Issue 743
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Main NewsLabor Promises Flood Levee and Health School
A federal Labor government would provide $5 million over two years to build the Lismore flood levee, saving close to $2 million for Lismore ratepayers. Labor's Senator Michael Forshaw, visited the city last week to announce that Labor would contribute $5 million to the project, with the NSW government agreeing to increase its funding by $1 million to match the federal contribution. The ALP will also return to the old funding ration of 2:2:1, saving Lismore council and its ratepayers $1.76 million in additional costs. The Coalition is sticking by its 1:1:1 formula which asks Lismore to contribute a third of the projects estimated cost of $12.5 million. Labor's pledge will also halve the construction time, meaning the levee could be completed within three years. 'This is a doubling of the contribution from the federal and state governments, which in turns means the local council doesn't have to pick up as big a share as it would under the current Coalition government,' Mr Foreshaw said. 'This will be an absolute priority for the people of Lismore in the first couple of years of a Labor government. This has come about because of the hard work of the council and mayor Bob Gates, who have been lobbying for extra funding, and Terry Flanagan, our candidate.' Cr Gates said the announcement was 'tremendous news for the people of Lismore'. 'The fact that we can expedite and get this built quickly will also introduce savings, so the savings may be a bit more,' he said. With only nine days to go before the election, the Coalition seems reluctant to match Labor. On Monday, Nationals leader John Anderson said: 'All I can say is I believe we can find a way forward in Lismore. I'll talk to [the minister responsible for flood mitigation] Ian McDonald about it.' As the battle for Page - held by Ian Causley by a 3.1 per cent margin - heats up, the funding for Lismore kept flowing from the ALP this week, this time for health. Mr Flanagan announced a Labor government would spend $6 million over two years to establish a clinical school at Southern Cross University. Last year, Northern Rivers Area Health, in conjunction with the university and local doctors, made a strong joint-venture bid for a clinical school, which would help attract doctors to rural areas. Despite initially positive responses from the Health Minister Dr Michael Wooldridge, the region missed out to the surprise and anger of local health officials. Instead, the Coalition awarded the region a lesser Department of Rural Health. Mr Flanagan said the funding will allow the Dept at SCU to expand to take medical students from Sydney University. 'The clinical school was originally promised by the Coalition. Labor will deliver it,' he said. 'This is part of Labor's plan to attract doctors to country areas like Lismore.' In related health news, National Party leader John Anderson said he had looked into health matters raised during his recent visit to Lismore - Nimbin's doctor shortage in and the Medicare rebate for the MRI scanner at St Vincent's Hospital in Lismore. 'Both of those issues are now being reviewed and I'll try and get an answer. The MRI issue I don't think I'll have resolved in the next couple of weeks, the other one [rebates to attract a doctor to Nimbin] I hope to.' A Poppy for Remembrance
City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch secretary, Wilson McClelland (pictured), is encouraging the local community to show their support for ex-servicemen and women. Trinity Catholic College students and other volunteers will be selling the poppies in industrial areas on Thursday and around the CBD on Friday. The Ladies auxiliary will also be selling merchandise at the Village Barrow, on Magellan Street, 9am-2pm. 'We only have two fundraising days each year - Anzac Day and Poppy Day - so it's really important for people to show as much support as they can for this event, whether it be $2 or $200,' Wilson said. 'Last year we raised more than $6,500 and this year we want to top that figure. Poppy Day is not only a chance to make a contribution, it's also a time to stop, remember and pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice for their country.' All money raised from Poppy Day goes to help local diggers and their families in need. A poppy cost $2 and there are also badges for $1, $2 and $5. To volunteer as a seller, phone 6621 3851. The Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday, November 11, is at the Lismore War Memorial from 10.50am. The service is the last to be held at the memorial before restoration work begins.
So how's Tricks, Kids?
