The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Sunburn Saves Local Trio from Tragedy

Lucky escape: Blair Flynn and Robbie McKenzie of Lismore were just metres away from the Sari Club in Bali when the bombs exploded there last Saturday.

Robbie McKenzie's sunburn saved his life on Saturday. The 19-year-old Lismore youth had been holidaying in Bali with his two best mates, Blair Flynn and Mike Sivewright. After three days at a Kuta Beach resort, they were gearing up for a night at the Sari Club, just metres away, when they decided to go for a swim in the hotel pool.

"Because we were so sunburnt, we decided to go for a swim first, and we met up with a couple of girls we'd met the night before at the Sari Club so we stayed for a while," Robbie said. "We were just getting changed to go out when we heard a big explosion and felt the room move. We heard another huge bang a couple of minutes later, grabbed the keys, tried to find the girls and then went down to the pool."

The blast has left more than 320 Australians dead, injured or missing. So far 30 people have been confirmed dead, including Byron Bay resident Mark Gajardo, 30, while 180 remain missing.

The Lismore trio have been mates almost all their lives and had saved up for the holiday, which was their first big bash overseas without parents. Their experience is familiar to many who've visited the tropical paradise - they partied hard, took in some sights, visited a temple, swam at the beach and checked out the local nightlife.

"I just keep thinking: if we didn't meet the girls, if we weren't sunburnt, we would have been at the Sari Club when the bomb went off. When we were there the night before it was just like going to a huge nightclub in Lismore - the same sort of music, some dance stuff and some older songs," Robbie said.

Blair said their resort, just metres from the Sari Club, was absolute chaos from the moment of the explosion.

"There was only one way out and we could see the fire. It just kept getting bigger," he said. "We didn't know what was going on, there were people from the motel who'd been injured in the blast, it could have been anything."

Although terrified by the panicked scene, the Lismore lads located the two girls they'd been chatting with earlier, then climbed on each other's shoulders to scale walls and clamber over roofs to get away.

"We thought we'd be safest on the beach so we did a big loop around to get there," Blair explained.

"One of the worst parts was sitting on the beach waiting. The story kept chopping and changing. No-one really knew what had happened. We thought we weren't ever going to get home. The girls started to get pretty upset, but we made sure we all stuck together. There was no point us boys being upset, it just would have made it worse," he said.

Robbie rang his family at 3am, Australian time, to let them know he was safe, before the horrific news broke on Sunday morning, sending fear and panic through too many Australian families.

Eventually the teenagers were given the all clear to go back to the motel.

"When we went back it was the smell you noticed most - so burnt and rotten. The place was a complete wreck, a skeleton, there was nothing there - it was just gutted. There was glass everywhere," Robbie said.

"It's the sort of thing you only ever read about, we never thought it would happen to us. We're just so lucky we're all alive. The Big Fella upstairs must have been looking after us."

Robbie said the horror of the explosion finally started to take its toll that night. "We hadn't slept for two days so we had a few beers and just collapsed - but we still kept waking up through the night. I still kept waking up last night [Tuesday]."

Robbie, Blair and Mike flew back to Sydney on Monday, where they were met by Robbie's sister Angie, who drove them straight back to Lismore.

On Wednesday, friends kept dropping over to see the boys. After worrying about their mates safety, the smiles said it all. Many Australian families are now coming to terms with the fact they were not so lucky.

Bev McKenzie, Robbie's mum, can understand how it must feel.

"We're just very blessed compared to others. To lose a child that way or to have to identify their body would be just horrific. My heart goes out to all those innocent people," Bev said.

"There was lots of emotion last night when we all got together. Now we're just going to help these kids get over this the best way we can. Family - that's what life's all about isn't it?"

Meanwhile, Richmond MP Larry Anthony said he had been horrified and outraged by the explosions in Bali.

"We don't yet know how many victims come from the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast, but I do want to say that my wife Jenny and I are praying for the families and loved ones of all those who perished or were wounded in this tragedy," he said.

The Federal Government has set up three hotlines for people concerned about friends or relatives in Bali: 1800 002 214, 6261 3305 and 1300 555 135.

Story & photo: Rudi Maxwell

Grass is Greener

Neville Bryant and his good mate Merv King (who also happens to be Lismore's deputy mayor) with some of the award-winning grass Neville has been growing for nearly 50 years.

