 The Northern Rivers Echo Main News
Simone Tops the Art Class
 Simone Tops, recipient of the $5000 John & Sheilagh Kaske Memorial Fellowship, with glass works from her 2001 graduate show installation, Mechanical Language. (Inset) The late Sheilagh Kaske, whose bequest will help art stu-dents at Southern Cross University
Born in Hong Kong, schooled on the Sunshine Coast and a star graduate from Southern Cross University's visual arts program, Simone Tops of Lismore has become the major beneficiary of the largest bequest yet made to SCU - $180,000 from the estates of the late John and Sheilagh Kaske.
John Kaske was a highly regarded senior executive in regional health and main-tained a strong interest in lit-erature and the visual arts, while Sheilagh Kaske gave years of volunteer service to the Lismore Art Gallery. The generous bequest was announced this week, along with the names of the first winners.
Simone Tops was awarded the John & Sheilagh Kaske Memorial Fellowship, worth $5000. An artist in glass who completed her degree last year, she plans to undertake further studies at the prestigious Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle.
To be accepted there is a great honour and Simone is understandably ecstatic. 'There's a truly international 'glass community' that ranges from Melbourne, where I order my materials from, through Europe to the USA and even to Lismore,' Simone said. 'At Pilchuck I'm likely to meet people familiar with Australian artists, including Patsy Hely [her main supervi-sor at SCU], as well as learn-ing from some of the world's best, such as the well-known American, Dale Chihuly'. The Kaskes' annual bequest has also funded eight $500 awards for undergraduates who have excelled in their art stud-ies at SCU. The recipients are Liz Deckers, Libby Elton, Kathryn Kermode, Caroline Lewis, Sean Neary, Joe Stark, Simone Weiherman and Michelle Zarro.
The Head of the School of Contemporary Arts, Associate Professor Jan Davis, said, 'Southern Cross was naturally overwhelmed when we first heard the news of the Kaskes' generosity, and now we have set in motion a scheme that, in perpetuity, will directly ben-efit some of our most creative students. I'm sure John and Sheilagh would have been very pleased by the outcome'.
Story & main photo: Robin Osborne
Clean Up this Sunday
 Getting their hands dirty for for Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday are Clean Up coordinator Andrew Hanna (centre) with Lismore City Council staff members (l-r) Robyn Farlow, Sheree Casey, Jenny Bradfield, Andy Edwards, Vicki Walker and Kieran Wade.
Everyone knows they should 'do the right thing' and not be a tosser (to borrow from the current advertising campaign), but unfortunately not everyone's listening.
People are being urged to grab a pair of gloves and join in the 13th annual Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday, March 3.
Last year 1.5 tonnes of rubbish was collected in Lismore and this year Lismore City Council wants to collect even more - they just need more volunteers to do it.
'This year we want to see more people out on the streets, helping us to get over that two tonne mark,' Council's Clean Up Australia Day coordinator, Andrew Hanna, said. 'Clean Up Australia Day is a morning activity that is actually a lot of fun. We have chosen the morning as it's not too hot, making it easier for families to come along and help out together.'
This year there is a strong emphasis on cigarette butts - an average of 2,000 butts are dropped in Lismore's CBD every day.
'The litter we see everyday on the ground, and that includes all the cigarette butts, inevitably ends up in our local waterways,' Andrew said. 'We live a very beautiful part of the world and the community needs to proactive in keeping it that way. I urge everyone to take a few hours out of their Sunday this week- end to help clean up Australia.'
Lismore residents can register on Sunday at the Lismore City Hall or Wade Park in East Lismore from 8-11am. For their hard work, participants will be treated to a free sausage sizzle at Lismore City Hall from 11am.
People who want to clean up around their local neighborhood can contact Andrew and arrange to have bags dropped off at the site and the rubbish collected following the clean up.
Phone Andrew on 6625 0413.
Meeting points and registration times around the region are as follows:
Lismore Shire: Clunes (at the park opposite the shop from 9am); Nimbin (meeting place yet to be decided. For info phone Leanne or Lizette on 6689 0000).
Ballina Shire: Registrations will be taken from 8-11am. Alstonville (at the Plaza Car Park); Ballina (outside the SES Headquarters); East Ballina (Sharps Beach carpark and the Lions Club); Lennox Head (at the Surf Club). For more information phone Graham Plumb on 6686 4444.
