The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Crisis looms for local preschools

Tuntable Falls Community Preschool director Stephanie Witkowski (left) and Children's Choice local coordinator Bianca Urbina with Tuntable Falls Community Preschool students (in no particular order) Merlin, Holly, Ella, Codie, Mali and Caydan. The students face an uncertain future, with Stephanie saying the preschool will be forced to close if NSW Government funding levels don't increase.

Tuntable Falls Community Preschool will be forced to close in the near future if NSW Government funding levels don't increase, it's director Stephanie Witkowski has warned.

Stephanie claims funding levels for community preschools have been frozen by the Department of Community Services (DoCS) since 1989. She says with costs such as wages, OH&S expenses and insurance constantly on the rise, it is forcing local preschools to cut overall staffing and skimp on equipment.

Stephanie said many preschools are now relying on community fundraisers and the generosity of teachers and parents, who give above and beyond the call of duty to keep the services operating.

"We currently have 12 students, and if this preschool closes many of those families won't be able to put their children in care, which then impacts on people's jobs, their lifestyle and of course the children's personal growth," Stephanie said. "The interactions our staff have with the children are so rich and rewarding, but the staff are human and I don't want to push them to breaking point. We have been operating for 22 years and the last thing we want to do is shut down, but the reality of closure is looming."

Stephanie says that for too long early childhood education has been likened to babysitting when in fact it is a crucial part of a child's development.

"If young children don't have access to early childhood education it makes schooling later in life harder and they are on the back foot in terms of socialisation and academic achievement," Stephanie said. "Research shows that providing early education from infancy to eight years of age is vital for children developing into well adjusted young adults. Because we believe preschool education is so important, we deliberately keep fees as low as possible. Without more funding the only way we could generate more funds would be to charge higher fees, but then many local families wouldn't be able to access the service."

Bianca Urbina, local coordinator of the state-wide campaign Children's Choice, which is fighting for more community preschool funding, recently held a survey in local preschools that revealed parents would send their children to preschool more often if fees were lower and if preschools could afford to open for longer hours.

Bianca said that in NSW there are around 100 preschools that are fully-funded by the Department of Education & Training (DET) and around 800 community-run preschools, which only have 20-25 per cent of their operational costs met by DoCS. This means state-funded preschools have fees between $0 and $5 per day while community preschools have to make up the shortfall by charging an average of $30 per day.

"Community-based preschools need to be funded at the same level as DET preschools so all families in our area, regardless of their socio-economic status, can access these vital services for their children," Bianca said. "These government departments simply have no idea of the magnitude of the funding crisis at a grass roots level. Having healthy, educated children is fundamental to the health of our country as a whole, and this funding crisis is a national shame."

DoCS refuted there has been a funding freeze since 1989, saying it was lifted in 1995 and since then the NSW Government has increased spending on children's services by 37.9 per cent.

"All 800 DoCS funded community-based preschools, including the 90 children's services located on the Far North Coast, have received a 2.75% increase in funding as part of annual indexation,'' said DoCS Northern Regional director, Denis Myers.

However, Bianca said DoCS is simply trying to pull the wool over people's eyes.

"Although there has been small CPI increases, the base funding levels have simply not improved," Bianca said. "Many community preschools are on the verge of collapse and no matter how many times DoCS shuffles the figures, that is the stark reality."*

Children's Choice is planning a local protest as part of a state-wide action in Lismore on April 8.

Don't let Christmas cheer go to waste

Lismore City Council is Charlie Crethar with the Cards 4 Planet Ark envelope that is now available from Australia Post so people can recycle their Christmas cards.

Each year Australians send more than 100 million Christmas cards, and Planet Ark is now calling on people to recycle their old cards rather than let them go to waste.

The recycling campaign Cards 4 Planet Ark has been operating for the last 11 years, in which time more than 500 million greeting cards have been recycled, effectively saving 100,000 trees.

Until the end of January people can drop off their old greeting cards and envelopes at the recycling bins at Coles or simply pick up a free postage-paid recycling envelope from Australia Post.

