The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Last Chance for Water

A Rous Water graph showing Rocky Creek Dam capacity, which is currently at 38% (the orange line). The previous all-time low was 45% in March 1987(the black line), followed by heavy rain that refilled the dam to 100 per cent. The previous all-time low for this time of the year was also in 1987, when the dam fell to 57% capacity. The 2001 flood is the dark blue line rising to almost 110% in late January.

The 90,000 people who rely on Rous Water for clean fresh water have one last chance to reduce their water consumption or watering the garden with a hose will be banned.

Households in the Ballina, Byron, lower Richmond Valley and Lismore (excluding Nimbin) council areas will receive a letter from Rous Water this Friday appealing to residents to observe the current Level 3 water restrictions, which limit households to an hour of hand-held hose watering in the garden on every second day. Residents are also limited to using the hose between 5.30pm and 6.30pm every second day to wash windows or the car.

It's a last ditch appeal for people to reduce water use, as the level at Rocky Creek Dam falls to a unprecedented all-time low of 38 per cent.

Rous Water's acting operations manager, John Thomas, said that unless water consumption can be reduced by around 1.5 million litres a day, to the target rate of 31.5 megalitres, tougher water restrictions will be introduced within a week. Level 4 restrictions will ban the use of hoses, forcing gardeners to carry water in buckets.

"This situation can be delayed by the whole community working together to reduce their water use now, to ensure the water supply lasts throughout what is predicted to be a hot and dry spring and summer," Mr Thomas said.

Even with water restrictions, the water supply is only predicted to last another six months.

"From hydraulic modelling of the dam, water consumption targets have been set for different levels that will allow the dam to carry us through to March-April 2003, when we can hopefully expect some rainfall," Mr Thomas said.

"Continuing dry weather, along with water consumption at the current level, means that Level 4 water restrictions may need to be introduced shortly. This will limit garden watering to buckets and watering cans only. Businesses and commercial premises will also face tighter restrictions on their water use."

Under Level 3 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. October 2, 4, 6, etc - and odd numbered houses on odd calendar days. People ignoring the restrictions face fines of $220.

Mr Thomas said the community needed to take responsibility for the amount of water they use.

"It is absolutely imperative that people realise that if the drought continues through summer and consumption targets are not met, then the situation will become extremely critical and quite prohibitive restrictions will need to be applied," he said.

For information on ways to save water, visit The Echo website at www.echonews.com and click on 'Drought Tips', or visit the Rous Water office in Molesworth Street, Lismore.

Rous Water is also offering its House Tune-Up, which reduces water consumption, to residential town water customers. Call 1300-557-873.

Meanwhile, in the Casino/Kyogle area, the use of fixed sprinklers and hoses is banned between 8am and 6pm. For rural water users in the Richmond catchment pumping has been suspended, except for stock, domestic and essential farming purposes, like dairy shed wash down, in the following creeks: Findon, Terrace, Long, Roseberry and Fawcetts, plus the Richmond River above The Risk and its tributaries. Pumping is limited to six hours in any day, and only between 4pm and 10am, in the Richmond River from Casino to The Risk and its tributaries, plus Lynch and Gladys creeks.

For water restrictions, click here to download.

Helpful Drought Tips

Making the Most of Water in your Garden and Home

Drought is a normal part of Australia's climate and can only be managed, not avoided. Drought is a prolonged, abnormally dry period when there is not enough water to meet normal or expected needs. It may include lower than expected water storage volumes and flows to reservoirs, and higher than expected demand for water caused by hot weather.

Despite the rainfall over the past week the level of the major water storage in the region, Rocky Creek Dam, is still very low around the 40% level and water restrictions are still in place. The longer-term weather forecasts also indicate that the region could have a dry spring ahead.

Currently the restrictions limit household garden watering to 1 hour a day between the hours of 5.30pm and 6.30pm on alternate days. Households with an even street number can water on even numbered calendar days, while households with an odd street number can water on odd numbered calendar days.

The use of sprinklers, soaker hoses and fixed irrigation systems is prohibited. Washing of driveways, paved areas and roofs using a hose is also not permitted.

