Issue 734
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Main NewsGoonellabah park for kids underway
The first stage of the Kadina Park development in Goonellabah got underway last week, with a 10 person EnviTE Work-for-the-Dole crew starting their weed control, tree planting and landscaping work. The crew will work at the site two days each week for six months while earthworks and the construction of a basketball court, picnic shelter and playing field are completed. Kadina Park is a joint initiative of Lismore City Council and the Rotary Club of Goonellabah, who gave $30,000 and $10,000 respectively towards the cost of initial works. The Department of Sport and Recreation has contributed a further $10,000, with the total cost of the project estimated at $500,000. Council's recreation planner Alex Wilford said other features planned for the park include playgrounds for children of various age, picnic tables, barbecues, a shared walking and bike path, public toilets and a carpark. 'It's well recognised that there is a lack of activities in Goonellabah, especially for youth. A 1996 census stated that 40 per cent of Goonellabah's population was under 25, so there's a real need to provide recreational opportunities in this area,' Alex said. 'The park has been centrally located in Goonellabah so it's relatively easy to access for the whole community.' Further funding for the project is now being sought from the state and federal governments. Council and Rotary hope to have the park completed within the next five years. Terra Sword
Man arrested over DoCS threatsA 51-year-old former Lismore man will appear in Lismore Local Court today charged over threats made to local Dept. of Community Services (DoCS) staff which forced the closure of the Lismore DoCS office. The man was arrested at the Parklands Showground, in Southport, Queensland, on Tuesday afternoon. He appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where Lismore detectives applied for his extradition back to NSW. The man has been charged with intimidation and using a telecommunications device to menace and harass after staff at the Lismore DOCS office allegedly received death threats on the phone at lunchtime on Friday. He was refused bail. The threats forced the Lismore DoCS office to close and security guards were posted outside the building. The office remained closed on Monday and Tuesday, with staff from other offices, coping with demands for the service. As a precaution, staff from the Lismore office were relocated to other offices. The office reopened on Wednesday, but the security guard remained in place as a precaution.
Crafty ladies show their stuff
Eight beautifully made waggas and more than 120 handmade quilts will be the feature of the Quilt and Craft Show, next Thursday to Sunday, September 6-8 at the Lismore Workers Club. A wagga is a blanket made from hessian bags or similar material. According to legend however, the wagga was derived from railway line workers in the late 1880s, who would grab anything off the track and stuff it into a hessian bag for warmth. The eight waggas made by the 60-member Lismore Craft and Quilters group have been stitched together using any old material the quilters could find, and all have a Federation theme. The result is quite spectacular, with many of the waggas sporting waratahs, wattles, kookaburras and on one, a depiction of parliament house. As well as Federation theme waggas and quilts the show will feature a huge display of memorabilia from the last 100 years, from an old sulky and an original tin bath, to a collection of old lace and fabrics. Another feature of the show will be a talk by quilt historian Dr Annette Gero, author of Historic Australian Quilts, who will discuss Australia's antique quilts and the early settlers who made them. The talk will be held on Saturday at 1.30pm (entry is $5 in addition to entry fee). 'Dr Gero is renowned in the quilting field and it's quite a coup for us to have her talking here in Lismore, in fact, we're absolutely thrilled!' Lismore Craft and Quilters Group president, Betty McPherson, said. 'Anyone interested in quilting or even just Australian history are most welcome to come along and enjoy a history lesson. We're also encouraging people with pre-1940s fabrics or any treasured quilts to bring them along for Dr Gero to identify and discuss. It's just going to be a fantastic show and it's a great family day out – so come along and have some fun!' Entry to the show is $3 at the door. The show will be open on Thursday and Friday from 10am-7pm and on Saturday from 10am-4pm. Q Freebie: The Echo has one double pass to giveaway to the show. To go in the draw phone 6622 2888 between 3 & 3.10pm tomorrow, August 31, and tell us which state Wagga Wagga is in. Story & photo: Terra ‘knit 1, pearl 2' Sword
‘Cottage' residents win brothel battle
