The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

A Light Night in Lismore

Lismore Lantern Parade coordinator, Jyllie Jackson (front centre), and some of the masked dancers who will feature in the parade, and some of the many volunteers who made the parade possible.

The Lismore Lantern Parade has always offered a message of hope and the eighth annual parade - being held tomorrow, June 21- is no exception.

Parade coordinator Jyllie Jackson was inspired to choose this year's theme, 'Shadows to Dance In', after reading a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke.

"It just felt right for two reasons. On a visual level I'm increasingly fascinated and interested in shadow puppets and the play of light and shadow together, as created by the lanterns," Jyllie said. "It's also metaphorical. 'Shadows' reflects the difficult times we live in, while 'to Dance In' means we need to embrace those difficulties and learn from the negatives of life, so we can turn them into positives for the future."

Jyllie believes that myth and metaphor "are a universal language and through it you can talk to people from all cultures and backgrounds."

This year she'll be talking to a lot of people in the biggest parade yet. It will be led by a 40-piece samba band featuring Greg Sheehan, the Young Drums and the Lismore City Concert Band. More than 50 samba dancers will follow the band in an array of colourful costumes and spectacular masks made by volunteers and local school children. Behind them are the lanterns, which are being kept tightly under wraps until tomorrow, although Jyllie says there will be a number of new surprises.

The procession will make its way through the CBD* to the Ballina Street boat ramp for the finale and fireworks. Bring something to sit on, as the grass will get damp.

The finale is based around the story of Ombra, a young girl whose shadow takes her into Shadowland to show her while it might look scary, there is really nothing to fear. The story begins with a reading of the Rilke poem by Rhoda Roberts, accompanied by music by local composer Fred Cole.

The story is then told through a series of performances, including a dance by the Conservatorium dancers, a specially designed work by the Spaghetti Circus and a spectacular shadow puppet show designed by Jo Davidson.

The finale will conclude with a massive fireworks display at around 8.30pm.

Jyllie says while local businesses have given fantastic support, a $4,500 public liability insurance bill of has put a huge dent in the budget, so please give generously to the bucketeers during the lantern parade.

Anyone is welcome join in the parade with their lantern. The event is free. The parade is funded by Lismore Unlimited, Festivals Australia and the Australia Council, with support from Lismore Council.

Story & photo: Terra 'it's better to light a candle' Sword.

All the Fun of the Fair

Jane MacDonald with one of her flowers and hearts quilts that she will be demonstrating how to make at the Needle, Wood & Craft Fair.

If there's one thing Jane MacDonald has a passion for, it's patchwork. Jane started doing patchwork 16 years ago, and what started as a hobby is now her sole career.

In the early 1990s Jane attended TAFE courses in patchwork and after many late nights spent hunched over a sewing machine, she began teaching patchwork workshops. For the past three years Jane has been working at The Treadling Quilt in Lismore.

"Patchworking is the best thing I've done since having children - it's an absolute passion," Jane said. "Being able to share that passion with others is just the best. A lot of love goes into making a quilt and it's a very creative, and satisfying, experience."

Jane will be demonstrating her hearts and flowers design at the Alstonville-Wollongbar Quota Club's Needle, Wood & Craft Fair this Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23, at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre.

Jane is among about 50 people demonstrating different types of craft from Japanese flower art (Ikebana) to jewellery making to photo preservation and porcelain doll making.

If you want to try a craft you can buy supplies, with expert craftspeople on hand to pass out handy hints.

There's a fashion parade of reproduction antique gowns at 2.30pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday. The gowns were made by Betty Booth as part of bi-centennial project in 1988. All proceeds from the event go to local charities. The Needle, Wood & Craft fair is open this Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday from 9am-4pm.

Entry is $5/4 at the door.

Di, Princess of Whales, Launches Season

Whale Research Centre Director David Paton with author Di Morrissey and Southern Cross University Director of Research Prof Peter Baverstock and Vice-Chancellor Prof John Rickard at the launch of this year's whale count at Cape Byron.

Australia's top female novelist Di Morrissey launched this year's Cape Byron Whale Research Program and whale watching season at the Byron Lighthouse last Saturday.

