Issue 744

Main News

Film Offers Heart and Help

The Big hART film project brings together local youth with experienced filmmakers. Project manager Steve Webber, local youth Ashley Kilner, acclaimed actor Rachel Ward and Phil Crawford.

Ashley Kilner, 20, has been living on the streets for the past three years. He is going blind and has just been cut off benefits by Centrelink. You'd think he'd be bleak about his future, but BIG hART, an arts-based organization headed by actor Rachel Ward, currently making a film in Lismore, has given him hope.

'Being involved in making this film has given me a reason to get up in the morning and not neck myself,' Ashley said.

BIG hART is a community arts-based organisation working with disadvantaged young people in rural and remote communities. It combines the gifts of isolated people and the skills of professional arts mentors. A four-member film crew is currently shooting the film for BIG hART. They chose Lismore because it lacks youth facilities. The team hopes to give young people skills they can use to improve their lives. The film, which will screen in Lismore on November, has two parts - a documentary section in which young people tell their stories, followed by a fictional drama created by the youths with scriptwriting help from Ms Ward, star of The Thorn Birds.

Ashley is one of the stars in the film and has proved to be a natural for the industry.

'It deals with the issues of alcohol and drug use. I've helped with the sound, editing and production. I play the bad guy - I'm racist and violent. I hope people I know will understand this is just a character and I'm just acting. I'm actually a pretty nice guy,' he said. For a nice guy, he deserves a few breaks.

Ashley has a rare degenerative eye condition, which leads to total blindness. The federal Government has denied him a sickness benefit. He tells his story without a trace of self-pity.

'I'm on the waiting list for an operation, but it will cost me $4,000 for each eye and obviously I don't have that sort of money. Without the operation, within the next year I'll be completely blind.'

But Ashley is not despondent and hopes to use his experiences to help others.

'I'd like to raise awareness that not all people on the streets are bad guys. You're looked upon as a criminal, alcoholic or drug addict. It's not always the case. There's a lot of people who've had a lot of hardship and haven't had a lot of opportunities who just need a helping hand. A lot of people just need something to get started,' he said.

'I think most people aren't aware of the problems that we face and unfortunately often their perception is that our situation is all our own fault and we don't want to help ourselves. That's simply not true,' he said.

Ashley has learnt a lot from the BIG hART project. 'The film group has been absolutely wonderful. They're trying to help me get a job. I can't work in areas where I'm qualified - motor mechanic and chef - because of my eyesight, it would be very dangerous. The BIG hART are putting a foot in the door for me. If I can get a job then I'll be fine - I can start my life from there,' Ashley said.

He hopes to become a youth counselor and advocate. But in the meantime, there's his acting career.

Rachel Ward and Lismore mayor Bob Gates will launch the Lismore BIG hART project, with a screening the film next Friday, November 16, at the Star Court Theatre, Lismore, at 5pm.

Story & photo: Rudi Maxwell

A Crafty Weekend Ahead

Friends of St Vincent's president, Ann Spillane (centre) with exhibitors Margot Riley (l) and Nancy Graham.

Nance Graham has a long association with St Vincent's Hospital.

Before her father Wally passed away 12 years ago in the Palliative Care Unit, he spent almost 20 years visiting the hospital for treatment. Nance often accompanied him, and each time she was pleasantly surprised by how helpful and caring the staff were.

'The hospital gave my family so much support, both spiritually and physically, and the staff were always so lovely and kind,' Nance said. 'Our family is indebted to the hospital.'

So Nance decided she wanted to give something back. An avid embroiderer, she decided to help with the hospital's major fundraiser, the Craft in the Making show, behind-the-scenes and as an exhibitor.

Three years later Nance is still a keen supporter and she's encouraging others to join her at the 10th Craft in the Making show this Saturday and Sunday, November 10-11, at the Lismore City Hall.

'I had always gone to the craft shows and admired the work, so I thought it was a good way to get involved,' Nance said. 'It's a fun and informative event, and a great place to find a new hobby or buy a personalised Christmas gift. We're counting on local support, so come along, enjoy the show and help us raise much-needed funds for this fantastic hospital.'

