 The Northern Rivers Echo Main News
Soup Insurance a Fine Pickle
 Five Loaves Mobile Soup Kitchen operator Darcy Goodwin outside the Southern Cross University campus in Lismore on Tuesday, where he will serve free meals until his insurance woes have been settled.
Local Soup Kitchen legend Darcy Goodwin has spent the last two and half years giving away soup for free at the Southern Cross University. But the free food for students has been threatened after university officials told the community volunteer he can't serve the soup unless he pays around $35 a week in public liability insurance.
The decision has left Darcy - and the 300 odd students he feeds every week - angry and demanding the University foot the bill for insurance.
"I think it's only right and proper that I'm allowed to serve meals in the university grounds, as that's what I was originally asked to do," Darcy said. "I don't think the insurance should have anything to do with me at all - and if it's not paid I don't care, I'm not stopping the service. I'll do it out in the paddock and under the stars if I have to.
"I've been running the service in Nimbin and Lismore for 15 years and nothing has happened, and I don't see why anything would happen now. It seems ridiculous to be scared of something that's only a possibility. Whatever happens there'll still be a meal here - even if it's outside campus grounds - for students each week."
ýhe trouble began about 10 days ago following the review of SCU's insurance that found Darcy had no public liability insurance. The Student Representative Council, which helps pay for the cost of the food, approached SCU management to see if the soup kitchen could be covered under the University's policy, but to no avail. A local insurance broker gave them a $1,700 per annum quote for insurance.
SRC councillor Eric Bateman said that left them in a 'Catch 22' situation.
"For the past two years the SRC has subsidised Darcy's free meals - basically the SRC and Darcy have to date shared the cost of serving the free meals," he said. "And this is where it gets complicated for us - if the SRC pays the $1,700 insurance cost, we can't afford to subsidise the meals. But if there is no insurance the SRC can't subsidise the meals anyway."
The SRC plans to meet with facility manager Mike Cooper and the university's insurance brokers next Monday, in an attempt to persuade SCU to pay the cost of the insurance.
Mr Bateman said that if all else failed, the SRC would pay the bill.
"It will no doubt create some difficulties for SRC, but Darcy's service is very beneficial for the students and we want to see it continue. Some people have the perception that students are well off, but in reality most are in a state of poverty. A lot of students depend on the free food day to make ends meet. "Without it, some students simply wouldn't eat."
The SCU spokesperson did not return The Echo's calls.
Terra Sword
Help a Furry Friend
 Showing off some of the merchandise on sale tomorrow during National Koala Day are Friends of the Koala (FOK) mascot Rosegum the koala, FOK education officer, Julia Sidnell, and her children Dakota and Zahri Christian.
Lismore is one of the few areas left in NSW with a koala population and tomorrow, July 26, is National Koala Day, so people have the opportunity to help local volunteers in their efforts to help this national icon survive.
An initiative of the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) will see some of the proceeds from the sale of koala day merchandise go to the Lismore-based Friends of the Koala (FOK) group.
"Koala numbers are decreasing on the north coast due to habitat loss, car accidents, dog attacks and the stress of living in urban areas," FOK education officer, Julia Sidnell, said. "The proceeds from tomorrow's sales will go toward the running costs of the Koala Care Centre in Lismore, where we rehabilitate injured and sick koalas before releasing them back into the wild. I think as a community, we are so privileged to have them in our local environment - there are not many areas left in Australia where they are still in the wild. "Koalas are a beautiful animal and an Australian icon - we need all the help we get to save these magnificent creatures."
The koala day goodies include stickers, temporary tattoos and sun visors, costing just $2 each. These can be purchased from the Friends of the Koala stalls tomorrow at Lismore Central and Lismore Shopping Square, 9am-4pm, and in Southern Cross University Plaza 11am-2pm. They'll also be available from Lismore's ABC bookshop, the Big Scrub Environment Centre and local Girl Guides selling merchandise in the CBD on Saturday.
You'll also be able to find out more about koalas at the stalls, ask questions, say hello to FOK's life-sized koala mascot Rosegum (she will move between the FOK stalls throughout the day) and meet the local carers.
