The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Workers united against IR reforms

Joining the National Day of Action against the federal Government's proposed IR changes were Dayal Singh Joinery & Kitchens employees (l-r) Russell Heilbronn, Shannon Saye, Dick Nolan and Rod Wicks.

Around 2000 people marched through Lismore's CBD on Tuesday, joining thousands of others from around Australia to protest against the federal Government's WorkChoices bill.

For the first time in his life, 51-year-old tradesman Dick Nolan made a placard and took to the streets on Tuesday to protest for what he believes in.

Dick and three other employees from Dayal Singh Joinery & Kitchens were among around 2000 people who marched through Lismore's CBD to protest against the federal Government's proposed industrial relations changes.

The rally was part of a National Day of Action that attracted around 500,000 people nation-wide and coincided with a Senate inquiry into the new WorkChoices Bill.

Like many people already struggling financially, Dick is worried the new laws will destroy the way of life he has worked for 37 years to provide for his wife and three kids.

"John Howard is going to make the rich man richer and the poor man poorer - people like me, the average joe, are going to have to work for next to nothing," Dick said. "It's hard enough to make ends meet now, let alone if we get even less. The whole thing is a load of rubbish - it's wrong and it's not the Aussie way."

While some workers were threatened with fines if they joined the protests, manager of Dayal Singh Joinery & Kitchens, Mark Hall, was happy for his employees to attend the action.

"A lot of people all over the world have died for the right to free speech, and I believe my employees are entitled to that freedom as well - you can't whinge later if you don't stand up and fight now," Mark said. "I personally think the reforms are unfair - employees and employers shouldn't be pitched against one another. The people who work for me are my family and they're not just workers. The best way to get productive workers is to treat them well and foster a sense of security and loyalty, and you can't do that by stripping back wages and entitlements.

"And we don't know where this will stop - next thing you know we won't have holiday loading or any annual leave. Everything we love about the Australian way of life will be ruined."

Key changes in the Workplace Relations Amendment (WorkChoices) Bill 2005 include abolishing unfair dismissal laws for businesses with up to 100 staff, forcing workers into individual contracts known as Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) and slashing penalty rates for weekends, public holidays and overtime. The Bill also seeks to have minimum wages determined by a Government-appointed board instead of the Industrial Relations Commission.

However, a spokesman for the federal Minister for Workplace Relations, Kevin Andrews, said the unions were simply running a scare campaign and the new IR laws would put more money in the pockets of workers and their families.

"What we know from independent research is that further reform and labour market reform could generate extra household income of up to $22,000 and the Government thinks that's something worthwhile striving for," he said.

The Senate inquiry's report on the WorkChoices Bill will be presented to the Upper House on November 22.

Vicki passes the baton

Alstonville resident and director of new local charity Heartfelt House, Vicki Hamilton (pictured), has been chosen to participate in the Queen's Baton Relay for the 2006 Commonwealth Games on its North Coast leg.

More than15,000 nominations were received following the call for 'unsung heroes' to carry the baton in Australia, with Vicki chosen for her dedication to helping people who have suffered childhood sexual abuse through Heartfelt House.

"The Heartfelt House charity hopes to gather those adults who live in the shadows of the sexual abuse they suffered as a child and inspire them to fight against the devastation it causes," said Vicki, who will use her run to raise further awareness about the charity's work. "I'm a proud resident of this beautiful area we call home, and feel privileged to be chosen to run with the Queen's Baton as it travels through Alstonville in its international voyage. When I find out exactly where I'll be running, I'll be sure to do some practise runs so I don't put Alstonville or Heartfelt House to shame by limping or gasping for breath!"

The Queen's Baton Relay is 180,000 kilometres long, making it the world's longest relay. The baton will visit all 71 nations of the Commonwealth in one year and one day, before concluding in Melbourne on March 15 for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

Rappy's cool adventures

Rappy the kangaroo travelled all the way from Rappville to Antarctica recently as part of Rappville Public School's human society and environmental studies.

Rappville Public School teacher Joan Geihe's friend Barry Jones is currently working in Casey Base in Antarctica and Ms Geihe decided sending over Rappy, the school mascot, would help inspire students to learn about the southern ice caps.

