Issue 727
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Main NewsHumpbacks Sing for Sponsors
Humpback whales are a magnificent obsession for David Paton. The whale researcher has spent the last 16 years tracking their movements, taking more than 50,000 photographs along the way. When the former marine park ranger used to live on Heron Island, his love affair began as the humpbacks swam past. 'I remember being woken at night by their blowing or their songs bellowing through the hull of the boat,' he recalls. Since then he's travelled the world, from Antarctica to Hawaii on his labour of love, and based himself on the North Coast for the past seven years. 'Byron is one of the best places in the world to watch whales, you're standing on the edge of the humpback highway,' he says Now after taking a redundancy from the National Parks Service, Paton has been the driving force behind the newly established Southern Cross Centre for Whale Research (SCCWR), a world-class centre for whale research, which uses sophisticated research technology, including DNA fingerprinting and the monitoring of whales' songs, to study whales. Southern Cross University supports the venture, but Paton isn't getting paid for his work. 'I guess you could say it's an addiction,' he confesses. 'The Centre enables us to bring together over 70 years of research expertise amongst marine mammal experts and geneticists. We can really enhance the traditional photographic identification techniques by obtaining DNA ‘fingerprints' of the passing whales, as well as specifically correlating photographic and DNA data from singing whales,' he said. Under Mike Noad from the University of Newcastle, who is studying humpback songs, the centre has placed hydrophones (underwater microphone) off Cape Byron to monitor the migration of whales day and night. Visitors to the Cape can also hear the haunting songs of these giants of the sea as they swim by. And while serenading has always been a popular seduction technique, for a humpback whale there's nothing like a spot of crooning to help you find a mate. The songs last between seven and 15 minutes, with a series of themes, like a verse of chirping, cries, groans and growls. Astoundingly, Mike Noad noticed them singing a new song a few years ago. 'Mike identified a radical change in the song, and determined that it came from humpbacks off the West Coast of Australia,' David Paton said. 'Some of the East Coast animals started picking up components and when other whales heard it, it seemed novel, so they picked it up too, then adapted it – it's a bit like singing the hottest radio hit rather than playing the same old song.' The research program to monitor migration patterns, population size, familial relationships, as well as lifespan and breeding habits, promises more incredible discoveries . To obtain DNA samples from the humpbacks, SCCWR researchers, including volunteer students from SCU scoop up the pieces of skin shed by the whales when they breech or slap their tails. This genetic tagging gives a more precise profile of individuals and than Mr Paton's photographic identification. Meanwhile, students from the University of Newcastle are using theodolites and hi-tech software to track the whales and monitor interactions. 'This research is unique, because of the close coastal access that enables us to effectively monitor the whales from land, and it means that we are one of the only countries doing research on humpback migration paths', Mr Paton said. His passion - and the study - is currently at its peak with the migration north currently underway. And it seems that some humpbacks, like humans, prefer routine. Certain animals are spotted on the same day every year as the pass the cape. 'They like to hang out around here for a break, and they're mating all the way up – I've seen a couple of new-born calves off the cape already this year,' Mr Paton said. Between August and November, they'll turn around and begin the long trek to Antarctica for summer. Humpback whales are listed as a ‘vulnerable species', but since whaling off Byron Bay ended more than three decades ago, the population has increased to around 3-4000. It's still well below the original size of 15-20,000, but David Paton says the signs are encouraging. The important thing is to get public support. 'As well as the research, we hope the Southern Cross Centre for Whale Research will help in raising people's awareness about the humpback whale, because through appreciation get conservation,' Mr Paton said. 'I've seen thousands and thousands of whales, but I always get a special feeling every time I spot one. They're a magnificent icon.' The operations of the Southern Cross Centre for Whale Research are largely dependent on volunteers, and Mr Paton is appealing for sponsors for the as-yet unfunded Centre. You receive a range of benefits as inaugural sponsors of the Centre, including the opportunity to ‘adopt' your own humpback whale. Companies and individuals interested in a sponsorship application should contact Monique Lewis on 6685 4645.
