The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Lismore Backs Bypass

Ballina mayor Phil Silver and Lismore mayor Merv King met in Wollongbar at the council boundary to show their support for the Alstonville bypass.

Simon Thomsen

While the political squabble continues over funding the Alstonville bypass, Lismore and Ballina Councils have agreed to work together to back the project, saying it will bring benefits to both towns.

Lismore Council resolved unanimously last year to support the bypass and mayor Merv King wants to highlight it as election issue affecting the region.

"The bypass will link Lismore with the coast much more easily and give impetus to economic development in Lismore. It will also mean an increase in traffic for Lismore," Cr King said.

"Once the bypass is built it will have an enormous impact on Lismore - already we get 20,000 cars a day using the Bruxner Highway at Wollongbar."

Cr Silver called on both the NSW and federal governments to "stop dithering" over the funding.

"The community is aggrieved and angry that the bypass which is a blatantly righteous project is being used as a political football between the two levels of government," he said.

But both sides were kicking the ball back and forth after federal transport minister John Anderson wrote to Carl Scully on February 20 refusing to add another $6 million to his $12m offer.

"It will ensure that the total cost to NSW is little more than originally envisaged at the time of the 1998 EIS, despite the increased scope and delays," Mr Anderson wrote.

He said the RTA projected that the cost would increase to $37.5 million if construction was delayed until 2005-06. "This will increase the burden that NSW will have to shoulder," he wrote.

But Mr Scully, who fobbed on previous questions on what he'd do if Mr Anderson said no saying "let's wait and see", isn't planning to offer an additional funds from state coffers.

A spokesperson for Mr Scully told The Echo "the Minister has not given up on the project or given up on lobbying the Deputy Prime Minister to come back to the table with an extra $6 million, so that Alstonville people can get the bypass they deserve".

Ballina's Labor candidate Sue Dakin seemed frustrated with both sides of politics, as petitions from more than 2500 residents continue to flow into her office. "If this buckpassing continues, we're going to be looking for another $12 million," she said.

Mrs Dakin queried why the federal Government was prepared to back a NSW Coalition promise for $900 million tunnel on Sydney's North Shore, but couldn't find the extra $6m for the Alstonville bypass. She also accused the Feds of putting the Ballina bypass in jeopardy.

"The State government has already committed $10 million in the current budget, but it has not been matched. I am not surprised," she said.

And Federal MP Larry Anthony couldn't resist weighing into the debate.

"All we hear from Mr Scully is more excuses. The only hope for Alstonville is a Liberal /National victory in the State electiont, as they have promised to fully fund the bypass," Mr Anthony said.

• Lismore voters will be able to hear what the candidates have to say at a public meeting at Lismore City Hall on Tuesday, March 18, at 7pm.

Red Cross Calls

Gearing up for the Red Cross Calling Appeal in March is Red Cross regional manager Vahideh Hosseini and fundraising coordinator Scott Krueger (rear) with Red Cross staff and volunteers (l-r) Laurel Morris, Bernadette Daley, Kevin Butwell and Jennifer Daley.

Volunteers will be knocking, ringing and tapping on your door during March to raise money for the Red Cross Calling Appeal - the organisation's major annual fundraiser.

The Red Cross is asking people to give generously when someone does come knocking, or alternatively join in the Calling Appeal by becoming a volunteer doorknocker.

Money raised from the event goes directly towards local Red Cross programs including life-saving services such as Telecross and Save A Mate as well as life-enhancing services such as the Cosmetic Care and Trauma Teddy programs.

"It only takes about two hours of your time to doorknock in your local area, so there's no travel involved and you can do it anytime during March when it best suits you," Red Cross regional fundraising coordinator, Scott Krueger, said.

"The doorknock appeal is designed to reach people we normally wouldn't come in contact with by going to their homes. We don't expect people to donate heaps - just whatever they can afford, and it's amazing how quickly it all adds up. Our target is one of the biggest yet - $2.1 million - and in the Northern Rivers alone we're hoping to raise about $170,000. That's the great thing about the Appeal - it might be our national fundraiser but all money raised locally stays locally."

