Issue 704
Issue 704 |
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Lismore’s Finest Recognised For Oz Day
Olympic heptathlete and Lismore's Australia Day ambassador Jane Jamieson reckons Australia Day shouldn't just be a holiday - "even if Australians are world champions at taking holidays" she told the crowd gathered to celebrate in Heritage Park on Friday. "To me Australia Day is about spending time with someone special," she said. More than 300 people turned out on a rapidly warming day to spend it with special people - hardworking and generous citizens honoured as part of the city's Australia Day celebrations. In a heartfelt welcome, Bundjalung Elder, Roy Gordon, said that while Australia Day is a day of mourning for the Aboriginal community, it is also a day to remember that "white Australians and Indigenous people are all Australians." Local MLC, Dr Brian Pezzutti, a Major in the Army Reserve, had just returned from his latest tour of East Timor saying that there were many more jobs for Australia to perform for its regional neighbours. "We need to continue to strive to give others what we sometimes take for granted in Australia - the freedom to decide our own fate," he said. DR Pezzutti added that he hoped that 2001 was the year the nation finalised the reconciliation process with Aboriginal people. Lismore has already made a good start as the only place in Australia which has an Australia Day Reconciliation award. Local elder Agnes Roberts received the award from Cecilia Barber, the mother of Olympic gold medallist, Cathy Freeman. More than 60 nominations were received in the eight categories for Lismore's Australia Day Awards. Mayor Bob Gates said that it had taken the Australia Day Committee, chaired by the mayoress, Helen Gates, more than six hours to select the winners. Mrs Gates said deciding the winners had been very difficult because "there were so many wonderful people nominated." Lismore's Citizen of the Year is Darcy Goodwin for his help for homeless and underprivileged people and families in Lismore and surrounding areas by providing them with meals, food packages, transport, accommodation and furniture. He feeds more than 100 people each week in Lismore and Nimbin.
The other winners were: • Young Citizen of the Year: Jeremy Kelly - a volunteer at Caroona Nursing Home. He assists in activities and physical therapy with aged residents. • Junior Sportsperson: Ashley Wilson - a 17-year-old Kadina High School student who was an under 16s Far North Coast Women's Soccer representative. She has played in the CHS Competition since 1998, the NSW Combined High Schools Seconds and was a shadow reserve for the Australian Under 17s women's team last year. • Senior sportsperson: Stuart Herne - who started racing V8 Dirt Modified cars in 1990 and has won every title and blue ribbon event ever held for that category. He has been Australian Champion five times, NSW State Championship three times, Queensland State Champion four times and has won the Silver Sash three times. He currently holds the Mr Modified Title. • Environment: Audrey Hyde - a founding member of the Friends of the Koala in 1986. Due to her fundraising efforts, the Friends now have assets in excess of $100,000. Audrey is also one of the principal koala carers and has spent hundreds of hours collecting leaves for food, hand feeding, medicating and helping with the general cleaning of the enclosures. • Art/Cultural: Shirley Sweeney - a dance teacher and choreographer who recently finished a dance syllabus that took 12 years to complete. The syllabus is designed to give people a better understanding of dance cultures of other countries, resulting in an appreciation and greater acceptance of the cultural diversity within Australia. The syllabus is being taught across Australia. Last year more than 500 students studied her work. • Community Service: Bob Barnes - a member of the Rotary Club of Lismore West since 1987. He was named Club Member of the Year twice and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Bob's tireless and enthusiastic efforts have helped the club raise more than $200,000 for community activities and organisations. • Reconciliation: Agnes (Akawa) Roberts - who has played a leading role in reconciliation by teaching and schools and university and speaking at community functions. Over many years, Aunty Agnes has encouraged the expression of Indigenous culture and language among her own community and has shared these expressions with the wider community through teaching, festivals, artwork, conferences and the recently formed Reconciliation Choir. To end the celebrations, a tree planting ceremony saw the award winners, nominees, new citizens, the mayor and Jane Jamieson get their hands dirty, which in the eyes of one observer "signified growth and unity for Lismore in 2001." - Story & photos: Terra Sword
Richmond Valley Council Australia Day AwardsCitizen of the Year, Bruce Wooldridge (SES); Young Citizen of the Year, Krystle Powell; Community event of the Year, Ellangowan Community Christmas Tree; Australia Day Baby, Britney Marie Ross; Junior Female Sports Award, Leah Toovey (hockey); Junior Male Sports Award, Jake Baldry (hockey); Senior female Sports Award, Pamela White (croquet); Senior Males Sports Award, Adam Shields (cricket); Teams Sport Award, Casino Under 14 Girls Hockey; Administration Sports Award, Peter Handes (soccer); Coach/Trainer Sport Award, Trent George (tennis); Sports Star of the Year, Adam Shields.