Richmond Valley Shire: Casino (at the McDonald's carpark from 8am. For info phone Council on 6660 0300); Coraki (at the Memorial Park from 9am. For info phone Norma Thomas on 6683 2028); Evans Head (at the Recreation Hall from 8am. For info phone Ray Jeffreys on 6682 5237).
Kyogle Shire: Kyogle (at the showgrounds from 9am). For info phone Suzie Coulston on 6632 3518.
Story & photo: Terra Sword
- Remember to wear sturdy footwear, protective gloves, appropriate clothing for the weather, sunscreen and bring along something to drink.
Private Health Workers in Pay Dispute
 HAREA St Vincent's committee Jeanette Coulson, Chris Seabrook, Lois Tyrell, Jenny Witchard and Gerard Hayes met outside St Vincent's Hospital on Tuesday to discuss possible industrial action.
A dispute at St Vincents Hosptial in Lismore over of employees doing the same job but being paid different amounts may lead to strike action next week.
Disgruntled employees staged a protest outside St Vincent's on Tuesday claiming that the semi-privatisation of hospital meant that private sector employees were being discriminated against under their award.
Jeanette Coulson, spokesperson for the Health and Research Employees' Association NSW (HAREA) said that the anomaly meant large disparities between employees.
'For example a cook employed under the private award receives $13 an hour, whereas a cook under the public award receives $16 an hour,' Ms Coulson said.
Based on a 38-hour week this means a difference of more than $5000 a year.
'This affects all non-nursing staff: cooks, catering staff, housekeeping, clerical and maintenance,' she said.
'We've been talking with management for six months now. They've been delaying addressing the issue and so we were forced to rally.'
But St Vincent's CEO Trevor Sanders says the hospital is only playing by the rules the union agreed to.
'The board met to discuss the issue and doesn't believe there's a valid case. We're the meat in the sandwich. We pay everyone as per the award,' Mr Sanders said.
'When we privatised a vast section of the hospital in 1990-1991 we had an agreement with the union that individuals would maintain their status. The awards don't always agree,' he said.
However Ms Coulson disagrees.
'The government sets the public award and it has increased the public award and left the private one behind. The Catholic Church should be leading the way in this area and showing that their healthcare - private or public - is fantastic. The hospital is supposed to be run in the spirit of Jesus Christ - well, Jesus Christ treated everyone equally - that's all we ask,' she said.
' Morale is very low at the moment - how could it not be when you're working alongside people who do the same job for a different wage?'
Ms Coulson said that if management refused to consider their claim, HAREA would implement work bans on Monday.
'We'll stop anything that doesn't directly affect patients,' she said. 'Hopefully it won't come to that.'
However Mr Sanders indicated that any decision is likely to be left to a higher authority.
'The issue is really one for the industrial courts rather than ourselves. We do pay by the award,' he said.
Rudi Maxwell
Hazelton Survives Ansett Crash
Flights to Sydney from Ballina and Lismore will continue unaffected despite the likely demise of Ansett on Monday.
Lismore-based Network manager Maurice Gahan said the airline will continue to operate as normal if Ansett is closed down following the withdrawal of the Tesna bid. Hazelton has been under a separate administration since Ansett was placed into administration last September and has been operating as a stand-alone operation.
Hazelton administrator Michael Humphris from Sims Lockwood said it was 'business as usual' with plans going ahead for a merger with another former Ansett subsidiary, Kendell Airlines.
'We put a proposal to the administrators of Kendell to merge the operations to protect regional services,' Mr Humphris said.
'Our commitment to achieving this has not wavered. This merger represents the best possible chance of securing a solid and viable longer-term solution. Bidders for both airlines have identified the merged operation as the best value proposition for sale of both entities as a going concern.'
Mr Humphris said the proposed merger will create an airline that can compete with Qantas on regional routes.
Leaning Tower of Ballina
 If you've thought that something at Shaws Bay seemed slightly off centre recently you're right - the Ballina Coastguard Tower is leaning over.
From inside the tower it looks like the horizon is crooked - by about 10-degrees - but it isn't the horizon that's off out of whack.
The tower, built in 1983, sits on a bed of sand and has been monitored for movement since 1990, when signs that it was beginning to tilt were first noticed.