Pictured with their homemade jack-o-lanterns are (l-r) Loren Cheles-McLean, Darren Lickiss, Cello Young (or Grim Reaper and she prefers to be known), Kate Ireland, Nina Cheles-McLean and the wickedest witch of them all, Rachael Williams (rear). 'I really love dressing up and freaking people out - it so much fun,' laughed the Grim Reaper. 'Making the Jack-o-lanterns was fun and I love all the lollies you get. It's really cool to meet heaps of people... and then scare them!' Terra Sword Nats Promise $12m for Alstonville Bypass
A federal Coalition government will contribute $12 million towards the Alstonville bypass - even if Community Services Minister Larry Anthony loses the seat of Richmond. Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson made a flying visit to Alstonville on Monday to announce the funding, made possible after that section of the Bruxner Highway was reclassified as a 'Road of National Importance' thus making it eligible for federal funding. Trying to be heard above the rumble of trucks through the centre of the village, Mr Anderson said the Coalition will contribute 'half' of the funding. 'All [the] NSW [government] has to do is come up with the other half, for a bypass,' Mr Anderson said. 'We set that program up for roads that are, not strictly speaking, ordinarily [a] Commonwealth responsibility. No state government has ever knocked one back - they've never been brave enough to - and I'm certain NSW will come to the party on this.' But he didn't count on a churlish NSW Roads Minister, Carl Scully, who said the federal offer was nothing more than an election stunt. But his big surprise was a blowout in the cost of the project. The offer of $12 million was now just one-third of the estimated $36 million cost. Mr Scully wanted even more federal funding and blamed a lack of federal contribution towards the Pacific Highway for the empty coffers for building the Alstonville bypass. 'The deputy Prime Minister has assumed once again that the NSW Government is going to reorder its road funding priorities to fit in with his elections gimmicks,' Mr Scully said. Mr Anthony said there were now firm commitments from both the federal Coalition and the NSW Coalition opposition to build the bypass. 'However the state election is not until 2003 and we cannot wait that long.' Alstonville residents welcomed the announcement. Bob Wilson, who organised Wednesday evenings protest rally in support of the bypass, said the Coalition's commitment was 'great news'. 'We'll accept the money with open arms wherever it comes from.' More than 200 placard-waving people turned out on Wednesday to support the call for state funding. 'It was a very successful rally - people are getting behind us and the support is growing stronger and stronger,' Mr Wilson said. 'But I'm afraid we're not going to get anywhere until Minister Scully comes here and realises just how bad it is.' A spokesperson for Mr Scully told The Echo there were a number of 'worthwhile' projects also awaiting funds. 'Projects are carefully assessed and ranked on the basis of reducing crashes, improving overall travel time, reducing urban congestion, as well as social and community benefits like reduced noise levels,' he said. 'There are other towns with very similar or greater average daily traffic volumes than Alstonville, which have not yet been bypassed, including Berry, Cessnock and Orange.'
Police Raid Hemp PartyLismore police swooped on the Nimbin Hemp Embassy on Wednesday in a bid to stop cannabis sales in the 'hemp bar' on site. Expecting trouble, 28 officers were sent to Nimbin for the raid One man has been arrested and charged with supplying 82 grams of the drug. Police estimate its street value at $1000. He was also charged with goods in custody over $900 in cash suspected of being from the sale of drugs. He was bailed to appear in Lismore Local Court on November 19. In total, the police seized 160g of cannabis. But the incident has sparked a war of words between the cannabis users and the police. Detective Inspector Bryan Boultan issued a detailed press release offering the police version of events. Hemp Embassy spokesperson and Senate candidate Michael Balderstone, claims the whole thing was a political stunt. DI Boulton said a search warrant was executed on the place around 12.25pm. The 28 officers attended 'due to the expected angst amongst a volatile minority in the village who support cannabis supply and use.' DI Boulton said the raid was in response to community outrage about the activities at the Hemp Bar, which were also voiced by local MPs. 'The public in Nimbin were appalled at the brazen disregard for the law by the Hemp Bar in the open commercial supply of cannabis.' The crowd remained relatively peaceful during the search, shouting out verbal abuse and chanting 'go back to Manly' - a reference to the police station where corrupt officers were recently discovered running drug syndicates. The 60-strong crowd's anger boiled over when the man was arrested. Police claim a small crowd hurled abuse, spat at them, threw bottles, eggs and other things at the officers and police cars. Others threw themselves under the wheels of the 4WD holding the arrested man. They had to be dragged away by police before the car could leave. Mr Balderstone said it was ironic that after months of residents complaining that police never arrive when called, suddenly they were in town in force. 'Is this Ian Causley sending in the boys in blue? Or is this the police giving the Hemp Party some free publicity because they must be as sick of busting cannabis users as anyone. Eighty percent of drug busts are for cannabis and mostly personal amounts. No wonder pills and powders are booming, they're more dangerous but you're far less likely to get busted,' Mr Balderstone said. But DI Boulton rejected the claim it was a 'political stunt in the leadup to the election. 'This perception is untrue and absurd,' he said. Mr Balderstone was quick to seize the political opportunity for himself 'This is precisely why we are running in the election. Police waste endless time and resources on this lost war, whilst alienating and angering ordinary people smoking a bit of pot,' he said. Simon Thomsen
Garage SaleTo help raise funds for a new bike track around the school, Wilson Park Public School is holding a Garage Sale and Monster Raffle this Saturday and Sunday, November 3-4, at the school. The school caters for students with disabilities from 4-18 years, and has a number of bikes and tricycles for students to ride. 'Currently there is no suitable bike track in the school grounds,' P&C Association member, Hilary MacPherson, said. 'Our school committee is actively involved in fundraising to have a track constructed on part of the playing fields, adjacent to the classrooms. This weekend's sale is part of those activities and we would love to see the local community come out and support us.' More than 10 local businesses have donated prizes for the monster raffle, which will be drawn on December 10. A huge array of items will be for sale at very reasonable prices.