Ms Morrissey is patron of the Southern Cross Centre for Whale Research, a project of Southern Cross University (SCU), which is carrying out the Research Program.

"If we can't save the whales and see them come back from the brink of extinction and stop the slaughter, then how can we possibly save the things we can't see like the pollution in our oceans and our air and our earth," Ms Morrissey said.

"The work being carried out by the Centre is the beginning of something that's very important for future generations as well as for all of us here today."

Ms Morrissey, whose book The Bay includes whales, referred to the Centre's aim of raising awareness of the need to protect and study whales around the world, as well asit's need of sponsorship in order to continue the work.

Prof Rickard said the university was delighted to be involved with research into whales, and said it was a partnership between SCU and the universities of Newcastle and Queensland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Cape Byron Trust.

The research by the Centre includes whale DNA 'fingerprinting' (gathered from skin that falls off when the whales breach or do tail slaps), acoustic recording of whale songs, and tracking of whales using sophisticated equipment.

Centre Director and Adjunct Associate Professor at SCU, David Paton, has been co-ordinating a survey of Humpback whales migrating past Cape Byron for more than seven years, which he and volunteers are conducting this year from June 15 to July 20.

"At the end of whaling in Byron in 1962, it was estimated that there were between 200 and 500 individual Humpback whales left on the east coast of Australia," Mr Paton said. "Now, from the surveys done here and other places like Stradbroke Island, we're able to determine that there are between 4,500 and 5,000 Humpbacks.

"So in 40-odd years we've seen an encouraging increase in whales, but they're well below the pre-whaling numbers when there were probably 15,000 to 20,000."

Mr Paton said many whales had been sighted so far during this year's annual migration of the whales north from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef.

Lismore Population Falls

Northern Rivers residents are among the lowest paid in NSW and inland towns have suffered falls in population while the coastal areas continue to grow. They're just two of hundreds of facts revealed on Monday when the Bureau of Statistics released figures from the 2001 Census.

Lismore city's population fell by 2.8% (874 people to 41,883) since the 1996 census, despite an additional 340 houses in the urban area. It reflects a national trend of fewer people living a home.

Further inland, the drop was more pronounced with Casino losing 717 people (down 6.7%) to 10,100 and Kyogle dropping 5.6% to 9,600. The rest of Richmond Valley showed an increase of 2.5% to 10,312 people, no doubt attracted to coastal towns like Evans Head.

Meanwhile NSW grew 5.5%, to 6.37 million people. Tweed Shire grew at double the state average, and Tweed city recorded a whopping 15.7% increase as the fastest growing area of the state.

But the region lagged behind in wages, with most local government areas in the bottom third for average weekly incomes. Ballina residents were the best paid, taking home $308. Lismore's median was $286, and at $254 Kyogle's was the third lowest in NSW .

Around 75% of Lismore residents called themselves Christians - around 10,700 as Catholics and 9,000 as Anglican. The average Lismore resident pays a mortgage of $600-800, or rents for $100-150.

A number of key social trends emerged in the latest Census data which don't bode well for the region. Couples with children fell by 3.2%, against a NSW increase of 1%. The number of single parent families increased by 18.3%, double the state average. Couples without children rose by 10.3% compared with a NSW fall of 9%, and the number of single person households increased by 21.5%, more than double the state average.

Despite concerns about telecommunications, Internet usage in Lismore and Ballina (34%), and Byron (39%) was higher than the state average (30%), but lower in Richmond Valley and Kyogle (22%).

Ballina's average age of 41 ranked it as the 17th oldest LGA in NSW.

Snapshot of Region

Population

Income

Median age

How we live

Families

Lismore city: 44% married, 41% couples with children, 35% without children, 22% one parent families

Lismore surrounds: 51% people married, 48% couples with children, 33% without children, 18% one parent families

Ballina: 53% people married, 39% couples with children, 43% without children, 17% one parent families,

Casino: 50% people married, 41% couples with children, 36% without children, 21% one parent families

Richmond Valley: 56% people married, 44% couples with children, 49% without children, 16% one parent families

Youth aged 15-24 yrs

Lismore 11.7% decline
Kyogle: 7.6% decline
Byron 4.4% increase

Open Day for Rescue Helicopter

People can check out the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service's new winch training platform and computerised flight simulator during the service's Open Day this Saturday, June 22, at the Helibase in Brunswick Street.