Ballina volunteer coastguard commander Bob Withers said the most recent survey, completed in December 2001 concluded that there had been more movement in the past 12 months than the previous five years.
'It's a concern. It's quite horrendous up there,' Mr Withers said.
The Coastguard has made a funding application to Ballina Shire Council, which will be discussed at today's council meeting.
The current staff recommendation is that $5000 be spent on getting a structural engineer's report on the tower, as well as seeking funds from the NSW Emergency Services Minister for funds towards the restoration of the landmark.
But Mr Withers believes that building a new tower could kill two birds with one stone.
'The tower itself is antiquated - it wouldn't meet WorkCover or occupational health and safety standards. We have already looked at plans to upgrade and retain the icon, but they would cost about $75,000, plus the costs of restoration. A new and modern tower would cost much less.'
The Coastguard uses the tower as a communications centre to monitor recreational fishing vessels and ships in transit along the coast.
'What we would like to see is an amenities centre with a tower on top of it. You could have a block with showers, toilets and change rooms and then the tower would be better positioned to monitor the south end of Northern Beach, an area unpatrolled at the moment,' he said.
'It's a community concern. The whole objective of the coastguard is to preserve life - safety at sea for the whole community, not just a select few. If it's a community service then it must be consumer-pays for the upgrade of facilities,' Mr Withers said.
Rudi Maxwell
Top Students Rewarded with Uni Scholarships
 Former Trinity Catholic College students, Douglas Daley and Jasmine Perry, with their 2001 Year 12 Coordinator, Mr Tony Bindon, at SCU's scholarships ceremony.
Former Alstonville High School student Ellen Wilson, pictured with her parents Mark and Wendy Wilson, will study a combined Bachelor of Business/Arts degree at SCU on a Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship.
A total of 48 students are studying at Southern Cross University this year under Academic Scholarships provided by the Vice-Chancellor's and Industry Scholarships Schemes. The Scholarships have a total value of $228,000 and cover all areas of study.
At an awards ceremony at SCU's Invercauld Centre last Friday, scholarship certificates were presented to 23 new students by Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Angela Delves. She said the scholarships were 'designed to attract students with the potential to achieve at the highest level, with preference given, where possible, to graduates from regional high schools'.
'We recognise the need to retain the best students from the region and are committed to providing them with the opportunity to study at Southern Cross and to benefit from the support offered locally by family and friends,' Prof Delves said.
Eight first year undergraduates won Vice Chancellor's Scholarships valued at $5,000 per annum, and 15 received Industry-sponsored scholarships valued at between $2,000 and $5,000 per annum.
The ceremony marked the involvement of three new Industry sponsors, Lismore-based Mayne Investments Limited (two scholarships), Rutherfords Accountants and Tweed Shire Council (four scholarships). Echoing the views of all 20 sponsoring businesses, Michael Shapter of Fletchers Fotographics said 'SCU plays a vital role in the community, an important role in our economy and, increasingly, in Australia as a research institute'.
Also attending the ceremony were the 16 winners of SCU's Residential Scholarships valued at $3,250 each. These Scholarships cover accommodation costs for the full academic year at the University's Richmond College in Lismore.
Amongst the school leavers whose study pressures will be alleviated by the scholarships were former Trinity Catholic College students Jasmine Perry (who will study for a combined Bachelor of Business/Law degree) and Douglas Daley (Bachelor of Contemporary Music).
Jasmine's scholarship was sponsored by Mayne Investments, Douglas' by Kirklands Coaches, a supporter of the SCU scheme for several years.
Applications for SCU's 2003 Scholarships open this August and close at the end of October.
Details from Nicole Dawson on 6620 3975 or email marketing@scu.edu.au
Ballina's Flying HiFi
 Hume L'Estrange, owner of Aaron Loudspeakers, the winner of Business of the year award at the Ballina Shirewide Business Awards.
When Hume L'Estrange talks about Aaron you can bet he'll be speaking loudly.
Mr L'Estrange is proprietor of Aaron Loudspeakers, winner of the Business of the Year award at the Ballina Shirewide Business Awards, announced on the weekend.
Aaron Loudspeakers are Australia's most prolific loudspeaker manufacturers and use local woods and veneers in their products. The former Sydney business moved to the North Coast for a number of reasons.
