Issue 729
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Main NewsPool Will Lose MoneyThe redevelopment of the Lismore Memorial baths site is likely to run at a loss of $100,000 per annum according to the consultant employed to advise Lismore City Council on the project. Ian Richardson of One Aquatics, outlined the possibilities for the site at a workshop for councillors on Wednesday night, saying it was inevitable that the project would run at a deficit every year. He said the challenge was to design the aquatic centre to minimise losses, which could range from between $30,000 to $150,000 per annum. Comparing a range of similarly sized communities with aquatic centres, Mr Richardson's studies showed that annual visitor numbers to a pool average around 4-6 times the population size, leaving all the facilities in deficit. Taree's aquatic centre, which was projected to make a $60,000 surplus in the first year, instead posted a $260,000 deficit. Mr Richardson said that to make Lismore's centre more viable, council would need to spend around $6.5 million on the redevelopment and include things like an enclosed pool, heated water and a gymnasium. Mayor Bob Gates is firm on a cap of $4 million. But last night, the councillors who had supported him so far indicated they were prepared to consider spending more money on the project. The shift comes as further investigation of the proposal reveals that the mayor's vision for the site is more likely to increase the annual losses for ratepayers. Cr Gates believes heating the pool is not needed because of the city's ‘subtropical climate' and that shade covers will suffice, rather than enclosing some of the water space for year-round use. But Mr Richardson said a 'controlled', ie enclosed, environment was vital to attract users, especially during colder months and even on windy days, which discourage swimmers. 'Off the top of my head' he said only shading the pool would cost the facility around 50,000 visitors per annum. 'You will not have the facility the community needs or expects - a pool without heating is not acceptable... the level of expectation has grown,' Mr Richardson said. He was also blunt about the constraints of the site, the design difficulties it presented and the tight budget. With $232,000 going to the Lismore RSL Club to purchase the bowling green land, and $110,000 being spent on relocating services, Mr Richardson said it would be difficult to build the facility to match community expectations. A spokesperson for the Lismore Swimming Club said that if the baths were not enclosed, the club's members would permanently relocate to the first pool that offers covered facilities. Lismore RSL Club has written to council expressing concerns that enclosing the pools may adversely affect the view from the club. RSL Club manager Ken Coughran said an open view with sails was the club's 'preferred option'. The RSL Club also operates an enclosed lap pool in its premises. Council has decided to ask for design proposals and costings that include either shade cover or enclosed water. Mr Richardson's thumbnail costing came to $4.19 million. To save money, he proposed putting the whole facility on the existing site. His suggestion to use the Baths entrance - the memorial - for change rooms horrified members of the RSL sub-branch. He later apologised for his 'unintended' offence. Mr Richardson's proposed costing includes:
Phil Consalvo pleaded on behalf of the Lismore RSL sub-branch to relocate the entrance to the baths from the memorial, which features the names of 200 WWI fallen. 'The current situation is not acceptable - people walk through to the baths during memorial services and that is sacrilegious to our way of thinking,' he said. Mr Consalvo even suggested that the RSL sub-branch would be happy for the pool to go elsewhere, and the current site turned into memorial gardens with the WWII cenotaph. While his suggestion angered some councillors who have a particular belief about the sacred relationship between splashing about in water and remembrance, Council agreed 8-3 (Crs King, Suffolk, Crowther against) to look at a new entrance to the site. The concept received a boost when Mr Richardson said that the proposed split-level design would be a 'nightmare' that could add $180,000 per annum in staffing supervision costs. Council will look at building a higher observation area to address the problem. The workshop also decided against staging the development, which could add an extra 8-10 per cent to the cost. Mr Richardson said the project would take a minimum of 7-9 months to complete, and could be done by closing early in autumn, then reopening a little later than usual. Lismore Council will hold a special meeting next Tuesday to endorse the workshop decision.