If the dry continues next stage of restrictions will involve a total watering ban. We can avoid or delay this happening by following the current restrictions and saving water now. The following are some tips to manage water in your garden and inside your home in order to make the most of this precious and limited resource.

In the Garden

Many of the following tips encourage hardier landscapes. This means reduced maintenance time and costs for you, while keeping your garden looking good through the hard times.

1. MULCH, mulch and more mulch. It can't be said enough that mulch is fantastic for your garden. Mulch increases water retention in the soil by about 80%. In addition, mulch provides organic materials and nutrients essential to plant health, and it looks great! For best results apply mulch to a depth of least 15cm thick, avoiding the area immediately around plant stems and tree trunks.

2. Use a "trigger" hose nozzle. These hand-held hose attachments ensure better control and avoid wasted water when moving around your garden.

3. Use a soil wetting solution to increases soil "wettability" and water absorption, and decrease water run-off. These factors encourage deeper root systems and hardier plants. Wetting solutions are effective on lawns, garden beds, potted and hanging plants. Use according to instructions on the package.

4. Moisture crystals. These small crystals swell to 100's of times their size in water. They act to retain water in the soil, making it available to plant roots for longer. Moisture crystals are great for potted and hanging plants. For established pots remove a small amount of soil from around plants (at least 5cm deep), sprinkle crystals and replace soil. Alternatively, mix crystals through potting mix when re-potting.

5. Aerate the soil to allow better absorption of water. This is particularly effective on lawn areas, where compaction may be a problem. There are a range of options to aerate soil, depending on the size of your garden. For smaller areas you can purchase strap-on soles with spikes and simply walk around your garden, or if you are feeling energetic use a pitchfork. For larger areas you can hire a lawn aerator (a roller with spikes). These are available from equipment hire stores for approximately $20/day .

6. Avoid cutting your grass so frequently as taller grass holds more water. This also reduces

7. Water your garden longer and less frequently. This encourages deep root systems and helps plants to be less dependent on regular watering.

8. Move potted plants into the shade to reduce water loss through evaporation.

9. Delay new plantings, particularly lawns. New plants tend to require large and frequent watering to get them established. Give your plants a better chance at life by waiting until the rains come.

10. Water efficient swimming pools. There are several ways to reduce the water requirements for swimming pools, including using a pool cover and lowering the pool level to reduce loss from splashing and overflow when pool is being used.

Inside Your Home

There are also a number of opportunities to reduce the amount of water you use inside your home. Most of these are simple and will cost nothing, in fact saving water will save you money.

1. Replace your showerhead with one of the new range of comfortable and effective AAA-rated showerheads, or better still participate in Rous Water's House Tune-Up*.
   Alternately, have a shorter shower. If everyone in your household reduced showering time by 1 minute you would save an incredible 15,000 litres of water!

2. When using washing machines and dishwashers - fill them up! If you are replacing these appliances look for water efficient AAA-rated models.

3. Save those suds. If you are doing several loads of washing at a time do your whites first and use the "suds save" option. This also reduces the amount of laundry detergent you use.

4. Fix leaking taps and toilets. A leaking toilet can waste up to 16,000 litres of water in a year. Leak repairs are also part of the House Tune-Up*.

5. Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth. Also, when doing activities such as rinsing vegetables or shaving half fill the fill the sink or basin instead of letting the water run.

A Run for Fun

It took just over 10 minutes for the first runners in the 10th annual Darrel Chapman Fun Run to cross the finish line on a sunny Sunday morning.

Dom Howard of Ballina (pictured right) had barely worked up a sweat when he finished first in the 3km race with a time of 10.35 minutes. Not far behind him was Jessica Gilfillan (also pictured), 10, who came first in the women's section beating plenty of people with longer legs. Proving that speed runs in the family, her sister Ashlea, 14, won the 6km race. Michael Chamberlain won the men's 6km section.

More than 500 people turned out to run, jog, walk and skip their way around the 3km and 6km courses to raise funds for the NSW Cancer Council.

Silver wins mayor

Alstonville-based councillor Phil Silver is the new mayor of Ballina after he defeated incumbent Peter Moore at a special meeting on Wednesday night. The secret ballot went 5-4 in favour of Cr Silver. Cr John Felsch was elected deputy mayor, also by a 5-4 vote.

