Issue 750
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Main NewsRead no Evil, see no Evil in WaterLismore Council will rely on the 'umpire' - the Department of Local Government (DLG) - to decide whether water authority Rous Water has overstepped its jurisdiction over a range of investments like the Perradenya Estate and property purchases in the Lismore CBD. Following a mayoral minute which directed Council general manager, Ken Gainger, to take no further action over a staff report which contains legal advice that some of Rous' activities may be 'illegal', Council voted 8-4 (Crs Roberts, Tomlinson, Gallen, Irwin against) to not discuss the report. Cr Gates rejected accusations from Cr David Tomlinson that the report was 'being swept under the carpet'. He said the matter had been referred to the 'umpire', DLG director Gary Payne, for advice. Cr Frank Swientek's amendment that 'the mayor personally inform the chairman of Rous... that Council does not endorse the claims made in the staff report' was also passed, despite a heated debate led by former Rous chairman Cr Ros Irwin. 'The report from the chairman dispelled any queries. And it's regrettable that local government bodies are challenging each other in a rather embarrassing manner,' Cr Swientek said. But Cr Irwin argued that Rous Water needed to be more open and accountable, and claimed that while she was chairman, she was told of 'legal advice' supporting the purchase of Perradenya Estate at Caniaba, which she later discovered did not exist. 'There is a lot of confusion about what Rous is planning to do,' she said. Cr Irwin said that Rous Water testing laboratory created a perceived conflict of interest for water customers, citing Evans Head residents who battled with Rous over problems with the quality of their water supply. While Cr Reg Baxter said Rous needed to be 'entrepreneurial', Cr Diana Roberts, a former Rous councillor, said the bulk water authority's response did not address key issues. She said Rous Water staff and councillors had been slow to respond to requests for information and refused to attend meetings to discuss the issues. But the disquiet caused by the Lismore report continues to reverberate throughout the region. Although on leave, Lismore general manager Ken Gainger faxed council with a written response disputing the mayor's account of the distribution of the report to other councils. Meanwhile Ballina Council let the matter slide at its meeting last Thursday. General manager Stuart McPherson's report to council suggested the Lismore report be received and noted, but reconsidered in light of any legal or Dept. of Local Government advice which suggestions implications for Ballina shire. Byron council has deferred the matter until next year. On Tuesday, Richmond Valley Council met to discuss the matter behind closed doors, then decided to ask for a meeting with Rous to discuss issues in the report. But first there was a heated exchange between the Mayor Col Sullivan and Cr Ray Jeffreys over whether the issue should be debated in open council. After being ordered to resume his seat by Cr Sullivan, Cr Jeffrey's motion was defeated. Back at Lismore council, a rescission motion has been lodged, and the matter will be debated again in February 2002. Rous is also moving to improve its governance. Last night Rous council met to approve a proposal by general manager Paul O'Sullivan to employ a facilitator to help review the body's corporate strategy. Simon Thomsen
Herb Park Changes NameThe Cellulose Valley Technology Park in East Lismore has been given a name change and will pursue business activities outside the herbal medicine industry. Renamed the Southern Cross University Business Precinct, SCU Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Angela Delves, said the Precinct was still working closely with the natural plant industry, but also had the ability to service the specialised requirements of more diverse businesses. 'To advance this agenda, SCU will soon commence work on an Innovation Centre that will house a business incubator,' she said. The Innovation Centre will also house government tenants, local industry associations and professionals seeking quality office space'. A range of tenants have already committed to the project, while further lots are available to companies for long-term lease. Nimbin rd AccidentA 43 year-old woman from Goolmangar has sustained a serious knee injury as the result of a collision around 2.20pm last Sunday, on the Nimbin Road about seven kilometres from Lismore. A southbound Toyota driven by a 22-year-old Lismore man crossed to the wrong side of the road on bend in the road, colliding head-on with the woman's Falcon. Each car had two passengers - all six people were treated for minor injuries at Lismore Base Hospital.
Drug ArrestsPolice arrested 17 people last week, in a series of raids right around the region following a week-long drug operation. Police charged 14 people with cultivating a prohibited plant and three for possession of a prohibited drug. Police seized 3,807 cannabis plants, 18kg of cannabis leaf, 1kg of cannabis seed and a small number of ecstasy tablets. Police estimated the potential street value at over $7 million. The raids took place in Woodburn, Rocky Creek, The Channon, Nimbin, Kyogle, Eden Creek, Urbenville, Woodenbong, Bonalbo, Mount Nardi, Koreelah, Repentance Creek and Lillian Rock. The people charged will appear in Lismore Local Court on a date to be fixed.
