Shaggy Dog Comments...

Issue 746

After some difficult times, we have wonderful news to report. You may remember when the World Trade Centre was destroyed, The Echo ran the story of Mark Melvin and Nicola Kinsella. Mark worked in the WTC, but was late for work on that fateful day. Many of his colleagues were not so lucky. But life goes on, and on Sunday under beautiful Northern Rivers sunshine, Nicola, eldest daughter of our legal correspondent Brian Kinsella, became Mrs Kinsella Melvin. We wish this wonderful couple all the love in the world. May they have a long and loving life together.

Another extraordinary milestone was reached on Monday by one of our brightest stars (and we don't just mean her smile and laughter). Terra Sword came to The Echo four years ago as a slightly raw but impressive 17-year-old go getter with journalistic ambitions. With talent to burn, it didn't take long for her to realise her goal and as anyone who's had the pleasure to meet her on a story knows, she's a charming, courteous and utterly delightful person. On Monday, Terra turned 21. While she's had the keys to the door for some time, we still want to wish her a happy birthday. And tell her we love and admire her very much. Terra epitomises the promise of youth. She also delivers.

Actor Byran Brown and wife Rachel Ward were in Lismore last Friday to launch the Big hArt project. The couple had lunch at Caddies with another man and a young boy. When it started to rain, Bryan got up to move inside. As he was about to cross the threshold, the boy cried out at the top of his lungs from five metres away 'Hey Bryan! Do you think anyone's recognised you yet?!' The fact that all conversation ceased for a few moments after that suggested they did now.

Now John Howard knows how poor old Uruguay feels... with 85,000 people at the MCG to watch Australia's qualifying World Cup soccer match on Tuesday night, it seems that if Labor wants to win the next election, it needs to put some work into its soccer policy. When the PM's face came up on the big screen before the match, the crowd gave him a resounding boo. Who knows, maybe there are some good Afghani defenders currently kicking the round ball in Nauru. Perhaps we could make the question 'Who is Harry Kewell?' an entry test for potential refugees?

The Peoplescape community art project, part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations, reaches its climax this weekend when 5000 artistic representations of 'unsung heroes' from across the nation will be installed on the lawns of Parliament House, Canberra. One of the people chosen for this project is Allan Robinson (pictured), 71, a much-loved figure for local kids who've ridden his merry-go-round at the local markets any time over the past 50 years. The young students (also pictured) from Michelle King's KACK art classes for kids, who chose Allan, spent September bringing him to life in the 2 metre high cut-out.

Trauma Teddy Day there to help

Trauma Teddy Day there to help Red Cross mascot Trauma Ted is a busy chap and recently visited Lismore Base Hospital's children's ward, where he said hello to Jamie Lower of Lennox Head and mum Karen. Ted handed out lots of soft cuddly knitted versions of himself, made by Red Cross volunteers, as a comfort to young children in distressing times.

This Friday, November 23, is Red Cross Trauma Teddy Day, when you can support the valuable work of the Red Cross by buying Teddy merchandise including beanie toys, slap bands pens, temporary tattoos.

Trauma Teddy works 365 days of the year raising funds and awareness for Australian Red Cross local community services and disaster relief programs.

Trauma Teddy merchandise can be bought from Millers Fashion, Katies, Soul Pattinson Chemist and Kays Optical from mid November. Alternatively, to purchase merchandise or become involved drop in to the Red Cross office in Keen Street, Lismore, or phone Damien Condon on 6622 3244, or Email dcondon@nsw.redcross.org.au

The Red Cross is also looking for people to donate wool or help knit Trauma Teddies for the kids. If you can help, phone Rachael on 6622 3244.

Good Samaritan Darcy Goodwin (pictured with volunteer Bianca Bright) believes strongly in the spirit of giving. For years he has run the 5 Loaves Mobile Soup Kitchen in Lismore and surrounding districts, providing people in need with free meals, furniture and emergency aid. This weekend is the 5 Loaves Mobile Soup Kitchen's 10th anniversary and in true Darcy style, he's giving back to the local community by hosting free celebrations.

The anniversary celebrations, Caring is Sharing, will be held this Saturday, November 24 at the Lismore City Hall. Caring is Sharing will include a sumptuous dinner prepared by Darcy and a team of dedicated volunteers, as well as a concert featuring a variety of both young and established artists. The concert is free, however donations for the Soup Kitchen will be accepted on the night.