Watch out for animal behaviour and the sounds of industry.... one house is a brothel, the other is described as a ‘caretaker's cottage' on industrial land next to the racecourse stables. And if you can't tell, the brothel's the one on the left. Brothel proprietor Suzanne Thwaites will take Ballina Council to court over the rejection of her development application for the town's first legal brothel Last Thursday, Council refused the DA (8-1, Cr Daikin against) on the grounds that the brothel would effect the amenity of residents in ‘caretakers' cottages' at the stables adjacent to racecourse – despite the fact that the brothel has been operating on the site for more than a year. Residents' spokeswoman, Louise Pholli, said the area was a close-knit community involved in the racing industry and that five residences were located within 100 metres of the brothel. 'We're concerned about the hours of operation, increased traffic on a road on which horses are exercised, semi-trailers parking in the street, hoons driving up and down outside the premises, and the safety of children walking to school,' Mrs Pholli said. She said residents had only tolerated the brothel for the past 14 months because they thought it was legal. 'We only became aware it wasn't when council invited us to comment on the DA.' But the brothel's supporters claimed that past councils had erred in approving large permanent residences – the caretakers' cottages – in an area zoned ‘light industrial'. Architect Richard Lutz, who prepared the DA, read a number of newspaper advertisements from the social escorts column to council. The salacious contents featured Ballina phone numbers. 'It's obvious that brothels are operating in Ballina Shire and all my client wishes to do is to legitimise her business under the current legislation.' Mr Lutze said he sympathised with residents who had to put up with semi-trailers using an industrial estate to deliver and pick up goods. 'I wonder if vehicles used to transport horses to race meetings could be described as trucks,' he said. Mr Lutze questioned the use of the term ‘caretaker's cottage' to describe a five-bedroom house. He said the fact that the premises had been operating for 14 months without coming to council's attention indicated that it had resolved any issues concerning residents. Cr Sue Dakin supported the DA, saying it was a permissible use within the area, and that granting approval would strengthen council's ability to take action against illegal operations. 'Personally, I am more concerned about skittish horses and the language used by strappers, than a legal brothel in Racecourse Road,' Cr Dakin said. After the meeting Ms Thwaites told The Echo she had purchased the property on the understanding that it was zoned industrial. 'It is not my fault that council has allowed other ratepayers to erect $100,000 houses on land zoned for this purpose,' she said. 'I am confused as to where council wishes me to operate my business and, as a ratepayer, I object to it having to defend its decision in the Land and Environment Court.' Meantime, Council plans to develop guidelines for the establishment of brothels in the shire. Dave Fawkner
Alstonville's finest flowers
The Alstonville Orchid Society is holding its biannual show in the Alstonville Plaza from today until Sa. Visitors to the spring showing will find a large collection of orchid varieties suited to cooler climates, including natives, cymbidiums, and soft dendrobiums. The show also includes a table full of plants for sale to the collector or novice grower. The show is open until noon on Saturday when awards will be presented to the owner of the winning plants. Photo: Dave Fawkner
Milk helps school grow stronger
If you drink two-litre Norco-Pauls milk, then you can do your bit to help a local school by saving the cap and dropping it into South Lismore Pharmacy. For every cap a school collects, Norco-Pauls will donate 10¢, so the parents of Lismore South Public School P & C, with support from local businesses, are doing their best to give the school a big boost. P & C president Suellen Pursche said people can drop their milk caps to South Lismore Pharmacy and other businesses in the area. 'Norco has given us as great way to raise funds for the school. This way everyone's supporting the local community,' she said. 'We've also had great support from the business community in South Lismore, who are displaying signs promoting the collection drive and have set up collection pots for the milk caps as well. 'The school had a computer stolen during the school holidays, so we're hoping to raise enough money to buy a new one,' Mrs Pursche said. The P & C is also collecting the free book tokens from the Sydney-based newspaper The Daily Telegraph. They can be dropped off at the South Lismore Newsagent.
Adult learnersAlstonville Adult Learners Association is celebrating Adult Learners Week, September 2-8, with a travelling exhibition and IT demonstrations. It's a chance for people to try sending an email and surfing the Internet, as well as see art and craft by the students. On Tuesday, it's at Alstonville shopping plaza. On Wednesday, it moves to Centrelink Arcade in Main Street, Evans Head, then on Thursday, the CWA Hall in Coraki. For details on adult education phone 6628 5426.
Deadly bikeTwo people died when their motorcycle collided with a 4WD at Loadstone, north of Kyogle. Yuri Feodoroff, 55, of Bentley, and his pillion passenger, Libi Nugent, 49, of Evans Head, were both killed instantly. Police say it appears the motorbike was on the wrong side of Lions Road when the collided head on. The 4WD rolled in the accident, but the Queensland driver escaped without injury. House firePolice are treating a house fire in Lismore on Monday morning as suspicious. Fire brigade units were called to the unoccupied house, at 90 Orion Street, around 6am, and arrived to find the house well ablaze. The property was destroyed. Police have spoken to a number of people about the fire and investigations are continuing.