Festive Feeling at City HallThe Soup Kitchen Volunteers are hosting their 11th annual Christmas Lunch at Lismore City Hall and, as always, donations to this worthwhile local charity are extremely welcome. Volunteers Meike Bell, Spud Reed, Robert Greenshields and Margaret Lord (pictured) feel it's very important to be together on Christmas Day. 'The Soup Kitchen Community is family. I wouldn't be anywhere else on Christmas Day,' Meike said. 'We have become a family. For those who haven't got a family or are homeless who's there to give love and companionship?' added Spud. 'Often people become melancholy at this time of year so it's nice to be with the larger family all at once,' Margaret said. The festivities begin with drinks and nibblies; include gifts for children and a 'traditional' Christmas lunch at 12.30pm. To donate food, cash or presents for the kids, phone Margaret on 6621 6936, Murray on 0411 448 224, Chris on 6621 6254 or Jo on 6622 3437.
Retirement DA Seeks CommentBallina Shire Council has decided to re-exhibit plans for extensions to the retirement village on Pearces Creek Road, Alstonville, to seek further public comment and submissions. The Council voted unanimously to extend submissions on the DA, going against the staff recommendation to approve. Cr Marilyn Perkins argued that there had been public misconception about the border of the proposed development encroaching the existing urban buffer zone, which restricts urban development. Mayor Peter Moore said that although there is a great need for a new aged care facility, the public should have more time to consider the application.
CWA Shares Christmas Spirit
The members of the Country Women's Association (CWA) Lismore branch have long had a tradition of exchanging gifts at their annual Christmas party. But the selfless ladies have broken with tradition this year, to help needy families in the Lismore area. Instead of spending money on gifts for one another, they've donated it - a total of $140 - to the Salvation Army in Lismore. 'We still had a great time and were happy just knowing we'd done something worthwhile for someone less fortunate,' CWA Lismore branch president, Eileen McDonald, said. The CWA Lismore branch recently donated $555 between the Rescue Helicopter service, the NSW Ambulance Service, local nursing homes and girl guides. They also awarded two scholarships each worth $200 to two local school students to assist them further their studies. The CWA rest rooms, in Spinks Park, will be closed from today until Monday, January 7. Terra Sword
Goonellabah Celebrates Christmas
The Goonellabah Residents Action Group is presenting Christmas in the Park, an evening of entertainment, socialising and fun for the whole family. The strictly drug and alcohol free event will be held tomorrow, December 21, at the newly-named Elders Memorial Park in McDermott Avenue, Goonellabah from 4-8pm. The party will feature entertainment by the local Reconciliation Choir and there will also be a free sausage sizzle, free soft drinks, face painting and storytelling for everyone. Santa Claus will also be there handing out free Christmas pressies for kids. The only thing you need to bring is a blanket, so you can sit back and enjoy the festivities. 'It's all about Goonellabah residents doing something for themselves and their own local community,' Action Group spokesperson, Steve Graman, said. 'It's free and also brings the focus back to the park, which will be getting a skateboard ramp and an amphitheatre in the near future.' For more information phone 6624 8004.
Combat Loneliness with LifelineChristmas is a time to get together with family and friends, have fun and enjoy the holidays, but it's also a time of great loneliness and sadness for many people. And that's where Lifeline telephone counselling comes in. 'People can feel lonely for many different reasons. It could be due to being put-off work recently, a family break-up since last Christmas, the children have grown up and left home, the anniversary of a loved one's death or simply just being alone at such a festive time of the year,' Jan said. 'All of these things can bring extra feelings of loneliness and the public promotion of a season of joy and goodwill can just be the last straw. We just want to let people know Lifeline is always here for people with a listening ear, a friendly voice and a warm heart.' Lifeline volunteers will be on duty 24 hours a day from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day, Tuesday, January 1. Call 131 114.
Casino Group EndsAfter six years the North Casino Estate resident's group, Chequerboard Hill Inc., is ceasing operations. A spokesperson for the group said the decision was partly influenced by the increasing costs associated with maintenance and upkeep of the Oaks Community Centre. The Dept of Housing will temporarily manage the Oaks Centre until another organisation can be found. A new resident group, North Casino Community Referral and Advocacy Group, will occupy the office in the centre, publishing a regular newsletter and advocating for community members on a wide range of issues. Chequerboard Hill Inc. will cease operation on December 31, 2001.
