 The Northern Rivers Echo Main News
New Pool a Step Closer
 Melbourne architect Rick Bzowy with an artist's impression of the new Lismore Memorial baths with a 50-metre pool and 25-metre lap pool.
Work on a new aquatic facility for Lismore could begin within a year after Lismore City Council gave in principle approval for a design on the Memorial Baths site this week.
While a 'bare bones' version of the project will cost around $4 million, if it is to include things on the community 'wish list', like a roof and heated water to extend the swimming season, the project could cost up to $6 million.
Melbourne architect Rick Bzowy presented council with a preliminary design for the site this week. His plan includes a 50m, eight-lane Olympic standard swimming pool with a disabled entrance ramp, a 25m lap pool and 'leisure' water for children to play in. The total water area will be between 1600 and 1800 sq metres. The site will also have a function room/crèche, new change rooms, a barbeque area and new kiosk.
Mr Bzowy also plans to move the entrance and kiosk out of the memorial building and remove the solid gates at the entrance, replacing them with wrought iron gates. The WWI honour rolls in the foyer would be lit so they can be seen at night. It will also have an alternative entrance in Victoria Street for school buses and times when RSL memorial services are being held in front of the memorial building. The design also allow for expansion of the site to the north.
Lismore mayor Bob Gates is pleased with the Bzowy proposal, which offers a 'master plan' for the site for the construction of future improvements. He concedes that the project may cost more than his initial $4 million. His preference is for some type of shading over some parts of the site, but not a total enclosure, believing it would lose more in summer months than it gains in the winter.
'We must act prudently and only build what we can afford - but the 'master plan' design means that future options can be constructed without affecting the integrity of the project,' he said.
'Importantly, given the historical significance of the RSL buildings, the redesign incorporates a fitting memorial which I believe enhances both the pool and the existing RSL buildings. The baths have been a central part of Lismore for over 70 years. This design respects history and also gives Lismore a modern facility which will grow and expand over the next 70 years.'
The Bzowy design seeks to incorporate local natural features. From the outside, the concrete walls will feature reliefs of the bamboo found growing nearby. The steel columns holding up the roof will resemble the trunks and branches of trees.
The project team is currently undertaking soil tests on the site; the results will be a major factor in the construction costs. Over the next month will develop firm costings on the project. They will be presented to the May council meeting along with a range of costs and options on how much of the project will be built in the initial stage. Council will determine how much it is prepared to commit and already councillor Ros Irwin is flagging that more than $4 million must be spent.
At Tuesday night's council meeting, she surprised some by throwing her weight behind the project. While once again lamenting the loss of the university joint-venture, Cr Irwin said she was 'trying to ensure that whatever we build is the best possible outcome for the people of this city'.
But she warned that he backing was conditional.
'If this council determines at some stage down the road, that it will not have a heated indoor pool, or water space in excess of the current site, my support will go,' Cr Irwin said.
While Cr Frank Swientek returned to his favourite theme - a pool on the Goonellabah Town Centre site, claiming the city could have two pools - he questioned why Council should 'invest in its largest asset on the floodplain'.
Cr Diana Roberts said the main issue was asking ratepayers how much they were prepared to spend on the project.
'We haven't consulted the wider community on whether to spend $4, $5, or $6 million,' she said.
Council voted 9/3 (Crs Swientek, Gallen & Roberts against) to approve the redevelopment design.
If the project proceeds on schedule, council plans to close the memorial baths in February 2003 for a construction period of 42-48 weeks, opening again in January 2004.
Simon Thomsen
Norco Back in the Black
In a major turnaround Norco has posted a $6 million profit for the first six months of 2001-02 financial year.
Norco CEO Bernard O'Brien announced the good news for the Lismore-based company last week, following on from a $2.4 million profit last financial year and further reducing Norco's outstanding debt levels.
Mr O'Brien said all business units have contributed to the result, and in particular the commodity business at the Casino site, as well as the joint ventures - Fast Freeze Australia and Norco Pauls Milk.
Norco chairman, Greg McNamara, congratulated management and staff on an outstanding half-yearly result.
'This financial performance has enabled the Board to increase milk payments to suppliers by $4.5 million over the first six months, compared to the previous year. We are on target to pay our suppliers on average 20 per cent higher than last year.'
The financial result indicates a bright future for Norco and also provides tangible benefits for local farmers. The Norco Board recently announced it will give its 237 supplying dairy farmers a loyalty and reward payment of $1 million.