Farmers hopeful of milk price rise
It was later used by the chefs in a sold out gourmet dinner at Oakes Oval. The group, visiting to explore options for importing local food back to Japan, found that milk doesn't only come from plastic bottles when they went to Norco chairman Greg McNamara's dairy farm to try their hand at milking a cow. Local dairy farmers can expect a rise in the farm milk price following Woolworths' announcement that it will pay an additional five cents a litre for Norco milk from September 1. Norco chairman Greg McNamara said that while there was a clause in Woolworths' contract that allowed them to pay more for milk, he was unable to comment on why they had chosen to do so. 'What I can say is that Norco will definitely be reviewing the price it pays to its suppliers and that can only be good news,' he said. 'The average price paid to Norco suppliers for milk in July was 31.83 cents. Farm costs are currently between 27 and 35 cents a litre depending on the farm. If Woolworths' decision helps us get the farm gate price up to between 32 and 33 cents next month our farmers are going to find life a little easier.' Mr McNamara said that Norco was beginning to reap the benefits of its partnership with Pauls and its decision to stick with the North Coast. 'Deregulation has forced large groups like Dairy Farmers to transport large quantities of bulk milk around the country to meet demand,' he said. 'Transport costs of two cents a litre to Brisbane and up to six cents to Sydney have not helped their profit margin.' Some industry observers say the Woolworths decision is a strategic move ensure continued access to North Coast supplies. The troubled Dairy Farmers group is expected to post a $4-million-plus loss this year, and is desperate to buy local milk. Last year Dairy Farmers undercut other suppliers to win the Woolworths contract for generic brand milk. A fortnight ago, the co-op announced it would increase the price of white milk by 10-15 cents per litre, effective September 3. The recommended retail price will be $1.50¢ a litre. However, under Dairy Farmers contractual arrangements, it's unlikely that much of that increase will be passed on to farmers at the farm gate. Dave Fawkner
Debt monkey off Norco's backAfter a tense year and a troubled relationship with bankers ANZ, the financial future is dairy co-operative Norco is assured following the refinancing of $20 million in debt. Norco announced last week that GE Commercial, a subsidiary of one of the world's largest financial institutions, has given the co-operative a three-year term revolving credit facility after months of negotiations put together with help from Sydney financial advisers. Norco CEO Bernard O'Brien said the refinancing gave the co-operative the opportunity to pursue significant capital plans the co-op has had on hold for some time. 'GE's backing is expected, for example, to facilitate approval of Norco's application for $1million of additional funding from the Dairy Regional Adjustment Program (DRAP), the rescue package developed to support the industry following deregulation,' Mr O'Brien said. Norco plans to invest the DRAP funds in its Lismore ice-cream manufacturing plant, which currently employs 130 people, and produces a number of ice creams for other companies, including Dick Smith Foods. Mr O'Brien said that Norco's focus in the past year was reducing bank debt, which had been cut by a third, funded primarily through asset sales. 'We have a stronger balance sheet and the flexibility to redefine the company and develop a robust future for Norco, its shareholders and the communities that support us,' he said.
Bike boy now the best
Glen Mitchell first began riding motorcycles on the weekends with his mates when he was just 10-years-old. The hobby soon turned into an obsession and by age 13 Glen had his first bike, a YZ 80, which he bought with money he saved from hundreds of weekends mowing lawns. Now, 16 years down the track, Glen is a technician at Lismore Motorcycles and one of Australia's top bike techs after winning the state final of the Yamaha Technician Grand Prix. Glen is now one of eight finalists in Sydney this Sunday for the Oceania Final. 'They don't tell you anything about the tests beforehand, it's totally on-the-spot so it really tests your memory and your general knowledge of motorcycles,' Glen said. 'At the moment I'm just really enjoying the challenge, plus it gives me a chance to showcase my skills and discover new things I haven't learnt yet.' A win will send Glen to the World Finals in Japan later this year, where he'll also get to go to the Montagi Twin Ring GP. 'Getting to the final would be great because it's a real grand prix and I'm really interested in the racing and high performance side of motorcycles,' Glen said. 'My wildest dream is to work with a Grand Prix team, or any other racing team for that matter, so even just seeing a team in action would be a huge buzz. I'm just going to give it everything I've got this weekend, keep my fingers crossed and see what happens.' Terra Sword
A Federation treasure chest
To mark the passing of AMP's Journey of a Nation Expo in the Northern Rivers, Lismore mayor Bob Gates was recently presented with a Treasure Chest containing items that reflect Lismore's history for the past 100 years. The chest contains a variety of significant local odds and sods, including a 10th anniversary edition of The Echo, staff photo of the Rescue Helicopter crew and model of the chopper, a book on the history of local bus company Kirklands, old photos and other memorabilia from Southern Cross University, Lismore shopping square's mascot, Lisanda the panda, and even an original sugar bowl from the Mecca Cafe. The chest (which may end up at the Lismore airport - council has yet to decide) is a miniature version of the Journey of a Nation Expo, a massive travelling exhibition visiting Ballina next month to commemorate the Centenary of Federation. 'This is a unique opportunity for regional communities to see a world class exhibition that would usually be on show in metropolitan areas,' AMP representative Philip Crandon said. 'The Expo is a lot of fun, very informative and certainly something no school child - or anyone else - should miss. I think one of the troubles with our nation is we don't have a sense of pride in who and what we are, and hopefully this will help develop that.' The Expo is at Kingsford Smith Park in Ballina from Monday to Thursday, September 13-16. Entry is free.