Friends of the Koala are always looking for new members and volunteers, to help with everything from collecting leaves and planting trees to cleaning cages and tending to the koalas in their care.
FOK also have free koala food trees for people who would like to plant them on their property. To get involved, or for more information phone 6622 1233.
Students Smell the Grease Paint
 Trinity Catholic College students Jazz Andrews, Demelza Witham, Carmel Killingbeck and Daniel Hall (pictured) are among the HSC drama candidates preparing for their performance examination in a couple of weeks, and local audiences will get a chance to see a sneak preview of their efforts this weekend when they star in the annual HSC showcase On Stage.
The performances range from pieces by Chekov and Pinter to Berkoff and original collages. The group pieces are inspired by the stylised Japanese form Butoh.
There are four shows featuring two programs. The first is tonight, July 25, at 7pm, then on Saturday at 3pm. The second program will be performed this Friday and Saturday, at 7pm. Tickets are $8, or $12 for both performances, from the St Mary's site office, or at the door.
And then there was the Word
With just a week to go before the opening of the Byron Bay Writers Festival, it's set to be a major hit with feature events selling out quickly. The good news for people who yet to get a ticket - there is still plenty of room for all at the Festival.
With a packed 4-day program, audiences have a feast to select from including everything from readings, launches of some wonderful new books, panels, conversations and most importantly the exploration of ideas. Festival director Jill Eddington suggests the following events are not to be missed.
The series of " In Conversations" feature writers who are a must see. This is the chance to see the person behind the writing with a focus on writers such as Ita Buttrose, Jennifer Byrne, Bryce Courternay, Mardi McConnochie, Drusilla Modjeska and philosopher Rai Gaita.
Don't forget Saturday is kids' day. The kids' tent starts at 10.15am with Nette Hilton, Markus Zusak, Jackie French, Simon Higgins, Matt Ottley and cartoonist Tohby Riddle. This year
Saturday Kid's Day Passes are only $18, while a Kid's Single session is $8. Make sure anyone between 8 and 17 years are there.
Meanwhile there are plenty of panels for readers of all ages including "Writing About Life Long Fascinations", "New Worlds, New Words", "Inspiring Characters" and "Why am I Here? The Writer's Refrain". These include writers and personalities like Roger McDonald, Hilary McPhee, Robyn Williams, Donald Horne & Arnold Zable.
Special mention must be made of the Sunday Film Program, which features the seminars and panels throughout the day for anyone working and writing in the Film Industry.
On Saturday, August 3, the traditional Peter Corris Golf Day, will feature in the morning while at night the Film Night will feature the superb Australian film Hard Word and as always Peter Thompson will lead this discussion. The panel this year includes both the producer, Al Clark and the writer/director, Scott Roberts.
For the "hair of the dog" festival goers or for real "foodies" there is a special treat on Monday, August 5, in the form of a second Literary Lunch with David Dale & Alan Saunders discussing Food and Travel at Fins. Tickets to this are selling quickly so make sure you don't miss out on this one.
If you still wonder what it's all about come along to a special pre festival event on Wednesday, August 1, at the Railway Friendly Bar at 5.30pm. This is meant to get the whole community in to the mood with the festival joining the library in celebrating "Ned Kelly". It is a fundraiser for the Byron Bay Library and will be a great way to see how much fun literature can be.
You can buy day passes or single sessions, but make sure you don't miss out on this truly wonderful experience. Programs information and tickets are available at Jetset Travel, Marvel St. Byron Bay or call 6685 6554 (until Thursday only next week). During the festival, tickets will be available at the Byron Bay Beach Resort Festival Ticket Office.
Boys Expert Speaks
 Well-known author Steve Biddulph will be talking about raising boys at public talks in Lismore and Byron Bay.
Psychologist and the author of the bestsellers Raising Boys, Manhood and The Secret of Happy Children, Steve Biddulph, will give two public talks on raising boys in Lismore and Byron Bay this week.
Biddulph will talk his Saturday, July 27, at Lismore High School, from 7.30pm, and on Monday, July 29, at Byron Bay High School.