'We see the $1 million payment as an investment in our farmers at a time when they are preparing for their winter pasture plantings,' Greg said. 'This cash injection should also further boost our milk supply volume. A significant emphasis is being directed in the growth of milk supply with our present supplier base as well as potential new suppliers.'
Overall sales for the first six months of the 2001/2002 financial year were $79 million, an increase of five per cent from the previous year.
The Family that Shaves Together
 Jan Heffernan, 61, of East Lismore, who will shave her head in Kempsey this weekend as part of the World's Greatest Shave for a Cure.
Jan Heffernan of East Lismore will travel to Kempsey this weekend to join her daughter, Michelle, and her two granddaughters, Cassie and Naomi, in the World's Greatest Shave for a Cure.
The 61 year-old grandmother of six said last year's shave in Kempsey was poorly attended and this year her daughter Michelle, a nurse at the Kempsey Hospital, is trying to drum up more support. Jan has decided to head down the coast to help out. So far 50 people are confirmed.
But the real motivation for Jan to shave her head came from another grandmother.
'I'd heard about the World's Greatest Shave and every year I'd say to myself 'I wish I was game enough to do that',' Jan said. 'Michelle told me about this lady in Kempsey who was 73 years old and had signed up for the shave - her husband died of leukaemia 25 years ago - and when I heard that I was inspired. I thought if someone 73 can do it, so can I!'
Jan has already raised a couple of hundred dollars this month and yesterday she added nearly another $100 to her total. And much to her surprise, she's already receiving thanks for doing the shave.
'This woman came up to me and told me how fantastic I was for doing the shave, and that her young grandson has leukaemia,' Jan said. 'You certainly don't expect that sort of thing, but when it happens it's quite a moving experience. I have six healthy young grandchildren whom I love very much, and it's very sad to hear of little ones with leukaemia. I know it's not much, but I'm just glad I can do something to help.'
The major shave for the Lismore will be held on Saturday, March 16 at the Lismore Shopping Square from 11am, outside the entrance to K-Mart. People can still get sponsorship and join in on Saturday by shaving or colouring their hair (to register phone 1800 500 088 or visit www.worldsgreatestshave.com). More volunteers are also needed to help at local shave sites (for info phone Cathy on 6621 8518 or 0409 391 875).
Another great way to help out is to simply to go along to the Square on Saturday and cheer on those who are getting their locks lopped for the Leukaemia Foundation.
All money raised will go towards caring and supporting people with leukaemia, as well as for research into better treatments and a cure.
Terra Sword
Good Neighbours Become Good Friends
 Celebrating the Lismore Neighbourhood Club's 20th birthday: Hilda Garnett, secretary Esmé Eggins and Clare Bradford.
When Hilda Garnett joined the Lismore Neighbourhood Club, a companionship club for the aged and lonely, the first person she met was fellow volunteer Clare Bradford.
In the last 15 years the two ladies have gone full circle and on Friday the pair celebrated the club's 20th birthday together, only this time as members.
Both ladies had to give up volunteering about five years ago due to health problems, but neither were willing to give up the other's friendship.
'Clare and I are very close friends and we love coming here each week to sit together and have a chat and a cuppa,' Hilda said. 'When we couldn't volunteer anymore, it just seemed natural to become members. Clare and I don't see each other through the week and we both look forward to catching up on Fridays. That's what's so lovely about the club - you get to see the same friends every week and enjoy the social atmosphere. It's like having a second family.'
Hilda, 88, and Clare, 86, were among about 50 elderly people who celebrated the club's 20th birthday on Friday at Lismore City Hall. Members meet every Friday for about four hours.
'It gets the members out of their homes and mixing with other people, and it's quite amazing what a positive effect having a bit of company can have on people,' Club secretary, Esmé Eggins, said.
For more information on the Lismore Neighbourhood Club phone Wendy on 6622 0300.
Luck of the Irish for Hospital
 Handing over the cheque to the Emergency Department's nurse unit manager Vicki Martin (right) are Lismore School of Irish Dance director Glenys Ritchie and dancers (l-r) Steffi Boyd-Oshlack, and Connor and Kathryn Vandenberg.
The Lismore Base Hospital Accident and Emergency Department is $185 richer this week, after a donation from the Lismore School of Irish Dance last Friday.
