The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Ballina's night of terror

Beach Front Parade residents Carlos and Joyce De Los Mozos stand near the window smashed during a drunken rampage last Friday night.

Story & photo: Julian Ryan

Carlos De Los Mozos believes he's lucky to be alive after his Beach Front Parade home was pelted with bottles and stones by a drunken mob during a riot that broke out in East Ballina on Friday night. An estimated 300 youths terrorised the neighbourhood on a drunken rampage.

Witnesses say the trouble began around 8pm when groups of intoxicated young people met near the Angels Beach car park and began racing up and down Beach Front Parade. Ballina police arrived a short time later, but quickly retreated when the crowd threw bricks, stones and other missiles, damaging police cars.

"At about 12am the arguing, fighting and swearing at the front of my house became so fierce, I went out and said to a group of girls go home and behave like this in front of your parents and leave us alone," Mr De Los Mozos said. "A guy then told me that he was going to destroy my house and the crowd started throwing bottles and stones, so I ran back inside to avoid getting hit."

Mr De Los Mozos said it was like a siege, with his terrified wife and daughter taking refuge under the kitchen table, as a crowd of about 30 men and boys continued to bombard his house with missiles.

During the attack a large stone and champagne bottle smashed a window, covering the floor with shattered glass. It all got too much for Mr De Los Mozos, who armed himself with a stick and went back outside to confront his attackers.

"I went out into the yard and there were about 30 young blokes all screaming at me to come out and fight. When I was pleading with them to go one of them punched me in the face," Mr De Los Mozos said.

In the heat of the moment, a good samaritan appeared from the crowd to rescue him.

"A man of about 45 grabbed me and told me to go inside and turn the lights off, which I did. When the mob kicked my gate in, the man stood guard and stopped them from getting in," he said.

"If it wasn't for this guy I could be dead and I don't know who he is, but he certainly pacified the crowd and I would like to thank him for what he did."

The next day 26 Angels Beach residents held a crisis meeting and agreed to lobby Ballina Council, Ballina MP Don Page and the police to lock Angels Beach car park at night and to push for an alcohol-free zone in the area.

Angels Beach resident Graeme Wappett said the loutish behaviour in the area had been escalating for some time and praised the work of the police, who dispersed the crowd at about 1am.

"About 10 police cars turned up and they really did a wonderful job dispersing the crowd and continued to patrol the area until about 3am," Mr Wappett said.

Richmond Local Area Commander Superintendent Bruce Lyons said police were investigating the alleged assault and the instances of malicious damage. He warned that police would show zero tolerance to future incidents.

"The community should not be subjected to the fear and apprehension," Superintendent Lyons said. "If such behaviour happens again we will meet the community's expectations and apply the law to its full extent."

Councils bring broadband to the bush

People living in rural communities around Lismore could soon have access to high-speed internet services under a plan by Lismore City Council, nine other regional councils, and the federal Government.

Council's new economic development officer Ruth Povall said the 'Broadening Broadband' project will encourage internet service providers to make broadband available to regional communities. She called on rural residents to register their support to help fast-track the project.

"It's a numbers game and the greater number of registrations we have the quicker we will get broadband," Ms Povall said.

To register visit the project's website at www.broadeningbroadband.com.au and complete the registration form or phone 1300 723 701.

Correction

The Technical Advisory Group of the Far North Coast Regional Strategy and the Northern Rivers Regional Development Board were not involved in the development of an alternative route for the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade as reported in last week's Echo.

The views were those of planner Ian Oelrichs and the group CARS (Community Alliance for Road Sustainability).

The Echo apologises for the error.

Clown docs dispense good medicine

Lismore-based clown doctor Dr Dizzy with the new 2006 Clown Doctors Celebrity Calendar, which raises money for the Humour Foundation and more clown doctoring visits.

When Georgia Davis, 5, first saw clown doctors Dr Dizzy and Dr Sniggles in the corridor at St Vincent's Hospital in Lismore last week, she was so timid she ducked back into her room to the safety of her mother's arms. But it didn't take long for the docs to work their magic and after a serious bubble blowing session and a few gentle jokes, Georgia couldn't wipe the smile off her face.

