Issue 725
Issue 725 |
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Weekly NewsHelp a Whiz Kid make it to the Olympics
While most teenage boys play sport after school Lismore High School year 11 student, Adam Kerz, spends his time programming computers. The 16 year-old Goolmangar 'whiz kid' has been experimenting with computers since he was 12, honing his skills on the family's computer before turning to the school's facilities to further improve his knowledge. Four years of hard work has paid off for Adam, who was recently selected to attend the International Olympiad for Infomatics in Finland in July. Adam is one of four Australian youngsters going to the Olympiad where they will compete against 320 other budding Bill Gates's from 80 different countries. "It's strange because I don't feel like I try that hard - computer language just seems logical to me and comes quite easily," Adam said. "Some people collect stamps, I write computer programs - it's just a hobby like any other and I really enjoy it. "The Olympiad will be an invaluable learning experience, challenging my existing abilities and giving me the opportunity to meet 300 other people who are really into computers." Adam scored his place in the Australian team by winning the national Infomatics Competition earlier this year, while still scoring top marks in his year 11 subjects, studying some year 12 subjects, practising the saxophone each day and on a spare afternoon last month scored 100 per cent in a Queensland chemistry competition. While Adam's achievements are outstanding, unfortunately he won't be able to attend the Olympiad unless he raises enough funds for the trip to Finland, and he only has about two weeks to do it. Compaq Computers Australia have kindly donated a Presario 3200 computer, which Adam's dad Keith is now raffling off to raise money. Raffle tickets are available from The Echo office, Lismore High School, Success Martial Arts and Casagrande's in South Lismore, the Goolmangar store and Keith will also man a stall at this Sunday's Carboot Markets. If you want to order a ticket phone 6621 5185. Tickets are $1 each and will be on sale until July 4. Terra Sword
Barry Goes Bald for Charity
The result: Barry Edmonds, his son Stuart (left) and Camp Quality Head Shave organiser, Stan 'bald eagle' Bendall sporting their new, easy-to-manage hair styles. When Stuart Edmonds started pondering his imminent hair loss in the inaugural Camp Quality Head Shave, he joked to his dad Barry that he should get a hair cut too. "No way! I value my hair at least $2,000," replied Barry - the community-minded proprietor of Farmer Charlie's - thinking he'd put the matter to rest. To Barry's complete astonishment, Stuart returned four hours later from the Lismore City Rugby Union Football club with a mighty big grin and $2,000 in his hand. With no good reason other than pride to save his lustrous locks, Barry conceded and on Monday got the chop along with Stuart and 25 other football players - who together raised a total of $4,400 for Camp Quality. "It was a great effort from Barry and the boys, especially in winter time," organiser Stan Bendall said. "It's a bit drafty alright - I shouldn't have opened my big mouth," joked Barry, who had the chop at Farmer Charlie's in front of at least 50 delighted customers. "I've been involved with Camp Quality through Farmer Charlie's for a long time holding raffles and various other events, so this is a further extension of that commitment. I reckon over $4,000 isn't bad for the first time - if we can raise that in two weeks think of what we can do next year with a little planning." All the money raised will go towards Camp Quality, which helps kids with cancer and their families. Story & photos: Terra 'Rapunzel' Sword
Play Mural Makes Water Wise Kids
Children playing in Heritage Park can learn to be waterwise and still have lots of fun, following the unveiling of a water mural on the old train carriage. The mural, a joint project between Rous Water and Lismore City Council, depicts what the river will look like if treated properly on one side, while the other side shows the detrimental effects pollution and wasting water have on the river. Lismore Council's environmental health education officer, Ollie Heathwood said the mural is designed to inspire questions and discussion. "Where kids are playing they can be learning - everytime they go the park they'll see the mural and those water conservation issues will be continually be reinforced," Ollie said. "We've also been careful to make it interactive so it encourages children to talk with their parents and ask them questions. There are many things children will read but need clarification to understand - like 'what's blue/green algae?' or 'how does doggy doo affect the river?'