The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Camp it up in Lismore

From a tinny to eight metre hardtop fishing boats, Sailfish Marine co-owners Rodney Glenn (right) and Darren Foster will have all sorts of boats on display at the 4WD Caravan and Camping Show this weekend.

Sailfish Marine co-owners, Darren Foster and Rodney Glenn, have wanted to exhibit their boats at the 4WD, Caravan and Camping Show in Lismore since it began four years ago, but other commitments have kept them away.

This year, the Alstonville duo have cleared the diary to join in the fun.

"From the reports we've had it sounds like a ripper of a weekend and we're really excited about going along this year," Darren said. "We've been operating in Alstonville for 10 years and we opened a new store in Ballina three months ago, so the show provides us with the perfect opportunity to promote ourselves to locals. We'll have everything from a tinny to a eight metre Sailfish boat, manufactured right here in Alstonville, on display."

Darren and Rodney will be just one of about 400 companies exhibiting their products at the 4WD, Caravan and Camping Show, which runs this Friday to Sunday, July 19-21, at the Lismore Showgrounds.

The show is a fundraiser for the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. Fundraising officer, Howard Atkinson, is hoping to top last year's figure of $30,000 over the three days.

"The response this year has been fantastic - the show is now established as one of the biggest of its kind in regional NSW and people from as far as Melbourne and Sydney are coming to exhibit," Howard said.

"It just keeps growing and growing... for instance this year we will have the largest range of caravans ever assembled on the north coast - it's just phenomenal.

"And there really is something for everyone - caravans, camping gear, camper trailers, 4WDs, boats and heaps more. Another great aspect of the show is there are experts and outdoor enthusiasts on hand to give helpful advice all weekend, on everything from how to hook up a hot shower to your truck motor to the best techniques for power cleaning your car.

"People can get some fantastic deals and it's a great place to compare the prices of different brands and products. If you're not really in the market for something to buy then there's still plenty of demonstrations to enjoy, lots of delicious food and plenty of stuff for the kids."

For people who enjoy a spot of fishing, the Yamaha Supertank is well worth checking out. The Supertank is the world's largest mobile fishing aquarium and can hold 14,000 litres of water, not to mention dozens of live local fish. Throughout the weekend tank operators cast in fishing lures so people can see what they look like underwater and how the fish react to the lures. There will also be trick casting demos and operators Brian and Dave are more than happy to dole out fishing tips and advice on the best lures.

A number of other notable events include the Rescue Helicopter winching demonstrations, held at 11am and 3pm each day and bush poetry performances by well-known Mullumbimby man, Ray Essery, at noon and 2pm each day.

If the kids are restless there's a huge jumping castle to keep them busy and Big Dog will make a special appearance on Saturday and Sunday, at 1pm. Plus there's heaps of live entertainment and delicious food for the whole family to enjoy.

• The show is designed for families, so entry is only $5 and children accompanied by an adult are free. The show runs from 9am-4pm daily.

A Small Seed of Memory

The Seed choreographer Bernadette Walong (right) and Lisa Davis (left) with the dancers from The Seed (in no particular order) Marilyn Miller, Jennifer Newman-Preston, Dujon Niue, Jason Northam, Alfred Taahi and Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal.

Russell Paige was a talented Aboriginal dancer, seen by Lismore audiences during performances by Bangarra Dance Theatre. He lost his life on the weekend, leaving behind a devastated arts community who mourns the loss of such a young shining light.

This weekend, NORPA will dedicate their performance of their latest show, The Seed, to the memory of Russell, who was known and admired by many of the dancers in the show.

The work is a profoundly moving exploration of birth, life, death and re-birth. Among the top-shelf ensemble, Marilyn Miller, has worked with Bangarra Dance Theatre. The other distinguished dancers include Alfred Taahi, formerly of the Sydney Dance Company, and Dujon Niue, back from a recent international tour.