The visit was part of a three-week regional tour, of hospitals between Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads.

The Humour Foundation employs the clown doctors to visit Lismore Base Hospital each week, but Dr Dizzy said the tour, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, was such a success they hope other sponsors will come on board to make it a regular event.

"The response going into hospitals that haven't had clown doctors is amazing - the whole hospital stops; it's like you have this magic wand and when you walk in people stop in their tracks or a smile instantly cracks on their faces," said Darmin Cameron, aka Dr Dizzy. "Seeing two clowns coming around the corner laughing and joking and often singing is the last thing you expect. It gives people instant relief from whatever pain they are feeling. Sometimes we'll perform to one child but there'll be half a dozen staff standing around - it's as much therapy for them as it is for the kids. "We'd love to see clown doctors visiting every regional hospital in Australia once a week - it would transform the whole energy of the hospitals."

Anyone interested in sponsoring the clown doctors can log on to www.humourfoundation.com.au.

Another way to support them is to buy a 2006 Clown Doctors Celebrity Calendar, which features famous Aussies, including Georgie Parker, Ben Lee and Jack Thompson dressed up as clowns. It costs $25 and cute cartoon Christmas cards can also be ordered. Phone 1300 736 732 (calendar) or 1300 666 890 (cards).

Grow your own dinosaur pine

People can now order an ancient Wollemi Pine from local nursery Precious Plants, which has been chosen to sell the rare species.

It may have taken a few million years to find them, but now you can own your very own Wollemi Pine. Precious Plants nursery in Lismore and Clunes were recently chosen to sell the rare and ancient tree.

The Wollemi Pine survived 17 ice ages and outlived the dinosaurs, but was previously thought to be extinct until a small grove of the trees were discovered in the Wollemi National Park in 1994.

Less than 100 of the pines exist in the wild today, however, saplings have been cultivated and are now being distributed across Australia and the world in the hope that these trees will once again proliferate the Earth.

Precious Plants is now taking advance orders for the pines, which will be in store in April 2006, and owner Christine Howard said they would make a great Christmas present for people "who have everything".

"They are gorgeous, precious trees and I'll certainly be grabbing one for myself. They are the horticultural find of this century," Christine said.

The two available sizes are a 150mm pot size (approx. 40cm tall) or a 200mm pot size (approx. 60cm tall), costing $55 and $95 respectively. Christine said the Wollemi Pine is an undoubtedly hardy plant (it can even withstand air conditioning), has a striking appearance and is easy to grow.

Anyone who orders a Wollemi Pine will receive an authentication/gift certificate and a care booklet, with the plant delivered by April 1 next year. Royalties from the sale of the Wollemi Pine will then be invested in the conservation of the pine and other rare and threatened plant species.

For more information or to order one of these amazing trees, phone Christine on 6622 8177.

Child's play is cheap at library

Talisa and Sutara Mayshack-Mendero and Christopher Matuissi-Pimm made friends for the first time at the official opening of the Lismore Toy Library's new premises recently. Photo by Kerrie Pimm.

The Lismore Toy Library's new premises on the ground floor of Lismore Library were opened recently by Lismore mayor Merv King and head librarian Lucy Kinsley.

The Toy Library, which has been operating for 20 years, has an extensive range of toys for children 0-12 years that parents and community groups can borrow for an annual membership fee, saving precious dollars on expensive toys.

The new location has allowed the service to expand even further. It now has around 1800 toys for children and their parents to choose from.

"The Toy Library is a great resource and there's an almost endless number of toys - you can take one home and if the kids don't like it you can bring it back and you haven't wasted a cent," said Toy Library committee member, Kerrie Pimm. "We're always expanding the number of toys and buying new ones, plus we provide a friendly environment where parents and kids can meet one other. When you're a parent your life changes considerably and it's great to have people to share your experiences with. You don't need to be a member to come and have a look or a play, and it's a very welcoming place for everyone."

The Lismore Toy Library is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9.30am to 11.30am (during school term). For more information phone Kerrie on 6624 1330 or Sue Vallis on 6624 6223.

