo, will be performed each night in the arena and is even more ambitious than last year's production, which celebrated the people and events that have shaped Lismore's history over the past 100 years.

"The Waltzing Matilda Story pays tribute to our wonderful Australian culture, and it's a great opportunity to showcase the amazing depth of talent we have here in the Northern Rivers," said Show Society secretary, Ian Mulligan. "It's a bit like our own Olympics opening ceremony, and of course we have a huge fireworks display each night to give it a bit of extra bang."

As always, the North Coast National Show has something for the whole family, beginning each morning with livestock events and judging in the arena from 9am. This year a special highlight is the Bartercard Ashton's Circus, which will be performing three free shows daily complete with clowns, gravity-defying acrobatics and trapeze artists, magic illusions, fire breathing, tight rope walking and more.

Other highlights of the Show include Old McDonald's Farm animal nursery and the Unreal Reptile display, Jack Fields Trick Bike Show, pig racing and even a mouse circus.

Next Thursday from 6.20pm the official opening parade and Showgirl presentation will be held in the main arena, followed by fireworks and live music.

And of course there's all the usual entertainment you'd expect including show rides and Sideshow Alley, plus pavilions overflowing with a variety of local produce, fine arts, crafts, gemstone and lapidary work, flowers, bonsai and much more.

Tickets to the Show are $15 for adults, $10 concession or $5 for kids. Families can also purchase a $50 Show pass or a $35 single day pass. Discount tickets for rides and pre-paid entry tickets are also available at all Summerland Credit Union branches.

When too much democracy is barely enough

Simon Thomsen

So how many Lismore councillors can you name?

Of course there's Mayor Merv, who's as ubiquitous as he is likeable, Chanty, the chap who probably sold you a Holden back in the 90s, that woman who used to be mayor and bagged the 'six pack', the roads bloke, the garrulous Goonellabah guy and that ALP woman who keeps writing letters to the editor. Not sure about the rest really.

So any idea how many of these dedicated souls are looking after your interests, bringing their vast experience and wisdom to ponder weighty decisions about the future of your rates and rubbish collection?

If you said 12, you've won tickets to be in the audience at the next Lismore Council meeting, the city's hottest reality show. Congratulations, for you are a true fan of local democracy.

But the thing is, Cr David Tomlinson, the roads bloke, who just scraped in at the last election, reckons the city could probably get by with just nine elected representatives. He thought it might be a good idea to ask voters what they thought and suggested floating the notion with Lismore residents for 21 days before pondering the idea again in November.

He argued that more than half of the state's councils had nine councillors or less, including regions bigger than Lismore, such as Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

"Only a couple have 12 councillors and they have four times the population of Lismore," he said.

Not wanting to appear too radical, Cr Tomlinson explained his plan was innocuous enough: "It's all about putting it up for public comment to see if the public thinks it's a good idea."

But Cr Frank Swientek, the Goonellabah guy, was worried even suggesting the idea would reduce Council's "gene pool" and "brain power".

"We are a diverse community and need to have those diverse voices," he said.

Cr Ros Irwin, the former mayor, rejected that idea, saying most councillors were "of a certain age group and gender". While she didn't support the idea of reducing the numbers, she saw no harm in asking voters how they felt.

Cr Jenny Dowell, the ALP woman, was in favour of seeing what the punters thought, especially since a reduction would save an estimated $60,000, freeing the money up for community projects.

Making the decision themselves was "like voting for our jobs" she said.

Based on the last election, Cr John Hampton (you know who I mean) was worried that there would be no rural representation on the Council.

But ultimately, a substantial majority of our wise councillors decided it was too dangerous to even ask the voters what they thought and the idea of seeking public comment was defeated 3/9 (Crs Dowell, Irwin, Tomlinson for).

You'll get to vote for 12 councillors at the next election if you know what's good for you.