You can see the helicopters up close, look through the hanger complex and explore the equipment, talk to the pilots and crew or simply enjoy the free sausage sizzle.

A highlight will be demonstrations of the new winch training platform and computerised flight trainer, which were installed last month. The new training facilities enable the crew to practise vital exercises without taking out the helicopter, which costs $3,000 an hour to fly.

"The Open Day is the perfect opportunity for people to check out the helicopter and meet the crew," fundraising officer, David Behrens, said.

"Everyone sees the Rescue Helicopter flying around, and this is a chance for people to see it up close and personal. A lot of people make donations to the service and this is also a great opportunity for those people to see where their money goes and why it costs $2.6 million per year to run the service."

The Open Day runs from 10am to 2pm. There is also a static display of information and photos at Lismore Shopping Square, that will be open today and tomorrow, June 21-22, from 9am-5pm and on Saturday, from 9am to 3pm.

Q The Life Saver Rescue Helicopter's Doorknock Appeal continues throughout June, and volunteer collectors are urgently needed for all areas. For their efforts volunteers will receive a McDonalds voucher, a certificate of appreciation and the chance to win a Rescue Helicopter orientations flight. To volunteer phone 1800 665 666.

Having a practise on the winch training platform before the Helicopter Base Open Day on Saturday are winch operator Michael Kerry and chief crewman Roger Fry.

Trees Return to Riverbank as Sculptures

Riverbank project officer Lois Kelly and a group of TAFE sculpture students check out the camphor laurels at Riverside Park. The students will use the wood to make sculptures for the park.

Trees removed from Riverside Park in Lismore as part of riverbank redevelopment next month will return as sculptures, thanks to local TAFE students.

While almost a dozen 'significant' trees will be saved and returned to the area when it's completed, a number of camphor laurels will be removed. Rather than waste the wood, Riverbank project officer Lois Kelly invited TAFE students to 'adopt a tree'. With help from TAFE sculpture teacher Denis Monks, they'll create timber sculptures works for the park.

"This is a fantastic way to use these trees," Denis said. "It means that all of the material can be re-used and given back to the community, and it gives us great materials to work with."

A dozen native trees will be saved, including melaleucas, coolamons, conifers, a flame tree and a lilly pilly.

"The trees will be relocated and cared for, whilst the earthworks are completed," Lois said. "We have been very grateful for the input we have received from local environmentalists and landcare groups. Council is committed to ensuring the completed park will be a vital and beautiful area for the community to enjoy."

Work begins next month and is timed to coincide with the levee bank construction. Council is selling excess soil for the levee and using the money to help fund the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed by October this year.

For more information on the Riverbank Project check out Council's website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Terra Sword

Lismore puts Hand Up as Regional Base

In a provocative move, Lismore City Council is asking regional development bodies to move to Lismore in an effort to streamline their operations in the same premises.

After approving the concept, put forward by economic development manager, Andrew Lovett, at last week's Council meeting, acting general manager, Col Cooper, has written to 11 regional development and business groups, including Ballina-based organisations like the Northern Rivers Regional Development Board, to see if they're willing to share resources.

Council is lobbying the NSW and federal governments for assistance in achieving a more streamlined network of regional bodies.

Mr Lovett believes a co-location of the groups will create savings that will allow them to do more, as well as increasing the political 'clout' of the groups.

"The North Coast region has a poor economic performance. We have high unemployment, low income levels and low productivity. Part of the problem is the proliferation of bodies all trying to do the same thing and competing for resources and funding. Consequently, we have a fragmented situation," he said

"Council is asking these bodies to put the need for greater alignment and co-ordination ahead of individual agendas. A good first step would be to share the same building. That way the bodies can retain their autonomy and yet reap the benefits of lower administration costs and far greater economic and political "clout" for the region. Over the last two years we have had a similar co-location of local Lismore bodies - and it works."

"A good potential site would be the proposed Innovation Centre at Southern Cross University's Business Precinct. It is linked to the main campus of our premier educational facility," he said

Conscious of the political waves the proposal may create, Mr Lovett said a public debate on the issue help the organisations in focussing their future direction.