Bentley Goes State of the Art
The Bentley Hall will be a hive of activity this weekend, when hundreds of people flock to the small country hall for the 16th annual Bentley Art Show. The three day event from Friday to Sunday, July 27- 29 will showcase more than 300 artworks from around the local region including photographs, sculptures, a huge variety of paintings and some Aboriginal art. According to the show's organiser, Reg Hartley, there are more entries than ever this year and he expects the show to attract more than 1000 people. 'The show gives lesser-known artists an opportunity to display their work to the public,' Reg said. 'The show is a great family event and while there are amateur artists the exhibition is of a high standard and I think people will be really impressed. Aside from all of that, it's lovely drive out to Bentley and a really relaxing way to spend a day.' The celebrations kick off tomorrow night with a wine and cheese tasting evening from 7.30pm accompanied by entertainment from local singer Marge Graham. On Saturday there's entertainment by singer/songwriter Rod Morton, market stalls and a BBQ at the hall from 9am-5pm. There will also be displays of local produce like olive oil from Clarence River Olives and coffee grown in the Northern Rivers. The Bentley Art Prize judging will be conducted on Saturday morning, with Aboriginal art being judged by Kyogle artist Patsy Nagus, photos by legendary newspaper photographer Darcy McFadden and all other art by well-known Evans Head artist Tom Stewart. Former NSW Liberal leader Peter Collins will officially open the exhibition at 2pm on Saturday, followed by the presentation of prizes. On Sunday the exhibition is open for viewing from 9am-3pm with refreshments provided by the local preschool kids and the P&C Association to raise money for their school. Entry to the show is $3 adults and $1.50 for children daily. All proceeds from the event will go to the Casino Voluntary Rescue Association to assist their work in the local area. Story & photo: Terra Sword Bronze for the Computer Kid
Lismore's Japanese friends
Japanese people, including residents of Lismore's ‘sister city' of Yamato Takada, have dug deep to contribute funds to the new Tony Glynn Memorial House on Southern Cross University. The Centre, completed except for some final work on the Japanese-style landscaping, is already a gathering place for the rising number of Japanese students at SCU and will become a valuable facility for the teaching of Japanese language and culture to the wider community. It is named after Lismore-born Tony Glynn, who became a Marist priest, and spent more than 40 years in Japan, fostering reconciliation between the former wartime enemies, Australia and Japan. It was Fr Glynn's initiative that led to the establishment of the Lismore- Yamato Takada relationship in 1963, the first such sisterly link between Australia and Japan. SCU's choral group, Isabella A Cappella took time out during an 18-day 30 concert tour of Japan to give an impromptu show was staged for the highly appreciative Mayor of Yamato Takada, Mr Toshiharu Matsuda, whose Council later made a significant donation to the Tony Glynn centre. Mr Matsuda said he hoped to join other Japanese dignitaries at the centre's official opening in mid-September. A 10-week course on Japanese language and etiquette will be held at the Tony Glynn centre from Thursday, 16 August, 6-7.30pm. Cost is $80, details from Cass Grant on 6626 9148 or Tazuko Mclaren on 6686 3943 (after 9pm) Story & photos: Robin Osborne
Local Milk Adds Flavour
Fairbrae Flavours is the new milk on the block. Following good sales with their two litre Jersey milk, the Fairbrae Milk Company at Bentley are launching a new range of flavoured milks this Saturday at the Bentley Art Show. The flavours include chocolate, coffee, strawberry and Jersey caramel and the company will also launch its Jersey Skim and Superior Cream lines. 'We've had so many requests for flavoured milk that we just thought it was time to branch out and cater for a wider variety of customers,' Fairbrae director Phil Denniston said. 'If we end up selling as much flavoured milk as we have ordinary milk then we'll be at our maximum capacity. We thought there was a market for a premium milk product in the area and it looks like we were right. Fairbrae milk is now sold as far away as the Gold Coast and even Lord Howe Island.' The Fairbrae flavoured milks will be available in stores from next week.