Presented by the Friends of St Vincent's Hospital, Craft in the Making features more than 60 exhibitors displaying a variety of arts and crafts, including Nance's beautiful Brazilian embroidery.

Others display every craft imaginable, from silk-screened handmade children's clothing and hand-carved wooden clocks to delicate egg artistry and pressed flower Christmas decorations. There are demonstrations throughout the weekend so you can actually see 'craft in the making'. The exhibitors are more than happy to give advice and answer individual questions.

Workshops in the basics of leadlighting, quilling and decorative art will be held each day.

Craft in the Making is at Lismore City Hall, 9am-4pm both days. Entry is $4. Proceeds will go to the Friends of St Vincent's Hospital, for much-needed hospital equipment. For more information, phone the Friends on 6623 3341.

Terra Sword

Good News Year For Norco

Norco CEO Bernard O'Brien at the Co-op's new head office adjacent to the ice cream plant in South Lismore.

Norco will have good news for shareholders when the dairy farmers meet for the co-operative's AGM next Wednesday in Lismore.

Norco has achieved an amazing $7.1 million turnaround in profitability in the past financial year, finishing the year with an operating profit of $2.7 million.

It's an amazing turnaround for a company that was fighting for its survival only 12 months ago in the wake of dairy deregulation.

After three years of losses, CEO Bernard O'Brien is pleased to present shareholders with good news.

'The upcoming AGM will be very different to the past several years. We've managed to further the annual profit for 2000-01. We will be updating shareholders on the refinancing and debt reduction issues that have significantly added value back to the Norco business,' Mr O'Brien said.

While overall milk production fell by 17 per cent, and the number of dairy farms dropped by 25 per cent, the average output per farm reached an all-time high of more than 600,000 litres per annum.

Now that Norco has a stronger balance sheet, with debt reduced by $14 million, the co-operative plans to concentrate on improving its core business activities.

Norco management is looking at expanding the Rural Stores division and upgrading sites at Bowraville, Murwillumbah and Casino to the standard of the Lismore and Grafton stores.

Norco also plans to continue to take advantage of new export markets for pig and poultry feed and contract packing opportunities to local piggeries.

Relationships with Streets, Dick Smith Foods, Sara Lee and Baskin Robbins will form the basis of a strong ice cream business for the coming year. A recent $1.1 million federal government grant will help upgrade the ice cream manufacturing plant to cope with the increased demand.

The Norco-Pauls joint venture is also looking to expand in growth areas north of Sydney. And following the sale of its former Foley Street offices to PFD Foods, Norco has relocated its head office next to the ice cream plant in South Lismore.

The AGM is at the Lismore Workers Club at 10.30am this Wednesday, November 14. Entrepreneur Dick Smith will be the special guest and speak at the meeting.

Story & photo: Rudi Maxwell

School Mural Inspires Students

Students and teacher Linda Duffy from Manifold Public School, near Manifold Public School, near Bentley, admire a colourful butterfly mural recently painted on a playground wall by Byron Bay artist Grant Hayes. Along with getting a painting lesson from Grant the students have now been inspired to come up with some designs of their own. They hope to apply them to the school's garden shed and water tank in the near future. Dave Fawkner

Japanese Gesture Helps Women in Need

Carolyn and Hiro Nakazaki with their son Jumpei, 4, and some of the beautiful kimonos that will be on sale this Sunday.

If you've always wanted a Japanese kimono but have never been able to afford one, this Sunday might be your chance to score a bargain, and help a local charity at the same time.

Wollongbar residents Hiro and Carolyn Nakazaki are holding a Kimono sale this Sunday, November 11 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Alstonville. Proceeds will go to the Hope Haven Women's Refuge in Ballina. The couple have more than 80 kimonos, yukatas (a summer kimono made from cotton) and other traditional Japanese clothing and material to sell - sent from Japan by Hiro's parents. The kimonos belonged to Hiro's grandfather.

