Issue 718
Issue 718 |
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Margo Kingston joins The Echo
Acclaimed political journalist Margo Kingston has been appointed to write on Federal politics for The Northern Rivers Echo. Ms Kingston, who is currently the online political commentator for The Sydney Morning Herald, spent more than a decade in Canberra press gallery before recently returning to Sydney, where she keeps a weather eye on the National stage. The Echo's editor, Simon Thomsen, said he was thrilled to have a commentator of Margo Kingston's calibre join The Echo's writing team. "With a Federal election due later this year, I felt it was important to keep readers informed on the National issues affecting their lives. The Echo stands for quality journalism and I'm delighted Margo is able to provide her incisive analysis of the issues for this paper." Queensland-born Ms Kingston was briefly a solicitor before joining The Courier Mail in Brisbane. She has worked for a number of leading Australian newspapers, including The Herald, Melbourne Age, and the Canberra Times, as well as the television show A Current Affair. She talks every Tuesday and Wednesday on Radio National's Late Night Live about politics and also appears monthly on ABC TV's Lateline with Michael Duffy. As the only journalist to follow Pauline Hanson during the entire 1998 election campaign, Ms Kingston wrote Off the Rails: The Pauline Hanson Trip. A new, updated edition of the book is due out next month. Her weekly column, Political Corrections, will discuss major political issues facing the community and seek reader feedback. Her first column, on May 17, will discuss dairy deregulation. Margo's web diary - www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/webdiary/
Hail and winds lash Wollongbar
A violent thunderstorm that ripped through Wollongbar on Sunday night has left two families counting their luck and the proprietors of a local service station out of business for most of the week. Strong winds and hail struck the area around 7pm, lifting the roof from the BP Service Station, operated by Karen and Kevin Gray, on the Bruxner Highway.
Bruce and Claudia McCulloch, who live in the front unit, were home at the time. "We heard a huge bang and the house shook. We thought that we had been struck by lightning," Mrs McCulloch said. "But when the wind came down the stairs we knew it was far more serious." She said the impact broke the couple's bedroom window, ripped the toilet window and frame from its surrounds and demolished the bathroom ceiling. A large number of roof tiles were broken or dislodged resulting in water damage throughout the house. "We were very lucky, five minutes before the impact I had been upstairs watching the light show through the bedroom window." Bruce and Gail Fox, who live in the second unit, were even luckier. They were not at home when the steel beam crashed through the wall into their two children's upstairs bedroom. "We were returning from Ballina with our children and the intensity of the storm delayed us for several minutes," Mrs Fox said. "If we'd arrived home earlier and our children had been upstairs they would have been killed or seriously injured." Despite the damage to their house, the Fox's business, Mobs of Pots, which is situated between the unit and the BP station, received little damage in the storm. Meanwhile, Karen and Kevin Gray are hoping to be back in business by the weekend. The Grays, who have operated the business since last July, arrived to survey the damage on Sunday night after being contacted by friends. "Even in the dark we could tell that the damage was major," Karen Grey said. "The wind blew in one of the workshop's roller doors and then lifted the roof. Two cars in the workshop were slightly damaged by flying debris but the real damage was caused by water. "Apart from oil and grease all over the place, just about everything in the shop had to be thrown out." While the station is open again for petrol, the workshop is not expected to reopen until Monday. Local SES crews responded to calls for help from Wollongbar residents. Hail stones 2.5cm in diameter coated the ground, turning the landscape white. They were still there on Monday morning, leaving residents to shovel them out of the way as they surveyed the damage. Story & photo: Dave Fawkner
Council responds to flood complaintsCouncil's clean-up of the city after the flood cost an estimated $300,000 After a two-month long investigation into shortcomings in dealing with the February 2 flood in the city, Lismore City Council has released a 32 page report detailing plans to improve the 'flood-readiness' of the city. The report, developed after a public meeting in the wake of the flood and following consultations with emergency services, outlines six key changes to the way Council responds and aims to improve communication and help the city cope with flooding. The changes to be made include:
Lismore Council's general manager, Ken Gainger, said that the feedback from residents at the public meeting had played an important part in developing the review. "The theme which emerged from the meeting was that Lismore residents are quite rightly proud of the considerable local knowledge and experience which has been built up over the years," he said. "The local community wants to be involved in the flood response and the council thinks that is to be encouraged."