A date to remember

In World War I Australia lost the most soldiers per capita of any nation during the four-year war, with 61,000 Australians paying the ultimate sacrifice and 155,000 returning injured from active service.

With a population of just five million, there was hardly a town or family in Australia that did not mourn the loss of a son or daughter.

This Friday, November 11, marks the 87th anniversary since the historic signing of the Armistice, which later became known as Remembrance Day.

The City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch will pay tribute to those who served in the Great War with a special wreath laying and service on Friday at the Lismore cenotaph from 10.30am.

Members of the public are urged to attend the service to pay their respects to the many thousands of soldiers who fought and died.

"The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is a significant time in our country's history and I believe it's important to continue to honour those men and women who served," said City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch secretary, Wilson McClelland. "Their bravery and sacrifice will be remembered long after they have gone."

For more information on Lismore's Remembrance Day phone Wilson on 6621 3851.

Other commemorative services and wreath laying ceremonies happening on Friday around the region are:

Ballina: Meet at the Ballina War Memorial (opposite the Ballina RSL Club) at 10.45am. Service conducted by Salvation Army with an address by Ballina High School school captain. Info 6686 5921.

Alstonville: Meet at Elizabeth Anne Brown Park in Wardell Road at 10.45am. Info 6628 6390.

Casino: Meet at Mafeking Lamp in Walker Street at 10.50am. Info 6662 3545.

Coraki: Meet at the Coraki War Memorial in Richmond Terrace at 10am. Service conducted by the Salvation Army. Info 6683 2651.

Kyogle: Meet at the Kyogle cenotaph at 10.50am. Info 6632 1227.

Tripodi to look at inland highway

Roads minister Joe Tripodi has agreed to meet three Northern Rivers MPs to discuss the inland highway route option that grabbed attention at last week's Parliamentary Inquiry into the Pacific Highway upgrade.

National Party MPs Thomas George, Don Page and Steve Cansdell want a feasibility study done to compare an inland route linking Grafton and Bangalow with the existing route options for the Pacific Highway upgrade.

The MPs will meet the minister next Thursday, November 17.

Helping others reaps reward

Jenny Ryan and Diane Hillier from Junior Red Cross (rear right) and Blakebrook Public School teachers Lois Skorjenko and Louise Tate (rear left) with students and the flag they made for Junior Red Cross.

A concerted effort by Blakebrook Public School students to help others through Junior Red Cross (JRC) has seen them become the first small school to receive a highly commended in the Ruby E Storey Memorial Shield Award - a prestigious award given to the most committed and active JRC groups in NSW.

The students have spent the year fundraising to help drought-affected people in NSW, given a concert at St Joseph's Nursing Home and knitted teddy bears for sick children. JRC volunteer coordinator Jenny Ryan said the children deserved the accolade.

"I am just so proud of them for their wonderful work," Jenny said. "For children so young they are already so dedicated to helping others and it's inspiring - their eyes light up when they know it's time to do JRC activities."

* A fundraising BBQ for local JRC groups will be held at Bunnings in Lismore this Saturday, November 12, from 9am.

Last chance to comment

Lismore residents have given a good response to Lismore Council's 2005 resident satisfaction survey.

The study is the second in a series of surveys Southern Cross University researchers have conducted for Council to benchmark its performance.

University researcher Peter Vitartas encouraged anyone who hasn't returned their survey to do so as soon as possible.

An initial report will be provided to Council by Christmas with additional analysis and reporting continuing into the new year.

Uni denies tourism move

Southern Cross University has denied claims that its School of Tourism and Hospitality will be relocated from the university's Lismore campus to its Tweed campus in 2007.

The suggestion was raised at last Tuesday's Lismore Council meeting, where mayor Merv King was urged to intervene in order to prevent the loss of an estimated 300 internal students and 40 jobs.

Acting vice-chancellor Professor Zbys Klich said Southern Cross University was currently responding to strong student demand at its coastal campuses and is considering a number of options in regard to its Tourism and Hospitality Management programs. He said no decisions had been made and all program development is being strategically reviewed.

"The Tweed Gold Coast campus is at full capacity now. Any decision regarding further development there is dependent on the University receiving additional federal Government funding for capital development," he said.