You only have three chances to catch The Seed before it heads around NSW on tour. It opens this Friday, July 19, at the Whitebrook Theatre, Southern Cross University, with performances at 1pm and 8pm. The final show is Saturday at 8pm. Dancers and choreographers will take part in a forum with the audience after the Friday matinee. NORPA is offering students a very special ticket price of $10 for the matinee performance.

Choreographers Michael Hennessy and Bernadette Walong have created a multi-layered, subtle yet sensual and visually stunning production.

Tickets for The Seed are available from the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre at 93 Molesworth Street, Lismore, or phone 6621 5600. There are group booking discounts and student rush discounts.

• For more information on the NORPA 2002 Season visit www.norpa.org.au

Drunk Driver Kills Pedestrian

Discussing options for the pedestrian refuge on Woodlark Street where a fatal accident occurred last Friday are (l-r) Lismore City Council's traffic and law enforcement coordinator Bill MacDonald, road safety officer Wendy Johnson and group manager of city works Bill Moorhouse.

A 32-year-old Lismore man will appear in Lismore Local Court on drink driving charges after he struck and killed a pedestrian in Woodlark Street, Lismore, on Friday afternoon.

Marie Connor, 56, of Lismore, died in Lismore Base Hospital on Saturday morning after she was hit by a Ford utility around 4pm while using the raised pedestrian island in the middle of the street.

The driver has been charged with driving while suspended and driving with high range PCA. He has been released on conditional bail to appear again on August 8.

Police say they also picked up the man for drink driving the previous evening. He was seen driving erratically in the CBD around 8.35pm on Thursday night. He failed a breath test and was arrested, but refused another breath test at Lismore police station. His licence was suspended as a result and he was detained in police cells overnight before being released in the morning.

That afternoon, he was back behind the wheel of his utility when it struck Ms Connor. Police enquiries are continuing and they would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident and they have not yet spoken to. Phone 6681 8618.

The tragedy has highlighted long-running concerns about the crossing, which a 1999 traffic count found was used 700 times in an hour, as 1200 vehicles passed by in either direction.

A pedestrian crossing in Woodlark Street has been a vexed issue for Lismore Council over the past decade after Council removed it following a recommendation to do so from the RTA.

Council tried to have the crossing restored, but the RTA argued against it saying the street was a regional road.

Repeated requests by Lismore Council for the RTA to install improved lighting have met with no success.

Now local businesspeople are demanding the crossing be returned and Council is investigating options.

Council's road safety officer, Wendy Johnson recognised that the current situation caused confusion for both drivers and pedestrians.

"What happened is an absolute tragedy," she said. "I believe if the whole street was a shared facility - something similar to Magellan Street - it would reduce traffic speeds and provide more opportunities for pedestrians to cross the street."

City Works manager Bill Moorhouse said he wanted to get feedback from the business community before any concrete decisions were made.

"Basically there are three options and we're asking business people about what they think - we can have a fully shared facility, a marked pedestrian crossing or a pedestrian crossing with lights," Bill said. "We're currently asking business people to contact Lismore Unlimited with their thoughts and ideas on how to make it better. We don't want to act until we've heard from all business people affected, so we get the best outcome for all road users."

Pharmacist John Gibson said people take their life into their own hands every time they cross the street.

"While there's never been a tragedy like this before, there are close calls all the time. If something doesn't get done soon another tragedy is going to happen," he said.

Elma Hancock from Lismore Hair Connections was a personal friend of Marie Connor. She's also campaigned fiercely to restore the crossing.

"I lobbied to have it changed for 12 years," Elma said. "In the last three years I just became really frustrated and fed up because I wasn't getting anywhere - I just ran out of steam after all those years. I feel pretty terrible and I've had a few disgusting days... I feel like I let Marie down by not pursuing the situation.

"There's nothing I can do now but continue the fight."

Elma is inviting businesspeople and the public, to attend a meeting next Tuesday, July 23, at 5.15pm at the crossing site to discuss ideas for the crossing.