Steve will discuss a range of topics about boys, including the three stages of boyhood, keeping the special qualities of boys, the importance of fathers, testosterone, why boys love rough and tumble games, what to do if you're a single mum, and boys and housework.
"We all want our boys to grow up safe and happy, positive and motivated," Steve said. "Come and hear about how this can be done - in simple practical ways that will make immediate sense. Plus, just by coming along you're helping raise money for very worthwhile organisations and projects."
Proceeds will go to the Rural Australian for Refugees and five local projects including The Uncle Project and Father Son Journeys.
Tickets are $15/10 or $25 for a couple from Caddies Lismore and Bangalow, Book Warehouse in Lismore and Ballina, and Focus Crafts in Byron Bay.
The Best of Bentley Art
 While compulsory voting in this Saturday's Council referendum will be on the mind of Richmond Valley residents this weekend, the pretty village of Bentley, on the Kyogle Road, will host the 18th annual Bentley Art Prize, which opens tomorrow night, July 26.
The one thing you won't be able to do is vote at the Bentley hall, which is usually a polling booth, but this weekend, it will be transformed into a spectacular art gallery.
Organiser Reg Hartley (pictured) has received more than 270 entries, including a number of top indigenous works. The artists are vying for $4000 in cash prizes, including the $1000 open art prize.
On Friday from 7.30pm there's wine, cheese and entertainment as the works are judged. The winners will be announced during the official opening at 2pm on Saturday.
Saturday will have a carnival atmosphere, with local produce stalls, entertainment, and a BBQ. The art show will be open 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday.
The Bentley Art Prize concludes on Sunday and is open 9.30am to 3pm.
Entry is $3/$1.50 children/$10 family. Funds raised from the show will go to repainting the hall - no doubt in time for next year's NSW elections.
Woodlark Crossing Campaign Continues
 Woodlark business people Elma Hancock from Lismore Hair Connection and owner of Scott's Newsagency, Bert Scott, with some of the concerned residents who attended Tuesday night's meeting.
More than 35 concerned Lismore residents met on Tuesday to discuss options for the pedestrian refuge in Woodlark Street, where 56 year-old Marie Connor was killed recently.
Lismore Hair Connections proprietor Elma Hancock, a personal friend of Marie and a long-time campaigner against the current pedestrian refuge, has been leading the charge for a new crossing.
"It's no good waiting for another tragedy - we have to do something now," Elma said. "We would have liked to have seen even more people at the meeting, but this is a start. Our main aim is to get a crossing of some kind, so there's no confusion and everyone knows whose responsibility it is to give way. We want to get rid of all these grey areas and make the rules black and white for road users."
The group's suggestions included flashing warning lights and make the area a 10km/h advisory zone. Other suggestions included making it a marked pedestrian crossing, clearing the shrubs away from around the crossing to enhance visibility, making the entire CBD block a 40km zone and installing more signs to clarify the changes.
"A group of six people, including myself, Bert Scott and other concerned residents, hope to meet with the mayor in the next week to discuss these options, as we want to see a firm decision made at the August 13 Council meeting."
Elma and Bert will hold another meeting next Tuesday, July 30 from 5.15pm, to report any progress. Businesspeople and residents are welcome to attend.
Cabbage Tree Talent
 Jan Levy and Sue Harland, art and craft teachers, model some of the printed fabrics created by the women of Cabbage Tree Island, which are on show at Lismore Central next week.
The screen-printed and hand-painted fabrics, plus batik and acrylic paintings, will be on sale at reasonable prices downstairs at Lismore Central from next Tuesday to Thursday, July 30 to August 1.
The 24 female artists are in the second year of a three year Adult Community Education art and craft course. Next Tuesday at 11.30am, the fabrics will be modelled by young girls from Cabbage Tree Island in a fashion show at Lismore Central. All are welcome.
Revolve Expands
The Revolve Centre at the Wyrallah Road Waste Facility has been so successful it's doubling in size. The Centre is operated by contractor Henderson's Metal Recyclers, who salvage material from the tip to sell in the centre.
Northern Rivers Waste manager, Kieran Wade, said the response from the public in the first year of operation has taken council by surprise.