Professor Klich said SCU had received federal Government funding for additional places at the Tweed campus in the Bachelor of Business in Convention and Event Tourism Management for 2006, and the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management already has a significant presence there.

The University will continue to enrol students in Tourism and Hospitality Management programs at Lismore

Professor Klich said current and prospective students will not be disadvantaged by future changes or planned growth elsewhere.

Education Peter's pathway to success

North Coast Institute of TAFE Lismore campus marketing services officer Peter Jarrett (right) is presented with his School and TAFE NSW Administrative and Support Staff Recognition Award by Department of Education & Training director general and TAFE NSW managing director, Andrew Cappie-Wood.

Helping people choose the right education pathway and extolling the virtues of TAFE education is something Peter Jarrett from Lismore TAFE has relished doing for the past 12 years.

Peter, the marketing services officer at the North Coast Institute of TAFE's Lismore campus, was recognised for his outstanding contribution with a School and TAFE NSW Administrative and Support Staff Recognition Award - one of just 10 awarded each year amongst some 10,000 staff.

"When I speak with passion and enthusiasm about our excellence in vocational education to our customers, it comes from the heart... and they can tell," Peter said. "In my role I get to meet interesting people and it's a role where you actually get to make a difference - you can help open up pathways for people they'd never even thought about. I really enjoy what I do and I felt very humble to receive recognition for simply doing my job."

Workers unite against IR laws

Local workers will be able to join next Tuesday's (October 15) national day of protest against the federal Government's new industrial relations laws.

The ACTU has organised an Australia-wide hook-up for the meeting, which will be beamed across the country by Sky Channel.

Venues open at 8.30am for the 9am to 10am meeting.

Northern Rivers venues include: Lismore Turf Club, Ballina Jockey Club, Casino RSM Club, Wollongbar's Pioneer Tavern, Kyogle's Commercial Hotel, the Tabulam Hotel and the Illawong Hotel at Evans Head.

Breast cancer forum

North Coast residents can take part in a live national satellite broadcast of a public forum by the NSW Breast Cancer Institute this Saturday, November 12.

The annual forum will be broadcast from 1-3.10pm at Ballina RSL Club. It covers a range of topics including new hormone treatments, menopause and breast cancer, cancer trials and the various breast cancer support groups.

A question and answer session will give audiences everywhere the chance to participate.

Registration is recommended on 9265 0700 or email bcipublicforum@tourhosts.com.au.

Plan to save Lake Ainsworth

Ballina Council has drawn up a master plan for management of the Lake Ainsworth Crown Reserve to save the lake from pollution, which has been causing toxic blue-green algae outbreaks for years.

The plan, which includes three options, is available on Council's website (www.ballina.nsw.gov.au) and will be put on public exhibition within the next fortnight.

General manager John Christopherson said the document would remain on exhibition until mid-January, allowing extra time for the Christmas break so residents would have a fair opportunity to comment.

The master plan can be viewed at Ballina Council's office, the Lennox Head Library and the Lake Ainsworth Caravan Park office.

Doug's a driving force in road safety

Ballina High School teacher, Doug Hyslop (right), accepts his Caltex and Rotary Club of Sydney Award for innovation in the vocation of teaching from Caltex chief financial officer, Simon Hepworth, in Sydney this week.

Ballina High School teacher Doug Hyslop was so concerned about the number of young drivers being killed and injured on the roads he developed an in-school defensive driver training program to help save lives.

Over the last 15 years, Doug's driver education and car maintenance program has proved to be both popular and highly successful. The Ballina High stalwart received a Caltex and Rotary Club Award for his program and ongoing commitment to driver education.

Doug offers after hours driving lessons in the school's car, as well as a theory component that includes vehicle maintenance and buying a suitable vehicle.

Doug said he's always been passionate about driving.

"When the program was accepted by the Board of Studies 15 years ago, young drivers were an endangered species. Students who take the course find it much easier to get their licenses," Doug said.

"I would like to especially thank former Nissan dealers the May family, the Ballina community and the P&C Association for funding the first Nissan Pulsar that allowed us to begin the program."

For his efforts Doug received $6000. He'll use it for a trip to Germany next year to visit car factories and take part in driver training courses.

