The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Pave the Way for Bikes

Wilson Park Public School teacher Greg O'Connor with year nine student, 15-year-old Sarah Stuart and one of the pavers people can purchase and have placed in the Bike Track's Pedal Pathway as a lasting momento.

Wilson Park Public School will hold a monster garage sale and fete this Saturday, September 21, at the school grounds to raise funds for the school's planned new bike Track.

The children are also encouraging people to join in the major fundraiser - the bike track's Pedal Pathway. You can buy a paver and have your name or business logo engraved on it before it's permanently laid in the pathway.

"Current students, ex-students, families and friends can show their support for theBike Track by purchasing a paver and it will become a lasting momento," school teacher, Greg O'Connor, said.

"We're really getting close to building the bike track now - the estimated cost is $40,000 and we're about half way there - and we hope to be able to start construction in the next six months. We just need to keep support going and urge people to come down on Saturday for some family fun or contact us to secure a paver in the pedal pathway."

The school has already purchased special bikes for the students at Wilson Park Public School, which caters for students with disabilities, aged 4 to 18 years.

In addition to the track, the school also plans to build picnic facilities for families and a wheelchair accessible playground.

"The bikes have had an amazing effect on the students - it's helped them to become more independent, is a great physical activity and also teaches them about sharing and friendship," teacher, Gail Allan, said. "Students might not have the opportunity to ride bikes at home and here they can use the specially modified bikes in a secure environment. One of our students learned to ride for the first time last year and she's 15... when her mother saw her riding the bike she just cried with happiness. It's warm and fuzzy moments like that which make you realise just how valuable this project is."

The monster garage sale runs from 8am-5pm with stalls of plants, books, cooking and much more. The mini fete is from 10am-1pm and has something for everyone - people can check out the fire engine display, take a pony ride, chat to Prime Possum, enjoy the BBQ, grab a show bag, join in a guessing competition or plant a Koala food tree with Rosegum the life-sized Friends of the Koala mascot for just $2.

People can get details about the pedal pathway on Saturday, but if you can't make it and want to buy a paver, phone Greg on 6621 7937.

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Run for Cancer Research

Sammy Seagull, Raul Goldenberg, Kristina Katsanevas, TJ Searle and Rodney the Rat in training mode for the Southern Cross University Darrel Chapman Fun Run this Sunday.

While many people believe exercise and enjoyment are mutually exclusive, Southern Cross University student Kristina Katsanevas is encouraging everyone to head to the east Lismore campus this Sunday to take part in the Darrel Chapman Fun Run.

"It's not just a fun run - it's a fun day," Kristina said. "There'll be great entertainment, a fun atmosphere, heaps for the whole family to do and it's all for a worthy cause. Add free massages before and after the fun run (competitors only), a free barbecue, bands and face painting for the kids, and there's something for everyone to enjoy.

"There will be prizes offered throughout the day for all sorts of different things - not only the fastest times, but the best costumes, as well as many others," Kristina said.

This year's dress code is to come as your favourite Channel 10 celebrity. There is a 3km and a 6km race in different categories.If you're worried about the pace of the race don't be - walking is absolutely fine, as is rolling.

"Just run, walk or stroll to your Cancer Council goal," Kristina said.

Prizes will be presented by three-time Olympian and five-time Commonwealth Games participant, Damien Brown, who carried the Aussie flag into the Manchester Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.

Brown ended up winning a gold medal at the Manchester Games to go with his seven medals from other Commonwealth Games.

This year marks the 10th Darrel Chapman Fun Run. Darrel Chapman, who played rugby league for South Sydney and Australia, helped start the NSW Academy of Sport, the North Coast Academy of Sport and the School of Exercise Science and Sport Management at Southern Cross University.

All proceeds from the Fun Run go to the NSW Cancer Council, as Darrel lost his own personal battle with cancer 11 years ago.

Entry is $10 on the day. Race day registration begins at 6am and the races start at 8.30am.

For more information contact the Darrel Chapman Fun Run Office on 6620 3658, email dcfr@scu.edu.au or visit the website at http://sessm.scu.edu.au/funrun/

Story & photo: Rudi Maxwell

Scrap Metal on the Move

Manager of Independent Scrap Metal, Christen Dodd, outside the businesses new premises in Habib Drive, at the South Lismore Industrial Estate.

As of Monday, September 23 one of the few scrap metal dealers in the Northern Rivers area, Independent Scrap Metal, will be located in new premises at 47 Habib Drive, in the South Lismore Industrial Estate.

The business, affectionately known by most customers as Sims, is managed by Christen Dodd - who has been with the company since he started a traineeship there 10 years ago.