"Recycling cards and envelopes is such a quick and easy thing to do, and the benefits are enormous," said Lismore City Council's waste minimisation officer, Lesley Trott. "I think being part of the campaign also preserves the Christmas spirit, because you're helping to make the world a better and healthier place. Another great way to recycle your Christmas cards is to use the images to make new cards or a unique collage for a friend or family member."

All cards and envelopes Cards 4 Planet Ark receives will be recycled into new products such as SAFE brand paper products or used for packaging things like breakfast cereal. If you really want to help the environment Lesley says it's also important to try and buy goods made from recycled materials.

"To be a good recycler and complete the recycling loop, we should buy products made from recycled packaging, by looking for the green and yellow ARC recycling symbol on the pack," she said. "It's a great way to give the environment a happy new year."

Clown Doctors spend a year getting better

Lismore Base Hospital patient Mark Scott of Ocean Shores, and his six-month old son Cameron, with the Northern Rivers Clown Doctors (Dr Kerplunk, Dr Sniggles and Dr Dizzy) and sponsor representatives Wendy Margetts from Harvey Norman, Lismore, and Carl David of Roper & Parry Chemists.

The Northern Rivers Clown Doctors recently celebrated a year of bringing therapeutic laughter to patients at Lismore Base Hospital, Australia's first regional hospital to host a Clown Doctors program. The national charity was established in 1997 in the wake of the success of 'Patch' Adams, the first clown doctor, whose story became a movie featuring Robin Williams.

And it has been a great first year for the Clown Doctors locally, according to 'Dr Sniggles'.

"We have been delighted to work here with the many wonderful patients and staff," she said. "It is not only the patients who benefit from some light relief, but family members, friends and hospital staff, all of whom have their morale lifted when the Clown Doctors appear on the scene. Our open heart therapy is contagious."

International research has shown that laughter has a positive effect on heart rate and blood pressure, reduces pain and relaxes the muscles. It also reduces stress and helps maintain a positive outlook.

After doing their mirthful rounds of the wards, the clowns - professional performers trained to work in the sensitive hospital setting - drew the winners of a fundraising raffle featuring a $1000 Fisher & Paykel washing machine donated by Harvey Norman, Lismore. The first prize winner was Colin Eley of The Channon, while second went to Tiffany Whitelaw, third to Teresa West and third to Vicki Sheaffe.

Major business and corporate sponsors in the region are invited to help keep this valuable service operating. For details phone Michell Mercer on 6622 0638.

Ballina bypass assured

Ballina will finally get its long-awaited bypass following a pre-Christmas agreement between Australian Roads Minister Jim Lloyd and NSW Roads Minister Joe Tripodi.

The December 23 announcement confirms that construction on the project will begin as soon as possible, with the $271 million cost jointly met by the state and federal governments.

The announcement was welcomed by Ballina MP, Don Page, who said it was a terrific Christmas present for the Ballina community.

"Ballina is the only large town between Coffs Harbour and the Queensland border not to be bypassed," Mr Page said. "In the past funding has been the problem but we are now advised this is not the case, which is great news for Ballina. It is a just reward for the lobbying which has occurred at the local level to see the project advanced."

The 12.4km bypass is expected to improve road safety and reduce peak-period traffic congestion in Ballina.

The roads ministers said technical difficulties with the route across the soft soils of the Richmond River floodplain would mean construction could take up to seven years.

"The next priority is to prepare the earthworks," said the ministers in a joint statement. "This is a complex matter, involving careful layering of soil over time to stablilise the base of the bypass. Construction can't start until the earthworks are stabilised."

RTA under fire over highway upgrade

By Eve Sinton

The RTA is under fire from a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Pacific Highway upgrade.

Inquiry Committee chair, Nationals MLC Jenny Gardiner, said the options and routes preferred by the RTA had generated great local unrest in the Northern Rivers.

"Many believe that the RTA decided its preferred route before the upgrade projects even began, and that the consultation processes were structured to ensure that community views would not influence the final outcome," she said. "Similarly, the Committee believes the RTA lacked candour in its dealings with the Committee, and that this lack of candour is indicative of the RTA's approach to community consultation."

Inquiry member, Greens MLC Ian Cohen, said it was time the RTA began working with the community rather than always overriding it.