Life in the fast lane

Ballina beauty Kiley Trappet is hoping to get her big break in modelling when she competes against 39 Australian and New Zealand models in the Bartercard Miss Indy modelling competition in Surfers Paradise.

For the next 10 days, the 28-year-old mother of two will face a hectic schedule including media appointments, photo shoots, parties and racing, before competing in the grand final swimsuit modelling competition held on the Gold Coast next Thursday.

She is competing for more than $40,000 in prizes, including a trip to Mexico as well as a photo shoot with Ralph Magazine.

When Kiley won her heat at Lismore's One Nightclub last month - after entering "for a bit of fun" - she was quite surprised

"I'm really excited because I think it will be so much fun as well as a really good experience," Kiley said. "I am certainly going to give it my best shot but in the end there can only be one winner so I'm going to concentrate on having a good time rather than taking things too seriously."

Council backs Woolies petrol

Simon Thomsen

Lismore could have a new discount petrol station by the end of the year after Council once again gave the green light to a Woolworths petrol station in Diadem Street, next to Lismore Shopping Square.

Cr Frank Swientek had lodged a rescission motion attempting to overturn last month's approval, concerned by what he called the "murky little world" of developer contributions.

Assessments of what developers should pay ranged between $268,000 and $37,000, with Council choosing the lower figure. Councillors who had tried to investigate how Council staff determined Section 94 developer contributions found it confusing and erratic.

"One individual can provide a huge discount to developers," Cr Swientek said. Cr David Tomlinson said the levees, which pay for community infrastructure, were skewed against residential development in favour of commercial projects, forcing homebuyers to pay more.

Rob Ingram, representing Woolworths, said he still considered the $37,268 estimate high, telling Council "my figures would be considerably lower". He hinted that Woolworths would take Council to the Land and Environment Court if the project was refused or the developer fees were "excessive", citing anything over $50,000.

Residents who had waged a passionate 18-month campaign against the project had raised a number of concerns, including late night noise from the site. In a concession to their worries, Mr Ingram agreed to pick up the bill for a noise audit three months after the site has opened.

The rescission motion was defeated 6-4 (Crs Chant and Brian Henry absent, due to a conflict of interest).

Mr Ingram said of Woolworths' own studies found that a petrol station located next to a store saw discount docket redemption of 80 to 90 per cent, but it fell to 65 per cent away from a store. Friday is the busiest day, generating 17 per cent of total sales.

Grab the gals for greens glory

Ashlee Wooldridge from Eltham (left) and Fay Langton from Goonellabah are the first two women to register for the upcoming Marrowthon 100 Hole Golf Challenge, and they are now urging other ladies to join them and even up the numbers.

As part of the Marrowthon, which is a fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation, people need to commit to play 100 holes of golf (although it's no mandatory) and raise funds through sponsorship in the lead up to the event. Each registered player gets their very own golf cart for the day and a caddy who will help them with fundraising.

"We can't just have the men dominating the event so we're putting out the challenge for other girls to come and join us... and it will be a much better day with a mix of men and women," Fay said. "I have had friends with children who have leukaemia and it's a very worthy cause to support. This is a wonderful opportunity to have some fun and show you care."

The Marrowthon 100 Hole Golf Challenge is on October 28 at the Lismore Golf Club. On the day there will drinks carts on the course and naturopathy students from Southern Cross University are even setting up a massage tent for the players.

To register for the Marrowthon or find out more, phone Loma on 0409 874 643.

New Lismore police station location unveiled

The NSW Government has bought a block of units next to the Lismore Courthouse in Zadoc Street as the site of the city's long-awaited new $14.5 million police station.

The block will be redeveloped into a three-storey, purpose-built station. The current Heritage-listed police station in Molesworth Street will also be refurbished and together the two sites will make-up the new station.

The NSW Government says it will lodge a DA next month and subject to Council approval, they expect tenders to be called in April.

The new police station is expected to be completed by 2008.