Aboriginal Health Post Celebrates Refurbishment

A group of young Aboriginal dancers (pictured) set a traditional tone for the official opening of the refurbished Jali Health Post at Cabbage Tree Island, near Wardell last week. The extensive work on the building was completed over the last five months at a cost of $120,000, co-funded by Northern Rivers Area Health Service (NRAHS) and the NSW Department of Health.

More than 1800 people live in the immediate local community, but the Post is also accessed by Aboriginal people from other areas, with clinics seeing up to 40 people in a 4-hour period. Immunisation rates are almost 100 per cent.

Photo: Robin Osbourne

Show and Tell Time for Bruce

Retired Nimbin dairy farmer Bruce McClelland had the cattle pavilion at the Nimbin Showground named after him at the Nimbin Show last weekend.

Bruce McClelland has missed only two Nimbin Shows in more than 40 years and he still dresses up to go.

"I missed one when I was in Western Australia to see wild flowers and one when I had a stroke about 20 years ago," Bruce said.

Bruce, a retired dairy farmer, has been on the show society committee for that entire time and was the chief cattle steward at this year's Nimbin show on the weekend.

"Dad was one of the founders of the original show committee and I'm just trying to keep it going as long as I can," Bruce said. "When I was on the dairy we used to show our cattle. We had the best butterfat from jerseys for 12 years. Years ago every family used to dress up and come to the show. That's all changed, but I still do it."

In recognition of the time and service Bruce has put into the show last weekend the cattle pavilion was renamed the Bruce McClelland Pavilion.

"Obviously that's not the reason I help out, but it's an honour to have something named after me," Bruce said.

Show Society president Phillip Williams said this year's event was highly successful.

"It was a very good show considering the weather and the economic climate at the moment. We received a note from one of the judges this morning saying how much he enjoyed himself," Phillip said. "It was a great quality livestock show and then on Sunday there were heaps of kids enjoying themselves," he said.

Story & photo: Rudi Maxwell

The Boffin of Building

Geoff Lawson uses just to finger to hold a slab of his invention, Onecrete, to show how light, yet strong it is.

A Lismore man plans to revolutionise the way homes are built, making them cyclone, termit and fire proof along the way.

Inventor Geoff Lawson of McLeans Ridges has spent two years and more than $400,000 developing Onecrete, a lightweight concrete load-bearing panel for house construction.

"I've invented something so simple it's bloody stupid," he chuckles.

Geoff has also developed a unique bolt system for attaching the walls that makes a house cyclone proof. The Onecrete panel building system has been granted a series of patents and has been recognised by the NSW Government, which has included it in its Australian Technology Showcase in recognition of its export potential.

Mr Lawson, a former real estate agent, came up with the idea while selling houses with steel frames and lightweight concrete cladding. He wanted to put the frame inside a Onecrete wall, which is a fifth of the weight of normal concrete, and went to see engineer John Westera, the former Kygole Shire engineer, now a consultant on the Gold Coast.

"We decided we should be able to make it load bearing and eliminate the use of the frame," Geoff said.

We also wanted to make it cyclone proof, so John came up with a unique fixing system to bolt the panel to the slab. Now we have a patent on it, because it makes the house indestructible in high winds. To get the roof off the house, you've got to pull the slab out of the ground."

To prove it Geoff says he's spent "a fortune" at Griffith University testing Onecrete's cyclone rating and load bearing capacities. The results have been positive.

A liquid grout is used to keep out white ants. An investor from Jakarta was keen to join the project. "He said that in Indonesia, the termites often move in before the homeowners," Geoff said.

He said that the Onecrete panels don't transfer heat, making it useful in bushfire prone areas. Building giant CSR is now making the panels under licence and three test houses have been built.

"Two men can erect the walls for a normal house in just two days using Onecrete and be ready for a roof within five days. Using traditional building methods, it would normally take four to five weeks," Geoff said.

Now Geoff and the local shareholders behind Onecrete Building Systems Pty Ltd are ready to take his invention to the market.

