 The Northern Rivers Echo Main News
Riverbank Park Plan Revealed
 Riverbank Project coordinator, Lois Kelly from the Economic Development Unit, with an artist's impression of Riverside Park (the area behind Heritage Park between the Ballina Street bridge and the Lismore Skate Park).
Timing the construction of Riverside Park - the first major stage of the Riverbank redevelopment project - to coincide with the construction of the levee in Lismore has given the park a significant financial boost.
Work will begin in Riverside Park in July, when the riverbank is re-graded to allow easy access to the river. Lismore City Council will sell the excess soil to Rous County Council for the levee wall. The money will play for footpaths and landscaping in Riverside Park.
According to Lismore mayor Bob Gates, beginning construction of the park and levee together spells major benefits for both Council and the community.
'It's fantastic to be able to combine the two projects together - it's certainly a win-win situation for everyone involved,' Mr Gates said. 'We can get the park developed at virtually no cost to Council, which means no cost to ratepayers, and we can also have the levee bank build at a cheaper rate. Using the soil from the park for the levee means we don't have to cart in from other areas, which is not only cheaper but also less destructive to our road systems.'
Lismore City Council released an artist's impression of Riverside Park today and a website is being developed to keep the community informed on the progress of the Riverbank Project on Council's website -www.liscity.nsw.gov.au.
Riverside Park is the area behind Heritage Park, between the Ballina Street bridge and the Lismore Skate Park. The park will have a sloped access to the river, BBQs, picnic tables and chairs, plenty of shade trees, increased lighting, new amenities, a two and a half metre wide pathway, sculptures and a grassed amphitheatre. The riverbank will be re-vegetated with native species, and local landcare groups have offered to lend a hand.
Significant trees to save have been identified and will be moved during the redevelopment.
TAFE carpentry and joinery faculty has also been contacted, in the hope that the wood from the removed trees can be made into tables and chairs to be returned to the site. Any structures will be designed to be flood resistant.
According to Riverbank Project coordinator, Lois Kelly, the park will bring people back to the area near the river.
'No one uses the park at the moment, which is a shame. It's a particularly beautiful area but it's also an underutilised area,' Ms Kelly said. 'Once we've taken away all the camphors and exotic species, and regraded the bank, it will open up the river and the whole area. There'll be good lighting and good facilities installed so people feel comfortable, and there'll be many beautiful sculptures around the park to view. I think the end result will look absolutely beautiful and that will just naturally attract people back to the park.
'The project is really gathering momentum - and that revitalisation will carry through with benefits for the entire CBD.'
Work on Riverside Park is expected to be completed by October this year.
It is one of six stages included in the Riverbank Project. Other stages include the beautification of the area near the Laurie Allen Centre (Rowing Club) and the widening of the boat ramp on the southern side of Ballina Street bridge.
Story & photo: Terra Sword
POWs Honoured in Borneo Link
 Datuk Dayang Leong, president of Sandakan Municipal Council, and Southern Cross University Chancellor Dr Lionel Phelps and Dr Dick Braithwaite, Professor of Sustainable Tourism at SCU, in front of the Lismore War Memorial, which features the names of 19 POWs who died on the Sandakan death marches.
It is a bittersweet irony that one of the most beautiful places on the planet is also one of the most notorious for Australian soldiers. Sandakan, a tropical paradise and world heritage area in northern Borneo, is also where 2700 Australian Prisoners of War (POWs) died on the infamous death marches as World War II came to an end.
Among those who died was the father of Southern Cross University chancellor Lionel Phelps. He was 41. The names of 19 soldiers who died there are listed on the Roll of Honour at the Lismore War Memorial. More than 80 from the region perished.
May 29 is remembered as Sandakan Day by many - the day the Japanese burned down the POW camp and sent out 536 of the fittest POWs on the second death march to Ranau.
Now, 57 years later, the bond between Lismore and Sabah (as North Borneo is now known) promises to grow stronger following a visit this week from the President of the region - home of the orangutan and proboscis monkey.
Datuk Dayang Leong, president of Sandakan Municipal Council (population 350,000), was in Lismore to visit Dr Dick Braithwaite, Head of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Dr Braithwaite's father was also in Sandakan. He was one of only six POWs to survive the 250km-long death marches.