Donations wanted for Norply auction

Bunnings Warehouse in Lismore is seeking donations for a special auction to assist employees of the Norply factory in Kyogle, which was recently destroyed by fire, leaving around 140 people without jobs or an income.

Donations of absolutely anything, big or small, are welcome and can be dropped off at the store after next Wednesday, October 19, or pick up can be arranged.

The auction will be held in the car park at Bunnings Warehouse next Sunday, October 23, from 12pm. The Rotary Clubs of Lismore and Kyogle will also be holding a BBQ.

Every dollar will go directly to Norply employees and any items left unsold at the end of the day will be donated to the Salvation Army.

For more information or to arrange collection of donations phone Brian Hyde on 6621 2345 on Thursday or Friday afternoon.

Nationals pledge immediate start on bypass

Alstonville Bypass Action Group members Bob Wilson and Marilyn Perkins present NSW Nationals leader Andrew Stoner and Ballina MP Don Page with a dossier of photographs of large trucks crossing double lines as they pass through Alstonville.

A Coalition state government will begin work on the Alstonville bypass immediately if it wins the 2007 election, NSW Nationals leader Andrew Stoner said during a visit to Alstonville on Monday.

The pledge follows the Labor Government's announcement last week that the project will be deferred by at least four years, breaking the election promise it made in 2003 for the second time.

Mr Stoner said the people of Alstonville had been betrayed by a city-centric Labor Government and urged the people to keep fighting to make the Government honour its promise.

"The decision by Labor to postpone the construction of the bypass is very hard for us to accept and instead of building ivory towers in Sydney the money should be spent on projects like this," Mr Stoner said. "Pressure on the Government has to be maintained by petitions, mail and email because we want to make them do a backflip and make this bypass happen."

Council kerbs its enthusiasm

Simon Thomsen

Cr Peter Graham believes that with the expansion of Lismore Square, Diadem Street is an entrance to the city, but "has been a second-rate street for many years". Cr John Hampton described it as a "bog hole".

Lismore Council staff will spend $95,000 on kerbing and guttering on the eastern side of the street between the newly approved petrol station and Magellan Street. Infrastructure services director Gary Hemsworth said it will give the block a "completed appearance" following the expansion of Lismore Square.

Mr Hemsworth has also made a pitch to Woolworths for the road works associated with the new station, describing it to Council as "an opportunity". He has given the company a price, but made it subject to Council approving the kerbing and guttering, which it did on Tuesday. Otherwise, he said, the job would be too small and was not worth doing.

Quizzed about providing kerbing and guttering to the rest of the street, Mr Hemsworth said he didn't know how much it would cost or even the length required, but he's hoping this work might "appease some of the residents upset by the proposed service station". Council will dip into funds collected from the carboot market and Section 94 funds, the same bucket of money Woolworths is paying $37,000 into for developing its petrol station.

For some councillors, picking up the tab for a job normally paid for by developers is the thin edge of the wedge.

Cr Frank Swientek said "it stinks", asking "whose friends is this benefiting?" His anger became palpable as he railed against the proposal as "flying by the seat of the pants" without analysing which streets had the greatest need first.

"It's disgusting to put it up in this ad hoc manner," he said.

Cr Ros Irwin said the decision was setting a dangerous precedent.

"We do not do this for other residents. When they come to us and say 'but you did it in Diadem Street', what do we say to them?"

Cr David Tomlinson also had a problem with the process.

"We spend a lot of time drawing up lists of needy roads so we can explain why we did it. It's supposed to be open and transparent... but no-one at this table can explain why this road was picked ahead of others," he said.

Cr Hampton said he didn't think it was necessary "to tick the boxes".

"If you go down to this site, the organ grinder's monkey can see it needs to be done," he said.

In the end, the work was approved by six organ grinders to five monkeys, with Cr Chant absent due to a conflict of interest because he owns rental properties in an adjacent street.

Cr Irwin warned that those approving the project had better come up with a good explanation when residents who also want their street kerbed and guttered start calling.