Volunteer doorknockers are still needed in Wollongbar, Goonellabah and Lismore Heights, as well as in many little villages such as The Channon and Corndale. Volunteers can be identified by their Red Cross ID sticker, receipt book and Red Cross Calling money bag.

To get involved as a volunteer pick up a registration form at the Red Cross office, 130 Keen Street, Lismore.

If you don't have time to collect remember to dig deep when the collectors come around, or if you miss them you can make a credit card donation on 6622 3244.

Water Restrictions Eased

Northern Rivers residents will be able to use a bucket to water their gardens and wash their cars once again, with Rous Water agreeing to ease water restrictions to Level 4 from midnight on Saturday.

Despite using dam water for the past week, the dam level has remained steady at 44 per cent thanks to continued run off. The change of heart on restrictions by Rous Water came about after the Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC) agreed to allow continued pumping from the Wilsons River while Rocky Creek Dam continues to fill. However, the approval is conditional on the river maintaining a high water flow.

Rous Water chairman John Hampton said that the situation would be constantly monitored, and tougher restrictions may return if the dam capacity fell below 40 per cent, or consumption rose to more than 30ML a day. Last week the average daily consumption increased slightly to 23.16ML.

"We hope that relaxing the water restrictions to Level 4 will reduce the stress on business and householders alike. However it is important to remember to conserve water all year round," Mr Hampton said.

Good rainfall has meant restrictions have been lifted in other areas have also been relaxed or removed. Nimbin residents have had all restrictions lifted with the Nimbin weir replenished, and the DLWC has lifted suspensions for rural water users along the Richmond River.

DLWC acting regional director Michael Pitt said follow-up rains will be needed before the end of March.

"The Department advises all licence holders to fill their off-creek storages now while there is sufficient flow to accommodate this extraction of water for rural use, as it is uncertain how long the rivers will remain at a sustainable level," he said.

Hope Offered for Pain Sufferers

Pain expert Prof Michael Cousins with NSW health minister Craig Knowles and Lismore pain management nurse Jenni Prince. Coincidentally, Prof Cousins has seen the minister as a patient - treating his back pain.

Gail, 29, was helping her farmer husband dig postholes when her arm caught in the machinery and it was ripped off at the shoulder. Her damaged nerves sent electric shocks "like lightening bolts" through her body every three minutes and the pain was so intense, morphine didn't help.

Despite 23 years experience, it was one of the worst cases Professor Michael Cousins, head of the pioneering Royal North Shore hospital pain management clinic, had seen.

"In order to manage this lady, we needed to understand the psychological as well as the physiological," he explained at the launch of the $400,000 Lismore pain clinic last week.

"Pain becomes a disease entity - and that's a new understanding in medicine," he said.

Prof Cousins' pain clinic will work closely with the Lismore clinic, to treat some of the 41,600 Northern Rivers residents suffering from persistent pain.

Clinical nurse consultant Jenni Prince, the driving force behind getting the multi-disciplinary pain clinic (MDPC) established, said pain such as headaches, backpain and nerve disorders affected around 22 per cent of the local population.

A medical specialist, psychologist, physiotherapist and nurse will try to stop pain interfering with a patient's daily life. The service will also support the families and carers of patients with persistent pain.

NSW health minister Craig Knowles opened the clinic, saying hospitalisation for pain was costing the region up to $4 million a year.

"By managing these patients' pain through the clinic, it is hoped that this can be reduced to at least a quarter of that figure," he said,

During his visit Mr Knowles also held "turning the sod" ceremonies for the $4m Nimbin and $10m Kyogle hospital redevelopments .

Kyogle hospital will have 12 beds, four in the emergency department, plus 28 high care residential aged care bed.

Nimbin will feature four beds, plus three emergency beds, and 10 residential aged care beds. Nimbin due to be completed by early 2004 and Kyogle in mid-2004.

Seniors Gather to Celebrate

Association of Independent Retirees Far North Coast Branch president Doug Sutherland and Ballina Senior Citizens Club president Norma Drury discuss plans for the Seniors Expo, watched by the rest of the organising committee.