Mr Moorhouse said he hopes to have a proposal ready for Council's traffic advisory committee meeting next month.

Terra Sword & Simon Thomsen

Hank's Heart Set on the Big Apple

Artist Hank Hickling with his painting Inland Ghnumahl, daughters Jessica and Loretta and Rocky the dog.

A local artist is facing the possible situation of not being able to view his own work.

Anthony 'Hank' Hickling of Casino, won an international art competition which means three of his artworks have been selected to be shown at the Agora Gallery in New York.

The only problem is that Hank is having difficulty raising the funds to get to the US.

"For me from the Bundjalung to be a representative and be able to promote our culture and our art overseas would be just ideal, especially for the next generation," Hank said.

"I've never been overseas but my artwork has toured all around Europe. It would be great to be able to set an example for the youth to be able to be able to follow in my footsteps," he said.

Hank, a father of three, works full time at the Aboriginal Medical Centre in Casino, teaching art.

"I work with people who are effected by drugs and alcohol, giving them other options. It's very effective for youth because a lot don't have goals or visions of what they want to do so when they're bored they start using drugs. It also helps them relax and if they're suffering from depression," he said.

At Tuesday's Council meeting Richmond Valley Mayor Col Sullivan praised Hank's work, which was been presented to Casino's Italian sister city.

"I think he would be an ideal ambassador for the Richmond Valley overseas. He's a well respected and talented local artist," Cr Sullivan said. Council voted to give Hank $500 towards his trip.

So far he's also received sponsorship from the Buyinbin Aboriginal Co-operative, the Casino Aboriginal Land Cooperative, the Regional Arts Organisation of NSW, but despite their assistance, he still doesn't have the funds to make it to New York.

If anyone can help Hank take on the world, call him on 6662 5047 or 0428 881 077.

Story & photo: Rudi Maxwell

Mayor Quizzed

The Department of Local Government has written to Lismore Mayor Bob Gates asking him to clarify the process that led to the appointment of incoming general manager Paul O'Sullivan.

Last month, The Echo revealed claims that Cr Gates intervened in the process, against the recommendation of consultants. The mayor has denied that he added Mr O'Sullivan's name to the interview list.

Revealing the correspondence at last Tuesday's Council meeting, Cr Gates said "Mr O'Sullivan was on the only list [of candidates] I received".

The mayor said the Department of Local Government will be the "final arbiters" of the appointment, following his response.

Levee Contract

Local company Hepburn & Thorpe has won the $4.8 million contract to build the Lismore flood levee from John Street to the RSL Club.

Richmond River County Council chairman Cr Frank Swientek said construction of this stage of the levee should be complete by December 2002.

He said design consultants are currently working on a design for the levee section from the RSL to the former Lismore Club building.

Details on the levee are available from the Project Office at 56 Carrington Street, Lismore. Phone 66 227 500

Telethon Planning

A meeting to discuss a major telethon to raise funds for the Our Kids Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund will be held at the Lismore Workers Club next Wednesday, July 24, from 5.30pm.

The NBN telethon will be held on November 2, and organisers are hoping that potential sponsors, supporters or other interested people can attend to offer ideas and hear the details.

To take part, phone Michelle or Kate on 6622 2147 before July 20.

Fatal Fall Costs

Kyogle Shire Council has been fined $159,500 by the Industrial Relations Commission following the 1999 death of a man who fell from a Bonalbo bridge he was repairing.

The council pleaded guilty to breaching work safety conditions.

Coraki Retirement Home Upgraded

Unveiling the Coraki Retirement Village redevelopment last week were senior care services coordinator Carol Thurgate, Richmond Valley mayor Col Sullivan, local GP Dr Chanchal Marik and MRRV facility manager, Nancye Dransfield.

The Mid-Richmond Retirement Village's new redevelopment was unveiled at a special ceremony last week, following 12 months of work on the site.