'Hiro's parents spent more than $800 just on postage so I have a minimum target of $1,000!' said Carolyn. 'For two people who live in another country hundreds of miles away this is a very generous gesture and we're hoping the community will show their generosity by supporting us this Sunday.'

There are haoris (a short jacket which goes over a kimono), hachi makis (a bandanna worn during Japanese festivals) and several furoshikis (a special Japanese cloth used for wrapping housewarming presents). They also have some handheld fans and books. Prices start at $2 with the kimonos starting from $80. Carolyn says some of them are normally worth $30,000, so it's a good time to grab a bargain.

'Not only can people get some beautiful traditional Japanese clothing at a cheap price, but they will also be helping a very worthwhile cause,' Carolyn said. 'Some women come to the refuge with nothing but bruises and the clothes on their backs, and for them the refuge is the only place they can find help.'

The Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall in Alstonville is Pearces Creek Road (600m from the turnoff on the left). The sale will run from 9am-2pm.

Beauty Helps Cancer Patients Recover

Look Good... Feel Better coordinator, Kay Johnson, demonstrates her beauty techniques on friend Robyn Hutton.

After seeing several friends go through the horrific process of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer, former hairdresser Kay Johnson started a 'wig library' at the Cancer Care Unit in Lismore, to give female patients a lift in their appearance and subsequently their spirits.

So when the Look Good... Feel Better program began in Lismore two years ago and a coordinator was needed, Kay was the perfect choice.

Look Good... Feel Better is a free service which teaches female cancer patients - through hands-on experience - techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during treatment.

Developed by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association of Australia (CTFAA) in 1990, the program has been a huge success - but more volunteers are desperately needed.

'During treatment patients often lose their hair, including eyebrows and lashes, and skin pigment can also change,' Kay explained.

'Part of the healing process is emotional, and if you look good then you subsequently feel better. A few hours every three months is not a lot of time for volunteers to give, but it could make a huge difference in someone else's life.'

A training day for volunteers is being held next Thursday, November 15 in Lismore followed by a workshop with patients on Friday at the Cancer Care Unit at Lismore Base Hospital.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer phone Kay on 6621 6605 or 0428 216 606.

Nimbin Volunteers Celebrate

Some of the volunteers from Nimbin's community radio station, NIM-FM, who will be honoured at the Volunteers Celebration this Saturday.

Volunteers working in Nimbin will be recognised at a special celebration, Revealing the Hidden Treasures, this Saturday, November 10 at the Peace Park in Nimbin.

There are more than 40 community organisations in Nimbin with more than 500 volunteers, and according to one of the event organisers, Rhea Clark, they have a huge impact on the local community.

'Everyday in some way the volunteers are making a contribution that improves our lifestyle, from emergency services and health care to community development and entertainment,' Rhea said.

The day kicks off at 1pm with volleyball games and live music for the whole family.

Throughout the day there will also be free face painting, mask making, drama workshops, youth theatre performances, live Irish music, story telling and much more. The awards presentation is at 3.40pm.

For more information phone Rhea on 6689 0253 or Leanne and Lizette on 6689 0000.

Cancer Advice

A free Cancer Council phone-in service will operate next week, November 12-16.

Nurses specialising in cancer will staff the phones from 9am-5pm daily to answer questions and offer support and advice on anything to do with cancer.

The Cancer Council's local coordinator, Sharee Pine, said the Cancer phone-in service is available throughout the year.

The phone-in number is 1800 422 760.

Sacred Sunday

To help raise money for needy Indian children, Kyogle's Buddhist retreat Vajradhara Gonpa is hosting a day of things sacred this Sunday, November 11.

Vajradhara Gonpa is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist retreat centres in Australia. The special day is a fundraiser for the White Lotus Program, which runs two children's centres in India supporting about 50 children. The money raised from Sunday's event will help the centres provide schooling, counselling and general care for the children, who are sadly neglected because of their caste and social status.

