 The Northern Rivers Echo Main News
Crossing Returns to CBD
 Elma Hancock from Lismore Hair Connections and acting mayor Merv King inspect the Woodlark Street refuge, where a pedestrian crossing will be installed.
Lismore City Council will install a pedestrian crossing at the Woodlark Street refuge, following a fatal accident at the crossing in August.
Lismore Hair Connections proprietor Elma Hancock and other concerned residents led the charge for a new crossing, although their first choice was traffic lights.
Council asked the RTA to install the lights, but Council's traffic advisory committee, chaired by City Works manager Bill Moorhouse, decided that a pedestrian crossing would be faster short term solution.
'We're all really pleased the council is doing something, and that it's being done sooner rather than later," Elma said. 'The majority of people we have talked to at meetings have requested lights, but a we're still glad to have a safe crossing that everyone understands how to use. We just hope now that drivers and pedestrians will have respect for one another."
Council will also improve traffic conditions and alter signage to encourage through-bound traffic to detour around Woodlark Street, and use Zadoc Street.
'The Council has heard loudly and clearly that the public want Woodlark Street to be made safer for pedestrians," acting mayor Merv King said. 'A pedestrian crossing will do that. In many respects Woodlark Street in unique in NSW because it is rare to find a major CBD street also acting as a significant regional thoroughfare. On a weekday, over 15,000 cars use the road and sometimes up to 600 pedestrians an hour."
The crossing will be installed as an interim measure so that the effect on traffic flow and pedestrians can be studied. Council is currently undertaking a study on traffic management in Lismore's CBD and the data will be used to develop an overall traffic plan. Council is planning to hold a workshop on the issue, involving the police, the RTA and concerned residents, in October.
A Prayer for Peace
 While the world paused to remember the horror that unfolded in America a year ago on September 11, Gerda and Chris Hawke (pictured) were among those who attended a prayer vigil at St Andrew's Anglican Church in Lismore on Wednesday night, to light a candle in a prayer for peace. Organised by Anglican minister Cameron Venables, the prayer vigil gave people the opportunity to reflect on the events of the last 12 months.
'We live in a changing world and I pray for a change of heart in people, especially world leaders, to break the cycle of responding to terror and violence with more terror and violence," Gerda said. 'Chris and I have worked for peace and justice in the world all of our lives. We need to be creative and look at different options, rather than responding to war with war."
Story & photo: Terra Sword
Water Restrictions Continue
Recent rainfall has failed to replenish Rocky Creek Dam, with water levels continuing to fall, despite water restrictions over the past month.
Rous Water acting general manager Gary Faulks said that little of the rain had actually fallen in the catchment area, and the dam level had now fallen to a new all-time low of 40 per cent. As a result, level three restrictions, which limit households to an hour for watering, every second day, remain in place.
'A joint community effort is required to reduce consumption to ensure the water supply lasts throughout what is predicted to be a hot and dry Spring and Summer," Mr Faulks said. 'This also coincides with the busy holiday period, which sees a large influx of tourists into the region and an increase in the demand for water."
Under level three restrictions, outdoor water use is limited to hand-held hoses for one hour between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on alternate days. Even numbered households can water on even numbered days - ie September 12, 14, 16, etc - and odd numbered houses on odd calendar days. Restrictions also apply to business and commercial users.
The restrictions apply to residents in the Ballina, Byron, lower Richmond Valley and Lismore (excluding Nimbin) council areas.
Mr Faulks said that Rous Water is investigating a range of water efficiency programs focusing on outdoor water use and tourist consumption. Meanwhile, town water residents can take part in the Rous House Tune-Up program. To take part, call 1300 557 873.
Wollongbar Pre-School Means Business
 Wollongbar pre-school teacher Dianne Partridge, Bill Payne from Ardill Payne, Mark Whitehead from Wollongbar Dental Practice, Sam Green from Rochedale Financial Services, State MP Don Page, Ross MacDougald from FPI Oceania, president of the Wollongbar pre-school management committee and Richard Viner from Plateau Property with students Dylan Johns, Marc Easson and Tim Horowitz.
When Wollongbar pre-school management committee president Julie Rhodes was faced with the problem of cuts in funding causing huge problems for the school she took a fresh approach.
Julie, who has run her own small business, approached local businesses with the idea of starting a community partnership program.
Although she received about 70 knockbacks Julie kept going and eventually found willing partners in Richard Templeman Constructions, Wollongbar Dental Practice, Plateau Pools, Ardill Payne, John Eggins, Rothwells Pump and Irrigation, FPI Oceania, Rochedale Financial Services, Plateau Property, The Bellowing Bull and Country Energy.