Hit and run witness soughtPolice are seeking help following a hit and run accident on Bangalow Road in the early hours of Sunday morning. A 25-year-old man is in a critical condition in a Brisbane hospital with chest and head injuries after he was apparently the victim of a hit and run accident. Police say a witness saw the man walking northwards along the Bangalow Road near Lions Park between 4.45am and 5.10am on Sunday, August 26. Police believe he may have been attempting to hitch a ride. Around 5am, an unidentified witness called police saying the pedestrian was lying face down in the centre of Bangalow Road. Ambulance and police officers raced to the scene to find the man on the road suffering a serious head injury. He was taken to Lismore Base hospital before being transferred to Brisbane. The road was closed and traffic diverted while police examined the scene for evidence. Police would like to speak with the witness who originally reported the incident, as well as anyone who might have been in the vicinity between 4.30am and 5.30am. Phone the crash investigation unit on 6681 8618.
Youth bands battleThe Lismore District Student Representative Council (SRC) is holding a Battle of the Bands this Saturday, September 1 at the Lismore RSL Club to raise money for charity. The SRC is made up of representatives from nine local high schools. 'We currently have entries from all over the Northern Rivers so we expect some hot competition,' SRC member, Ben Lyons, said. The all ages drug and alcohol free event will feature 12 local bands and there will be no pass outs. Proceeds will go to Stewart House, Kids Help Line and the Rescue Helicopter. Tickets are $5 at the door. The gig starts at 7pm.
Assault survivorsToday, August 30, is the eighth annual Day of Action against sexual violence, which commemorates the victims and survivors of sexual assault. Contact the Richmond Sexual Assault Service on 6620 2970 if you have been a victim of sexual assault or you are a friend or family member who is concerned about someone; Contact the Women's Health Centre on 6621 9800 if you are a survivor of childhood sexual assault. Child protectionChild Protection Week will be marked in Nimbin with a free concert in Nimbin's Alsopp Park on Wednesday, September 5, from 2 to 4pm. The concert will feature children's performances, children's art, info stalls, free face painting and giveaways for the kids. In the event of rain, it will be postponed until the following Wednesday. For more details, contact the Nimbin Neighbourhood Centre on 6689 1692.
ALP talkThe federal opposition's education spokesman, Micheal Lee, will talk at about the role of regional universities in a short public address at Southern Cross University on Monday, September 3, at 1pm. The National Tertiary Education Union at SCU has invited Mr Lee to Lismore to talk about the ALP's education policy. For details phone Lucy Cameron on 6688 8116 or email lcameron@nrg.com.au
Govt moves in to estateThe NSW Department of Housing will take over the management of the Oaks Centre at Chequerboard Hill in North Casino on Saturday. The move has raised the ire of Chequerboard Hill Inc, which is responsible for the operation of the community centre. Representative Ros Zemcivius said the group had worked tirelessly to address the social problems in the estate despite little cooperation from established community services groups. 'The department has called an inter-agency meeting on the use of the Oaks Centre next week, but they have not invited any members of the local community. As far as we're concerned its the old ‘we know what's best for you because you're not intelligent enough' attitude, it's ironic that the group that represents the major stakeholders in the North Casino community has been excluded by the department and other agencies,' Mrs Zemcivius said. The Dept of Housing's regional director, Joan Ferguson, was unavailable for comment on the issue. Meanwhile Blunts Bus Service is continuing to use security guards on its school bus when travelling through the estate. The guards were employed several weeks ago after rocks were thrown at the bus and there was also some trouble with passengers. Dave Fawkner
Pelican man back on the road
Over the past nine years, the Ballina-based Seabird Rescue team has been kept busy rescuing pelicans, seabirds and other marine life in distress along the coastline. They travel as far south as Foster-Tuncurry, and North to the Tweed to rescue pelicans, which took its toll on the groups old 4WD, which they literally drove into the ground. It left the service's founder Lance Ferris and the volunteer rescue team grounded until Ballina Council recently came to their rescue with a donation of $10,000 to buy a replacement vehicle. Along the Ballina Council, a range of community groups raised money to get the Seabird Rescue crews back on the road, including the Alstonville and Ballina Lions clubs, Lismore Workers Club, Ballina Golf and Bowling clubs, CSR Concrete Ballina, and the Rotary Club of Ballina. Ballina mayor David Wright came to Lismore last week to present Lance and the team with their new rescue truck. 'The work of Australian Seabird Rescue has captured the imagination of both the national and international media and in doing so, showcased the North Coast and Ballina in particular. We are pleased to give something back,' Cr Wright said. Appropriately, the new vehicle is a troop carrier, which should help the rescue volunteers get to where-ever a pelican needs a tender and loving hand.