Slip Into Denim For the Kids
No-one sees the effects of childhood diseases on children and their parents more often than the nurses at Lismore Base Hospital's Children's Ward. Nurses like Heather Chesham, who has worked at the hospital for more than a decade, are confronted with children suffering genetic diseases every day. On the flip side, they also see the benefits of ongoing research into these diseases. Research however, takes money and so Heather and her troops are encouraging people to don denim and join in Jeans for Genes Day next Friday, August 3. 'Children suffering cystic fibrosis used to only live into their teens but today there are sufferers living into their 40s, which demonstrates the great advancements in genetic research,' Heather said. 'Genetic problems aren't always visible to people, but that doesn't mean there aren't thousands of children suffering. The more money that's raised the more research can be done and the more answers we get. 'It doesn't take much to get involved and it could make a huge difference to someone else's life – plus it's nice being able to wear jeans to work for a change!' You simply need to wear jeans next Friday and for the privilege make a donation. If you're not into denim you can still buy a $10 or $5 badge or a $2 tattoo from shops around town including the Summerland Credit Union, Harvey Norman and Toys R Us. There's still time to get Jeans for Genes Day merchandise to sell – proceeds go to the Children's Medical Research Institute. Phone 1800 677 260.
Permodrive's $1m Big Break
Lismore-based truck braking innovators Permo-Drive Technologies Ltd received a major fillip last week with institutional investors throwing the weight behind the company's revolutionary technology. The NSW Local Government Superannuation Scheme's new $130 million Regional Development Trust has invested $1 million in the company. NSW Treasurer Michael Egan said the $1 million added to the strong regional support for the project since the prospectus for Permo-Drive was launched in November last year. 'This new investment has brought the total investment to $4 million, which includes $2 million from Lismore and the regional community,' he said. 'This is a great endorsement for regional technology.' The Permo-Drive system aims to boost the drive power of heavy vehicles by conserving and reusing braking energy. Permo-Drive managing director Allan Rush said the Trust's investment was a major endorsement for the company and the technology, and established a precedent for regional investment. 'Our strategy to ‘stay regional' has been well and truly vindicated, and with the support of this Development Trust – managed by Deutsche Bank – we will be able to achieve our global potential from a regional base and deliver outstanding local, economic and employment benefits,' he said. Mr Rush paid tribute to Lismore mayor Bob Gates, who introduced Permo-Drive to the Trust managers, as well as council. 'Without the support of Council, the NSW government and Federal government via a $1 million R & D grant, this exciting project would have struggled or gone off shore.' Mr Rush said Permo-Drive was currently involved in pre-production testing of the regenerative braking technology. But already the results are positive and he expects major scientific results soon, which he says will 'make the heavy automotive industry sit up and take notice'. Investment opportunities still exist under the current prospectus. Contact Permo-Drive.
Local Firm in Step With Defence
The ADF has granted the firm a special award in recognition of its service record. Aspect North's Managing Partner, Tony Hart (pictured) received the award from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence, Dr. Brendan Nelson, at a recent ceremony in Canberra. After winning a competitive tender last year, Aspect North has been supplying high-tech digital maps of operational landmass areas to the ADF. 'As a regionally based company we are proud to be chosen as a national digital mapping supplier,' Tony Hart said. 'We are also delighted to have won the ADF's tremendous vote of confidence within our first three years of operation.' Mr Hart described the company as 'a quiet achiever on the Northern Rivers' because its client base was largely outside the area, including international companies. 'Recently we gained the recognition of the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO), a division of the Japanese Government, and two of our staff attended an Environmental Expo in Tokyo to exhibit our digital mapping capabilities,' he said. This week the company, based in Carrington Street, appointed Bruce Anderson as Business Manager/ Financial Controller. Mr Anderson was formerly Ballina Council's Chief of Finance and Administration.