Foreign correspondent to speak

ABC foreign correspondent and author of the best-selling book Absurdistan, Eric Campbell, will speak candidly about his experiences as a journalist when he talks at the next meeting of the Northern Rivers Friends of the ABC.

The meeting will be held at Lismore Workers Club next Friday, October 21, at 7.30pm.

Entry costs $10/5. To secure a place phone Doug Myler on 6624 8853 or Neville Jennings on 0405 244 903.

Casino goes on show

Casino Show Society secretary Julie James and president Martin Maloney say that good rain earlier in the season will result in a high standard of competition in the cattle judging at this Saturday's Casino Show.

The Casino Show celebrates its 117th anniversary this Saturday with all the usual fun and exhibitions, plus a few surprises to keep the whole family entertained well into the night.

Casino Show Society president Martin Maloney promises everyone will have a great time.

"This year we are introducing a scrap book competition, and have a full shed of poultry as well as four lovely young ladies entering the Miss Showgirl competition," he said.

The Show begins this Saturday, October 15, with ring events at 7.30am, followed by the cattle judging and a magician, as well as great food and the ever-popular rides and sideshows. It also features Old McDonalds Farm, a chainsaw post cutting demonstration, an historical timber cutting photograph display and the Clint Edwards Memorial Ute Competition. On Saturday night you can enjoy all the thrills and spills of the rodeo.

Mr Maloney paid special tribute to the Show's major sponsors for their special contributions.

"I would personally like to thank the Casino RSM Club and Tursa Employment & Training for their exceptional generosity and support to help make this year's show hopefully one of the best yet," he said.

Casino show entry is:$10 for adults, $5 for pensioers, with kids under 16 years $3

* More show details, Richmond Valley Notes, page 8.

Hospital runs out of puff

Staff at Lismore Base Hospital mark the declaration of the entire hospital grounds as a smoke free zone.

Lismore Base Hospital has banned smoking anywhere on the hospital grounds as part of a state-wide crackdown.

Smokers are being asked to put their cigarettes in the butt bins provided at site boundaries. Support to help patients and staff stop smoking will continue to be offered by the hospital, including nicotine patches and lozenges.

Smoke Free coordinator, Annie Kia, said patients who stopped smoking in the lead up to surgery improved their recovery times and reduced their chances of infection and complications.

"Ideally patients should quit about six weeks before their surgery," she said.

An information leaflet, Get Better Faster - Quit Smoking Now Before Surgery, will be offered to elective surgery patients identified as smokers.

According to Ms Kia, 28.5 per cent of males and 20.6 per cent of females in the North Coast smoke, which is higher than the state average. Smoking is the single most preventible cause of serious disease in the community, killing 19,000 people in NSW every year.

Donation helps mental health

Richmond Clinic acting nurse manager Shane Scofield (right) accepts a DVD player from Cummings Retravision general manager Elton Cummings, watched by mental health support group coordinator Barbara Swain (centre left) support group secretary Peter Swain and acting Lifeline CEO Sue Lloyd, who also donated 50 clothing vouchers.

Help Pakistani homeless

Byron Bay Camping and Disposals are trying to help those affected by the devastating earthquake in Pakistan by providing tents at cost price, which will then be sent into the worst-affected areas of the country.

The store is asking people to purchase a tent for $110, which will then be freighted for free into Pakistan. Each of the tents can house a family of six and according to Barbara Maloney from Byron Bay Camping and Disposals, will provide vital emergency accommodation to those in need.

"We have 1000 tents and that could potentially give shelter to 6,000 people," Barbara said. "The tents will be dropped by helicopter directly into remote areas to provide temporary accommodation. This is a practical way of getting aid to people on the ground, and a chance for Northern Rivers residents to make a small difference in the lives of Pakistani people."

To purchase a tent drop into Byron Bay Camping and Disposals in the Plaza next to Woolworths in Byron Bay or phone 6685 8085.