Italian settlers' heritage recognised
The unique character of New Italy, near Woodburn, has been recognised by the NSW Heritage Office. The area was founded in the 1880s when survivors of the ill-feted Marquis du Rays expedition to a new land were brought to NSW by Sir Henry Parkes. The Heritage Council has provided funds for an assessment of the surviving heritage of New Italy. Council member Prof Ian Jack, Jane Gardiner from Southern Cross University and archaeologist Juanita Otto, recently explored the farms which the Italians had cleared and worked, and met some of the descendents of the original settlers. Under the direction of the late Dr Florian Volpato, the descendants have created the New Italy museum and restaurant and facilities on the highway south of Woodburn. Their stories tell the social history of this very special settlement. Mick Rosolen was born in 1909, and was educated at the New Italy School. Mick went to the former school site with the heritage team. Ms Gardiner said that Jack's clear and precise memory 'brought the site to life' as he identified the features of the residence, school-house, tank stands, a map of the world dug into the playground and even the dunnies. Ms Gardiner said the team also met Arnold Vayo and his wife Mary, who have owned the Palis and Guareschi farm for 30 years. 'They have absorbed the history, conserved the historical remains and recognised the environmental importance of their place,' she said. 'The sort of integrated experience which the Vayos value and conserve was impressive and capable of interpretation to small groups of tourists seeking something different.' Ms Gardiner said the Heritage Office was anxious to work with the local people who have a stake in New Italy to make its unique features better known and preserved for future generations. For details, contact Jane Gardiner 6620 3037(b/h) or 6628 3925 (a/h).
Woman of letters turns hand to politics
Her name is will be added to a growing ballot paper which already includes Labor challenger Terry Flanagan, the Greens' John Corkill and rabble rousing dairy farmer Tom Coooper, plus the incumbent National Party member Ian Causley. Mrs Pollard-O'Hara said she decided to stand believing she could 'do just as good or better job then most of the people in Parliament'. 'Both the National Party and Labor Party have held this seat in recent years. Their report cards are ordinary,' she said 'My campaign will be about personal qualities, skills, vitality and genuine commitment to positive, healthy policies on the important issues.' Mrs Pollard-O'Hara has opened a campaign office on the corner of Keen and Woodlark streets, Lismore (next to Mary Gilhooley's pub). Contact her on 6622 0945 or email kpinsights@optusnet.com.au
Assault survivorsToday, August 30, is the eighth annual Day of Action against sexual violence, which commemorates the victims and survivors of sexual assault. Contact the Richmond Sexual Assault Service on 6620 2970 if you have been a victim of sexual assault or you are a friend or family member who is concerned about someone; Contact the Women's Health Centre on 6621 9800 if you are a survivor of childhood sexual assault.
Child protectionChild Protection Week will be marked in Nimbin with a free concert in Nimbin's Alsopp Park on Wednesday, September 5, from 2 to 4pm. The concert will feature children's performances, children's art, info stalls, free face painting and giveaways for the kids. In the event of rain, it will be postponed until the following Wednesday. For more details, contact the Nimbin Neighbourhood Centre on 6689 1692. Lesbian health report
The Rainbow Geckos are children with lesbian or gay parents. A report into lesbian health needs in the Northern Rivers, entitled Lemon and Lavender, was launched last week. The report was commissioned by AIDS Council of NSW (ACON), which has recently broadened its focus to include the general health and wellbeing of the lesbian, gay and transgender communities. The report's author, Punita Boardman, consulted with 150 lesbians who identified issues and gaps in the health services they receive. 'Lesbians are more likely to delay health treatment because of their experiences of discrimination by health professionals,' Punita said. 'The main issues identified are things like stress, menopause, fertility services and depression.' Punita said the lesbian community also wanted to see doctors and health professionals receive education about their needs. 'The initial questions asked by doctors about families, partners and sexual history nearly always assume that the woman is a heterosexual,' she said. 'The onus is then on the lesbian patient to ‘come out' and deal with the reaction. Not everybody is confident in doing this, particularly when they are nervous about their health or are actually unwell.' Several recommendations from the report will be picked up by ACON. During the launch ACON also signed a service agreement with the Women's Health Centre, which commits both services to providing support groups and counselling for lesbians as well as naming lesbians as a specific client group in policy and promotion documents.