A Badge Too Far
Ballina honours Indigenous Citizen
Despite the tardiness of Australia Day ambassador, Bernard King (who missed his plane and arrived later in the day), Ballina’s citizens were happy to celebrate Australia Day without the colourful cook, giving its Citizen of the Year, Bertha Kapeen, a standing ovation. Mrs Kapeen received the award from Ballina mayor David Wright for her community work over the years, including being the first Aboriginal liaison officer in Ballina, helping to educate underprivileged children and assisting the establishment of Aboriginal health schemes. Mrs Kapeen accepted the honour with great humility, unable to keep the emotion from her voice. "This is a big thing for the Aboriginal people of Ballina shire. Reconciliation hasn't really happened in this shire yet, but perhaps things like this show that we're on the way," Mrs Kapeen said As the tears began to trickle from her own eyes, many in the audience began to feel their eyes moisten. "It's up to all of us to be a part of reconciliation in Ballina," Mrs Kapeen said. "What we do now will count in the future. I've lived in Ballina for years and I wouldn't live anywhere else." Other awards went to Olympic medal winning swimmer Adam Pine and surf livesaver Jessica Myers, who was named Young Citizen of the Year for her dedication to her chosen sport. The Gromfest surf carnival was named Community Event of the Year, while special commendations went to Alanna Fitzpatrick, Kevin Geaghan, Hilary Wilson and Bill Johnston. Story & photos: Rudi Maxwell
Milk Shortage Leads To Farmer Poaching As hundreds of NSW dairy farmers are forced out of the industry by deregulation, reports have emerged that milk is being shipped by road from as far away as South Australia to meet demand in NSW and Queensland As the giant Dairy Farmers group seeks to poach North Coast dairy farmers from local cooperative Norco, ABC radio has reported that Dairy Farmers is importing South Australia milk to maintain supplies in Queensland. Dairy Farmers did not return The Echo's calls to confirm or deny the report. And Queensland dairy sources told The Echo that they believe Dairy Farmers is using Queensland milk to maintain supplies in the Sydney market. Whatever the real position, many within the industry agree that the shortage, caused by a seasonal downturn in milk production, has left Dairy Farmers desperate to find new suppliers, according to Norco chairman, Greg McNamara. "Dairy Farmers appears to be feeling the full effect of reduced farmer numbers - brought about in part by its decision to reduce farm gate prices in order to win supermarket contracts - coupled with a seasonal production shortage," Mr McNamara said. "Put simply, they cannot get enough milk to meet demand and are being forced to take desperate measures. They attempted a raid on our suppliers at the beginning of the year but were not very successful. At that time they gave suppliers a January 15 deadline to sign up with them, but they have since extended that deadline several times. I expect them to be in the area again this week." However, Mr McNamara believes that with Norco's January farm-gate price of 28 cents a litre set to rise to 30 cents over February and March, Dairy Farmers is unlikely to get much of a hearing from Norco members. He said Norco's plan to sell its Raleigh factory to joint-venture partner Pauls, along with the closure of the Lismore cheese factory in April, would enable the cooperative to further consolidate its financial position while maintaining reliable milk supplies. He said that despite the shortage, Norco's 250 suppliers were keeping up with demand locally." Mr McNamara said he expects the number of farmers leaving the industry to stabilise around September, leaving around two-thirds of local dairy farmers still operating. "Norco has a core base of extremely loyal suppliers, many of them young farmers, which it has nurtured for the past 10 years," he said. "One of our members purchased an additional 100 cows last week in order to keep up with milk demand. That's a $50,000 investment in his family's - and the regions - future." - Dave Fawkner