The village, established since 1983, is managed by the Richmond Valley Council.

"The redevelopments will be of tremendous benefit to the residents - it means staff can provide palliative care to most residents, a service previously not provided by the village," Richmond Valley Council's director of corporate services, Wayne Halcrow, said. "It means all residents can be an appropriate level of care, whether it's someone with a mild medical condition or someone who needs constant medical supervision. The major upgrade of the facility has also enabled the village to meet accreditation requirements and will make life a little easier and more comfortable for the residents."

The Coraki-based retirement village currently provides care to 39 residents.

Health Care too Costly for Many

A move away from bulk billing by local doctors has made it difficult for low-income earners to access health care according to local patients.

Linda Wimble, who works at a supported accommodation facility for young single mothers in Casino, said many of the residents were suffering.

"One woman recently had to pay $90 up front for a scan following complications to her pregnancy. These women are doing it really tough and it was just lucky we were able to raise the money so she could pay it back later," she said.

Ms Wendell said worries about the cost of health care were adding stress to their pregnancies, putting the babies in increased danger.

She said some simply cannot afford the treatment they need.

Goonellabah GP Dr Andrew Binns said there were many reasons why doctors were abandoning bulk billing.

"The expense of running a medical practice is rising, medical indemnity is escalating out of control and there hasn't been a corresponding increase in the Medicare rebate, so the costs are being handed on to patients," Dr Binns said.

"The more specialised the service, the higher the costs. Obstetricians are the classic example, but GPs are also affected and the situation is set to get worse," Dr Binns said.

"The government needs to look at the whole issue of Medicare rebates. Some people are having trouble accessing the health system because they can't afford it," Dr Binns said.

Others are also being caught out without the cash in their hands.

A Casino man, who asked not to be named, told The Echo he was admitted to Casino Hospital following a car accident, then discharged and sent to Lismore for an X-ray. It was refused when it was discovered he couldn't pay up front. He said he was not told he needed to pay beforehand.

The man was taken back to the Casino, where he was bulk billed for the X-ray, which was done by North Coast Radiology, the company that turned him away in Lismore.

Practice manager Jim Pryce said problems with payments from insurance companies for Third Party injury claims and workers compensation were among the reasons that led them to stop bulk-billing in some situations.

"It's really complicated," Mr Pryce said. "We continue to bulk bill some examinations. The Medicare rebate has been reduced over time - there was an across the board cut in December 2000, then a cut to the catscan rebate in November 2001 - that's when we stopped bulk billing those - and change to the fee schedule for ultrasounds in May this year and that's when we stopped bulk billing them," Mr Pryce said.

"Anyone who is in genuine financial hardship should talk to us and we'll work something out," Mr Pryce said.

Page MP Ian Causley said that it wasn't the federal Government's fault that doctors weren't bulk billing.

"It's disappointing that doctors are opting out of bulk billing. It makes it very difficult for low income earners in particular, especially when they have to pay up front and it's worrying that we're tending down that road," Mr Causley said.

"Obviously it's something that government has to address but I would argue that the Medicare fee has kept up and that other options have to be looked at to ensure people have access to bulk billing."

Today, North Coast Radiology will speak with deputy Prime Minister John Anderson about gaining a Medicare rebates for their MRI scanner based at St Vincent's Hospital.

Prior to the last election, former health minister Dr Michael Wooldridge granted a second licence for an MRI on the Gold Coast, but ignored Lismore, which means patients needing the painless and life saving scans - costing around $500 - are forced to travel to Queensland for bulk billing.

Rudi Maxwell

Hazelton Office Goes it Alone

The turbulence continued for long-suffering Hazelton Airlines staff in Lismore last week, with the regional carrier's new owners, Australiawide, releasing a business plan that did not include the Conway Street retail office.

The decision is a major blow for the 23 staff who've remained loyal to Hazelton following the collapse of Ansett.