The money was raised at the school's Christmas Concert. Director, Glenys Ritchie, said the donation was a thank you to the emergency department.
'About three years ago my mother was airlifted to Lismore Base Hospital from Grafton with multiple injuries after a car accident,' Glenys said. 'The care and attention the department gave to my mother was far above and beyond the call of duty. Without their care she wouldn't have been here to celebrate her 80th birthday this year. People often forget the front line of the hospital and we wanted to recognise the tireless efforts of the department and its staff.'
The Lismore School of Irish Dance is now trying to raise money for 10 new Irish dresses, which cost around $350 each.
A St Patrick's Day Trivia Night fundraiser is on this Saturday, March 16, at the Italo Club from 7.30pm. There'll be plenty of prizes and entertainment. Tickets are $50 per table (a maximum of eight per table). To book phone 6621 4677.
Cabinet in Evans Head
The Carr Government will hold its regular Cabinet meeting in Evans Head in April.
Local MP and Local Government Minister Harry Woods is naturally pleased, saying that community groups will have the chance to meet with members of the cabinet and raise issues.
'It gives the community a chance to showcase what they have to offer to the rest of NSW, as well as allowing ministers to experience first hand some of the challenges we experience here on the Northern Rivers area,' the Minister said.
'I encourage any community group which would like to meet with a member of the Cabinet to contact my office on 6643 1244.'
Work Bans Lifted
The Industrial Relations Commission has directed that work bans implemented by non-nursing staff at St Vincent's hospital be lifted to give staff and management a chance to negotiate.
Hospital management took the Health and Research Employees Association (HAREA) to the IRC following a pay dispute in which union members under the private sector award are seeking the same pay rates as public award employees.
G'bah Residents Asked on Park Plan
Gearing up for Saturday's Fun Day at Elders Memorial Park are Council's recreation planner Alex Wilford (front centre) and Sean Tonnet of Permaculture Design.com.au (right) with Goonellabah Residents Action Group members Ron Cahill, Christine Marsh, Sean Wattson and Steve Graman.
Byron Bay-based company Permaculture Designs.com.au have been asked by Lismore Council to conduct community consultation with Goonellabah residents to find out what they want included in the redevelopment of Elders Memorial Park.
The company will draw up a development and management plan for the McDermott Avenue park, based on the responses. It will then go to Council for approval.
To ensure everyone gets a chance to fill out a survey and have their say the Goonellabah Residents Action Group is hosting a Family Fun Picnic Day this Saturday, March 16, at Elders Memorial Park from 1-5pm, where surveys will be available.
'It's a chance for people to get together for a picnic, throw some ideas around and generally see what people in the local neighbourhood want in their park,' Goonellabah Residents Action Group coordinator, Steve Graman, said. 'So far it has been suggested that the park could include shaded picnic and BBQ areas, a children's playgrounds and maybe even a community garden, but we want to get more feedback from residents. If you want a say in what it's going to be like, now's the time to speak up.'
The picnic day will feature a free BBQ and a performance by the Voices Together reconciliation choir.
Signs of Life for Alstonville Bypass
The endless pleas of Alstonville residents keen to see a start to a bypass around the village were answered last Friday. Well, a little.
In a surprise visit in the wake of the Sydney bus strike, Roads Minister Carl Scully caught the XPT north (to gather first-hand experience in the wake of complaints about the train service), visited Alstonville and announced that he had directed the RTA to begin survey work on the 6km bypass route. It began on Monday.
Mr Scully said having seen the village's traffic problem, he's satisfied the bypass needs to be done.
'The survey work will take about two months to complete and provide the RTA with a detailed plan of the existing landscape, vegetation and buildings in the vicinty,' Mr Scully said.
The next step is a representations report featuring community comments on the EIS, for PlanningNSW to assess the environmental impact of the project. The Minister is hopeful planning approval will come later this year. But one major hurdle remains. Money - around $36 million. While the Federal Government offered $12 million for the project at last year's election, Mr Scully wants more from his federal colleagues.
'If [federal transport minister] John Anderson is fair dinkum, he should have talked to me. But the federal government has to put more money into the project,' he said. He would not be drawn on an allocation for the project in May's state budget.
However the progress was welcomed by Ballina MP Don Page and mayor Peter Moore, who met with Mr Scully in Alstonville.
'Mr Scully has undertaken to have a closer look at the situation with respect to funding the $36 million bypass. He indicated that he would come back to myself and the Mayor in the not too distant future,' Mr Page said.
