Main News
North Coast Fire Threat Eases
 The RAAF Air Weapon Range "Master Quad" after the fires. No one was in the facility.
Three hundred local firefighters and 44 fire tankers have been deployed to the Hawkesbury and Shoalhaven regions following the easing of the fire risk on the North Coast over the past week.
According to NSW Rural Fire Service regional operations officer, superintendent Brian Daly, the redeployment of the volunteers follows the extinguishment of a major fire in the Bundjalung National Park and Tabbimobile area south of Evans Head.
The fire, which broke out on December 21, was not brought under control until January 2, helped along by some heavy rain on December 30.
'The storm cells and overall weather conditions of the past couple of days have helped to ease the Far North Coast bushfire situation and there are presently no major fires in the region,' he said.
'I wouldn't say that they are all out, but those that are still burning have been reduced to patrol status.'
Supt Daly estimated that up to 23,000 hectares of national park and private land was burnt out in the fire. Police closed the Pacific Highway in the New Italy vicinity on a number of occasions, largely due poor visibility caused by smoke, but also in order to give fire crews more rapid access to the fire front.
On several occasions the fire leapt the Pacific Highway near Woodburn, but these outbreaks were all quickly brought under control.
Supt Daly said that while the Bundjalung-Tabbimobile fire had probably been the most serious on the Far North Coast in the past fortnight, volunteer firefighters had also been kept busy battling outbreaks at Maclean, Brooms Head, Whian Whian and Billinudgel.
'In addition, we have been rotating crews in three strike teams in the Sydney region for the past three weeks,' Supt Daly said.
The Bundjalung-Tabbimobile fire destroyed two structures in Serendipity Road according to Supt Daly, but there have been no reports of houses lost.
At a local level Richmond Valley Council fire control officer, Supt Boyd Townsend, has advised the public to remain vigilant.
'We might have had a bit of rain but the fire risk is still extremely high on the North Coast,' Supt Townsend warned.
'We are currently engaged in round the clock patrolling and dealing with spot fires. The other day we were called to put out a bridge fire at Dyrabba that appears to have been started by someone throwing a cigarette butt from a car. A thoughtless act like that could spell disaster for the North Coast.'
Meanwhile the National Parks and Wildlife Service has closed the Black Rock camping ground in the Bundjalung National Park, after a 30-metre bridge over Jerusalem Creek, on the Gap Road, was destroyed by fire.
NPWS Northern Rivers region manager Mark Johnston said that the fire had also burnt through the Black Rock campsite and had damaged the toilets.
'Even if you could gain access to the campsite it is not a pleasant place to be at the moment,' Mr Johnston said. 'We apologise for any inconvenience however public safety is paramount. We need the cooperation of the public to stay out of burnt areas until they have been regenerated or been rehabilitated. Alterntaive areas to visit in Bundjaluing which remain open include Gumma Gurra picnic area at Evans Head and the Woody Head camping area near Iluka.'
The poular Black Rock camping area will be closed for up to six months.
Story: Dave Fawkner
The brave efforts of the region's firefighters will be recognised in an emergency service personnel parade, to be held in Evans Head this Saturday, January 12.
The parade, which has been organised to pay tribute to all those who have taken part in fighting the recent bushfires, will begin at the Evans Head Bowling Club in Park Street at 12pm. It will be followed by a volunteers' barbecue behind the RSL Club.
Your Christmas Cards Save Trees
 Lismore City Council's waste minimisation officer, Lesley Trott, at the Planet Ark Christmas card recycling bin in Video Ezy's Lismore store.
Lismore City Council is urging people to support Planet Ark's initiative of recycling Christmas cards by dropping off their old and unwanted Christmas cards and envelopes to the Planet Ark recycling bins.
Traditionally Christmas cards and Christmas decorations should be taken down by January 6, the twelfth day of Christmas. According to Council's waste minimisation officer, Lesley Trott, this is also an ideal time to dig out those old greeting cards sitting in show-boxes and drawers around the home, so they too can be recycled.
'Since the Planet Ark Christmas card recycling program began eight years ago, they have managed to recycle nearly 380 million cards and envelopes, which represents tens of thousands of trees,' Lesley said.