Plant a Tree this Sunday
It doesn't take much to be part of National Tree Day this Sunday, July 29 – just a pair of hands and 15 minutes of your time. Last year more than 100 local people attended the Lismore event and with a target of 1,000 trees this year, more people are needed to help plant the native species of grasses, trees and shrubs. The planting will be held at Coleman's Point on the riverbank off Molesworth Street (opposite Zadoc Street), at a site prepared by the Ballina Greencorps team. The planting will run from 9.30am–1pm and people can turn anytime to plant a tree. 'Rainforest Rescue have organised $1,000 worth of plants through the support of Southern Cross Credit Union. And Lismore City Council is supplying plants and mulch – now we just need some help getting them into the ground,' Wilson River Landcare Group spokesperson, Vanessa Ekins said. 'We have been working on the riverbanks for over 10 years and a lot of our time is spent weeding and maintaining existing plantings. Thanks to the enthusiasm and hard work of the Greencorps team however, we have a large area of the riverbank free of weeds and ready for planting. 'If you have an interest in trees, or even if you've never planted a tree before, come down to the river on Sunday and we'll show you how. Then you can pass by each day and see how your trees are growing.' For any unemployed young people, aged 17-20, and interested in bush regeneration, a Lismore Greencorps project is starting in August. A team of 10 people will work together for six months on a priority environmental project, while earning an allowance. The new project aims to preserve and improve plant species on the Wilson River in urban Lismore by weed control, mapping of endangered species, seed collection and establishment of a buffer zone of trees. To register for the project or to get info on National Tree Day phone 6628 1745. Terra Sword
Federal Govt. Supports Memorial Restoration
The restoration of Lismore War Memorial to its former glory is one step closer after Federal Veterans Affairs minister Bruce Scott presented the Lismore RSL Sub-Branch with a cheque for $20,000 last Thursday. A total of $73,000 has been raised towards the restoration, to the delight of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch vice-president, Jim Hawkins. 'From a zero fund base in August last year we now have $73,000, much of which was raised through a raffle, as well as donations from the public, local businesses and even school children,' Jim said. The white granite inscribed with the names of the fallen will be replaced by black granite, and Jim says the memorial will be waterproofed to ensure in remains a longer-lasting symbol of remembrance. Veterans Affairs minister, Bruce Scott, said the $20,000 donation was part of the federal government's regional Memorials upgrade program. 'War memorials are a powerful message to the community and it's vital to assist regional communities in helping restore these memorials in their town,' Mr Scott said. The RSL sub-branch hopes restoration work on the memorial will be completed in time for Anzac Day, 2002.
Lismore Nurse has Finger on the Pulse
Ms O'Donnell, who is also a member of the Northern Rivers Area Health Service Board, has been a nurse for more than 20 years. 'The sad thing is that the issues affecting nurses have remained virtually unchanged in all that time,' she said. 'Nurses still face inadequate staffing levels, a shortage of nurses, a relatively lower rate of remuneration to other health professionals, and, of course, the issues of security in their workplace.' Ms O'Donnell's election to Vice-President is a first for the region. She remains passionate about the role nurses play in the community. 'Nursing is a great profession which will take you anywhere. There are so many different types of nurses and nursing, yet most people only think of hospitals when you mention nursing,' she said. 'The recent introduction of Nurse Practitioners in NSW has further increased the scope for nurses to provide care for all members of the community.' Ms O'Donnell said her new role will allow her to continue advocating for nurses on major concerns affecting the health system, especially issues like the increasing shortage of nursing staff and wage levels for nurses.
Machinery Store Reborn
The Summerland Machinery Centre is back on track and it's business as usual after it was bought by former director, Keith Pynt, on Tuesday. The business went into liquidation in June, with debts over $2 million . Keith's move is good news for the nine staff who, despite the recent troubles, haven't missed a day of work – or pay. 'It was pretty nerve-racking but we kept a positive outlook and believed there could be a future,' said employee, Derek Yates, who celebrates 10 years with Summerland next Wednesday. 'Everyone thought we were closed and even the milkman didn't come for the first week. But we had no doubt it would survive and that loyalty's paid off 110 per cent. We're going to go really hard now and we're here to stay.' Poor economic conditions following the purchase of another failing machinery business in 1996 eventually brought both companies down. But Keith bought Summerland in own right. 'I wanted to protect my staff because it wasn't their fault – they've always been good workers and very supportive. 'It's sad the creditors didn't get paid, but because the business is continuing they'll get money through profit from dealings with the new business,' Keith said. 'I've faith that people will come back to the business and I've put my faith in the creditors that they'll stay with the business – then both the region and the creditors will get a return. 'The liquidation was an unhappy event that had to happen but we've learnt from it and the future looks bright.' Story & photo: Terra Sword
Road Too Narrow For Trucks Say Residents