Lismore Loses 'one of Nature's Gentlemen'John 'Jack' Barker1915-2001
John Victor Barker -'Jack' to the many who knew him - cut a dashing figure in his Akubra, RM Williams shirt, jeans and boots polished 'til they shone. He died, aged 86, in Lismore Base Hospital on Tuesday. Every morning, he'd walk up Woodlark Street at 5.30am for the paper. He knew exactly what was going on in town. From his vantage point on the bench on Woodlark Street, Jack would nod to joggers, have a yarn for a couple of hours and then head off. Former Glen Cake shop proprietor Bruce Pickett met Jack more than 20 years ago. 'Jack liked his cricket but he was a cricket supporter - not a cricket fan. He felt the word 'fan' is an unnecessary Americanism,' Bruce said. Jack also had 'a bit of the devil in him.' 'We were out the front of the shop one day - my wife, Laurel, John, myself - and some bloke was being racist. Laurel, who's a bit of a stirrer herself, looked at this bloke and, pointing to John, said 'he's me father.' It went a bit quiet for a sec and then John leaned over to the bloke, glanced around the circle and said with a straight face, but a twinkle in his eye 'she was born in the daytime!'' Bruce said. Jack was born in Sydney in 1915. He became a dairy hand on a Kyogle property, and was also a jackeroo, cane cutter, saw active service in the army, grew bananas and worked in the stockyard at the Byron Bay meatworks. Jack retired in the late 70s and moved to Lismore. He was renowned for his generosity. A keen fisherman, he'd drop in a fish or two at the meatworks for his workmates on the way home. Jack knew the birthday of almost every businessperson on Lismore's main block and marked it with a gift - often chocolates or cakes. Jack spent the last few Christmases with Kevin and Lynne Kelly of Tuncester. 'If he knew when your birthday was he'd always have something waiting - he never had a lot for himself, but he always had something to give away,' Kevin said. 'A couple of years ago we were building a shed and Jack was the gopher - he never stopped. Jack just dearly loved to help,' Kevin said. 'I think he knew he was ready to go on the long journey - a couple of weeks ago he gave his favourite pocketknife to a mate.' John Daley, of Daleys Homeware, summed things up. 'A lot of people from all walks of life will miss him. Always clean and tidy, immaculately dressed - he was one of nature's gentlemen.' John 'Jack' Barker's graveside funeral service is at the Lismore City Crematorium on Saturday, December 22, at 10.30am. Rudi Maxwell
Evans Head Pool PlanRichmond Valley Council has voted to make provision for a $125,000 contribution to the proposed Evans Head swimming pool in its 2002/2003 budget. The decision follows an application to the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation for $300,0000 by the Evans Head Swimming Pool Committee. If successful, the grant will bring the committee's available funds to $670,900 - the estimated cost of a facility with 50m, 10m and wading pools, change rooms, kiosk, filtration and landscaping. As part of the application council had indicated its intention to provide $125,000 to the project but up until now it has not designated where the funds would come from. The department is expected to announce the grants early next year and work must begin within six months.
Results Time brings Jitters and Relief
Lismore High School student, Sara Griffin, decided she wouldn't get up early to check her HSC results on Wednesday - she'd just be calm and act like it was any other normal day. Unfortunately, she forgot to tell her father. 'My Dad came in and woke me up at a 6.45am telling me to get up and check my results - he was more keen than I was,' Sara laughed. 'When I saw my results it was such a relief. When I finished the exams I'd said to myself 'whatever happens, happens and I can't change it now' so I decided to stay calm and not stress out. The funny thing is when I got the results it was like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders - and I suddenly realised how tense I'd been since finishing exams.' While Sara won't be able to access her University Admission Index (UAI) result until today, she was 'pretty pleased' with her marks. But the UAI is the real cliffhanger for the 17 year-old Rosebank resident, who wants to study journalism at UTS. Sara is among a swag of students in the Northern Rivers who have done well in the 2001 HSC. Two Alstonville High School students, Thomas Prince and Jameson Fawns, placed first in NSW for two unit physics and two unit food technology respectively, while Laura Skerlj learnt her major HSC artwork will feature in Art Express. Richmond River High School student and flautist Jillian Norton is waiting for her results by post on Friday. She has already accepted an offer to attend the Canberra School of Music. Students can access their UAI results from today and can change course preferences before university offers are released. Phone 1900 957 500 or visit the website www.uac.edu.au. If students have any queries regarding their UAI, they can call the UAI Enquiry Centre on 9714 8111. It will operate be open until 8.30pm and then from 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday, Saturday, Thursday and next Friday, December 21, 22, 27 and 28. It will also be open on Monday, December 24 from 8.30am-12pm. Students with questions on the HSC results can phone 131 112 anytime.