In the last 49 years Neville Bryant has only missed one North Coast National Show, and amazingly that's the only year he hasn't won a first place ribbon.

Neville has been growing grass and competing at the show since he was 18 years-old, and at 67 Neville still hasn't found anything quite like it.

"Some people play bowls and some people play tennis - I like growing grass," Neville said. "Having grown up on a farm it just became a hobby and I really get a lot of enjoyment out of it. My wife reckons it's a bit of a joke really, but I love it."

This year Neville won 18 first and second place prizes for his grasses, which include maize, clover, corn, wheat and many more grown on his farm at Caniaba. Neville describes his effort this year as "average", but says the show's not all about winning.

"Even if I didn't win I'd still come each year - I get a real thrill out of setting up the exhibits, meeting like-minded people and just being a part of the show," Neville said. "The show is such a part of my life, and I can't see myself giving it away anytime soon. I'm getting older though and I'll have to stop exhibiting sooner or later - I just hope it's later."

Over the years Neville has made some firm friends at the show, like Lismore's deputy mayor Merv King, who he has known for more than 20 years.

"We remember back when you wouldn't come to the show without a suit and tie - times have really changed since then," Merv said. "It's still a fabulous way to put our district on display though - I always think of it as a shop window for the north coast. Lismore just wouldn't be the same without it."

The North Coast National Show runs from today until Saturday, October 17-19 at the Lismore showgrounds. Show highlights include the pavilions, where you can check out Neville's grass and a range of needlework, cooking, art and craft, flowers and vegetables.

Other special features include a Tribute to the Outback parade at 6.30pm on Thursday, extreme free style motorbike demos at 5pm every day, fireworks at 8.15pm on Thursday and Friday nights, a 'Beaut Ute' parade at 4pm on Saturday and the Miss Showgirl presentation at 7.30pm on Thursday.

And of course there's all the normal carnival rides, Sideshow Alley and showbags, plus an Unreal Reptiles show all weekend, Old MacDonald's Farm petting nursery for kids, live music, a wood chopping competition and much, much more.

For more on the show, see our special feature from page 22 in this week's Echo.

Entry is $12 for adults, $9 for pensioners/students, $5 for kids under 14, and children under five are free. There are also family day passes for $30, on-site carparking is $5 per day and after 3pm today entry is half price.

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Water Restrictions Working So Far

Tougher new water restrictions, which ban the use of hoses, seem to be working with consumption levels remaining below targets set by water authority Rous Water.

With the target for the 90,000 local water users now set at 27.8 megalitres a day, Tuesday's consumption was 25.9ML. Weekend consumption levels, aided by a threat of rain which failed to live up to its promise, also kept demand down.

But Rous Water's acting operational services manager, John Thomas, said people needed to be cautious about their water use as the Rocky Creek dam level fell to just 34.83 per cent. Rous is receiving between 20 and 30 calls a day from concerned residents reporting someone breaking the water restrictions, but Council rangers have had difficulty proving the offence and issuing the $220 fine.

Mr Thomas said that local Councils are now looking at beefing up the enforcement side of the restrictions.

"Council rangers are currently going around talking to people. We are looking to increase the enforcement side because it makes it hard for all water users, especially those observing the restrictions," he said.

Clarifying the use of water for swimming pools, Mr Thomas said the topping up of pools for normal use is banned.

He said topping up for 30 minutes a week was only allowed to prevent structural damage.

"People need to cover their pools to prevent evaporation. Guttering down pipes can be diverted into pools to take advantage of any passing storms," he said.

Tighter targets will be introduced when the dam falls below 30 per cent capacity in just a few weeks. Without rain, the dam level will fall to 20 per cent in mid-January, forcing Rous to hire special pumps to extract the water. It will also limit capacity to just 20ML a day.

While Emigrant Creek dam is producing 5.5ML of water a day, and new filtering systems have been installed to improve the taste and reduce odours, and local bores are now being recommissioned, Rous Water is planning alternative water sources if Rocky Creek dam runs dry. Pumping from the Richmond River back into the dam is one option being considered.

To report people breaking the water restrictions, phone 6626 6800.