$12m up for Grabs

A $12 million federal program to help the far north coast is now seeking ideas to fund. The Sustainable Regions Program is offering the money of the next three years as part of a pilot program unveiled during last year's election.

The FNC Sustainable Region Advisory Committee is seeking expressions of interest from community-based organisations, the private sector and local government bodies for projects with substantial regional significance.

Committee chair Geoff Provest said the group is looking for ideas in identified priority areas including business and community development, the environment, knowledge and learning, creative and cultural issues, existing and new industries, population growth and infrastructure.

"Feedback from the community suggested that the creation of local employment, including youth and indigenous employment, and proposals that impact positively on the environment are high on the region's agenda. The need to work as a region was also seen as an important factor, as was the recognition that individual sectors of the economy do not work in isolation from one-another."

All expressions of interest will be assessed by the Advisory Committee, against a set of selection criteria including the region's agreed priorities.

"While all projects will be considered on their merits, project proposals should address at least one of the region's identified priority issues," Mr Provest said.

Expression of interest forms and guidelines, plus Project Assessment Criteria, are available from the Advisory Committee's Executive Officer, Ruth Povall. Phone (07) 5569 3156, fax (07) 5536 9386, or email rpovall@tweed.nsw.gov.au.

The closing date for Expressions of Interest is July 5.

New Council Office

Richmond Valley Council is set to move all staff into new premises.

At Tuesday's meeting Council voted unanimously to approve a development application for alterations and additions to the existing Council building on Walker Street, Casino, including new Council chambers.

Richmond Valley Council general manager Ross Schipp believes the extensions will be a welcome boost for staff.

"Having all the staff together in one building will help improve both Council efficiency and economically - anything that does that has to be good," Mr Schipp said.

The project will cost around $2.4 million and is expected to be completed by mid-2003.

Tenders for construction are currently being sought.

Drug Advice

The Lismore Community Drug Action Team is holding an information day at Lismore Shopping Square next Tuesday, June 25.

Information on a range of service providers will be available, including the Riverlands Centre, Red Cross Save a Mate, Northern Rivers Gambling Service and Alcoholics Anonymous.

The innovative alcohol and cannabis game 'The Choice is Yours' developed by the staff and students of Evans River School will be on display. If you want to test your knowledge come along and have a throw of the dice. The game will soon be in commercial production for distribution nationwide.

You will be able to test your knowledge of drugs and alcohol on the chocolate wheel and win a prize with the correct answer.

The fun and informative event begins at midday

Rally for Refugees

A rally to mark International Refugee Week will be held Byron Bay this Sunday, June 23, from 2pm.

Rally organiser Marie Reilly believes it's important to keep public awareness of asylum seekers at a high level.

"So many Afghans have had their applications for asylum rejected because the Taliban are no longer in control, but realistically they can't return home. There are millions of refugees in Afghanistan whose country has been devastated by the American bomb campaign," she said.

The rally will feature numerous speakers, including Mungo Macallum, and local musicians.

For further information, telephone 6622 7412 or 6684 5001.

They need more help to organise the rally - please call if you can offer any assistance - either beforehand or on the day.

Blood Bank Back

Mobile Blood Bank collections will recommence at Kyogle and Casino next week.

In Casino they will be monthly at the Community Health Centre, starting on Monday, June 24 from 4.30-8pm and in Kyogle at the Accident and Emergency Department at the hospital every three months from May 27.

Appointments for donating can be made by calling 6620 2320.

Forestry Course

The Subtropical Farm Forestry Association is running the second module of their Farm Forestry Course on Thursday, June 27, in Project Planning and Design.

Bookings can be made now by contacting the SFFA office at Corndale on 6628 4372 or email sffa@turboweb.net.au or fax 6628 4386.

Skills for Aboriginees

TAFE's Lismore Campus is offering two courses for unemployed Aboriginal people wanting to develop skills for the workforce or to further their study.

Certificate III Community Services (Aged Care Work) Nursing Assistant provides training as a nursing assistant in the aged care industry. There's an information session on June 25 at 10.30am at Lismore Campus.