Fire Ant Spread Threatens Nation
The spread of imported fire ants in Queensland poses a serious threat to the Northern Rivers – not to mention the rest of Australia – if authorities cannot contain the and eradicate the current outbreak. The aggressive ants spread quickly and are a severe threat to the survival of native species, agricultural activities and everyday life. A backyard barbecue without shoes on could become a thing of the past. Fire ants look a lot like ordinary house or garden ants, are quite small, from 2–6mm in length and are mainly reddish-brown in colour. They could easily be confused with the common coastal brown ant, but they can be distinguished by their aggressive behaviour. Fire ants will attack inflicting multiple bites that could even lead to death. Three American scientists were visited Australia recently to assess the infestation in Brisbane's south-western suburbs. Last year the USA spent more than $1 billion trying to prevent their spread. The visit by the fire ants experts was hosted by an independent Fire Ant Scientific Advisory Panel, which believes that eradicating the fire ants is possible. During the past three months, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries has undertaken a scooping study to determine the extent of the fire ant infestation. The DPI's Fire Ant Control Centre Director Keith McCubbin said the infestation still appears to be confined to the two known epicentres of the south-western suburbs of Brisbane and Fisherman Islands. However Mr McCubbin said that CSIRO modelling indicates that fire ants are a potential problem for all Australia, not just Queensland. The modelling shows that if left uncontrolled, the fire ants could spread over more than 300,000 square kilometres during the next 30 years, potentially putting them in the backyards of Sydney and Melbourne. Goonengerry resident Peter Olson, who has been studying the fire ant, has outlined the threat in the community newsletter, The Village Journal. He is urging residents to write to the Prime Minister, Premier and their local MP expressing concern about the need to eradicate the fire ant. Further information on the fire ant is available online at http://fireant.tamu.edu/, The Queensland Department of Primary Industry site www.dpi.qld.gov.au/health/3125.html and from www.ocfireant.com/.
A Lifetime Love From One Visit
Ready for this Saturday's Fire Brigade Open Day are Lismore firefighters Jim Rhoder and Des Fairfull with (rear) Andrew Bailey, Tony Elliott, Pete Richards and Ivan Gosper. When Des Fairfull's neighbour asked him to come along to a fire brigade meeting to meet his mates, Des gladly agreed, completely unaware of what lay in store for him. When they reached the fire station, the firefighters all thought Des was a new recruit and after a quick show of hands Des was accepted into the brigade. Instead of protesting Des thought he'd give it a go and 42 years later, he's now the Captain of Lismore Fire Brigade. 'Two things have kept me here - the camaraderie with the other scallywags and a desire to put something back into this community,' Des said. 'Everyone says if you stay for eight years you'll never leave and I guess they're right. It's actually something I've come to take pride in and I can't see myself leaving anytime soon.' You can meet other firefighters like Des at the Fire Brigade's Open Day, this Saturday, July 14 at the Lismore and Goonellabah stations. It's a chance to chat with the ‘firies' and get free fire safety information. For kids there are swap cards, stickers, colouring-in books and money boxes. 'The Open Day is a great opportunity for people to inspect the fire engines and equipment,' Des said. 'It's also a chance for people to learn about the Fire Brigade, which is more than just a fire service. As well as preventing fires we conduct non-fire rescues and protect the environment by taking action at hazardous material incidents and helping other services during natural disasters.' The Open Day runs from 10am-2pm. But be warned, like Des, you might never leave. - Terra Sword
Bypass Promise from Coalition
NSW Opposition leader Kerry Chickarovski yesterday committed herself to an immediate start to the Alstonville bypass if the Coalition is elected at the next election. Speaking to a group of residents in the town's main street, Mrs Chickarovski said was obvious that a bypass was required immediately. 'Alstonville is a delightful place but the main street is not capable of carrying the 18,000 vehicles a day that presently use it,' Mrs Chickarovski said. 'Even Bob Carr and his roads minister Carl Scully could see that if they could be bothered to take a look. 'I am shocked to hear that this issue goes back nearly 30 years. The route has been determined, land has been purchased and an EIS has been prepared. All it needs is a financial injection to get the ball rolling.' 'If I am the premier of NSW after the 2003 election I promise the bypass will be completed in my first term.' Mrs Chickarovski, who is on a three day visit to the North Coast, will visit Casino today where she is expected to discuss police numbers and the future of the meatworks. Dave Fawkner
Kids Care for Koalas