To celebrate Seniors Week, March 16-23, Ballina and Lismore Councils have joined forces with local seniors groups to present a free Seniors Expo in Alstonville on March 19.

The idea for the expo came from a number of local seniors groups, who thought it was about time they worked together.

"There are a great many seniors groups in the area all looking to make life better for seniors, but we often go to different venues and events," Ballina Senior Citizens Club president, Norma Drury, said. "This is a chance to bring all those groups together for a day so the members can interact and meet one another. Hopefully this marks the beginning of new partnerships between the various clubs."

Lismore mayor Merv King said he was looking forward to the day.

"The expo will be an occasion for seniors of all ages, backgrounds and interests groups to come together to be entertained, socialise and get all kinds of information about educational, recreational, health and lifestyle issues," he said.

The Seniors Expo will feature a variety of displays, as well as live entertainment, an indoor bowls challenge, a Tai Chi exhibition, a silent film screening and much more. It will be held on Wednesday, March 19, at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre from 10am to 2.30pm.

Organisers are now trying to organise transport for seniors from Lismore and Ballina. Anyone who needs transport should phone Jason Sines in Ballina on 6686 1272 or Tricia Shantz in Lismore on 6625 0500.

Is your Life Worth $6?

Spending just $6 when you visit a local shopping centre next week could save your life.

More people die from bowel cancer than in road accidents each year. But many people are unaware of the risks of bowel cancer and the fact that the $6 purchase of a Rotary Bowelscan kit can save your life. One in 24 people will contract bowel cancer, and each year, over 5,000 people die of the disease, while 10,000 new diagnoses are made annually.

The good news is that 90 per cent of cancers detected in the early stages can be cured.

Last year, the Rotary Bowelscan program resulted in the early detection of eight cancers in local people.

By participating in the Rotary Bowelscan test, you may alert your doctor to any problems, including cancer. You will receive written notification of your results, regardless of the outcome.

Rotary Bowelscan is a community service saving local lives. The $6 kit will be available from the Lismore Central Lismore Square and Goonellabah shopping centres from this Saturday, March 8, until March 15. Saving your life could cost just $6.

Women's Day March

The International Women's Day march will be held in Lismore this Saturday, leaving Spinks Park after a rally that begins at 11am.

The theme for this years march is support for peace and the promotion of justice for the world's women. For details, phone Lavender on 6625 1348.

Rain Stops Beef

While the drought made things tough for farmers, Casino's Northern Co-operative Meat Company has been forced to stand down more than 200 casual and permanent employees in the wake of recent rains.

Local farmers have stopped selling their cattle in an effort to take advantage of weather and fresh grass to restock herds, leaving the abattoir with little choice but to cut back on staff.

Many who lost their jobs had been with the company for less than 12 months.

The Co-op hopes that as herds are restocked, it will be able to offer work to the laid-off employees again.

Employment Office on the Move

Opening the new Tursa office in Carrington Street, Lismore, are (l-r) Tursa deputy general manager Debbie Fry, Work-for-the-dole employment advisor Patrick McFadden and marketing officer Carole Bull.

The success of Job Network provider Tursa Employment & Training forced it to move to bigger premises in Carrington Street, Lismore, this week.

Tursa is one of the top unemployment services in Australia, and was recently awarded additional contracts by the federal Government.

Tursa Employment & Training Inc., the major Job Network Member providing services to unemployed job seekers in the Northern Rivers, has relocated its Head Office in Lismore from 114 Keen Street to 11-15 Carrington Street, Lismore as from Monday March 3, 2003.

Tursa general manager Ron Rathborne, said the not-for-profit company, which now has 13 offices across the Northern Rivers, will be helping all job seekers who work less than 15 hours per week or are not in full-time education or training, so they had to find a bigger home.

"There will be increased numbers of clients and additional services and activity by clients that will require more staff, infrastructure, and space," he said.

More than 50 staff will be based in Lismore, and a range of new IT infrastructure has been installed.

"The centre will be equipped with a self-contained service kiosk, a new facility to assist job seekers to find employment, instead of the present touch screens. The technology to be used is regarded as among the most advanced in the world," he said.