. This encourages family discussion on the topic and reinforces to parents how important being water-wise is." Painted by Ollie and local artists Rose McKinley and Clare Milledge, the mural complements recent moves to paint murals on the top of shop fronts as a way of brightening the city and attracting tourists. The initiative started when Fundamental Foods painted a historical mural of the store above their shop and seeing the potential of the idea, Lismore Unlimited is offering $1,000 grants to any shop owners who want to repaint their shopfront. "The main benefit of the murals is they give the Lismore CBD a unifying focus, creating another asset through which the city can attract tourists and new businesses," Council's manager of economic development and tourism, Andrew Lovett, said. No special planning approvals are needed to paint a mural, provided they are not advertisements or on heritage-listed buildings. For more information phone Lismore Unlimited on 6621 4366. Terra Sword
Art Plan for Lismore's Heart
Lismore Council is seeking community input on plans to put 'art in the heart of the CBD' as part of the proposed cultural centre on the old Lismore high school site. Brisbane-based Gibsons Consulting is developing the business plan for the 'cultural precinct' site, adjacent to the Northern Rivers Conservatorium Arts Centre, and has spent recent weeks meeting with key stakeholders including real estate community and arts organisations. The consultants are also keen to hear from the public about their ideas. Suggestions so far include a studio space where local performance, visual and literary artists, musicians, songwriters, wood workers, ceramicists would work, display, perform and sell their art, an expanded public library and purpose-built art gallery. Further proposals have suggested the site become a "living space" with the relocation of the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre; an activity space for young people and a Bundjalung Cultural Centre. The middle of the site could provide for an outdoor performance and markets area. To make the project viable, Council plans to underwrite it with commercial development over the existing carpark next door. The draft Business Plan is due to go before council next week, with the final plan approved at the end of the month as council takes control of the site from the Dept. of Education. The public, artists and community-based arts organisations are invited to make a submission to the Business Plan. Contact Ron Ward at Gibsons on (07) 3222 3688.
Unions Rally Over Compensation Laws
A stop-work meeting of more than 300 unionists in Lismore yesterday demanded an immediate reactivation of the North Coast Trades and Labour Council to resist changes to workers compensation laws in NSW. The hour-long meeting left Richmond River High with only four teachers to start the school day, while Evans Head High was left teacher-less. The meeting of nursing, teaching, emergency service and other union members was part of a state-wide satellite hook-up that was told that the dispute was far from over, despite claims to the contrary by the state government. The meeting was told that under the legislation people in professions such as nursing and the police might be compensated for assault in their line of work, but were unlikely to be adequately covered for any post traumatic stress that may arise as a result of the incident. State councillor Dave Owen said the North Coast Trades and Labour council, which has been in abeyance for nearly three years, was likely to reform immediately. "The Carr government's duplicity in dealing with this matter has galvanised the movement into presenting a united front," he said. NSW Teachers Federation regional organiser Dorothy Redfern said the union movement had agreed to a resolution of the dispute last week after the NSW government made some changes to the legislation that the unions believed they could work with. "But the document they are now claiming is a settlement does not contain these changes," Ms Redfern said. She said teachers were further incensed because the director general of education, Dr Ken Boston, yesterday sent a fax to all NSW schools telling teachers there was no longer a need to attend stop-work meetings. "Fortunately our members saw through this and turned out in large numbers," she said. "As soon as the Labour Council is reactivated we and other unions expect to launch a local campaign to keep the issues raised today at the forefront of the debate." The government's changes to workers compensation are currently in the Legislative Assembly of the NSW Parliament. Negotiations over the laws are continuing.