In that time the business has processed hundreds of thousands of tonnes of scrap metal, and they're always looking for more scrap metal to purchase straight over the counter.

Independent Scrap Metal recycles everything from aluminium cans to car batteries and pots and pans, however, Christen advises people to check beforehand whether their metal is ferrous or non-ferrous, as it's only non-ferrous scrap metal that will bring a high price.

"While we buy both types of metal we much prefer non-ferrous metal - and it's easy for customers to tell which is which," Christen said. "People simply need to place a small magnet on the metal. If it sticks it's ferrous metal, and if it doesn't stick then it's non-ferrous. "If people don't have a magnet at home they are more than welcome to drop into the workshop and we can give them a small magnet to take home for a test."

Independent Scrap Metal's new premises in Habib Drive (they are currently at 83 Dawson Street) provides better parking for customers, while still being in a handy location.

Independent Scrap Metal is the largest scrap metal dealer in the Northern Rivers, and they purchase household metal as well as copper tube and wire, PVC cable, brass fittings, radiators, cast, sheet, and domestic aluminium, stainless steel and lead.

The environmentally aware responsible recyclers also provide a pick up service.

For more information phone Christen on 6621 4972 or 0418 830 866.

Toddler Murder

Dennis James Dalton, an 18-year-old student from Goonellabah has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering his de facto's 23-month-old son last January.

Dalton appeared in the Lismore Local court on Tuesday after being arrested for the murder of Campbell Kyle last week.

His application for bail was refused and the matter was adjourned until October 22.

Murder Charge

A 42-year-old Casino man appeared in the Lismore Local Court on Monday charged with the murder of 41-year-old Bonalbo man last week.

Police and ambulance officers were called to a property on Hootens Road, Tabulam around 7pm last Thursday, where they found a body by the side of the road. The man died from a gunshot wound.

The Casino man was arrested that night and has also been charged with discharging a firearm with intent to cause grevious bodily harm.

Sculptors Share $12,000 Prize

Richard Moffatt with his work 'Emunity' (left), and Mimi Dennett's 'Waiting for an A...', currently display at the Thursday Plantation Sculpture Show in Ballina. Photos: Amelia Ahern

The $12,000 Thursday Plantation Sculpture Acquisition Award has been shared by four winners. Announced on Sunday by Thursday Plantation chairman Christopher Dean, the winners are Mimi Dennett of Brunswick Heads for 'Waiting for A . . .', a knitted 'tree jumper', and Robyn Rabbette of Lismore for 'Whakapapa', a series of 9 carved 'staves' depicting the genealogy of Maori sacred figures. Rick Shepherd of Sydney won for 'What's For Dinner', a moss-covered outdoor dining setting and Barbara Sikora of Surfer's Paradise won for 'Loop Love', an elegant wooden configuration wrapped around a tree. Their works will all be acquired by Thursday Plantation and join the permanent collection at their Ballina headquarters on the Pacific Highway.

The judging panel also highly commended Darcy Clarke of Byron Bay for 'Woven', a giant five-metre woven hanging, Richard Moffatt of Bega for 'Emunity', a flock of 28 recycled metal emus and Rick Reynolds of Elands for 'Variation No 5', a gigantic 'drawing in space' made with 120 seven-metre hardwood poles. Melissa Hirsch of Byron Bay won the TAFE Arts Prize for 'Barking Up The Wrong Tree', a series of 'tree decorations'

The show runs until January 31, 2003, everyday, 9am to 5pm. Entry is free.
www.sculptureshow.net

Walk a Mile in their Shoes

Relay for Life organiser Don Whitelaw and Richmond Valley mayor Charlie Cox are ready to raise money for cancer research during Relay for Life on October 26-27. So far 25 teams have been sponsored for more than $12,000.

Richmond Valley mayor Charlie Cox knows a long journey starts with a single step. The journey to beat cancer is a long one and research is vital. Last year, Cr Cox stepped up to organise the Relay for Life in Casino, raising more than $50,000 for the Cancer Council to put into cancer research.

This year the 24-hour event will be held in Lismore, October 26-27. Teams of 10 to 15 people will take turns doing laps of Oakes Oval to raise money for the fight against cancer. Cr Cox, who organised last year's event, hopes more than 80 teams will take part in the even, which also celebrates those who have survived cancer, and those who've lost the battle.

"It's a fun time, when everyone comes together for the walk. It's not meant to be strenuous or a race. Everyone does their best at their own pace," he said.

The Lismore relay organiser Don Whitelaw said that among those taking part in the Relay for Life is Backyard Blitz star Scott Camm.

"We'd like more teams to enter now, so they can start their fundraising early," he said.

