Issue 728

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Bank Robbers Caught after Hold-Up

Police interview witnesses in Molesworth Street yesterday following the hold up at the St George Bank.

Two men are expected to appear in Lismore Local Court this morning following a daring daylight bank robbery in Lismore yesterday. Lunchtime shoppers in Molesworth Street reported hearing shouts and screams coming from the St George Bank just before 1pm.

Shortly after two men wearing balaclavas and carrying a large sports bag ran from the bank and turned south into Molesworth Street for a short distance before running through the Lismore Arcade. They then climbed into a stolen blue Commodore sedan parked in Country Lane at the northern end of Carrington Street.

A witness is believed to have given police a description of one of the bandits after seeing him take off his balaclava as he got into the getaway vehicle.

Several other witnesses wrote down the registration number of the vehicle, which was later found abandoned at Wollongbar.

The men were arrested at Ballina late yesterday afternoon after allegedly displaying a large amount of cash in a hotel.

They were assisting police with their inquiries last night but had not yet been charged.

Police are still seeking a third man, believed to be the driver of two getaway cars used in the robbery.

Great Ideas at Camping Show

Inventor Max McGrath with his BQ Max, a portable barbecue which he hopes will secure him first place in the Inventors Competition at the 4WD, Caravan & Camping Show this weekend. He is pictured with the rescue helicopter's spokesperson, Howard Atkinson and Ballina 4WD Club member, Col Starr.

When Max McGrath was nine years old, his father joked if he could find a better mechanism to open the shed doors he'd probably be a millionaire by the time he was 20.

While the 53-year-old Ruthven resident is still a long way from his sixth zero, the experience began a life-long obsession with inventing things. It might just pay off this weekend - Max is one of hundreds of people entering their inventions in the Inventors Competition at the 4WD, Caravan & Camping Show at the Lismore Showgrounds. The show, running from Friday to Sunday, July 20-22, is a fundraiser for the Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.

Max will enter three inventions - his BQ Max portable barbecue, a Shoe Hanger and his Multi Tent Brackets. Ironically, Max was the local Rescue Helicopter service's first paid crewman and two of his inventions are now being used within the service.

Max is crossing his fingers for this weekend's competition as there is some hot competition, including a fold up boat and an easy-erect tent. A win would score Max a three page spread in the national Overlander magazine and put him well on his way to his first $1 million if his product took off.

People can still enter their invention by bringing it along and registering for the competition, which will be judged at 2.30pm on Sunday.

But if you're not the crafty type, then there's still plenty to see and do at the show. With a one third increase on last year's number of exhibitors, more than 300 companies are expected to be displaying their products.

'It's going to be bigger and better than ever this year' literally,' expo organiser Howard Atkinson said.

'There's everything you could possible want for the outdoors with caravans, camping gear, camper trailers, 4WDs, boats and heaps more. Experts and outdoor enthusiasts will be on hand to give helpful advice, from how to hook up a hot shower to your truck motor to the best techniques for power cleaning your car.

'People can also get some fantastic deals and it's a great place to compare the prices of different brands and products.

'If you're not really in the market for something to buy then there's still plenty of demonstrations to enjoy, lots of delicious food and some great activities for the kids.'

For fishing enthusiasts, the Yamaha Supertank is well worth checking out. The Supertank is the world's largest mobile fishing aquarium at 12 metres. It holds 14,000 litres of water as well as live fish.

The tank's operators, Brian Anson-Smith and Dave Hodge, will cast fishing lures into the tank so people can see what they act like underwater and how the fish react to them. Brian and Dave will also demonstrate trick casting and they're more than happy to dole out fishing tips and advice on the best lures.

They'll give a 30 minute demonstration every hour during the three day show.

'Our shows are not just for expert anglers, they're for the whole family and all age groups,' Brian said.

'We're not about catching the fish in the tank' we don't harm the fish. At the end of the show we want people to walk away with newly found skills and heaps of fishing tips that will enable them to catch fish ably and confidently - that's the idea.'