'It really is a terrific scheme - we all want to save trees and this is a way to be pro-active in doing so. It's so easy to do and the benefits are enormous. I urge everyone to get involved and be part of this great initiative.'
People can drop off their Christmas cards to any Coles or Video Ezy store.
'You don't even have to make a special trip to town,' Lesley said. 'Simply drop them off next time you return a video or when you go shopping. The cards and envelopes dropped off for recycling are pulped and turned into toilet tissue or cardboard packaging, so there's a chance that the cards you drop off might come back as a Cornflakes or Weetbix box. If you're interested in purchasing products where the packaging is recycled material, simply look for the green and yellow recycling symbol.'
People can drop of cards and envelopes until the end of February.
Lismore's CBD Hots Up
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A Lismore Firefighter fights the fire that started after an overload to an electrical transformer housed in an air conditioning unit on the roof of Nesbitt House. Some business owners in the CBD had their computers and other electrical equipment destroyed by power surges. Others lost power until late yesterday afternoon, forcing them to shut for the day.
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The trail of black smoke that spewed forth from Nesbitt House after a fire started in an electrical transformer.
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Lismore's CBD suffered from heat of a different sort on Wednesday morning.
A fire started with a bang in the top of Nesbitt House on Molesworth Street around 9.50am, causing disruptions and drama to the surrounding businesses and shops.
Proprietor of Woody's Sports Shoes in Magellan Street, Richard Fisher, was one of the first on the scene.
'There was a flash and a power surge first of all in the shop and then I came out on the street and for about 15 or 20 minutes there was explosion after explosion on the roof,' he said. 'I could see smoke and it was getting blacker and blacker while the sound of the explosions kept on getting louder and louder.'
Lismore Police believe the fire was caused by an overload to an electrical transformer housed in a Country Energy sub-station in the air conditioning unit on the roof of Nesbitt House. They believe this may have been caused by business owners turning their air conditioning up to full.
The fire was extinguished within about 45 minutes, however, some CBD businesses were left without power for more than four hours.
Ted Blair, who works in the Australian Valuers office in Nesbitt House, described how he and his fellow employees left the office hurriedly after the first explosion.
'It sounded like someone was banging around on the roof, then there was a flash and all of a sudden sparks and flames starting coming out the back of our computers,' Ted said. 'We just got out - just left everything and walked out.'
Two workers who had been doing some work underneath the building climbed to the roof to investigate the noises they had heard, only to be confronted by flames and thick black smoke. They were later rescued by the fire brigade.
No-one was injured and power was restored to all businesses by late afternoon.
Pride of Place
Three local community organisations will receive grants of $3,000 each from Lismore City Council's Civic Pride Grants program, to help spruce up their communities.
Civic Pride panel chairperson, Elanor Cole, said grants were to help groups trying to portray their communities in a positive light.
'The intention of the grants is to help local communities improve the visual amenity of neighbourhoods and villages,' Elanor said.
'This helps not only the local community but has a benefit for tourism farther afield as well.'
The three successful organisations were:
- Goolmangar Progress Association - for the construction of gateway entry signs on the approach to the village.
- Rosebank Public School - for landscaping works at their recently constructed bus bay.
- Nimbin Neighbourhood Centre - for beautification works at the organisation's premises in Cullen Street, Nimbin.
Nimbin Neighbourhood Centre team leader, Natalie Meyer, said the centre was very grateful for the funding as it allowed them do a very special beautification.
'The funds will be used to create a paved area and garden, which will be dedicated to the memory of Nigel Pearce, a long-serving member of the Neighbourhood Centre, who sadly lost his battle with cancer in May 2002.'
Kids Club
Kids Club is a holiday initiative conducted by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation at the Lake Ainsworth Centre in Lennox Head.
The club is open to children 8-12 years of age and is ideal for those in the local area looking for fun and excitement during the January school holiday period.
Activities are conducted by trained instructors and include canoeing, sailing, grass skiing, archery, bike safety, snorkelling, swimming, craft, abseiling, beach activities and various games.
Kids Club will operate from Monday to Friday until January 25, from 9am to 4pm each day.
For bookings and information phone Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre on 66877168 or 66877208.