'Federal government policies are currently favouring long day care centres over community based pre-schools and the state government has failed to provide top up funding for pay rises given to early childhood workers late last year," she said.
'In 2002 Wollongbar pre-school, like many community pre-schools, is doing it tough. Pre-schools in our area face the very real prospect of having to close," Julie said.
Julie said that when her scheme was met with scepticism she pointed to the mutual benefits.
'I believe that partnerships with the community will also become an essential part of doing business in the 21st century. In the current climate of bad business behaviour, consumers will be looking for businesses which differentiate themselves by a commitment to good corporate citizenship," she said.
The local businesses who have already signed up mean that the pre-school can afford to buy books for this year and begin looking at upgrading equipment for next year.
Wollongbar pre-school's innovative approach comes at a time when many pre-schools are threatened with closure in the face of rising costs and frozen or reduced funding from the Deptartment of Community Services.
Linda Duncan, President of the Tower pre-school in Jiggi, said they faced closure at the end of the year.
Funding from DoCS has been cut by almost $3000 to $18,200 in the current financial year, and money raised by the community to build a new pre-school was instead being spent on making up the shortfall.
Government regulations introduced in the late '90s insist that pre-schools now have a minimum of two paid staff members, which saw the wages bill jump by 50 per cent.
Ms Duncan said the pre-school was now in a dire financial position.
Meanwhile Lismore Council has insisted the pre-school, at Jiggi Hall, has to have offroad parking, but they simply cannot afford it.
'The money has been spent to meet our legal obligations and the pot is now completely dry," she said.
Unless government changes its funding arrangements, they will not have the money to open next year.
'The impact on the entire community is quite unthinkable. Jiggi and Georgica enjoy a strong, happy community that has created what we have ourselves. We're proud of our pre-school hall and what it provides for everyone," Ms Duncan said.
Rudi Maxwell
Man Charged with Child Murder
A Lismore man has been charged with the murder of a 23-month-old child in Casino earlier this year.
Dennis James Dalton, 18, was arrested in Goonellabah on Tuesday morning by detectives from Strike Force Udipi, following a nine-month investigation into the death of Campbell Kyle, the son of Dalton's de facto partner, on January 18. The boy was taken to Casino Hospital by the couple, where a post-mortem examination found he had suffered from multiple injuries, including spinal fractures.
Dalton was refused bail and will reappear in Lismore Local Court next week.
Robbery Arrest
A 22-year-old Lismore man has been charged with two counts of armed robbery and assault following his arrest by Lismore detectives on Monday afternoon.
The charges follow an incident in Lismore on September 3. The man was refused bail and will appear in Lismore Local Court on September 11.
Labor Names Lismore Candidate
 The ALP's Lismore candidate Peter Lanyon, with his wife Julie, at their Lillian Rock property.
The Labor Party has chosen primary school principal Peter Lanyon as their candidate to challenge National Party MP Thomas George in the seat of Lismore at the March 2003 NSW election.
Mr Lanyon, 56, is married, with five children, aged nine to 29. He is currently principal of Barkers Vale Public School and lives at Lillian Rock. He was endorsed unanimously by local ALP branch members.
Mr Lanyon said he intends to campaign with public appearances in the main street of local towns.
'The people of Lismore and surrounding towns deserve to have their local member in government and everyone acknowledges the benefits that would flow when Lismore becomes a swinging seat," he said.
In the Ballina electorate, Ballina councillor Sue Daikin will mount the ALP's challenge to wrest the seat from National Party incumbent Don Page.
Bringing Bush Back to Life
 Land donor Charlie Handley, Lismore City Council Land for Wildlife officer Stephanie Lymburner, Cr David Tomlinson and his son Patrick at the new Land for Wildlife site.
Lismore City Council has launched a new program to help with the regeneration of local bushland, the Land for Wildlife program.
Council's Land for Wildlife officer Stephanie Lymburner said the program allows landholders to voluntarily set aside pieces of land for wildlife habitat without any legal strings attached.
'What people tell me is that they genuinely care about the environment in their area and they are looking for a practical, non-threatening way that they can assist," Stephanie said.
Charlie Handley of Alphadale is one of the first locals to sign up.
'I've always been interested in maintaining natural vegetation around the place. I've always understood that the whole ecosystem needs to be looked after for the insects, plants, animals and birds. We need to manage everything a whole lot better than just planting separate trees," Charlie said.
Cr David Tomlinson, who has also volunteered his land at The Channon for the program, encouraged others to join in.
'I hope we can regenerate as much of the original bush as possible for wild life," he said.
For more information on the program, contact Stephanie Lymburner on 6625 0500.
Story & photo:
Rudi Maxwell
Working up a Storm
 SES members Brian Watt, Marion Brownlie, Lismore controller Lindsay Matterson and Matthew Armour with one of the new tarpaulins ready for the next storm.