Cr Moore said the unexpected visit by the Minister was a good sign.
'Mr Scully's announcement is a great step. Our community has been calling for a commitment from the State government for far too long. It's time to stop pointing the finger around and begin to work with the government to achieve the outcome we want,' the mayor said.
Business Awards
Nominations for the 2002 Lismore Business Awards are now open.
Awards coordinator Louise Barry said the awards promote and support local business.
'The awards give everyone a chance to show they appreciate the hard work and great service that volunteers, businesses and business people provide,' she said.
The award categories include: Best New Business, Retail Excellence, Terrific Trade Business, Professional Business Services, Sensational Customer Service, Leaders in Innovation & Technology, Exceptional Community or Not-for-Profit Organisation, Entrepren-eurial Excellence, Outstanding Employee and the Brian Slapp Community Service Award.
Nominations close on March 29. For nomination forms, phone 6621 4366 or visit www.lismoreunlimited.com.au
Testing Times for Lismore Lake
 Water quality testers Amber Wood and Damien Maher, students from Southern Cross University's School of Environmental Science and Management, with lecturer Dr Amanda Reichelt-Brushett.
Native fish, a dinner-plate sized freshwater turtle, and high levels of phosphate are among the secrets of Lismore Lake, revealed by students from Southern Cross University's Bachelor of Applied Science class.
The students have been investigating the water quality of the Lake as part of a case study of the controversial water body. They found high phosphate concentrations, which can contribute to the toxic blue-green algae blooms which forced the closure of the lake to power boats in the first place.
Along with several native fish species and the turtles, they discovered a high number of introduced Gambusia holbrooki fish.
Dr Reichelt-Brushett said that at Lismore City Council's request, the data collected would be handed over when the project was completed, probably in May.
'This case study is a good educational tool, because it looks at a controversial local environmental issue, and shows how you can use science to provide information that can help resolve the issue,' she said.
Sara Crowe
Back to School for Drivers
 Gearing up next Tuesday's driving workshop next week is Janelle Hayward with her daughter Louis, who is on her L plates and learning to drive.
Parents and supervisors who want to do the right thing in teaching learner drivers can learn what to do at a free workshop in Lismore next week.
Local mother Janelle Hayward, who is teaching her daughter Louis to drive, is looking forward to next week's workshop.
'Some of the road rules are quite different now to when I learnt them and I want to make sure I'm teaching her the right way to drive from the beginning,' Janelle said. 'I also want to get some ideas on how to keep the driving lessons as stress free as possible - it hasn't been too bad so far, but there has been a few tense moments.'
Completing a logbook is a necessary requirement of the new Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS), which came into effect last year. The workshop will cover the obligations, objectives and benefits of the log book as well as heaps of other useful information.
'Supervising a learner driver can be a real challenge. Without proper planning, good guidance, an understanding of young drivers and clear communication, a simple half hour drive around town can be really stressful,' Lismore City Council's road safety officer, Wendy Johnson, said. 'These workshops provide practical advice and information about helping a new driver become a safer driver, supervising a learner driver, the benefits of driving practice and using a log book.'
The free workshop for parents and supervisors of novice drivers will be held next Tuesday, March 19, at the Goonellabah Community Centre from 7pm. It runs for two hours and bookings are essential.
The program is a joint initiative between the RTA and local councils, and received a $50,000 grant from the NSW Government. More workshops will be held in Lismore, Ballina and surrounding areas in the near future.
For more information or to book phone Wendy on 6625 0443 or 0427 967 540.
Harmony Day
Casino Youth Service will present a special Harmony Day celebration this Saturday, March 16.
Harmony Day is designed so people can come together to support justice, equity, fairness and friendship.
It's a drug and alcohol event, open to all young people and families and will feature local bands and DJs, a free jumping castle, free arts and craft activities, indigenous dancing, great prizes and heaps more.
It will be held at the Oaks Centre, Oaks Avenue, North Casino, from 1-5pm.
Centrelink will host a Harmony Day morning tea at Ballina Shire Council chambers at 10am on Tuesday, March 19.
Local Aboriginal Elders will open the day with a traditional welcome, Ballina mayor Peter Moore will speak and dancers and story tellers from local cultural communities will perform.
Copping it Sweetly at Police Awards
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Police officers, members of the community and Volunteers in Police were acknowledged for their bravery and service
with special awards.