Snake Man Handles Danger
 Snake catchers Jeff Hayter (right) and Eric Bateman, with Jeff's pet carpet python, Sophie.
While summer is the perfect time to be outdoors - whether it's bushwalking at a national park or pottering around the garden - it's also the most likely time to run into a snake.
From October to March snakes are out and about, looking for food and shelter such as mice and frogs and shelter like timber, rocks, logs or roofing iron.
If you do see a snake, don't panic, because a snake catcher, like Lismore resident Jeff Hayter, is no more than a phone call away.
'The bottom line is - if you see a snake, leave it alone,' Jeff said. 'If the snake looks like a threat or you're worried about it being near your home simply give us a call - we'll identify it and if it's a threat we'll take away.
'Lots of people see a snake and get scared, so they shoot it or chop its head off. It's really important not to kill snakes as they are a fundamental part of the region's ecology, being a significant species in ensuring a balanced biodiversity.'
Jeff said while it's important to remove venomous snakes, people should remember that non-venomous serpents are actually very helpful - assisting in pest control and also deterring more dangerous snakes like brown and red belly black snakes.
Jeff has been catching snakes for more than 30 years and about 12 months ago he enlisted the help of Eric Bateman, a student at Southern Cross University who has a love of snakes and an interest in conservation.
At this time of year the pair are 'flatchat' according to Jeff and in the last 12 months they have caught more than 320 snakes. The guys have no monetary support to run the service and while it is free, donations are always welcome.
Currently they are looking for more volunteers to catch snakes. People don't need any experience, just a curiosity about snakes and a willingness to drive around. They are hoping to establish a Northern Rivers Herbological Society, and then set up an official Snake Rescue group (for information phone Jeff on 6621 6818).
Jeff and Eric are available to catch snakes at anytime of the day or night, seven days week.
If you need their help phone 0412 695 857.
Pokies Fund Local Community Projects
Representatives from the 14 organisations which received grants through the Community Development Support Expenditure Scheme, at the cheque presentation recently.
Fourteen local community groups recently received grants, and its all thanks to poker machines.
The money, a total of $35, 415, was collected through the Community Development Support Expenditure Scheme, which has been running since 1998 to ensure a portion of poker machine profits go back to the local community.
The following groups received funding:
$5,500 to Camp Quality; $5,000 each to Far North Coast Life Education, Lismore Rural Fire Service and the Lismore PCYC; $2,500 to Deaf Community Association Northern Rivers; $2,000 each to Lismore Friends of the Library, Lismore Over 50's Learning Centre and Lifeline; $1,500 to North Coast Head Injury Service; $1,015 to Disability and Aged Information Service; $1,000 each to The Channon Trust, Northern Rivers Regional Landcare Forum and Summerland Amateur Radio Club; and $900 to WICEN Northern Rivers Region.
Indonesians Learn Dark Secrets
 Author Robin Osborne with two versions of his book about the West Papuan freedom movement, and Janelle Saffin MLC who launched the Indonesian translation recently.
The outside world might have learnt a lot about events in the former Indonesian territory of East Timor and the troubled ones of West Papua (Irian Jaya), Aceh and the Moluku, but Indonesians themselves have had little opportunity to get the inside story.
The recent publication in Jakarta of Kibaran Sampari ('Raise the Morning Star - the OPM freedom movement and the secret war in West Papua') is a rare opportunity for Indonesians to learn more about their country's history, according to Lismore-based writer Robin Osborne.
The book, an Indonesian translation of Indonesia's Secret War, was originally written by Osborne in the late 1980s after he returned after 10 years as a journalist in Southeast Asia and a three-year stint with the Prime Minister's office in PNG. It now has a new introduction and updated material.
'For the first time, the Indonesian public will be able to read in their own language the true story of how Dutch New Guinea was taken over by Indonesia in 1963, supported by world opinion, and how the province's future was sealed by a stage-managed 'Act of Free Choice' in 1969,' said Mr Osborne.
ÛThe governments of Soeharto, Wahid and now Megawati Soekarnoputri have allowed the territory's rich natural resources to be plundered and the indigenous Melanesian population subjected to serious human rights abuses.'
