Issue 746
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Main NewsRecycling Centres Stay
Run by the North East Waste Forum in conjunction with local councils, the promotion saw waste officer watching people at Lismore's recycling drop off centres to see if they were 'doing the right bin'. People who recycled correctly like Nicole and Hedi were rewarded, while those who didn't were given educational material about correct recycling procedures. 'I care about the environment and my impact on it,' Nicole said. 'Recycling is my way of not contributing to landfill. Each person makes a difference. I really needed a compost bin too but I just hadn't found time to buy one, so it was good timing. Or maybe good karma - I'm getting something back for doing something good.' Lismore City Council will keep its four drop off recycling centres after a community survey revealed that two out of every three Lismore residents were prepared to pay for the service. Council sent a survey to 553 urban and rural residents presenting them with three options - no recycling service; a single drop off centre (DOC) at the Wyrallah Road waste facility; or maintaining the existing four DOCs - at Dawson, Brewster and Holland Streets, plus the Wyrallah road waste site - with an additional bin provided for empty plastic bags. Almost half the people (271) sent the written surveys responded, with 67% supporting the existing service in varying degrees. Around 19% preferred the single drop off option, while 14% indicated that no recycling, replaced by tip vouchers for rural residents paying the environmental levy, was their preferred option. A face-to-face survey at the DOCs earlier this year found that 90% of people were happy with the current service. The latest review was forced on council due to the escalating cost of recycling and complaints from the Ballina recycling centre about contamination from syringes and food scraps in the co-mingled bottle skips. The Ballina centre went from paying Lismore $35 a tonne for the recyclables to charging Lismore $72 a tonne for the reprocessing. The move triggered a long, meandering debate over the future of the service. When Ballina issued council with an ultimatum to 'clean up' the contamination rates or the recycling would be refused, Lismore explored the option of building staffed DOCs before the escalating cost forced a rethink. Council planned to send the bottles and cardboard to a Gold Coast recycling centre instead, but was able to come to an agreement with Ballina to take the recyclables. 'To do away with the DOCs is a mistake and this survey proves it,' Cr Ken Gallen said at last week's council meeting. But the decision is likely to cost ratepayers an additional $80,000 per annum and council has only budgeted for the current system up until the end of the year. In an attempt redress the problems with contamination and reduce complaints about the unsightliness of the DOCs sites, council will press the contractors to improve the cleaning and maintenance of the areas. The survey respondents did raise a number of other issues. Some 19 people said they'd prefer kerbside collection or split bin system, while 12 suggested better or more supervision was needed at the DOCs . Five people asked that both bins be collected weekly, especially in summer. Simon Thomsen Firefighting Fillip
The Lismore CBD fire station's ability to cope with fires has been boosted by the allocation of three new firefighting positions at the station. The three firefighters took up their positions last Friday. The station will now be manned 12 hours a day and the NSW Fire Brigades is developing a proposal for it to be manned 24 hours a day within two years. A station officer and three firefighters will man the station from 6am to 6pm. NSW Emergency Services Minister Bob Debus said the additional positions, created from the transfer of non-operational positions out of Sydney, should improve response times to fires. 'These new positions enable Lismore fire station to increase the amount of time per week it is staffed by permanent firefighters,' Mr Debus said. 'The 14 retained firefighters attached to the station will continue to play a vital role in providing fire protection'. Retained firefighters are on call 24 hours a day. Lismore MP Thomas George welcomed the news saying that Mr Debus had responded to concerns from the electorate. 'I have approached the Minister a number of times, outlining the concerns from constituents, Lismore Unlimited and myself in relation to response times and the staffing,' he said. 'This action highlights that the Minister has acknowledged and taken appropriate action.' Rudi Maxwell Sugar Dispute Hopeful of Resolution
Workers and management from the NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative were locked in talks before Commissioner Bacon of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in Ballina last night in an attempt to end a two-and-a-half week dispute which has halted the North Coast cane harvest. The management of the three mills locked workers out on November 5 after what they claimed to be a lack of movement on negotiating a new Workplace Relations Agreement. The company ended the lock-out following a two-day conference before commissioner Bacon held in Ballina, last week. It then instructed the workers to return to work at midnight on Saturday. But the workers chose to strike instead, demanding assurances from management that there would be no further lock-out in the future. Commissioner Bacon then offered to hold more talks in Ballina yesterday but warned both parties that if he did not see progress after a couple of hours he would call the meeting off. Late on Wednesday, Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union organiser Leo Bugden said the fact that the discussions were continuing into the night augured well for a resolution. The Co-op's CEO, Greg Messiter said he was also confident a solution to the dispute could be negotiated. On Tuesday CFMEU state secretary Andrew Ferguson described Sunshine Sugars' handling of the dispute as an industrial and public relations disaster. 