Rous Mill residents have called on Ballina Council to postpone the development approval for a storage shed until they can discuss its effects on their community and traffic conditions in Dalwood Road. The Rous Mill & District Ratepayers Association is objecting to the shed because they believe it does not fill the role described in the DA. Association chairman Elizabeth Hamilton said residents were concerned that the description of the development when advertised did not convey its real use. 'The notices in the media which described the development as ‘use of an existing shed for the storage and distribution of product' was an inadequate description of the facility,' Miss Hamilton said. 'This is an agricultural area and many residents have large sheds so no one objected at the time. 'What we have since discovered is that the shed is to be used to store avocados from throughout the district before they are loaded into semi-trailers for distribution to city and regional centres. 'It's a transport depot and we believe it should be located in an industrial area.' The property is believed to be owned by Rockhampton based company Turner Transport. Miss Hamilton said residents were also concerned that the location of the property's entrance – in a cutting, on the crest of a hill, and on a narrow section of road – was a major traffic hazard. Mr Peter Hume of Humes Hovell, a local bed and breakfast, said the section of road was in a100 km/h zone and subject to heavy fog at certain times of the year. 'Residents have witnessed large trucks backing into the property from Dalwood Road in the past and we believe this would become a daily occurrence if the development goes ahead,' he said. Miss Hamilton said that the ratepayers' association was aware that council had stipulated that the owner widen the road and provide a turning lane as a condition of approval of the DA, but wished to raise other matters as well. 'If the DA is to stand we need time to make submissions on the stabilisation of the embankment, the removal of trees from the roadside and the installation of warning signs and speed restrictions either side of the property.' Ballina Council will discuss their request at today's council meeting. Story & photo: Dave Fawkner
Lincraft Brings Down The Curtain
On their second last day at work are Lincraft district manager, Leanne Hawkins with Lismore staff members (l-r) Joan Brown, Denyse Hurley and Jess Purcell. The three permanent and two casual staff have all been offered alternative employment in the local retail industry. Ms Hawkins said the closure was unfortunate but necessary. 'With the current economic climate, especially in a small town, it just wasn't feasible to keep it open,' she said. 'A big thank you must firstly go to the staff who have been fantastic, but also to the local community for their continued support. It's a real shame we can't continue trading, but it's a tough retail environment and we must cease operations.' Ms Hawkins said the Lincraft company was now expanding into furnishing. If the new direction takes off, she hopes to reopen Lincraft in Lismore.
Online Payments Now Available
Northern Rivers businesses now have access to the real time e-commerce payment system, thanks to the hard work of local Internet company, Wolf Tracks. Since its formation two years ago, Wolf Tracks has been working with Keycorp to become the Northern Rivers' first and only certified e-commerce gateway provider. This allows Wolf Tracks to provide other businesses with the real time e-commerce payment systems for people to use credit cards safely on the Internet. 'Basically the system enables a business to turn over money – make sales – when the shop's not even open,' Wolf Tracks' senior partner, Karey Paterson, said. 'It gives clients better satisfaction because they can pay for and order a product in a matter of seconds. For the business owners there's no waiting for cheques in the mail, no credit card hassles with invalid cards, no long hours filling in the necessary paperwork and you don't even have to be in the store to make a sale.' One of Wolf Tracks' first major clients was Southern Cross Human Resource and Development, the university's subsidiary education and training company. The company put their faith in the system offered by Wolf Tracks and they have been patting themselves on the back ever since. 'Clients want things done for them now – to pay now, enrol now, to be assessed now – and this system allows us to do it and provide better customer service,' Southern Cross Human Resource and Development managing director, Peter Miller, said. 'It also gives us the capacity to stay rural but do business with people in metropolitan areas, or anywhere in the world for that matter. Plus by using local suppliers like Wolf Tracks we are helping the growth of our business and the growth of the area in general – it's mutually beneficial.' For more information, phone Wolf Tracks on 6622 2246.
Gearing Up For National Head Count
Local residents are among more than 7,000 collectors across NSW being trained by Australian Bureau of Statistics staff for Census Night on Tuesday, August 7. The Census forms will be delivered to every household from this Saturday, July 28. 'The data collected from the Census gives governments an insight into the overall geographical and social characteristics of the population,' collectors group leader, Ken Dundas, said. 'Our biggest challenge is finding everyone and that's why we employ local people – because they know their areas better than anyone.' Collectors will return to pick up Census forms by August 28 (collectors will arrange a pick up time on delivery). The forms must be filled out on the night of Tuesday, August 7. For easy identification, all collectors will wear an official photo ID badge and will carry a large yellow Census bag. For more information on the Census phone 137 219 or visit www.census.gov.au Nominate For Youth AwardsThe NSW Minister for juvenile justice, Carmel Tebbutt, will attend the Kids in Community Awards in Ballina on August 15. The Minister will present the awards, which are given to young people in recognition of their active involvement in their local community. People can still nominate young people for the awards and there are six categories:
Nominations for the awards close next Wednesday, August 1. Nomination forms are available at local schools or the Ballina RSL Club, or see the nomination form on page 10 of The Echo. For more information phone Lynne on 6625 1195.
