Issue 747
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Main NewsOn yer Bike Santa!
Santa Claus and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer have traded in the sleigh for a Harley Davidson with a sidecar to help raise money for needy children this weekend. Santa and Rudolph are both joining in the North Coast Motorcycle Toy Run and Bike Expo, an annual fundraiser for the 2LM Children's Christmas Appeal, this Saturday, December 1. More than 400 riders are expected to take part in the event, riding from Ballina to Lismore. The event concludes with all the bikes on display and a heap of great activities. 'This is the ideal opportunity for all motorcycle enthusiasts to enjoy a day out and the company of other riders in aid of a great cause,' organising committee member, Joe Fisher, said. 'It's also a great chance for families to enjoy a fun day out and see some beautiful and rare machines. Entry to the event is by toy or gold coin donation. While toys are always appreciated, the most needed commodity is money and we encourage people to make donations of whatever they can afford, no matter how big or small. People are welcome to bring new and second-hand toys of any kind, with the idea being to end up with a large pile of toys, and an even larger pile of money, by the end of the day.' Any riders with a registered bike are welcome to join in the ride regardless of the type, size, colour, make, age or style of bike – scooters, trail bikes, mopeds, Harley Davidsons or Hondas. Age is not a concern and L and P platers are also welcome. This year's run begins at Ballina Seagulls Rugby League Football Club's carpark in Ballina, with a 9.30am muster for a 10.30am departure. The bikes will then travel through Alstonville to Lismore, gathering in Humbley Oval opposite Lismore Shopping Square from 11.30am-2pm for the expo. There people can view hundreds of bikes including classic, vintage, sports, tourers and cruisers as well as a number of superbikes which competed at the recent Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island. Jack Ahern, a bike legend and Grand Prix champion from the 50s and 60s, and current Australian Grand Prix racer Brendan Clarke, will be special guests. The entertainment will also feature a live trials motorcycle and pushbike display by 14 year-old Rosebank resident Jack Fields. Using a man-made obstacle course complete with ramps and rough terrain, Jack will stun visitors with his amazing bike tricks and demonstrations. There will also be merry-go-round rides and clowns to entertain the kids, plenty of food on sale courtesy of the Lions Club of Lismore and a heap of other fantastic activities. Money raised goes to a variety of local charities through the 2LM Children's Christmas Appeal – Biala Special School, St Vincent de Paul, the North Coast Children's Home, Jumbunna, Summerland and Byron Shire Early Intervention, Wilson Park School and Lismore Interchange Respite Care.
Story and photo: Terra ‘500cc' Sword Channon Celebrates
To commemorate the International Year of the Volunteer, around 200 members of The Channon community got together last Saturday to acknowledge the generous work of volunteers over the past 100 years. In The Channon volunteers built the hall, the tea house, the tennis courts, the preschool and were involved heavily in establishing the local schools. Volunteers also run three landcare groups, a film society, the village newspaper – The Terania Shire Times – a pony club, little athletics and a youth group, to name a few. The youth group joined in the celebrations on Saturday, filming the proceedings with the aim of making a short documentary film. Local filmmakers Allison Kelly and Grant McGissord loaned cameras and gave instructions on film techniques and will help edit the footage. Funding for the project was secured through Artstart 2001. According to one of the youth group's members, Andrew Tomlinson, they all enjoyed the process and learning new skills, and when it's finished they plan to show the film locally. 'The Channon has a lot of volunteers and we hope the film will show what they have done for the community, which is a lot,' Andrew said. 'We wanted to publicly recognise their valuable contributions and immortalise the event, as well as learn new skills along the way.' The older members of the youth group are planning a 14 day trip to Thailand in the middle of next year, while the younger members are planning a trip to Sydney, including an overnight stay at Taronga Park. According to Andrew many of the youth group members are 'not that well off' and 'mightn't be able to go overseas', so the kids have decided to work for it for themselves with the help of their local community. If you'd like to donate phone Andrew on 6688 6263.