Robber CaughtA 21 year-old Coffs Harbour man has been charged over an armed robbery committed at the Ballina Street Mobile Service Station in Lismore on October 11. The man has been charged with aggravated robbery and wounding after he and two other males hit the service station attendant with a stubbie full of beer, resulting in a gash under his eye. The man was refused bail and he is scheduled to reappear in Lismore Local Court on November 20.
Peace GroupFollowing the very successful peace gathering in Lismore recently, a group of about 50 concerned people have met to plan future peace activities. The group was set up in the wake of the US terrorist attacks and subsequent war in Afghanistan. They are now calling for more people to become involved in organising activities. People can help with publicity and information, help the vigil group, join the candle lit vigil or help with organising a planned National Day of Action. Other future activities planned include market and street information stalls and peace walks. For more information phone Sue on 0410 571 741 or Barbara on 6628 2275.
Knife AttackA 39-year-old woman has been charged for malicious wounding after she cut a police officer during an arrest on October 21. The woman was approached by police in Uralba Street around 7.40am because of her behaviour. She produced a knife and began waving it in the air. She then walked away from police, but was detained on the corner of Woodlark and Keen Street. During the arrest a policeman received a 2cm laceration to his wrist. Following an assessment at Richmond Clinic, the woman was charged with custody of a knife, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and malicious wounding.
Woodlawn Students put their Dukes up
While already struggling with a heavy HSC workload, St John's College Woodlawn year 12 student Peter Wood found time for extra curricula activities to obtain his silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. Peter was presented the award on Tuesday, along with year 10 student Ryan Collins, who received his bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. To qualify for the award, Peter and Ryan had to complete training in three areas - community service, skills-based activities and physical recreation. During the special assembly more than 40 current and former staff were also given awards and made honorary members of the Ex-Students Association, for more than 15 years service with the school. 'These stalwarts are the heart and soul of the college,' principal, Glenn Roff, said. 'These awards go out to staff from all facets of college life - from classroom teachers and priests to cleaners and nurses - whose dedication and commitment has helped make the college what it's today.' Terra Sword
Visiting Volunteers Recognised
Volunteer Home Visiting Program (VHVP) outreach worker Heather Laverick presented the certificates with Family Support Network manager Rosatta Knight, ALP candidate Terry Flanagan and VHVP coordinator Rose Hogan to volunteers (l-r) Trish Loch, Lisa Alés, Donea Rees, Jasmine McIntosh, Lorelle Schrofler, Amanda Charnock and Margherita Rann. The programs helps parents with children under three. The volunteers spend a few hours every week with a family, promoting positive parenting by providing practical support and general encouragement. 'The women (there are no men in the program as yet) are all parents themselves or have extensive parenting experience. They each bring to the program a huge amount of personal experience and empathy - they remember what it's like to have young children and be isolated without a lot of friends or family around to support them,' Ms Hogan said. All the volunteers are comprehensively trained and screened before being matched with a suitable family or parent. More volunteers are always needed. If you're interested phone Rose on 6621 2489.