We was robbed, Richmond Nats cry

By Eve Sinton

Labor stole the seat of Richmond from former minister Larry Anthony during the 2004 election, thanks to a deceptive preference deal with Liberals for Forests, a Coalition-dominated Parliamentary inquiry has found.

The report claims the Liberals for Forests deal was part of a Labor dirty tricks campaign of "deceptive and misleading conduct" during the election.

Defeated MP Larry Anthony, the former minister for children and now an ABC Learning Centres board member, agrees.

"The Liberals for Forests campaign was backed and financed by the Labor Party," he said. "It was clearly designed to be deceptive and to confuse conservative voters, especially Liberals," he said. "Their How to Vote cards were exactly the same style as the Liberals. Their volunteers were actually paid backpackers," he said.

"Labor won through deception and cheating. They didn't even appear at the Standing Committee."

Mr Anthony was cagey about his future political ambitions.

"I've moved on, I'm involved in the corporate world. You never rule things out, but I haven't ruled anything in," he said.

The four Labor MPs on the Committee issued a dissenting report denying any Labor involvement in the Liberals for Forests campaign.

They also said that the preference flow to Labor from Liberals for Forests was insufficient to tip Mr Anthony, who lost by around 300 votes.

Justine Elliot has rejected the Committee's findings, although she did not appear before them.

"The claims are a cheap political stunt by the National Party," she said.

Liberals for Forests founder, Dr Keith Woollard, said the Standing Committee's findings were only a Liberal Party view.

"We highlight environmental issues as an alternative to the Liberals," he said. "We're all volunteers and most of our members are disaffected Liberals. There has been no misleading behaviour. As for preferences, it varies - in Queensland [Nationals senator] Barnaby Joyce got all our preferences."

Dr Woollard did not deny that Labor had supported and funded the Richmond campaign, claiming instead that Mr Anthony was making "unsubstantiated" assertions.

"Larry Anthony should have had a word to the Liberals about their environment policies."

The Liberals for Forests dispute was just one controversial aspect of a campaign that saw complaints over a brochure and advertisements issued by Mr Anthony which bore the Greens' logo.

Residents fight to save first Wollongbar farmhouse

Wollongbar resident Jeanette Coulson (left) and Wollongbar Progress Association member Marilyn Perkins outside Dorothy Smith's house, which they hope to save from demolition and redevelopment.

Story & photo:Terra Sword

If Dorothy Smith knew her home in Wollongbar was to be demolished for a 34-unit high density residential development, she would be turning in her grave says close friend and neighbour Jeanette Coulson.

Jeanette, who knew Dorothy for 30 years and nursed her before she died of cancer in 2004, said her friend's wish was to have her home - the original farmhouse of the original farm that became Wollongbar - preserved. Jeanette and a group of local residents are now campaigning to have the Smith's Lane house Heritage-listed so it can't be bulldozed.

"Dorothy would be horrified," Jeanette said. "It is the most core and basic element of Wollongbar's history and should be protected. The developer's say it's in a state of disrepair, but that is absolutely not true. Crawford House was in a much worse state and thanks to the community it has been preserved."

The property, now dubbed 'Dorothy Smith's house', was built around 1908 by dairy farmer James Stewart Smith. The campaigners say it is 14 years older than Heritage-listed Laurel Hill, the home James built for his parents-in-law three doors up.

Queensland-based developers Bandora Holdings, who own the two properties and the block in between, have lodged a DA with Ballina Council to build 24 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom seniors units on the site.

Project manager Adam Bennett-Smith said the cost of restoring Dorothy Smith's house was prohibitive, claiming that Laurel Hill house will retain much of the original farm's history.

"We've had a building inspection report and it is full of termites. It is simply beyond this project to repair," Mr Bennett-Smith said. "A lot of the heritage value is actually being captured in Laurel Hill house - it will be a common building for residents with a lounge, library, dining area and historical memorabilia relating to the Smith family. We really do believe that more people will benefit from its historical significance than if a private individual owned Laurel Hill."

