The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Council Tightens Belt

Lismore ratepayers face an average rate increase of close to $70 in the next financial year as Lismore Council grapples with a budget dominated by major infrastructure projects like the Memorial baths redevelopment.

General rates will go up by 4.49 per cent, while sewer changes increase 3.3 per cent to $327 for a house. The cost of household waste collection will rise by $3 to $122, and Council is also investigating how to pay for a major jump in the cost of recycling, which may see a big increase in the environmental levy to $35.80. Council's fees and charges will also increase by 3.3 per cent, which is based on the Consumer Price Index.

Council's principal accountant, Gary Boyd said management took an 'essentials only view' in preparing the budget. With $3.5 million allocated towards the pool, $1.1m to the library relocation to the old high school site, $667,000 to the flood levee and $450,000 towards the CBD upgrade (which has been carried over for the last two years unspent), only 10 per cent of budget submissions were included in the final budget plan for 2002-03.

The collapse of Ansett has also left council with a $258,000 deficit due primarily to a fall in passenger landing fees. TAFE is moving out of the Gordon Pavilion at Oakes Oval also cost council $25,000 in lost rent, while increased staff costs add $396,000 to the bill. Insurance costs have risen by $133,000, and bank charges by $39,000. Council will spend around $330,000 on public liability insurance.

Finance manager Rino Santin told last Thursday's budget workshop that Council faced some major issues 'further down the track'. Council halved its spending on submissions from $1m to $500,000, knocking back many of the 116 requests, and reducing the funding for many of the proposals it approved. Mr Santin warned that if council kept spending at its current levels there would be no need to look at submissions next year 'because we won't have any money'.

Nimbin is one of the big losers, missing out of $185,000 towards the beautification of Cullen Street, and $155,000 needed for offstreet parking. Roads will have to wait for the Roads Advisory Committee to determination the priorities, but already has $268,000 wiped from its budget (see story), by the federal Government.

Other 'big ticket' items to miss out include upgrading inadequate drainage for Orion Street, and lining earth drains from Walker Street to Skyline Road east, and $84,000 towards the Street Beat program.

Mayor Bob Gates was successful in gaining funds for the Vietnam Vets to restore their war memorial, which has been subject to vandalism, while Cr John Crowther tried unsuccessfully to stop $2,500 being spent on Flood Awareness Week, and the Spokeswoman's Program, despite the fact that it had no impact on the budget. Council will also give $167,000 over three years towards the initial stage of Kadina Park, which has attracted $123,000 in federal funding.

But the pool is the biggest drain on Council's wallet. Mr Santin said the 'fair dinkum' cost of the Memorial baths redevelopment was around $6.5 million to complete stages one and two. Council will need to borrow around $5.4 million and face repayments of around $640,000 per annum. Mr Santin suggested asset sales, like the sale of Molesworth House, could help fund the project.

While Council staff are still preparing a business plan for the pool, Mr Santin said he was 'stunned' by the potential operating costs, which will lose at least $100,000 per annum.

'If we're going to spend $6.5 million, there's going to be some hurt somewhere,' he said.

Council will also need to borrow $600,000 towards the library relocation. Council is looking at closing the free Lismore Lake pool, which costs around $80,000 per annum to run. But Cr John Crowther argued strongly that it should remain open, and wants to spend $20,000 to repair it for next summer.

While the 2002-03 budget currently breakeven, with a small $20,000 surplus, Mr Santin predicts deficits for the following two years before a turnaround in 2005.

The draft Plan of Management and budget is now on exhibition for public comment until June 24.

Simon Thomsen

A Simple Sorry Helps Heal History

Lismore People for Reconciliation member, Judith Light (centre) and Richmond River Historical Society members, Bernie and Janette Childs, with one of the photographs that will be included in the Bundjalung Jugun (country) display.

National Sorry Day this Sunday, May 26, marks the beginning of Reconciliation Week, May 26-June 3, and to mark the occasion the Lismore People for Reconciliation have organised a number of events.