But like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, moves are already afoot for a staff-buyout of the office to keep it running.

The move has received support from Australiawide, which is due to take over the company next week.

In an ironic twist, former Traveland manager, Cran Follent, who lost his job when the Ansett-owned travel agency closed, then found work with Hazelton, is planning to lead a staff-run office.

Hazelton's network manager, Maurice Gahan, who has been offered a managerial role in Lismore, has been helping the staff as they go it alone.

"Unfortunately, some staff will lose their jobs, but we're trying to reduce it to an absolute minimum," he said. "This is a great team and they've been offered positions elsewhere in Wagga and Orange, or they will be offered redundancy."

Frantic negotiations over the weekend have already yielded results, with Australiawide agreeing to use the Lismore office to deal with any overflow of customer enquiries.

"Australiawide are anxious to assist where possible and keep the retail outlet in Lismore to support the community. They're doing their absolute best to support this office and return some of the support that Lismore has shown Hazelton over the years," Mr Gahan said.

He said Australiawide CEO Michael Jones was "very impressed" by Lismore Council and the community in support of the airline following a campaign that saw a number of letters backing Hazelton's Lismore service sent to the new owners.

While they are due to finalise ownership on Monday, a decision by pilots to delay signing a new enterprise bargaining agreement could stall the sale of the airlines yet again.

Meanwhile, flights can still be booked through the Lismore office. Phone 66276 100.

Highway Gets an Upgrade

Pineapple Road residents on their new road entry with Lismore Mayor Bob Gates.

People driving down Pineapple Road no longer have to worry about the rough end.

A $700,000 upgrade of the Bruxner Highway to create a safer intersection with Pineapple Road by Lismore Council was opened on Wednesday. The work has moved the dangerous intersection, scene of a number of accidents, 200 metres west and provides two protected right-hand turning lanes for traffic, plus two bus bays and a pedestrian refuge.

Lismore mayor Bob Gates opened the new intersection yesterday

"The old Pineapple Road intersection had only limited sight distance and no forgiveness for motorists turning right. This led to a high incidence of crashes," Cr Gates said. "This new road will be a lot safer particularly for school children catching buses."

Council's roads manager Garry Hemsworth said the work is also part of a long-term plan to provide access to the eastern end of Goonellabah from the Bangalow Road.

"The roadworks will also provide another link towards the proposed urban arterial ring route which will eventually provide better access and route options for motorists traveling around Lismore," Mr Hemsworth said.

Deputy PM keeps $12m promise

Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson watches traffic pass through Alstonville with Cr Marilyn Perkins and Bob Wilson.

National Party leader and deputy prime minister John Anderson dropped in for tea, scones and a chat with Alstonville's local community yesterday, and reaffirmed the federal Government's election promise to contribute $12 million toward the cost of building the $36 million Alstonville Bypass.

The Minister for Transport and Regional Services attacked the state Government for its delays in providing funding for the project. NSW Roads minister Carl Scully said a decision should be made later this year.

"Our funding is available right now. The only impediment to the project going ahead is the failure of the NSW Labor Government to recognise the importance of the bypass to local residents.

"The NSW Government can afford $794 million for the M5 East in Sydney, but there is not a single cent in its Budget for the Alstonville Bypass," Mr Anderson said.

"Alstonville suffers from traffic congestion because it is on the Bruxner Highway, the main access route between Ballina and Lismore. About 13,000 motor vehicles pass through the community each day, but only 45 percent is local traffic."

During Mr Anderson's two day visit to the region, his first since the election, he will inspect improvements at Norco following a $1 million federal grant. Yesterday he opened the new Sustainable Regions office in Tweed Heads. The $12 million program will fund projects in the Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore and Tweed local government areas over the next three years.

The program received more than 170 expressions of interest for funding.

"I expect to be able to be able to announce the first successful projects in October," Mr Anderson said.