"The report also calls for the NSW Government to better handle claims for compensation for those who are affected by the highway or have their properties compulsorily acquired," he said.

Mr Cohen said the NSW Government should use the report as an opportunity to properly assess all the alternatives, from inland routes to upgrading rail infrastructure.

Ballina MP and Shadow Roads Minister, Don Page, along with Nationals colleagues Lismore MP Thomas George and Clarence MP Steve Cansdell, welcomed the Inquiry's support for an independent cost/benefit study of the inland route between Tyagarah and Grafton.

"Recommendations also suggest reforming Community Liaison Groups to become more transparent and that the RTA develop a policy and procedures manual for all future highway upgrades," Mr Page said. "Importantly, the Inquiry also found the NSW Government should consider establishing a property value guarantee scheme to assist people whose properties are very close to a preferred route but who are not eligible for financial compensation."

The three Labor members of the Inquiry labelled the report as a fundamentally flawed "political stunt".

In a dissenting report, Labor MLCs Jan Burnswoods, Amanda Fazio and Greg Donnelly said the Inquiry was biased against the RTA and quoted evidence "selectively".

The Inquiry's report, all 252 pages, can be downloaded from the website www.parliament.nsw.gov.au

Spin twins set to bowl over Lismore

Spin doctors Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill will go head to head in Lismore for the upcoming Pura Cup clash at Oakes Oval.

Legendary Lismore cricketer John McMahon says when Australian test cricketers Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill take part in the Pura Cup cricket match in Lismore from January 16-19, it will be the greatest cricketing event ever to be hosted in the region.

As a former Shefield Shield spinner, McMahon says Warne and MacGill are two of the finest slow bowlers in history and says people shouldn't miss the opportunity to see them go up against one another when the NSW Speed Blitz Blues clash with the Victorian Bushrangers.

"I think that Warne and MacGill are probably the two greatest spinners of all time and I'm just so excited that they're coming to play in Lismore," Mr McMahon said. "As far as leg-spinners go I've seen Bill O'Reilly, Richie Benaud and Abdul Quadir bowl and I think that these two are definitely above them. Plus it's the best two sides playing and there has already been a tremendous amount of preparation on the pitch so we can expect some fantastic cricket from the batsman including Hodge, Klinger and local lad Matthew Phelps."

Tickets for the Pura Cup are available from Summerland Sports in Lismore and Ballina, the Station Hotel in South Lismore and Thrifty Hardware in Evans Head.

Four day match passes are available for $17 and general admission at the gate costs $8 with children under 12 receiving free entry.

Local brewers hop to it

Andrea and Kevin Rowland have a passion for boutique beers and have turned their dreams of a microbrewery into reality - producing the Northern Rivers' very own drop in Alstonville.

More than 20 years after Lismore's brewery closed down, locally-made beer is back thanks to connoisseurs Kevin and Andrea Rowland. The Northern Rivers Brewing Company, based in the Russellton Industrial Estate at Alstonville, produces all-natural premium beers.

The new venture got an unexpected boost this week with a $36,000 grant from the Department of Primary Industries to produce mini-kegs for home and commercial use and also to enhance recycling measures at the microbrewery, which already include passing on used grain to local farmers and TAFE campuses to feed cattle.

"The grant will allow us to offer our beer to licensed restaurants, hotels and catering companies, as well as individuals, which means we can access new markets much sooner," Andrea said. "They're 10-litre kegs so they're quite small but people are already keen to try them and have natural, chemical-free beer on tap."

The first two releases from the Northern Rivers Brewing Company are Koshlong Blonde and Dusky Pale Ale.

"The Blonde is a smoother, sweeter beer than the Pale Ale," Andrea said. "Women in particular really seem to love the Blonde."

Kevin said they wanted to brew beers that differ from the commercial varieties.

"The idea behind a microbrewery is to provide people with beer that offers different flavours and aromas," he said.

The duo have two new beers planned for release this year. For details, phone 6628 8737 or visit the website www.nrbrewing.com.au.

Traffic gets the runaround

Roadworks began yesterday on the roundabout on the corner of Magellan and Molesworth streets.

Drivers are likely to hit traffic snarls in Lismore's CBD throughout January with the roundabout at the intersection of Molesworth and Magellan streets being rebuilt.