Ballina drug team recognised
The work of Ballina's fledgling Community Drug Action Team has been recognised with the presentation of a certificate of accreditation. The certificate acknowledges the team's work to date and formally included it among North Coast CDATs for their work in response the the Premier's 1999 Drug Summit. The Parliamentary Secretary to the NSW Special Minister for State, Ian MacDonald, who presented the certificate to Ballina CDAT chairman, Cr Peter Moore. Ballina's team includes representatives of the health profession, police, community groups, young people, schools, businesses and council members. Cr Moore said it was tailored to tackle drug abuse at the local level. 'We have already run a series of community information events to educate the community about illicit drug use,' he said. 'Accreditation has also provided $8,000 in funding to engage a professional consultant to fine tune the Ballina plan over the next three months. 'Ballina cannot afford to stick its head in the sand hoping illicit drug use will go away. We need to tackle the problem as a community,' Cr Moore said. Other Community Drug Action Teams are based in Nimbin, Lismore and Kyogle.
A century old Echo revived
A romantic novel about the life of early cedar-cutters, The Lost Echo: A Story of the Richmond, written by James Green in 1910, was reprinted by the Richmond River Historical Society earlier this week. The 115-page novel is centred around a loveable character, cedar cutter John Bindable, who eventually falls in love and settles on the banks of the Richmond. While the book is fiction, it uses factual information to depict what life was like for the early cedar-cutters had how their lifestyle affected the Wilson's River and the Big Scrub. 'We wanted to reprint the book because there are so few books written about the area, particularly novels, and we feel people should still be able to read and enjoy them,' Richmond River Historical Society president, Margaret Henderson, said. 'It makes fascinating reading – describing in detail the devastating floods, massive forests, the hardships of the early settlers, the isolation and the Richmond River. Not only is it an informative and entertaining book, but it's part of RRHS's commitment to producing material which gives people an insight into local history and promotes a general interest in social history.' The reprint of The Lost Echo also complements the Wilson's River Exhibition, on show at the Society's museum until September 8. The photographic exhibition is a history of the Wilson's River. The book is now on sale at RRHS for $15. The Society is always looking for more volunteers to do a variety of jobs – phone 6621 9993. Story & photo: Terra Sword New X-ray machine easier for patients
Patients undergoing X-rays at Lismore Base Hospital will be safer and more comfortable thanks to a $800,000 piece of X-ray imaging equipment. The hospital's chief radiographer, Denys Wynn, said the new Multi-Dianost 4 machine was the first of its kind to be installed in Australia. 'The new machine replaces a ‘conventional' system that would normally require two separate X-ray rooms,' Denys said. 'It's able to move the patient allowing examinations to be completed in a shorter time with greatly improved accuracy and will make the whole process a lot more comfortable for patients, since we no longer need to physically roll patients over to X-ray from a different angle. 'The equipment will mostly be used for patients with complex arterial disease… either to provide a clear picture for the vascular surgeon or to enable the radiographer to perform ‘keyhole' treatment ‘on the table' to an affected vessel to restore blood flow to severely compromised limbs,' he said.
Finance fraudA former Tweed Heads investment adviser has pleaded guilty to more than 50 charges relating to more than $5.4 million in former clients' investment funds. Kerry John Burke, pleaded guilty to 11 charges of fraud and 39 charges of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage for companies associated with him. The Australian Securities and Investment Commission brought the charges against Burke, who has been bailed for sentencing at Lismore Local Court at a date to be fixed. Appeal fails The NSW Land and Environment Court has dismissed an appeal against Ballina Council's refusal to approve a development in Survey Street, Lennox Head. The court determined that the proposal constituted an overdevelopment of the site, called for a more substantial geo-technical investigation of the site and stressed the need for better stormwater management within the development so as to ensure run off did no adversely affect downstream properties. The judgement also called for a bigger setback of allotments from the watercourse and the allocation of open space for a children's playground No costs were awarded by the court, leaving council with a bill of $200,000.
Grants availableNon profit organisations within the Lismore area are invited to apply for funding for social and community development projects under the North Coast Area Assistance Scheme. The Scheme funds shorterm projects (up to four years) that have the following outcomes: connecting communities through partnership, building community leadership and capacity and promoting safe communities. There are a number of ways that these outcomes can be achieved so it is essential that the project be discussed with Council's community project officer on 6625 0500. For information, eligibility criteria and how to apply for funding, visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/aas. Applications close at 5pm on September 28.
Council's PC gesture helps all
Lismore City Council has donated 30 decommissioned computers to community organisations throughout the council area. The recipients ranged from a land care group to local village journals, neighbourhood centres and community art groups. Council's Community Services Co-ordinator Karuna Fielden said the overwhelming response from community groups seeking a computer was an indicator of how the community sector is under-resourced. 'We recognise the valuable work that community organisations do and donating the computers was a simple way that we could help.The computers are old but they are far ahead of what many community organisations have been able to afford,' she said 'Many of the community groups receive little or no funding and rely on the help of volunteers.' The PCs will be used to do everything from compiling community newsletters, to creating databases. Some of Council's obsolete computers with CD capacity were sold for $200.