Events Assistance

Lismore Unlimited is calling for not-for-profit organisations in Lismore to apply for events assistance funding. Events that support or link in activities or promotions with the overall Herb Festival - celebrating natural living theme will be favourably considered.

The funding will run for three years and the closing date for applications is Friday, November 30. Phone Lismore Unlimited on 6621 4366 for information and an application form.

Aboriginal Meet

Ballina Council is hostsingthe 15th annual Aboriginal Network Conference, October 16-18.

Reconciliation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Phillip Ruddock will speak to delegates at the Ballina RSL at 9.50am this Friday.

Aboriginal liaison officer for Ballina Shire Council Jason Sines said the conference was designed to benefit peopleinvolved in Aboriginal issues. "The focus of the conference is to continue the momentum and build on the past achievements of Aboriginal people within the community, 'delivering solutions;... the road ahead', Mr Sines said.

For details and a program, contact Michelle Mikkelsen or Elizabeth Shepherd on 6686 3484 or email balinfo@balshire.org.au

Carers Week

National Carers Week, October 20-27, acknowledges the work of peoplecaring for relatives or friends with disabilitites, chronic or mental illness or who are frail aged. For information on local events phone 1800 059 059.

Election Forum

NOROC - the combined Northern Rivers councils - is hosting a special forum on issues affecting the region next Friday as part of the leadup to the NSW state election in March 2003.

The issues range from health services, to community safety, resource management, regional development and road, air and telecommunications infrastructure as issues that need to be addressed during election campaigning over the coming months. Local Government Association president Peter Woods is the keynote speaker at the forum, at the Lismore Workers Club from 5.30pm to 8pm this Friday, October 18. The public are welcome to attend the meeting and an open forum will be followed by responses from politicians.

For more details, phone 6622 2650.

When Harry left Clarry

After 12 years in state and federal politics, Clarence MP and Regional Development, Rural Affairs and Local Government Minister Harry Woods (pictured right) announced on Tuesday that he won't stand for Labor in the NSW election next March.

Woods, a former publican, entered politics as the first Labor politician to win the federal seat of Page 1990.

He held for two terms until March 1996, when the former MP for Clarence, Ian Causley, won the seat. Mr Woods then won his rival's old state seat in a dramatic by-election in May 1996, which increased the Labor Government's majority from one to three.

Premier Bob Carr said Mr Woods was a "founding father of Country Labor".

"Harry has always put the interest of country families first," Mr Carr said.

Mr Causley paid tribute to Mr Woods and his wife, Sandra, thanking them for "friendship and courtesy over more than a decade".

"It is one of the virtues of Australian politics that opposing members might have partisan views, but still maintain a friendship," Mr Causley said.

"Harry and Sandra Woods have given a long period of community service. June and I would like to congratulate them on their achievements and wish them a happy and fruitful retirement from politics."

Give 'em Hell for the Chopper

Sunnybrand Chickens owner/director Sam Gilmore, Rescue Helicopter director Gordon McNaughton, Sunnybrand Chickens owner/director Ron Lang and Hell on Wheels riders Scott Gibson and Tony Keogh.

The Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour was given a major boost when Sunnybrand Chickens came on board as a new major sponsor. The Byron Bay business decided to sponsor the tour, after the late withdrawal of long-time supporter Tooheys.

"We are really grateful for the support from Sunnybrand Chickens, who've been a minor sponsor for more than four years," Hell on Wheels spokesperson Tim Hassett said. "They came to the rescue and this year we are hoping the tour will raise in excess of $50,000 for the service."

The 2002 Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with the field of 50 riders battling 700km of highways, byways and back tracks in the name of charity.

The ride raises money for the helicopter service through sponsorship and donations given during the one-week ride from Tenterfield to Casino.

The riders arrive in Byron today and will be in Ballina tomorrow, October 18. They will then travel through Teven, Eltham and Lismore on Saturday, before riding to the finish in Casino. To make a donation to the tour phone the Rescue Helicopter on 6621 4274.

Terra Sword

Beach Tar

A passing ship is the likely suspect for tar balls (deposits of soft bitumen like material) found polluting an 18 kilometre stretch of beaches between Lennox Head and Broadwater last Friday.