Work started yesterday (Wednesday, January 4) and will be completed around January 16.

Mayor Merv King said the works were essential and would require some road closures.

"The reconstruction has been given priority by staff and will fit in with a time that is traditionally a quieter trading period for Lismore," he said.

Pedestrians will continue to have access to all businesses in the area throughout the roadworks.

From January 9-16 the Rowing Club and Kirklands carparks will be accessible through Green Lane or Club Lane.

Australia Day nominations still open in Ballina

Ballina Shire Council is asking the community to nominate people and organisations for Australia Day Awards.

This year there are five categories including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Sports Person of the Year, Community Event of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Nominations are open until Friday, January 13, at 4pm.

For a nomination form visit www.ballinacouncil.com.au or for information phone Ballina Shire Council Australia Day coordinator Kerry Greedy on 6686 3484.

Salty Lagoon still a no-go zone

By Eve Sinton

Salty Lagoon, the scene of a massive wildlife kill near Evans Head last month, will remain closed to the public until further notice.

Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) spokesman John Dengate said the lagoon, although recovering slowly through tidal flushing, remained a potential public health risk.

"Juvenile fish have been seen alive and well so the lagoon is on the road to recovery," he said. "But as long as the sewage treatment plant is putting nutrients into the lagoon, there will be an ongoing impact."

Meanwhile, the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC) has urged the NSW Government to face up to its responsibilities to prevent more environmental disasters.

NOROC chairman Ernie Bennett called for an immediate injection of funding into country town sewerage schemes.

"Many local communities are waiting in hope for the NSW Government to renew its funding of the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Scheme, which has promised important improvements but has not delivered for all schemes," he said. "NOROC councils are waiting for tens of millions of dollars in funding to complete dozens of important schemes - of which the Evans Head Sewage Treatment Plant is one."

Cr Bennett said many local schemes were promised funding more than 10 years ago.

"But councils are now told the funding is reduced or the schemes are so far down the list that they may take years to be delivered. The outcome is that unfortunately there is a risk that more environmental incidents such as the fish kill at Salty Lagoon may occur across the state."

Cr Bennett said that Richmond Valley Council had been left with no alternative but to go it alone on improving the sewerage system and ratepayers faced hefty increases in their sewerage rates as a result.

Evans Head and District Water Committee spokesman Richard Gates called on Richmond Valley Council to act on DEC advice to slap the brakes on development until the sewage treatment plant is upgraded.

"According to the DEC, the Council remains non-compliant with disinfection performance standards and the sewage treatment plant is exceeding its design capacity," he said. "Even when the plant is upgraded there is still the problem of a huge load of phosphorus in Salty Lagoon, which will have to be removed. As long as it's there, we'll continue to have algal blooms and wildlife deaths."

Mr Gates said there were signs that pollution from the lagoon could be affecting nearby beaches.

"From the air you can see a plume of discoloured water spreading south," he said. "Public health authorities should be testing beaches for contamination."

For whom the bell tolls

Ringing master Bob Brown is looking for new people to become bell ringers at St Andrew's Anglican Church in Lismore.

For more that 50 years Bob Brown has been ringing church bells every Sunday, and he is now looking for more people to take up the age-old craft.

Bob, the ringing master at St Andrew's Anglican Church in Lismore, says bell ringers at St Andrew's have dwindled from 24 to 11 in recent years and he's searching for new people to learn the ancient art of bell ringing.

"Bell ringing is extremely good exercise plus it's a great way to meet people and even though at top levels it's very complex just about anyone can learn to ring simply," Bob said. "Over the years I have taught many people to ring and all you have to do is be at least 12 years of age, turn up once a week for practice and be available to ring every Sunday."

Anyone interested in becoming a bell ringer at St Andrew's Anglican Church should phone Bob on 6689 1336 or Val on 6622 6244.

Wise advice begins at home

Casino residents Rita Torrens and Maurice 'Bucky' Robinson were presented with certificates of appreciation by Richmond Local Area Command crime manager Detective Inspector Steve Clarke recently for their volunteer work with young offenders.