'My father and another man were lucky enough to successfully escape. Many others were killed trying. My father spent a few days in the jungle and was able to receive help from an old man he approached on the Lubock River. He was hidden in a nearby village and then taken to an island near the coast by canoe on a long and hazardous journey. Here he hailed down an American PT boat and was taken to the Philippines and eventually home,' he recalled.
Dr Braithwaite is now keen to establish a tourism project in Sandakan in memory of his father, and to honour the memory of the many who perished. He will visit the region in June to explore what type of project will help the region and its people.
'A large number of those Australians at Sandakan and on the death marches were from rural NSW, particularly the northern half of the State. Until recent times, many of their relatives have remained ignorant of what had happened to their loved ones,' Dr Braithwaite said.
'While it is a terrible story, there were many stories of triumph of the human spirit. The heroic Australian story is only part of the tragedy of wartime Sabah. It was estimated that about ten percent of the entire population of Sabah was killed during the war. There was great heroism shown by the local people. They helped our blokes in every way they could. They suffered mightily for it.'
Mrs Leong, who earlier in the day, met with Lismore mayor Bob Gates to discuss closer ties, paid tribute to the efforts of the Allied forces.
'We are indebted to the Australian soldiers for liberating Sabah,' she said.
'I hope that this project is the beginning of a strong link between to the two towns and the start of a close friendship and bond between Southern Cross University and Sandakan council.'
Simon Thomsen
Lismore's Unlimited Ability Recognised
 Showing off the Chamber of the Year award won by Lismore Unlimited Opportunities last week is (l-r) Lismore Unlimited administration assistant Carolyn Moynihan, manager Marion Forwood, president Barry Robinson, event planner Louise Barry and board member Heather Williams.
The team at business group Lismore Unlimited spend most of their time promoting other businesses, but last week it was their turn to shine.
Lismore Unlimited won the Chamber of the Year award at the State Chamber of Commerce (SCC) annual chamber awards last week. Manager Marion Forwood accepted the award from State Chamber CEO, Margy Osmond.
The award was presented to Lismore Unlimited for its role in advocating for business within the local community.
'Lismore Unlimited Opportunities has demonstrated remarkable skill at advocating the needs and views of their members, and they implement their programs with a high level of strategy and an even higher level of success,' Ms Osmond said. 'They engage their stakeholders extremely well and have imaginative programs, like the Lismore Herb Festival. I have no doubt they will be in contention for the award again next year.'
As well as the Herb Festival, Lismore Unlimited has developed the Lismore Business Awards, the events assistance fund, the annual Stocktake sale and many other events. They are also proactive in promoting local business through various initiatives, such as the current branding of Lismore City through a regional advertising campaign.
'It was very exciting to be presented with the award on behalf of our terrific team, who have put in an enormous effort in recent years,' Marion said. 'It's recognition that the hard work we have put in is paying off and the direction we are taking is right.
'We're hoping more members will come on board so we can have an even greater representation of the local business community.'
Lismore Unlimited Opportunities has two big projects on the boil - the beautificatiRn of Molesworth Street and the revitalisation of security and amenity in the CBD.
Lismore Unlimited's gala award presentation night for the Lismore Business Awards, The Glynns, will be held on Saturday, May 25 at Lismore City Hall from 6.30pm.
Tickets are $85 non members, $77 members, which includes a three course meal provided by The Left Bank, Cafe Millennium and Paupiettes, some free wine and beer, as well as live entertainment and multimedia presentations. Dress is formal. To book, phone 6621 5600.
Story & photo: Terra Sword
Duck Down to Ballina
 And they're racing! The great duck race down the Richmond River is on in Ballina this Sunday.
You'll be ducking for cover in Fawcett Street Park, Ballina, this Sunday, May 12. The Rotary Club of Ballina is holding the 10th annual great duck race and the ducks are raring to go according to Rotary community services coordinator Hilary Hanslow.
'We've had the ducks in training. They're very hard to get into good work habits every morning so we've had to move the main race back from 8am to 11am. Otherwise they wouldn't have all been out of bed,' Mr Hanslow said.
Events kick off at 9am with a surfboat rescue race between local service clubs.
'The boats will be skippered by surf-lifesavers so there's a chance we'll go in the right direction,' Mr Hanslow said.
It's Mother's Day so you'll be able to treat Mum to breakfast. Other events include a jumping castle, a fire engine, remote control model boats and a helicopter lolly drop.