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On Wednesday local police were being handed official notices instead of
handing them out.
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The Richmond Local Area Command presented officers, members of the community and volunteers with awards for their bravery, service and efforts.
Senior constable Neville Graham was recognised for his actions at two separate incidents. He performed CPR to try and revive a young woman injured in a car accident, and also helped subdue a woman with mental illness who threatened him with a knife.
Snr Con. Graham was pleased to receive his award.
'It's good to get recognised, but all police do a lot of good things on a regular basis. It's really good to get the award on behalf of the other people you work with as well,' he said.
Brian Hoffman from the SES was rewarded with a Local Area Command Certificate of Appreciation for his assistance at a car accident at Kyogle during last year's floods.
'The vehicle was stranded just before the bridge and the rising water was threatening to wash it away. I was one of the first on the scene, but we could only get about 60 metres close to the truck,' Mr Hoffman said. 'We walked all the way to the vehicle using safety ropes and then managed to rescue the young girl. We put a harness on her and then helped her walk out. We then went back and rescued her father.'
Mr Hoffman was very humble in receiving his award.
'There are probably other people out there more deserving than I am,' he said.
Acting Inspector David Driver and Snr Con David Sales were also recognised for their long and diligent service to the police force with National Medals.
Other award winners were: Snr Con Colin McKenzie, Former Snr Con Gregory Smith, Detective Snr Con Andrew Campbell, Detective Snr Con Wayne Crotty, Snr Con Troy Wild, CO Dean Ferguson, Senior Constable Michael McCormack, Snr Con Jake Buckley, Snr Con Craig Devonshire, Snr Con Darren Wilson, Sgt Barry Hampson, Snr Con David Denning, Snr Con Neville Graham, CO Aaron Ryan, Sgt Stephen Parry, Former Snr Con Alan Mortimer.
Marlene Wright and Susan Palmer were recognised for 15 years long service to administration of the police force.
Members of the community were also awarded: Roger Bird, Trevor Vosey, Erhard Mueller, Hettie-Ann Mueller, Mark Anewaat, Brian Pearce, Bruce Grieg, Marelle Grieg, Pamela Buckby and Duncan Walker.
A number of Policing in Volunteers also gained recognition for their contribution: Janice Heffernan, Patricia Kennewell, Erhard Mueller, Val Lenny, Bruna Borton, John Neill, Ramon Stibbard, John Goodwin and James Howison.
Story & photo: Rudi Maxwell
Red Cross Comes Calling in March
 If you hear an unexpected knock at your door during March , spare a minute and have a chat to the visitor.
March is Red Cross Calling month and new regional fundraiser Sue Hayes is encouraging local people to donate whatever they can spare.
'The money made locally stays local. Red Cross is the largest humanitarian organisation in the world, providing essential services to communities all over the world regardless of race, religion or creed.
Red Cross has programs for disaster relief, first aid, personal support and care for the elderly and medically dependent,' Ms Hayes said.
Students from St Johns College Woodlawn (pictured above) have already made a big contribution to Red Cross Calling, knocking on doors last weekend and raising $2100 from generous local donors.
'Please give generously when someone knocks on your door - every single dollar you donate makes someone's world a better place,' Ms Hayes said.
To donate, call the local Red Cross office on 6622 3244 or toll free 1800 150 058.
Ballina Council Correction
In the January 31 edition of The Echo, in a story about the $5m expansion of an Alstonville nursing home, it was reported that Ballina Shire councillor Phil Silver voted against the project.
Cr Silver has said that he proposed an amendment on the sale of Dianthus Drive, which was lost, but then voted for the proposal.
The Echo regrets any confusion this may have caused.
Lions Roar for Road Funding
 Lions Road committee chairperson Jack Hurley, Roads Minister Carl Scully and Lismore MP Thomas George with Members of the Kyogle Lions Club.
A little over 30 years ago, a group from the Kyogle Lions Club - Australia's fourth oldest Lions Club, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year - decided a shortcut to Brisbane was needed, so they walked through the hills north of their town. In the early 70s, they built Lions Road along with Kyogle Council, an alternative to the Summerland Way, which saves motorists 30 kilometres and 20 minutes on the trip across the border.