Cut and Dried Solution for Dairy Farmers
Page MP Ian Causley brought along shiny $1 coin for UK firm Fast Freeze International to relocate and install new equipment in its milk powder manufacturing plant in Casino. And while it doesn't sound like much, the $1 turned into $1 million following a $999,999 grant from the Federal Government's Dairy Regional Assistance Program. The company will invest around $10 million to redevelop the site, which it recently bought from Norco , to produce speciality dairy products such as skim milk, cream and cheese powders for export. The plant will undergo a staged redevelopment, with the first stage involving a spray drier for powdered milk, creating up to 15 jobs, expected to be ready by October. Fast Freeze International General Manager Mick Gilhooly said the funding helped the company achieve tight time frames. "This redevelopment will provide us with a lot more flexibility and we will be able to add more value to the local supply of milk," he said. Mr Gilhooly especially thanked Richmond Valley mayor Col Sullivan, who is chair of the Northern Rivers Area Consultative Committee (NRACC), which secured the funding for the project. Mr Causley said officers from NRACC were available to help businesses and not-for-profit organisations develop proposals for Dairy RAP funding. "I encourage business operators and other community-minded residents to contact the Committee on 07 5599 4200 to discuss their ideas," he said. Mr Causley said the next round of Dairy RAP should be announced in August, with further rounds later in the year.
Alstonville Rallies for Bypass ProtestThe Alstonville Ratepayers Association is planning a major peak hour protest on the streets of the village next Wednesday to pressure the NSW Government to provide funding for a bypass. Association president Jane Gardiner said that the Alstonville community is enlisting the support of commuters who travel through the village between 8am and 8.45am on Wednesday, July 4, warning that the protest will cause delays of up to 15 minutes. "We plan to simulate the conditions that will exist within the next five years if the bypass is not completed," Ms Gardiner said. "As far back as 1986, the then roads minister, Laurie Brereton, assured us the bypass would be included in the works program '..as soon as practicable'. A wait of 15 years has been too long." And despite an EIS into the project being completed five years ago, the current Roads Minister Carl Scully has yet to sign off on it. Wollongbar Progress Association president, Merrilyn Pavez, part of a broad range of community groups supporting the protest, said people were desperate but determined to get the NSW Government to act. "We're all in agreement about wanting the bypass and we're asking people to come along and help send the message down to Sydney. "The Carr Government has consistently refused to provide funding for the bypass, but how can they justify spending more money on Homebush and saying they can't afford the bypass? Once again we're the poor country cousins and they're trying to keep us that way," Mrs Pavez said. "We keep getting fobbed off and we're not backing down this time." Mrs Pavez said the traffic situation was fast approaching a state of chaos, especially before and after school and during peak hour. "Over the past couple of years there has been a large increase in bus traffic in the main street, reflecting growing student populations at the high school and the two primary schools," she said. "Along with that we have witnessed more and more heavy transport vehicles using the main street, either to gain access to the industrial estate or travel on to Lismore." Ballina councillor Marilyn Perkins said the road also became coastal highway whenever there was a serious car accident or floods blocking the Pacific Highway between Ballina and Grafton. People who want to join the peaceful protest should gather in Alstonville between 8am and 8.45am next Wednesday. Bring placards calling for funding for the bypass. "We want everyone to turn up with placards and show the Carr Government the traffic problems we experience everyday on the Main Street," Ms Gardiner said. For details, phone 6628 3925.
Army Barracks on Show this SundayTo celebrate Federation and Centenary of the Australian Army, a Reserve Forces Day is being held on Sunday, July 1, at the Byron Barracks in Military Road, East Lismore. Past and present members of the Reserve Forces, Militia, National Services, CMF and Cadre Staff are invited to bring their families and celebrate with the 41st Battalion Royal NSW Regiment. The public is welcome to attend. More than 3000 people are expected to take part. The reunion of 41st Battalion begins with a Church service at 9.30am to honour all members, living and deceased, who have served in the 41st Battalion in any period under any unit name. At noon the barrack gates will open to the public offering an insight into today's technology-based Army. There will be displays of weapons, transport, communications and personal equipment, along with the chance to discuss military operations and tactics with serving officers. A special display of memorabilia that chronicles the history of the 41st Battalion will also be on show. The day is designed to recognise Reserve and Citizen Military Service and their contribution to the defence of Australia. For information phone 6621 7851.