Duck races begin at 9.30am.
You can buy a duck to race for $2 from Ballina Jewel Centre, Wal Murray Realty or La Boutique Gift Shop, River Street, Ballina. The winning duck will win a luxury Gold Coast holiday for two for its backer.
Is there a Doctor on the Grass?
 PhD graduate Carol de Launey, of Greenridge near Casino, presented a copy of her thesis entitled What Drug Problem? Cannabis and Heroin in an Alternative Community, to head of the Nimbin Hemp Embassy and chief Mardi Grass organiser, Michael Balderstone, at the Mardi Grass last Saturday.
Dr de Launey investigated the cultural aspects of drug use in Nimbin over six years in the 1990s, completing her 100,000-word thesis last month through Southern Cross University's School of Humanities, Media and Cultural Studies.
She is the first to investigate the drug use in Nimbin in a systematic way. Her research included interviews with the whole of Nimbin village (80 households), 40 surrounding rural households, 29 local multiple occupancy residents and 50 drug injectors.
She also conducted ground-breaking tape-recorded interviews with eight large cannabis crop growers, an important dealer and the main drug runner (who was also a user), as well as 16 high-profile locals, including Mr Balderstone.
Dr de Launey has already presented and published about 10 papers from her research, and will give a paper next month on Drug problems and drug culture‚ at the Hawaii International Conference on the Social Sciences.
Carelink Service Turns One
 Far North Coast Commonwealth Carelink acting project coordinator, Peter Schmidt, cuts the cake at the services first birthday celebrations on Tuesday.
The Far North Coast (FNC) Commonwealth Carelink service in Alstonville celebrated its first birthday on Tuesday.
The service is like a one-stop shop for information. By phoning a freecall number, people can access information on a whole range of health, aged, disability and community services in the area.
Acting project coordinator, Peter Schmidt, said the north coast service was the most in demand in the state.
'We have 19 centres in NSW and of those the FNC centre in Alstonville has the highest call number for rural centres, with about 250 enquiries every month,' he said.
'The call numbers reflect the high need for a service like this in the area, as there's a high concentration of aged people who live here.'
As well as providing information on services available, Carelink can give people information on how to contact different services, entry period information, eligibility criteria and general information about costs associated with receiving the services.
The Commonwealth Carelink office is at Unit 1/106 Main Street, Alstonville (just behind Jetset Travel). The freecall number is 1800 052 222.
Broadwater Power Plant Forum
The Broadwater Action Group (BAG) will present a public forum on Broadwater's power plant development next Monday, May 13 at the Broadwater Community Hall in Little Pitt St, from 6pm.
BAG has organised the meeting in response to concerns and issues that have been raised from the developments Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). BAG has invited the developers - NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative and Delta Electricity-Sunshine Electricity - to give an overview of the changes and to answer questions at the forum.
'Even though there are some major changes to the proposed development, we have found that after some very intensive reading and researching of the EIS document it is apparent that none of the initial concerns have been addressed satisfactorily,' BAG spokesperson Kerry Tolson, said. 'The EIS gives us no confidence that this is a suitable development for a village or for the protection of coastal areas.'
Gem Fest
The Lismore Gem and Lapidary Club will present the 12th annual Gem Fest at the Lismore Showground next Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19.
The spectacular festival features displays of rocks and minerals, fossils and healing stones, rare gems and gifts made with stone.
More than 50 stallholders, both amateur and professional, will be selling their wares. It's also a great day out for kids.
Tickets to the Gem Fest are just $2 for adults and 50c for kids. The Gem Fest is open on Saturday from 9am-5pm and on Sunday from 9am-3pm.
Money for DNA Bank
Plans for a DNA bank at Southern Cross University's Business Technology Park received a $54,366 boost this week.
Page MP Ian Causley announced the grant under the Regional Assistance Program.
He said the DNA bank would extract and archive samples of all Australian native plants and supply samples for scientific research and conservation.
Hazelton Buyer
A buyer for Hazelton Airlines has been announced by administrator Michael Humphris.
The Australia-wide syndicate has been awarded preferred bidder status to acquire Hazelton and another former Ansett subsidiary, Kendell Airlines. The NSW syndicate has paid a $500,000 deposit, winning out over a consortium backed by NSW regional councils.