To pay for its upkeep they put a voluntary toll on the road. While some drivers drop in coins every time they go past, the regulars have been known to leave a generous cheque once a year. The honour system has worked well - it raises around $30,000 a year. Enjoying the all-too-rare role as the bearer of glad tidings, Roads Minister Carl Scully visited the Lions Club members last week to announce that the NSW Government will match the money raised by the Lions, providing $60,000 over two years to Kyogle Council for improvements to the road.
The Lions Club already has it earmarked for safety rails. Trucking legend Jack Hurley, a founding member of the Lions Club and Lions Road committee chairman, helped twist the Minister's arm for the funds. Mr Scully was impressed.
'I've not heard of a voluntary toll anywhere else in NSW and can't find any other example of a community that pitches in like this,' the Minister said.
'I'm pleased to recognise the years of hard work by Mr Hurley and his colleagues.'
Local Surgeon Remembered
 Mrs Helen Thomas, widow of Dr David Thomas, and two of their daughters, Emma Thangaraj and Amanda Thomas, at the opening of the new David Thomas Education Unit at the Lismore Base Hospital.
Teaching medical students at Lismore Base Hospital is now a little easier with the opening of a new medical education centre last week.
The centre was named the David Thomas room after the highly respected local surgeon, who died of cancer two years ago. Dr Thomas devoted much of his time to helping medical students - both in and out of the hospital - according to his widow Helen.
'It was a two way thing. David loved teaching interested students, but he got a lot of enjoyment out of it too. We kept in contact with a number of them. One of the first, Gregor, a German student, recently got in touch when he was travelling around Australia because he remembered his time staying with us in Lismore 25 years ago,' Mrs Thomas said.
Dr Austin Curtin, sub-dean of Northern Clinical School said that it was very fitting that the unit was named after Dr Thomas, who had worked tirelessly to create educational opportunities for Sydney University students in the Lismore area.
'The unit has been established as a joint cooperative project with Lismore Base Hospital and Sydney University,' Dr Curtin said.
The group has also established the David Thomas education fund to help medical students studying locally.
Rudi Maxwell
Roadworks 1, Truck 0
 A semitrailer driver had a lucky escape on Monday afternoon when his truck overturned while negotiating a bend on the Bruxner Highway at Parrots Nest near the Coraki turn-off.
The accident happened at around 2pm in an area where gravel from roadworks littered the road.
The driver climbed out of the truck, which was loaded with empty pallets, and suffered minor injuries.
The road was closed for five hours while empty pallets were cleared away and a heavy crane was called in to right the vehicle.
Learning English from the Locals
 Monique Lee from Pearces Creek Public School, Principal, Peter Hudson, visiting Japanese university student, Rena Kobayashi, and the head of SCU's Education School, Professor Martin Hayden.
A group of 25 undergraduate students from one of Japan's leading universities, Tokyo-based Aoyama Gakuin, have started a three-weeks' visit to the North Coast primarily to improve their English skills by attending intensive language program offered by Southern Cross University.
Aoyama Gakuin, established more than a century ago, includes a kindergarten, said to be the most expensive in Japan, primary and secondary schools, and the highly regarded university, which has a small intake of foreign students.
Last week it announced that an SCU final year Business student, Allison Porter, had been awarded a one-year scholarship, worth around $14,000, to study there.
A feature of the visitors' three-week stay will be spending time at schools in Lismore, Byron Bay, and Ballina. They are being hosted on a homestay basis by local families, another way to help them boost their English skills.
The visiting students all plan careers in teaching when they graduate and for that reason are keen to see how Australian schools operate. The students are especially taken by the rural schools on the North Coast, finding them informal, green and uncrowded.
SCU's Head of Education, Prof. Martin Hayden, said work experience in local schools was also a vital part of the teaching program for SCU students and he issued a plea for more primary schools to accept students for practicum work.
'Enrolments in our Education degree have been extremely strong this year and we need to find places for a larger number of first year undergraduates,' he said.
'The supervised prac work is an essential part of the course, so if any local schools can offer extra places, we would much appreciate a call to the School on 6620 3620'.
Public Transport the way to go
Have you noticed the increase in traffic in Lismore over the past weeks? The University has returned for the year and with it several thousand students heading for the East Lismore campus.
There are thousands of extra cars on Lismore's roads resulting in traffic congestion, longer journey times in some places, high demand for parking spaces and increased wear and tear on the roads.
Dr Robert Weatherby from Lismore City Council's Public Transport Advisory Panel says it increases costs to the community through fuel use, additional cars with associated registration and insurance costs, the need to provide more parking spaces and increased road repair costs.