A little bit of respect goes a long way in Aboriginal communities according to Maurice 'Bucky' Robinson and Rita Torrens, especially when dealing with young offenders.

For the last 18 months the two Casino residents have been volunteering their time to help caution young Aboriginal offenders in Casino and Tabulam, and earlier this week the Richmond Local Area Command presented the pair with special certificates to thank them for providing such hands-on support.

"The kids look up to us as elders and are a little bit frightened of us - when they see Aunty Rita coming they stop and listen, and they take what she's saying very seriously," Bucky said. "They respect us and they respond to us because we understand their home life and their background. We're not just helping our community, we're helping our family."

More money for local health

Acting head of the Northern Rivers University Department of Rural Health, Associate Professor Jeffrey Fuller, says the Department's million dollar budget increase is a win all round for local health services.

A million dollar budget increase for a Lismore-based rural health education unit will bring benefits to local health services.

Northern Rivers University Department of Rural Health (NRUDRH) spokesman, Associate Professor Jeffrey Fuller, said the budget increase meant more medical, allied health and nursing students would be building up their clinical experience in the region.

"We will be able to develop a partnership between the medical schools of the universities of Sydney, Western Sydney and Wollongong to place senior-year medical students in the Northern Rivers for up to 12 months clinical experience," he said. "The extra money will improve education opportunities for the current health workforce with a new 70-seat lecture theatre, tutorial rooms and video conferencing facilities to be built in Lismore. They will complement existing facilities in Murwillumbah and Grafton."

Professor Fuller said there would be an increase in the number of staff working in Aboriginal health and education.

"There will also be an increase in the number of academic and clinical appointments to the region," he said. "This will increase education and research opportunities for local health professionals and improve the profile of rural health as an attractive career option. The budget increase will have major flow-on affects to the quality and capacity of health care services in the area. It's a real win all round."

The NRUDRH is a partnership between the University of Sydney and Southern Cross University, funded by the Department of Health and Ageing and supported by the North Coast Area Health Service.

Opened in 2001, the NRUDRH is one of 11 similar departments working to improve health facilities in rural Australia.

Taskforce calls for more money

A state-federal agreement to speed up the Pacific Highway upgrade has been criticised by the region's Pacific Highway Taskforce for failing to include new funding and flagging the possibility of tollways.

Pacific Highway Taskforce chairman, Cr Ernie Bennett, said a Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 23 between Australian Roads Minister Jim Lloyd and NSW Roads Minister Joe Tripodi aimed to complete the upgrade within 10 years.

"The Taskforce was disappointed no new money was included and the governments have been too quick to raise the spectre of tolls," Cr Bennett said. "Local councils are yet to be convinced about the merits of tollways - and there will need to be a cast-iron guarantee that local people will not be adversely affected by them."

While welcoming a guarantee the Ballina bypass will be built (see story page 3), Ballina MP Don Page said there would be community resistance to any tollways.

"People feel they have already paid taxes," Mr Page said. "Many people don't understand the difference between a dual carriageway and a motorway. The coastal communities are looking for a dual carriageway. We are also looking for a separation of heavy interstate freight from local traffic."

Discover the Northern Rivers with National Parks

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) annual summer Discovery Program runs from January 4-20, giving people the chance to explore some of the region's most beautiful spots and enjoy a range of adventurous activities.

Highlights include snorkelling at Cape Byron and canoeing on the Evans River, or you might like to try a bird watching walk in the Mebbin National Park, an Aboriginal cultural walk in Arakwal National Park or a bush tucker walk in Nightcap National Park.

"The Discovery Program is a great way to explore our national parks in the company of an experienced ranger," said Kate Adams from NPWS. "Activities are graded from easy to medium, with most being suitable for family groups."

Bookings are required for all activities. To register or find out more phone 6627 0200 or visit the website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.

Starlight Wellbeing Expo

If you want to get in touch with your spiritual side or try a range of alternative therapies for the mind and body, the Starlight Wellbeing Expo in Bangalow this weekend offers a space to learn about everything from mysticism to healing.

The Expo runs from today (Thursday, January 5) until Sunday, January 8, and according to Expo director Raym you can join in talks and workshops conducted by new-age practitioners who all have amazing stories to tell.