The theme for Reconciliation Week is 'Let's face it... it's everybody's business' and local reconciliation supporters are urging people to do just that - make it their business.

Lismore People for Reconciliation member Judith Light said the group added 'let's face it' in the wake of recent controversy over the movie Rabbit Proof Fence.

'There has been a lot of denial and reaction surrounding the film - we haven't really faced our black history and it's about time we did. Next week we want to explore the truth, educate people on the facts of history and also the contemporary nature of it - it's not distant, ancient history that's got nothing to do with us.

'I think it's really important for everybody to know the facts and hear the stories, and it's also important for our indigenous friends to get recognition for their strength and survival.'

All Reconciliation Week events are free, beginning with a screening of the movie Cry From the Heart and discussion on Monday, May 27 at the Red Dove Centre from 7pm. The film is about a local man, Chris Stephens, and his story about the impact of the stolen generation.

Next Saturday, June 1, there's a picnic day in Spinks Park from 10am-3pm. In the last few weeks, local schools have been involved in a creative arts project entitled 'what reconciliation means to us', where they were asked to create art, poetry, songs, dance and sculpture on that theme. They will show and perform their works on the day. People can bring a picnic or join in the sausage sizzle while they enjoy the performances.

An exhibition entitled Bundjalung Jugun (which means Bundjalung Country), which looks at the heritage of Goori people in the Northern Rivers from before white settlement until the present day, will also be on display during the week. The photographic exhibition includes photographs that have not been seen in public before, accompanied by text from Bundjalung people telling their own stories.

'It reveals aspects of this region's heritage that people may not know about, and for of us living in the region it connects us to the country,' anthropologist with the Richmond River Historical Society, Jennifer Hoff, said. 'I think it's also good for Goori people to see it displayed - it gives them pride in their own identity and achievements.'

The exhibition will be on display next Monday, May 27, in Lismore City Hall's fountain room from 11am-3pm. The day will also include the screenings of two videos, BBQ Area (a humorous look at dispossession and white settlement) and Stolen Generation (a documentary featuring people's stories). Bundjalung Elders will be there throughout the day to talk and answer questions.

The exhibition will also be on display next Thursday, May 30, at Lismore Shopping Square (at the top of the main escalators) from 9am-5pm.

For more information on any of the above events phone Judith on 6624 1926 or Annette Olive on 6625 0432.

Council Cuts $5m to Balance Budget

Richmond Valley Council was forced to make massive cuts to its spending plans in an effort to prevent a budget deficit of $4.9 million next financial year.

Finance Manager James Brickshaw warned last week that Council needs to cut expenditure or its financial position could become severely compromised.

Council management reviewed more than 120 budget items in a bid to find savings, reducing the deficit to $850,000. But the savings range from traffic signs around the region to cutting a $125,000 contribution to Evans Head pool and a similar amount from the Coraki pool, as well as $100,000 from the Evans Head surf club and $65,000 from the Evans Head skatepark.

'Council must either reduce recurrent operating expenditure to free up funds for capital works or do little capital works given current revenue constraints,' Mr Brickshaw said.

The Council went through the 2002-03 Budget again last week, finding a further $800,000 in savings, reducing the deficit to just $49,500. A similar deficit is likely to be posted for this financial year.

But Mr Brickshaw said council cannot continue to post deficits.

'While the bulk of our losses are on capital works - turning cash into a new road for example - council is geared up to do all this work and we will run out of money for funding if we continue to spend. We'll have $12.8 million in reserves at the end of this financial year and then $9.3m at the end of the following year if we travel along same path,' he said.

Mr Brickshaw also said that the financial position was due in part to losing government grants and RTA funding.

'Before amalgamation there were problems with former Richmond River and Casino councils not spending money in reserves which were set for certain things. We're doing it now, but we can't continue to spend at the same rate,' he said.