Crime Stats Untrue says Business

For media organisations which like a good crime story, this was a yarn too good to resist: over half of Lismore businesses said they'd been victims of crime in the last year according to a State Chamber of Commerce survey.

Radio, television and radio did suitably grave stories about Lismore being 'a centre of crime', with the second highest figures in regional NSW.

The only problem was, a number of the 39 businesses that responded to the survey were actually in Ballina.

While the Chamber of Commerce is using the figures to push the NSW Government for increased policing, the survey results have angered local business organisation Lismore Unlimited, which has labelled them unrepresentative.

Lismore Unlimited Manager Marian Forwood has fired off a furious email to the State Chamber accusing it of undoing all the good work in turning around Lismore's image in recent years.

She said there are 3000 businesses in Lismore, yet only a handful of businesses responded to the voluntary survey.

"We have been working our butts off over the last three years to have the perception that Lismore is a crime capital turned around. It is not true," she wrote.

"These sorts of statistics can be incredibly damaging and definitely do not tell the true story. This is not to say we don't have crime - of course we do. But statistics reported back to us by local police indicate the exact opposite of this survey. There has been a marked decrease in crime since the installation of the Community Safety Program, which includes security cameras in the CBD plus Street Beat patrols."

Ms Forwood said the survey also failed to identify what types of crime were involved, including shoplifting as opposed to street crime.

Statewide, the Chamber of Commerce survey found that 44 per cent of businesses said they had been subject to crime in the last 12 months.

Greens Meet in Casino

The Summerland Greens will hold a forum at Casino RSM Club next Thursday, July 25, from 5.30pm.

Greens spokesperson John Corkill said the Greens want to hear about local issues in the lead-up to next year's NSW and council elections.

"We would also like to meet anyone who is interested in standing as a Greens candidate for the Richmond Valley Shire election later next year," Mr Corkill said.

The meeting will also discuss pre-selection of candidates for the seat of Lismore.

Levee Contract Finalised

Local company Hepburn & Thorpe has won the $4.8 million contract to build the Lismore flood levee from John Street to the RSL Club.

Richmond River County Council chairman Cr Frank Swientek said construction of this stage of the levee should be complete by December 2002. He said design consultants are currently working on a design for the levee section from the RSL to the former Lismore Club building.

Details on the levee are available from the Project Office at 56 Carrington Street, Lismore. Phone 66 227 500.

Locals Stage Hunger Strike

Kyogle resident Cloud went on a hunger strike last week to try to draw attention to the conditions in Australia's detention centres. Picture Rob Cairns.

Three women staged a hunger strike in Kyogle last week to draw attention to the conditions in Australia's detention centres for asylum seekers.

Protest organiser and Kyogle resident Cloud, said that despite the discomfort she experienced it was worthwhile.

"I felt very well, apart from some slight wobbliness at the end of day three as I was packing up. I also suffered some hypothermia that night and was really glad to climb into bed with the electric blanket turned up to high - it felt like my head was in the fridge," Cloud said.

"I'm proud to be called a 'bleeding heart' and Australians should be mourning the loss of our reputation as a country that gives people a fair go. What can I do but share some of the pain of these people and try to get the message of their plight to my fellow Australians?"

Cloud was joined by Melita Luck, who fasted silently for 36-hours. She said her protest was "symbolic of those whose voices are not heard from behind the razor wire".

Vicki Woodland drove the round trip from Tabulam to Kyogle on each of the three days to do the whole three-day fast. She cooked for her partner and two young children at night but didn't eat.

Encouraged by the support for the hunger strike, Cloud (she got nine pages of signatures on a petition) is proposing to form a Kyogle branch of Rural Australians for Refugees. The first public meeting will be on August 26.

Council Down Under

Water manager Anu Atukorala and Lismore mayor Bob Gates are given the rundown on the new trenchless technology by Collex Nodig managing director, Trevor Groeneveld.