Skills for the Telecommunication Industry, develops skills for working as a Call Centre Operator, with an information session is on July 24, at 10am.

Contact Ros Sten, Aboriginal Student Support Officer, on 6626 6448 for details.

Wood Burns in Woodburn

The Woodburn Rural Fire Brigade had a busy day last Friday, responding to three callouts.

The Fire Brigade extinguished a blaze on a semi trailer, a grass fire and a burning overturned car and caravan.

No-one was injured in any of the incidents but NSW Rural Fire Service Richmond Valley District Superintendent Boyd Townsend said that such a wide variety of incidents over a very short period of time highlights the level of training, competence and commitment of local volunteers.

Radio Golf Tango

The Summerland Amateur Radio Club will be holding a Dinner and Get Together at Evans Head's RSL Club Bistro on Saturday, June 22, at 6.30pm. This is to give members a chance to meet others who they only know over radio.

All interested people are invited.

Contact Eric 6629 5034 or VK2TRD@sarc.org.au if interested.

Man Dead in Carpark

The body of a 46-year-old Lismore man was found in a carpark in Ewing Street, Lismore last Thursday morning.

Police say it appears the man died some time between 2am and 10am. Police are not treating the matter as suspicious. The coroner is conducting a post mortem into the cause of death.

Mayor has a Plan (but he's not telling)

The cost of redeveloping the Lismore Memorial Baths may sink the project, with hints emerging last week that mayor Bob Gates is now exploring alternative options in the hope that they'll attract more funding from developer contributions to council.

In a Mayoral Minute put to last week's Lismore Council meeting, Cr Gates sought a review of Section 94 plans for the city, especially in the Lismore East area, which includes Goonellabah and land down to Southern Cross University, but not land next to Lismore High school, which has been recently mooted for an alternative joint venture with SCU.

The move casts a shadow over plans to build an indoor recreation centre in Goonellabah. Developers Vantage Project Management have offered to swap land on the Goonellabah Town Centre site for the project. Council staff estimate that the project will cost around $1.75 million. With $1.25 million currently available in Section 94 contributions, Council faces a $500,000 shortfall. But council's client services manager Lindsay Walker says the project has "never been so close to fruition than it is today" thanks to the developer. Mr Walker says "the clock is ticking" on the Vantage offer and that "within a month or so, they will want to know 'are you in or out?'"

A motion to back the recreation centre from Cr Frank Swientek was defeated 5-7 (Crs Swientek, Gallen, Roberts, Irwin & Tomlinson for) last week. Instead the mayor's proprosal to hold a workshop and defer making a decision on projects in Lismore East that could attract Sect 94 funding was supported 7-5.

Council observers believe the Mayor is hoping to find a site within the plan area for a joint-venture pool, so money that would otherwise go to the recreation centre could be used in the aquatic project. If the university is prepared to go 50-50 in the development costs, then Council could save up to $5 million compared with the cost of developing the memorial baths site.

The Echo understands that councillors close to the mayor, along with key staff, are aware of the mayor's idea, which should be revealed following a meeting to approve the budget next Tuesday night, with a review of the Lismore East Sect 94 plan scheduled to follow the budget approval.

But last Tuesday, Cr Gates was giving nothing away to his fellow councillors, despite repeated questioning about his motives in calling for the review.

"If you have a hidden intent here Mr Mayor, you should declare it now," Cr Diana Roberts said.

The Mayor replied only that he wanted to look at "community facilities".

Cr Ros Irwin speculated that it might be to consider "a facility off Military Road".

"Not necessarily, that will be a product of the workshop," Cr Gates said.

Simon Thomsen

Freak Storm Damages Casino

Casino Golf Professional Ian Halliday and work experience student Robert Lyons from St Mary's High School Casino with one of the trees uprooted by the storm last Sunday.

A violent storm hit the Richmond Valley on Sunday afternoon, uprooting trees and bringing torrential rain, hail and strong winds.

Several houses and business places in Casino, Coraki and Kyogle were damaged, including the Casino Golf course.

Club pro Ian Halliday was busy helping remove up a number trees blown over on the course.

"The winds were amazing - they just snapped things off," Ian said.