Mr Humphris said there were some conditions to be resolved before the sale can be completed. He expected negotiations to continue over the next fortnight before the sale is finalised. In the meantime, Hazelton services will continue as normal.
Showgrouds Funds
Casino and Lismore showgrounds received State Government funding recently. Casino Showground got $20,000 and a low interest loan of $17,500 to help pay for portable grandstand seating and toilets. Lismore Showground Trust received a $4,897 grant and $3,000 low interest loan to upgrade the public dining room and cooking facilities.
Brave Cop
Peter Kirk, from the Richmond Local Area Command, is one of eight police officers to receive a Commissioner's Award for courage and devotion to duty. Snr Cst Kirk was given his award after he was stabbed during a struggle with an offender at Riley Hill, south of Ballina, in July 2000.
Although seriously injured he fought off the assailant and subdued him. He then successfully arrested a second offender.
Ballina Takes Action on Drugs
 The Ballina Shire Community Drug Action Team: Shannon Rees, Ray Hahn, Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor Peter Moore, Kelly McDermott, Barry Evans, councillor Marilyn Perkins, Insp Mal Turner and Jim Roberts.
Improved community education and a greater emphasis on public health, rather than increased law enforcement, are the key recommendations of the Ballina Drug Action Plan launched this week.
The plan, two years in the making, has the support of a broad range of community represents, including police, business and the council. It also offers a marked shift away from the 'Tough on drugs' stance taken by the federal Government.
Ballina Mayor Peter Moore said the challenge for the community is to take responsibility for dealing with Ballina's drug problems and to dispel the myths and stereotypes about drug users.
'One of the big things we face as a community is getting the public to talk about this issue,' Cr Moore said.
'A drug-user shouldn't feel alienated - we need to engage them and try to diminish that alienation. It all funnels down to the local community. We need to get that person to access the help available. We want to work with the police, but not separate from the health system.'
Drug action team member Inspector Mal Turner of Ballina police said the plan strikes a balance in tackling a range of problems.
'One of the strengths is that the plan doesn't just focus on illegal substance abuse, it addresses the wide spectrum of legal and illegal drug use. Hopefully we will see a significant difference,' he said.
Alstonville High deputy principal Jim Roberts said it was now up to the community to make it work.
'The community owns the problem and the plan has been developed from within the community,' Mr Roberts said. 'We're looking to provide support for parents and children locally.'
Sharon Cadwallader from the Ballina chamber of Commerce said the plan has the support of business.
'This has been a very educational process for me and the business community. A lot of the time business people don't make time to address these sorts of issues because they feel they're not affected by them,' she said.
Some of the strategies outlined in the Ballina Drug Action Plan include:
- increased linkage with other agencies, like the Ballina Youth service, for drug education;
- more readily available information on where to get help locally;
- practical examples (eg where to get help if a friend ODs);
- sharps bins in all public toilets and places;
- list of accommodation and help services for young people living away from home.
Ray Hahn, drug and alcohol counsellor with Ballina Community Health said the aims were achievable and realistic.
'This is not a police-run program, nor something enforced by the government. It's been developed by some of the people from key sectors of the community getting together,' he said.
Story & photo: Rudi Maxwell
Heritage Listing for Evans Head's Wartime Aerodrome
 Celebrating the news that Evans Head aerodrome will go on the State Heritage register were John Saunders, Dr Richard Gates, Jean Haughton-James, a former Evans Head WAAAF officer and patron of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee, and Ros Redwood.
A long battle to save the historic Evans Head aerodrome from being turned into a housing estate finally ended last week when NSW Heritage Minister Dr Andrew Refshauge announced state Government plans to place one of the nation's most significant wartime training fields on the State Heritage Register.
While the news will cost Richmond Valley Council tens of millions of dollars in forgone property development, the news has delighted residents who waged the campaign to save the site. More than 3000 people signed a petition to save the wartime aerodrome, which is still used to this day, from development.
Dr Refshauge said the government was not trying to preserve it for 'sentimental or nostalgic reasons'.
'We want to see it preserved as a working airport,' he said.
'This is a wonderful story of how a relatively small airfield in regional NSW played such an enormous role in terms of Australia's contribution to the Allied war effort.'
Dr Richard Gates, president of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee, said his group were delighted by the news.
'This is significant recognition for the men and women who gave their lives to defend Australia,' Dr Gates said.