'I've been a union officer for 22 years and I'd have to say that management's dealing in this matter are among the worst I've seen,' Mr Ferguson said. 'The fact that the CEO attended the Melbourne Cup the day after he locked his workers out speaks volumes.' Ferguson yesterday hinted at a consumer boycott of Sunshine Sugar products should the dispute continue. Meanwhile, a three-man delegation of North Coast mill workers visited nine Sydney building sites yesterday to put their case. Leigh Brown from the Harwood mill said the Sydney workers had been very receptive to the plight of the 350 striking mill workers. 'We told them we were not asking for much. We just want to finalise an agreement with management and get back to work as soon as possible,' Mr Brown said. 'We were blown away by the thousands of dollars our fellow unionists donated to our cause.' The delegates expect to visit another 20 Sydney sites today and tomorrow. Story & photo: Dave Fawkner
Horsing Around Wins National Award
Emily Lewis-Hughes now has more than just one reason to call Flicka her friend. Emily, a year six student at Alstonville primary school, won a national writing award for a short story inspired by reading My Friend Flicka and her own experiences with horses. 'I wrote 'The Silver Mare' after I'd read the My Friend Flicka. I used to ride when we lived in the country but when we moved into town we couldn't keep our mare or her foal so I haven't ridden for a while. I drew on these two things to write my story,' Emily said. Emily won the prestigious Fellowship of Australian Writers Hilarie Lindsay Young Writers Award, which will be presented to her at a ceremony in Sydney this week. Emily isn't the only Alstonville primary student to have received accolades this week. The School received an Outstanding Achievement Award for being the first placed Country School in the Australian Primary Schools Mathematical Olympiad. Year six students Brendan Ellis and Samantha Wood were among a handful of students who achieved perfect scores. 'It's more logic and problem solving than straight arithmetic - it's more interesting,' Brendan said. Alstonville came 20th out of 718 shools, putting them in the top 3% of all schools in Australia for the third year in a row. Story & photo: Rudi Maxwell
Hitchhiker AttackedA 38-year-old South Lismore man sustained a fracture to the cheekbone, right forearm and jaw after being assaulted while hitchhiking between Lismore and Nimbin on Saturday. Police say a dark green or brown coloured 1970-71 Kingswood sedan with a white painted roof stopped around midday, and the man approached the car for a lift. One of the vehicle's four male passengers then went to the boot, produced a weapon and struck the victim three times. Another passenger also struck the man, who lost consciousness. The victim was robbed of his wallet containing a small amount of cash and was left on the roadway. He was later taken to Lismore Base Hospital by two passers-by and is in a stable condition. Police are now seeking assistance from anyone who may have seen the incident, the car or its occupants, described as aboriginal in appearance in the late 20s to early 30s. Anyone with information should phone Lismore Police on 6623 1599.
Young Film Stars are All Heart
An extraordinary and moving 25-minute film which tackles some of the biggest issues facing young people made its debut in Lismore last week. Racism, bullying, being orphaned and staying on the right side of the law are just some of the big picture issues featured in Not at home. The story was written by and stars more local youth. Their talent and energy won over actor Rachel Ward, who spent the previous fortnight with her new young friends as part of the Big hART rural arts program. 'I've worked all over the world, from Hollywood to London, with actors like Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall and Sam Neill, but my heart and energies have been more engaged in Lismore this past two weeks than anywhere else,' she declared at the launch of Our Town. Ms Ward, the daughter of British aristocracy, said nothing beat Lismore's youth for 'sheer bloody talent'. Among that talent was Boz Martin, 13, Lismore's cheeky answer to Shirley Temple, who managed to inspire both love and frustration in the famous actor. Her husband Bryan Brown, also helped out, providing a narrative voice over for the story. There are high hopes that the film will screen on SBS in 2003 as part of series of programs designed to raise awareness of the issues facing rural youth. Big hART team leader Phil Crawford said the project would have long-term benefits for the region's youth. 'We are very conscious that we have a responsibility to return something to the community when we get involved in these issues. There is an enormous amount of creative talent in the area and I am surprised that a city the size of Lismore does not have a youth centre,' he said. But after last week's Lismore council meeting, there's even hope on that front. Council voted unanimously to adopt the business plan to redevelop the old Lismore High School site as an arts and cultural precinct. The plan includes a 'youth arts development centre' alongside a new gallery, library, arts workshops and an Aboriginal cultural centre.