"The students are very excited when Mr Jones sends us an email explaining about Rappy's adventures in Antarctica, which have included snow-boarding, sight seeing and meeting penguins," she said. "The students are also regularly asking Mr Jones questions about the climate and the animals and are learning so much, about the environment and using technology, in a really fun way."

Magic happens...

Congratulations are in order for Echo editor Simon Thomsen, who tied the knot with his beautiful partner Sally Webb on Sunday.

The happy couple exchanged vows at the Opera House with 180 friends and family, and are now honeymooning on a riverboat with their nine-month-old son Archie. As you can see by the look on their faces, they are both delighted to get a week off work...

Echo staff wish them much love and laughter on their journey through life together.

Bangalow Show: last but not least

Showgirl entrants for this weekend's Bangalow Show (l-r) Lisa Calland, Morgaine Nicholson, Abbie McEwan, Sara Grissell, Leigha Lawlor and Angie Plummer will find out who gets the crown at 2pm this Saturday.

It might be a small country village, but when it comes to putting on a party, Bangalow is renowned for outdoing many of the region's bigger towns.

This Friday and Saturday, November 18-19, is the annual Bangalow Show - the final on the North Coast show circuit - and according to Bangalow Show Society president Michael O'Meara it's looking like the best in years.

"With the benefit of good spring rain both the beef and dairy cattle look absolutely fantastic, so if you want to look at top quality cattle come along," Mr O'Meara said. "There's also a record number of poultry entries or if you're not into livestock, there's still all the usual attractions to enjoy."

The Bangalow Show begins at 6am on Friday morning with horse events, show jumping, dairy cattle judging, and a campdraft. On Saturday there's a junior ironman contest, professional tug-o-war competition and beef cattle judging, with the grand parade and crowning of Miss Showgirl at 2pm.

There will be all the usual sideshows, rides and pavilion exhibits, plus the thrills and spills of the ever-popular rodeo on Saturday night.

Blood needed now

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is calling for people to give blood urgently with less than two days supply remaining of type O blood.

This means there is a critical shortage and people with type O blood (which is nearly 50 per cent of all Australians) are desperately needed. To make an appointment phone 131 495.

Click for koalas

Friends of the Koala (FOK) and Lismore City Council are working together to find out about koala numbers through an online survey that people are being encouraged to fill out during the month of November.

The survey is easy to fill in and just a few clicks will help FOK get a picture of local koala populations. Even if you haven't seen any koalas lately, FOK and Council would like to know. To fill in the survey visit www.liscity.nsw.gov.au.

Coraki goes green

Coraki Golf Club will soon be keeping its greens lush with treated effluent from the local sewage treatment plant.

Richmond Valley Council voted on Tuesday to build a pipeline to the golf course along Henderson and Ti Tree streets in Coraki and funds have been allocated in the 2005-2006 budget.

Mayor Charlie Cox congratulated the golf club on its decision.

Locum service a real winner

Dr Tony Lembke (centre) receives an award for the Northern Rivers Division of General Practice's Practice Staff Locums project at the recent Australian Divisions of General Practice national forum. He is pictured with Dr Rob Walters, chair of the Australian Divisions of General Practice, and Shadow Minister for Health, Julia Gillard.

The Northern Rivers Division of General Practice (NRDGP) has won a national achievement award for its newest venture, Practice Staff Locums (PSL), which was set up to provide temporary staff for local practices to relieve stress and take the pressure off busy GPs.

The NRDGP established the program 12 months ago to provide nurses, practice managers and receptionists to GPs in the case of holidays, illness and resignations or during times of high patient demand such as flu season.

"Supporting our practices to care for their patients is the goal of our division, so we were thrilled the PSL project was recognised as the leader in the category of supporting quality in general practice," said NRDGP president, Dr Tony Lembke.

He said one general practice was so thrilled at the success of trialling a practice nurse through PSL that it decided to employ its first practice nurse. Another practice reported relief that they were given a reprieve whilst searching for new staff.

"Currently, about one third of practices in our division do not have their own practice nurse and the locum service is a great way for a practice to trial one," Dr Lembke said. "And, like all regional areas, we would love to have locum doctors available - we're working on that!"