'I wanted to get back to the country and Ballina Council were very welcoming and organised. It's a very good climate for producing this product because the temperature range is small and that means you can carry on production throughout the year. I also believe that you can get better quality staff - people have what I call more traditional values than they do in the city,' he said.
Mr L'Estrange is used to accepting national awards for his work at Aaron, but is thrilled to have received the Ballina Shirewide Award.
'I originally come from a small community and I'm very loyal to local things - I get a very strong sense of community here. Sometimes being recognised within a local community is one of the most difficult things and it just makes it that much nicer when it happens,' Mr L'Estrange said.
Other award winners were:
Overall Customer Service Award: Stuart Gray of Tandy Electronics; Tourism Award: Jeff and Diana Champion from Ballina Manor; Hospitality: The Church Cafe; Retail: John's Bikes and Mowers; Service: Harvey World Travel; Trade: Natural Products/ Domelite; Community Service: Paradise FM; Special Award for outstanding Community Support: Ballina RSL.
Businesses Plan Levy Spending
Lismore Unlimited will hold a special planning review workshop on March 4 at the Lismore Workers Club. The workshop is for Lismore commercial property owners and business operators occupying commercial premises.
All commercial properties in Lismore attract a special business rate variation levy, which raises $250,000 each year. $143,000 funds a variety of marketing and promotional activities for the city organised by Lismore Unlimited. $107,000 runs the Community Safety Program run by Lismore City Council. This includes the safety cameras and street beat patrols.
Lismore Unlimited manager Marian Forwood said it was an important workshop planning for the next three years.
'The workshop gives property owners and business operators the opportunity to have their say on the expenditure,' she said
Independent consultant, Rose Wright will conduct the workshop..
Lismore Unlimited chairperson Barry Robinson said businesspeople and property owners should make it a priority to attend.
'The appropriate spending of the rate variation is critical for Lismore's continued economic growth. Anyone's absence is considered a vote of confidence in the current scheme,' he said.
The workshop begins at 5.30pm.
Healthy Volunteers Thanked
Lismore Base Hospital volunteers were thanked for their tireless efforts last week, during celebrations for NSW Health Volunteers Appreciation Day.
Enjoying the celebrations last Friday were Lismore Base Hospital volunteer coordinator, Carolyn Coleman (far right) with Cancer Care Unit volunteer Gwen Kent (left) and Coffee Lounge volunteer Kylie Wilson.
'Volunteers perform a variety of tasks including fundraising, patient visiting, support for patients, gardening work and much, much more,' the hospital's volunteer coordinator, Carolyn Coleman, said. 'Our volunteers are wonderful people. They generously give up their time to give to us, and they certainly give the hospital that special touch. They don't ask for anything in return, but a note of thanks goes a long way.'
People interested in becoming a volunteer at the hospital can phone Carolyn on 6620 2705.
Car Mystery
A 42-year-old Orange man who alleged two teenagers in a car dragged him along a Lismore street on Sunday night has disappeared as doubts arise about his claims.
The incident occurred around 6pm on Sunday night, when the man and his 19-year-old daughter were walking along Zadoc Street.
Police say the man claimed they were approached by a light blue station wagon with two teenagers inside, and an argument ensued. He alleged the driver then grabbed his left arm and dragged him approximately 170 metres along the road. The 42 man was later admitted to Lismore Base Hospital with head and neck injuries.
Early on Monday morning police detained two Lismore youths - the 17-year-old driver and his 19 year-old passenger.
But the teenagers told police that the man from Orange instigated the incident and that it was necessary for them to drive away to escape being assaulted by the older man.
A number of witnesses spoke to police, giving accounts that supported the claims of the teenagers. Both youths were released without charges.
The 42 year-old man discharged himself from hospital on Monday and police have not been heard from him since. Investigations are continuing into the matter.
Pigeon Deaths
Lismore City Council is investigating the death of several feral pigeons found on the Ballina's Street bridge over the past week.
Since last Tuesday more than 20 dead or dying pigeons have been found. The Council was notified about the dead pigeons by Northern Rivers Wildlife Carer coordinator, Cheryl Cochran, who is now caring for a sick kookaburra also found on the bridge.
She said the bird's feet were tightly clenched which could indicate of poisoning. The kookaburra has similar symptoms and is not expected to survive.
Lismore City Council's environmental health officer, Tony Kohlenberg, said six dead pigeons have been taken to the NSW Department of Agriculture for testing. The birds will be screened for pesticides and other chemicals at a laboratory in Lismore.