Gold for young Australia to celebrate Federation
Prime Minister John Howard observed in a letter read to the schools that "One hundred years ago, the people of the Australian colonies came together and drew upon their commitment to a fair go, hard work, reward for effort and strong family life to build a proud new nation. "It is with thanks and pride we consider ourselves to be such a free and decent people." Mayor Gates said the 'four ideals for a good Australian' were a fair go for everyone, tolerance towards those of different cultures and respect for other people's opinions and property. Residents take Casino problems into their hands
Chequerboard Hill resident Olga Hinkley addresses Monday's meeting, watched by MLC Janelle Saffin. Residents of Casino's Chequerboard Hill estate will form a community action group following a noisy meeting on Monday. The newly formed Chequerboard Hill Action Team (CHAT) will be made up of six community member drawn from Aboriginal elders and the local residents association. All residents will be able to attend meetings as observers. More than 100 people attended the meeting, which included a community panel with representatives from Police, the NSW Department of Housing, Richmond Valley Council, politicians Thomas George and Janelle Saffin, the Casino Christian Outreach Centre, Junking Elders, Casino High School, and Chequerboard Hill Inc - the local residents group. They discussed public drunkenness in the local park, children wandering the street at night, vandalism, and the lack of response from some groups making up the panel. One outspoken resident, Olga Hinkley, summed up the feelings of many when she said "This place is called Chequerboard - that means black and white together. It doesn't matter what colour your skin is - if you love your children, it means you will not let them wander the streets at night". Residents called on the Richmond Valley Council to extend the alcohol-free zone in the estate's parks to include surrounding streets, and for the NSW Department of Housing to continue and increase security patrols in the area. At this point audience members praised Rick Beddoes, the security guard hired by the Housing Department. "Whenever he has been is on duty the level of conflict in the estate has decreased," one Aboriginal woman said, to loud applause. Politicians Thomas George and Janelle Saffin told the meeting that they would lobby the Housing Minister to retain and extend the patrols. The first task facing CHAT, which is expected to meet within three weeks, will be the setting up of the anti-violence program approved at Monday's meeting. Key points of the program include supporting Chequerboard Hill Inc in engaging indigenous youth workers and a community development worker; a short-term refuge/safe house to accommodate women and children at risk; a street-beat program with clearly specified duties; a community hotline so residents can comment on ways of improving the social environment of the estate; and regular meetings to report to the community and gain feedback on ongoing plans to improve the estate. The centre's coordinator, Ms Fiona Campbell, said a lot came out of the meeting. "I think the panel members got a clearer picture of what this community is feeling, and the community learnt a lot about itself. Ms Campbell said the Richmond Valley Council's plan to hold a night meeting in Casino would not have attracted a group with little private transport and no access to after-hours public transport. At the insistence of the residents the meeting moved to the estates' community hall. "Holding a meeting here has resulted in far greater input from the community," she said. "I also think that many members of the community have begun to realise that is a place where they will be listened to." Story & photo: Dave Fawkner
History of local saleyards published
Author, historian and Bentley lass Helen Trustum has spent many hours researching Sale-O Sale-O, which gives a pictorial history of the region's yards and tells the stories by many well known local identities, from auctioneers to carriers, buyers and drovers. The book will be launched by Lismore MP Thomas George at Casino RSM this Saturday, May 12. ABC Radio's Colin Munro, is the special guest Sale-O Sale-O will be available from Dymocks in Lismore, as well as livestock auctioneers, for $24.95. If you'd like to go along to the dinner on May 12 at the RSM Club, tickets are $16/30 double. Phone Helen on 6663 5283.
Feds offer funds for flooded businesses
Lismore businesses that were damaged during the February flood could receive up to $10,000 towards the costs of moving stock or replacing floor-damaged fixtures fittings under a Federal government scheme recently extended to the city. While other parts of the northern NSW affected by flooding a month later were eligible for the Commonwealth's Flood Assistance Package, Lismore had been left out of the program until fierce lobbying by Lismore Council and business organisation Lismore Unlimited saw the city added to the assistance list.  Flashback: The scene on February 2 as volunteers struggled to keep water out of the Darrell Lea store.