Duck In For A Great Gift
The local markets offer a huge variety of homemade products by the creative and talented people who live in the area. But not everyone can get to the markets, leaving many people with nowhere to sell or display their lovingly created wares. Seeing the need for an alternative to market stalls, Alstonville resident Sharan Buerckner set up Duck Creek Mountain Promotions. The small shop on Alstonville's main street serves as a showroom for artists and hobbyists, giving them a free space to display their work. 'Apart from anything else it's a great tourist attraction for the town, and lots of people comment on how unique the products are,' Sharan said. 'We have so many unusual things but they all have one thing in common – they were made locally. We have handmade soap from Meerschaum Vale, pottery from Wollongbar, macadamia nuts and fresh honey from Wardell, beaded Christmas decorations from an Alstonville artist and sun catchers made by a local school teacher, just to name a few! 'There's some amazing furniture – tables, mirrors and even cleverly crafted fake fruit – that has been made from local timber as well as Cutana hats, coffee, t-shirts and other Alstonville souvenirs and heaps of other knick-knacks. Recently, a young woman brought in her new invention called an ‘eco-silk bag'. The bag is made from environmentally-friendly parachute material and is an alternative to plastic shopping bags – it's practical and clever.' Possibly the only thing more intriguing than the shop's products is its name. In the early 1800s Duck Creek Mountain was the original name for the Alstonville Plateau, because Duck Creek had its source in the Alstonville hills. The name was later changed by the area's first postmaster, John Perry, who took his wife's maiden name, Alston, added ‘ville' and created one of the region's most quaint and well-placed towns. Obviously Sharan is a great supporter of her local community and she wanted to give her shop a name which had character and an element of local history – hence Duck Creek Mountain Promotions. Sharan is always happy to make room for new talent. If you have a product (the more unusual the better) that you would like to display in her shop phone her on 6628 6355. Duck Creek Mountain Promotions is on Alstonville's main street (beside Summerland Home Options).
Clearer Vision And Personal Service
He was eager to work, so Marty gladly agreed. One week soon turned into a year, a year into a decade and now, 12 years later, Marty has set up his own business – Youngberry's Aerial Service. 'I ended up loving the job and have never even thought of leaving,' Marty said. 'I do a lot of travelling around the Northern Rivers, and I get to meet different people everyday. Plus with technology changing and developing so fast you are always learning new things... it's certainly never boring.' Marty is a Lismore born and bred lad. He has lived in South Lismore all his life, went to Lismore High School and played football and baseball for Brothers. Marty reckons having such a familiar face keeps you honest. 'If you do a good job, you can hold your head up high when you walk down the street,' Marty said. 'When you live in a small town where everyone is a friend or a friend of a friend, it's really important to have a good reputation, and you only achieve that by providing prompt and friendly service at good rates. 'It's really nice when customers come up to you in the street and say how happy they are with the service or how clear their picture is now – there's nothing better than positive feedback.' Youngberry's Aerial Service can provide sales and service for all antennas, TV and VCR tune-ins and video head cleans. Marty also does installation and maintenance for domestic and business situations, and he currently services many of the pubs and clubs in the area. It's a mobile business, Marty can service people in Lismore, Casino, Ballina, Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Kyogle, Alstonville and all the surrounding areas. Marty offers free quotes and works seven days a week. Phone him on 6622 2282 or 0421 088 647.