Geoff says a single-storey Onecrete house with a rendered finish can be built for a similar price to a brick veneer home. He says there are substantial savings in two-storey construction - ranging from 10-30 per cent "depending on whether it's residential or medium density housing".

And now Geoff Lawson is hoping his simple idea will become a huge success. For details, phone him on 6628 5584.

Simon Thomsen

Flood Plan Wins NSW Award

SES controller Lindsay Mattherson and acting mayor Merv King survey work on the Lismore flood levee. The work of the SES and Council is raising awareness of floods has been honoured by a safer communities award from the NSW Government.

It was something of a bittersweet irony that as the region faces increasing problems with drought, Lismore City Council has won a major award for its work in raising flood awareness.

Lismore Council won the local government category in the NSW Safer Communities Awards, announced yesterday. The award is for Council's Flood Awareness Week, held on the anniversary of the 2001 floods.

Acting Mayor Merv King paid tribute to local businesses, emergency service organisations and Council's staff for the efforts in preparing the city for flood.

"The success of Flood Awareness Week can be shared among all groups that participated. As a community, we have learned an enormous amount from the 2001 floods. The task ahead is to make sure that we remain flood-ready," he said. "We have been very pleased to see the idea adopted in other river catchments."

Lismore Council is now eligible for a national award.

Cr King said that even though it was the dry season, planning had already begun for FAW 2003.

"For Lismore it is particularly important: when our new levee is finished in 2004, most people - even old timers - will need to brush up on flood routines," he said.

"While the 1-in-10 levee will protect the town to a greater extent, it will not necessarily make the city flood-proof. It will also change the dynamics of flooding in some cases, so all residents must be aware of how they are personally affected and plan ahead."

Nats Promise Savings for Self-Funded Retirees

Ballina MP Don Page explains Mrs Jill Brennan and Mrs Lois Carroll of Ballina Independent Retirees how they will benefit under the Coalition's plan for offer pensioner concessions to self-funded retirees.

Self-funded retirees will enjoy the same concessions as pensioners on essential services if the Coalition wins the state election next year.

Some 18 months after the federal Government announced the pre-election sweetener to extend a range of pensioner concessions to self-funded retirees who hold the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) in the 2001 Budget, the NSW Coalition is using the plan in an attempt to gain support in the lead-up to the state election in March 2003.

Lismore MP Thomas George (Lismore) and Ballina MP Don Page announced the Coalition's pledge to extend the pensioner concessions to self-funded retirees last Friday. The move could save them up to $800 a year.

The CSHC is issued to men aged 65 and over, and women aged 62 and over, who are not receiving a pension. They must have a taxable income of less than $50,000 (single) or $80,000 (couple).

"The NSW Coalition believes that older Australians have made an invaluable contribution to the nation and those seniors who have provided for their own retirement should not be disadvantaged," Mr Page said. "These concessions cover motor vehicle registration, electricity, rates, water and sewerage rates."

Rates up discounted by up to 50 per cent, registering the first car is free, and electricity bills have an annual $112 rebate.

Thomas George around 1600 self-funded retirees would be eligible in the Lismore electorate.

Mrs Jill Brennan, from the Ballina Independent Retirees, was extremely pleased with the Coalition's promise.

"We've been lobbying for this since 1993. It's one of the areas where we feel independent retirees have been discriminated against. We've worked all our lives and saved so we shouldn't be a cost on the government but alot of us are asset rich but cash poor," Mrs Brennan said.

Mr Page said that if the Coalition wins the election, the $25.7 million cost of the scheme to the NSW government would be funded from a cut in government advertising. He said local councils and businesses would be fully reimbursed for the loss of income.

Since the 2001 Budget, the federal Government, which is prepared to pay 60 per cent of the scheme's cost, has been negotiating with the states over the extension of the concessions. The NSW Labor Government has yet to respond.

Police Remembrance

This Friday, September 27, is National Police Remembrance Day, in honour of those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. To mark the occasion locally, a service will be held at St Bartholomew's Anglican Church in Alstonville at 10am. The public is welcome to attend.

All in the Family in Casino

At the family history conference in Casino on the weekend were Pam Valentine (President of the NSW & ACT Association of Family History Societies Inc.), Joan Newman (conference co-ordinator), Barbara Hollis (President of Casino Family History society), and keynote speaker Jennifer Hoff.