July is Save the Koala Month, so students at Kadina High School have begun planting trees for a Kadina wildlife corridor. Last week, the students planted more than 100 koala food trees as a start to the corridor, which will eventually go from the proposed development of Kadina Park to the southern side of Tucki Tucki Creek. The corridor is being created as part of the school's Learnscape Project. Kadina was one of three NSW schools selected as a Learnscape pilot school – a project designed to turn the school grounds into a ‘living laboratory' as a resource for the students. So far erosion control within the school grounds, to improve drainage and soil quality, has been completed, as well as the restoration of Tucki Tucki Creek banks to improve platypus habitat. The Wildlife Corridor is the third stage of the project, which is estimated to take another 12 months. More than 1,000 trees will be needed to plant out the one kilometre stretch of corridor. It's meant that agricultural plots had to be redesigned and fencing and infrastructure has to be moved. 'All the way through the corridor we will plant in 50 metre sections and each class will become a trustee of one section – maintaining and caring for the trees,' teacher Lindsay Kitching said. 'Friends of the Koala (FOK) have kindly donated all the trees for the project and have come along to help plant them, teach the kids about the importance of corridors and biodiversity and get them motivated for this project.' The Learnscape project is so impressive that Lindsay is travelling to Austria this October to outline the concepts of the project at the World Environment in Schools Program Conference. If you would like to organise a tree planting day or something similar, phone FOK on 6624 5032 or friends_koala@hotmail.com Story & photo: Terra Sword
April has a Lion's Heart
When April Rich decided to do work experience at Lismore Police Station's forensic science unit, the last thing she expected was to end up in the final of the Lions Miss Personality Quest. But that's exactly what she's done. While doing work experience April met Jan Heffernan, a volunteer in policing and member of the City of Lismore Lions Club. Jan asked April to join the quest and help raise money for medical research. April, who wants to study medicine when she finishes school in 2002, was happy to oblige. 'As well as helping disadvantaged people it's also helped me – I've gained heaps more confidence and it's given me a real interest in my local community,' April said. This Saturday she heads to Brisbane to compete in the final against 12 other girls selected from throughout Queensland and Northern NSW. The girls are privately interviewed by the judges during the day and then interviewed again in front of an audience to determine the best ‘personality'. And while victory is always sweet, April says she doesn't care what happens from here on in. 'It sounds like a cliché but it's really not about winning – I'm just happy to be here. I feel getting to the final is an accomplishment and just knowing you've helped out another person is reward enough,' she joked. The money April has raised over the past 12 months (we can't reveal the exact amount until after the final) will go towards various Lions projects including Lismore Base Hospital's opened recently emergency family accommodation.
NAIDOC Week Celebrations in Full Swing
National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration (NAIDOC) Week continues this weekend with activities for families, sport enthusiasts and food and music lovers. There's a Family Day today, July 12, in Heritage Park from 9am–5pm, followed by a Karaoke Night at Lismore City Hall from 6pm. Entry is $5. Friday kicks off with the NAIDOC Week march. Assemble for the march at Lismore City Hall from 8:30am for a 9:15am start. The procession will walk up Molesworth Street, turn right into Woodlark Street and then proceed down to Mortimer Oval for a day of sporting activities. There's a touch football competition and sprints, with some great prizes up for grabs. Mums can try their luck in the gumboot throwing competition or watch as youngsters take on the massive jumping castle, and three-legged and sack races to finish the day. And if the kids still aren't tired, take them along to the free disco at Lismore City Hall. The under 13s show will run from 5–7pm with the 13 years plus show held from 7–11:30pm. Transport is available (phone 6622 2666). To end the celebrations with a bang, check out the NAIDOC Week Aboriginal Ball, this Saturday night, July 14, at Lismore City Hall from 7pm. An Aboriginal Kelly Band, from Armidale, will perform following a delicious two-course meal. There are giveaways, raffles and prizes for best dressed man and woman in formal wear (though it's not compulsory). Tickets are $20 at the door. NAIDOC Week coordinator, Ray Vincent, said this weeks events have had a good turnout so far. He urged everyone to join in the activities, have fun and support reconciliation. 'If people are serious about reconciliation now is the time to show your support and join in the celebrations,' Ray said. 'There's a lot of talk about reconciliation but it's actions that speak the loudest. We want people to get together as one people and enjoy the celebrations.' Sunday, July 15 is the last day of celebrations. Russell Kapeen from Coraki has organised a special church service for all the community at Lismore City Hall from 11am. The celebrations will be officially closed by a Bundjalung Elder at 2pm.