Ansett Collapse Leaves Bill for BallinaBallina council is facing a shortfall of up $95,000 in unpaid airport fees and taxes as a result of the Ansett collapse. Acting general manager Bryony Chapman said the figure was a worse-case scenario based on passenger numbers for Kendell and Hazelton flights into Ballina in July, August and part of September. 'At the moment we only have gross passenger numbers and we hope to reduce the figure when we get details of child, complimentary and crew fares,' Ms Chapman said. She said the shortfall, whatever it turned out to be, would not effect the running of the airport but did have the potential to reduce council reserves. 'What it means is that the airport is likely to make a smaller profit this year and hence less money will be transferred to the reserve,' she said. 'As a result we have deferred some non-urgent capital works until we have a clearer picture of the situation.' Council could also be required to pay the full GST amount on this money regardless of whether it recovers all or part of it from the administrator. This is because the Taxation Act states that the council is liable for GST from the moment a service is provided. Ms Chapman said council also needed to confirm the continuity of Hazelton and Kendell services which were presently operating on a month-to-month basis in order to get a clearer picture of future income. 'If either airline ceased its Ballina operations we would need Qantas to increase its flights in order to maintain passenger numbers and income,' she said.'The bottom line is that this is not going stop airport services, but it may reduce the airport's profit.' Meanwhile, Ballina council has declined a request from the Federated Municipal & Shire Council Employees Union of Australia that it support Ansett by declaring it councils preferred airline . General manager Stuart McPherson said it was not appropriate for council to have a preferred airline when Qantas and Hazelton were operating from Ballina. Dave Fawkner
Vigil for Peace
Activist Graeme Dunstan, in conjunction with the People Uniting for Peace Group, has begun a peace vigil, every Friday evening at different venues. Lanterns for Peace opposes Australia's involvement in the war in Afghanistan. 'We will host a series of lantern lit vigils in the rainbow region, at which the concerns of ordinary people can be heard in a peaceful and receptive space,' Graeme said. 'We will hold these vigil every week until Australia is withdrawn from the so-called war on terrorism.' People are welcome to make lanterns to carry in the vigil at the Lighten Up Lantern Workshop in Orion Street (for info phone 6622 6333). The next Lanterns for Peace vigil is tomorrow, November 2, at Lismore's Peace Park, corner of Keen and Ballina Streets, from sunset (around 6pm).
Council Calls for Caravan Social ImpactBallina Council has insisted that developers eyeing off the Tinkerbell Caravan Park must prepare social impact statement considering the affect it will have on the residents The move follows the lodgement of a number of technical reports with council by Queensland developer First State, which is seeking to build a retail bulk-goods outlet on the site. The reports include town planning, economic, traffic and acoustic assessments, in support of the rezoning. At last Thursday's meeting Cr Phil Silver moved that council reiterate its intention not to consider any rezoning in the absence of a social impact study. 'I want to reassure the residents of Tinkerbell that this council will uphold their rights under the law,' Cr Silver said.
SES Goes hi-tech
State Emergency Service (SES) units in the Northern Rivers can now combat storms and floods more effectively with the introduction of new equipment and procedures, developed since the severe storms and floods earlier this year. The new satellite phones and computers will be installed in all 13 units in the Northern Rivers in the near future. The computers allow SES units to streamline requests for assistance, reducing administration time and enabling the volunteers to pinpoint the worst affected areas. The satellite phones will keep SES crews in contact with the outside world, regardless of their location. 'The new system will guarantee we can be contacted at all times and that's critical. After all, what's the use of having an SES if you can't contact them?' Richmond Tweed SES division controller, Simon Hanckel, said. 'The computers will show us where the most calls for assistance are coming from in matter of seconds, so we can manoeuvre our resources to the most critical spots.' At the launch of the new systems, SES volunteers were presented with long service medals and training completion certificates. 'The volunteers are all very different people with different personalities, but there's one common link - they all want to do something worthwhile to help their local community,' the state's longest serving SES member, Bert Plenkovich, said. 'The service simply couldn't operate without these volunteers.' More SES volunteers are always needed. To get involved, phone 6625 2070.
Wanted Man Found Dead in NimbinThe body of Ross Greenwood-Smith, 54, of Coomera on the Gold Coast was found in a creek near Tuntable Falls on Sunday morning. Mr Greenwood-Smith was wanted by Queensland police over the disappearance of his wife, Cynthia, who was last seen alive on October 1. A search of the creek was conducted after a Toyota Hilux utility Mr Greenwood-Smith had hired was found in the area. Reports from community members who discovered the body and notified police suggest that wrists and throat had been slashed in a suicide attempt. Queensland police found clothing, jewellery and perfume belonging to Mrs Greenwood-Smith under the couple's newly-renovated swimming pool and a search of the home is continuing. Police fear Mrs Greenwood-Smith may have been buried under the house. Mr Greenwood-Smith's body was taken to Sydney for a post mortem.