More than 150 family history buffs came together in Casino last weekend for the state conference of the Association of Family History Societies.

Conference convener Joan Newman was thrilled by its success.

"The conference gave people the chance to share their experiences, listen to highly qualified experts on various aspects of family history, and browse the stalls for the latest books, software programs and information to assist them in their research," Joan said.

She especially enjoyed University of New England academic John Ferry's talk, titled A Sweet Little Nest.

"He spoke of the ideals and dreams associated with the family home and how those ideals and dreams changed over time until something distinctly Australian was produced - a single story free standing house on its own block of land - the Australian Dream."

Dr Jennifer Hoff's experience working with Bundjalung Elders provided invaluable advice and information for historians wishing to work more closely with local Indigenous communities. Jennifer, who describes herself as a 'non-murri Queenslander', was born at Toowoomba and raised at Cherbourg. With a PhD in Aboriginal art, she is currently working with Bundjalung Elders on various cultural projects.

Other speakers included North Coast genealogist and historian, Nola Mackey who spoke on European settlement in the Clarence River district pre-1850. These included the squatters, ministers and priests, inn keepers, storekeepers, trades people and government officers and hundreds of free immigrants and convicts who played their part in the story of white settlement during this early period.

Associate Professor in History at the University of Western Sydney, Carol Liston outlined the contribution to historical knowledge that can be made by family historians and included advice on what to do with your family history.

And being in the business of collecting interesting facts, Joan provided some conference trivia.

The most popular names at the conference were, women: Margaret (6), Heather (4), Barbara (4) and Kay (4), and for men Bruce, Richard and Terry (2 each). The most popular surname (you may have guessed) was Smith!

Therese Schier

Disabled Parking Abuse Crackdown

Lismore City Council ranger Colin Winter is cracking down on motorists who illegally park in disabled parking spaces.

Lismore City Council is cracking down on motorists who park illegally in disabled parking spaces. Acting mayor Merv King reminded motorists to respect disabled parking spaces.

"For people with a disability, getting around town is a minute-by-minute challenge," Cr King said. "Something as simple as a parking spot close to important destinations can have a major effect on the daily activities of disabled people."

Council ranger Colin Winter will pay particular attention to Lismore's 30 disabled parking bays to ensure they are not being abused.

"People illegally park in disabled parking spaces all the time under the premise that they just need to duck into a shop or drop someone off. They should be aware they are not allowed to stop in these bays under any circumstances," Colin said. "Today I've issued two infringement notice. It really just comes down to laziness. We're saying to motorists make the effort, walk a little further and leave the disabled parking spaces for the people they've been designed for."

Motorists illegally parking in a disabled space face a $147 fine.

Council and the Lismore Access Committee have produced a map marking the locations of the disabled parking bays, as well as a mobility map of the Lismore CBD. They are available from the Council Chambers in Goonellabah, the Lismore Tourist Information Centre and on the web at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au

Terra Sword

Fly-in Honours WWII Airforce Vets

The Great Eastern Fly-In is on again at Evans Head on the October long weekend (October 4-7).

The Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee, Evans Head Living Museum and Ballina Ultralight Flying Club are hosting the event with a focus of on the World War II RAAF and WAAAF personnel who served at Evans Head during the War.

A 50-strong contingent, led by Mrs Jean Haughton James, is coming to Evans Head to renew friendships, remember fallen comrades, and celebrate the listing of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome on the State Heritage Register.

Mrs Haughton James, patron of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee and author of two books on the aerodrome's World War II History, was one of first eight women to serve at Evans Head during the War.

Events kick off next Friday evening with a reception for WAAF and RAAF personnel at the Woodburn Evans Head RSL Club hosted by The Evans Head Living Museum.

Special events include a flag dedication next Saturday at 9am at the Memorial Garden at the Aerodrome, a celebration dinner on Saturday night at the Woodburn-Evans Head RSL Club (tickets $18, phone John Saunders on 6682 4657), and a Memorial Church Service at the Evans Head War Cemetery on Sunday at 10am.