CBD Cameras Reveal a Wee ProblemLismore's CBD safety cameras have revealed a major crime wave occurring throughout the city after dark. Dozens of people have been caught, convicted and fined on offensive behaviour charges. The predominance of the crime has led to police issuing a warning that anyone who ‘splashes the boots' in public will be detected by the cameras, and arrested and charged. Lismore Council's City Safe program manager Bill McDonald said improved security in the CBD had led to more offenders being detected. 'The problem is not new and it's experienced in every town,' Mr McDonald said. He said that council wanted to find a cooperative solution to the problem. In an effort to curb the behaviour, the public toilets in the Clyde Campbell Carpark will be open 24 hours a day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Police are also urging the public to use the toilets in hotels before they leave. A 1.30am curfew prevents people from entering Lismore hotels after that time. 'Council wants to work with hotels and nightclubs in the city centre and the police to get the message out to late-night patrons so that this problem can be further minimised,' Mr McDonald said.
Thieves Leave Empty HandedDepartment of Agriculture officers are mystified by a break-in at the Board of Tick Control office at the Lismore saleyards this week. The break-in is believed to have occurred between 4pm Tuesday when staff finished dipping stock and midday on Wednesday when stock inspector John Troy discovered the locks missing from the door of the office. Mr Troy said the thieves had forced the roller door of a tool shed and used bolt cutters and a jemmy bar stored there to cut padlocks and force the door of the office. They also forced the door of an adjacent shed and broke into a cupboard containing dipping chemicals, but none were removed. 'We're pretty mystified by the whole thing because only stock records are kept in the office,' Mr Troy said. 'We found the bolt cutters in the doorway of the toolshed and the only thing missing is the jemmy bar.' Police are investigating the break-in. Dave Fawkner
Casino Playground Goes, Pond StaysRichmond Valley Council has removed an unfenced playground from beside the North Casino pond in which three-year-old Chloe Ensby drowned in February this year. The playground is now located in an unnamed park in Sunrise Place 250 metres to the north-east. Richmond Valley Council's director of works, Jerry Bliss, said the relocation of the playground took place last week in conjunction with council widening of the pond. Mr Bliss said the pond was the same depth as before but the steep sides had been replaced with a one-in-five slope, thereby reducing the danger of people falling into it.
Event Funding on OfferBusiness organisation Lismore Unlimited is once again calling for applications from community organisations seeking funding for events. The Events Assistance Fund provides money to not-for-profit groups to improve an existing event in Lismore or it can be used as seed funding for a new event. Lismore Unlimited manager Marian Forwood said the objective of the fund is to promote Lismore to the benefit of business and the community. 'Applications demonstrate that quantifiable benefits will flow to the business sector, the media must be involved in promoting the event, and there has to be significant community involvement,' she said. Applications close at the end of the month for events scheduled to happen between January 1 and June 30, 2002. For guidelines and application forms, phone Rebecca on 6621 4366.