Council will be increasing rates by the maximum amount allowed by the NSW Government, 3.3 per cent, plus the CPI. The sewage charge will increase in the former Casino Council area by 8 per cent - $30 - to $415, but remain the same at $495 in other areas. Water availability charges will also increase in the Casino areas, but decrease in former Richmond River council areas. Waste charges will increase in Casino by $8, and fall in other areas by $34.

The end result will see Casino residents paying around $85 more on their total rates bill, while residents in other areas will fall slightly.

Council fees will also be increased by 2.9 per cent - the CPI level.

The draft Management Plan and Budget estimates are now on display at the Council chambers in Casino. The public can make submissions on the budget over the next few weeks.

Rudi Maxwell

Beefing up for the Parade

Ms Santa Gertrudis Amanda Gray was crowned the 2002 Casino Beef Queen.

Casino Beef Week is hot and cooking and if you don't want to miss out on all the fun you'll have to be quick.

The Beef Week tiara passed on from one Ms Santa Gertrudis to the next last Saturday, with Amanda Gray winning the 2002 Miss Beef Week Casino crown.

The festivities aren't over yet. You'll want to be up early for tomorrow's free breakfast from 6am, plus cowpat lotto and the handmilking competition at 8.45am. Then it's off to the race for the Beef Week Cup at noon.

Saturday has fun for all the family beginning with Beef on Barker (see food, page 23). The day doesn't stop with food though with the street parade from 1.30pm, entertainment, a car and bike show, whip-cracking competitions, a cattle auction; and the big RM Williams 'state of origin' rodeo at the Casino showground from noon.

Sunday is the day to head out to the Casino Showground for a day with all the family, for pet shows, the draught horse field day, trotting, cattle dog trials, food, rides, and entertainment.

On Monday it's time to head out of Casino and enjoy a bus tour travelling through historic and scenic country west of Casino and up to Tenterfield.

And finally Beef Week finishes up on Tuesday with the final event, the prestigious Northern Cooperative Meat Company Beef Carcase Expo. For details, phone the Beef Week office on 6662 8181.

Japanese Beauty Helps Refuge

Carolyn and Hiro Nakazaki with their son Jumpei, daughter Misa and some of the beautiful Japanese things, other than kimonos, they will have on sale this Sunday.

After a hugely successful sale last year, Carolyn and Hiro Nakazaki are hosting another Kimono Sale this Sunday, May 26, at Alstonville's Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The Wollongbar residents are donating all proceeds from the sale to the Hope Haven Women's Refuge in Ballina - which provides support to victims of violence.

'Our aim for this sale is to raise enough money to buy a much-needed freezer for the refuge,' Carolyn said.

The kimonos and yukatas (cotton summer kimonos) are for sale in heaps of colours and styles. They also have some tokuris (sake jugs), porcelain and wooden cups, kakejikus (picture scrolls) and other small items.

Prices start at $2. The kimonos are priced between $50 and $100. Carolyn says some of the kimonos - most are handwoven in brand new silk - would otherwise cost thousands of dollars, so it's a good time to grab a bargain.

'Not only can people get some beautiful traditional Japanese clothing at a cheap price, but they will also be helping a very worthwhile cause,' Carolyn said. 'Some women come to the refuge with nothing but bruises and the clothes on their backs, and for them the refuge is the only place they can find help.'

The Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall is on Pearces Creek Road (600m from the turnoff on the left). The sale will run from 9am-12pm. For more information phone Carolyn on 6628 6453.

BAG Still Bags Bagasse Plant

The Broadwater Action Group (BAG) are pointing to a Queensland power plant - similar to the proposed Broadwater biomass cogeneration plant - which has just been fined for environmental breaches, claiming a similar thing could happen in their town.

Submissions on the plant at Sunshine Sugar have closed, but some residents are maintaining the fight against the proposal.