While most people might not have a gift of tarpaulins, canvas, rope, builders' plastic, tape, timber, screws, nails and sandbags high on the wish list, local SES members were over the moon last Thursday when they received a huge container full of the goodies.
SES spokesperson Allan Batchelor said the Richmond Tweed SES Division will now be able to respond very swiftly to any damage during the upcoming storm season.
'This additional supply of materials will be a great bonus for SES volunteers, who will be able to respond more quickly and carry out repairs more efficiently after storm damage," Mr Batchelor said.
'SES volunteers are equipped with the necessary equipment such as chainsaws and generators, but are often frustrated in not being able to quickly complete their tasks because of the lack of available materials. Now we can just get on with the job - not sit around waiting for tarpaulins," he said.
Ballina Welcomes New Aussies
 Ballina welcomed 19 new Australians on Tuesday at a naturalisation ceremony outside the Council chambers.
General manager Stuart MacPherson welcomed the latest batch of Aussies with a native plant.
'You each have to go home and plant these in your gardens and in a month we'll send around the inspectors to see whose tree is still growing and anyone's whose isn't will be kicked out," he joked.
Australia's newest citizens are: Olivier Bikoumou, Andrew Crowhurst, Marcelina Hale, David Cowls, Timothy Hawkins, Joni Mackenzie, Laura Mackenzie, William Mackenzie, Rui Quiong Su, Anthony Surtees, Robynne Surtees, John Hobson, Michael Maynard, Elizabeth Wallace, James Wallace, Ka Ming Yim, Rigby Lynne, Graeme Musgrave and Ann Robinson.
Rudi Maxwell
For he's a Jolley Good Fellow
 Community Service Award recipient Ken Jolley with his family, daughter Tracy and wife Kerry, and Lismore MP Thomas George.
Ken Jolley has given a lifetime of service to the Lismore community. And the last thing he expected was thanks.
And last Friday, with friends gathered at the Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter base, he had no idea he was the guest of honour, until Lismore MP Thomas George announced Ken's tireless efforts over more than three decades had been recognised with a Premier's Community Service Award.
Ken has helped with raise funds for the rescue helicopter for 17 years, and more recently, he was instrumental in raising the funds for the refurbishment of the Lismore War Memorial and is a life member of the Lismore RSL sub-branch.
Normally quick of the mark to ask others to pitch in and help - and leading by example - Ken was left almost speechless by this latest honour.
'You don't expect, going into these things, to get anything out of them. You just do it for the good of it," he said.
Stabbing Arrests
Two men have been arrested following the stabbing of a 41-year-old Lismore man on Sunday.
Brian Nicholas Ayoub, 33, of Lismore, appeared in Lismore Local Court on Monday charged with malicious wounding. He will remain in custody until his next appearance on October 8 after failing to apply for bail.
A 19-year-old Lismore man has been conditionally bailed to appear in Lismore Local Court on September 30 after being charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Police allege that the two men went to the victim's McKenzie Street flat on Sunday around 7.30am and became involved in an argument. They allege the men then physically assaulted the victim, who was stabbed four times. He was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for surgery to various wounds. He is now in a stable condition.
Pedestrian Hit
A 83-year-old man was seriously injured after being hit by an eastbound car while trying to cross the Bruxner Highway at Goonellabah on Sunday night. Police say the accident occurred around 6.05pm near the BP service station.
Drugs Arrest
A 28-year-old Nimbin man has been charged with the cultivation, possession and supply of a prohibited drug, and goods in custody, following a police raid last Wednesday.
Police raided a property on Blade Road, seizing 179 cannabis plants, worth an estimated $358,000. They also found 1.68kg of cannabis, worth $15,120, cash and drug cultivation equipment. He was bailed to appear in Lismore Local Court on September 23.
Race Day Windows
Lismore businesses have the chance to win a day at the Lismore Cup, with a free marquee and $500 in refreshments simply by dressing their shop windows for with a race theme. The Lismore Turf Club is running the competition and Club secretary, Michael Timbrell, said the judges are looking for originality and effort.
'This is a great opportunity for the winning business to reward staff with a free day at the Lismore Cup," he said.
Entries close September 19. Phone 6621 3176.
Thanks for a Lifetime's Service
 53 not out - Lillian Eutick (in chair) has been a member of the Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary for more than half a century. Hospital executive officer Wayne Jones and Liz Rummery presented her with a recliner chair as thanks.
For more than 53 years Lillian Eutick, has been a tireless member of the Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary, including the last 27 years as President. Along with way, she's helped raise more than $500,000 to buy vital equipment for the hospital.