Retirees conference in Ballina
Federal Minister for Aged Services, Bronwyn Bishop, will be the feature speaker at a special one-off Retirees Conference next Friday and Saturday, September 7-8 at the Ballina RSL Club. All senior citizens and those thinking about future retirement are being encouraged to attend the conference, which runs from 9am-5pm on Friday and 10am-12pm on Saturday. 'All retirees in the area should attend and particularly those aged between 50 and 65, as more people in this age group are taking early retirement for personal reasons or due to redundancy,' conference organiser, Bob Swords, said. 'The conference will give retirees an idea of what the government has in mind for retirees in the future, what is happening in aged care, how to deal with issues associated with financial investment and how to manage health at an older age.' On Friday participants will hear from Mrs Bishop, the Australian Independent Retirees national president Joan Heard, Community Services Minister Larry Anthony and financial advisers Geoff Gardiner, David Howe and Louise Riordan from Colonial First State Investments. Other speakers include St Vincent's Hospital CEO Trevor Sanders, Ballina Community Health promotions officer Tony Mills and Dr John Stevens from Southern Cross University, who will discuss the new Gerontics Research Education and Training (GREAT) scheme. Friday's program will be followed by dinner and entertainment in the club from 6pm. Saturday's program features four workshops – taxation with chartered accountant Garry Tones, financial planning with financial adviser Geoff Gardiner, investments with financial adviser David Howe and health and ageing with Russell Darby from St Vincent's Hospital. To complete the program workshop summaries will be held at 11am and then if people are interested they have the opportunity to enjoy a bus tour or play bowls, golf or croquet for the rest of the afternoon (for info phone 6624 7900). The conference is free, however, charges apply for catering and sporting events. To register and obtain a full program phone Jill on 6628 1640, Bob on 6624 7900 or Barbara on 6684 7502.
Advice on The Change for womenThe women's health organisation, The Jean Hailes Foundation, will visit Lismore next Friday, September 14, for a public seminar for the women on health in midlife, menopause and beyond. Three of Australia's top specialists in women's health will present the evening program: Gynaecologist Dr Elizabeth Farrell, Psychologist Dr Amanda Deeks, and Dr Alice Murkies, who specialises in natural therapies and lifestyle issues. They will speak on sex, hormonal management, memory, depression, loss of self-esteem and a sense of helplessness. Dr Deeks said the aim of the seminar was to expose the myths of menopause and understand the changes of mid-life transition. 'Menopause is a natural transition, not a disease and that women should not be afraid to ask for help,' she said. The Northern Rivers Division of General Practice have invited The Jean Hailes Foundation to present a second seminar for Northern Rivers GPs on women's health in midlife, menopause and beyond The ‘Menopause - Love, Life, Libido' seminar is on September 14, 6.30-9.30pm at the Star Court Theatre, Lismore. The cost is $10/5 conc. Group bookings (10 or more) $8 each. Bookings are recommended at Soul Pattinson Pharmacies, Lismore; Women's Health Matters, 79 Uralba St. Lismore or 1800 151 441 For enquiries about the seminar phone: 6620 2999 or 1800 151 441.
Kids voice on the back of a postcardMillennium Kids is an environmental youth organisation run by kids for kids. Each year the Board of young people, aged 10-18 years, aims to find out what young Australians think about the state of the environment and how young people can tackle environmental issues. ‘We don't just want to complain about the state of the environment, we want to do something about it,' said Adam Davies, 16, co-president of Millennium Kids. Young Australians aged 10-25 are invited to complete a postcard and send it to the national Millennium Kids Environment Conference in Perth, in October. 'Our Postcard invites young people to have their say. Then at our national conference we will look at all the kids' opinions and work out what our project priorities will be for 2002', Adam said. Last year, the Postcard campaign brought in more than 3,000 environmental ideas and issues of concerns. They fell into four issue areas – protection of native animals, trees and soil, air pollution and water pollution. This year kids are being asked what concerns them about the environment and what sort of projects they think they could do to solve the issues. There is seed funding for a select number of chosen projects. Gary Butcher, 13 years, another co-president said, the funds had been used in schools to start bush regeneration projects, tree planting and for frog ponds built in their school grounds ‘We want the government to know that we have a voice, but we also want to show that we can do something practical to help,' Gary said. The ideas will also form the basis for a series of ‘Youth Challenges on the Environment' to be presented to State and Federal environment ministers. To receive a Postcard, contact Millennium Kids at info@millenniumkids.com.au or call 0418 923 968.