BAG spokesperson Kerry Tolson claimed that if Richmond Valley Council approves the Broadwater power plant, then environmental disaster will follow.

However at Tuesday's Council meeting, Cr Eileen Melling said the actions of BAG were a paradox.

'Whenever a rural industry starts in an isolated area houses are built and people come to live there because of the industry and then they start to object. It's very puzzling. If people don't want to live there then they can sell their houses to the people who come to work at the plant,' Cr Melling said.

She urged council to close submissions on the proposal following a request from BAG. Council had already extended the submission time from 30 to 60 days following a request from BAG. Council voted 8-1 to close submissions.

The development application for the cogeneration power plant is likely to come to Council for approval at its June meeting.

Rudi Maxwell

Woman Still Missing

Police are appealing for further assistance in locating Lucy Ann McDonald, who went missing from her home in Lismore Heights more than three weeks ago.

A number of enquiries and leads have been investigated and searches conducted within the Lismore area but she is yet to be located.

Mrs McDonald, 38, is 145cm tall, of thin build, with medium complexion, of Aboriginal appearance with green/hazel eyes and shoulder length brown hair.

Anyone who may have information regarding Mrs McDonald is urged to contact Police on 6623 1599.

Peace Burns Brightly

Dr Patel and the World Peace Flame with students from St John's College, Woodlawn.

Dr Mansukh Patel has devoted almost half his life to the cause of peace. He's helped many people traumatised by war and over the past four years, spread a message of compassion and peace via a simple elegant gesture he calls the Peace Flame.

Dr Patel was in Lismore last week spreading his message of peace to school students gathered at St Carthages Cathedral, as well as local politicians and businesspeople.

He created the Peace Flame in 1999 in an effort to bring greater awareness of peace to the world. Eminent peacemakers, in a spirit of hope for peace, lit flames on five continents, including Australia. The fires were flown to the UK and combined to create the World Peace Flame. Now Dr Patel travels the world with the flame, lighting candles and passing them on to others with a message to help alleviate the suffering of all living beings.

Last month, the gently-spoken Dr Patel opened the first World Peace Monument holding an eternal flame outside the Peace Palace in the Hague, the home of the International Court of Justice. In Europe he has been dubbed 'the young Gandhi for his efforts in spreading hope for peace.

Get Ready to be Knocked At the launch of The Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal business luncheon this were John Welsh of Optus World, David Harris of St George Bank and Iqbal Khan of Southern Cross University, with Major Russell Adams. The Salvo's Red Shield Doorknock is this weekend, May 25-26. If you're not home when someone calls, you can still donate by posting off the envelope left at your door, or phone 133 230, or visit www.salvos.org.au

No Fast Lane for Rural Roads

Encouraging people to support the '100kms is the max, NOT a must' campaign are (l-r) Lismore City Council's city works manager Bill Moorhouse, road safety officer Wendy Johnson and Ballina Shire Council civil service group manager, John Truman. Drivers on rural roads are being urged to drive to road conditions instead of the speed limit, under a new road safety advertising campaign - '100kms is the max, NOT a must'.

The campaign follows concerns that people driving too fast on rural roads, and that speed is a major factor in accidents.

'Good motorists drive to suit the conditions and don't aim to maintain a speed of 100km/h all the time,' Ballina Shire Council civil service group manager, John Truman, said. 'Safe responsible drivers are alert, scan the roads and are always prepared to slow down. Drivers are being urged to take up these road safety practices in an effort to reduce the number of crashes on our roads.'

Lismore City Council's city works manager, Bill Moorhouse, said the campaign is designed to give local drivers a bit of a 'reality check' on what speed is acceptable on rural roads.

'A policeman probably isn't going to catch you on rural roads, but the next bend might,' Bill said. 'People treat our roads like highways, but our rural roads were never built to a high speed standard. We can't afford as a community to make them a high speed standard either, so we have to work with what we've got and slow down. It's as simple as that.'