"At this our 19th event you can meet Byron's finest healers and readers and enjoy a great selection of talks and free healing sessions, all for just $10 admission," Raym said.

The Starlight Wellbeing Expo will be held in the Bangalow A&I Hall (Station Street, Bangalow) from 9.30am to 5.30pm each day.

Entry to the expo is $10/5. For the full program visit www.global-healing.com or phone 6684 3467.

Grants help kids grow

Kids from the five community groups will benefit from government funding for activities ranging from nutrition education for mothers to the building of a dinosaur for next year's Lismore Lantern Parade.

Celebrating the sponsorship were (l-r) Chris Minto from Lemon Sundaes, with Lucien on her lap, Christine Minkov from Playgroup, little Imogen Hughes and Alex Hughes from Lismore Preschool Kindergarten, Dale Smith from Junbunna Early Intervention and Cath Aylward from the Lismore Women's and Children's Refuge.

Boost for NSW television industry

Northern Rivers Screenworks has received a $40,000 grant from the NSW Government to help create more jobs through the local film and television industry.

"Over the last 12 months Screenworks has worked with the NSW Government's Film and Television Office to secure feature films, television series and commercials, documentaries, video and DVD productions and large format productions worth an estimated $3.2 million for the region," said NSW Minister for Regional Development, David Campbell. "This has resulted in 69 local jobs."

In 2006 Screenworks will also focus on developing and marketing its services and working to attract private sponsorship.

Support for Kyogle business plan

The NSW Government will provide $2,500 to help in the development of a business plan for the Kyogle Visitor Information Centre that will be used to enhance local tourism and hospitality in the town.

The funding was announced this week by NSW Minister for Regional Development, David Campbell, who said the money would help Kyogle to overcome economic setbacks caused by the fire at the Norply factory last year.

"This funding will help them to take the next step in planning for the future and will help the community to look at ways to encourage and build a stronger tourism industry and work in cooperation with other local councils," Mr Campbell said.

Call to help farmers

The NSW Farmers' Association is calling for livestock fodder donations to help feed the thousands of sheep and cattle left starving after the devastating bushfires at Junee in the state's south west.

It is estimated around 17,000 sheep have been burnt and thousands of kilometres of fences destroyed in recent days.

The NSW Government has announced it will pay for freight for any donated fodder.

To donate phone the NSW Department of Primary Industries on 6938 1892 or the NSW Farmers' Association on 0427 773 496.

Mentoring an EPIC success

Celebrating the completion of the Youth EPIC mentoring scheme recently were (front l-r) Sally Surtees (student), Rebekah Hill-McNeill (student), Regan Harding (Youth EPIC coordinator) and Simon Glasby (student) with (rear l-r) Jet from Flourish Designer Studio (mentor), Sharyn and Nancye Glasby (Simon's mother and grandmother) and Louise from Lismore Automotive Service.

A fortunate group of North Coast TAFE students now know what it takes to run a small business after completing an exciting new mentoring program with the help of local business people.

As part of the Australian Government's $8 million Enterprise Learning for the 21st Century initiative, TAFE students Sally Surtees, Simon Glasby and Rebekah Hill McNeill have been a part of Youth EPIC - Enterprise Partnerships in the Community project.

Each of the students spent time working with a different local business, gaining insight into all aspects of small business and learning valuable skills along the way.

Sally spent three months with Jet from Flourish Designer Studio in Lismore, and said the experience was incredible.

"I don't think I would have had the courage to apply for a job before - not having had any experience," said Sally. "But Jet has made me feel so comfortable in the workplace and I feel much more confident. I also understand what it takes to make a small business successful and I really admire Jet's motivation and dedication."

Meanwhile, Simon Glasby has spent his Youth EPIC time with David McDonald from Lismore Automotive Service and has scored himself some extra paid work over the school break.

It is Simon's goal to do a motor mechanics apprenticeship and one day own his own mechanical repair shop, and he now feels much closer to that dream.

"All I've got to do now is complete my year 10 certificate and then start job hunting," said Simon. "Thanks to David and everyone at Lismore Automotive Service, at least now I have some experience and I really know that this is what I want to do."