Beaut brew takes flight

By Eve Sinton

Coffee is proving a good performer in the Northern Rivers, with Alstonville's High Trees Estate scooping up awards at two more shows, following a recent Food Challenge Award in Sydney.

High Trees Estate partner Philipp Kreutzer said a certified organic product, Rainforest Blend, has won four prizes at the North Coast National and a gold medal for espresso at the Royal Hobart Show.

"It's the same product we have always made, but now we're certified organic we have launched it in new packaging featuring the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly," he said. "You can finally buy a cup of our coffee locally at the new Star Court Arcade Cafe, as well is in packages at a number of outlets. We have even been getting enquiries from California."

High Trees Estate is a partnership between Philipp and Lynne Kreutzer and Lynn's parents Wilma and Hal Sherlock.

Wilma Sherlock said they chose the rare butterfly for the packaging because in the seven years the plantation has been run without chemicals, they had noticed increasing numbers of them.

"It's amazing how much wildlife like the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and even koalas have been returning to the area," she said.

Historic clock looks for a home

The clock in Ballina's old post office tower will be working again for the first time early in 2006, but it will be a new, electronic version.

The century-old mechanism of the original clock has been removed and a new home in Ballina - possibly the Naval Museum - is being sought for it.

Council general manager John Christopherson said the old clock had the same mechanism as London's Big Ben.

"It belongs to the Attorney-General's Department," he said, "but they are happy for it to stay in Ballina provided we prove to them we can look after it properly."

Arrangements for the old clock's new home will be finalised within the next few months.

Business group questioned over funds

Criminal charges may be pending over the disappearance of up to $140,000 from business organisation Lismore Unlimited Opportunities (LUO), Lismore Council was told this week.

North Lismore businessman John Barnes, a fierce and long-term critic of Lismore Unlimited, made the startling claims during Council's Clunes meeting on Tuesday night. He said board members had been forced to contribute funds to cover the losses. Mr Barnes, who is not a member of LUO, accused Council of "negligence" for not keeping a firm eye on the organisation and its finances. He claimed LUO had unaudited financial statements dating back to the year 2000.

Lismore Unlimited receives up to $300,000 per year from Council through a special business rate levy. The funds are used to pay for marketing and promotions, as well as the CBD safety camera program.

Lismore Unlimited vice- president Heather Williams later rebutted Mr Barnes' claim, saying the audited figures for 2003 to 2005 were presented to members at LUO's Annual General Meeting earlier that night.

"The members approved those audits," she said. "LUO members were also briefed on another matter relating to the past financial operations of the organisation, which is subject to continuing investigations. Because of the sensitive nature of the matter and the likelihood that it will lead to police investigation and/or possible legal action by Lismore Unlimited, it is not appropriate to comment publicly at this point in time".

Lismore Council general manager Paul O'Sullivan said they were made aware of the nature and seriousness of the issues by Lismore Unlimited some time ago.

"There has been serious effort on the part of both Council and LUO to resolve this matter. It does not involve funds associated with the rate levy and Council has provided support to LUO to ensure it can maintain its role as representative of the Lismore business community, including improved financial accountability controls," Mr O'Sullivan said.

Developer a no show at Wollongbar meeting

Queensland-developers Banora Holdings have pulled out of a public meeting in Wollongbar tonight (November 10) despite previously confirming a representative would attend to listen and respond to community concerns surrounding a residential development in Smith's Lane.

Project manager of the controversial development, Adam Bennett-Smith, said Banora Holdings had come to the conclusion that it was "more appropriate" to respond in writing to the objections submitted to Ballina Council during the DA advertising period.

"This will allow an accurate response to specific concerns of those 20 or so individuals," said Mr Bennett-Smith. "Responses will be drafted and sent out by Friday, November 18. Copies of these will also be forwarded to Council and available for public viewing."

The meeting was organised by the Wollongbar Progress Association and president Marilyn Perkins said the community would feel "disappointed" to discover Mr Bennett-Smith won't be there to address their concerns.