Infomercial Inquiry Visits LismoreThe Fair Trading Advisory Council's (FTAC) inquiry into television infomercials is conducting a hearing in Lismore this Friday, November 23. Inquiry chair Kim Wilson said the FTAC is investigating infomercials because of increasing fears about deceptive practices and their effect on consumers. 'For the inquiry to properly examine all the issues involved it is vital that the concerns of people in regional and rural centres are addressed. I urge people from Lismore and nearby areas to attend the forum and bring forward any concerns they have on the use of infomercials,' Mr Wilson said. The hearing will be conducted at the Lismore Workers' Club from 2-4pm this Friday and anyone who is attending should call the Lismore Fair Trading Centre on 6627 6500 to register. The inquiry will look at various forms of advertising including chat shows, building renovation shows and direct advertising promotions.
Domestic Violence Study Seeks SupportersResearchers at Southern Cross University are keen to contact women who have provided support to local women who have experienced living with domestic violence in a rural setting. The aim of the study is to develop strategies that can be utilised to assist other supporters, according to the study's coordinator, Dr Kierrynn Davis from SCU's School of Nursing and Health Care Practices. 'The research will explore ways in which supporters themselves can be supported', Dr Davis said. 'We need to develop an understanding of what it is like to 'be there', supporting another woman through her experience. We need to understand what effect living in a rural setting has on the type of support given, and the role it plays in the supporter's ability to be effective in the support they provide'. Dr Davis said it was essential to understand what could have made the role of supporter more effective. 'To develop understandings of these issues, we are asking women who have been supporters to talk with us in a safe and confidential interview. The long-term beneficiaries will be supporters of rural women in such situations as well as those women in domestic violence,' she said. Supporters are urged to contact the Research Office on 6620 3015 as soon as possible.
Dodgy DoctorLismore naturopath Jeffrey Dummett has been fined a total of $12,000 and placed on a one year good behaviour bond after he was found guilty of falsely claiming he was a medical practitioner. Dummett - who calls himself Dr Dummett - was also made to pay $31,426.60 in legal costs to the NSW Medical Board and ordered not to treat patients contrary to the provisions of the Medical Practices Act. He was charged with four counts of holding himself out to be willing to provide medical advice, contrary to the provisions of the Medical Practices Act, when he was not a registered medical practitioner. Dummett claimed he could treat common health problems as well as serious illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, cancer, heart problems and viral infections.
Anthrax ScareA small amount of white powder was located in a telephone box in Gray Street, Casino last Tuesday around 4pm. The phone box was decontaminated and samples were taken. Inquiries revealed the substance may have been in the phone box for a number of hours. Anyone who believes they may have come in contact with the powder on Tuesday should contact medical authorities.
Channon VolunteersTo recognise the valuable contribution volunteers make a special Community Picnic is being held this Saturday November 24 at Coronation Park in The Channon. Entertainment and dinner will be provided, but people need to bring a picnic blanket, crockery, refreshments and a dessert to share.The celebration runs from 4-10pm. For more information phone Jen on 6688 6366, Anne on 6688 6479 or Robyn 6688 6452 .
Road DeathA 45-year-old Queensland man was killed and his female passenger has sustained serious injuries after their car collided with a semi-trailer at Woodburn on Monday. The collision happened around 1.30pm when the northbound Commodore station wagon crossed to the incorrect side of the road, colliding with the southbound semi-trailer almost head-on. The semi-trailer driver was uninjured. The 41-year-old female was taken to Lismore Base Hospital with multiple internal injuries in a serious but stable condition. The couple were from Redbank Plains.
Rotary Offers Fiji Hope
Fiji may seem like a Pacific paradise, but its people are plagued by diabetes, an illness that can cause blindness and lead to limb amputations if left untreated. So four years ago the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise decided to do something about it, adopting the Beam of Hope project, which established an ophthalmic laser surgery in Suva two years later as well as running regular educational campaigns to combat the causes of diabetes, which are often diet related. Last week, a team of 10 volunteers from the Lismore-based Rotary Club left for Fiji to spend a fortnight helping tackle the problems of diabetes in the island nation. A container full of medical equipment and furniture donated by Rotarians and Lismore businesses was shipped to the island, where the group is helping with everything from testing blood sugar levels to check for diabetes to eye tests to check for diabetes-related retinal disease, which requires corrective laser surgery, as well as checking feet for complications and handing out gifts of clothing and toys to struggling Fijian families. The project has the support of the Fiji Ministry of Health.