Goonellabah Call Centre gets Underway
Work on Telstra's new 165 seat call centre in Goonellabah (adjacent to Coles) began this week. Telstra has signed a 10-year lease for the site, which is being developed by the Lismore Land Company – owned by Brisbane developers Consolidated Properties company. Telstra Country Wide acting area general manager Darren Clark said the centre will open in June 2002 as a customer contact centre for general sales, billing and new connection inquiries. 'Telstra's $1.4 million investment in the new centre signals our commitment to the Lismore area,' he said. 'The new centre will have state-of-the-art equipment and technology Lismore Land Company will spend an estimated $1.9 million on the building, plus another $1 million on the land and associated development costs. The developers currently have the property up for sale through Brisbane property consultants Knight Frank, sayingthe building will deliver a gross annual income of $359,000. Project manager Paul Greene said the job would create 25 jobs during construction of the 1570m sq building, which includes 100 car parking spaces. 'Our builder, Adco Constructions, is using local materials, suppliers and sub-contractors wherever practical,' he said. Lismore mayor Bob Gates said the flow-on benefits from the project will boost local employment through an increased demand for local services.
Drumming Up Support
Lismore's acclaimed Young Drums are beating their skins to raise money for their 10th anniversary and the Tender Center is helping them out with a special tender sale this weekend. Young Drums, a percussion orchestra featuring 25 kids, aged 8-18, will perform a concert at 11am this Saturday, December 1, at the Tender Center. The Tender Center is doing a special charity sale for the youthful percussionists of products and services donated by local businesses. Tender Center manager Brent Crysell is excited by the donations, which include a Harley Davidson tour donated by Lismore Sidecar Tours, hockey gear, stereo equipment, a television, haircuts, a birdcage, computer tuition, skating passes, computer games, bike locks, plants, an open order at Dalley Street butchery and hand drums. Solicitors McKenzie Cox have even offered to make a will. Of course, as always, there are thousands of items up for tender sale to the best offer. 'The Young Drums are fabulous ambassadors for Lismore. It gives kids a goal and a purpose to work towards. After 10 years hundreds of people have gone through and they've achieved fantastic things. It's a wonderful cause for Lismore to support and get behind,' Brent said. The charity tender sale is opening for viewing this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tenders close at 3pm on Sunday. Rudi Maxwell
Fatal CrashA 20-year-old Lismore woman died following a car accident at Tullera on Saturday. Nicole Barnes was a passenger in a Nissan sedan driven by a 24-year-old Lismore man slewed out of control on a wet Dunoon Road and collided with another car. The driver was taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a serious condition, suffering from internal injuries. The driver and passenger of the second car, a Modanville resident and his 7-year-old daughter, received minor injuries.
Anthrax ScareCash covered in a white powdery substance caused a contamination scare at the Summerland Credit Union in Alstonville last Thursday morning. Police say a customer presented staff the bundle of cash around 9.40am. The fire brigade cordoned off the area and began precautionary decontamination measures. No-one was injured and the money was taken away for testing.
Big McBoost to Overseas Study
When Alstonville High School student Renee Westworth began working at McDonalds in Ballina six months ago, her main objective was to earn enough money to go on an AFS Intercultural Programs exchange. Seeing her enthusiasm for the exchange and knowing how closely she'd worked with AFS in the last 18 months, McDonalds last week presented Renee with a scholarship so she could go on a one year exchange to Brazil in 2002. The scholarship, one of eight awarded Australia-wide each year, covers all her expenses while she is away and has made the trip possible for Renee. 'I couldn't really believe it when they told me. I was so ecstatic it was like it wasn't real,' Renee said. 'I've wanted to go to South America since I was pretty little and now I'm actually going! I can't wait to see the country and experience the culture, not to mention trying to learn the language. I just can't thank AFS and McDonalds enough, because without them this wouldn't be possible.' Renee first became interested in Southern America when she did a school project on the Amazon in year five. Last year Renee's family hosted an exchange student from Brazil, fuelling Renee's desire to see the country. While in Brazil, Renee will attend the local school full-time and stay with a host family. AFS is active in 54 countries and they are always looking for more host families or people who want to go on an exchange. For information phone AFS on 1300 131 736 or locally on 6628 0451.