No BoozeThe alcohol-free zones comprise streets within the areas bounded by West, Johnston and Hickey streets and the Richmond River in Casino; West, Lennox, Hickey and Light streets, South Casino; Queen Elizabeth Drive, Richmond Terrace, Yabsley and Adams streets, Coraki; and Illawong Lane and Woodburn, Oak and Park streets, Evans Head. A'vlle MarketsThe Alstonville Agricultural Society Inc will hold its first community market at the Alstonville Showgrounds on October 14. The society's secretary, Mrs Dot Smith, said the market would be located in the Apex Pavilion and parking would be available on site. 'We have room for around 100 stalls , including arts and crafts, locally grown produce and quality second hand goods' Mrs Smith said. For further information contact Mrs Smith on 6628 1568 or the showgrounds' caretaker on 6628 0358.
Talk To The Professionals About Tax
H&R Block looks forward to seeing their many clients again this year, but reminds people to be aware of more changes to the Income Tax laws which are certain to affect most people. Changes to family assistance, superannuation, capital gains tax, imputation credits and deductions could alter refunds this year. One way to eliminate any problems is to place your tax return in the hands of professionals, like the team at H&R Block. They will make sure you pay the least amount of tax legally possible, ensure you receive the maximum refund and actively search for every deduction and offset. They will also help you get your refund promptly, fully explain how the return has been prepared, assist in keeping appropriate tax records with their free record cards and their work is fully guaranteed. You can even pay the fee straight from your refund just by asking a consultant. 'The accuracy of the tax return is only as accurate as the records kept,' said H&R Block's principal, Frank Cherry. 'People's personal records must be fully maintained and up-to-date to ensure a comprehensive and accurate tax return.' Come in and see the friendly H&R Block team in their home-style office and make use of their expert help and advice and electronic lodgement system. H&R Block is situated at 115 Ballina Street, Lismore. For more information phone 6621 8800.
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Bentley Art Show organiser, Reg Hartley, with some of the artworks on show at the Bentley Hall this weekend.
Mr Toshiharu Matsuda, the Mayor of Yamato Takada, Lismore's sister city in Japan, gave Southern Cross University's Tazuko McLaren a generous donation for the Tony Glynn Memorial House on the Lismore campus. 
Fairbrae Milk's Phil Denniston
Lismore Base Hospital nurses Louise Edwards, Kerrie Hardy and Julie Francis will be wearing their jeans next Friday for Jeans for Genes Day. They're with young patients Dwayne Bolt, Luca Georgiou, Lily Andrews and Declan Moran.
Permodrive managing director Allan Rush.
The Australian Defence Organisation, which coordinates the armed forces, has rewarded the outstanding achievements of Lismore-based mapping, engineering, surveying and planning consultancy Aspect North.
Greencorps supervisor Pat Skene and Wilson River Landcare Group spokesperson Vanessa Ekins with the Ballina Greencorps team (l-r) Linda Vanbuggenum, Jessey Rough, Marli Sorrensen, Lon Sedgman, Sarah Roffey and Michael Woods, who have prepared a planting site for National Tree Day this Sunday.
Lismore RSL Sub-Branch president, Ken Jolley was presented with a $20,000 cheque from Veterans Affairs minister Bruce Scott for the restoration of the Lismore War Memorial.
Lismore Base Hospital Patient Transport Manager, Helen O'Donnell (pictured), has been elected Vice-President of the NSW Nurses Association (NSWNA).
Summerland Machinery Centre proprietor, Keith Pynt, celebrates buying the business.
Rous Mill residents Jenny Lane, Chris Westall and Peter Hume, Claudia and Peter Kiernan and Suzanne Hume on Dalwood Road, which they claim is too narrow for trucks.
After more than 13 years in business in Keen Street, Lincraft is shutting its doors to the public today. for the last time.
Wolf Tracks' partners Dillon Brice, Karey Paterson and Debra Mortimer.
Being trained for Census night are local Census collectors (rear l-r) David Lilienthal, Carl Heydon, Ian Gray, Dale Bryce and Carolyn Moynihan with (front l-r) Margaret Reid, Jude Shannon, group leader Ken Dundas, Ian Beazley and Mick Watson.
Duck Creek Mountain Promotions proprietor, Sharan Buerckner, and her favourite three shop assistants: Huey, Dewey and Louey.
When 21-year-old Marty Youngberry returned from an American holiday, a close relative asked if he could lend a helping hand installing aerials on the roof. 
Principal of H&R Block, Frank Cherry, outside the Ballina Street premises.