Locals Tackle Drug ProblemA new community-based group tackling the problems of drug addiction has been launched in Lismore as part of the Drug Awareness Week, June 25-29. Lismore Community Drug Action Team (LCDAT) is an initiative that flowed from the 1999 NSW Drug Summit. The team meets monthly at the new Riverlands Detoxification Unit, and includes a range of people dealing with drug issues, from health professionals to family support groups and charitable organisations. The LCDAT is charged with a range of tasks to:
Among the Action Team's initial plans it hopes to design a card with information on how to help an overdose victim, as well as providing contact details for drug and alcohol support services, and development of survival kits for school leavers. It will also service gaps and advocate to meet those needs. And with support from The Echo, ads showing the detrimental effects of drugs will feature regularly in the newspaper. The Lismore Community Drug Action Team can be contacted through the office of Lismore MP Thomas George.
Sound Financial Advice at Hand
With personal debt and personal bankruptcies rising to record levels, the demand for financial counselling continues to rise. The Lismore and District Financial Counselling Service recently trained nine new counsellors to help Northern Rivers people with their financial problems. The group undertook a four month course to become accredited counsellors who can provide free and confidential financial advice to people experiencing financial problems. At the group's recent graduation, in a tribute to the late Jon Axtens, man of letters and financial counsellor, his widow Val Axtens presented a special award to Chris O'Neill as the trainee who most exemplifies the spirit of the local legend that was Jon.
Birthday Surprise
"I've been established in Lismore for 17 years and have been advertising with The Echo pretty much since the beginning," Dennis said. "We've always been satisfied with The Echo - the ads are well laid out and attractive, the rates are good value for money and the ads get results. The winner of the Canon Creative Party Pack competition for readers will be announced in The Echo on July 19.
Different Strokes to Different Folks
Badly tuned motorbikes and faulty lawn mowers are likely to be a thing of the past for a group of Nimbin youths who began a small motors course in the village this week. The 10-week course is funded by the Department of Education and Training as part of the Links to Learning program and covers all aspects of the internal workings of two and four-stroke engines - including tuning and maintenance. Course co-ordinator Tim Helm said the course aimed to combine confidence and self esteem with technical skills. "They'll get to look at how engines work as well as getting to strip one down to its component parts and rebuild it," Mr Helm said. The program has been funding until the end of the year and the organisers hope to run a welding course next. Bevan Flannery, a former smash repair operator and TAFE lecturer, said the course was a trigger for many youth to study at TAFE. "I've been doing this for a number of years and I am still moved by the thrill they get when they dismantle an engine, reassemble it and then get it to start," he said. Story & photo: Dave Fawkner Cliff and Jim are Going Fishing
Then and now: In 1960 two mates, Jim Crethar (left) and Cliff Robertson, opened a new business, Carrington Wholesalers, in Lismore. Four decades later Jim and Cliff are closing down the business, but still remain the best of friends. There's nothing Jim Crethar and Cliff Robertson like more than fishing, except maybe each other's company. The two friends and joint-proprietors of Carrington Wholsalers in Lismore are shutting up shop at the end of June after more than 47 years in business together. And while there are many things the pair want to do, the first thing is to use some of the fishing gear they have spent four and half decades selling. "I'm 68 and Cliff's 72 and we've been here for 47 years, so I reckon if we don't retire now we never will," Jim said. "We want to fishing, golfing, travelling... all the things you can't do at your leisure when you're working. I'm just going to relax and enjoy life, although I'm sure the grandkids we'll keep me busy!" Jim and Cliff were part of the original sales team to join the business, which was established as Mick Simmons Wholesalers in 1954. The pair have worked together ever since, both in a professional and personal capacity. "We'd work all week together and then go for a coldie after work... it's a wonder we're not sick of each other already," Jim said. "Although we'll be doing different things, we'll definitely keep in touch. We've been friends for a long time and so are our families - I'm the godfather of Cliff's son David so it's not like we'll be strangers." While thanking all their customers for their support over the years, Jim and Cliff would especially like to recognise the work of employee Les Nipperess, who Jim says is a 'great bloke and even better worker'. Other than a few fishing rods Jim and Cliff have picked for themselves, all stock is half price during the sale, which ends on Saturday, June 30. As well as fishing tackle and rods there's also a massive range other sports gear for soccer, cricket, table tennis, roller blad, snorkelling, gymnastics and just about any other sport you can think of. People are reminded to pick up outstanding lay-bys or gift vouchers before the end of June. Carrington Wholesalers are up in the end of Carrington Street, opposite the old NRE building (now Aspect North). Phone 6621 3925 or 6621 2905.