However, residents claim the development is flawed and are adamant Dorothy Smith's house should not be destroyed.

"We're concerned about losing such significant physical evidence of local history," Jeanette said. "The architecture of the house is amazing for its time and we know the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society would support the owners in preserving its original character."

Submissions for the development close next Tuesday, October 18. Campaigners are now attempting to have that date extended.

Last week the Wollongbar Progress Association resolved to make a submission on behalf of the community and they are seeking feedback. Phone Marilyn Perkins on 6628 3880 or Jeanette Coulson on 6628 6243 for details.

Money for Richmond valley kids

A Richmond Valley program to help young people stay at school and deal with issues such as employment, accommodation, drugs and alcohol has been given a $140,000 NSW Government grant.

Youth minister, Reba Meagher, said the Mid Richmond Outreach Youth Service will work closely with the Evans River K-12 School to deliver programs that let students know what services are available, where they are and how to access them. The program is aimed at young people living in Evans Head, Woodburn, Coraki, Broadwater and nearby rural communities.

"The school-based project will help to keep kids in school and reduce suspension rates by providing an external youth worker who can help deal with individual issues," Ms Meagher said. "Young people in semi-rural areas often feel left out, with very little access to support services. We are initially supporting this program for two years, then providing funding via an annual grant of $70,000."

Channon gets a real heart starter

Showing off The Channon's new portable defibrillator machine is defibrillator project manager Lisa Larsen, member of The Channon Bushfire Brigade Clayton Cooper and Lennox Head resident Louise Owen, whose life was saved by one of the machines.

Lennox Head resident Louise Owen's near-death experience 15 years ago has helped The Channon obtain its very own portable defibrillator machine.

When Louise was 26 weeks pregnant with her second child, she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while teaching at a school in Grafton. Luckily, she had trained the students in CPR and they kept her alive until an ambulance arrived with a defibrillator.

Nine months ago Louise was telling this very story to her friend Lisa Larsen, who decided that a community like The Channon, which is 30-minutes from the nearest ambulance, should have a defibrillator of its own.

"The time factor is critical - you have to be defibrillated inside 10 minutes of the cardiac arrest to have any chance of survival," said Louise. "Defibrillators should be accessible everywhere. Even if you lived in Goonellabah the ambulance would probably not make it in time."

The Channon community has since raised $3,500 for its own portable defibrillator machine, which will be housed at The Channon Tavern and will be available 24 hours a day in case of emergency.

"We want to thank everyone who has donated to this worthy cause," Lisa said. "A number of businesses in Lismore donated prizes, and their support was invaluable."

Louise is now holding community classes at The Channon to teach local residents CPR and how to use the machine.

Skin cancer seminars help save lives

Lismore dermatologist Dr Ken Gudmundsen gives Lismore MP Thomas George a skin examination with Diana Fisher from the Cancer Council. They are all encouraging people to attend next week's free cancer seminars.

As part of the state-wide Save Your Own Skin campaign to educate people about melanomas, the Cancer Council is running a number of free seminars to teach people how to spot skin cancers early.

While the seminars are aimed at all ages, people over 55 are particularly encouraged to attend.

"At the seminars we will be demonstrating how to check your skin, explaining what to look for and how often to look," said Diana Fisher from the Cancer Council. "People who attend a seminar will walk away with some potentially life-saving skills."

The next seminar will be held at the Lismore Bowling and Recreation Club in Spinks Park on Thursday, October 20, from 12pm, with another at the Goonellabah Soccer Club on Saturday, October 22, from 2.30pm.

"If local residents can't attend the public seminar but are keen to find out more about self skin examinations, they can call the Cancer Helpline on 131 120 and ask to be sent our free Save Your Own Skin booklet," Diana said. "These guidelines provide step-by-step instructions on how to check your skin. They also include advice on who to see and what to ask if you're concerned."