During WWII, the aerodrome was home to the largest RAAF training facility in the southern hemisphere. At its peak during wartime, the Evans Head RAAF base was home to more than 5000 personnel, and was the top bombing and gunnery school in Australia. Actor Chips Rafferty spent time there as a camp cook, and Queen Elizabeth flew in to Evans Head during her 1954 Royal visit.
One of the 17 Bellman hangers on the site is still there, in its original condition, to this day.
Among those at last week's announcement was the patron of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee, Jean Haughton-James, who was one of seven women who first came to the base. She worked as a transport driver bringing goods to Evans Head from across the region.
Dr Refshauge also presented the Evans Head Living Museum with a $5000 grant. The Museum is developing plans for a hi-tech 'virtual museum' using computer technology to demonstrate how the aerodrome functioned during the War.
Mum's the Word for Asylum Seekers
 Ruth Harlow, Cloud, Jeanette Tyler, Bobbi Allan and Shavari pack Mother's Day presents for women currently in Australian detention centres.
While many women will enjoy the attentions of their family for Mothers Day this Sunday, a local group has done its best to ensure that mothers seeking asylum in Australia - currently in the federal government's controversial detention centres - will also be remembered.
The Lismore branch of Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) spent last week packing hundreds of gifts for the women, which were dropped into the Lismore and Casino Neighbourhood Centres as well as from collections by Church groups.
'The response is wonderful. So much generosity and obvious care for women in detention,' RAR spokeswoman Bobbi Allan said.
'This is a testament to Australians' generosity and compassion and reflects peoples' dislike of the policy of mandatory detention.'
With mainland camps covered, more gifts of personal care items, like moisturiser, will help fill the boxes for Manus Island and Nauru detainees, where there are nearly 400 women. The appeal is open until Mothers Day on May 12. Leave gifts at Lismore and Casino Neighbourhood Centre - but no items should be packaged in glass or metal.
A Mother of a Week
As part of National Mothering Week, the Lismore Family Support Network is offering women free chocolates when they attend any programs from Monday to Friday, May 13-17.
The week also gives women the opportunity to participate in events that recognise and celebrate the role of mothers.
Group programs that are currently running include the Young Mothers Group on Mondays from 10.30am-12.30pm, the Parents with Special Needs Program on Tuesdays from 10am-12pm and the Women's Group on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm. For more information on the programs and other services available through the Lismore Family Support Network phone 6621 2489.
Dealing with Relationship Troubles
 Larry Anthony, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, with Ian Causley, and staff from interrelate Randall Pieterse, David Horner Judith Rodrom and Forrest James.
Children and Youth Affairs Minister Larry Anthony visited Lismore recently to see the Interrelate centre.
Centre manager Randall Pieterse was pleased to have the opportunity to show the minister some of the services they provide.
Interrelate provides counselling for people with relationship problems, help with mediation when relationships break down, counselling for indigenous Australians with the IndigeRelate program and the children's contact centre.
'One very important thing with mediation is that it helps people to take responsibility. It's very hard for kids in the court system. This provides a system where people can sit down and work out what they need and want for their kids,' Mr Pieterse said.
Counsellor Judith Rodrom agreed.
'It's very hard for people to be objective about their own child. Here the child can see a counsellor and then in turn the counsellor can explain to the parents what the child wants. Sometimes these things can be much more powerful coming from an outside voice. It can also calm things down,' Ms Rodrom said.
Ms Rodrom said that the IndigeRelate program was proving to be very successful.
'It's important to identify relevant services. IndigeRelate offers mediation two or three times a week and often it's full,' she said.
IndigeRelate employs both Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff who can support clients in a culturally sensitive environment.
Mr Anthony said the service was important to try to keep disputes out of the courts.
'If marriages or relationships go down it's important that people realise there is a pathway through,' he said.
For more information on Interrelate, IndigeRelate or any of the services they offer call 6621 4970.
They Came, They Met, They Lunched
 NSW Premier Bob Carr, with health Minister Craig Knowles does a doorstop for local media at last week's Evans Head cabinet meeting.
The travelling circus that is the NSW Government came to Evans Head last Tuesday for a little show and tell on democracy in action. No-one was quite sure why they picked Evans Head for their 35th cabinet meeting outside Sydney. Perhaps the fact that the local member, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Harry Woods is going to struggle to keep his seat at next year's election may have played a part.