However the decision caused some confusion with Page MP expressing doubts that local businesses would receive compensation after incorrectly believing that 2000 businesses would lodge a claim - leading to fears that the Commonwealth would be liable for $20 million in compensation. However, Lois Kelly, project officer with Lismore City Council said the figure was more likely to be 150 businesses, since the grants only applied to businesses where water entered the premises. However, the confusion and delay clearly annoyed Mayor Bob Gates, who said the Government should take flood issues in Lismore more seriously. "Not only are they ignoring calls to match the generosity of the NSW Government in funding the flood levee. The Commonwealth has added to its shoddy record on flood issues by raising the possibility of discriminating against Lismore businesses affected by February's flood," Cr Gates said. "Times are tough enough for businesses, and more should be done to help those affected by floods to return to a normal trading position." To make a claim under the Small Business Grant scheme of the Flood Assistance Package, a business must satisfy a number of criteria and have receipts for any claims. The grant covers the reimbursement of costs incurred as a result of restoration or repair of business premises after the flood. Businesses have until June 1 to lodge an application. For more details contact Lismore Unlimited, Lismore City Council or phone Centrelink on 1800 050 585.
Echo delivered in Wollongbar
As The Northern Rivers Echo prepares to celebrate 10 years of publication next month, the print run of your free community newspaper increases by 1500 copies this week, as we begin letterbox distribution of the paper in Wollongbar and the remainder of Alstonville. The Echo's Sales and Marketing manager, Heather Williams, said that the new print run with increase circulation to 20,600 copies, providing increased benefits to advertisers and readers. "For the past five years, more than 1200 Alstonville residents have enjoyed letterbox distribution of The Echo, so we felt it was time to finish the job and ensure everyone in this growing village can enjoy independent news and community views. "We have been covering important local issues like Ballina Council and its plans for a third village for a number of years now, so it made sense to keep the people of Wollongbar informed too and begin letterbox distribution there as well," Mrs Williams said. "As well as informing and entertaining our readers, the increase in distribution means that The Echo is now even better value for our advertising clients, reaching more than 60,000 readers across the region." The Northern Rivers Echo is locally owned by its staff and is independent. It was first published as The Lismore Echo in June, 1991. The Echo is now delivered to letterboxes in Lismore, Goonellabah, Wollongbar and Alstonville, as well as being bundle-dropped to Casino, Nimbin, Evans Head/Woodburn, Coraki, Ballina, Bangalow and surrounding rural villages.
Uni graduations were a family affairSouthern Cross University's annual 'graduation season' began in Lismore last Saturday, when a total of 878 Degrees were conferred at four ceremonies presided over by the Chancellor, Dr Lionel Phelps.
The distinguished guest speakers included Professor Ross Campbell, a key player in crisis management planning for the Sydney Olympics - fortunately no major crises occurred, but "we were prepared for the worst", he told the audience - and Dr Robert Sadler, a PhD graduate of SCU, whose career includes the law and global water management. A second round of graduations will be held this Saturday, May 12, with highlights to include the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate of the University to locally based opera singer, NORPA artistic director and festival planner, Lyndon Terracini. By the end of the day, a total of 1391 former SCU students will have been welcomed into the graduate community.
Supporting Kenyan orphans a step in the right direction
When Anneke Hawke returned to Australia recently after working in a Kenyan orphanage for three months, the first thing she thought was how lucky Australians are and how much we take it for granted. Anneke had been working as a teacher and farm hand at the Mulli Children's Home in Kenya, where some 500 orphaned children reside, seeing first hand the harsh conditions the children are forced to live in. However, what stuck in Anneke's mind wasn't the lack of medical supplies or hungry bellies but the huge grins and even bigger hearts the children possessed. "They have less than us, but actually they have more," Anneke explained. "They don't care about having the right job or the right amount of money... they care about people and would give everything they have to make you feel at home. "They are determined to make the best out of life and I think they're the most together group of kids I've ever met. All of them come from really bad backgrounds and yet they dream of being surgeons, lawyers or pilots. They have such amazing faith and hope and just work so hard... if they were given the opportunity, those kids could be whatever they wanted to be."  Getting in shape for the 40 hour famine walk next weekend is Anneke Hawke and her parents, Gerda and Chris. Gerda is the walk's local coordinator.