His book documents how the Melanesians, who share a culture with PNG and Australia's Torres Strait, have waged one of the world's longest running independence struggles, one Osborne believes they will not abandon until they have gained victory.
'In the towns and rural areas of West Papua, hostility to Indonesia runs deep, the most overt sign being the OPM, or Free Papua Movement, that conducts an armed resistance to Jakarta's rule,' Mr Osborne explained at the launch at Southern Cross University.
It had a strong SCU connection, with the honours being performed by NSW parliamentarian Janelle Saffin, who has a strong commitment to human rights law in the Asia-Pacific and is a member of SCU's governing Council.
The book's dramatic cover photo was taken in the West Papua jungle by SCU graduate Andrew Kilvert, now working in the office of the Northern Territory chief minister, Claire Martin, while Osborne himself is SCU's media officer.
Woman Charged After Stabbing
Last Friday, Ballina Police charged a 39 year-old Ballina woman with maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm following the stabbing of a 37 year-old man.
Police were called to a residence in Ballina at around 4am on Friday morning where they found a man with a small wound to his abdomen. He was taken to Ballina Hospital and then transferred to Lismore Base Hospital where he underwent surgery. The man is now in a stable condition. She will appear in Lismore Local Court in late January.
Watch Out for Foxy Ladies
 The National Parks and Wildlife Service is reminding people to watch out for injured or entangled flying foxes so they can be rescued.
With summer and the re-emergence of flying foxes in the evening sky, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding people to contact a trained wildlife carer if they encounter injured or entangled flying foxes.
NPWS officer, Lisa Walker, said flying foxes sometimes become entangled in fences or loosely draped netting and it's important people do not try to remove these animals without the help of a trained carer.
'The wings of flying foxes are made up of a thin membrane stretched between thin light bones,' Lisa explained. 'The membrane can easily be torn and the bones broken so it's important that they are only rescued by people who are skilled at handling them and have also been vaccinated against lyssavirus.'
Flying foxes are now breeding and according to Lisa this is often a time when many juvenile flying foxes die.
'Mothers often carry their young on foraging expeditions and sometimes these young flying foxes can fall off in flight,' Lisa said. 'Most young are from mothers who were killed on power lines or barbed wire fences. Loose nets over backyard trees are traps as well.'
The Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers currently has 20 orphans in care.
'We thank the wildlife carer groups for their fantastic efforts in caring for injured wildlife and we encourage people to join groups such as this, as volunteers are always needed.'
To report injured wildlife or to find out more about being trained as a wildlife carer phone 0500 888 822 or 0500 882 626.
RED Centre Opens
 RED Centre coordinator Jenny London (left) and Thomas George MP (right) with clients Nicole Sten and Toby Gulliver at the RED Centre opening recently.
Realising A Dream (RED Inc) has now got a shop front in the Strand Arcade, after receiving a grant from the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care to establish the premises.
RED Inc's main service is to provide programs for young school leavers with disabilities, supporting them in the transition from school to adult life.
It was founded by a grass roots parents group in 1991 and became an incorporated body in 1993. The opening of the new RED Centre marks a significant step forward for RED Inc.
'We were very keen to find suitable premises in the CBD, as it enables the young people to learn the access services such as TAFE and ACE, work experience and the community as independently as possible,' RED Inc coordinator, Jenny London, said.
'The Strand Arcade is a very pleasant environment and of course, wheelchair accessible. With up-to-date quality equipment we'll be providing an attractive, safe, modern, stimulating environment so that our young clients feel valued and respected of our community. These new premises will give them every opportunity to achieve their goals, realise their dreams and maximise their independence.'
The RED Centre is at Shop 9 in the Strand Arcade.
The group is currently planning a series of workshops for this year and more volunteers are needed to help with these activities. No experience is necessary.
To get involved phone Jenny on 6622 8399.
Quota Raises Life Issues
 All smiles at the Kyogle Quota Club presentation recently were (l-r) Thomas George MP, Life Education chairperson John Crowther and teacher Nava Henry, Kyogle Quota Club's Stephanie Gooding, Olympic swimming champion Duncan Armstrong, Kyogle High School principal Mr Nix and Kyogle Quota Club president, Rhonda Watts.