Youth EPIC coordinator Regan Harding was astounded by the response that 12 local business people gave to the mentoring project.

"Without the support and time that these business people offered our TAFE students, the project would not have been the success that it was," Ms Harding said. "I have seen a group of very special students work with very special community members and there have been many connections made between local business and industry groups, young people, parents, community groups, schools and local job network and employment services. Youth EPIC's aim was to address and respond to local needs and I believe the project has been a major success in this respect," Ms Harding said.

Lismore not in a bad state

Lismore City Council has the state's highest number of composting toilets (394) and is one of only four urban areas in NSW that still has a koala population.

The city has clean air, especially compared to metropolitan centres, but is worried about global warming according to the Council's annual State of the Environment Report, released late last year.

Barking dogs and noisy macadamia nut processing are both emerging noise pollution issues and the catchment water quality is poor, with heavy sediment and nutrient loads.

The full report can be viewed on Lismore Council's website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Tintenbar to Ewingsdale route a step closer

Route options for the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade have been narrowed down to three following a two-day workshop with community and council representatives recently.

All route options being considering include the construction of a tunnel through St Helena hill, however, an RTA spokesman said it was important to note the workshop outcome was not a final decision.

"Public submissions, reports and field investigations, comments from government agencies and the results of the value management workshop will now be considered in identifying a preferred route."

The workshop's preferences ranged from sections of routes A and B on the western side of the study area to the much more easterly D option.

To view the route options or find out more visit www.rta.nsw.gov.au/pacific and click on Tintenbar to Ewingsdale.

When the kids drive you mad...

School holidays can be a stressful time for parents trying to keep the kids amused and out of trouble.

The Department of Community Services (DoCS) has put out a school holiday parent kit online with tips on activities, safety, car trips, and getting ready for the school term.

The kit can be seen at www.community.nsw.gov.au and there's also a Centacare parent help line. Phone 132 055.

Teenagers asked to heed safety signs

Andrew Bailey of Kirklands Coaches, North Coast Health Promotion Director Uta Dietrich, Reyna Dight of North Coast Health Promotion, Sue Hetherington of the Catholic Education Office and Lismore City Council's Wendy Johnson launching the new bus-back campaign.

Concern that the risk-taking behaviour of North Coast students higher than the national average has prompted local health promotion experts to go more public with a safety campaign that has been running for the past six years in 26 high schools, specifically in regard to adolescent driving, partying and alcohol and drug use.

The messages, encapsulated in the slogan 'party safe - party 2gether', are the latest phase of the multi-partner RRISK (Reduce Risk, Increase Student Knowledge) program that encourages young people to think about the consequences of their behaviour and make decisions that could save their lives.

The large posters are being carried on the back of Kirklands Coaches doing daily trips from Lismore to Byron Bay, Ballina, Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads and Brisbane.

"These messages highlight the importance of planning, of looking out for each other while partying and then getting home safely," said Uta Dietrich, director of Health Promotion, North Coast Area Health Service.

Ms Dietrich explained that the 15-19 age group was over represented in all categories of motor vehicle accidents in Australia, accounting for 45 per cent of motor vehicle deaths, and these teenagers also engaged in a number of other risk-taking practices.

"The findings of a recent study of the RRISK program confirmed national trends and also found that the behaviour of students in the North Coast was even more risky," she added. "We know that risk-taking is a normal part of adolescence but students reported drinking to the extent that they felt ill at one in four parties they attended. Further, 60 per cent engaged in binge drinking, 23 per cent rode with an alcohol impaired driver and nine per cent admitted to drink driving even though the legal limit for L and P platers is 0.0."

The RRISK program is supported by North Coast Health Promotion, the councils of Lismore, Tweed and Ballina, the RTA, Southern Cross University, the Department of Education & Training and the Lismore Catholic Education Office.

Mosquito virus warning

People in the Northern Rivers are being warned that nasty, debilitating illnesses caused by mosquito bites are on the rise.

North Coast Area Health Service Public Health Unit director Paul Corben says Barmah Forest Virus infections have doubled over the last five years, while Ross River Fever infections are up by 20 per cent.

Both viruses produce similar symptoms about a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito, although the Barmah Forest Virus is usually less severe.