Lismore ratepayers will save more than 20 per cent on the cost of renewing the city's ageing sewer system thanks to new 'trenchless technology'.

Council has awarded Collex Nodig a $450,000 contract for work on sewers in five Lismore streets - a saving more than $100,000 if the conventional method was used.

"Trenchless technology is cost-effective, less disruptive for nearby residents and provides a very effective solution," Lismore mayor, Bob Gates, said. "Relining the sewer will extend its life by 50 years."

The process is monitored closed circuit television cameras. A deflated fibreglass bag filled with liquid resin is inserted through the old sewer and then inflated so it is tight against the walls of the old sewer. Using ultraviolet light the resin is hardened, effectively creating an entirely new pipe within the old one. Once complete, holes are cut in the liner for house connections and the process is complete.

"This is a new technology to Australia. It means we don't have to do excavations, tree removal, groundwater pumping or digging, which saves a huge amount of time and disruption," Collex Nodig managing director, Trevor Groeneveld, said. "

Crown, Dawson, James, Casino and Neilsen streets will receive the new pipes. The work is expected to continue for another five weeks.

New Energy at Oakes Centre

Getting into the spirit of NAIDOC Week with a little artistic face painting at the Oakes Community Centre last week are (l-r) Dorothy Robinson, Annalisha Hickling and Kaylah Torrens.

Despite recent difficulties, Casino's Oakes Community Centre is thriving, according to community development officer Patti Munro, with NAIDOC Week celebrations attracting more than 120 people from the local community.

The day was opened with an Elders welcome by Aunty Phyllis Torrens and Jose Walker, and a minute silence in remembrance of local elder Uncle Fletcher Roberts.

Patti, who has been working at the centre for about three months, says the day was organised by the local community and was one of many community events to be held there in the near future.

"The Centre is in the middle of a public housing estate and there's been a lot of unwarranted bad press about disharmony within the estate and the community centre," Patti said.

"In the 12 weeks I've been here I've found it to be a great place, with lots of enthusiasm and energy from the residents to get events happening here.

"The goal is to help the residents gain skills so they can manage their own events and develop activities relevant for the needs of their community. The residents have already come up with some ideas for activities including discos for children, family fun days, touch football competitions, a children's playgroup and much more.

"What small problems we have are worked through by the residents themselves, with some support from me in my capacity as a community development officer, which demonstrates people's willingness to work together for the benefit of their community."

A number of events are already planned at the Oakes Community Centre, including a Yarnup Day this Saturday to look at further developing harmony in the community.

The next big event is a National Tree Day tree planting day on Friday, July 26 at the centre from 3-5pm. The day will feature a free sausage sizzle and planting of shade trees around the centre.

For more information phone the Centre on 6662 5435.

Terra Sword

Rotary's New President

After more than eight years as a member of the Rotary Club of Lismore West, Merv Bryant (pictured) was sworn in as its new president last week.

Merv, 51, is already looking at a number of new fundraising projects for the 2002/2003 financial year.

"The Club does various projects each year to help the needy in our community, and I'm looking forward to continuing that good work through similar projects this year," Merv said. "Last year for instance the Rotary Club of Lismore West raised $6,000 for the Lismore Base Hospital Children's Ward. The club also sent about 10,000 tonnes of books from local schools to third world countries and donated $7,000 to the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, just to name a few. This year we will continue to support our ongoing projects and also establish some new fundraising efforts, which we are still in the process of finalising."

Merv, who has owned and operated Lismore Diesel Service in North Lismore for more than 28 years, and replaces Ron Chittick.

Merv will be supported by Norm Robinson (secretary), Philip Brunt (treasurer), Keith Weston (club service director), Ian Mulligan (community service director), Ross Wilson (vocational service director), Graham Bathgate (international service director), Ron Chittick (vice-president), and Graeme Hargreaves (president elect).

This week's features: Travel - Local Businesses - Health and Wellbeing

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