Woodlawn's 3 Score and 10
Woodlawn began in 1931 as a Marist Brothers boarding school for boys. Among its many alumni, the school has educated a PNG prime minister and more recently, Australian Aboriginal Senator Aden Ridgeway. The school has gone through many changes to reach its current incarnation as a co-educational Catholic school with a lay principal, Glenn Roff.
Triple Word Score for Local Player
The Lismore Scrabble Club hosted its second biannual Scrabble Tournament on Sunday, with Lismore resident David Kleinig wining first place in the grade C category. The event attracted more than 35 wordsmiths from as far away as Newcastle. This included 19 year-old Brisbane boy and current Australian Champion Edward Okulicz, who won the grade A category. Newcastle resident Therese Newman won B grade. Edward will travel to Las Vegas later this month for the World Championships. Another local victory went to Richmond Hill resident Leah Jackson, who made the highest single word score of 185, for an outstanding game score of 476. Lismore Scrabble Club is now keen to attract more players – age and ability doesn't matter, you just need enthusiasm. The club meets every Wednesday at the Lismore Workers Club from 1pm. For info phone Leah on 6624 3216 or David 6628 2320.
Patient stable at Health AGM
Hospital admissions and bed numbers were stable for the Northern Rivers Area Health Service (NRAHS) last financial year, enabling the previously debt-ridden organization to post a modest $760,000 surplus. But Tuesday's AGM revealed that the number of non-admitted patients increased by around 47,000 ‘services' – 5.7% – indicating that many people are turning up in hospital emergency departments because they cannot afford to see a GP who doesn't bulk bill. NRAHS CEO Chris Crawford said extra dental services and methadone dosing were other likely contributors to the rise, but acknowledged that a lack of bulk-billing doctors was sending low income patients to the emergency wards instead. 'It's our belief that quite a number would go to GPs instead if they bulk-billed,' Mr Crawford said. But despite increasing demands, it has been a year of 'solid progress and achievement' according to Board chair Elizabeth Rummery. She cited the establishment of four acute mental health care teams across the area, the detox unit, the MERIT drug scheme and community health projects targeting school children as major progress. 'The health service has fully or partially met 93 per cent of its performance targets for the year,' she said. 'Major achievements include the opening of the Riverlands Drug and Alcohol Centre in Lismore, along with the establishment of an Area-wide clinical council, which informs the Board on clinical developments, and the development of the Department of Rural Health at Southern Cross University.' Ms Rummery pledged that consultation with the Nimbin community will continue as the service tries to find a site for the new 'integrated care service' (aka hospital). While a new three year funding program from the NSW Health Minister helped plan the budget, an additional $8m in general growth funding also helped balance the books. This financial year, a $9m increase in funding will allow the NRAHS to enhance renal services, increase funding for the detox unit, establish a pain clinic and tackle surgery waiting lists. There were 389 complaints about the service over the year. The number of complaints rose, which the NRAHS put down to increased public awareness of the complaints process. Q Other staff achievement award winners include: Marie Hinshaw, adult health; Judy Jones, Casino hospital; Lesley Bazley, occupational rehab; Jennifer Cleaver, area nursing; Shane Clapham, Nimbin hospital; Margaret Roberts & Marilyn King, Ballina community health; Sharon Coombs, Ballina hospital; Neil Joblin, primary & extended care; Michelle Daly, drug & alcohol; Joanne Patch, Lismore base; Marie Hutchinson, community health; Ballina's hotel services/stores team and enrolled nurse team; and area stores/purchasing.