The Great Eastern Fly-In will be host to aircraft from across the region with some special aircraft such as the Malayan campaign's 'heavy' Twin Pioneer visiting for the weekend. The public is welcome to attend the Fly-In. More details will feature in The Echo next week.

Protests Grow Against University Review

The group of Southern Cross University students who held a major protest outside Ian Causley's Lismore electoral office yesterday, in opposition to the federal Government's review into higher education.

The federal Government's current review into higher education led to more than 500 Southern Cross University (SCU) students protesting on the streets of Lismore yesterday. They ended up outside the office of Page MP Ian Causley, where a delegation met with the MP to voice their concerns.

The Crossroads review, commissioned by federal education minister Brendan Nelson, has already caused major concern for regional universities, which fear it could disadvantage them by favouring more traditional universities.

NSW education minister John Watkins has claimed that one proposal contained in the review is that regional universities such as Southern Cross University could lose their research components. A review paper released in July also proposes specialisation and the rationalisation of courses.

And while a range of submissions have been sent to Dr Nelson, SCU's Student Representative Council chair Nikki Sullings says the majority of the input has been ignored.

She said the Government wants to cut funding to universities, triple student fees - including increased fees for TAFE students, increase the reliance on private and corporate funding by universities, and reduce the number of courses available to small and regional universities.

Legislation arising from the review will be put to parliament at the end of the year. Ms Sullings claims the timing is deliberate to minimise protests by ensuring university campuses are empty.

"Despite university students and staff everywhere condemning the review, the government has ignored us," Nikki said. "We sent a strong message to our local member Ian Causley - that the proposed changes will not benefit us and we will not accept them. We want Ian Causley to vote against any legislation that follows the Nelson review.

"If these changes become legislation local people will be less able to access university education. This will affect every aspect - economic, social and cultural - of our community. We must act now or we will pay later."

Southern Cross University management have also gone public with their concerns about the review.

SCU's Head of Research, Professor Peter Baverstock, said the University's research program is likely to be worth $10 million by 2004.

"That doesn't count all the indirect economic spin-offs for the NSW North Coast; so if we were to lose our research component it would have dire consequences for this region, and the international profile that the University has been able to develop would be greatly affected," he said.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Zbys Klich, said the University had submitted a detailed response to the review, indicating it was "resolutely opposed to any suggestion that regional universities become teaching-only institutions", and stressing the regional value of its expanding research activities.

"We have urged the Minister to recognise that regional universities such as Southern Cross are drivers of regional economic growth, regionally important research centres, and contribute markedly to the social and cultural development of the regions" he said. "Furthermore, this important role should be developed further with additional funding, rather than scaled back by any suggestions for decreases in federal funding.

"The University is also strongly opposed to any proposals that would increase the existing financial burden on students."

Terra Sword & Simon Thomsen

Rex Flies High in Lismore

Economic Development Unit and tourism manager Andrew Lovett, Rex national sales manager Kevin Lyons, Rex first officer Grant Joblin and acting mayor Merv King at the launch of Rex in Lismore.

A strong community campaign to retain air services in Lismore was recognised when the newly merged airline Regional Express (Rex) was officially launched this week. Rex national sales manager Kevin Lyons and acting mayor Merv King thanked businesses and individuals in the local area for their crucial efforts in securing the service.

Rex, a merger of former Ansett subsidiaries Hazelton and Kendall, was reviewing which routes to take over in the wake of the Ansett collapse when Lismore City Council and MP Thomas George organised a letter-writing campaign to demonstrate the city's support for air services.

"The prime reason we came to Lismore is to say thank you to the community and businesses for the extraordinary support they gave Hazelton while under administration," Mr Lyons said. "Since Rex commenced on August 1, Lismore has demonstrated significant support and as such we have responded by providing a service for business people that is perfectly suited to their needs."

While passenger numbers have suffered over the last 12 months, they are now increasing.

Lismore Unlimited president Barry Robinson says the Rex service is a vital business tool for the city.

"The airport has an important role to play in supporting economic growth in this area - business people can travel to Sydney and back for a day's business with no trouble," Barry said. "We also find that health, legal and educational institutions also appreciate being able to get business contacts to Lismore easily."