"Victims feel generally unwell, with a fever, painful and sometimes swollen joints and a rash that may appear on the body and limbs," Mr Corben said. "People with Barmah Forest Virus may experience a butterfly pattern rash that spreads to the rest of the body."

Mr Corben said there was no specific treatment for either virus, but people who thought they were affected should go to their doctor for a blood test to confirm the infection.

"The only way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes," Mr Corben said. "Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin as active ingredients. Use mosquito coils or vapourising mats and ensure mosquito screens on living and sleeping areas are in good condition."

Mr Corben also recommended people wear long, loose-fitting light-coloured clothing when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn.

Girl power to the rescue

Lismore Women's Refuge general support workers Justine Cox and Claudia Tristkov (left) accepted over 100 wrapped presents and gift hampers from Curves staff members Annola McQuade and Kylie Everson a few days before Christmas.

Three weeks before Christmas the people at Curves ladies fitness centre in Lismore asked their members to donate presents to the Lismore Women's Refuge and were totally overwhelmed with the response.

Curves staff member Annola McQuade said when she raised the idea to help other women at Christmas it really hit a nerve with the members and more than 100 gifts were collected.

"Because we are a fitness centre exclusively for women our ladies have really dug deep to help all the other women and children in the refuge, which really shows the true spirit of Christmas," Annola said.

The types of gifts that were donated included toys, cosmetics, Christmas food and loads of ladies luxuries and special children's gifts.

He's a linesman for the Country

Poles apart... Englishman Martin James has moved from 'cold, wet and windy' Plymouth to work as a Country Energy linesman.

They've not only beaten us - first in the Rugby World Cup final and then the nail-biting Ashes win - now they're joining us as well.

Lineworker Martin James, from the English city of Plymouth, is one of Country Energy's newest local recruits.

Martin migrated to Australia and now lives in Lennox Head with wife Michelle and their children Finley, five, and Malia, two. He works out of Country Energy's Lismore Field Service Centre and is thoroughly enjoying his new lifestyle.

Martin is no stranger to the region, first coming to Australia in 1996.

"I came here for four months, bought a car and travelled up the east coast to Cape Tribulation and pretty much fell in love with the place," he said. He returned numerous times, including for his honeymoon, before the family made the permanent move in July this year.

"I speak to some people and they say 'you've seen more of this country than I have'."

Given the difference between south-western England's "cold, wet and windy" climate and the Northern Rivers, he wouldn't be surprised if others are also tempted to make the move.

"People on the whole seem a lot happier here; I'm sure it's got a lot to do with the climate," Martin said.

PCYC says thanks

At a special thank you presentation to the Lismore Workers Club late last year were (l-r) PCYC Northern Zone commander Tony Jordan, raffle volunteer Pat Johnston, Lismore Workers Club operations manager Phil Kelly, PCYC club manager Jason Clarke and PCYC youth programmer Amanda Bazley.

The Lismore Police & Community Youth Club (PCYC) recently held a special presentation for the Lismore Workers Club to thank them for their fundraising efforts and support.

The PCYC runs an annual Christmas raffle in conjunction with the Workers Club, which raised $8000 last year.

"As a non-profit organisation, we rely on community support from organisations such as the Workers Club to keep our doors open," said PCYC club manager, Jason Clarke. "We want to say a special thank you to operations manager Phil Kelly, as well as Pat Johnston and all the other volunteers who were the driving force behind the raffle."

Colour my world

Summerland Credit Union CEO Margot Sweeny (left) and Northern Rivers Echo sales and marketing manager Heather Williams display the winners of the Christmas Colouring-In Competition sponsored by the two organisations late last year.

Third prize winner in the 0-6 years category James Hunt, 2, with his dad John and second prize winner in the 7-12 years category Bradley Schneider.

The full list of winners is as follows: 7-12 years category: 1st prize Anthony Paraschos from City Acres, 2nd prize Bradley Schneider from Casino, 3rd prize Simone Brown from Goonellabah. 0-6 years category: 1st prize Bonnie Lang from South Ballina, 2nd prize Claire Brownhill from Coraki, 3rd prize James Hunt from Lismore. All winners will be notified by Summerland Credit Union.