Rent Woes Delay Evans Head Computer Centre

Bickering by Richmond Valley councillors will delay the establishment of a Community Technology Centre (CTC) at Evans Evans Head.

At Tuesday's meeting, councillors argued over process and procedure, which meant that the community group developing the centre will miss the deadline for first round applications.

The CTC steering committee was asking Council for a 'peppercorn' rent on space in the Evans Head office complex.

The NSW government is offering $185,000 in funding for computers, software and office equipment if the community provides premises.

Cr Don Harvey argued that while he supported the CTC, saying no was a matter of principle.

'We face a dilemma here. We want to support the CTC proceeding but we need to come up with a discriminatory process for the use of the site. This is a worthwhile project but how can Council not offer the same service to other groups in the community?' he asked.

Cr Eileen Melling agreed.

'This project is badly needed, but Council is not a philanthropic organisation. I don't believe in free rent. It's going to cost us money and we haven't got the funds,' she said.

While Cr Charlie Cox proposed the CTC pay commercial rental rates, Cr Ray Jeffery pointed out that the application hinged on the decision.

'They cannot get any funding to pay rent and the application is due tomorrow. If we charge them commercial rent, then the whole project will fall over,' he said.

He suggested the CTC be charged peppercorn rent for the first three years and then the arrangement be reviewed.

Cr Cox's amendment was defeated 4-5 (Crs Wheatley, Humphrys, Thomas, Jeffery and Melling against).

Then Cr Jeffery withdrew his amendment, believing council would support the original motion for a peppercorn rent. Cr Melling took objection, implying that she may have voted differently had she realised that Cr Jeffery's amendment was not going ahead. Cr Jeffery offered to withdraw his withdrawal, but the mayor ruled it against meeting procedure.

Cr Humphrys tried to find a middle ground on the rent, while Cr Harvey gave an impassioned plea for the user pays system. His powers of persuasion soon had Cr Humphrys arguing against her own motion, which was defeated.

Cr Jefferey made one final, unsuccessful attempt at free rent premises, before Cr Harvey offered a solution - a report from Council's financial and general managers - which was supported 8-1 (Cr Jeffery against).

The next round of applications for a CTC closes in August.

Rudi Maxwell

New GM Accepts

The current general manager of Rous Water, Mr Paul O'Sullivan, has accepted the position of general manager of Lismore City Council.

His appointment begins on July 1 and in the meantime Group Manager of City Works, Bill Moorhouse, will be acting general manager.

Witnesses Sought

Police are seeking information over an incident at a home in Hayes Street, Goonellabah, last Thursday, May 16 around 2.40pm. Police say a man entered the home, where he was confronted by the 25 year-old resident. A short struggle ensued, with the victim receiving a cut to his right cheek. The attacker is described as of Aboriginal appearance, 168cm tall, and solid build. He was wearing an black tracksuit with button up pants. Anyone with information is asked to phone Lismore Police on 6623 1599.

Planting Day

Conservation Volunteers Australia has organised a visit to the Holy Goat Ranch in Dorroughby on Sunday, May 26. The Ranch is a rainforest regeneration project and CVA is looking for people who want practical conservation experience.

To confirm a place call 6680 7840. Meet at 9am at Spinks Park in Lismore and wear a hat, boots, long pants and sleeves and bring lunch and water.

Apprenticeships Open Doors for Young

The 2002 Northern Rivers Group Training Awards winners with Lismore MP Thomas George, chair Milton Morris and Lismore area manager Janelle Wardell.

Craig Morshell is now a businessman who can truly say apprenticeships open doors.

Craig, a locksmith by trade, was awarded the Apprentice of the Year award at the 2002 Northern Rivers Group Training Awards this week.

Craig started his own shop, Richmond Valley Locksmiths, in Walker St, Casino six weeks ago and is thrilled with his new business.

'It's really taken off. It's been a hard slog but we got there,' he said.