Better TV ReceptionIf you've been concerned you're out of focus don't worry – Lismore City Council is promising better TV reception as a belated Christmas present. Council has applied for funding worth almost $142,000 from the federal government to build a new retransmission facility at Robinson's Lookout at Girards Hill. The facility is expected to improve TV reception in East, North and South Lismore and the Base Hospital area. Council's Corporate Services manager, Col Cooper, is confident the project will be finished by March.
Hostel Wing OpensThe new Frank Reid Wing of the Ozanam Villa Hostel was officially blessed and opened last Saturday. Bishop Satterthwaite of Lismore and Mrs Mary Reid (wife of the late Frank Reid) opened the wing and dedicated it to her husband, a long time volunteer of the St Vincent de Paul Society and former chairman of the Ozanam Villa Hostel Board.
Local Aboriginal History On Show
A new display documenting local Aboriginal culture and heritage from before white settlement to present times, Bundjalung Yanha, is now on display at the Richmond River Historical Society. The display was created by retired anthropologist Dr Jennifer Hoff in collaboration with Bundjalung Elders over the last two years, with the permission of the local custodian Uncle Fletcher Roberts. It was decided to call the display Bundjalung Yanha, as Yanha in Bundjalung language means ‘way' or ‘journey'. The display features a variety of photographs of local Elders and Aboriginal identities, stories from their communities and artefacts. There is also information and photographs that were collected in the 1850s, when white members of the Historical Society and Bundjalung Elders formed a close association. 'Bundjalung Yanha gives people an idea of the cultural heritage that's been here for the more than 60,000 years and of what Aboriginal life is like today in Bundjalung,' Jennifer said. 'There is so much heritage here that hasn't been recognised in the wider community and this gives people an opportunity to look, learn and discover what Aboriginal culture is all about. 'It's also great for the Aboriginal communities themselves, especially the children and grandchildren of local Aboriginal people... they are able to see the display, and not only relate to their heritage but also be proud of it.' Jennifer will be giving guided tours of the display every Wednesday at 11am followed by a talk at 12.30pm, from now until the end of the year. People are welcome to just turn up, but school groups are asked to book. Phone 6621 9993. Terra Sword
Simply Red to Remember AIDS
To mark World AIDS Day this Saturday, December 1, the AIDS Council of NSW (ACON) Northern Rivers is hosting a retro dance and celebrity auction night at the Winsome Hotel. The theme is simply ‘red' – in recognition of the red ribbons – and the event will feature a 70s and 80s dance party from 8pm, with music courtesy of Djs Heidi and Denise. All proceeds from the dance will go to ACON Northern Rivers for their work helping low income HIV sufferers obtain medication and complementary treatments. The celebrity auctionwhich starts at from 9pm, features framed and autographed Kylie Minogue CD as well as signed CDs and other memorabilia from Marcia Hines and Troy Cassar-Daley. Proceeds will go to the AIDS Widows Orphan Family Support Service in Kampala, Uganda, which assists families who have lost a relative through AIDS. 'As it is World AIDS Day we wanted to put on an event that would support local people living with HIV as well as help an organisation doing important work in an under resourced country,' ACON coordinator Glenn King said. 'While we put on the event for everyone to have a good time, we need to keep in mind that World AIDS Day is a time to remember those we have lost throughout the epidemic and support those still living with HIV.' There are around 36 million people living with HIV worldwide and around five million new cases are diagnosed each year. Entry is $5 at the door. Red fundraising ribbons will also be on sale in the CBD over the next few days.