Meantime, more than 250 protestors gathered outside the Evans Head K-12 school hoping to pour a little pressure on the bonfire of decision-making. They were a diverse mob, ranging from farmers and timber workers worried about restrictions in the government's regional vegetation plan, to the Alstonville residents wanting a Bypass, marijuana smokers who wanted their drug legalised, and librarians concerned about poor funding levels (Qld spend $6 a head on libraries, the supposedly bookish NSW premier spends $2).
The protestors had to maintain their rage longer than expected. The Ministers were running an hour late - the chartered jet bringing them to Ballina was late.
While the assorted Ministers scurried past the protestors - although the puggish treasurer, Michael Egan, offered a cheery wave at the crowd - the Premier, Bob Carr, snuck in a side entrance to maintain his decorum.
The cabinet met in a classroom. The school's senior hospitality students had knocked up an impressive array of pastries and treats that ministers scoffed hurriedly. The media were herded in for a few quick pictures as the premier loudly sang the praises of public education in front of the school's principal. 'Right, media out!' barked the premier's chief minder, and they dutifully obeyed.
The cabinet meeting lasted a little over 30 minutes. Outside media minders bustled up to mingling journalists, introduced themselves and enquired politely if they'd like to talk to their respective bosses. Unless it was the bypass man, Carl Scully, Health Minister Craig Knowles on the doctors insurance crisis or embattled Community Services Minister Fay LoPo, mired in another DoCS scandal, the response was indifference. The loyal staffers did their best to inspire enthusiasm in their Minister's tenuous announcements, saved up for this Very Exciting Moment.
There was no news or decisions announced after coming out of the Cabinet meeting. A kit full of warm and fuzzy press releases was handed out.
The premier emerged for a quick doorstop. After some general platitudes, he said he'd learnt a lot on this visit.
'What did you learn?' this hack asked. The premier had taken a street walk through Evans Head while waiting for the rest of his gang. He'd met Real People.
'I learnt that in this area, it's a terrific economic climate and small business is thriving. I learnt that it was not set back by the bushfires... and that Evans Head is enjoying a spill-over of visitors from Byron Bay,' Mr Carr said.
'People also told me that they think the council is doing a terrific job.'
He chipped in that since Harry Woods had merged Casino and Richmond River councils, it was an even more impressive outcome.
While the media pack nibbled at their quarry, the remaining ministers slipped off in to surrounding classrooms to hold interviews with constituents. Some had serious gripes, a number of mayors from nearby councils came cap in hand.
'It felt like a student at a student-teacher night. Or like feudal England with the tenant asking the landlord if they can have something,' one mayor commented.
With everything running behind schedule, the Premier was whisked away to speak to an assembly of school students. He urged them to think about leadership and being school and community leaders. On the same day a campaign statewide campaign was launched to reduce class sizes, Mr Carr urged the children to think about becoming teachers.
He opened a $41,000 covered outdoor learning area, and went to Woodburn Public School to open the refurbished library and special education unit.
Then it was back to Evans Head for a civic reception and more nice food prepared by the students. Assorted community groups were wheeled out to be presented with cheques for a couple of thousand dollars here and there.
'This is the really good bit, it's really satisfying to help groups like this,' one ministerial minder commented.
The Alstonville bypass people had long since left without the $36 million they needed.
By about 2.30pm, it was all over. The Premier, after shaking plenty of hands and saying 'how are you' as he moved through the room, climbed back into his car and was gone. The Cabinet was rounded up and herded back in the bus.
By then, only a couple of pro-marijuana protestors remained, happy to harangue them about drug law reform, were the only ones who cared that the NSW Government was in Evans Head.
Simon Thomsen
Casino Gears up for Beef Week
For a chance to capture the true flavour of Beef Week in Casino, May 17-28, don't miss the famous Beef Week breakfast on Friday, May 24. Join the crowd in Walker Street from 6am for your free steak or rissole sandwich and drink, and experience the buzz of being out and 'meating' with friends.
Walker and Barker Streets will be closed to traffic so that the breakfast crowd can enjoy live country music, street entertainment, amusement rides and face painting for the kids, a milking competition for novices and experts, and the infamous cow pat lotto.
There's plenty to see and do after breakfast - visit the Craft Show in the Civic Hall, plus the art and photography show next door at the Casino Sports Stadium. Both shows are open 10am - 6pm.