Crash Course for Senior Students
More than 1700 local high school students attended seminars at Southern Cross University this week in a bid to help them make informed decisions about the risk-taking activities they face at this point in their lives. Studies have revealed that one-third of adolescents are actively involved in risk-taking activities, with another third in danger of becoming involved. This has led SCU to combine with Lismore City and Ballina councils, the Department of Education and other community groups to offer senior school students a series of seminars aimed at developing strategies to cope with the problem. The program known as RRISK - Reduce Risk - Increase Student Knowledge - is designed to provide high school students with the appropriate skills, expected attitudes and knowledge needed to make informed decisions around driving, drug and alcohol use, risk-taking behaviours and celebration activities. The one-day program was hosted by Paul Dillan from the National Drugs and Alcohol Research Centre, a regular commentator youth radio station Triple J. It featured seminars on topics such as alcohol, cannabis and amphetamine use, defensive driving, and buying and maintaining a car. They were combined with exercises simulating accident scenarios and talks from the Police, Ambulance and Fire services and Ballina Mayor, Peter Moore. Accident victim Michael Buttershaw recounted how, as an unlicenced 16-year-old driver under the influence of alcohol and cannabis, he crashed the car, killing two girls and sustaining injuries that left him with a permanent disability. His moving talk revealed the harsh reality of his actions, including a lost future, the guilt and anger, his disabilities, including reduced mobility, balance, speech, lung capacity and memory. 'This was a new outlook for us,' said Alstonville High School student, Alison Ensbey, 17. 'Michael's honesty and direct approach had a big impact.' Paul Dillan said it was important the issues discussed had credibility in the student's eyes. 'Rather than lecture, we need to give them the skills and information to make their own informed decisions when they are faced with these issues, and not just listen to their peer group,' Mr Dillan said. Story and photo: Ed Rummery
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Echo sales and marketing manager Heather Williams recently presented artist Catherine Fisher with the $1000 Echo People's Choice Award in the Lismore City Art Prize. Catherine's portrait of colourful gardening identity Paul Recher turned out to be the crowd favourite. |
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Machinist-turned-sculptor Neville Cain also hads reason to smile recently when he won the $1000 Best in Show prize at Coraki's Tea Tree Festival Art Prize for his stunning jewellery case made of aluminium and brass. A gobsmacked Mr Cain, who's only recently begun to concentrate seriously on his artistic endeavours, was 'absolutely blown away' to win after earlier picking up the $300 first prize for 3D functional art for his similarly styled pepper grinder. |
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Interrelate men's services officer, Forrest James (centre) with men from ACON, the Men's Resource Centre and the Children's Contact Centre (l-r) Bill Taylor, Stuart Anderson, Doug Jones, Ron Knight and David Horner.
As part of the Interrelate Men's Program running in Lismore a number of men's courses and support groups will start next week to look at the changing role of men in modern society.
The courses will allow men to examine issues that effect their lives such as being a dad, stress and health, emotions and intimacy, relationship problems, financial worries and work issues.
Men over 18 are invited to take part. The courses allow them to talk about their feelings and reassess their roles as men.
'Men tend to still hark back to earlier models of masculinity, which were workable in the 40s and 50s, but not today,' said Interrelate's men's services officer, Forrest James.
'The prescription is not a pill it's an entire cultural change, and that's what we are trying to facilitate with the courses. The biggest difficulty is getting men to come... the traditional male role encourages men to deny their emotional wellbeing until a physical problem occurs, which could be a heart attack or could be suicide.'
The courses begin next Tuesday, November 27, at the Men's Resource Centre, 17E Keen Street, from 6.30-9.30pm, and run every week until late December.
To book phone Forrest on 6621 9491.
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Nicole Cox of Lillian Rock and Hedi McKnight of Terania Creek (pictured with Council's waste minimisation officer Lesley Trott, Cr John Crowther and North East Waste Forum coordinator, Heather Cook have taken home a new worm farm and compost bin worth $100 after being named joint winners in the National Recycling Week promotion.
New Lismore fire station officer Marty Stelzer, with firefighters James Connors, station stalwart and senior firefighter Ross Krippner, and Wayne Brien.
Unlikely allies... NSW secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, Andrew Ferguson ( black shirt) and Kerry Nettle, the woman likely to be NSW's first Greens senator, with striking Broadwater workers on Tuesday. 
Alstonville Primary student Emily Lewis-Hughes won a national writers award.
International stars Bryan Brown and Rachel Ward were in Lismore last week to lend their support to the Big hART youth film project, which stars local youth.
10 members of the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise are currently in Fiji helping tackle diabetes, which causes trouble for many Fijians.
Kate Thomas (front), Jaymee Lee (standing) and Anna Mathewson from local band Happee Hour perform an accident simulation of a drink driving scenario during the RRISK seminars.
Would you Allow Alcohol at your Adolescent's party?
Christopher Otte with his host Katherine Dalziell and Southern Cross Cultural Exchange local coordinator, Vincent Mazzer.
Farmer Ron Weir (rear, right) is recycling biosolids from Lismore council's sewerage treatment as free fertiliser to improve the productivity of his farm. He's pictured receiving the first load of the nutrient-rich waste from council's enterprise manager, Craig Kelly, Lismore Water manager Anu Atukorala, and Brendan Clarke, from Arkwood Organic Recycling.