It costs $11 per person to take part, and you'll receive a free t-shirt. Teams also raise additional funds. So far, $12,000 has been promised and organisers hope to top last year's $50,000.

This Friday, September 20, there's an hour-long information session on Relay for Life at the Lismore Workers Club from 5.30pm. Everyone who's interested can attend, and how the relay works will be explained.

If you can't make it, contact Don on 0412 858 910 for details. For a Relay for Life entry form, see page 19 of The Echo.

Locals Stand for Rural Lands Board

Two local landholders are standing for the Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB), claiming the multi-million dollar organisation is outdated and does nothing to look after small landholders.

Laurie Stubbs of Rosebank and Paul Recher of Dorroughby are candidates in districts B and C on the Tweed-Lismore board.

"Minimum ratepayers, who pay an average of $50 a year, support this board without any representation. Many feel they get no service, and there is no understanding of where their monies are spent. Yet there's a $1.5m building in Lismore, built with ratepayer's money," Mr Stubbs said.

"Changes are desperately needed. The Board's functions need to relate to the conditions of today, not those of 40 years ago. A lot of the ratepayers on agricultural land have let it go back to bush, while sugarcane farmers and holdings under 10 hectares pay no rates at all," he said.

"Either the minimum ratepayers should get something for what they pay or they should be let off the hook and not pay rates."

The local Board has around 5,500 ratepayers, and deals with everything from noxious animals, like foxes, and noxious weeds, to cattle health and stock roots.

Ballots for the RLPB elections close next week on September 25. Voters must post their votes in time to reach the electoral office by next Wednesday.

"Paul and I want to be involved from the inside on two upcoming reviews," Mr Stubbs said. "A vote for us, and Denise Roberts in C district, is a vote for change".

Children at Risk from Dog Poison

Stanton Mercer and his three year-old son Nathaniel, who were devastated when their small puppy, Chilli, died on Father's Day from poisoning.

Lismore vet Daryl Deeley is concerned for the safety of young children after two dogs were poisoning recently in Lismore.

Stanton Mercer and his three year-old son Nathaniel awoke on Father's Day to find their eight week old puppy, Chilli, yelping in pain, foaming at the mouth, bleeding from the ears and convulsing on the floor.

Stanton rushed the dog to Keen Street Veterinary Clinic, but she died on arrival.

"She died right there in my arms," Stanton said. "It was absolutely devastating. I had only bought Chilli three weeks earlier and all this happened while my three year-old son was watching. It was just horrific."

Believing Chilli was poisoned, Stanton immediately went to warn his neighbours, only to find them "in tears and very emotional" because their 12 month old puppy had died the same morning with similar symptoms.

Vet Daryl Deeley said the cause was most likely poison.

"There's very little else it could have been," Daryl said. "It's sad enough, but there were young children there and who's to say they couldn't have taken the poison - that's the really scary thing."

Believing it was deliberate, Stanton has put the family house on the market.

"No-one's child should be put at risk like that, and no child should have to go through the trauma of seeing their dog die so painfully," Stanton said.

"I'm just so shocked by it all and I feel helpless - for my own child's safety I've decided to leave. I never want to have to go through that again."

The RSPCA, Council rangers and Lismore Police have been contacted over the incident.

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Pioneer Diggers Remember their Comrades

Members of the Northern Rivers 2/1 and 2/2 Pioneer Association Sub-Branch paid tribute to their fallen comrades with a wreath laying service in Lismore on Saturday. "You see a lot of sadness through the war and days like today bring back many memories of the mates that we lost," Association chairman, Ken Wilson, said. "While it's sad it's important for people who have lost loved ones to have ceremonies like these, because it gives us a chance to remember and reflect on those times."

Lismore SES Needs Volunteers

Lismore City SES Unit is seeking volunteers to help in the Headquarters Operations Centre during emergencies.

The Operations Centre is primarily responsible for the coordination of SES field crews and other emergency services during flood and storm incidents, which affect the Lismore community.

There's a special information night next Thursday, September 26, from 6.30pm at the SES headquarters above the Laurie Allen Senior Citizens Centre, in Magellan Street, Lismore. It will show volunteers how the Operations Centre operates and the skills that can be developed to help in times of emergencies.

Lismore SES Unit Controller, Lindsay Matterson, encouraged anyone who is interested to come along.

"We will be able to fully explain the roles and responsibilities of the Operations Centre and answer questions about the organisation and its activities during the information night," he said.

People can register for the night with Mr Matterson on 0438 219 401, or by fax 6622 2090 or email lismorecity.ses.ops@bigpond.com. Or you can just turn up at the information night.