"Trees were uprooted - it was like a mini cyclone. This is the second time we've been hit this year. Back in January the damage took us a week to clean up, this time two days," he said.

Extensive damage was caused to pavilions and marquees at the Primex site and a car was crushed by a shed.

Madsen Meats in Frederick Street, Casino and the Super Fresh store in Johnston Street both sustained significant damage to their roofs.

SES crews across the North Coast responded to 65 requests for assistance, working through Sunday night.

Usually high temperatures and humidity were believed to cause the storm, which was unusual for this time of the year. Wind gusts were measured at up to 100km/h.

No-one was injured in the storm, which moved west towards the coast, also causing damage in Ocean Shores.

Story & photo: Rudi Maxwell

Credit Union Helps Restore Big Scrub

Southern Cross Credit Union teller Jane Collier presents rainforest tree seedlings to Kelvin Davies of Rainforest Rescue, in a symbolic gesture to highlight the credit union's $5,000 donation to rainforest regeneration.
Photo: Jeff 'seedling' Dawson.

Southern Cross Credit Union (SCCU) last week donated $5,000 to Rainforest Rescue, allowing restoration work to continue in the Big Scrub remnant at Booyong Flora Reserve.

The money will be used to conduct weeding at Booyong by a team of qualified bush regenerators over the next 12 months, ensuring the ongoing life of the remnant.

The Booyong Flora Reserve currently provides habitat for 18 threatened species of plants and animals. Recently five unrecorded threatened species were found at Booyong, including the rare Brush Sauropus (phyllanthus microcladus).

"Weeds are a major problem in the Big Scrub, which is steadily deteriorating due to the impact of many damaging weed species such as madiera vine, large and small leaved privet and morning glory," Rainforest Rescue executive officer, Kelvin Davies, said. "The removal of environmental weeds is essential to protect Booyong's threatened species. We thank SCCU for their very generous donation."

Other businesses who have made donations to Rainforest Rescue for restoration at the Booyong Flora Reserve include Thursday Plantation Laboratories, The Beach Hotel, Byron Yoga Centre and many local individuals.

For more information on Rainforest Rescue or to make a donation phone 0428 553 040 or info@rainforestrescue.org.au

Casino - a Capital Place to Call Home

When Casino residents fill out their census form in five years, you can expect a sharp rise in the number of people living in motorhomes if the predictions made by Alan Tesch, president of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia, are correct.

Mr Tesch declared "Casino will be the motorhome capital of Australia" at a public meeting at the Casino RSM Club last week.

Outlining the details of the proposed Motorhome Village the club wishes to build on land at Casino airport, Mr Tesch estimated it would inject $43 million into the local economy over the next five years.

"It will be the equivalent of adding a new suburb to Casino at no cost to the town, and with residents who won't be looking for a job," he added. "Our members will spend money and will support the town like you wouldn't believe."

Mr. Tesch said new industry and new professions would be created as manufacturers and maintenance industries will be attracted to the town to build and service the motorhomes.

Casino Aero Club president Harry Sunderland, helped to allay fears that the development would inhibit any future use of the airport.

"Some of the members of the motorhome club have their own planes, and have already joined the Casino Aero Club," he said.

The Motorhome Village will provide members with a home base when they want to go off road either long or short term, with a retirement section for those who want to go off road permanently.

Plans for the village include a postal service, a community centre and restaurant and services for members including bus tours to the surrounding district and shuttle buses into town.

Long-term plans also include building a 7,000 to 10,000-seat convention centre, a driving range and a heated swimming pool. Lease sites will have full underground power, cable TV, water and sewerage.

The development application has been lodged with Richmond Valley Council for the 115- hectare first stage of the development.

Therese Schier

Locals seek Whian Whian NP

The conservation group that started the historic Terania Creek protest has called on the Premier Bob Carr to finalise the protection of the whole of Whian Whian State Forest as a National Park.

The Terania Native Forest Action Group argues that Whian Whian "has paid its dues to society" from logging and habitat for one of the highest concentrations of threatened species on the continent.

Spokesperson Nan Nicholson accused the NSW Government of unreasonable delays in deciding the future of the area adding that National Party MP Larry Anthony had "reneged" on a pre-election promise to push for its protection.