After a quick brush up on your fishing techniques, you can enter the Casting Competition, held at 1.30pm daily. Register at the stall and all the fishing gear's supplied. There are three categories - 12 and under, 12-17 and open - and there's some great prizes of fishing tackle and equipment up for grabs.

If the kids are restless there's a huge jumping castle to keep them busy and Big Dog will make a special appearance on Saturday at 1.30pm.

Another great attraction is the Ballina 4WD Club's purpose-built Demonstration Track. For a gold coin donation people can experience all the excitement of off-road travelling as a trained 4WD driver negotiates hills, sand, mud, logs and anything else in his way.

The Rescue Helicopter and other Emergency Services will hold demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday where people can inspect the vehicles, get information or just have a chat to the volunteers.

The show is designed for the family. Entry is only $5 and children accompanied by an adult are free. The show runs from 9am-4pm daily.

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Council Looks at Failed Pool Complex

Lismore Council may buy the Masterstroke sports complex for residents.

Lismore City Council is considering a plan to buy the former Masterstroke sports complex near Holland Street, Goonellabah, as a compromise pool facility for local residents.

The centre, up for sale following its financial failure earlier this year, was passed in at auction two weeks ago when it failed to attract a bid at the reserve of $575,000. At last Tuesday's council meeting, Cr John Chant suggested the centre could be a viable option for council if it came 'at the right price'.

The complex currently has a 25m indoor heated lap pool that could be extended, another smaller 'splash' pool, five squash courts, a fully-equipped gymnasium, a spa bath and a large amount of land that was briefly used as a golf driving range. The land has the potential to be developed for other uses, such as residential or industrial development to fund the project.

Last week councillors and council staff had their first chance to inspect the facility, which may need up to $1 million in repairs and renovations to make it safe and accessible for the public.

While council has plans for a indoor sports complex in Goonellabah on the drawing board, Cr Frank Swientek's long-held dream of a pool in Goonellabah remains unlikely (Cr Swientek was absent from the meeting).

Cr Chant's suggestion has received the support of Cr Reg Baxter who thinks it's 'worth a look' and Cr John Crowther who said 'something's better than nothing'.

Meanwhile, Lismore Council will hold a workshop on the Memorial Baths redevelopment on Wednesday, July 25, to finalise a range of issues around the project before it goes out to tender.

After receiving 15 registrations of interest, council has short-listed five companies to tender for the design of the redevelopment, as well as engaging a consultant, Ian Richardson of One Aquatics, to help develop the tender.

The baths redevelopment project team held its second meeting on June 21, and the minutes indicate that Cr Bob Gates, who is entitled to attend the meeting as mayor, continues to be an advocate for the Lismore RSL Club, which is selling council land for the project.

The minutes say 'Cr Gates suggested that the RSL Club are opposed to the leisure/program pool being enclosed as they do not want views from the Club to be obstructed. Cr Gates also indicated that the RSL were opposed to the 50 metre pool being relocated to the 'bowling green' area'.

Cr Gates also suggested that the registration of interest document may have been too specific and that the minimum standards were too onerous. The committee agreed to invite along a representative from the RSL Club, preferably the general manager, to future project team meetings. Following the suggestion from Cr Gates that budgetary constraints may mean the revedelopment is staged, the project team of is now moving away from its initial position that it would be cheaper to build the project in one go.

The RSL Club, the RSL sub-branch and pool users have also been invited along to the July 25 workshop. The University has also been invited to update council on its plans for a 25m pool on campus.

The issues to be considered at the workshop include:

• the current condition of the baths - a consultants report is due shortly;
• community expectations
• the site constraints and RSL club expectations;
• purchasing the land from the RSL club;
• staging the works:
• the minimum facilities in the initial development (Cr Gates favours building the leisure water first);
• additional facilities for a later stage;
• the budget.

The project team hopes to have the design complete by January 25, 2002.