Craig will be on the other side of the training fence soon.

'It's well worth having an apprentice and I'll be putting one on as soon as I can afford it.'

Lismore MP Thomas George paid tribute to the company's hard work in matching apprentices and trainees with companies and getting them through their training.

'This is the largest employer training program in the region. Northern Rivers Group Training take the hard work out of hiring apprentices and trainees. They do a tremendous job for both young people and their employers,' Mr George said.

The winners were: Gavin Calnan (In-school trainee of the year), Amanda Waddell (trainee of the year), Craig Morshell (apprentice of the year), Faye Johnson (ATSI award), Rutherfords (host employer of the year). Excellent performance awards went to: Tim Cameron, Nathan Toole, Anthony Coughran, Wayne Roach, Belinda Diggins and Joanne Bruggy. Certificates of appreciation to host employers went to: Advanced Alarms, Sidney Hacking Plumbing, LJ Hooker Ballina, Andersons Engineering, Casino Paint and Hardware, Ballina Manor, Fred Connors, Col Humphries, Bennetts, Elfords, Andrew Curtis, Durheims Electrical, SCU, NCAHS, TAFE, Sirrocco, Alister Parker, Trenches solicitors and Broadwater Mill.

Help Save Endangered Parrot

The Swift Parrot.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is asking local communities to watch out for one of Australia's most endangered birds, which visits this region every winter.

The Swift Parrot breeds in Tasmania and migrates to the mainland in the autumn, travelling to the Northern Rivers to feed on winter-flowering eucalypts. NPWS Threatened Species Officer, Shane Ruming, said 1000 breeding pairs are estimated to be left in the wild.

'Last year there were no reported sightings of the species in northern NSW at all,' Mr Ruming said.' The parrots tend to congregate with other nectar feeding birds, so people may not always recognise them. The Swift Parrot is similar to some of the lorikeet species, but not as stocky as a lorikeet and has a longer, spikier tail. The colour combination of pale bill, dusky red tail, red on face and red under wings distinguishes the parrot from lorikeets.

Mr Ruming said that the Swift Parrot will be the subject of a large-scale survey this weekend May 25-26 and again on August 3-4. He urged people to keep a lookout for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater this winter, especially in areas where lorikeets and honeyeaters are active, and report any sightings to their local NPWS office. Anyone wishing to become involved in this years surveys can call the Swift Parrot Project Officer on 1800 665766.

Parade Puts its Best Foot Forward

The Lismore Lantern parade's new parade manager Alan Renwick discusses the route with coordinator Jyllie Jackson and Lindsay Mattherson from the SES.

Moving a parade of 1000 people around Lismore takes a logistical mind and military precision, even if the happy crowd is unaware of the weeks of planning and years of skill it takes to do it.

Yet, that is what the Lismore Lantern Parade's new Parade Manager, former Regimental Sergeant Major Alan Renwick, will be doing on June 21.

Mr Renwick, who recently retired from the Australian Army, knows a thing or two about parades, from ANZAC Day, to the opening of Parliament and a Military Tattoo or two.

Lantern Parade coordinator Jyllie Jackson said she was delighted to welcome Alan to the team.

'We are confident that Alan will be able to combine the skills of his military background with the relaxed, creative family atmosphere of the Lantern Parade. He will have great support from us all and lots of fun too!,' she said.

While Alan has busied himself in briefings to gain the support of Lismore City Council, the SES and Police, you can simply have fun by joining the community workshops every Thursday and Saturday at the Lantern Workshop in Orion Street (behind Ken Laws Smash Repairs). You can make lanterns and masks and things for the parade. Call the Lantern Workshop for details on 6622 6333.

Disability Support

A new social and support group for young people with a disability, Physical Disability Support, was recently established. The group is aimed at people aged 16-25. The group meets next Friday, May 24 at the Lismore Workers Club from 4-7pm.