"It is vital that management of this internationally important area is unified under National Park control and that it is not locked up for the benefit of logging and mining companies.

"The social, financial and environmental benefits that would flow from the creation of Whian Whian National Park would far outweigh the dubious advantages of extractive industries," Ms Nicholson said.

"Most importantly, it is also an extremely significant Aboriginal cultural area".

Help for Ballina's Aboriginal Youth

At the recent launch of the Ballina Aboriginal and Family Wellbeing Program were Doug Stinson, President of the Ballina District Children Services Association; Page MP Ian Causley; Bertha Capeen, Chair of Regional Bunjum Elders; Ballina MP Don Page; Ballina Mayor Peter Moore; Richmond MP Larry Anthony and Jason Sines, Ballina Council's Aboriginal Liaison Officer.

Young Aboriginal people and their families will benefit from the new $30,000 Ballina Aboriginal and Family Wellbeing Program, launched recently by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Larry Anthony and Page MP Ian Causley.

Mr Anthony said the service would help address Indigenous youth issues.

The program is a partnership between the Bunjum Aboriginal Cooperative and Ballina Youth and Children's Services, which is sponsored by the Ballina District Community Services Association.

"The program will offer camps and workshops to the Indigenous youth of Cabbage Tree Island," Mr Anthony said.

Mr Causley said both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal practices would be used as part of the camps to help build the self-esteem and confidence of participants.

"The camps will foster community unity and wellbeing, allowing the participants to develop life skills as they move towards adulthood," Mr Causley said.

"The service is all about delivering programs that will enable young Aboriginal people to take time out, and learn about aspects of their culture which they may have lost touch with."

Crime Prevention Results Revealed

Lismore City Council will launch the findings of an evaluation into its three-year crime prevention plan, next Tuesday.

Council's Crime Prevention Development Officer, Punita Boardman said the plan, which began in 1999, has just drawn to an end and seen many successful projects carried out.

"The main funded projects were a support group for children who have experienced domestic violence and a Neighbourhood Improvement Project in Nimbin," she said

"I have been involved in a huge number of projects and issues which went well beyond the actual scope of the Plan."

The independent evaluation was conducted by Dr Stewart Hase through Southern Cross University. The report was compiled following a series of interactive workshops with other agencies involved in the projects.

Dr Hase will speak at the launch along with Patrick Shepardson, Manager of Regional Services in the Crime Prevention Division of NSW Attorney General's Department.

The launch is from 9.30am at Invercauld House in Goonellabah. The public are welcome to attend, but book with Punita Boardman on 6625 0423.

Like WOW, it's for Women

It might be 100 years since Australian women fought for and won the right to vote, but they still have much to learn about government and the help they can get.

Women on Wheels (WOW), a roadshow run by the NSW Department for Women and the Premier's Council for Women, will be visiting Lismore next Thursday and Friday, June 27-28.

WOW, now in its second year, was developed to give regional women information about the wide variety of government and community services.

Robyn Henderson, Director General of the NSW Department for Women, said it was important to bring the government and non-government support to women.

"We found that approaching women in their communities was the best way to share knowledge. Many women appreciate face to face interaction and women in regional and rural NSW don't always have the opportunity to speak directly with a service provider - so we're going to them," Ms Henderson said.

Hosted by a number of government and non-government organisations, the sessions include everything from business lunches, to young mothers groups, older women's theatre, health information sessions and even an afternoon on car maintenance.

The range of sessions has been tailored in order so that women can sustain activities after the WOW visit.

"WOW aims to create long lasting relationships, not offer a once a year quick fix. We incorporate government and non-government organisations to keep the information sessions relevant and useful, and provide the tools to enable the women to seek their own answers, with our help and guidance. Additionally, we get to see these women in their own environment which gives us a better understanding of their unique needs," Ms Henderson said.

See the Outback with Friends

If you've always wanted to see the Australian outback but haven't wanted to do the journey alone, Uniting Church Tours provides the perfect way to see the Red Centre in the company of others.

Presented in conjunction with Kirklands Coaches in Lismore, the 27-day Red Centre Tour departs Lismore on August 24 - and interested people are being urged to book early as there are limited vacancies available.