Kids Lead the Way in Reconciliation

When you're 10 years old, the skin colour doesn't matter. It's a truth many adults have forgotten, but watching Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children play together during the NAIDOC Week celebrations in Lismore last week, you can't help wondering why the grown ups are having such a hard time achieving reconciliation.

More than 1,500 people joined in the celebrations in Heritage Park and Mortimer Oval on Thursday and Friday to play sport, sing songs sung and tell stories.

NAIDOC Week organiser Ken Morgan was 'astounded' by the turnout.

'All reports suggest it was the best NAIDOC Week ever,' Ken said. 'It was great to see both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community turning out to have a good time and show their support for the reconciliation process.

'Because it was a celebration for the entire Bundjalung Nation we had representatives from Aboriginal communities in Casino, Kyogle, Ballina and many of the surrounding areas, which was just fantastic.

'Full credit must go to our team of volunteers, the sponsors and Lismore City Council, who were all extremely supportive and helpful.'

And while the celebrations were a huge success, if Australians want to achieve true reconciliation between the nation's indigenous and non-indigenous people, maybe we should start following the example set by our children.

Story & photos: Terra Sword

Lismore's Future Looks Bright

At the screening of a new television campaign promoting Lismore were Stone & Partners solicitor John Page, Lismore Unlimited president Barry Robinson, Sue Ryan from State & Regional Development, Lismor unlimited manager Marian Forwood and solictor Alan Cowley.

The Lismore business community had a sneak preview of television ads aimed at reminding people what a great place the city is to live and work in this week.

The ads are part of a major campaign commissioned by business organisation Lismore Unlimited to sell the benefits of the inland city - which is often undervalued by residents as well as people from surrounding towns.

Yet a recent article in accountancy magazine Australian CPA included Lismore as one of a small number of regional centres on the cusp of a boom, stating that it made the city a worthwhile investment.

Lismore Unlimited manager Marian Forwood said there were a number of positive economic signs in Lismore's future, including an improved real estate market, and that the campaign was aimed at raising local awareness.

'This first stage will remind people of what a great place Lismore is. We have all the facilities and services that people require, and it is timely to remind people of that,' she said.

'The intent is to enhance Lismore's self-image and improve the perception of Lismore as a location for business and destination for shoppers, visitors and tourists.'

The campaign is also being supported by the Lismore Tourist Information Centre and Lismore Economic Development Unit, with additional funding from the NSW Department of State and Regional Development.

Goonellabah-based Graphiti Design is developing the campaign, which will begin airing shortly. Tony Shaw, from Graphiti Design said the campaign will highlight Lismore's role as an arts and cultural hub as well as a regional centre.

'We're confident that our marketing plan will generate significant interest in our region and that its interactive theme will create a sense of pride and ownership within the local community,' he said.

CWA Looking Good for 100

The blue dress Merralyn wears was one of the oldest gowns being worn at the luncheon, having been brought out from Scotland by John Guild on the ship Accrington in 1901.

The dress was a gift for his wife, Margaret, who wore the hand-stitched garment at the first exhibition ball, which was held in Melbourne following the first sitting of parliament.

According to the owner of the dress, Norma Clement, Margaret cried when she saw the gown -not from happiness but because 'she thought the blue was too bright'.

The dress was handed down to Norma, who became friends with the family when she was a young girl. Norma asked her close friend Merralyn to don the magnificent gown for the occasion.

Story & photo Terra Sword

Out of Africa to Help Kenyan Kids

Anneke Hawke and Grace Mully - hosting an African dinner this Saturday to raise funds for Kenyan kids

To help raise money for the Mully Children's Home in Kenya where she recently did volunteer work, Lismore girl Anneke Hawke is presenting an African Evening this Saturday, July 21 at St Andrew's Church Hall from 6.30pm.

Anneke is presenting the evening with Grace Mully, whose parents run the home.

Grace arrived in Australia last month, joining Anneke on her quest to raise awareness about the home and raise much-needed funds. So far Grace has talked to many community groups and schools across the country, stopping in Lismore to visit Anneke and present the show on Saturday.