Tourism Push Leaves Council in the RedRichmond Valley Council will ask Kyogle Shire to share a tourism officer following the allocation of $25,000 for a part-time position in its 2001-2002 budget. The move follows an impassioned submission by the Richmond Valley tourism officer, Rod Caldicott, which challenged plans to reduce spending on tourism and economic development by $100,000 as part of a $500,000 budget cut. The submission to last month's budget meeting described the cuts as showing a lack of vision for economic development and warned council that it risked losing out to neighbouring councils in the tourism stakes. Mr Caldicott is currently owed more than six months of annual leave and time in lieu, and suggested that council appoint an additional tourism staff member so he can take a few days off a week. The alternative was a six months break, a move that would leave the council without a tourism officer. Crs Don Harvey and Charlie Cox moved to fund the position, dependent on sharing it with Kyogle Shire Council. The allocation – along with $3000 for a disabled toilet at the Casino Memorial Baths and $2000 for an additional town bus shelter – has created a budget deficit of $30,000. Mr Caldicott, mayor Col Sullivan and general manager Ross Schipp hope to hold preliminary discussions with Kyogle Council next week. 'We believe this is a way for both councils to support tourism by developing relationships throughout the valley,' Mr Caldicott said. Dave Fawkner
Council Cuts Deal on Wollongbar developmentPlans for the expansion of Wollongbar are likely to go on public exhibition within a month following agreement between Ballina Council and property owners over section 94 contributions, according to Ballina mayor David Wright. The development, on a 120-hectare site between Rifle Range Road and Sneaths Road, is part of council's strategic plan for the Alstonville Plateau. It includes the former Summerland Drive-In site and an adjacent block – both of which are owned by council – and six privately owned properties. Cr Wright said the council had earmarked its land for sporting fields and expected to recoup its expenses from developers' fees on the other properties. He said the exhibition had been delayed while council negotiated with a landholder over the route of a link road between Sneaths Road and Rifle Range Road. 'Because of the delay I do not expect council to begin work on the link road, the roundabouts at either end and the sporting fields until next year,' he said. 'After that it will be up to the developers to create subdivisions on the remaining land.' 3rd Village Submissions Close Meanwhile, collection of submissions on a third village on the Alstonville Plateau is continuing despite an almost unanimous rejection of the proposal at a noisy public meeting at Alstonville on July 4. Matthew Wood of GeoLINK, the consultants employed by Ballina council to prepare a report on a third village, said submissions closed this Friday. 'GeoLINK will then prepare a report based on the submissions and last week's public meeting at Alstonville for presentation to Ballina Council,' Mr Wood said. 'Council is then likely to discuss it at an ordinary meeting, possibly as early as August. 'It will then be up to council to decide whether to engage GeoLINK to carry out Stage Three of the project, which would involve drawing up detailed plans, or leave the matter as it is.' Mr Wood said GeoLINK had already received around 500 submissions on the proposal but he was unable to comment on their contents. Dave Fawkner
Outsiders Cause Riot at Casino EstateAn incident in which a police officer was struck by two beer stubbies in North Casino on Friday night has been blamed on outsiders by a security guard employed to patrol the area. Rick Beddoes of Magnum Security said he believed the incident, which occurred during the stoning of a house in the Chequerboard Hill Estate, was the continuation of a fight that followed a sports day at nearby Colley Park the previous day. Mr Beddoes confirmed residents' claims that up to 70 people, some as young as 10, were involved in Friday night's incident. 'However, I think it is important to acknowledge that those involved were not residents of the estate,' Mr Beddoes said. Mr Beddoes, who has been employed to patrol the estate by the NSW Department of Housing for the past three month, said the troublemakers have since left the area and the place has settled down again. He described it as a ‘hiccup' in what had been up until then a relatively quiet time. 'For the past three months we have been relying on the goodwill of residents as part of our brief to observe, record and report incidents in the area,' he said. 'As far as I am concerned most of the residents are great. They are good people who want to see peace in their community, and they have been more than willing to assist us in our duties.' Inspector Dave Driver of Casino Police said nine police vehicles, including one from the Tweed-Byron patrol, had attended the Friday's incident. He said one officer had been struck on the shoulder and leg but said the officer had not been injured or gone off duty. One person appeared in Lismore Local court on Tuesday charged with affray, violent disorder and carrying an offensive implement. He was remanded in custody and will reappear on July 23. Police say they are continuing their inquiries and expect to make further arrests. Dave Fawkner