A Page out of history

World War II veteran Doug Page, who served in the Middle East and New Guinea, at last week's Remembrance Day service.

Senior students from St John's College Woodlawn Cassy Carlopio and Michael York laid a wreath at the Memorial Baths for Remembrance Day last Friday.

More than 200 people attended last Friday's Remembrance Day service in Lismore.

Lismore's Doug Page believes he lost around 100 mates whilst serving in the Middle East and New Guinea during World War II and on Remembrance Day each year it's his lost friends that occupy his thoughts.

Doug often wondered when his number would come up, but said letters from his wife and his faith in God got him through the darker times.

"At one stage in New Guinea 50 soldiers from my company had been killed and another 200 were sick with malaria - the conditions were so bad that it was very difficult to fight," said Mr Page, the son of former Prime Minister and National Party founder Sir Earl Page. "I wrote to my wife and told her that I might not make it and she told me not to be silly and to look after myself. It was probably a combination of luck and common sense that kept me safe."

Mr Page was among 200-odd people who took part in last Friday's Remembrance Day service in Lismore.

City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch secretary Wilson McClelland said it was very heartening to see so many people still turn out to honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice.

"I was particularly pleased to see students from all the local high schools paying their respects to all those who have lost their lives in wars," he said. "Over the last few years we have been working very closely with the schools to make both Anzac Day and Remembrance Day relevant to young people so these very important Australian traditions live on for many generations, and people continue to remember the fallen and the freedoms they fought for."

Sewerage upgrade a real stinker

Pam Brayley of Casino Ratepayers and Residents Association (left), and Richard Gates and Gayle Crossett from the Evans Head and District Residents and Ratepayers Association are angry with rocketing sewerage charges levied by Richmond Valley Council.

Story & photo: Eve Sinton

While ratepayers in Evans Head and Casino are joining forces to protest against Richmond Valley Council's recent sewerage rate hike, Council has voted to push ahead with an upgrade of the struggling Evans Head-Woodburn sewerage treatment plant (STP).

Government funding for STP upgrades has dried up, but Cr Col Sullivan said at Tuesday's Council meeting that the project must go ahead now, and Council couldn't afford to wait for another government funding round.

Cr Robert Mustow said the upgrade vindicated the increased sewerage charge.

"Without that, we'd be in a real mess," he said. "It will help us to pay for all this."

The Evans Head-Woodburn STP has regularly failed to meet Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) coliform limits and there have been calls for a development moratorium in the area until sewerage capacity was upgraded to cope with a population increase.

On Tuesday Council said it would not slap a development prohibition on the coastal community, but would ask the DEC for less stringent licence requirements while the upgrade got underway.

Although Council and ratepayers are at loggerheads over the sewerage rate hike of almost 70 per cent, they agree that the NSW Goverment should be helping the community improve its sewerage plants.

Ratepayers groups in Evans Head and Casino are now circulating a petition calling on Utilities Minister Carl Scully to prioritise a review of Council's subsidy application.

They also want Mr Scully to intervene on the sewerage rate hike, saying it is unaffordable for low-income communities and therefore in breach of government guidelines that require price levels take account of the impact on vulnerable customers.

"Statistics reveal that the Richmond Valley Council area is one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged in NSW," the organisations said in a statement.

• The Evans Head and District Ratepayers and Residents Association meets next Tuesday, November 22, at the Evans Head RSL Club from 7pm. For info phone Bob May on6682 4895 or Gayle Crossett on 6682 6550.
• The Casino Ratepayers and Residents Association meets next Wednesday, November 23, at the Casino RSM Club from 7.30pm. For info phone Pam Brayley on 6662 8519.

Kids in Community goes to the dogs

Secretary of the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association, Jon Sholten (left), hands over tickets to Kids in Community committee member Bruce Jones for the charity's greyhound racing night on November 29.

The Kids in Community committee is inviting people to their next fundraiser on November 29 to enjoy good company, good food and good old-fashioned greyhound racing for a good cause.

The night will feature 10 dog races generously sponsored by local businesses as well as raffles and prizes all for just $5.