'It's a chance for people to experience a bit of different culture and learn about the work we do at the Mully Children's Home,' Grace said.

'I'll be talking about how the home is funded and what the children do as well as share some of their experiences and stories. I'm trying to generate awareness about the home as well as interest and support.'

Under Grace's watchful eye, Anneke and two other Australian girls who volunteered at the home with create an authentic Kenyan meal to be served on the night.

Dinner will be followed by a slide and video presentation by Grace. It culminates with a dance party, powered by authentic African music.

The money raised will be used for various projects at the Mully Children's Home, which is currently in desperate need of bedding for the children.

Entry is $20/15. To book phone 6622 7557 or 6621 3200.

Terra Sword

Council Decides Koala's Future in Secret

The future of koalas in Lismore will be decided in secret next Tuesday night, with the community and media locked out of a final attempt by Lismore City Council to break a deadlock over Lismore's Koala Management Plan.

The plan has been on the drawing board for more than a decade.

The closed-door meeting has annoyed Cr Ros Irwin, who said seven councillors had voted to break a longstanding policy to keep meetings open to the public.

'Is it because behind closed doors, some councillors can ask questions and make statements they would not feel comfortable airing publicly?' she said.

'Or is it that they really want to dump a plan which has been developed with a large degree of goodwill.'

Cr Frank Swientek has adroitly chaired the Koala Management Plan meetings, managing to elicit compromises from both sides of the debate. But most of the compromise has come from the conservation side, with the latest version of the Draft Koala Plan of Management considerably watered-down from its initial position.

Nevertheless, some Lismore councillors have suggested scrapping the plan. Tuesday's workshop will decide whether to proceed to public exhibition with the Plan.

The draft Plan covers a range of issues, from mapping habitat for improved land management, to minimising the impact of dogs and cars, food tree planting, and the development of education programs and koala tourism.

Friends of the Koala spokesperson and committee member Dr Effie Ablett said that it was vital for all parties the plan was adopted.

'If the plan does not go ahead, people wanting to develop their own land will need to prepare Environment Impact Statements, Species Impact Statements, and individual Koala Management Plans. This will impose a huge financial impost, and may well deter sensible development,' Dr Ablett said.

Ballina Brothel Wants to go Legal

The operator of a Ballina brothel, who has lodged a development application with Ballina Council, has described herself as merely a legitimate businesswoman carrying out a legitimate business.

Susan Thwaites, one of the operators of the brothel, Exclusive Company in Racecourse Road, Ballina, said she had lodged the DA because she required to do so by law.

'We are operating a legitimate business and are merely seeking council approval to carry on that business.

'There is a demand for the service we provide, we are operating in an area that complies with the law and we have nothing to hide.'

When asked why she bothering with a DA when a number of illegal brothels appeared to be operating with impunity within the Ballina Shire, Ms Thwaites replied that it she saw no reason to operate illegally.

'Since changes to the law in 1995 it is no longer an offence to operate, own or work in a brothel provided they are approved areas,' Ms Thwaites said.

'Ask your readers if they would prefer a legal brothel operating in a non-residential area or an illegal operation next door to their homes?'

Ballina Council general manager Stuart McPherson said the DA would be dealt with in the same way as any other.

When questioned about council's attitude to illegal brothels in the shire, Mr McPherson said that council's policy was to attempt to regularise all irregular land use in the shire wherever practicable. 'This policy applies as much to illegal flats as brothels,' he said.

The DA is unlikely to come before council before its August 23 meeting, according to council's town planning department.

While it appears to meet the basic criteria in that it is located within an industrial area, there are still a number of matters relating to council ordinances, state laws and health department regulations that need to be investigated before council staff can make a report.

Dave Fawkner

Kyogle Skatepark Opens

Thanks to the goodwill of a pro-youth, decisive council and the hard work of the Kyogle Youth Action group volunteers, the Kyogle Skate Park will be opened this Saturday, July 21.

While Ballina Council continues to bicker over where to put a skate park at Lennox Head, Turkey town has wasted no time getting the job done.