Getting High in the Himilayas
Climbing a mountain sounds like a daunting to task even to the most adventurous of people, but according to long-time climber, Jenny Hyland of Wollongbar, if you have the right guide and equipment it can be the most rewarding experience of your life. Jenny will present a World Expeditions Trek to Everest Base Camp slide night tonight, June 28, at National World Travel's offices in Alstonville from 6.30pm. The night is a prelude to the real thing - as Jenny will host another Everest Base Camp Trek this October and is seeking interested locals to join her on the trek to the roof of the world. The slide night features pictures from Jenny's last 20-day trek and the amazing cultures and scenery found in the mountains of Nepal. The trek has even been endorsed by the pioneer himself, Sir Edmund Hillary. "The trip is open to anyone with a love of outdoors and a dream to view Mount Everest, although a certain level of fitness is required," Jenny said. "The trek is graded at a moderate level which means most people with a fairly active lifestyle can achieve this dream. There is no mountaineering involved and there are some amazing sights along the way - the villages of Nache Bazaar and its Sherpa culture and the monastery of Thyangboche to name just two." People can book for Jenny's trek through National World Travel in Alstonville, which is owned and operated by local residents David and Gonda Delaney with help from their friendly team Robyn and Joanne Barnes. David and Gonda are well-known in the local community and are committed to delivering client satisfaction, so much so that Gonda's going on the trek so she can get a first-hand report of exactly what the trip is like. Supported by National World Travel's sophisticated technology, buying power and quality product range David and Gonda can cater for all travel needs and it's always nice to know your money's staying local. The Trek to Everest Base Camp will begin on October 17, 2001. To book for the slide night, phone 6628 1377 or for other travel needs phone 131 435.
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Student and computer programmer Adam Kerz, 16, is off to the International Olympiad for Infomatics in Finland.
Farmer Charlie's proprietor Barry Edmonds gets the chop from Keryn Lawrence of Terry Bushell's Hair Salon during Monday's inaugural Camp Quality Head Shave.
Tucki the Platypus launched the new waterwise mural in Heritage Park with Rous Water's Elisabeth Brown and environmental health education officer Ollie Heathwood, who is also one of the mural's creators.
Cutting the heart-shaped cake at the Old Lismore High School site were Art in the Heart steering committee members (l-r) Bill Sheaffe, Ros Derrett and Anne Meagher.
Teachers Association state councillor Dave Owen and NSW Teachers Federation regional organiser, Dorothy Redfern discuss future tactics following Wednesday's meeting.
Fast Freeze International GM Mick Gilhooly with Page MP Ian Causley, a $1 coin and Richmond Valley mayor Col Sullivan. 
Val Axtens, whose late husband, Jon, was a financial counsellor, and the regions' latest crop of trained financial counsellors, (rear) Daniel Taylor, Terry Trentor, Terry Harvey, (front) Belinda Austin, Malia Ritaningsih, Suzanne Templeman and Chris O'Neill. 
Summerland Window Tinting proprietor Dennis Foran, had an extra reason to be happy he'd advertised in The Echo's 10th Birthday Feature last week, after winning a Canon printer and scanner worth more than $380 in our advertisers competition. Dennis is pictured with Echo sales consultant Sharryn Marsters.
Bevan Flannery, Rye Levy, Matt Lyle, Blake Forwood and Tim Helm discuss the inner workings of a two-stroke brushcutter engine.
Climber and trekker Jenny Hyland on her last trek to Everest. Jenny will be conducting a Trek to Everest Base Camp trip in October through National World Travel in Alstonville.