Innovation Plan Gets Thumbs UpThe Federal Government's Innovation Action Plan has been described as "excellent news" for the tertiary education sector by Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Rickard. Details of the $2.9 billion plan, titled 'Backing Australia's Ability', were released by the Prime Minister on Tuesday. Prof Rickard said that creating additional undergraduate places and introducing an income-contingent loans scheme for postgraduate students were "positive steps” for people in disadvantaged areas such as the North Coast. He said he expected Southern Cross to obtain a fair share of government funding for innovation in areas like Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs). "We did well in the allocation of Australian Research Council grants last year and we are involved with three high-level CRCs - Sustainable Production Forestry, Molecular Plant Breeding and Sustainable Tourism. These are two of the key areas targeted for significant funding boosts," he said. Prof Rickard said that in recent years, Australia's commitment to university-based, industry-focused R&D work had fallen well behind other industrialised nations. "Taken in tandem with the Opposition's plan for additional university funding, it indicates a renewed focus on education in this election year," he said. However business was less enthused by the Prime Minister's announcement, with Ruth Povall, regional manager of employer organisation Australian Business Ltd, saying that the Innovation Action Plan needed to do more for small business so it could compete. "The new initiative in the package is the small business R&D tax rebate scheme. While we welcome that, it will only help some 1300 businesses, which in the scheme of things, is very few," she said. "We would hope that this limited initiative can be expanded." More than 800,000 Australian businesses are not involved in R&D. "Innovation as a driver of growth and jobs is just as critical to the firms which do not get government assistance," she said. "The great challenge was for business and governments alike to find ways of bringing new innovative practices to the vast majority of Australian firms."
Old National Training Service Soldiers Mark 50 Years Gordon Bryant remembers the day in 1951 when the National Training Service Scheme was implemented and every able-bodied Australian man was called upon to do some form of military service. He remembers how he felt - excited and ready to set off on an adventure, not knowing the dangers that lay ahead. Gordon never had to do active service. The scheme was abandoned in 1959, after 225,000 men were fully trained. With the outbreak of the Vietnam War, the National Training Service Scheme was re-introduced, as a lottery. More than 23,000 men were conscripted and sent to Vietnam - 187 were killed and a further 1,479 were wounded. The scheme was abandoned again in 1972. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Scheme. To mark the occasion, Gordon and his mates from the National Servicemen's Association North Coast Sub-Branch will hold a special commemoration and march next Sunday, February 11. "We played a significant role in the defence of the country in that we were there if we were needed," Gordon explained. "Thankfully we weren't, but over the years we feel we have become the forgotten army because we didn't undertake active service. "This day will give everyone in the scheme a chance to come together and pay homage to those who gave their lives. It will also be a good way to educate young people about the role we played and catch up with mates and reminisce a little." All ex-national servicemen, Vietnam veterans, CMF and all former army, navy and airforce personnel and their partners are welcome to attend the anniversary. The march will leave from Heritage Park (directly opposite Lismore City Hall) at 10.45am and make its way to the cenotaph at the Memorial Baths where a commemorative service will be held. People can then adjourn to the Lismore RSL Club for a chat and a cuppa. For more information phone Gordon on 6621 3520 or John on 6621 7774.