Sugar Mill Dispute EndsWorkers at the Far North Coast's three sugar mills have returned to work following a two-and-a-half-week dispute over a new workplace relations agreement. The dispute began with a lock-out of workers and was then followed by a workers' picket when management lifted the lock-out. It ended after a day and night hearing before Australian Industrial Relations Commissioner Bacon in Ballina last Wednesday, November 21. Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union organiser Leo Bugden said the mill workers were delighted with the new agreement. 'On Thursday workers at the Broadwater, Condong and Harwood mills voted unanimously to return to work at 7am on Friday,' Mr Bugden said. The agreement includes a seven per cent pay rise over two years; the recognition of recruitment seniority for casual and seasonal workers; the attachment of more than 30 non-award agreements to the current enterprise bargaining agreement; and compulsory shifts on two public holidays a year, but on a volunteer basis for a trial period. 'Management also agreed to backdate the first three-and-a-half-per-cent pay rise to August 1 and pay out accrued rostered days off,' Mr Bugden said. NSW Sugar Milling Co-Operative CEO Greg Messiter said he was pleased the dispute was resolved and satisfied with the outcome. 'The agreement includes the ability to crush on the two public holidays [Christmas and New Year] in the crushing season,' he said. Mr Messiter expressed concern that the wage increase was above the CPI at a time when sugar prices are historically low. 'We will have to get on with the crushing and live with the negotiated outcome and strive for greater efficiency to ensure that the industry remains viable,' he said. The co-operative will hold its annual general meeting at the Ballina RSL Club at 9am on Friday.
Larry's Now King of the Kids
The third term politician said his own young family – aged 7, 5 and 2 – would give him an edge in developing children policy. 'Richmond is a very diverse electorate, and with a higher than average proportion of children, young people and young families,' Mr Anthony said. 'The best way to relate to the needs of young families is to have one yourself.' Mr Anthony said he would build on the experience he gained in his previous role as Community Services Minister in his new portfolio, which includes similar responsibilities. 'We have moved forward on difficult issues like child support over the last five and a half years, but there is more work to be done,' Mr Anthony said. Councillor trips not all-expenses Ballina councillors have voted to retain their current expenses policy following a clarification by general manager Stuart McPherson. The policy provides for an airfare, or the payment of actual expenses incurred (supported by receipts), whichever is the lower, for official council business. Mr McPherson told the October 25 meeting that some confusion had arisen concerning expenses while outside the Ballina area. 'Put simply, if a councillor is on holiday in Sydney but is delegated to attend a conference in Wollongong during the holiday, they can claim expenses between Sydney and Wollongong, but not between Ballina and Sydney,' Mr McPherson said. 'It's also important to make it clear that while councillors can claim expenses for attending council meetings, and committee meetings to which they are delegates, they cannot claim expenses for attending meetings to which they are not delegates.'
Kidney Program Wins Health Award
A new program recently implemented at Lismore Base Hospital has won the Hospital Services category in the 2001 Northern Rivers Quality in Health Care Awards. The Peritoneal Dialysis Home Training Program enables people who previously travelled to Brisbane or Newcastle to undertake peritoneal dialysis training in Lismore. 'People were away from their home and community support for a period of two weeks to two months. Often these people were at their lowest ebb physically, mentally and emotionally, because of the advanced stage of their disease,' clinical nurse specialist, Sue Howell, said. 'It was a very stressful period of their lives.' People who need kidney dialysis are now accommodated in home-style surroundings just two minutes from the training facility at Lismore Base – a far cry from when it took 25 minutes to travel across Newcastle for training. It also keeps them close to friends and family for reassurance. 'Six months ago I was on death's door and now I'm feeling better than I have in a very long time,' said patient Allan Durie. 'I would not have the health I have now if it wasn't for the program. It's absolutely wonderful and they really deserve the recognition.'
Amalgamate Councils: Lismore GMPlans by Local Government Minister Harry Woods to merge a number of Sydney councils show that the NSW government has 'bitten the bullet' on forced mergers says Lismore Council general manager Ken Gainger. Seeing mergers as necessary and inevitable, Mr Gainger is currently exploring amalgamation options with five surrounding north coast councils. He argues that that a more coherent focus on regional issues is needed to attract business investment and says the regional council body, the Northern Organisation of Reginal Councils (NOROC), lacks support and impact. 'NOROC is testament to the failure of local government to get its act together and work in the best interests of the region,' he said. 'There is no longer a place for short-sighted parochialism.' Mr Gainger also said local councils should work together, and with residents and ratepayers to come up with solutions before the State government imposes its own plan.