Rex currently flies 46 return services between Lismore and Sydney each week - 28 are direct flights, with the remainder flying via Ballina. To book, phone 6627 6100.

Terra Sword

A Challenge for the Young

Lismore resident Stephanie Treharne (right) is now on her way to Costa Rica with Youth Challenge Australia, after raising more than $6,000 through fundraising events in the last eight months.

Lismore MP Thomas George (left) drew the winning ticket for the 18 year-old's final fundraiser last week, a BBQ Raffle which was won by a 'Connell' of Evans Head.

Stephanie, who left just days after she drew the raffle, was selected from hundreds of applicants around Australia to take part in the Youth Challenge Australia's Costa Rica Project 2002.

She managed to raise an amazing $6,400 for expenses through fundraising events and by saving ever cent she earned working on weekends and after school at a local bakery.

"So many people made this possible for me," Steph said. "Without my mum and dad's help with the raffle, my friends help with the car wash and all the business sponsors and raffle ticket buyers I wouldn't be going. The support has been phenomenal and I want to say thank you to everyone for helping make this a reality."

Stephanie will spend 10 weeks working in Costa Rica with Youth Challenge Australia, helping to construct school buildings and and complete a local eco-tourism centre.

Bundjalung Bush Camps

People have the opportunity to experience Bundjalung language, culture and heritage first hand with local Elders through two upcoming Aboriginal Bush Camps in early October.

The camps provide a rare chance for non-Aboriginal people to camp together with Elders in the spirit of mutual learning and trust.

On each day of the camps Elders will take people to significant Aboriginal sites and explain their cultural importance, as well as share aspects of Bundjalung life and heritage such as language dialects, food preparation, bush medicines, art techniques and the Elders' own stories. For the first time Bundjalung men will teach hunting and bush food knowledge.

The camps will be held near The Pines on the Washpool River near Baryulgil - the first from October 2-4 and the second from October 5-7. Food and amenities are supplied, but participants must supply their own camping gear. Bookings are essential.

For more information phone Jennifer Hoff on 6684 3253.

ENUFF Nukes!

Everyone for a Nuclear Free Future (ENUFF) is selling tickets for a coach trip to Alice Springs, to protest at Pine Gap, which will leave from Brisbane on Wednesday, October 2.

The national protest and peace demonstration is an attempt to have the US military base at Pine Gap closed and stop the US National Missile Defence (NMD, better known as Star Wars) program.

The NMD is a controversial space battle system which aims to allow the US to attack other countries without fear of retaliation, and Australia's Office of National Interest has already said that supporting Star Wars is not in the country's interest.

The return coach fare is just $180 unwaged or $250 waged and camping sites will be available on reaching Pine Gap. The return coach will leave Alice Springs on Monday, October 7 to arrive back on Wednesday, October 9.

For bookings and information phone Gareth or Maxine on 6685 8410.

A Big Drive for Rehab Bus

Nearly $12,000 was raised towards the cost of a new Day Rehabilitation Bus for St Vincent's Hospital at a recent charity golf day sponsored by local businesses.

Presenting the money recently were (front l-r) Lismore Cellars' Luke Hoolihan and Southside Health & Hire Centre staff members Jude Lawrence and Melanie Reynolds with (rear l-r) Hoolihan Valuations proprietor Neil Hoolihan, enrolled nurse Dot Giggins, Doug Struthers and Barbara Woods from Jetset Travel in Alstonville, clients Fred Robinson and Kevin Rayward, St Vincent's CEO Trevor Sanders, client Len McBurney and St Vincent's leader of community based services Chris Went.

The Day Rehabilitation Bus assists disabled and frail aged people, from Brunswick Heads to Evans Head and west to Casino, access specialist therapy services to help in their recovery.

The target for the new bus is $180,000 and St Vincent's Hospital is currently looking for local businesses to hold events to help raise further funds. To help out, phone Rosemary on 6623 3520 or 0417 244 645.

Helping Hand for Guides

Clint's Crazy Bargains manager Teresa Newton and assistant manager Mary Higgins present a cheque for $1,600 to Girl Guides Lismore District leader Ruth Stewart and raffle winner, Janet Guest

The Lismore Girl Guides is $1,600 better off, thanks to a donation from the staff at Clint's Crazy Bargains in Lismore, which they raised from a raffle and BBQ.