For more information contact Jacki via email on antaries_au@hotmail.com

Fire Death

Police are preparing a coroners report following the death of 75-year-old Goonellabah resident, Teresa Spinaze, who was found in the back of a burning garage last Friday.

Fire brigades were called at 2pm after reports of smoke coming from the garage . Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Expo Offers Sustainable Insights

Buzz words like sustainable development, triple bottom line accounting and ethical investment are becoming more commonplace in everyday life as people begin to understand that environmental and social integrity is more than just public relations.

There is not just a moral obligation to become environmentally sustainable; in the long run it's the only way business can survive. The efficient use of energy and resources boosts a company's profits and benefits the environment. Coupled with improved employee moral and enhanced public profile these are serious reasons why today's business people should explore the potential of sustainability.

The Northern Rivers region is at the forefront of sustainable development in Australia, and a major expo in Lismore next month will highlight some inspiring examples where human industry, from households to corporations, can have positive social, environmental and economic outcomes.

The Northern Rivers Sustainable Industry Expo, June 5-10, will feature exhibitions, seminars, workshops, tours and entertainment. It will offer everything from simple examples of energy efficiency to grappling with more complex problems like land degradation.

The Expo will feature scientists, industry experts and others with hands-on experience, covering a range of topics, from forestry to waste recycling, sewage treatment, sustainable housing and sustainable agriculture. For details on the Northern Rivers Sustainable Industry Expo, phone 6621 3123, or visit www.bigscrub.org.au/expo. The expo will be on at various sites throughout Lismore.

Whian Whian Residents Seek Park

A public meeting of 80 residents around Whian Whian State Forest on Sunday has called for the NSW Government to turn the area into a national park.

The residents oppose the current mining exploration licence and logging proposals for the area and they also expressed concern for the deplorable condition of the forest drive that carries over 120,000 visitors to the forest per year.

In 1998 the state government added 3135 ha of Whian Whian State Forest to Nightcap National Park, and is now looking at the future of the remaining 2432 ha of Whian Whian, which is part of the Rocky Creek Dam catchment.

Overpaid, Oversexed and Over in Lismore

Ros Derrett, chair of the Lismore tourism committee, Lismore Visitor Information Centre staff Sally Hoolihan and Linda Smith, Bundjalung elder Roy Gordon and sponsors Dean Gould from The Northern Star and Bob Trevan from Trevan Ford at the opening of a new exhibition Reminiscing.

During the war, while the Evans Head aerodrome was buzzing as a military training camp, Lismore was the place to unwind, with hundreds of soldiers heading for the Riviera Dance Hall in search of female companionship.

This tale of sizzling passion is one of many fascinating stories featured in a new social history of the region launched last week at the Lismore Visitor Information Centre.

'Reminiscing', curated by Southern Cross University graduate Linda Smith, chronicles 40 years of Lismore's social history from the 1940s to the 1970s.

Linda found collating the display taught her much about the local area.

'I didn't know anything about the social history, but I've now heard some great stories! The thing that really amazed me was how highly social Lismore was in the 40s when the war was on. American soldiers used to come here from Evans Head - apparently the Riviera Dance Hall was a bit of a hunting ground for ladies,' she said.

Lismore Visitor Information Centre manager Annie Hart believes the new exhibition - along with the new campaign promoting the Rainbow Region - will enable people to appreciate Lismore more.

'This exhibition helps show what's special about this place - what makes it tick; why it's built on the flood plain,' she said.

Rudi Maxwell

Alstonville Speed Camera

Two new fixed digital speed cameras are now operating locally on the Bruxner Hwy at Alstonville and on the Pacific Hwy near New Italy.

RTA spokesperson Paul Willoughby said the two North Coast sites were chosen because of the history of accidents at the sites. Speed cameras have warning signs alerting people they are in place.

Bungawalbyn Fire

NSW Rural Fire Service crews were able to contain a fire in the Bungawalbyn area, south of Coraki, on Tuesday, after battling the blaze since Sunday.