But last week, she decided it was time for a breather, stepping down as president.
Her many friends and grateful hospital staff said thanks with an afternoon in her honour, also presenting her with a recliner chair so she can at last put her feet up.
'We wish to take the opportunity to thank her for the decades of commitment to Public Health in New South Wales," Lismore Base Hospital executive officer Wayne Jones said.
Not that Lillian will be idle for too long - the 83-year-old will remain a member of the Hospital Auxiliary and continue to help raise much-needed funds. In her place, Jan Clifford is the Auxiliary's new president.
Art in the Heart Starts
Construction work began this week on Art in the Heart, with the $1.2 million refurbishment of 'B' Block at the old Lismore High School to become Lismore's new library.
Acting Mayor Merv King said the new library will give the project real impetus. 'We are mindful that the building is Heritage Listed, so the refurbishment works have to fit within heritage guidelines," he said. The work is being done by local firm Bennett Industries and the opening is scheduled for early 2003.
Cr King said that community support for the project was vital. 'The finished arts precinct will really give the city a vibrant focus. That will be a benefit for the businesses of Lismore and generally freshen up the city and provide new business and tourism opportunities," he said.
Anyone interested in joining the Art in the Heart community committee should contact Wendy Adriaans on 6625 500. Council's website - www.lismore.nsw.gov.au - will update progress on the building.
Uni Students Debate War on Terrorism
 Two Southern Cross University law students are hoping to head to America to argue the legal balance between national security and privacy and free speech in the age of terrorism.
Adam Slattery and Eric Bateman (pictured) would argue points of law at US Supreme Court level in a mock court hearing at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago if they can raise the money for the trip.
The two students are both in their final years of study - Adam is completing a double degree in Arts and Law, while Eric has almost completed a double degree in Environmental Science and Law.
They hope to debate the balance between personal freedom and security.
'There is a balance to be struck between the reality of the threat of terrorism and the precautions it requires on one hand, and the rights of people to individual freedoms such as privacy, free speech and protection from defamation on the other," Adam said.
'Ironically, and of the greatest concern, is the danger that the war on terror can, itself, become as much a terror as the terror it sought to oust. On the other hand, of course, complacency is a killer."
Meanwhile, the two legal eagles in-training are also juggling the more mundane matter of fund-raising to cover the expenses of their trip.
'We're appealing to local law firms, and others outside the area, and the University's School of Law and Justice has chipped in with a $1000 donation," Eric said. 'The local restaurants have also been great, providing us with dinner prizes for firms who give the highest donations.
Anyone interested in providing financial or other support to the students should contact Vickii Cotter on 0410 648 276, or email: vickiic@hotmail.com
Pathways to Peace
To celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace, the local Baha'i community is holding Pathways to Peace Workshops in Lismore this Saturday, September 14.
The day will also remember September 11 and the passing of Bundjalung Elders in the last 12 months. There will also be a performance by the Voice Together reconciliation choir and there is free morning tea and lunch. All are welcome to attend.
For more information phone Rosalee on 6689 0484 or Judith on 6624 1926.
Minister Slings Mud for Aged Care Home
 Right: Seventh Day Adventist local conference president Pastor John Lang, Federal member for Richmond Larry Anthony and project manager Robert Lloyd, from Bennett Constructions, getting down and dirty to turn the first sod at a new aged care facility in Alstonville.
Even though politicians are often accused of playing dirty, Richmond MP Larry Anthony seemed to be having trouble with his spade-work last Monday.
Mr Anthony broke the ground for the new SDA aged care hostel on Pearces Creek Road, Alstonville but had a little trouble putting their backs into the job when they hit some rocks.
SDA retirement village CEO John Kingston said that, when completed, the new hostel would assist with caring for the area's aging population.
The 50 bed hostel is being built by local firm Bennett Constructions, and is expected to be finished by September 2003.
Disabled Access to Loo
Lismore City Council has installed a new master key system to help keep toilets for people with disabilities clean and vandal free.
The MLAK (Master Locksmith Access Key) system uses a master key that fits all MLAK facilities allowing people with a disability 24-hour access and peace of mind. Council has installed the MLAK system to toilets at Clyde Campbell Car Park, the Transit Centre and the Tourist Information Centre in Lismore. In addition to these, key holders have access to toilet facilities in over 90 other locations Australia wide.
The issue of having the system installed was brought to council's attention through the Lismore City Access Committee. People with disabilities may purchase keys and will need to verify their eligibility by bringing along a letter from their Doctor. The keys are available for $8.80 from the Council Chambers in Goonellabah, the Lismore Tourist Information Centre or Master Locksmiths.
This week's features: Rainforest Day 2002 - Health and Wellbeing - Local Businesses
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