The donation will help pay off some of the money borrowed to rebuild the Girl Guides Hall in Magellan Street after it was burnt down in 1993. The donation means the Guides owe just $5,000.

"We can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel! If we can get the last $5,000 paid off it will be such a weight off our shoulders, and then we can start spending money on the girls and on the different programs we run," Girl Guides Lismore District leader, Ruth Stewart, said.

The raffle winner was Janet Guest of Goonellabah, who won a five night holiday on the Sunshine Coast for four. Second prize, a 34cm colour TV, went to Heather Hayes of Goolmangar.

Learn About National Parks During Holidays

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's (NPWS) Discovery program kicks off again this holiday season with activities focusing on bushfire safety, rainforest restoration and Aboriginal culture.

NPWS Ranger Lisa Walker said that the Discovery program was the winner of the Ecotourism Category in the Northern Rivers Regional Tourism Awards and provides plenty of opportunities for people to learn more about the natural and cultural attractions of our region.

"The spring Discovery program starts this Saturday, September 28, with a spotlighting walk at Wilson's Nature Reserve, Lismore, one of our most popular activities," Ms Walker said.

If you're keen to go, meet in the car park on City View Drive near the water tower at 6:45pm. It will take about two hours and kids will have fun as well as learning about nocturnal animals. The cost is $4 adults, $3 children.

On Sunday, September 29, Discovery Rangers will join the Lennox Head Rural Fire Brigade for an activity focusing on bush fire awareness and safety. Meet at 10am at Lennox Head Brigade Depot for two hours of fun learning about bush fire awareness and safety. Children will also get to see the fire engines and fire-fighting equipment. The cost is $3 children and bookings are not required.

Then on Tuesday, October 1, you can join Discovery Rangers for a snorkelling trip to Julian Rocks. Bookings are essential for this activity as there are limited places available and the cost is $45 per person. To book, phone the Alstonville office of NPWS on 6627 0200.

On Wednesday, October 2, Discovery Rangers will be at Victoria Park Nature Reserve conducting a fun filled two hour children's activity program which will help children understand the importance of the natural environment and how National Parks are managed.

On Thursday, October 3, Discovery Rangers will lead a guided walk through the beautiful rainforest surrounding Minyon Falls, in Nightcap National Park. Exploring Aboriginal culture will be the theme of the activity on Friday, October 4, at the Midjungbal Museum at Tweed Heads. Aboriginal guides will lead a tour of the museum, mangroves and bora ring. Bookings can be made for this activity through the Alstonville office.

People who would like to learn more about rainforest restoration can join experienced bush regenerator, Rosemary Joseph, on Thursday, October 10, at Rotary Park.

An early morning bird and platypus walk at Rocky Creek Dam on October 12 will conclude the program. Participants can bring along some and join Discovery Rangers for a barbeque breakfast after the walk.

Most activities do not require bookings and for further inquiries contact the NPWS on 6627 0200.

Brochures are available at local Visitor Information Centres and NPWS offices.

Clunes Clinic Looks at Women's Health

Dr Jane Reffell at the North Coast Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Clinic in Clunes, where she now has a practice specialising in women's health.

A new medical practice specialising in women's health and wellbeing recently opened in Clunes.

Local doctor Jane Reffell aims to offer women an opportunity to address their physical and emotional medical needs. She is sharing premises with Dr Christian Devaux at the North Coast Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Clinic on Main Street.

Women's health services being offered include Pap smears, medical advice on breast problems, menstrual problems, contraception, fertility, menopause, and sexual and other gynaecological problems.

"I also want to offer a space where women can address their emotional needs if they wish, as well as their physical health," Dr Reffell said.

She has trained as a counsellor and psychotherapist. She also has an understanding of complementary practices and is happy to talk about them with her patients.

"I feel strongly that complementary medical approaches can be valuable and over the years I have gained an understanding of many of the complementary approaches available. There are many paths to achieving wellbeing - it's what works for the individual that is important," Dr Reffell.

She offers 30 minute appointments in her part-time specialised practice.

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