Out at the Casino race track, the Beef Week Cup meeting begins from noon.
For those who enjoy a brew, make your way back into town for a Home Brew competition at 5.30pm in the car park of the Casino Outdoor and Disposal store in Canterbury St. Sample the best local brews from enthusiastic home brewers.
The full Beef Week program is available at outlets in the Casino district and on the Internet at www.casinobeefweek.com.au or phone the Beef Week office on 6662 8181.
Lismore Today, Tomorrow the World
 Former Kadina High School student Max Osborne, now studying Aerospace Engineering/Computer Science at the University of NSW in Sydney, with Professor Kerry Byrne, head of the School of Mechanical Engineering (and man with local links as a property owner at Richmond Hill).
Max was one of 17 students in NSW to win a Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarship, two of them being local students - Lisa Pollard, ex-Lismore High School, who is studying Environmental Engineering at UNSW, and former Trinity Catholic College student John Noble who enrolled in Computer Engineering.
Open Day at Sewage Plant
Scientific researchers from Southern Cross University will unveil the results of extensive testing of on-site wastewater management at an open day at the South Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant next Monday, May 13.
The studies, which evaluate the effectiveness of small reed beds and sand filters as secondary treatment devices, have widespread implications for the way society, especially new housing in both urban and rural locations, deal with the management of sewerage and other liquid wastes.
The open day at the Three Chain Road, South Lismore facility will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm and feature a public workshop on reed beds. Other displays will feature source control by waterless toilets, investigations into pollutant removal by land application systems, and a display of 'passive dosing devices' that spread effluent more evenly over land application systems.
Dr Leigh Davison said the open day would be of interest to plumbers and builders and to rural people who need to upgrade their on-site wastewater management system.
More Choice in Office Supplies
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Star Office Choice proprietors, Geoff and Bev Soul (centre), with Lismore store staff members (l-r) Sarah Tootell, Nikki Coutts, Angela Kay and Linzey Beames.
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The friendly staff at the Star Office Choice store in Casino are Kayleen Robbins (left) who has been with the business for seven years and Helen Cowan, who has been there for six years.
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If you've passed the Lismore or Casino Star Office Supplies stores recently, you may have noticed a slight change in the business' name.
To further add to their success Star Office Supplies recently became part of the Office Choice group, an Australian-owned stationery supplier which is the largest independent group in Australia.
This means that Star Office Choice can offer customers even more competitive prices and a larger range of products.
Star Office Choice is still a family-owned and operated business and its proprietors, Bev and Geoff Soul, promise customers that while the name has changed the old fashioned customer service has not.
'We will still provide the same high level of quality, personalised service we have done in the past, but we can now also offer more competitive prices and an expanded product range,' Bev said.
'We still employ the same local staff, and customers will see the same familiar, friendly faces when they visit our stores.'
Star Office Choice has the most comprehensive range of stationery and office supplies in Lismore and Casino. The range is so extensive it includes everything from copy paper and computer consumables to wedding invitation paper and wedding accessories.
Star Office Choice has recently introduced workshops to help people who want to design and create their own wedding invitations, cards and albums.
Star Office Choice stores are situated at 83 Keen Street, Lismore (phone 6622 7913) and at 105 Barker Street, Casino (phone 6662 2215).
Gravy Train for Community Group
 There is no denying that Gravox is a trusted Australian favourite. Delicious as an accompaniment, smooth and flavoursome as an ingredient, Gravox has been bringing Australian families together for delicious lamb roasts, hearty casseroles and soups and special baked turkey meals since 1917.
No less than 85 years on, Gravox is so proud of its contribution to Australian family life that it is celebrating with a unique grants program.
Through the Gravox Grants program, a total of 110 grants worth $500 each are being given away to community charities and groups throughout regional Australia. We are pleased to announce that The Northern Rivers Echo is working with Gravox to award one of these grants in our local area.
If you know of a local community charity or group that deserves a Gravox Grant, write in and tell us why.
The only criteria is that it must be a community interest which helps bring Australian families or people together. The community interest with the most nominations will be awarded the $500. To nominate the community interest you think has made the biggest contribution to bringing families and people together in our local area, send in your entry by last mail May 30 to:
Gravox Grants
PO Box 37
Lismore NSW 2480
AUSTRALIA
The winning community interest will be announced and profiled in our June 13 edition.
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