"The project manager indicated he wanted the opportunity to meet with the local people, so we were surprised to then discover he was no longer coming," Mrs Perkins said. "I'd like to stress to the community that it is very important that people come out in force to the meeting and that a clear message about community concerns is sent to Ballina Shire councillors. The councillors are the decision makers and they need to have an understanding of the aspects of this development that the community has real issues with."

Sending a little Christmas cheer

UnitingCare's Share Christmas Gift Appeal coordinators Sharon and Rod Campbell (left) with Target Country staff member Louise Gray and the in-store Christmas tree where people can leave gifts for struggling families this Christmas.

UnitingCare and Target are challenging people to "be someone's Santa" this Christmas and ensure everyone in the Northern Rivers has a present to enjoy come December 25.

Target Country in Lismore launched its annual Share Christmas Gift Appeal on Monday, encouraging people to give whatever they can to help struggling families.

All you have to do is buy a gift from Target Country (they'll gift wrap it) and place it under the in-store Christmas tree along with a tag (supplied at the store) stating the age and gender the toy suits.

UnitingCare volunteers will then collect the gifts and distribute them to local families.

"Poverty takes a heavy toll on children and families and every year there are many people who cannot afford to celebrate Christmas with gifts or special food," said Appeal coordinator, Rod Campbell. "Last year people in Lismore donated 172 gifts and we are hoping to top that amount this year. I deliver the gifts each year and when you arrive on the doorstep with presents the kids are just jumping out of their skin. It's a very special feeling."

Target Country is at 120 Molesworth Street, Lismore. Gifts can be placed under the tree right up until Christmas Eve.

Water boy wins national recognition

Gary Kennedy of Lismore with his award from the Australian Institute of Project Management.

Lismore engineer Gary Kennedy has won a national industry award for his role in two major water infrastructure projects in Ballina and Coffs Harbour.

Mr Kennedy's Australian Institute of Project Management Award was for his work on the Ballina Shire Urban Water Management Strategy and the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour regional water supply projects.

Mr Kennedy has lived in Lismore for around 30 years and has been involved in the development of almost every local water supply and sewerage scheme.

"When I won the award I was elated, I was quite surprised and it covers all fields of project management," he said.

Mr Kennedy started his career as a trainee engineer in Sydney with the Public Works Department in 1969, and is currently employed in the Lismore office of the Department of Commerce.

Adding his congratulations, Ballina Council's John Truman said Gary's contribution to Council's $74 million integrated water project was invaluable.

"This is one of the first integrated water strategies developed in NSW and has required some innovative approaches," he said. "Gary's understanding of Council's needs has been most appreciated."

Mr Kennedy says he enjoys his work.

"Every job is different, it keeps you on your toes," he said.

Local bakers on the rise

Brumby's Goonellabah team Debbie Lee, Nick Marriott and Lisa Casagrande show off their award for Rookie Franchisee of the Year.

Brumby's Goonellabah owners Lisa and Primo Casagrande have baked up an award-winning recipe by being named Rookie Franchisees of the Year at Brumby's recent international conference.

With Brumby's having more than 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand, Lisa and Primo were declared Brumby's top rookie bakery owners after opening their Goonellabah store in January last year. So successful has the couple been that five weeks ago they opened their second Lismore store.

It's just the latest triumph for Lisa, who's used to kicking goals having played for Australia's international women's soccer team, the Matildas, at two World Cups.

Lisa said their success was due to great staff and loyal customers.

"We haven't tried to re-invent the wheel but just followed the advice given to us when we opened last year," Lisa said. "We made sure we look after our staff and the customers seem to enjoy the friendly atmosphere at the store and the wide range of products."

Comment on dirt roads

Richmond Valley residents are about to have a chance to say what they think of the Council's 580km of unsealed roads.

Council's roads manager Jeff Hayes says residents will receive an information package and a questionnaire so they can tell Council what they think of the way unsealed roads have been classified according to traffic volume.

"We are trying to improve our maintenance techniques to make the benefits of our road works last longer," he said. "Sealing these roads is a distant prospect at the moment, but we do want people to tell us how we can improve the management of our unsealed roads."

The questionnaires should be returned to Council by December 9.