Speed on Tweed

Australia's most famous and historic grand prix and sports racing cars will be in Murwillumbah this weekend, September 21-22, for the first Festival of Speed on Tweed.

Racing legend Sir Jack Brabham, 77, will drive a Brabham BT19 on demonstration runs around Murwillumbah and more than 170 historic racing cars will compete in sprints around the town. For details, visit www.speedontweed.com

Hercules hits Town

This Saturday the workhorse of the Defence Force, the mighty Hercules C130 Air Transporter will fly into Lismore to pick up Army reservists from 41st Battalion to fly them to training in Grafton.

Members of the public to view the deployment of the soldiers at Lismore airport at 9.30am.

Foster Carers

Local people are being encouraged to consider becoming foster parents during Foster Care Week.

"Foster care is an important way the community can work with DoCS in helping to look after children," DoCS Northern Area Director, Denis Myers said.

"Foster Care Week is an opportunity to publicly recognise and thank foster carers. They are dedicated to looking after children, providing them with comfort, protection, love and support".

Many foster children come from families experiencing significant problems - behavioural problems, a disability, or sexual, physical or emotional abuse.

"The bigger the pool of foster carers, the more likely we are to match each child to a carer or family who understands their individual needs."

Foster carers can be single, married, with or without children and from any cultural background.

For details on becoming a foster parent, phone DoCS on 6621 8099.

Bank Building Turns 100

The heritage-listed Commercial Banking Company Bank (pictured) in Alstonville's main street celebrates its 100th birthday this month.

To mark the occasion the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society has been given permission by the owners, the Lancasters, to open the building for inspection next Thursday, September 26, from 10am to 2pm.

The CBC Bank was absorbed by the National Australia Bank in 1984. The Alstonville branch next door will also be holding a day of celebration.

Everyone is invited along to take part. For more details on the days activities, contact president Marguerite Fuller on 6628 6053.

Join the Cup Space Race

Lismore trainer Sharon Pepper with Space Cowboy gets ready for the Lismore Cup.

Lismore horse trainer Sharon Pepper believes in nominative determinism thanks to her horse Space Cowboy.

"He's true to his name I can assure you," she said.

And well might Sharon and Space Cowboy be up in the air, after they took home the 1250m Class 1 at the Ballina Cup Day last week.

"He won by two and a half lengths. In this spell he's had three starts for two wins and a third and you can't ask for much more than that," she said.

Sharon is now preparing Space Cowboy for his next race, the 1516m Class 2 at the Lismore Cup, next Thursday, September 26.

This Sunday, September 21, is Rousillon Handicap Day at the Lismore Turf Club and although you won't see Space Cowboy on the racetrack you will see a quality fixture card. Aside from the four-legged runners, there are some humans trying their luck on the track, including Grafton sprinter Luke Trembath. Luke has just returned from the Pan Pacific Athletics Championships and is an entrant in the Lismore Stall Gift, which he won last year.

Horse trainer Kristy Trembath has taken brother Luke's training into her hands and has a few tips for the sprinter.

"I am going to have to jump him out of the barriers a couple of times to teach him to go straight," Kristy said. "If I can teach young horses I am sure it will not be too hard to teach my little brother."

The winners will receive $300 and free entry to the Lismore Cup.

Lismore Turf Club secretary Michael Timbrell said the Lismore Stall Gift starts from an old set of horse stalls 100m from the winning post.

"The focus will be on creating a family day," Michael said.

Sunday's feature race is the $10,000 Rousillon Handicap (1516m). The meeting is for the whole family, with special fun for the kids. Lismore Workers Club members will be admitted free.

And next Thursday's Lismore Cup Race Day is a gazetted half-day holiday for Lismore businesses. The track will be open from 10.30am. Entry is $10. Free buses will run throughout the day.

Tractor Death

A 49-year-old Alstonville man was killed on Monday when his tractor rolled while he was working on his poultry farm.

Police say the man suffered serious head and other injuries and was believed to have died instantly when his tractor rolled on sloping land he was clearing.

Relatives found the man's body, when they went searching for him after he failed to come in for his dinner.

Police, ambulance and SES officers attended the accident.

Fox Bait Warning

The National Parks and Wildlife Service have laid fox baits along the coastal area between Jerusalem Creek and the Richmond River until December 14.

Pest management officer Andrew Fay said that the program was to protect the Pied Oystercatcher, an endangered bird whose main predator is the fox. The baits are also lethal to domestic dogs, as well as foxes.

Mr Fay said it was important that dogs and other pets were kept under strict control on the beach and not let loose near sand dunes.