Beautiful BallinaBallina Council is looking for four community representatives to join a committee to oversee the beautification of the Ballina CBD. The committee, forming following motion by Cr Sue Dakin at the last council meeting, includes Crs Dakin, Margaret Howes and Peter Moore, along with senior council staff. It aims to bring together retailers, Ballina's BEST, the Chamber of Commerce and the council in order to turn River Street into an accessible and attractive shopping precinct. Cr Avis Kennedy said that there was perception that the council was not doing enough for the CBD. She suggested that a public workshop planned for March would allow all parties concerned to have their say on the upgrade. School Safety Begins At 40Every year more than 2,000 school-aged children are killed or seriously injured on NSW roads. As children head back to school Council road safety officer Wendy Johnson is reminding motorists that the speed limit around schools and school buses is 40km/h. "In 1999, 49 school-aged children in Lismore and Ballina were involved in road crashes. As cyclists, pedestrians and passengers, our children need to be kept safe while travelling to and from school, so this week as school resumes for Term 1, 2001 drivers should 'Think 40'. "Drivers need to slow down to a maximum of 40km/h when they are passing a bus that has its orange 'wig wag' lights flashing above the back window of the bus," Mrs Johnson said. "This speed limit operates between 7.30am and 9am and between 2.30pm and 5pm on school days, whenever the bus makes a stop and its rear lights flash." She said that drivers may notice some new school zones throughout Lismore and Ballina. "The roadside signage has been enhanced by pavement patches to reinforce the 40km/hr message," Mrs Johnson said. "Most school zones have a 40km/h speed limit, however in our rural areas some have a 60km/hr speed limit posted. School zones operate every school day, usually between 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm, but check times at schools on rural roads as these are sometimes varied to suit the local community. Mrs Johnson said local police will monitor and enforce the school zones. "So if you speed in a school zone you are not only jeopardising the safety of school children you could also receive a minimum fine of at least $115 and lose one demerit point."
Rugby Great Builds Dream HouseFormer Wallaby captain Michael Lynagh has kicked a big goal with Ballina Council, gaining approval for a $1.5-million dual occupancy house overlooking Boulders Beach at Skennars Head. Mr Lynagh told council last Thursday, that he and his business partner, a Mr Coe, planned to construct a "traditional Australian beach house" after demolishing the current house, built by the Zendvelt family in 1969. The new building, which will be used by Lynagh and Coe's families, will include a caretaker's residence, a main living area, individual family areas, visitor accommodation and a pool and will take up more than twice the area, though it will be slightly lower than the present building. The Norfolk Island pines currently growing on the property will be preserved. Mr Lynagh, who has substantial business interests in Europe, said he and wife Isabella intended the Skennars Head property to be their home when in Australia. "Now that we have a seven-week-old son we want to have a home where we can entertain friends and guests," Mr Lynagh said. "We have a large extended family and I cannot see our son's Italian grandparents going for too long without seeing him when we are out here." Mr Lynagh said he'd been aware of the beauty and sensitivity of Skennars Head since he first camped at Flat Rock as a 16-year-old. "I want to build something that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, and at the same time allow the property's boundaries to return to their natural state," he said. Cr Alan Rich questioned Lynagh at length over the possibility of the building becoming a commercial venture before asking town planner Rod Willis to explain the test for a dual occupancy. Mr Willis said that defining dual occupancy came down to a matter of separate kitchens and laundry facilities. Ballina mayor David Wright said the NSW government had ample opportunity to purchase the property under its Coastal Policy 18 months ago, but had declined on the grounds that there was no hindrance to public access to the foreshore. Councillors approved the proposal 7-2 (Crs Felsch, Howes against) with the condition that the carparking be increased to four spaces. - Dave Fawkner