Nurses remember their history

Georgette Everingham (centre) launches the book The Nurses of The LBH at the nurses reunion held at the Lismore Workers Club recently with former nurses Betty McPherson (left) and Jeannette Doyle-Gilligan from Dragonwick Publishing.

Former Lismore Base Hospital nurses swapped yarns and talked about the fun they had living in the nurses quarters when they gathered recently for a reunion and launch of a new book on the history, titled The Nurses of The LBH.

Georgette Everingham, who organised the reunion and compiled the book, said former nurses came from across Australia to catch up and share old stories - many of which became folklore and ended up in the book.

"The book contains photographs of every graduation ceremony since 1952 and plenty of history," Georgette said. "As well as lots of cheeky anecdotes, such as nurses coming home late and climbing through windows to avoid the attention of the night sister on duty."

Georgette began working on the book in 1991 and paid special tribute to Jeannette Doyle-Gilligan from Dragonwick Publishing for her help and support throughout the project.

"For more than 10 years this book has been my passion and I have enjoyed the challenge, but it would not have been possible without Jeannette, who has an excellent eye for detail and has been extremely patient along the way".

For a copy of The Nurses of The LBH, phone Georgette Everingham on 6688 6265.

Gallery fundraiser

Award-winning artist Margaret E Brown will raffle one of her paintings to raise funds towards a new regional gallery in Ballina funded partly through events organised by the Ballina Arts and Craft Centre Inc (BACCI). Tickets will only be available at Margaret's exhibition this weekend, November 12-13, from 10am to 4pm in her home at 3/22 Stanley Park Drive, Wollongbar. Tickets are $2 each, or 3 for $5. The raffle will be drawn at the end of the exhibition.

Denise Newport is also organising a BACCI promotion at the Alstonville Plaza on Thursday and Friday, November 17 and 18. Raffles, 'bricks' and calendars will be for sale.

Woodburn hosts Oz Day

Woodburn will once again host Richmond Valley Council's Australia Day celebrations in 2006. Cr Shirley Wheatley announced that the Woodburn Chamber of Commerce was successful in its bid to host the event.

The Australia Day festivities will have the theme 'Our River - Our Heritage' and include rowing and surf boat races, an ironman competition and fish casting contest.

SES turns 50

To mark national SES Week and the organisation's 50th anniversary, Lismore SES Unit Controller Lindsay Matterson will travel to Sydney tomorrow, November 11, for a historic conference and the launch of a new book, In Times of Crisis, chronicling half a century of service to the community.

Lindsay will then be treated to afternoon tea at Government House with NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir, before joining more than 1500 other SES volunteers on Saturday for a parade along George Street in the Sydney CBD.

And if you're wondering why the planned rescue demonstrations at the recent Lismore Show were cancelled, it's because the SES were out doing what they do best - helping others in times of crisis; in this case conducting a missing persons search at Alphadale.

Ruth means business

Lismore Council's new economic development and tourism manager, Ruth Povall, wants to boost the city's role as regional hub by attracting events and new businesses.

As a former regional manager for Australian Business Ltd, Lismore City Council's new economic development and tourism manager, Ruth Povall, is no stranger to the local business community.

She says her new role is very simple.

"It's my job to work closely with business owners to help them to expand so that they can employ more people to promote prosperity in Lismore", she said.

"We really need to flog the socks off our facilities and it's our job to attract people to Lismore at times when we can best accommodate them."

Ms Povall said a number of exciting events were already heading this way.

"We are targeting markets such as events and tourism and have attracted the 60th Australian Jazz Convention to Lismore over the Christmas and New Year period and then we have the Pura Cup coming to town in mid January," she said.

Ms Povall's other main role is to attract new businesses to Lismore. She can also offer established businesses confidential advice on how to expand. Contact her on 6622 8147.

Filipinos now have two homes

Filipinos who are Australian citizens can now apply for dual citizenship Philippine Consul General, Maria Theresa Lazaro, announced in Lismore recently.

Ms Lazaro (pictured, second from right) and her staff met with members of the local Filipino community, including Luz Besanes, her son Benjamin and Leah Enright, to discuss these changes and their implications.

Dual citizens will be allowed to purchase property and vote in their country of birth.