For more information on the seminars phone the Cancer Council on 6681 1933.

Mental Health Week moments

Art exhibitions, a fundraiser, a 'stress less' day and morning tea marked Mental Health Week in the Northern Rivers this week.

Ballina's Nexus Centre opened an art exhibition yesterday. This Friday, the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre will be holding a 'thank you' morning tea, a fundraising stall has been running in the foyer of Lismore Base Hospital all week, and Goanna Bakery in Lismore has a 'Wholeness' art exhibition running until next Saturday, October 22.

NSW health minister John Hatzistergos said one in five people will be affected or know someone affected by some form of mental illness during their life.

"Despite this prevalence of mental illness in our society, unfortunately there is still a level of stigma attached to the condition," he said. "Mental Health Week allows us to put mental health in the spotlight, educate the community about what services are available, and how to spot those in need of early intervention."

Lismore joinery pioneers good timbers

Lismore company Hampton and Larsson has become the first joinery in Australia to obtain international certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for joinery manufacture.

Hampton and Larsson directors, Scott Coppin and Chari Larsson (pictured), were thrilled to receive the certification, which guarantees that FSC labelled timbers are sourced from forests that are managed according to a strict set of environmental, social and economic standards. Until now, no joinery company in Australia has been able to offer a source of timber guaranteed not to contribute to the destruction of the world's forests, and the certification system is the only one endorsed by organisations such as the Worldwide Fund for Nature, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

"Timber is a beautiful and renewable building resource and we're very excited about being able to offer customers timber sourced from responsibly managed forests," said Chari. "Ultimately, it's allowing us to live our values and responsibly manage timber so other generations can still use this wonderful resource in the future."

Bright sparks shine

Maths whizzes Byron Hardaker and Lachlan McLennan with award-winning poet Isaac Hair are amongst many Alstonville Public School students who have scored highly in national competitions.

Alstonville Public School students have proven they're tops at maths, spelling and poetry this year by getting outstanding results in competitions ranging from world-wide to Australia-wide.

Byron Hardaker and Lachlan McLennan of year 6 were equal first in their section of the World-Wide Australian Mathematics Competition. The 66 students from the school who entered carried off two special prizes, five high distinctions, 21 distinctions and 25 credits.

The kids also showed off their spelling skills at the University of NSW Spelling Competition, which had over 85,000 entries. Alstonville students were awarded seven distinctions and 17 credit certificates and performed well above the State average.

The school itself was a 'commended school' in the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards, in which Isaac Hair won very highly commended status with seven other students rating commended and three highly commended.

Weedbuster display

Lismore gardeners can brush up on weed identification at a free backyard weed display and information stand at Lismore Shopping Square today and tomorrow, October 13-14, as part of National Weedbuster Week.

Staff from Lismore Council, Far North Coast Weeds and Richmond Landcare Services will be on hand to answer questions about local weeds, the problems they cause, and methods to ensure they don't spread.

"There are now over 2700 species of environmental weeds in Australia, many of which started off as garden ornamentals that have since escaped," said Council's bushland management officer, Michael Hallinan.

New home for SES underway

Lismore mayor Merv King (left) and Lismore SES Unit controller Lindsay Matterson turn the first sod of stage one of the new Lismore SES headquarters in Brunswick Street.

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Work on the new SES headquarters in Lismore's Brunswick Street is due to begin very soon after Council began the detailed planning for stage one earlier this week.

The initial stage of the $430,000 development will include the SES operations centre, made up of offices, an administration section, kitchen and call centre, which will be built on the Council quarry opposite the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter base.

The project is jointly funded by the state and federal governments, which both contributed $190,000, topped up by $50,000 from the SES, with Lismore Council donating the land.

Lismore SES Unit controller Lindsay Matterson said the major advantage of the new site is its close proximity to the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

"It strengthens the concept of Lismore's emergency services precinct," he said.