Crafty Ability on Show
Almost 12 months ago, having just completed an apprenticeship in carpentry, 22 year-old Lee Welch had a serious car accident. It left him a paraplegic and ended his career as a carpenter. But Lee made a remarkable recovery and was back at work doing office duties on a casual basis within seven months, astounding both the doctors and his boss. 'I spent seven months in hospital lying down and I just really wanted to get out and do something – you can only watch so much daytime television!' Lee said. Wanting to gain more permanent employment, Lee applied for a job at a Lismore hardware store. When he applied, Lee says the management seemed keen, but soon changed when they discovered he had a disability and didn't call him back. Then Lee heard about On-Q, an employment agency that helps people with disabilities find employment, and a job with Craftsman Homes in Alstonville. He is now working there as a trainee draftsman for the company's 45 outlets across Australia. The company also employs Catherine Ryan, a young woman with cerebral palsy, as a receptionist on a casual basis. Craftsman Homes proprietor John Chaseling said employing Catherine and Lee was one of the best things he has done. It also had a positive effect on other staff. 'I'd say to any other business person give it a go – not only is their work of the highest standard but the wheelchair races in the courtyard at lunch are pretty exciting!' John said. 'They are fantastic workers and an inspiration to the rest of the staff – it's just lifted morale having these two around because they have such positive outlooks. People need to stop focusing on people's disability and start focusing on their ability.' After two months Lee is settling in well, and not missing his old job at all. 'I certainly don't mind the air conditioning – it beats working in the hot sun,' Lee joked. Terra Sword
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Getting their bikes and toys ready for this Saturday's North Coast Motorcycle Toy Run and Bike Expo are organising committee members (l-r) Garry Lee, Rob Benetti, Barry McDonald, Patrick Higgins and Joe Fisher.
A group of young Channon residents filmed Saturday's volunteer celebrations with the aim of making a short documentary film. 
An artists impression of the call centre in Goonellabah.
Young Drums conductor Peter Jaggle and Tender Center manager Brent Crysell with the Sony Stereo donated by Cummings Retravision for the special charity tender sale this Saturday.
Alstonville High School student, Renee Westworth, who has been given a McDonalds scholarship to be part of a student exchange program in 2002.
St John's College, Woodlawn celebrated its 70th anniversary on Wednesday with a special mass conducted by Father Jim Reilly (pictured).
Winners at Sunday's scrabble tournament were (l-r) grade A champion Edward Okulicz, grade B champion Therese Newman and grade C champion David Kleinig.
Liz Rummery (right) chair of the Northern Rivers Area Health Service presented Bronwyn Myers of the Richmond sexual assault service accepted a staff achievement award on behalf of the service team – one of 19 awards* presented to staff at the health service AGM.
Dr Jennifer Hoff at Bundjalung Yanha display, currently on show at the Richmond River Historical Society museum.
World AIDS Day local coordinator Glenn King and ACON workers (l-r) Laurie Keane, Kevin Orrell and Sue Rodda gearing up for this Saturday's benefit.
On the day he was formally declared the winner of his seat – with a 0.85% swing for 51.58% of the two-party preferred vote – Richmond MP Larry Anthony was also sworn in by Governor General Peter Hollingsworth (pictured with PM John Howard, centre, and Mr Anthony) as the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The Ministry is a new creation drawing from the former Departments of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, and Family and Community Services.
Lismore Base Hospital clinical nurse specialist Sue Howell (left) and registered nurse Bev Hiles with patient Allan Durie and their award from the Quality in Health Care Awards.
Craftsman Homes proprietor John Chaseling and On-Q Human Resources worker, Andrew Silvers, with Catherine Ryan and Lee Welch.
Planning a Party for Students