The workshop is a great way to relax and relieve stress and make difference in the lives of many children. The day runs from 9.30am-3.30pm. Tickets are $35 adults/$15 children with a vegetarian lunch provided. Bookings are essential. Phone 6633 1382.

Bangalow Fete

The annual Bangalow Anglican church garden fete is on this Friday, November 9, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.

The fete at is at All Souls' Parish Hall and in the Church grounds in Ashton Street.

Funds raised will go to various Anglican Board of Mission projects like the clean water project in the Phillipines.

The fete will feature a wide array of stalls selling everything from from cakes, pickles and preserves to books and pot plants, plus high quality crafts. The Parish Cookbook, featuring heritage recipe will also be on sale, plus postcards and 2002 calendars.

For kids there are big bubbles, face painting, craft, music and any other rabbits that jump out of the hat on the day.

Free Men's Health Forum

A free forum encouraging men to take as much care of their bodies as their cars, the Men's Health Tune-Up program, will be held next Wednesday, November 14 at the Lismore Workers Club.

The forum aims to provide men aged 40 and over with information on maintaining a healthy life including physical, mental and sexual wellbeing.

Hosted by Goonellabah Medical Centre GP, Andrew Binns, the forum includes free health checks. Men can be tested for cholesterol and blood pressure as well as have body mass index tests, risk assessments done for cardiovascular disease and diabetes tests.

'This is an ideal opportunity for men to learn about health, listen to an experienced GP and ask questions on any area of concern or interest,' Men's Health Tun-Up program coordinator, Diane Merrin, said.

'We want men to start thinking about their bodies as much they seem to think about their cars. Men usually take their car in for a regular service, but often forget their bodies need to be treated the same, or with even more care. These forums are designed to make information readily available to men and encourage them in a relaxed and informal atmosphere to be more pro-active in maintaining their health.'

The forum runs from 7-10pm. No bookings are necessary, simply turn up.

For more details, phone 1800 886 387.

Recyclers Rewarded

During National Recycling Week, the North East Waste Forum (NEWF), in conjunction with local councils, is rewarding people who recycle correctly with prizes worth $100.

From November 12-18 random checks will be made of recycling bins throughout the region to see if people are recycling correctly. A household with an uncontaminated bin will win a prize worth $100 from the local Council as a thank you for recycling correctly.

People whose bin contains contaminants will be given information on how to improve their recycling.

We don't want to punish people who aren't recycling correctly, we'd rather reward those doing the right thing. It's a positive way of reinforcing the correct ways to recycle,' NEWF coordinator, said Heather Cook (pictured above).

The promotion is on in Lismore, Casino, Ballina, Kyogle and Byron Bay. For more information phone Heather on 6685 5866.

Youth Break in to Hemp Embassy

The Nimbin Hemp Embassy has been raided for the second time in less than a week.

Last Wednesday it was the Police - on Monday night it was a group of hooded youths.

Hemp Embassy spokesman and Hemp Party Senate candidate, Michael Balderstone, said a male staff member was watching television in the Hemp Bar at midnight on Monday when the door was kicked in by six youths.

When the man tried to ring police, the phone was torn from his hands and he was beaten and kicked, receiving bruising and cracked ribs in the attack. The intruders then ransacked the coffee bar, emptying the contents of shelves onto the floor and trashing a computer, before spraying foam from a fire extinguisher around the room.

The attackers then broke down a door leading to the adjacent Hemp Embassy where they stole a large amount of merchandise.

Mr Balderstone said that while he was shocked by the attack he was not surprised.

'A drought in Burma, and an until-recent crackdown on poppy growing in Afghanistan, has lead to an Australia-wide heroin shortage over the past months,' he said.

'The result in Nimbin has been an influx of other powders including cocaine, speed and ecstasy. The kids on the street are mixing it all up and have no idea what they are taking. It's lead to an escalation of street violence and incidents like Monday night's break-in.

'However, a cynic might say that the attack is part of a turf war, with the dealers seeing the Hemp Party's policies as a direct threat to the black market.'

Police are investigating the incident.

Dave Fawkner