A Life Education program will be implemented at Kyogle High School in the near future, following the announcement of sponsorship worth $2,000 from the Kyogle Quota Club.
The Staying Safe program is to be implemented from years seven to 10, educating these students about issues surrounding tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use.
This also allows students to express their concerns to a teacher who is not a regular teacher, making them more willing to communicate openly about these issues.
'We are well aware if the pressures our youth face in the community today ands this program is designed to help them make healthy life choices,' Quota Club spokesperson, Stephanie Gooding, said.
'The Northern Rivers Life Education program has been in place in primary schools on the Northern Rivers for 18 years now and it's vitally important that students at Kyogle High School also have access to the benefits of the program.'
The $2,000 sponsorship money was granted through Quota International's Disadvantaged Women and Children's Program. Kyogle Quota Club have now decided to support the program for a further four years, enabling students in year seven to fully complete the five year program.
A Shaw Bet
Ballina Mayor Peter Moore has stated that Ballina Shire Council does not have plans to turn Shaws Bay Caravan Park and parkland area into a marina and upmarket tourist area.
His comments come in the wake of Ballina Business Shirewide revealing their plan to do exactly that.
'There are certainly plans to upgrade the area,' Cr Moore said. 'Council presently has a draft plan of management lodged with the NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation.'
The plans include keeping the caravan park and creating more open space on the foreshore of the Richmond River.
'Our plan recognises the cultural and heritage value of the site. As such we have ensured future development includes valuing the heritage significance of the area,' Cr Moore said.
'The goal is to make the Shaws Bay precinct a much more whole of community place to be. Creating more access to the waterway is our key concern. This plan does not include a marina. I welcome further discussion and debate on the use of this area. Ballina Business Shirewide certainly has the right to raise any ideas associated with the long term development of the shire,' he said.
'The land in question is Crown Land. As such council is required to have concurrence with the state government before any future works can proceed. At this stage the matter is with the Department of Land and Water Conservation.'
Baha'i Speak Spiritually
The Baha'i community of Lismore are presenting a series of talks in the next fortnight with spiritual commentators, Marc and Helen Vloeberghs.
Marc and Helen have co-authored a trilogy called 'Christianity renewed' and they are visiting Lismore to workshop the issues raised in their books, such as understanding 'one fold and the one shepherd' and Christ the 'alpha and omega'.
Marc, originally from Belgium, worked for many years with the United Nations in Asia and Africa and then moved to India on a Baha'i rural development project where he met an Australian health professional, Helen, working on the same project. They then moved to Papua New Guinea where Marc became a senior lecturer in food processing. After 12 years in PNG they took up employment with the University of Queensland and also lived and worked in Fiji during the time of the recent coup.
Now semi retired they work for what they call 'the spiritual United Nations, travelling and telling their story of the promise of world peace and the road to it through the Universal Christ.
The Baha'i Community of Lismore has invited them to speak on Sunday, January 13 and 20 in the foyer of Lismore City Hall at 3pm and again at 155 Keen Street, Lismore on Monday, January 14 and 21 at 7.30pm. They will also be available most days for discussion at 155 Keen Street from January 14-26.
For information and bookings phone Judith Light on 6624 1926.
Alternatively, see page 13 in this week's Echo for more information.
Locals Bag Ag Awards
 Larry Fall (left) receives his NSW Agriculture staff Excellence Award from Agriculture minister Richard Amery.
Two staff members from the Wollongbar Centre for Excellence for the Environment were recently presented with Excellence Awards by Agriculture minister, Richard Amery, at the NSW Agriculture's recent staff awards.
Dip sites manager, Larry Falls, and environmental systems specialist, Genevieve Carruthers, were among 16 people to receive the staff Excellence Award.
Larry first joined the department as a gatekeeper with the tick program in 1980. According to NSW Agriculture director general, Dr Kevin Sheridan, he has certainly earned his stripes.
'In his 21 years with NSW Agriculture, Larry has gained widespread respect,' Dr Sheridan said. 'This award recognises his excellent leadership qualities and his tireless commitment to his work.'
Genevieve Carruthers has only been with the department since 1997, however, her positive personality and commitment to encouraging environmentally friendly practises saw her quickly integrate herself into the team.