"It's going to one of the social events of the year - betting on the dogs is a heap of fun and you don't need to be a regular punter to come and have a bet," said Kids in Community committee member, Bruce Jones. "Each year Kids in Community holds a special awards night in June to recognise the achievements of local young people in their community and in their own lives. It engenders self-confidence and gives them a feeling that they are genuinely part of the local community. We believe acknowledging the good work kids do at a young age gives them a real sense of pride and encourages them to keep striving to reach their goals and dreams."

The greyhound racing night is being held at the Lismore dog track at Coleman's Point, just off Molesworth Street. Food and refreshments will be available on the night, and the racing action kicks of at 6.30pm.

Tickets are available now from the NRMA in Lismore and Ballina, the Richmond Tavern in Woodlark Street and Greg Jones Hairdressing in the Warina Walk Arcade.

For more information phone Bruce Jones on 6625 2065.

Road safety program helps save young lives

Launching the RescuED program at St John's College Woodlawn last week were (l-r) program developer John McDonough, NSW Fire Brigade senior firefighter Shane Hulbert and Lismore Fire Brigade station manager Steve Sharp.

Showing school students the devastating reality of road accidents through a special video and practical demonstrations is the NSW Fire Brigade's latest way of saving young lives.

Last week the NSW Fire Brigade launched its new road safety initiative RescueED at St John's College Woodlawn, which is aimed at teenagers who are already driving or soon will be.

NSW Fire Brigade Northern Rivers zone commander Chris Fabri said as part of the program his team would use cutting and rescue equipment to gain access to a vehicle in a practical demonstration that illustrated the tragic consequences of road accidents.

"We all know the sense of independence that comes with getting your licence, but unfortunately every year too many young people die on the roads," he said. "This program doesn't involve graphic descriptions or injuries but provides a forum for discussion and seeks to promote empathy amongst road users."

The RescuED program will visit a number of other high schools in the Northern Rivers over the next month.

To arrange for the program to visit your school phone NSW Fire Brigade senior instructor Brian Aubusson on 0409 981 936.

Proper PO for East Ballina

East Ballina Post Office has upgraded from its counter at the local newsagency to its own shop on the other side of the IGA supermarket.

The new shop has a big range of home office and telecommunications products as well as services like giroPost, Postbillpay and good old-fashioned stamps.

The new East Ballina Post Office is at Shop 10, 44 Link Avenue, and will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Make Poverty History

Oxfam Australia's Make Poverty History roadtrip, which was created following the global Live8 concerts in July, is coming to Byron Bay and Lismore from Monday, November 21, to Wednesday, November 23.

The travelling exhibition will be on show at the Byron Bay Community Centre from 12-5.30pm on Monday, November 21, followed by a public meeting that evening at 7.30pm. The roadtrip will then visit schools in Lismore, Byron and Mullumbimby on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"The exhibition features photos of farmers as well as celebrities who support the campaign. It has stories from farmers and lots of activities for people and students to do," said Oxfam's campaign coordinator, Terry Robb. "The public meeting will look at the issue of trade and how it impacts on poverty and will give the public ideas about things they can do to help create a fairer global trading system."

There are many ways for people to get involved in the campaign including entering the Make Poverty History photo competition, buying a white band, creating their own e-card, signing the Big Noise petition and writing to local politicians.

For more information visit the website at www.oxfam.org.au/roadtrip.

Live and let die

Euthanasia advocate Dr Philip Nitschke (pictured) visited Lismore on Monday to screen a new video about a group of elderly people who have developed a 'peaceful pill' to end their lives.

The video follows 20 people, all members of the Exit International group, as they use a range of equipment from sophisticated glassware to an old frying pan to make the suicide pills.

Dr Nitschke, the figurehead of Exit International, said the confronting video illustrates how futile the anti-euthanasia laws are.

"Although surveys show 75 per cent of Australians think it should be legal to get help from a doctor to end your life, no politician will support the necessary law change," Dr Nitschke said. "So this is why a group of 80-year-olds got together to make a peaceful pill. They took the matter into their own hands. Many people who get the drug will never use it - some even live longer, knowing they have the option."

Next year, new legislation kicks in making it an offence for anyone to use a telephone to request information on drugs or equipment that might be used to commit suicide. From January 7, both parties in such a conversation face $10,000 fines.

The law also targets websites, but can't control them overseas.