"We knew the idea would work, but the extent to which the public is cooperating is phenomenal," he said.
The Revolve Centre is removing an average of 19 tonnes per month of landfill.
Lismore City Council on Show
As part of Local Government Week, July 29-August 2, Lismore City Council is holding an information stall in Lismore all week.
Council staff and councillors will be available throughout the week to explain council programs and answer queries from the public.
Lismore Mayor, Bob Gates, said that council was involved in many large and small projects, which people can find out more about during LGW.
"Whether it's high-profile activities such as building safer roads or collecting garbage, or some of our newer responsibilities such as promoting cleaner rivers, the Lismore Council has a daily involvement with its community," Cr Gates said. "We are part of Lismore's everyday life, and our activities concern - and involve - everyone who lives here."
Cr Gates said that the council was now involved in many areas beside the traditional 'rates, roads and rubbish'.
"The modern council is also involved in contributing to the economic and tourism growth of Lismore," Cr Gates said. "We do this by providing social programs such as libraries, childcare and better access for people with disabilities, and helping to improve the environment by enforcing sustainable development principles, waste minimisation and storm water protection. LGW is a great opportunity for Lismore residents to find out more about how council works. I extend an open invitation to all to stop by council's information stall."
The Council information stall will be at the Lismore Central Shopping Centre on Monday and Tuesday, July 29-30, and then at Lismore Shopping Square from Wednesday to Friday, July 31-August 2, all from 9am-5pm.
For details on what Lismore City Council has been doing, see pages 16 and 17 in this week's Echo.
Do the Hustle!
 Practising the Herbal Hustle are (l-r) dance teacher Heather Sidney, Northern Rivers Dance Action manager Emma Newman, mayor Bob Gates, Herbal Hustle teacher Marian Forwood, Lismore MP Thomas George, assistant Herbal Hustle teacher Shelley Grace, and local girls Tilani Brockenshire and Monique McCormack.
Many people will remember the hustle from the early 80s, and thanks to the organisers of the Northern Rivers Herb Festival you can relive all the magic - down the main street of Lismore next month.
The Herbal Hustle, as its been dubbed, is an easy (for those who don't remember) and fun dance sequence anyone can learn. People who join in will learn the dance at the free one hour classes held on the Saturday's leading up to the festival. Then everyone will dress up in green and lead the Herbie Parade on Saturday, August 17, up Molesworth Street.
"Anyone can do this - it's for all ages, it's simple and a lot of fun," Herbal Hustle teacher, Marian Forwood, said. "If you boogied to the Macarena then you'll love this!"
Northern Rivers Herb Festival organiser, Louise Barry, is just as enthusiastic.
"The Herbal Hustle is a great chance for everyone to get involved in the Herbie Parade," Louise said. "So don't worry if you don't drive a VW beetle - get down and learn the Herbal Hustle. It'll be great fun and terrific exercise!"
The free classes are on the next three Saturdays, July 27, August 3 and 10, at St Paul's Memorial Hall (opposite Woolworths in Keen Street) from 10-11am.
For more information phone Marian on 6621 4366.
Local Achievers Recognised
 Overseas volunteer Doris Williams and student Adam Kurz were presented with certificates by Page MP Ian Causley.
If you need a problem solved logically, then Lismore High School student Adam Kurz could well have your answer.
Adam has recently returned from the International Olympiad in Infomatics in Finland where he competed against 273 other students from 80 countries.
"Infomatics is the French word for computer programming. We were given various problems and then had five hours each day to write and submit a program solving them," Adam said.
The students were marked out of 600 with most scoring less than 100. Adam scored 216.
He first became interested in computer programming at age 14 and was selected as one of Australia's top 20 students to compete in the Australian Olympiad last year.
The International Olympiad was the first time Adam had travelled overseas.
"We went to Tempre, in Finland. The whole place looked just like Lismore from the air, it was incredibly green but 250,000 people live there and it's very old with beautiful cobbled streets and big, wide avenues," he said.
Page MP Ian Causley presented Adam with an Australian Students' Prize this week. Adam plans to go to university in Brisbane and study software engineering.