Health Chief Honoured After steering local health services through mergers and some of its greatest challenges, the chair of the Northern Rivers Area Health Service, Liz Rummery, has received the highest local award in the Australia Day honours list. Mrs Rummery (pictured), of Goonellabah, has been made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to the community, particularly through public health and education. A lawyer by vocation, Mrs Rummery has been involved in public health for more than 17 years, starting out as the chair of the Lismore Hospital Board in 1984. As chair of the Richmond Health Board, she oversaw its 1996 merger with adjoining health boards to create the NRAHS. She chairs a number of committees within the health service. Mrs Rummery has also been a member of the Southern Cross University Council since its inception in 1994, and prior to that, the advisory council which helped bring the university to fruition. Others recognised in the Australia Day honours list include former Lismore resident Kay Stone, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the Lismore community. Mrs Stone, who has since moved to Ballina, was instrumental in raising the funds for Lismore’s CBD security cameras. She helped establish the Summerland House with No Steps at Alstonville, has been active in Meals on Wheels for the past decade, helped organise Lismore city’s 50th birthday celebrations. Mr Ray Wilton, of Lennox Head, received the Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service, particularly disadvantaged groups, as the assistant manager of Child and Family services in the Ballina DoCS office. CWA stalwart Marie Anderson, of Lennox Head, was also awarded the OAM for services to the Byron Bay and Lennox Head communities through her 39-year membership of the Country Women’s Association - which includes 34 years as president of the Lennox Head Branch. Retired Evans Head fisherman Jim Saul was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the NSW fishing industry and the community. Mr Saul was chairman of the Evans Head fisherman’s coop for 26 years from 1964, and played a major role in establishing the Sydney Fish Market. Ballina Swimmer Adam Pine has another medal to add to the trophy cabinet - this time an OAM for services to sport as a gold medallist at the Sydney Olympics, while former Lismore priest Fr Paul Glynn was awarded an OAM for his service to the Catholic Church and Australia-Japan relations. He has pioneered the reconciliation process between the former WWII enemies, and established the nation’s first sister city relationship when Lismore became a sister city with Yamato Takada. But perhaps the most deserving people to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia were Heather and Neville O’Malley of Mallanganee, who have fostered almost 170 children in the past 22 years. Heather founded Bush Teddies, an organisation which provides money and transport to sick country children so they can travel to Sydney for treatment.
Valley Celebrates Community SpiritRichmond Valley mayor Col Sullivan summed up the Australia Day mood at the Casino racecourse on Friday when he said the ceremony was the first official function he'd had time to attend since the previous week's disastrous storm. "It is fitting that I use this occasion to honour the efforts of the hundreds of volunteers who have got us back on top so quickly," Cr Sullivan said. "This is the Year of the Volunteer and I think that the efforts of the past week have more than shown what makes a good Australian citizen. The spirit of Australia is alive and well in Casino." The spirit of fun was also present on the track with racing (anti-clockwise) in the Australia Day Breakfast Dash, and bits of cow all over the final fifth of a furlong in the bullock horn toss. There was also a traditional Australia Day breakfast consisting of a sausage sizzle, billy tea, and damper spread with Cockies' Joy. Cr Sullivan returned to the theme of citizenship when presenting Australian citizenship to Kari Coleman of Broadwater and her daughter Annelise of North Casino. "We all need to belong to a community, but in joining this one you are not asked to renounce your own heritage," Cr Sullivan told the pair. "It is this that makes Australia's heritage richer." Australia Day ambassador and Paralympic gold, silver and bronze medallist, swimmer Brendan Burkett, continued the theme of community, saying that the spirit of Australia resided in its regional communities. "I come from a town of 20,000 in Central Queensland and I want you to know that I feel right at home in Casino today," he said. Burkett, whose lower left leg was amputated after a hit and run accident in 1985, swam at the last four Paralympics. He said that Australians should be proud that their country had competed in every Olympic and Paralympic games since their inception. "As a nation we have just produced the best set of games in the history of the modern Olympic movement," Burkett said. "We've gone from gawky teenagers to adults on the world's sporting stage." Local News BriefsIndigenous Trainees Ballina Council is to investigate current traineeships with to encourage the employment of local young indigenous people from Cabbage Tree Island and the rest of the shire. The move follows an approach by the local Aboriginal people to take part in the planning and construction of the Ballina-Lennox Head cycleway, particularly in the culturally sensitive Angels Beach area.