'However there is a solution: increase the use of the existing public transport system,' Dr Weatherby said.
'Lismore has an excellent bus system operated by Kirklands Coaches. It is underutilised - all services run with empty seats that could be used instead of driving a car.
He said that Council, through the Public Transport Advisory Panel, is promoting the use of public transport for improved quality of life, decreased costs and environmental sustainability.
'If there are areas where you feel public transport could be provided but it isn't, contact the Panel through Council on 6625 0500,' Dr Weatherby said.
Japanese Courses
Beginner and Intermediate level courses in Japanese Conversation and Culture begin on Wednesday and Thursday, March 20-21, respectively, at Southern Cross University.
The weekly classes run from 6.30-8pm and cost $110 (GST inc.) for the 10-week program.
Teacher Tazuko McLaren is experienced in working with community members of all ages and language skills levels.
Maximum class size is seven, so book early. Details from Heike Kerber on 6620 3429 or 0438 218 201, email hkerber@scu.edu.au
Go Green for St Pat's at Gilhooleys
 Mary Gilhooley's Irish Pub and Restaurant staff members Suzette Mackney (left) and Sylvia Bell, with some of the prizes people can win at the pub on St Patrick's Day.
This weekend has a special meaning for Mary Gilhooley's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Lismore, which celebrates it's second birthday on St Patrick's Day this Sunday, March 17.
To mark both occasions, Mary Gilhooleys is featuring some fantastic promotions on the day from Guinness and Murphy's Irish Red, Murphy's Irish Stout and Jamesons Irish whiskey. Customers can win a variety of prizes including Guinness t-shirts, Guinness bucket hats, Guinness badged pint glasses, Murphy's shamrock sunglasses and Murphy's face painting kits.
The Jamesons Irish whiskey promotion is one which is usually reserved for metropolitan hotels but because Mary Gilhooleys is regarded as being one of the premier Irish pubs in country NSW they were able to get one. The promotion is based around the customer being able to win unusual talking radios which have an alarm like a crowing rooster.
Customers can also win a pair of Turkey feet - like rubber flippers - by drinking Murphy's Irish red.
To get you in the mood for all these promotions, there will be $5 Irish pints all weekend.
Mary Gilhooleys has gone all out to make this St Patrick's Day a memorable one, providing some great entertainment on the day. Irish band, The Climbers, will be starting at 3pm and then returning at 8pm to play some more jigs and reels.
The band will be an extended version as the regular band members have invited some of their friends along who play a variety of traditional Irish instruments. Irish dancers will perform in the hotel at 2pm and nationally - recognised comedian Doug Stewart will have you in stitches from 6pm. If you think you can tell a good Irish joke then start practising - you could win the $100 first prize on offer for the best Irish joke or yarn. People will also be treated to some traditional Irish poetry in the afternoon, recited by a local poet who has his ancestry based in Ireland.
The restaurant will be open for both lunch and dinner but you'd better be quick, as seats are filling fast. As well as their highly acclaimed menu Mary Gilhooleys will also offer some blackboard specials specifically incorporating traditional Irish meals for those wanting to try something different.
Enjoy St Patrick's Day this year like they do in Ireland at the award-winning Mary Gilhooley's Irish Pub and Restaurant, on the corner of Magellan and Keen Streets, Lismore.
St Pat's Day Promos at Maggies
Maggie Moores Pub & Bistro in Lismore will celebrate St Patrick's Day this Sunday, March 17 with delicious Irish cuisine, entertainment and a number of promotions on offer all day.
The pub will be open from 10am-8pm, and customers who buy a drink of Guinness or Kilkenny during this time will be given a ticket in the Guinness and Kilkenny promotions.
At 6pm the promotions will be drawn, and customers have the chance to win some great prizes including a Guinness inflatable chair and Kilkenny hats, t-shirts and keyrings.
Green beer will also be on tap all day and there will be specially priced Tullamore Dew.
Irish cuisine is available all day courtesy of Maggie Moores resident chefs Dave and Tim, who will prepare everything from traditional dishes like Irish stew and Dublin coddle to well-known Irish sweets such as bread and butter pudding and strawberries in Irish whiskey cream.
Entertainment will be provided by authentic Irish duo Spraoi.
Maggie Moores Pub & Bistro is on the corner of Molesworth and Woodlark Streets, Lismore. To book a place for St Patrick's Day phone 66 22 1888.
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