"It was very good to find out about the new laws," Mrs Besanes said. "This is the first time a Philippine Consul General has come to Lismore and it was very special for us. We were all very happy."

Home is where the heart is

Attending the Refugee Week morning tea at Lismore TAFE recently was TAFE Adult Migrant English Program teacher Lisa Weingarth (second from left) with Sudanese refugees (l-r) Monica Amer Myen, Anna Aring Kothea and Gabriel Majok Madit.

Until he arrived in Australia 15 months ago, Sudanese refugee Gabriel Majok Madit had never enjoyed an unbroken night's sleep.

Gabriel lived in the Kenyan refugee camp of Kakuma for 12 years after fleeing war-torn Sudan and during that time lived in a state of near starvation and constant fear for his life and that of his family.

Recounting his experiences during a Refugee Week morning tea recently, the softly spoken 22-year-old brought tears to the eyes of many, including himself, as he remembered an existence that most Australians couldn't even begin to imagine.

"Life is so terrible in the camp. Local people shoot each other and you live in fear all the time - here you can sleep from evening to morning and not be afraid," Gabriel said. "In the camp you are given 3kg of maize, one cup of oil and a bowl of lentils for 14 days - you cannot survive on that. There is no shelter and it is so hot. The people are so hungry and dehydrated they get malaria and typhoid, and the small children are weak from malnutrition and can die. I get a deep feeling from my heart and have great sorrow when I remember - when I share these bad feelings water always comes from my eyes, but it is good to express these things with others."

Gabriel was re-settled in Australia with his sister Monica and her seven children by local charity Sanctuary Northern Rivers, which has re-settled six Sudanese families in Lismore over the last 18 months. Gabriel is now working part-time at Sunnybrand Chickens in Byron Bay while studying advanced English at Lismore TAFE, and hopes one day to become a minister, marry and have seven children just like his sister. He says he loves his new life in Australia, but naturally there are parts of home he yearns for.

"I miss family and friends and I miss the traditional dance, the traditional food and our songs and prayers," said Gabriel, who was a choirmaster back in Africa. "But here it is free and there is so much opportunity for everyone. Here if you work hard and be responsible you can have what you want. I know I am very lucky."

Lismore TAFE Adult Migrant English Program teacher Lisa Weingarth recently embarked on the Queensland Big Bike Ride, and was so inspired by stories like Gabriel's that she decided to raise money for Sanctuary Northern Rivers on the way. She raised $950 on the 540km ride and hopes others will also donate what they can.

"We are all citizens of the world and I believe we have a responsibility to help refugees right across the planet - we are all connected as human beings," Lisa said. "There are millions suffering from displacement around the world and we have the resources in this country to help. I cherish diversity and Australia has a long history of migration - in Lismore we all live on Bundjalung land and are already fairly diverse. Having more refugees will hopefully make us an even more compassionate and accepting community."

For more information on Sanctuary Northern Rivers or to lend your support in manpower or money phone Michael Douglas on 6629 1540.

* People are wanted in 2006 to do volunteer English tutoring with refugees. For information phone 6626 6400.

A triumph of determination

Winner of the 2005 Group Training National Service Award, Anthony Hudson (centre), with his employer, DAISI CEO Dona Graham, and Jeremie Lynch from On-Q Human Resources.

Despite being left with a brain injury following a serious car accident in 1995, Lismore's Anthony Hudson never lost his determination to achieve his goals.

Earlier this year Anthony won the NSW final of the Group Training Disability New Apprentice of the Year Award, and recently topped that by winning the national title and being presented with the 2005 Group Training National Service Award.

Anthony was nominated for the award by On-Q Human Resources, who helped the 26-year-old into his job with the Lismore-based Disability and Aged Information Service Inc (DAISI). Anthony is now employed full-time and responsible for all aspects of administration.

"We are very proud of him - winning the national award is a wonderful achievement," said DAISI CEO, Dona Graham. "It is a fitting reward for Anthony as it recognises his individual contribution to DAISI's success and to the services he provides to the communities of the Far North Coast."

Being the team player that he is, Anthony said everyone who works at DAISI deserves recognition, but added "it's nice to be singled out".