He said little can be done to solve the problem until the cause of the deaths is determined. While the testing was expected to take some time, Mr Kohlenberg said he hoped the process could be fast-tracked to find a solution.
Biker Killed
A Casino man was killed early on Wednesday morning when his motorcycle collided with a cow.
Police say Gary Hoare of Piora, via Casino, was killed instantly when his bike struck the cow on the Bruxner Highway at Woodview, west of Casino, around 4.20am.
A passing motorist stopped to help.
Mr Hoare is survived by a wife and four children.
Cannabis Bust
A 29-year-old Casino woman has been summonsed to appear in Casino Local Court on April 3 to face drugs charges following a raid on a South Casino house.
Police executed a warrant on the home on Wednesday and located two large cannabis plants, 49 grams of leaf and sawn-off .22 rifle and ammunition.
Police are seeking a man to help with their inquiries about the sawn-off rifle and ammunition.
Rural Health Scholarships
Applications are being sought for the 2002 Rural Allied Health Scholarships. Ballina MP Page said the scholarships, valued at $5,750 are available to health students with a rural background.
'The Scholarships are aimed at helping full time rural students who may have to live away from home while studying to meet their study and living costs,' he said.
Full time students eligible to apply should be enrolled in a NSW university in either the final two years of a four year degree or the final year of a three year degree in these courses: Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Orthoptics, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Diagnostic Radiography or Aboriginal/Indigenous health.
Application forms and guidelines are available from Mr Page's office, phone 6686 7522 or online at www.health.nsw.gov.au, and close April 5.
Guesthouse fire
The Old Canberra guesthouse in Barker Street, Casino, was destroyed by fire on Saturday at around 12.30am. The guesthouse was empty and undergoing renovations.
Four shops below received smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire is being investigated.
Green Graduates Celebrate a Job Well Done
 Green Corps group supervisor Grant Hazell (centre rear) with Green Corps members (l-r) Jarred Kelly, Gemma Kypridis, Amy Jordan, Ashley Riesterer and Carl Perkins, with the certificates they received as part of their graduation last week.
Seven young people were presented with graduation certificates last week, after successfully completing a six month Green Corps project in Lismore.
The group have been removing weeds from Pritchard Park (at the end of Wotherspoon Street in North Lismore) and they have also planted hundreds of native trees along the riverbank.
'They've basically turned privet park into privet-less park, and it looks fantastic,' Vanessa Ekins from Conservation Volunteers Australia, the group that manages Green Corps, said.
'Within two or three years when the trees grow they will reduce run-off and sedimentation of the river. The trees will also decrease erosion on the riverbank, and in another seven or eight years provide natural habitat for birds and bats.'
Two new Green Corps projects will be starting in Ballina and Mullumbimby on Monday, March 18 and places are still available in both. People interested in joining a project must be aged between 17 and 20.
Conservation Volunteers Australia also needs more volunteers to help maintain the riverbanks at Pritchard Park.
Anyone interested in becoming a Green Corps member or a volunteer should phone Vanessa or Alison on 6680 7840.
Frogs Warn the End is Nigh
 David Newell finds a rare Fleay's Barred Frog in the middle of the night.
The disappearance of frogs in northern NSW could be the 'canary in the coalmine' in terms of predicting environmental damage, according to researchers at Southern Cross University.
PhD student David Newell, from SCU's School of Environmental Science and Management, is studying threatened rainforest frogs in the region, especially the impact of tourism. He has seen the disappearance of Fleay's Barred Frog at the popular tourist destinations of Mt Warning and Protesters Falls in the past two years.
Mr Newell searches for the frogs by walking along streams at night, mimicking their calls and waiting for a response.
'I often think it's rather bizarre to be out late at night talking to the frogs, but it's great when they talk back,' he said. 'Frogs are good indicators of environmental health, so the disappearances of frogs from around the world could be cause for alarm. It's certainly a worry when you start losing species from National Parks that are dedicated as World Heritage properties. We assume that these areas are safe havens for endangered species, but if visitation (by people) is inappropriate, then we will continue to see the loss of species.'
Mr Newell has found populations of the frogs still exist in some remote rainforest streams in the region.
