Shaggy Dog Comments...

Issue 732

Christopher Skase's final flight from the law brought back memories to the team at Dayal Singh joinery in South Lismore last week. Way back in 1987, the Spanish tourist was at the peak of his illusory empire, having just bought Channel 7, when he decided to build a Gold Coast mansion for the Skase family. Dayal Singh won the contract to make 50 timber doors and 40 timber windows, including a 7 metre by 2 metre box-frame window. All up, the job was worth $137,000 – not counting the money spent posting bills and phoning Skase over the years in an attempt to get paid. Alas, a few years later, the Skase family decided they preferred a mansion in Majorca, and like so many people and companies, Dayal Singh was left carrying the can. At least now he has a decent excuse for not paying.

Former Beauty and the Beast panellist-cum-gallery director Irena Hatfield is set to release her autobiography on September 1. According to the publishers 'The Irena Hatfield Story pulls no punches' (careful, police could charge you for that sort of behaviour...). The blurb goes on 'In it, Irena finally breaks her silence and reveals details of the emotional and physical abuse she suffered as a child; her dalliances as a young girl exploring her sexuality; the fateful night of April 19, 1985.' Ironically, it's being published by one of the many tentacles of Rupert Murdoch media empire. Murdoch's Sydney-based Telegraph ran screaming anti-Irena headlines like 'Interview with a Vamp' during her trial. But it seems the story has also excited the Sydney Morning Herald's Good Weekend magazine, which has had a reporter sniffing around for last week to see how Lismore's getting on with its multimedia celebrity.

This year marks the centenary of the Byron Bay lighthouse, but less well known is that the modest Richmond River lighthouse at Ballina is much older, having been built in 1866. It's still operating in a small park above the south end of Shelley Beach. Even less well known is the Evans Head maritime beacon, hidden away on the Goanna headland. This weekend of August 18-19, the three locations will be occupied by radio operators from the Summerland Amateur Radio Club, who will be participating in a world-wide link-up with over 400 lighthouses, lightships and beacons. The aim is to promote public awareness of the history and heritage of these sites and the important role of lighthouses and amateur radio in maintaining safety at sea.

The public are most welcome to visit, to see what modern amateur operators do, and you can have a try at making a contact. At Byron Bay, just take the walk up to lighthouse and look for the radio caravan. At Ballina, stop at the ocean-view carpark where Lighthouse Parade joins Shelley Beach Road and walk up to the lighthouse reserve. At Evans Head, go south along Wirraway Drive to the water tower on Goanna Headland, look for the radio campervan.

Speaking of radio, Byron's Bay FM (99.9MHz) is currently holding a radiothon until the end of August to raise funds to keep the community station on air. The good news more than 600 people have already put their hands up in the last few weeks to become subscribers. For only $50 ($30 conc.), you'll go into the regular draw for CDs and gig tickets. As part of the radiothon, there's also thousands of dollars worth of fantastic prizes for people who sign up – including a Bose home sound system, a TSF car HiFi, a five day holiday package for four at the Byron Beach resort, an $825 Retravision voucher, a DVD, bicycle and loads of other prizes. For details on becoming a subscriber, ring Bay FM on 6680 7999.

And while we're talking about radio, Lismore's very own 2NCR-FM (92.9Mhz) has its silver jubilee next week. On Friday and Saturday, August 24-25, the station will be holding its 25th birthday party in Goodman Plaza at the University with music, community stalls, light shows and entertainment. Community groups are invited to have information stalls and displays for free on the Saturday. 2NCR is also looking for performers, fundraisers, DJs, sponsors and anyone else who wants to help make independent community radio a success. For info, phone the station on 6620 3929.

Back in 1988, George Parker of Woodburn (pictured, right, in Magellan street when the old post office was the Post Office), led a group of riders along the historic Nightcap Track to celebrate the Bicentennial. The track, from Lismore to Murwillumbah – now largely National Park – was the mail route between the two towns in the late 19th century. Now the Man from Richmond River (aka George) is mounting the saddle again next week as one of a dozen riders travelling the route – this time to celebrate the Centenary of Federation. Several generations have passed since three different blokes – Alex Simpson, James Graham and James E James (who the local Aboriginees called Jimmy Two Times) delivered the mail between 1875 and 1889. Their descendants are scattered across the region and one who still has an interest in horses is Chris Allen from Horseland, who will be part of the three day ride. Back when his great-great-great-grandaddy was the postie, the ride would take 2-3 days – it was a once-a-week round trip. As part of the ride, the 2001 possie will be carrying specially designed limited edition commemorative envelopes, which will feature postmarks from both Lismore and Murwillumbah. The riders set off next Friday, August 24, but if you want one of the commemorative envelopes to go on the ride, you'll need to see Chris at Horseland in Bridge Street, North Lismore (phone 6621 3296) by this Monday, August 20.