"This law is a draconian limitation on the right to free speech," Dr Nitschke said. "We are going to relocate our website and some of our activities to New Zealand later this year."

• The next meeting of the Northern Rivers branch of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of NSW is on Tuesday, November 22, at the CWA Hall in River Street, Ballina (next to the RSL) from 10am. It will feature a report on Dr Nitschke's Brisbane Exit International Conference. For information phone Bryan on 6680 1961.

Rehab patients not neglected says NCAHS

By Eve Sinton

North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) chief executive Chris Crawford has assured Lismore and Richmond Valley residents they won't be neglected if an $8 million rehabilitation unit is built at Ballina Hospital.

While funding for the 24-bed unit is yet to be confirmed, the NCAHS is already planning to build the rehabilitation unit beside an 18-bed transition care unit being established to cater for the increasing number of over-65s in the Ballina area.

"Lismore will not be missing out," Mr Crawford said. "It will get a rehabilitation unit with stage three of the Lismore Base Hospital upgrade. Meanwhile, interim rehabilitation patient beds will be contracted, either at St Vincent's or at the new, 65-bed private medical and rehabilitation hospital being built by Owen, Ferguson, Hill."

However, Lismore MP Thomas George has slammed the proposal, calling on the NSW Government to direct the NCAHS to redevelop the rehabilitation unit in Lismore.

"This unit provides vital services in our local community and it would be ludicrous to close the unit in Lismore," he said. "Easy access to services provided by the unit such as physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy is important given many patients are not very mobile and aren't up to travelling long distances."

But Mr Crawford said the Lismore rehabilitation unit, which is on land owned by St Vincent's Hospital, could not be redeveloped.

"This new unit can't go to Lismore, because we don't own the land," he said.

Mr Crawford said it would be another month before the NCAHS knew whether its funding bid for the Ballina unit was successful. Similarly, stage three for Lismore Base Hospital is yet to be funded, however, the planning process is underway.

"It is under active consideration," he said. "I know we will be looking after the people of Lismore and the Richmond Valley as well as those on the coast."

War veterans efforts recognised

Page MP Ian Causley last week presented over 50 World War II veterans from the Ballina district with commemorative medallions celebrating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Mr Causley said it was important to recognise the contribution and personal sacrifice these men and women made during times of war.

"These are the people who defended Australia in her darkest hour and they were called on at very short notice with minimal training," Mr Causley said. "The country owes these people a great debt."

Highway debate drags on

Pacific Highway fever continues to grip the Northern Rivers this week, with local National Party MPs calling for a feasibility study on an inland route while Roads Minister Joe Tripodi extended the closing date for submissions on the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale route options from November 18 to December 2.

MPs Steve Cansdell, Thomas George and Don Page are meeting with Joe Tripodi in Sydney today (November 17), to push the case for an inland route study to be completed before highway upgrades between Grafton and Bangalow are started.

"The rationale for such a study would be to provide a genuine comparison between the coastal and inland routes in terms of costs and benefits," Mr Page said. "The study does not affect the need to build the Ballina bypass, which is needed for local traffic safety reasons whichever option is selected."

Mr Page said the NSW Government already owns the corridor between Casino and Grafton, which is two-thirds of the total land required for an inland route.

However, Richmond Valley mayor Charlie Cox was not convinced the inland route was well thought out.

"I'm wary of ad hoc suggestions and feel what is badly needed is a regional transport strategy to link all the options," Cr Cox said. "I haven't ruled out the western diversion as a future possibility, but I don't think it's a short-term solution to get the trucks off the highway."

Tea time for Christmas cheer

President of the Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary, Mollie Strong (front), and the Auxiliary members who have raised more than $100,000 for the hospital this year. The Auxiliary is holding their last major fundraiser for 2005 next Wednesday.

The Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary's last major fundraiser for the year is a special morning tea next Wednesday, November 23, which will help raise funds so every patient in Lismore Base Hospital gets a present on Christmas Day.

Each year the Auxiliary raises funds for equipment and creature comfort for patients, and this year alone they have spent more than $100,000.