The tour begins by taking in Western NSW, including a cruise on the Darling River on the classic riverboat MV Loyalty, before a two-night sightseeing stop in Adelaide.

The tour will then head through Coober Pedy to the Northern Territory for a one-night stay, where people have the opportunity to experience a sunset or sunrise viewing of Ayers Rock.

Participants will spend three nights in Alice Springs taking in the local area and checking out some of the sights, including the Flying Doctor base, Standley Chasm and Anzac Hill.

The tour then makes its way to Kakadu National Park, where people will enjoy a luxurious sunset cruise on Yellow Waters and even get to see some ancient Aboriginal rock paintings at Obiri Rock. Three nights in Darwin will give people a chance to relax and look at the local attractions, before a visit to Litchfield National Park and very special cruise on Katherine Gorge - one of the highlights of the tour.

Before returning to Northern NSW, the tour will also take in Renner Springs, the Barkly Tablelands, Mt Isa and Longreach, where there will be a final two-night stay.

The Uniting Church Red Centre Tour includes all travel and accommodation, most meals and five cruises along the way. It will return to Casino on September 19.

Uniting Church Tours have tours regularly, and already there's an impressive list for 2003 which includes tours to Toowoomba, Central Western NSW and Tasmania.

For tour costs, full details and bookings phone 6672 8232 or 6685 8105.

Thief Caught

A 30-year-old Lismore man, believed to be involved in a series of attempted robberies in village stores around the region last week, was arrested at New Italy last Wednesday morning in a vehicle stolen from Lismore earlier that day.

The man was interviewed by Lismore Detectives over a number of offences which had occurred in the Lismore and Mullimbimby area before being charged with a number of offences.

Peter George Hamill appeared in Lismore Local Court on Friday facing two counts of attempted robbery, one count of armed robbery, obtaining benefit by deception, and two counts of stealing a motor vehicle. He did not enter a plea, was refused bail and will reappear in Lismore Local Court on June 24.

Housing Help

NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Andrew Refshauge will spend $9.42 million for housing on Cabbage Tree Island, in Ballina and Evans Head for Aboriginal families.

"This funding will enable 32 new houses to be constructed and five additional houses to be spot purchased, as well as upgrading of an additional 33 existing properties on Cabbage Tree Island," Dr Refshauge said.

"Local roads and footpaths will also be upgraded to improve safety and access. It will mean training and employment for local Aboriginal people - enabling them to learn construction trades and to build and refurbish homes provided under the scheme," Dr Refshauge said.

Lismore Chase

Lismore police chased a 32 year old man down Molesworth Street, into Blockbuster Video on Keen Street around 3.30pm on Tuesday before they arrested him.

The man was wanted by police for a variety of traffic and property offences and appeared in Lismore Local Court on Wednesday.

RADO Returns

The North Coast will see a regional arts development officer (RADO) return to the area almost a decade after the last one departed. NSW Premier and Arts Minister, Bob Carr, said the RADO will service an area that includes Lismore, Ballina, and the Richmond Valley.

"It's a big vote of confidence for an area with such a rich cultural scene," he said. "It also recognises Tweed Shire Council's initiative in raising over $3 million for a regional gallery and Lismore City Council's support for NORPA.

"RADO's are front-line workers and help secure funding and provide opportunities for artists, community and cultural groups," Mr Carr said.

Mr Carr also said the Country Arts Support Program (CASP) would be doubled to $200,000 per annum from next year.

Showground Support

Lismore Showground Trust will be offered a $4,000 grant and an $8,000 low interest loan to upgrade the showgrounds.

The funds were made available through the NSW government's Showgrounds Assistance Scheme.

The money will be spent on improvement works, including the purchasing of portable safety panels and yards.

Bundjalung language help

The NSW Government has given $43,900 to the College of Indigenous Australian Peoples at Southern Cross University to revive and maintain the Bundjalung language.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Andrew Refshauge said the Bundjalung language is identified was at risk of extinction because the fluent speakers are all elderly.

"The program will not only work towards reviving and maintaining the traditional language, it will also provide culturally-based training and employment and special language workshops for young people," he said.

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