Y U Should All Come TogetherIt's not every day you can safely offer you children Stiff Gin in celebration, but this Sunday is the perfect ocassion. All-girl Aboriginal trio the Stiff Gins will be performing during a picnic at Kadina High School this Sunday, from 12 noon to 5pm, to celebrate the launch of the YWCA's Youth Services project 'A Community Coming Together' in Lismore. Actor Rachel Ward will launch the event and speak about her experiences working with disadvantaged youth. You can meet the star of A Town Like Alice , then enjoy the concert by the award-winning band Stiff Gins. The Queensland trio have won numerous awards, including best new talent at the 2000 Deadly Awards (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Awards) and best single at the 2001 Deadlys. They also have plenty of experience working with disadvantaged youths, and now use the powerful and beautiful voices combined with inspiring lyrics to support the communities from which they draw both strength and identity - and hopefully provide inspiration to those who listen to their music. They've recently released a wonderful 12-track debut CD Origins. The 'A Community Coming Together' project has been established in Goonellabah to provide activities for at risk and disadvantaged youth in a region where there are very few facilities and activities for young people. Executive director of the YWCA in Lismore Jocelyn Murphy is very positive about what it can achieve. 'The project is designed to give young people in Goonellabah an alternative place to go after school and during the school holidays other than the streets and the shopping mall,' Ms Murphy said. It will also include family support and include counselling and advice for parents as well as the opportunity to participate in parenting classes. All are welcome to come along and celebrate the launch, so bring a picnic and join in the fun at the barbie at Kadina this Sunday.
A Toast to Ballina's Best Speakers
The Ballina Toastmasters group is the talk of the town after scooping the awards pool at the recent Area 30 Toastmasters Annual Conference at Ballina RSL. Six clubs - Maclean, Alstonville, Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay, Ballina Birdwing (day time) and Ballina (evening) - took part in the conference, which included four competitions - Table Topics, Evaluations, Humorous and International Speeches. Three members of Ballina Toastmasters won three of the competitions and ran third in the fourth. Toastmasters provides an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to develop confidence and skills in public speaking, ranging from the impromptu speech at a family gathering, to more formal structured speeches at seminars, presentation evenings and conferences. Ballina Toastmasters draws members from the circle of Evans Head to Lennox Head and West to Lismore. Visitors are welcome at all Toastmasters meetings. For more information on dates and times of meetings for Ballina Toastmasters please phone 6682 4598, 6686 3003 or 6624 4053,or, Ballina Birdwing, (day-time) on 6628 7518.
Women in BusinessLocal Care Matters at St Vincents
Linda Taylor began her career as a nurse at Southern Cross University, where she completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing, before leaving for Brisbane to find work. Her first appointment in 1989 was as a registered nurse at the Mater Children's Hospital in Brisbane, where she spent most of her time caring for children in the paediatric section. Linda then began working in aged care on the Gold Coast, at which time she married and had two children. It was shortly after this that Linda took up her current position, leader of rehabilitation and aged care services at St Vincent's Hospital. While juggling motherhood and work, Linda is also currently completing a Masters of Nursing through Western Sydney University, which she will complete this year. 'I love the position I currently hold at St Vincent's Hospital - not only does it give me the chance to live in the area where I grew up but it also gives me the opportunity to care for others, which is the reason I entered nursing in the first place,' Linda said. 'I seek to care for people in the context of their whole life and this includes their family, other significant people in their lives and the community in which they live. If I achieve anything, I hope to succeed in helping someone else to achieve their full potential.' The Rehabilitation Centre's main focus is to care for people who have a life changing experience such as a stroke, car accident or bad fall and to help them maximise their full potential. The centre also has an Aged Care Assessment Team and a Program for Appliances for Disabled People.
A friendly Face to Credit Union
After running a business with her husband, Terry, for more than 17 years, Barbara Moston made the commitment that when she turned 40 she would take on a new challenge in life. True to her word, Barbara joined Southern Cross Credit Union as a relieving member service officer just weeks after her 40th birthday. This November Barbara celebrates her eighth anniversary with the business, where she now holds the position of team leader - responsible for running the branch and facilitating members' needs. 'I like the philosophy of the credit union and I'm very passionate about my job - I guess that's why I rose to the position I'm in today,' Barbara said. 'It's a real team effort though and I'm only successful because I have a great team behind me who are really motivated and committed to what they do. The credit union has a very caring philosophy and we have a very friendly, personalised atmosphere which our members really appreciate. It's one of the reasons I keep my office downstairs, so I'm accessible to our members. 'I see myself staying here for another 10 years, building Southern Cross Credit Union into the premiere credit union in Lismore.' Southern Cross Credit Union is in Woodlark Street, Lismore. Phone 6621 7371.