Mr Causley also presented Terania Creek resident Doris Williams with a certificate of appreciation from the federal Government for her work teaching in Nepal.
"It was the most wonderful experience living and working in another culture and being part of a community and family," Doris said.
Although she did manage to find some time to go trekking and attend festivals Doris' work in Nepal also had a serious side.
"There was a Maoist strike one day and the 15 children I was teaching had to be taken home safely. It was scary, I didn't know if we'd be safe or not," she said.
Margaret Rollings from Kyogle will also receive a certificate of appreciation for her work translating in East Timor and Kate Ogg of Lismore Heights will receive an Australian Students' Prize.
Pollution Concerns Dog Evans Head
 Salty Lagoon at Evans Head in June after a fish kill.
Despite environmental concerns raised by residents about the Evans Head sewerage treatment plant, Richmond Valley Council have approved further development at Evans Head.
At last Tuesday's meeting, Council voted 8-1 (Cr Jeffrey against) to allow the development of eight strata units in Cypress Street.
Concerned Evans Head residents' brought the STP to the attention of environmental regulators when there was a major fish kill in Salty Lagoon in June.
While the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) cleared the Council-owned Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) of responsibility for the fish kill, it still has concerns about the effects it has on Salty Lagoon.
Alex Purvis, EPA regional manager said that Council must find ways to reduce the amount of pollutants caused by the STP.
"We investigated all available information to endeavour to find if anything untoward occurred. Based on information we received there was no malfunction of the plant," Mr Purvis said. "But it certainly shows the lagoon is stressed and that the STP is probably contributing to that. We're not exactly happy with the nature of the plant - the quality is not up to modern standards, hence we've put on their licence a Pollution Reduction Plan which means they must identify options as to how to deal with sewerage," Mr Purvis said.
"Council monitor effluent on a fortnightly basis and if something irregular occurs they need to identify it to us immediately so we can take appropriate action.
"The STP discharges into what is sometimes a closed lagoon and it is certainly not improving the quality of the water. We're focussing on environmental improvement hence getting something done about the plant," Mr Purvis said.
At last Tuesday's meeting Cr Ray Jeffery moved that the Richmond Valley Wastewater Committee reconvene as soon as possible to discuss the issues involved with the STP. It was defeated 2-7 (Crs Jeffrey, McKey for).
"The whole of the Woodburn-Evans Head area is concerned about this issue and it's time we got the waste water plans clarified," Cr Jeffery said.
Cr Robert Mustow said he didn't believe there was such an urgent need.
"The EPA is happy with what's going on with the fish kill," he said.
Richmond Valley Council works director Jerry Bliss said that plans were already underway to improve sewerage treatment at Evans Head.
"I don't think anyone's saying there's no effluent, but the extent is always up for argument. We're working with the EPA to lower effluent levels during the next two to three years until we can do a permanent upgrade to the treatment system," Mr Bliss said.
Council decided to send out a newsletter on the issue, then hold a wastewater management committee meeting in about three months time.
Rudi Maxwell
Hugh Mackay Visits Lismore
Social commentator and novelist Hugh McKay will speak in Lismore next month.
One of Australia's best known social commentators, Hugh Mackay, will speak at a special dinner in Lismore on Wednesday, August 7, to celebrate the launch of his fourth novel, Winter Close.
The book is the opening of a trilogy, A Self-Made Man, set in Sydney's present-day northern suburbs.
Mr Mackay, a psychologist and social commentator, will also visit two local bookshops, Book Warehouse in Lismore, at 11.30am that day and the Co-Op Bookshop at Southern Cross University at 1pm, followed by the launch dinner at SCU's Invercauld House, Goonellabah, from 6.30pm.
Prior to the meal and his after-dinner speech, he will sign copies of the novel and mingle with guests.
Tickets for the dinner, including a full buffet meal and drinks, are $50.
Any surplus funds from the non-profit event will be donated to the Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund appeal, 'Our Kids'.
For bookings, please contact Lisa Bartholomew at Invercauld House on 6624 1881. Credit card bookings can be accepted.
Alstonville Apex Turns 30
The Apex Club of Alstonville will celebrate its 30th Birthday at their annual Changeover Dinner on Saturday, July 27, at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre.