'Genevieve is regarded by all her colleagues as an inspiring person, and someone who maintains a professional and ethical approach at all time,' Dr Sheridan said.
Bean Machine
 Caddies proprietor Vicki Sheaffe (right) with the Caddies regulars card draw winner, Lisa Roberts.
After more than a decade of buying coffee beans from Caddies Bean Shop in Lismore, Lisa Roberts' loyalty has paid off.
The Barkers Vale resident recently won a baby Gaggia coffee machine worth more than $700 in the biannual Caddies regulars card draw, and she was thrilled at the prospect of being able to drink more coffee than ever before.
'I've lived in the area for nearly 15 years and I've been coming to Caddies ever since,' Lisa said. 'I love great coffee... as far as I'm concerned it's either good coffee or nothing, and that's why I come to Caddies. I'm so happy with the prize - now I can drink as much coffee as I want!'
Caddies proprietor Vicki Sheaffe said the draw was a way to reward customers for there loyalty and 'give something back to the local people who have supported us for so long'.
The next Caddies regulars card draw will be held in June. For details of how to get a regulars card and be involved in the draw, simply ask the staff at Caddies Bean Shop when buying that next bag of coffee.
Volunteers Needed for New Year
 Members of the Lismore SES Unit at their headquarters in Lismore, just off Molesworth Street near the Rowing Club.
The Lismore SES Unit had a big year in 2001 and to ensure things run smoothly throughout 2002, they need to recruit more volunteers.
During the floods and severe storms in the early part of last year, the Lismore SES Unit worked tirelessly for days, and volunteers were stretched to their limits. One of things that made life a little easier was help from local businesses, whether it was keeping the volunteers well-fed or providing the floodboats with spare parts.
'Without the help of the 40-odd businesses who support us we couldn't be nearly as efficient as we are and our job would be a whole lot more difficult, in fact, nearly impossible,' unit controller, Lindsay Matterson, said.
'We just want to say a big thank you to all the people who supported us last year, and encourage others to join in 2002. It's a lot of fun, you meet heaps of different people and learn some really valuable skills. Everyone I know who has become a volunteer has found it a positive and worthwhile experience - it's rewarding working for and helping your local community.'
Volunteers need no experience, just a lot of enthusiasm and a willingness to wear bright orange overalls. For more information phone 6621 9400.
It's BBQ Time
 Summer is undoubtedly the season of barbecues.
And with the current trend of 40°C+ days, there's no better way to enjoy a friendly get-together or family dinner than with a barbecue out in the backyard or on the back verandah.
To help people get into the spirit of things, The Echo is giving away two Fountain BBQ prize packs.
Each pack includes a set of deluxe Wiltshire BBQ tools and a corkscrew. There's also citronella candles to keep the mozzies away and an array of Fountain products including the all-important tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, smoked hickory sauce and Fountain's quick and easy marinades.
For a chance to win one of these great prize packs phone The Echo on 66222 888 between 10 & 10.10am on Monday, January 14, ask for Terra and tell her your funniest or most embarrassing BBQ story.
Winners will be notified by phone the same day.
Fish & Chips
This week if you're talking about fish and chips in Brunswick Heads you may get more than you bargained for.
The well-known Festival of The Fish and Chips begins with the opening night of the Art in January Art and Photography Competition, to be held on Friday, January 11 at the Brunswick Heads Public School at 6pm. The exhibition will then be open daily until Sunday, January 20, between 10am and 5pm.
The Fishing Competition is on January 12-13, with sign-out at the Housie Shed in the park at 2pm on Saturday, and weigh-in at 11am sharp on Sunday. There are five categories up for grabs (or hooking) - juniors, mens, ladies, boys and girls championships .
Weather and fire-bans permitting, the annual fireworks display will liftoff on Saturday around 8.30pm. The wood chipping part of the festival begins on Wednesday, January 16, at 3.30pm, with the evening session commencing at 7pm.
The wood chipping events continue at the same time on Thursday 17, with earlier starting times on Friday and Saturday. The ever popular relays will be a feature of Friday's program, with other special chops scattered throughout the four days.
For more information phone Nanette on 6684 3528.
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