Forum Explains Damages of DrugsA public forum, ‘Coping With The Impact of Drugs – the effects, the perceptions, the pain, the hope', focussing especially on cannabis abuse, will be held at Lismore Workers Club next Wednesday, July 18, 7-9.30pm. The forum is being organised by Parents in Pain Inc. – a group that offers friendship, support and understanding to families coping with someone affected by drug addiction. 'As a self help group, the havoc being caused to families by the use of marijuana is presented to us on an all too regular basis. However, for some reason the use of cannabis is considered to be alright, being portrayed as a ‘soft' drug,' spokesperson Margaret Orr said. To illustrate the damaging effects of cannabis, three speakers will share their experiences as former drug users, explaining how and why they have turned their lives around. Bob Hopkins, founder of Nimbin's drug law reform movement, is now running a self-help support group in the village for marijuana users wanting to quit or cut down their drug use. 'Cannabis affects your ability to objectively assess what's happening. I'd convinced myself that I was self medicating my recurring depression and despair, yet when I eliminated my cannabis use I discovered that it had actually exacerbated the condition,' Mr Hopkins said. The Mayor of Tamworth, Warren Woodley, a well-known anti-drug campaigner, will also be speaking at next Wednesday's forum. Accompanying him are two men, now in recovery, who will talk about their struggle with addiction and their achievements in turning their lives around. The keynote speaker is Dr John Anderson, a specialist on Attention Deficit Disorder and substance abuse. His 1996 review of 2000 publications on the effects of marijuana on the brain and other biological functions found that a large number of papers indicating long-term side effects from marijuana abuse. All are welcome to the ‘Coping With The Impact of Drugs' forum. A gold coin donation at the door would be appreciated.
Courses for UnemployedTwo new courses for the unemployed start soon at the Lismore and Wollongbar TAFE campuses and there are information sessions on them next Thursday, July 19. The first course is Computing Skills for Mature Age Job Seekers, from July 23 at the Lismore campus. It runs every Monday, 12-6pm, and Tuesday, 8.30am-2pm. Eligibility and selection details will be part of the info session on Thursday, in room AG12 from 4pm. For more information phone 6626 6484. The second course, Computing and English Language Skills for Work or Further Study, runs from July 24 at the Wollongbar campus every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday until the end of November. The course is designed for unemployed people from non-English speaking backgrounds. Eligibility and selection details are part of the info session on Thursday, in room BG03 from 10.30am. For more information phone 6620 4276 or 6620 4231.
Need a Helping Hand?
The International Year of the Volunteer is a time to pay tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who have given their time freely – whether it be organising athletes at the Sydney Olympics or selling lamingtons at the local school. It seems that Northern Rivers people are even more generous than most, and while there are plenty of volunteers, there aren't enough places available for all the people who want to work for free. To help combat the problem, the federal government's Volunteering Australia is funding a volunteer placement program. Anthony Burton is coordinating the program from the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre. Anthony is seeking community-based organisations who need more people power, so he can place the large number of volunteers with suitable organisations. 'Volunteers are worth their weight in gold – plenty of organisations wouldn't survive without their help and the Neighbourhood Centre is good example,' Anthony said. 'We need to match our existing volunteers with appropriate organisations, which eventually benefits everyone. The volunteers gain skills and confidence from working, the organisations can provide a better service to the community thanks to the help of volunteers and the community reaps the benefits of an improved service. 'However, firstly we need to hear from any community-based organisations in Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle, Casino and all the surrounding villages as we have volunteers willing to work across the entire Northern Rivers.' Any organisation interested in getting volunteers should phone Anthony on 6621 3199. And while Anthony already has lots of volunteers on the books, people can still volunteer and wait for a placement. Anthony is also looking for volunteers to help a young man, Bill Hawkins, who suffers from ‘locked in' syndrome as a result of a car accident. Bill is unable to speak and has limited movement but is aware of his environment. People are needed in Ballina and Goonellabah to help Bill with physical exercises, as each session takes five helpers. Volunteers are required to give two hours weekly, fortnightly or on an emergency basis. To volunteer phone Anthony on 6621 3199. Story & photo: Terra Sword