"Beach areas that are baited will be clearly signposted. It is important that people keep their pets under control and not allow them to stray into the park," he said.

Walking on Broken Glass

Lismore City Council is asking residents to be more careful with their organics recycling use after they have found an alarming rise in contamination.

In Lismore organic waste is collected every week and fed to worms in the waste minimisation centre on Wyrallah Rd but to work effectively it must be free from glass, metal and plastics.

Waste minimisation officer Lesley Trott said that contamination levels have doubled in the last year.

"Apart from a sharp increase in the amount of contamination, especially glass bottles, we're also not putting as much material into our organic bin compared to last year meaning that precious resources are being landfilled that could be turned back into a useful garden and agricultural product," Ms Trott said.

"All garden (green) waste, paper and cardboard and food waste is excellent organic material for the worm farm and should go in the organic bin," she said.

Humanitarian Club for Young

Establishing a new Red Cross Youth Group in Lismore is Red Cross regional manager Vahideh Hosseini, and local young people Veronica Blanpain and Clifford Smith.

Two local young people, Veronica Blanpain and Clifford Smith, with a passion to help others are establishing a Red Cross Youth Club in Lismore.

Clifford and Veronica plan to develop new fundraising activities that appeal to young people, as well as help with existing Red Cross services - doing anything from knitting woollen Trauma Teddies for sick and traumatised children to visiting elderly people in local nursing homes.

Clifford, who already runs an Amnesty International group with friends, wants to raise awareness amongst young people about humanitarian issues and encourage them to actively participate in programs which address those issues.

"Living in Australia we can be fairly sheltered and take our freedom and standard of living for granted, and I think it's important for young people to be educated about international issues and to know what Red Cross is doing both here and overseas for people on a humanitarian level," Clifford said.

The Red Cross Youth Club plans to meet on a fortnightly or monthly basis at the Red Cross Regional Office, 130 Keen Street, Lismore. The inaugural meeting will be held this Friday, September 20 from 7-9pm.

Anyone interested in joining should phone Rachael on 6622 3244.

Junior Lifesaving

Lismore Surf Life Saving Club is holding its junior orientation day, sign-on day and BBQ this Sunday, September 22, at Missingham Bridge Beach Park, from 9am to noon. There's boat rides and plenty of information on surf life saving.

Alstonville Ratepayers

The AGM of the Alstonville and District Citizens and Ratepayers Association will be held at the Alstonville Bowling Club on Tuesday, September 24, from 7.30pm.

All welcome. Info Jan 6628 0111.

Speed on Tweed

Australia's most famous historic racing cars will be in Murwillumbah this weekend September 21-22, for the first Festival of Speed on Tweed.

Sir Jack Brabham will drive the Brabham BT19 on demonstration runs around Murwillumbah and there will be 170 historic racing cars competing in sprints around the town.

Nimbin's Fun Family Show this Weekend

Arts and crafts are always a popular part of the Nimbin Country Show.

The North Coast show circuit begins this weekend with the annual Nimbin Country Show, September 21-22, at the Nimbin Showgrounds.

The show promises a fun weekend for the whole family, and there are heaps of activities to interest both the young and old, and those in between.

Saturday kicks off at 8am with a number of riding and led horse events featuring ponies, Arabs, Australian stock and quarter horses, Palominos and many more breeds.

North coast cattle breeders will begin stock exhibits from 8.30am and they will be showing off more than 15 breeds of cattle, especially young cattle, to introduce them to being paraded with crowds and the presence of other cattle.

A favourite of the show, the Championship Dog Show, also kicks off around 8.30am.

Poultry exhibits will be judged from 9am on Saturday, and after judging the poultry will be available for viewing all weekend.

The Grand Parade, featuring all the horses and cattle from the show, will kick off at 2pm, followed directly by the popular whip cracking competition.

Sunday starts on a creative note, with Breakfast with the Poets from 10am. Local poets from around Nimbin will entertain the crowd with their poems and tales, and some of the entries into this year's Poetry Competition will also be read. Aspiring singers and performers will try their luck in the Talent Quest from 11am, followed by the Dog High Jump Competition at 12pm.

Sunday is also unofficially Kids Day and there will more horse events including junior hacks and riding classes as well as some fun prizes for the prettiest mare and handsomest colt in the gala ring. Old MacDonald's Farm is new to this year's show, and young kids can enjoy petting all sorts of different baby animals.

The Pavilion will be open all weekend showcasing displays of the area's finest fruit and vegetables, horticulture and culinary talents, and plenty of art and craft.

Show programs are available at most shops in Nimbin or at the gate.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $2 for children or concession card holders.

This week's features: Law and You - Local Businesses

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