During her visit Anneke presented the children with a box of teddies knitted by senior citizens through the Lismore World Vision group, which is run by Anneke's mother, Gerda. Being the daughter of a World Vision coordinator means Anneke will hardly have time to enjoy a home-cooked meal before joining in the World Vision 40 hour famine next weekend. While Anneke will be fasting, the thought of no food for 40 hours was just too much for her rapidly-growing 16 year-old brother. As an alternative Gerda has organised a 40 hour famine walk for anyone in the local area who wants to help raise money without starving themselves. "Due to different health reasons lots of people can't do the 40 hour famine so this is our alternative... something fun you can do with friends," Gerda said. "If people want to raise more money they can do the walk two or three times. The only thing we ask is that people choose either the walk or the famine... we don't want people to do both." The 10km walk will be held next Saturday, May 19. Participants should register near the skateboard ramps in Heritage Park from 8am, with the walk beginning at 9am. For details phone Gerda on 6622 7557. Anneke is now organising a visit to Lismore for three of the children at the home. While in the area they will be available to talk to schools and community groups and Gerda hopes to have a whole new batch of teddies to send back with them. Anyone interested in talking to the children or knitting teddies should phone 0409 908 022. Story & photo: Terra Sword
Red Cross says thanks to Clunes' finest
As part of World Red Cross Day on Tuesday, May 8, long service medals were given to 11 members of the Red Cross Clunes Branch for more than 300 years of service collectively. Nancy Gibson, 77, received the prestigious gold rosette for more than 60 years of continuous service, including 25 years as president of the branch. Nancy joined the Red Cross when she was just 17, continuing a family tradition her grandmother started when she joined the humanitarian organisation in the early 1900s. "We've done so many different things... from knitting trauma teddies for sick children to sewing balaclavas and camouflage nets during the war. All in all it's been a fulfilling and rewarding experience and the friendships I've made are lifelong. Some of us have known each other for more than 40 years and so it's almost like a family gathering. I've been with them since I left school and I just love it," Nancy said. According to Red Cross representative, Sandra Davies, the Red Cross wouldn't survive without the help of people just like Nancy. "These ladies have worked over and above the call of duty, but now we need some new blood to fill the ranks. It would be especially great to see young people getting into the spirit of the Year of the Volunteer by joining Red Cross," she said. If you're interested in joining phone Rachael on 6622 3244. Story & photo: Terra Sword
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Political commentator Margo Kingston writes for The Echo
Karen and Kevin Gray from the Wollongbar BP survey the damage from Sunday's hail storm and strong winds, which ripped the roof from their service station, and some of the damage (below).
The roof, including a 12-inch-thick steel beam, weighing 1.5 tonnes, flew through the air for 50 metres before landing on a block of units in Rifle Range Road.
In one of thousands of such ceremonies across the nation yesterday, Lismore's Mayor Bob Gates presented the specially-minted Centenary of Federation medallion to members of Lismore Heights Public School's student representative council, including captains, Alex Osborne and Lucy Cochrane. Primary children throughout the nation received the medallion.
This photo of Lismore's Saleyards in 1910 is actually the site of today's Memorial Baths and Lismore Bowling Club. It's one of the many fascinating details in Sale-O Sale-O, a book on the history of local saleyards, being launched this weekend.
Lismore Council project officer Lois Kelly discusses flood relief funding with Jill Wunderlich from Darrell Lea Chocolates in Molesworth Street, among the flood damage to the Wunderlich's store, more than $2000 was spent replacing floor tiling.
Echo distributor Peter Wilson of Alstonville offers a copy of The Echo to Wollongbar resident Jenni Scotchmer and sons Joshua and Benjamin at the Wollongbar Shopping Centre.
Anika and some of the orphaned children from the Mulli Children's Home in Kenya with the teddies knitted for them by Lismore senior citizens.
Red Cross zone 27 representative Sandra Davies (front centre) with long service medal recipients (front l-r) Marie Wynd, Gertie Stewart, Nancy Gibson and Gwen Lawrance with (rear l-r) Margaret Starkey, Loma Bale, Sheila Beale, Pamela Whitehead, Elva Dye, Gwen Gray, Verla Wilson and Valmay Johnston.