The skate park is a 'fantastic' addition to town's youth facilities and a major achievement for such a little community, according to Deb Burcher from Kyogle Youth Action.

'Skating and roller-blading are activities that keep youth active, fit, healthy and away from risk-taking behaviours,' Deb said.

'This small piece of concrete gives a huge boost to the life of the community and being a town with a small population of just 3,500, we think it's a huge accomplishment.'

The opening will feature a skating and rollerblading competition, followed by demonstrations by pro-skaters. There's a jumping castle for the youngsters, market stalls and raffles.

The free opening culminates with live performances from two local youth bands.

Council Sells more Evans Head Land

Richmond Valley Council is to auction13 house blocks in Stage Two of its aerodrome subdivision at Evans Head on October13.

The land release follows the sale of the final block in Stage One of the development.

Twelve of the 17 blocks in Stage One sold at auction in December 2000 and the remaining five have since sold.

Richmond Valley Council general manager Ross Schipp said council had already received inquiries about the auction from as far away as Brisbane.

Have Your Say on Council

Lismore City Council moves back downtown next week - setting up an information stall at Lismore Shopping Square.

Council general manager Ken Gainger said the week-long presence was designed to offer residents another chance to meet with council staff and councillors to discuss issues.

'Various Council departments will be in attendance on a roster, as well as the councillors. It's so people can ask questions about the services Council provides, and give us feedback on how those services can be improved,' he said.

Mayor Bob Gates said the shopping centre stall was also a good opportunity for the community to raise issues it thinks the council should be concerned about.

'This is an invaluable avenue in which we can hear directly from ratepayers about issues which affect them,' Cr Gates said.

The stall is open Tuesday to Friday, July 24-27, 10am to 4pm, at the Square.

Troubled Youth

Police were involved in a potential siege situation after a youth barricaded himself in a farmhouse at Tucki Tucki south of Lismore yesterday. Police were called to the house around 8.30am, and specialist police negotiators went to the scene to speak with the youth.

Police said the 17-year-old had become distressed following a domestic dispute. After what police described as drawn out and delicate negotiations, the youth allowed himself to be given medical treatment before being reunited with family. Police said they would not be laying charges over the matter.

ABC Friends

The Northern Rivers Friends of the ABC branch is holding a meeting to establish the Nimbin sub-branch at the Oasis Cafe in Nimbin at 7pm next Tuesday July 24. Nimbin residents can contact Nimbin FM broadcasters Desmond Bishop or Tomaso Lonsdale for details or phone John Knight on 6689 1217.

Ballina Cancer Support Group Launched

Ballina Angel Network Cancer Support Group's first junior volunteer, Steven Naumovski, selling the first raffle ticket in the group's first fundraiser to cancer patient Eunice Hitchcock.

When Jeannie Sales was told earlier this year she was in remission from cancer, it marked the end of a two year ordeal involving two major operations, chemo and radiation therapy.

While Jeannie had a large support network of family and friends she saw many others who didn't - prompting her to set up the Ballina Angel Network to help cancer patients in the area.

Jeannie and her management team ('seven little angels') in conjunction with the Cancer Council have wasted no time in started their first project, the Ballina Angel Network Cancer Support Group.

The new group will be launched next Thursday, July 26, in the CWA Rooms, River Street, Ballina, from 1pm. The group is open to cancer patients of all ages, their families, friends and carers. The slogan is 'tell us what you need and we'll find a way to help'.

'Whether someone needs a major overhaul or just a friendly hug, the group's here to give,' Jeannie said.

'Social interaction among cancer patients is essential and we need to bring this into balance by making sure the gatherings are interesting, uplifting and fun as well as informative.

'We've had an overwhelming response from the general public and health professionals - there's a definite need for this type of support service.'

The group will have a different health professional or allied worker as a guest speaker each month as well as seminars on grief, facing mortality, coping strategies and Cancer Council programs. The group will meet on the first Thursday of every month in the Ballina CWA rooms from 1pm (the next meeting is August 2).