As part of his PhD, he has been investigating ways of increasing the survival of tadpoles of the endangered Fleay's Barred Frog. The study, funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, involves placing tadpoles in cloth mesh cages within the streams, to protect them from predators. 'These tadpoles can spend up to two years in the stream, so they are very vulnerable to predators,' he said. The experiments have been vandalised twice in the past year by people perhaps misguidedly thinking they were saving the tadpoles, he said. He has since moved the experiment.
Meanwhile, two national frog experts will speak at a seminar at SCU this Friday, March 1, at 4.30pm.
Stan Orchard from the World Wide Fund for Nature's FROGS! program; and Marian Anstis, author of the new book Tadpoles of South-eastern Australia, will be part of the seminar, which is open to the public.
For details phone David Newell on 6620 3158 .
Day of Prayer
Members of local churches will be on their knees this Friday, March 1, for an International Day of Prayer. A gathering be held at St Andrew's Anglican Church, Lismore at 7.30pm to mark the day.
Coordinator Margaret Hoskins said the theme this year is Reconciliation.
'Reconciliation embraces everything from international affairs to personal relationships,' Ms Hoskins said.
Rev. Cameron Venables will speak and the evening will include music, songs, readings, sharing and supper. The service is open to everyone.
Corndale Landcare
A group of residents have established Corndale Landcare to cover the area from Corndale Hall to Strong & Williams Road, as well as along Dorroughby Road to the top of Arthur Road. Ideas discussed so far include helping the riparian regeneration of Mick's and Boomerang Creeks as well as other regeneration projects in the area.
A meeting to officially form Corndale Landcare will be held next Thursday, March 7 at the Corndale Hall from 7pm. Nominations will be called for, for the election of a steering committee. For more information phone Pietro on 6688 2284 or Adam on 6689 5378.
Memorial Reopens
The Lismore War Memorial will be re-dedicated this Saturday, March 2 at 5pm, following two months of restoration work, and everyone is welcome to attend.
The official unveiling will be carried out by Returned & Services League of Australia NSW president, Mr Rusty Priest AM. Anglican father Ivan Shepherd, Roman Catholic father Tom Maloney and Presbyterian reverend Peter Playstead will then bless the memorial.
To conclude the re-dedication, relatives of servicemen listed on the memorial will lay poppies in memory of their loved ones.
Light Work
The Lismore Lantern Makers have limited places in their Work for the Dole project -
'Light n Up 2'.
'Work for the Dole is a wonderful opportunity for people to develop skills, confidence and contribute something to their local community, but most of all it's great fun. We created some amazing things last year, and most of our participants had never even seen a lantern before,' Light n Up project coordinator Jyllie Jackson said.
The project's major event this year is the popular Lismore Lantern Parade, which is expanding into dance, a street band and theatre. If you're interested in getting involved in a very different activity, contact EnviTE on 6621 9588 or your Centrelink office. Unemployed people can volunteer for Work for the Dole, so check your eligibility.
'The Lantern Workshop also welcomes volunteers not on the scheme, in fact everyone is very welcome!' Jyllie said.
Pigs Might Fly Thanks to Dairy Grant
 MP Ian Causley presents a cheque for $825,000 to Northern Cooperative Meat Company chairman, Peter Carlill (centre) and general manager Gary Burridge.
50 local people are expected to gain employment at the Northern Cooperative Meat Company's (NCMC) Cassino RSM Pig Processing Plant, after the company received a grant of $825,000 to establish an export pig boning room at the Booyong abattoir.
The first 25 people will be employed in the new boning room by early 2003, with an additional 25 staff expected to be employed when the export market develops and demand increases.
'Gone are the days when you can just produce a carcass and that's that,' NCMC general manager, Gary Burridge, said. 'These days the commercial world demands the carcass must be boxed and packaged ready for distribution in the export market and they'll no longer accept animals in carcass form.
'This grant secures the business and allows us to export to markets not previously available.'
The grant was awarded under the Federal Government's Dairy Regional Assistance Program, which is designed to assist areas that were badly affected by dairy deregulation.
'Without this grant the carcasses would have been taken from the North Coast to offshore or independent operators in capital cities to be boned,' he said. 'This grant allows the process to be done locally by local people, and we're really excited that it has opened up employment opportunities in an area seriously affected by dairy deregulation.'
Construction is expected to start as soon as the development application for boning room is approved by the Byron Shire Council.
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