Shaggy Dog Comments...
Just in case you missed it, Northern Star journalist Darren Coyne broke one of the state's hottest stories last Thursday when he revealed that a Sydney couple is suing Macadamia Castle at Knockrow for $750,000. You probably think some major calamity was visited upon the tragic city duo during their visit to the pleasant tourist resort two years ago. Well, if you consider having a rabbit bite your 18-month-old son's finger after he stuck it through wire mesh to touch the rabbit, then you'd be right. The child had his finger bandaged at Ballina hospital, suffering no long-term ill-effects. Lawyers for the battlers are accusing Macadamia Castle of being negligent in protecting the child from harm. He might also need protection from his greedy parents. After reading the story, Shaggy went into a state of nervous shock. Now who do we sue?
Out Tabulam way, on the road to Tenterfield, they're having a big party this weekend to celebrate the centenary of their bridge. This is no ordinary bridge. It spans the (mighty - even at its start) Clarence River, and is the longest, single-span timber bridge in the Southern hemisphere. Things kick off on Friday night with a quiet little drink and sausage sizzle at the Tabulam hotel. The real action is on Saturday, with everything from free canoe trips to markets and music. The official ceremony, which includes a procession across the bridge, kicks off at 2pm, followed by a social do at the public hall that night. Of course there'll be plenty of local history on show. All are welcome. If you have any questions, give Frank a tingle on 6666 1283.
Of course it's Black Friday tomorrow, and the Casino library is getting into the spirit of things, with staff dressing up in suitably superstitious garb. Anyone who borrows a book on Friday the 13th will go into the lucky prize draw, featuring goodies donated by Casino businesses. A winner will be drawn every 30 minutes. Kids aged 5-12 are invited along from 4pm to Black Friday storytime and craft sessions. Bookings are essential. Phone 6662 6160.
At Tuesday night's Lismore Council meeting, Cr David Tomlinson wanted to know the meaning of 'AC', which has been written on a number of rural roads. Engineer Bill Moorhouse explained that the RTA has allocated $2 million to be shared between 11 councils to fix up bad bits of road. So council has marked out the section they nominated for the RTA to have a look at, and the AC points out bad bits. But he didn't know what it stood for. So Cr Diana Roberts suggested 'Awful Condition'.
Cancer Treatment Correction
Last week's report on the campaign to get Federal funding for enhanced cancer treatment services on the Northern Rivers stated that an 'oncology unit' was being sought for Lismore Base Hospital.
In fact there is already a well-established cancer care unit at LBH (and in Grafton). What is being supported by the community petition is a specialist Radiotherapy Unit providing treatment that patients can currently only access in Queensland or southern metropolitan areas.
 Lismore's answer to Pro Hart, the legendary Reg Gregor, has been a busy man again, painting 70 artworks to help out the Lismore Legacy Club.
Legacy volunteer, Graham Greenland is pictured with just a few of Reg's paintings, which will be auctioned this Saturday, September 14 at Lismore Shopping Square. The artworks feature Australian scenes such as old homesteads or seascapes. They've all been painted on one single canvas, which is now on show at Lismore Square. The auction begins at 11am on Saturday.
'It's a novel and unique idea which is a little bit out of the ordinary - it's just something different from your average meat raffle or Badge Day," Graham said. 'The great thing about this event is people get to take home a spectacular artwork knowing that the proceeds are going to a really worthwhile local cause." As well as bidding for a painting, you can also buy a raffle ticket to win a blank canvas, and Reg will paint the picture of your choice.
 Thursday Plantation's annual Sculpture Show, now in its seventh year, begins this Sunday, when the winners are announced. Some 56 artists feature - half of them locals - showing 66 new works in the rainforest gardens. Pictured is Daydreamer by Peter Lewis. The Opening Day Garden Party is this Sunday, September 15, and will feature a musical soundscape by the Cape Byron String Quartet from 1pm and the awards ceremony at 3pm. Everyone is invited. The show runs until January 31.
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