"Our work is extremely important - the hospital has limited funds for equipment and with technology changing so quickly equipment can become redundant in four or five years, so it's a continual process of upgrading," said Auxiliary president, Mollie Strong. "We always need new members to help us and we're constantly on the look out for people who would like to help fundraise or ladies with talents in cooking, sewing or crafts that can contribute to making raffle prizes or provide new ideas for events. The Auxiliary meets on a monthly basis and we have lots of fun and social events along with our fundraising work. As a volunteer you can see the results of the fundraising immediately and it makes a huge difference in the lives of patients and staff."

The fundraising Devonshire morning tea is being held next Wednesday at the Seventh Day Adventist Hall in Uralba Street, Lismore, from 10-10.30am. Entry is just $4 and anyone is welcome. For more information or to find out about joining the Auxiliary phone Mollie on 6624 1227.

From the smallest school to the biggest show

Numulgi School principal Genevieve Slocombe and the school's only student, Annnamekah Grace, have been busy practising the marimba for Annamekah's performance in the Schools Spectacular in Sydney.

The entire Numulgi School is off to Sydney next week to take part in the Schools Spectacular concert. Both of them - teacher Genevieve Slocombe and Numulgi's only student Annamekah Grace - can hardly contain their excitement.

Australia's smallest school will play the marimba, an African instrument that looks like a huge xylophone.

The Schools Spectacular is one of the world's biggest variety shows, featuring more than 3000 students from across the state.

Annamekah said she had been practising very hard with Ms Slocombe and they're both looking forward to the performances and some sight seeing.

"It's my first trip to Sydney and I'm a little bit nervous that I might play a wrong note but even if I do it won't matter," Annamekah said. "I am so excited because after the show we are going to see the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, and go on excursions to the zoo, museum, Bondi Beach and Luna Park as well."

The show is on at the Sydney Entertainment Centre for two nights from Friday, November 25. The ABC will record the final concert for broadcast.

• A public meeting to discuss the future of Numulgi School will be held next Monday, November 21, at the school from 5pm. Anyone interested is welcome.

Casino Motorhome market

The Motorhome Village will hold a country arts and craft market next Sunday, November 27, at the old Casino airport from 6.30am.

The day will feature a variety of stalls plus plane rides, a jumping castle, smiling clowns and yummy food.

Anyone who needs some extra cash for Christmas is welcome to bring second-hand goods to sell on day. To book a stall phone 6662 1069.

Taking a big step forward

Lismore High School students and Step to the Future organising committee members Keith Morris and Emma Norris say this year's youth forum will be the largest of its kind ever held in the Northern Rivers.

More than 500 senior students from the Northern Rivers are expected to attend the annual Step to the Future seminar at Southern Cross University today (Thursday, November 17).

The annual forum is being organised by students for students, and aims to provide young men and women with the opportunity to gain further life skills by hearing from a range of inspirational speakers.

Step to the Future organising committee member Emma Norris said the forum will include question and answer sessions and is designed to build selfconfidence and help students overcome adversity.

"We hope the forum will inspire, motivate and educate students to achieve their full potential in whatever areas they wish to succeed in, or develop a better understanding of themselves on a personal level," Emma said.

This year Step to the Future speakers include former NBL basketballer Eric Bailey, author Barbara Holborow OAM and Australian Olympic silver medallist Rob Jahrling.

For more information phone Step to the Future convenor Diane Allan on 0412 466 841, or visit the website at www.steptothefuture.com.

Making a splash about water safety

Wyrallah Road Public School students and Surf Life Saving NSW representatives Kayla Laverty and Rex Budd after taking part in the Country Energy Water Safety Program, which visited schools in the Northern Rivers last week.

After taking part in the Country Energy Water Safety Program in Lismore last week, Wyrallah Road Public school year three student Melanie Bull said she'll be more cautious when going for a dip this summer.

"The program was really cool and I learned what to do if you get caught in a rip and how important it is to swim between the flags," Melanie said. "I also learned what to do if I need a life saver and also how to treat myself and other people for blue bottle stings."

Surf Life Saving NSW representative Kayla Laverty said the Country Energy Water Safety Program mainly focused on beach safety.

"Teaching young kids how to identify a dangerous situation is important because it means they will be able to avoid it before getting in trouble," Kayla said.

The Country Energy Water Safety Program is one of the largest water safety education programs in Australia with more than 5000 students in NSW taking part.