Event Funding Lismore Unlimited is calling for not-for-profit organisations to submit applications for assistance with events. The Events Assistance Fund was set up to provide "seed" funding for new events and assistance for improving existing, successful events. Lismore Unlimited Manager Marian Forwood said that the objective is to promote Lismore so as to provide quantifiable benefits to the Lismore business sector and the wider community. Ms Forwood said that the media must be involved in promoting the event and that there must be significant community involvement. Corporate sponsorship or partnership opportunities must also be explored. Formal surveys evaluating the success of the event must be conducted as a condition of receiving funding. Guidelines and application forms can be obtained by phoning Lismore Unlimited on 6621 4366. Dealer Training The NSW Dept of Fair Trading has launched a campaign to ensure North Coast motor dealers comply with the law when selling vehicles. The campaign involves the inspection of car yards throughout the Northern Rivers region coupled with seminars for motor dealers, caravan retailers, wholesalers, dismantlers and part reconstructors. Dealers at 47 North Coast businesses have been told to improve procedures during an inspection of 246 car years during the past six months. The Lismore seminar is scheduled for April.
Computer Scam NSW consumers have been warned to avoid the activities of an international computer retailer which may be attempting to set up business in NSW. The company, Info4pc offers customers new computers for as low as $499 provided they are prepared to fill out a monthly lifestyle questionnaire for two years. The company is linked to a British company which last year took payment from 15,000 consumers but only supplied 1000 computers before closing down. A Sydney supplier alerted the department after Info4pc ordered 500 computers but paid for only 250. The Western Australian government has already taken action against the company, which opened a Perth office last year. Comment On Safety Ballina MP Don Page, is encouraging the public to make submissions to the new Road Safety Taskforce. The taskforce consists of representatives of the NSW Police Service, NRMA, Motor Accident Authority, RTA and three community representatives. Submissions can be sent to Centennial Plaza 260 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, or comment can be made by phoning 13 17 82. A switch failure in a NorthPower feeder station in Lismore caused a one-hour blackout in East Lismore, Goonellabah and Lismore Heights on Tuesday afternoon. The blackout, between 12.25pm and 1.25pm, follows major interruptions to North Coast electricity supplies on Saturday afternoon when transmission lines between Lismore and Coffs Harbour were damaged in electrical storms. The damage caused blackouts throughout the region between 3.15pm and 6.30pm.
Firewood Plans Federal Environment and Heritage Minister Senator Robert Hill, has made a draft copy of the National Approach to Firewood Collection and Use in Australia for public comment until March 31. The CSIRO estimates that 80 per cent of firewood in Australia is collected from private property. Australia burns more than 5 million tonnes of firewood a year - more than the annual export of hardwood woodchips. A copy of the report is available on 1800 803 772 or at www.ea.gov.au/ firewood. Million Nurses The NSW Cancer Council's Nurse in a Million Quest will be expanded to cover the area from Foster-Tuncurry to the Queensland border. It follows the success of last year's inaugural Northern Rivers Nurse in a Million Quest, which raised more than $150,000 for cancer research while raising awareness of cancer in the community. Grant Hope Lismore based Permo-Drive Research and Development has been shortlisted for funding under the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program. The company, which received a $921,100 research and development grant for its regenerative energy system last year, is one of 25 companies shortlisted to receive part of the $107 million available through the Federal program this year. A decision on the grants is expected to be made within two months.
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Broadwater SES head Bert Plenkovich (centre) is awarded a badge for 45 years service
by Richmond Valley SES controller Jim McCormack, right, watched by mayor
Col Sullivan. The badge is the only one of its kind and acknowledges Bert
as the longest serving SES member in NSW. When the Richmond River burst
its banks during the 1954 flood a 19-year-old Bert helped guide army landing
craft through the flooded landscape. He joined the SES, then known as
Civil Defence, the following year. Bert's other interests have included
teaching judo in Lismore for more than 30 years, and music - he was an
original member of the All Stars with Bruce Nicolas in the late '50s and
early '60s.
Norco chairman Greg McNamara... rivals taking desperate measures to find
milk supplies 
Recruits enlisted in the National Training Service Scheme leave for their annual
camp in Singleton in 1956. Setting off are (l-r) Con Mackris, Mick Bloom,
Phil Iveli, unknown, Don Foster, Gordon Bryant (also pictured below),
Morris Kerle and Gordon Davis. 
Health
chief honoured in Oz Day awards