Staff from Ballina and Richmond Valley councils and others have been cleaning up what appears to have been a discharge at sea of heavy oil. It was also been found in the Richmond River and Council workers removed it from the spit near the Richmond River Sailing Club. The clean up focused on areas popular with the public and environmentally sensitive areas. Council will recover the cost under a national plan.

Samples were taken for investigation.

Bushfires Burn

As well as the obvious increased air pollution and reduced visibility, local bushfires are a potential health concern.

Northern Rivers Public Health Unit director Mark Bartlett said that smoke can impair breathing and put extra strain on the heart and lungs, particularly of the very young and elderly.

"The Public Health Unit advises that everyone in affected areas should avoid exertion. People experiencing chest pain or breathing problems should rest or seek medical attention.

"People with pre-existing heart or lung disease, such as asthma should have a personalised management plan from their doctor. They should take special care to ensure their medication is up to date and make sure they carry it with them at all times," Mr Bartlett said.

For further information, phone the Public Health Unit on 6620 7520.

Coraki Knife Charge

A 46 year old Coraki man appeared in the Lismore Local Court on Monday charged with offences relating to wounding another man with a machete.

Missing Woman Found

An elderly Goonellabah woman was returned safely to her home by Police on Wednesday afternoon after going missing from her home early that morning. She was found after a search in the Lismore CBD.

Grafton Antiques Fair

The Rotary Club of Grafton is holding its annual Grafton Antiques and Collectables Fair at the South Grafton Ex-Services Club on the first weekend of the Jacaranda Festival, October 25-27.

Twenty dealers will showcase a range of antique furniture, china, jewellery, glassware and interesting curios.

Admission is $5, with concessions available including free admission for children accompanied by an adult. All proceeds will be used by the Grafton Rotary Club to support local charities.

For further info contact Allan and Ros McInnes 6642 2210 or Vicki St Lawrence 6643 2444.

A Con Job at Mental Health

To mark Mental Health Week last week staff and students from the Northern Rivers Conservatorium of the Arts staged a musical performance for patients and staff at the Richmond Clinic mental health facility in Lismore.

The show was organised by the Con's director of academic programs, Gabrielle O'Shaunessy (front, centre).

Research shows that nearly 30 per cent of NSW adults may have at least one mental health disorder at some time during a 12-month period, with the most common disorders being major depressive episodes, simple phobia, social phobia and alcohol dependence. Around one in four women and one in six men will experience depression in their lifetime. Around 18 per cent of NSW children and adolescents meet criteria for mental health problems at some time during a six-month period, with more boys than girls being affected.

Delinquent problems, thought problems, attention problems and social problems are the most common mental health problems in children.

Break Bread for Bali Victims

Pedma's Organic Cafe proprietor Ela Pedma, who is holding fundraising dinners to support the Balinese victims of last Saturday's bombing at Kuta Beach.

Ela Pedma and her daughter Keda Ley will hold a series of fundraising dinners to help the Balinese victims of last Saturday's bombing. Ela and Keda lived in Bali for 11 years. While Australian victims are being repatriated, Ela and Keda are worried that Balinese people injured in the blast do not have adequate medical care.

Ela's ex-husband, journalist Rio Helmi, who lives in Bali, told them that hotel sheets are being used as bandages and pharmacies were ransacked by locals in a desperate bid for medicine .

"Unless you have lived in a third world country like we have you can't imagine what an impoverished third world hospital is like - totally inadequate doesn't even come close to describing it," Ela said. "I've spoken to friends who have visited hospitals since the bombing and they have told me the conditions are absolutely despicable. There were many Indonesian casualties and the hospitals are simply ill-equipped to cope with an emergency of such magnitude and provide appropriate medical care."

Ela and Keda are holding a series of fundraising dinners every Thursday night at Pedma's Organic Café. Everyone is volunteering to serve and cook, so every cent raised will go to help the people in Bali.

"In the two days since we started the campaign we have had $200 in cash donations, and we just need to keep that momentum going," Ela said. "If we can just send $500 each week we will save a lot of lives. It's heartbreaking - we just want these poor people to be free from their suffering."

The money will be sent to the Bali International Women's Association, to be distributed to hospitals to help care for the injured.

The dinners will continue every Thursday night for as long as people support the cause. If you can't make the Thursday dinner, groups of 10 or more can book their own fundraising dinner on another night. Donations can also be dropped into Pedma's Organic Cafe in the Mathers Arcade anytime.