Japanese Culture Passed on to Aussie Kids
Hiroka (pictured with the preschool's director Barbara Riordan and students) attends Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka where she studies English. Her 10 week trip to Australia includes four days a week at Southern Cross University studying English and one day a week at the preschool, where she teaches the students all about Japan. 'We have a multicultural program which gives the children experiences from many cultures, but having someone coming to the centre makes it much more relevant,' Barbara said. 'Hiroka will be reading Japanese children's stories, cooking sushi and Japanese pizza as well as teaching the children some Japanese words and children's songs. 'By teaching the children at a young age about other cultures it makes it easier for them to understand that way of life and accept the differences in people.' Goonellabah Preschool will have an Open Day for enrolments for 2002 on Saturday, November 17 from 10am-12pm. For more information phone 6624 1422.
Students Love their ABC
The class is pictured with some of their entries and (l-r) class teacher Sue Jones, student teacher Sarah Spinaze and Northern Rivers Friends of the ABC branch president, Neville Jennings. Their entry featured 23 individual paintings with a small written message on each describing why they love the ABC. Ms Spinaze, who inspired the kids to enter, said it didn't take much to get them enthused. 'As soon as we decided to enter, the kids all got really enthusiastic about it - and at that stage they didn't even know there was a prize!' Sarah said. 'I was quite amazed at how aware they were, they knew more about the ABC than I did. It definitely touches them personally because they watch the ABC everyday at school.' The class won an ABC voucher for their efforts, which they plan to spend on a new Bob the Builder CD. The winner of the secondary section was year nine Trinity Catholic College student, Kate Bills. The winner of the open section will be announced this week.
Craft Show ReturnsEvery sort of craft imaginable, from egg artistry to handmade jewellery and Brazilian embroidery, will be on show at the 10th Craft in the Making show next Saturday and Sunday, November 10-11. Presented by the Friends of St Vincent's Hospital, Craft in the Making will feature more than 60 exhibitors displaying a variety of arts and crafts throughout the weekend. The exhibitors will be actually be demonstrating their work, so people can get an insight into each different craft and what's involved in making them. Craft in the Making will be held at Lismore City Hall from 9am-4pm daily and entry is $4. Sites are still available for people who would like to exhibit. For more information or to book a site phone the Friends on 6623 3341.
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Labor candidate for Page Terry Flanagan with the ALP agriculture spokesman, Senator Michael Forshaw, announce a $5 million pledge to fund the Lismore flood levee in front of mayor Bob Gates.
Next Thursday and Friday, November 8-9 is annual Poppy Day fundraising drive.
While it's all the way with the USA at the moment, support for American culture also seems to be growing - especially when an unwitting Echo was spooked by some ghastly and ghoulish characters out trick or treating to celebrate Halloween last night.
Nationals candidate for Richmond Larry Anthony with deputy Prime Minister John Anderson.
A group of around 30 volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation recently in recognition of their work with the Volunteer Home Visiting Program run through the Lismore Family Support Network.
Local peace activist, Graeme Dunstan, with some of the lanterns he is making for the Lanterns for Peace regular Friday night peace vigils. 
The state's longest serving SES member, Bert Plenkovich (front centre) and long service medal recipients (l-r) Allen Newton, Jeff Spash, Ian Anderson, Barry Green, Mick Francis and Peter Mair with SES volunteers who recently received their training certificates (rear l-r) Paul Kohlhagen, Paul Snape, Matt Armour, Gerry Burnage, Brett James and Lindsay Matterson.
Ballina Toastmasters members Des Kelly, Barry Tarver (two firsts) and Rik Dillon, who finished first in three competitions and third in the fourth.
St Vincent's Hospital leader of rehabilitation and aged care services Linda Taylor, with patient, Steve Green.
Southern Cross Credit Union team leader, Barbara Moston.
As part of a study visit to Australia, Japanese university student Hiroka Hori has been spending time at Goonellabah Preschool, learning from them all about Australian community life.
A kindergarten class at Wollongbar Public School has won the primary school section of the Friends of the ABC's 'Why I Love My ABC' Writing Competition.