For more information feel free to join the meeting or phone 6681 1866.

Stay Healthy and Help Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes Australia Lismore Branch volunteer Pat Johnston, who will be selling clip-on bees and lapel badges for tomorrow's What's the Buzz Day. Pat's daughter, Taryn, was diagnosed with diabetes at age 12.

Diabetes is the world's fastest growing disease and is the seventh leading cause of death in Australia.

Estimates suggest that the prevalence of adult onset diabetes will double in the next 10 years alone. According to Dr Andrew Binns, we are now seeing this disease in younger people, including adolescents and children

Taryn Johnston, was 12 when she diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Her mother Pat is now a member and avid supporter of Diabetes Australia.

'Being a single parent made the situation even harder... I would've gone mental without their support,' she said.

'Whether you need help on how to measure a dosage or just a friendly shoulder to cry on, the local Diabetes Australia branch is there to help.

'When Taryn was first diagnosed I was really stressed out - I found it hard to watch her suffer and although I knew what to do I'd panic and get frightened. The branch was only ever a phone call away and that made all the difference.'

It's Diabetes Week and tomorrow, July 20, is What's the Buzz Day so Pat's encouraging people to show their support and buy either a $3 clip-on bee or a $5 magnetic bee lapel badge.

Volunteers like Pat will be selling the merchandise around town over the next week and people can also purchase bees from the Diabetes Australia Lismore Branch stall, which will be at the Lismore Shopping Square tomorrow from 8.30am-4.30pm.

'The money will be used for research into diabetes and although it's not going to happen soon, one day they might find a cure. My daughter mightn't get it, but if we keep fundraising and putting money and resources towards that goal one day her granddaughter might,'Pat said.

There are two types of diabetes -insulin dependent Type 1 to which people have a genetic disposition and non-insulin dependent Type 2, which is affected by lifestyle.

Dr Binns says a varied and healthy diet and more active lifestyle can help prevent type 2 diabetes.

'At least 30 minutes of exercise a day is a great start. The exercise can also be accumulated in short sessions of 10 minutes or so. We also need to eat a variety of nutritious foods, choose foods that are lower in fat, particularly saturated fat, and eat plenty of breads, cereals, fruit and vegetables, which are good sources of fibre,' Dr Binns said.

About one in two people with diabetes don't know they have the disease. Dr Binns said people who are at risk to have a simple test when they next see their GP.

'People are at risk of developing diabetes if they are older than 50 years and have one or more of the following risk factors: obesity, a close relative with type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure. Aboriginal people and those from non-English speaking backgrounds such as the Pacific Islands, the Indian subcontinent and those from a Chinese cultural background who may have adopted a western diet and lifestyle have a high risk of developing the disease from the age of 35,' Dr Binns said.

Also at risk are people with one or more of the following risk factors: older than 65 years, history of diabetes during pregnancy, heart disease, and women with ovarian cysts who are also obese.

'The longer the 400,000 Australians who have type 2 diabetes remain undiagnosed, the more likely they are to suffer the serious complications of diabetes. These include heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, limb amputation and impotence,' Dr Binns said.

The Diabetes Australia Lismore Branch meets on the third Thursday of each month (next meeting August 20) at the Primary Health Care Ctr, 31 Uralba Street, from 7.30pm.

For more information, phone 6621 2540.

20 Year effort Tackling Drugs is Rewarded

Northern Rivers Area Health Service manager of drug and alcohol service, David Reilly, with his Ted Noff award.

After more than 20 years working in drug and alcohol services, David Reilly has been recognised for his contributions in the third annual Ted Noffs Awards.

Mr Reilly, the Northern Rivers Area Health Service's manager of drug and alcohol services, was honoured when he received a special commendation in the Individual achievement category.

The commendation was given to Mr Reilly for his work within the local area, which includes doing the first major study on long-term cannabis users and the effects of the drug. He was also being instrumental in the establishment of the Riverlands Centre, Lismore's new detox facility.