All past members and their partners are invited to attend.
Alstonville Apex is open to both men and women between the ages of 18 and 45 and is always keen to welcome new members. They meet for dinner fortnightly on a Thursday night at the Pioneer Tavern in Wollongbar.
Anyone interested in attending the Club's Changeover Dinner on July 27 or in finding out more about Apex should ring Tom on 6628 6808 or Natalie on 6628 6784.
Go Forth and Multiply: Deputy PM
 Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson tries Norco's award-winning ice cream, watched by CEO Bernard O'Brien, during a visit to the factory last week.
Next month, Norco will send two container loads - around 60,000 litres - of vanilla ice-cream to Japan as part of a trial with a major Japanese company. Norco is currently working on developing new flavours with the client. Mr O'Brien hopes Norco will soon begin monthly shipments to Japan, creating up to 19 extra jobs at the South Lismore site. Following a $2.4 million upgrade at the plant - thanks in part to a $1 million grant from the federal Government - Norco hopes to target more export markets with its ice-cream products.
While the Coalition claimed it won the last election by appealing to the "aspirational" voter, it's the characteristic they're identified by - a desire for improved wealth and economic circumstances - which deputy Prime Minister and National Party leader John Anderson blames for falling birth rates in Australia.
Speaking at a breakfast for businesspeople in Lismore last Thursday, Mr Anderson said Australia had become "an incredibly materialistic society" that was choosing a second car or home improvements over children.
Mr Anderson claimed that while the government had created good economic conditions, including low interest rates, couples had used any savings to upgrade their home rather than start a family.
He said the nation's declining birth rate - down from 2.1 children per couple to 1.7 - has serious economic ramifications and was the major social issue facing the community. The deputy PM urged more women to choose staying at home as a mother over work.
But his comments drew sharp criticism from Lismore Unlimited manager Marian Forwood, who argued that the biggest problem was the lack of respect shown by men towards the important role of mothering, resulting in a loss of self-esteem by women.
"Having children and mothering is very hard work," she said. "But it is work, and in this debate, you need to distinguish between paid work and unpaid work."
The room clapped in support of Ms Forwood's comments.
Mr Anderson apologised if his comments had offended anyone, arguing that the lack of respect shown by men had led to feminism.
"Years later, men are left not knowing how to respect women," he said.
Saying that the current debate over paid maternity leave was "a separate issue", he said the community had to decide where its values where if the country was to prosper.
Later that day, speaking about the sale of Telstra, which he supports, Mr Anderson said modern communications were critical to regional Australia.
"Improved standards guarantee jobs," he said.
Brushing aside the loss of 80 jobs at the Lismore directory assistance call centre, Mr Anderson said there had been a net increase in the number of people employed by Telstra under the Coalition.
Simon Thomsen
Recycling Review
Following an 18-month review, which looked at nine different options for recycling in Lismore, Council has awarded a new eight-year contract to Richmond Waste Services to retain the current recycling method.
Council's waste minimisation officer, Lesley Trott, said community consultation had helped determine which way to go.
"Maintaining the existing arrangement of four drop off centres ranked as the number one community choice for Lismore," she said. "Since then Council has worked on getting the contract right, to provide the community with a better level of service and a cleaner, more efficient turn-around of skips."
Ms Trott asked residents to be patient as some improvements are made at the drop off centres.
An increase in Council's environment levy to $38.50 this year will fund the new recycling service.
New Home for Community TV
 Lismore-based community television station LINC TV moved into new premises on Molesworth Street this week.
Opening the new office, which boasts a fully-operational editing suite, programming office, administration office and production room were station manager Jamie Sullivan and chair Aliison Kelly (front) with volunteers (clockwise from left) Troy Beddoes, Triston Griffin, Ron Cahill, Scott Borton, Greg Neal, Sarah Walker and Kimberley K-Style.
Thanks to the premises owners Phil and Helen Feros, LINC TV has been granted two months free rent to help the organisation get back on its feet.
"Volunteers are now busily preparing the station for re-transmission in late August," LINC TV chair, Aliison Kelly, said. "We're always looking for more interested people to join the organisation and the perfect time to do it is at LINC TV's upcoming AGM."