Tempt Dad with unique gifts this Sunday
If your Dad has so many pairs of socks, jocks, ties and hankies that he could start a second-hand menswear store, then maybe it's time to get your Dad something a little different for Father's Day. One of the best places in town to find a unique gift for Dad and a great gift card to match is at Temptations, which is owned and operated by long-time Wardell residents Sue and Andy Hiller. 'You can only buy Dad so many shaving kits and tool sets, so we provide an alternative – something a little different from your run-of-the-mill Father's Day gifts,' Andy said. 'The shop has a pleasant atmosphere to browse in and the staff are more than happy to help you choose something if you're stuck for ideas. We're also happy to exchange purchases if the gift doesn't work out and we have a free gift wrapping service, so people can take home a beautifully presented gift without any hassle.' Andy's first suggestion for a Father's Day gift is something from the store's wide range of bar accessories. There's everything from painted shot glasses and stainless steel corkscrews to engraved hip flasks and bar lamps made from old Jim Beam cans, plus a whole lot more including wine racks and bottle holders. If your Dad spends a lot of time in the office, then he might enjoy the Feng Shui card cabinets however, if you're after something a little more practical there's stress balls, business card holders and beautifully carved letter openers. There's also a selection of Jack Daniels and Jim Beam cooking sauces, marinades and mustards which according to Andy have proven very popular because they're low in alcohol and have a delicious flavour. Another of Andy's favourites is the novelty walking stick with bell (instead of yelling at the kids just ring the bell!) which is sure to give Dad a laugh. The store has hundreds more gift ideas like toiletries, photo frames, mugs, CD towers, medieval swords and heaps more to choose from. Temptations is upstairs in the Lismore Central Shopping Centre. Phone 6621 4006.
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Lismore City Council's Kadina Park recreation planner, Alex Wilford and EnviTE Work-for-the-Dole supervisor, Darryn Morrow, at the Kadina Park development in Goonellabah with Work-for-the-Dole members (l-r) Tony Foster, Justin Norhedd, Duane Cahill, Adam Felicioni and Mark Andrews.
Lismore Craft and Quilters president, Betty McPherson (front centre) and some of the other 60 members of the club with some of the quilts and crafts that will be displayed during next week's Quilt and Craft Show.
Ron Campbell, holding his championship cymbidium, is congratulated by Alstonville Orchid Society president Jim Sutton.
Suellen Pursche President of Lismore South Public School P&C, with Michael Hermann from South Lismore Pharmacy and some of the milk caps the school has collected.
On a visit to Lismore during the Herb Festival, a delegation of Japanese chefs, with Austrade officials and food buyers (pictured with Norco marketing manager Tanya Crowther) visited Norco to taste the co-op's ice cream.
Yamaha Technician Grand Prix state winner, Glen Mitchell doing what he does best... fixing bikes. The Bexhill lad competes in the Oceania Final in Sydney this Sunday.
Journey of a Nation ambassador, AMP financial planner Philip Crandon presents Lismore mayor Bob Gates with a Treasure Chest containing memorabilia from the last 100 years in Lismore.
Lance Ferris from Ballina-based Australian Seabird Rescue with his new rescue truck. 
Mike Rosolen, 91, who was educated at the New Italy school, stands on the site of the original school.
Her strident opinions on public issues can be found most weeks on The Echo's letters pages. But Lismore resident Kathryn Pollard-O'Hara (pictured) has decided that actions speak louder than words, so she's thrown her hat into the ring for the looming federal election and plans to challenge Page MP Ian Causley as an independent.
Punita Boardman, author of a report into local lesbian health needs, with choir master Reb Wilkinson and the Rainbow Geckos choir (clockwise from front left) Danika Whitehead, Cayne Healy, Kiri English-Hawke, Heather Reavell Martens, Kaleera Kelly, Akira Boardman and Jemma Rose Schmidt who performed at the launch of the report. 
Ian MacDonald MLC presents the certificate of endorsement to Ballina Community Drug Action Team chairman, Cr Peter Moore.
Launching the reprint of the 1910 James Green novel The Lost Echo is Lismore's mayor Bob Gates with Richmond River Historical Society volunteer, Marcia Mullins (centre) and president Margaret Henderson.
Checking out the new Multi Diagnost 4 X-ray imaging equipment installed last week is Lismore Base Hospital executive officer Wayne Jones, Philips Medical Systems applications specialist Gavin Watts, the hospital's chief radiographer Denys Wynn and radiologist Dr Nick Repin.
Karuna Fielden, Community Services Officer Lismore City Council and Lydia Kindred, Co-ordinator Rosebank Community Centre watch as centre volunteer Melinda Turner takes the centre's donated PC for a spin on the Internet.
Aged services Federal minister Bronwyn Bishop will be one of the guest speakers at the Retirees Conference in Ballina next weekend.
Temptations proprietor Andy Hiller with a novelty walking stick, just one of the many great Father's Day gift ideas available from the store.