'I feel that it's acknowledgement from ones peers - it's very gratifying to be recognised with such a prestigious award,' he said.

'While it's in recognition of my individual achievements, I think it's also a reflection of the innovation, creativity and support of people in this area and certainly the Board of the Area Health Service in the drug and alcohol field.'

The awards are named after the late Ted Noffs, who was instrumental in setting up the Wayside Chapel in Sydney as well as beginning Life Education. Lismore was the first town to establish a Life Education Van and it's still operating to this day.

Mr Reilly helped establish the first needle exchange program in the Northern Rivers in 1988 and has spoken at more than 30 conferences, including a World Health Organisation conference into early intervention drug programs for youth. He has published more than 40 papers, reports and articles on drug-related topics and studies.

In his spare time Mr Reilly lectures at the University of Queensland.

Terra Sword

Well-Groomed Pooches

Proprietor of Adorable Dogs Grooming Salon, Jo Evans, with her companion Saffron and Monte, outside her salon in the Russell Industrial Estate near Alstonville.

'I'm not sure who it was more frustrating for - me or the dog,' the proprietor of Adorable Dogs Grooming Salon, Jo Evans, said remembering the first time she ever tried to bathe a dog.

'Let's just say both of us got wet but neither of us got washed!'

When Jo first began grooming at age 19 she was lucky enough to be taught by a dog judge, Bill Raisbeck. Bill taught Jo everything he knew about show grooming and in return, Jo would groom and show Bill's dogs each week.

Jo was lucky in that most youngsters have to start as pet groomers before moving on to the much more complicated task of show grooming. But after being thrown in the deep end, Jo learned quickly and loved the life. She has been show grooming ever since, which is nearly 35 years.

'I always loved them and they always loved me - it's an instant mutual friendship,' Jo said of her relationship with dogs.

'When I was young everyone else wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer but I just wanted to be an old maid living on a hill with lots of dogs. I didn't accomplish the old maid bit, but I've got the dogs!'

Jo's Adorable Dogs Grooming Salon is located in the Russellton Industrial Estate outside Alstonville - a convenient location for pet owners in Lismore, Ballina, Alstonville and Lennox Head.

Her salon is adjacent to her brother Mark's business, The Secret Garden Nursery.

'The nursery and salon fit in so well together - the environment is lovely no matter what species you are,' Jo joked.

'My clients really appreciate the easy parking and if people want to wait, then they can browse through the nursery's extensive range of plants.'

Jo's grooming service is moderately priced, and currently she will do a shampoo and fluff dry with a full clip and nail clip for $27.50. Often a bath and a face clip will extend the time between full clips and this is especially popular in winter, so Jo provides the service for $11.

Being an experienced groomer and quick with scissors, Jo can also clip Bichons, Maltese and similar breeds to any length or shape for the price of a normal cut.

Adorable Dogs is at 39 Kays Lane in the Russellton Industrial Estate near Alstonville. Phone Jo on 6628 5800.

Seal of Approval for Lismore Base

Lismore Base Hospital has been given the thumbs up by the peak health industry standards authority.

A recent biennial review by the Australian Council of Health Care Standards examined improved performance and work safety, along with the hospitals ability to meet the targets set in a 1999 review.

NRAHS board member Hazel Bridgett (pictured) presented Lismore Base Hospital executive officer Wayne Jones with the hospital's accreditation certificate in front of staff.

Ballina Hospital has also received its accreditation for the next four years.

Evans Head Museum

A public meeting at Evans Head on July 12 has backed plans to turn a hangar at the town's former WWII aerodrome into a museum.

The Bellman hangar, which is subject to a deferred interim heritage order while the NSW Heritage Office undertakes a study of WWII sites in NSW, is the only remaining WWII hangar at the aerodrome.

While those attending were adamant that the wartime history of Evans Head would be the main theme, it was agreed that there was also room to highlight areas such as fishing, sport, Aboriginal culture, the environment and mining.

A meeting to form a museum steering committee will be held on August 2.