The AGM is this Friday, July 26, at the new office, upstairs at 1/70 Molesworth Street, from 5.30pm, followed by an office warming party. Nominations will be accepted until 5.30pm. For more information phone Jamie on 6622 0144 or Aliison on 6621 6079.
Kids on Family Law
A Southern Cross University research project is seeking the views of young adults whose lives may have been affected by Australian Family Law.
The pilot study will investigate whether individuals felt their wishes and views were heard, as children, during the legal process.
Researcher Robyn Fitzgerald from the School of Law and Dr Anne Graham from the School of Education said the research will look at the Family Law Reform Act, introduced in 1995, with its increased importance on the interests of the child.
Anyone interested in participating in the pilot study must be over the age of 18 years, and their experiences must have taken place since the introduction of the Family Law Reform Act in 1995.
Contact Robyn Fitzgerald on 0411 800 447 or by email at robfitz@nnsw.quik.com.au
Apex Shares Its Efforts
 The Apex Club of Lismore's 64th changeover dinner on Saturday was a huge success, with the organisation donating a total of $3,200 to local charities.
Outgoing president Kevin Poole (left) and incoming president Butch Verado are pictured at the event on Saturday with (l-r) Rescue Helicopter fundraising officer Bob Wilson, Civilian Widows members Olive Kelly and Ella Smith, who have spent countless hours selling raffle tickets, Lifeline coordinator Janet Gates and Maggie Moores proprietor Peter Durning. Cheques were presented to local charities at the dinner - $700 to Lifeline, $1,000 to the Rescue Helicopter and $1,500 to the Our Kids Northern Rivers Health Fund. The money was raised through a number of events including a Melbourne Cup Luncheon, Christmas raffle, Australia Day BBQ, the popular greyhound races and much more.
During the evening Apexians were also presented with a number of awards, with outgoing president Kevin Poole taking away four of the six awards, including Apexian of the Year.
"It's been a very full and active 12 months and I thank all the members for their support and encouragement along the way," Kevin said. "The club has grown this year with four new members and we have given more than 530 service hours to the local community. This year as president has certainly lived up to the motto of Apex for me, which is 'grow, learn, make friends, have fun, while helping others'. I wish Butch and the new directors the same for the new year."
The Apex Club of Lismore's upcoming meeting next Wednesday, July 31 at Maggie Moores from 7pm. All are welcome.
New Surgery Opens
 Plastic surgeon Craig Layte, who recently joined the Ballina Day Surgery and Specialist Centre (BDSSC). Plastic and reconstructive surgery are just two of the many services available at BDSSC.
Ballina Day Surgery and Specialist Centre (BDSSC) will open its doors to the public this Saturday, July 27 for the centre's Open Day.
The $5 million medical facility has two state-of-the-art operating theatres equipped to handle day surgery and the centre also houses the Ballina Eye Centre, Ballina Cardiology and Mayne Pathology.
The centre can provide eye surgery, general surgery, dental surgery, endoscopy services and now plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with the addition of Gold Coast-based plastic surgeon Dr Craig Layte.
Dr Layte has been servicing Northern Rivers residents from St Vincent's Hospital in Lismore, visiting the area once a month.
"The BDSSC is a fantastic surgery - it has well-appointed theatres, is professionally run and seems like a great place to work," Dr Layte said. "I've been seeing a lot of patients from Ballina and Lennox Head, and I thought it's better to bring myself to the patients than bring the patients to me. It will cut out travel time for patients and make their life a little easier. Plus the Northern Rivers is a regional hub and is certainly big enough to warrant such a facility."
The Open Day on Saturday is for the whole family. People have the opportunity to take operating theatre tours and talk to some of the doctors and staff in the facility (Dr Layte is unable to attend the Open Day due to other commitments).
The Open Day will start at 12pm, with an official opening by Ballina MP Don Page and his wife, Morag. The BDSSC is at 46 Tamar Street, Ballina.
For more information phone 6681 9999.
This week's features: Legal Feature - National Tree Day - Local Businesses
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