Healthy Living in Alstonville
If you're looking for healthy food, natural treatments, alternative medicines or anything organic and yummy then there's only two people in Alstonville to see – Debbie and Graeme Gulliver from Alstonville Health Foods. Graeme and Debbie bought the Alstonville Plaza shop just over two years ago after Graeme suffered a back injury, preventing him from continuing work as an engine re-conditioner. Having been involved in sports for well over two decades and always a health-conscious couple, Debbie and Graeme decided to buy Alstonville's only health food shop. And they haven't looked back ever since. 'It was a nice little shop in a tidy little town in a wonderful rural community – we know the area and just really like the feel of it,' Graeme said. 'Although I live in Lismore my grandparents had a farm in the Alstonville area, so I grew up a fair bit out there and can relate to that small-town family feel where everyone knows everyone. 'Buying the shop was one of the best decisions we've ever made – not only do we love the location and the clientele but we've never felt healthier in our lives!' Recently Debbie and Graeme enlisted the help of naturopath, Sally Chapelle, so Alstonville residents don't have to travel to Lismore to see a qualified practitioner. Sally is available on Mondays from 9am-5.30pm and on Saturday from 9am onwards providing advice on alternative medicines and treatments. To further impress their customers, Debbie and Graeme worked some long days and even longer nights transforming their storeroom into a juice and snack bar. Using organic citrus and other fruit from local farms, Graeme makes beautiful, energy-packed juices as you wait while Debbie sells her home-made gluten-free cakes and slices along with Humble pies and rolls. There's also a customer club you can join. Members receive a 10 per cent discount off products store-wide that are not on special and five per cent on fridge items. Being avid supporters of local producers, Debbie and Graeme stock all sorts of local products, from a Wardell farmer's free range eggs to a Bangalow-based artists jewellery. Alstonville Health Foods is in Alstonville Plaza (between Bi-Lo Supermarket and True Value Hardware). For more information phone 6628 5589.
Chinese Interest in Local Timber
A visit to China by a local delegation three weeks ago is already paying off, with nine Chinese businessmen visiting the Northern Rivers this week to explore investment opportunities in the region Invest Northern Rivers, part of the Northern Rivers Regional Development Board, was in China last month selling the benefits of the region at the APEC Investment Mart. Chair of Invest Northern Rivers, Lexie Hurford, said the message of an excellent rate of return, combined with a fabulous lifestyle was obviously appealing to investors. 'We're absolutely delighted that within a very short period of time since the Investment Mart, serious investors are making a point of getting out of Sydney and coming to the Northern Rivers,' she said. The potential investors looked at forest management and timber processing and products, with a visit to Hurford's Tuncester Plant, the Norply factory in Kyogle, and tours of recently established plantations. Mayor of Richmond Valley, Col Sullivan, who is also deputy chair of Invest Northern Rivers, said a 1998 Chinese moratorium on timber felling was starting to 'bite', making the Northern Rivers an appealing proposition for investors. 'China is an enormous market for the timber industry, importing around 20 million cubic metres of timber each year. Our aim is to get a slice of that action,' Cr Sullivan said.
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A humpback whale breaches off Cape Byron. Photo: David Paton
The fire ant – now a small pest that has the potential to change the Australian way of life.
NSW opposition leader Kerry Chickarovski confirms her commitment to the bypass to residents in Alstonville's main street yesterday with Ballina MP Don Page.
Joining in the first tree plating to create a Koala Wildlife Corridor at Kadina High School are year nine students (clockwise from front left) Josh Hanley, Brad Anderson, Michael Munroe, Cale Suesskow and Nick Hewett with teacher Lindsay Kitching and Friends of the Koala members John Hyde and Mark Wilson.
April Rich at the preliminary finals of the Lions Miss Personality Quest in June. April will attend the Grand Final this Saturday in Brisbane.
Gorgeous models showed what the best dressed jarjums are wearing to bed during the NAIDOC Week fashion parade at Lismore City Hall on Tuesday night.
The Northern Rivers' new volunteer worker initiative coordinator, Anthony Burton (centre) with Lismore Neighbourhood Centre volunteers (l-r) Terry Harvey of Goonellabah, Suzanne Templeman of Lismore, Janine Goddard of Clunes and Leon Fuller of Larnook.
Proprietors Debbie and Graeme Gulliver, outside their store in Alstonville Shopping Plaza.
Escorted by Invest Northern Rivers directors Bill Collingburn, Ruth Povall and Lexie Hurford, Chinese businessmen De Hong YU and Xue-hai LI inspected investment opportunities in the region on Monday.