More volunteers are also still needed to help with the nights. Phone 6622 7883.

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Merv Still Acting

Lismore's deputy mayor, Cr Merv King, has been returned to the position for another year, defeating a challenge by councillor Ros Irwin.

Councillors voted 7-3 (Crs Irwin, Roberts, Tomlinson against; Cr Gallen absent) in favour of Cr King in an open show of hands. The decision means Cr King becomes acting mayor, replacing mayor Bob Gates, who is on leave due to a life-threatening illness until next year's mayoral election.

In brief speeches before the vote, Cr King said he felt "an obligation" to Cr Gates to continue in the role.

"Being retired, I have the time to put into it," Cr King said. Responding to a question on a joint venture aquatic complex with the university, Cr King said that as acting mayor, he would be prepared to discuss the proposal with the university, but "would probably vote against it".

Cr Ros Irwin attempted to claim a mandate for the role, saying she was "second choice" with voters at the mayoral election, with 41 per cent of the vote.

Cr King will be in the position for a year. In September 2003, all 12 councillor positions will be up for grabs in council elections.

Ballina Hospital Plans to be Revealed

The Northern Rivers Area Health Service Board will next week meet representatives from the Ballina and Byron shires about the development of local health services.

An impasse over the competing wishes of the two areas will be thrashed out in Ballina on October 23.

NRAHS CEO Chris Crawford said two options that attempt to reconcile the differences will be put up for consideration.

"Both options will be considered first by the surgeons who operate at the Ballina and Byron Hospitals and their views on each option will form part of the material presented to the Combined Committee."

The Combined Committee will provide its advice to the Area Health Board, most likely by late October.

"Once the Board has considered the advice, it will forward a recommendation to the Department of Health," Mr. Crawford said.

He said that the vision for Ballina and Byron is to upgrade services so that coastal residents need not travel to Lismore or Brisbane for treatment.

A Top Job in Casino Recognised

Casino Pride of Workmanship award winners Robert Biggin and Glenys Smith with Rotary President Dennis Blunt (centre) at the awards presentation on Monday night.

Casino's best workers were honoured this week at the Casino Rotary "Pride of Workmanship" and Casino Chamber of Commerce Salesperson of the Year awards.

Rotarian Rod Trustum said the Pride of Workmanship awards encouraged as much pride in personal performance in the workplace.

"The people who are awarded here tonight are a reflection of this pride and are a tribute to both their efforts and those of their employers," he said.

Some 11 employees across a range of businesses received their awards on Monday night.

The Rotary Pride of Workmanship winners were Robert Biggin, a mechanic with J. F. Biggins, Glenys Smith, head cook at St. Michael's Home for the Aged and Greg Williams, maintenance fitter at the Northern Co-operative Meat Company.

Mr Biggin, 24, has grown in confidence since leaving school at 15, unsure about what he wanted to do. Having completed his apprenticeship, he enjoys his job as a mechanic in his parents' auto repair business.

"I enjoy working with people. It's rewarding and satisfying to know that people are happy with the result," he said. "This award is an appreciation for the work I've done".

Proud mum Fay added, "He is an example to his peers. With effort you can achieve something."

The Salesperson of the Year award went to Karen Jarrett from Kibbles Bakery.

"Casino should be proud of the level of service provided to customers," said Chamber of Commerce President Robyn Reynolds. "It demonstrates our friendly Casino community, and makes shopping in Casino an enjoyable experience."

Therese Schier

Health Project Targets Evans Head

The Northern Rivers Division of General Practice is running a 12-month project working with people in Evans Head on solutions to health issues facing the community. Alcohol misuse, smoking, heart disease, hypertension, aged care and transport issues have already been identified as key areas.

Two community health forums to work out solutions will be held next Monday, October 21, at 10am and 2pm in the RSL Club, Evans Head. The forums will give people an opportunity to share their ideas. Nominated community representatives will receive community development training.

The project aims to put in place strategies that will be sustainable within the Evans Head community after the project is completed.

People who are unable to attend the forum may contact project officer Ellie Saberi 6622 4453 to nominate to participate in the project or to put forward their ideas.

This week's features: Legal News - Motoring News - North Coast National Show 2002 - Local Businesses

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