The blaze burnt out approximately 450 ha of private property and 20 ha of National Park nature reserve. On Tuesday night crews continued to monitor the fire, with the clean up effort finishing on Wednesday.

Kids Win Big for Taking RRISK

Showing off the prizes they won for taking part in the RRISK seminar last year is Jason Caught (left) and Crosley Querin, of Richmond River High School, with (l-r) Ross Edmonds from the RTA, school principal Neville Ryan and Mick McKinlay from Jax Tyres & Mechanical.

Attending the RRISK (Reduce Risk, Increase Student Knowledge) seminars in Lismore last year has paid off for Richmond River High School students, Jason Caught and Crosley Querin, in more ways than they expected.

Jason and Crosley not only learnt about safe driving and risk taking behaviour, but also both won a pair of personalised number plates from the RTA and $400 worth of tyres from Jax Tyres & Mechanical.

The prizes came as a complete surprise to the boys, who had forgotten about entering the competition about six months ago.

'I'm just stoked - it's going to save me doing a lot of saving,' Crosley said. 'The RRISK seminars were a lot of fun and really educational too. Winning a prize is a great bonus and I want to thank all my friends from MT for getting me to go in the competition.'

The new tyres will do wonders for Crosley's Celica, which he affectionately calls 'my old bomb'. While Jason doesn't have a car yet, he's already knows what to put on his new plates.

'I think I'll get Lanky written on them, it's been my nickname for about four years,' Jason said.

The RRISK seminars will be held locally again this year. For more information phone Lismore City Council's road safety officer, Wendy Johnson, on 6625 0443.

Pampered Present for Nurses

Lismore Base Hospital staff members Sue Walker and Chandi Pathirana (both middle), enjoy a pampering from Mary Kay Cosmetics beauty consultants (l-r) Jo Piper, Felicity Schulz, Janelle Miller and Patricia De La Fuente.

Mary Kay Cosmetic beauty consultant, Janelle Miller, was a registered nurse for more than 10 years, and she knows all too well how tiring and draining the job can be. So when she was asked to be part of Lismore Base Hospital's Lend us your Hands program, to give nurses a little respite from their hectic schedules, she was one of the first to offer her services.

The program was part of celebrations for International Nurses Day on May 12 - the birthday of Florence Nightingale - the founder of nursing as a modern profession.

In addition to the pampering, nurses were able to enjoy coffee and cakes donated by Crusty's Bakery. In return the nurses gave a gold coin donation towards the Our Kids Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund.

The money will go to equipment for the Children's Ward and Special Care Nursery.

A Lifestyle Approach to Weight Loss

An astounding 67 per cent of men and 53 per cent of women in Australia are overweight or obese. In children aged 2-17 years there are now 21 per cent of boys and 23 per cent of girls overweight or obese.

Many of these children will grow into obese adults and the quality of their lives may be severely compromised.

Obesity is viewed by some as a body image issue but health is really what matters. There is a long and growing list of complications of being overweight including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea and some forms of cancer.

There are many diets, pills and gadgets out there in the market place to tempt vulnerable people to look for the easy fix. These are usually expensive options that at best have short term benefits only. Weight quickly comes back on after stopping the diet or pill. Exercise machines only work if they work you - and work you hard!

Successful weight loss programs are those which can be maintained for life. They require learning to make healthy choices in food, regular low to moderate intensity physical activity, looking for ways to cope with life's stresses and monitoring those automatic behaviours where food seems to sneak into our mouths without us being aware.

A lifestyle approach to weight loss will produce slow but sure long term health benefit. Even if the weight loss is modest the health gains of even 5-10% loss are proven. By the way there is good evidence that shows that it is better to be overweight and physically fit than normal weight and unfit.

For details on weight loss that works, phone Gutbusters on 66251588.

Use the form below to search through the Northern Rivers Echo Newspaper web site.

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