Top marks to Local Teachers
Mr Buckley came to present the Awards for Achievement in Public Education to 26 of the region's finest chalkies (pictured), who are in a class of their own. 'If you ever want to see commitment to public education and teachers you just have to have a look at the schools and teachers around and in Lismore. Every single student I spoke to today had a positive story to tell about their teachers,' Mr Buckley said. The award winners are: Casino High School: Toni Ivers, Robyn Parker, Robert Seccombe, Chris Simpson, Netti Bennett; Alstonville High School: Laurie Baker, Leone Chapman; Kadina High School: Bruce Sharp, Pam Mathieson, Col Andrews, Lindsay Kitching; Casino Public School: Lynn Baker, Cathie Barnes; Lismore Heights Public School: Faye Sewell; Bonalbo Central School: Laurie Lawrence; Tregeagle Public School: Jillian Brodie; Casino West Public School: Maureen Maleckar; Goonellabah Public School: Mark Spencer; Coraki Public School: Kate Welch, Sharon Walker; Richmond River High School: Kerry Piper, Jennie Mildenhall, Stephen Blanch, Jennifer McInnes, Colin Blake; Lismore High School: Robyn Dean. The Director General's school achievement award went to Eureka Public School for its art education program, while student Stacey Chesworth of Alstonville High received the Minister's Award for Excellence in student achievement.
Councillors Bicker over Mayoral WheelsA discussion about the merits of purchasing a mayoral vehicle at last Thursday's Ballina Council meeting disintegrated into an argument most ratepayers would expect to see in a school yard. As Cr Avis Kennedy argued in favour of providing the mayor with a vehicle, Cr Margaret Howes interjected meeting procedure technicalities that she claimed were illegal. 'Read the rule book,' Cr Howes shouted. Deputy Mayor and council stalwart John Felsch weighed in to condemn his local government comrades. 'I'm almost ready to resign. Since you new lot have been here this place has gone to rack and ruin,' Cr Felsch said. Mayor Peter Moore appealed for calm. 'If each one of us respected the other in the proper way we could get on with business without interruption and without this type of behaviour,' he said. But the mayor's words seemed to fall on deaf ears as the councillors then pondered how best to word a motion to expel the unruly Cr Howes. They did it by interrupting and talking over the top of each other. After about 10 heated minutes, the final wording of the expulsion motion was decided, the motion put and defeated. The council will now investigate the possibility of providing a vehicle for Cr Moore following concerns about fringe benefits liability. Rudi Maxwell
Evans River Dam Plan in doubtThe future of the fabridam on the Tuckombil canal at Woodburn has been thrown in to further doubt by the release of the Evans River Estuary Management Plan. The plan, which went on public exhibition on December 6, has listed a number of options for the canal as part of a detailed study of the whole estuary. They include repairing the fabridam, permanently separating the Richmond and Evans rivers by filling the canal and restoring the original banks; filling it to a depth that would allow water from the Richmond to spill into the Evans during floods; and removing the fabridam to allow the two to be linked. The Richmond River County Council recently installed a 1.8 metre high concrete barrier on the canal to prevent salt water from the Evans River entering the Richmond River. RRCC general manager, Paul O'Sullivan, said the barrier was a response to complaints from stockowners after the fabridam failed for the third time in three years in July. The county council will conduct a detailed investigation of the canal covering flood mitigation, drainage, salinity, acid sulfate and estuary impacts early next year. Public discussion sessions on the estuary plan will be held at the former Evans Head Public School on January 10 and 19 between 10am and 4pm. The Woodburn Chamber of Commerce is expected to discuss the estuary plan at its meeting tonight. Dave Fawkner
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CWA Lismore branch president Eileen McDonald (left) presents a cheque for $140 to local Salvation Army representative Betty Walker.
Getting the Elders Memorial Park in Goonellabah ready for the Christmas in the Park tomorrow evening are Goonellabah Residents Action Group members Christine Marsh (far left) and Steve Graman with YWCA youth services manager Frances Trimboli (right) and Fran Hopkins, the client service officer with the community renewal team at the Dept of Housing.
Early morning visitors to Lismore's CBD will no longer be greeted by the 'G'day' nod or doff of the hat from 'one of nature's gentlemen.'
Lismore High School student, Sara Griffin - relieved after getting her HSC results yesterday.
While HSC students anxiously await the results, and other school students are already showing the school reports to parents, the North Coast's best teachers also received good marks by the Dept of Education's assistant director-general, Steve Buckley, during a visit to the region this week.
Local Man Helps Timorese Health 
The 2LM Children's Christmas Appeal bank account has grown by another $5,000 from the proceeds from the North Coast Motorcycle Toy Run . Pictured are (l-r) Motorcycle Toy Run organisers Garry Lee and Patrick Higgins with Appeal representative Neil Marks.