Gallery Planned to Surprise Visitors

Richmond Valley events coordinator, Trisha Host, Council's tourism development officer, Rod Caldicott, volunteer Rae Maclean and Visitor Centre coordinator Tracey Flaherty, hold a snake carved out of branch by local woodworker, Brian Chelman. Works by local artists will feature in a gallery at the revamped centre.

Therese Schier

Casino's Visitor Information Centre has received a grant from the NSW Government's Living Centres program to develop an art and craft gallery to display and sell works by local artists.

The grant will be used to open up the interior of the Centre for better access, and it's hoped the renovations and gallery will be finished in time for the 3000-plus visitors expected at the Campervan and Motorhome Rally in Casino in May.

The Visitor Centre now has a full-time coordinator, Tracey Flaherty, a team of willing volunteers, and an events coordinator, Trisha Host. They will work with Rod Caldicott, Richmond Valley Council's tourism development officer, to promote and develop tourism and economic development in the Valley.

"We've now got the motor in the (tourism) car and can better 'drive' the development of the Valley," he said. "We've always had the product but now we've got the right combination of staff necessary to work towards organizing, attracting and developing information and events to the Valley".

The aptly-named Ms Host thinks the upcoming 'Rally of Surprises', will provide an example of the type of large-scale event the Richmond Valley can expect to "host" in the future.

"I see my role as making the Richmond Valley known as a place that can hold major events and 'that we are good at it'," she said.

Centre volunteer Rae Maclean had visited other galleries in Visitor Information Centres and thought - "Why can't we?"

"The gallery will be an attraction in itself and will round off the service we provide," Rae said. "And the local community will benefit also. With space for local artists to display and sell their wares and for people to browse and buy, everyone wins," she said. "We will even be able to hold small functions."

"And I can't wait for the opening wine and cheese night," an excited Rae said.

The Visitor Information Centre is situated alongside the Casino Memorial Pool just near the bridge and is opened Mon to Fri 9am to 4pm, Sat 9-12.30. Contact the Centre via email, tourism@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au, or phone 6662 3566.

School Friends Reunited

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Old school friends Merle McDonough, Molly Price and Marlene Tooley (pictured) were reunited for the first time in 56 years recently, although you could be forgiven for thinking they'd never spent a day apart.

The three mates, who were inseparable at Ballina High School in the 1940s, drifted apart in their early 20s as each went their separate ways and began raising families.

But after a chance meeting at a funeral recently the three have since got back in touch, and after just a few moments watching them laugh and chat with one another, it's not hard to see how they got their nickname 'the three musketeers'.

"I'm a sticky beak and I wanted to know what these girls had been up to all this time behind my back," laughed Merle, the self-confessed 'wild one' of the group. "No, really, it's lovely to see the girls again and to reminisce about the old school days and all the other days in between that we've missed. It's just beautiful - I wouldn't have missed seeing these girls again for all the tea in China."

Merle, Molly and Marlene celebrated their reunion with a big luncheon at the Goonellabah Tavern earlier last week, something they'd like to continue once a month. After all, having spent more than 55 years apart, they've certainly got a lot of catching up to do.

"It's just like being back in the old days, except this time we're definitely not going to lose touch with one another," Marlene said. "We've come full circle - we started our lives together as friends and we'll end it together as friends too."

CASPA the Friendly Home for Youth

Unveiling the North Coast Children's Home's new name - Child and Adolescent Specialist Programs & Accommodation, or CASPA - last week were (clockwise from front right) CASPA chair Sue Wilkins, general manager Lisa Gardiner, Anglicare North Coast executive officer Father George Markotsis, Cr Ros Irwin and Lismore MP Thomas George.

The North Coast Children's Home in Lismore has changed its name to Child and Adolescent Specialist Programs & Accommodation (CASPA) and has expanded its range of services.

Established in 1919 by the Anglican Parish of Lismore to cater for young babies, the centre has gradually moved its focus to older children and adolescents over the years, and now services an area from Tweed Heads to Grafton.

CASPA will continue its residential program for young people, as well as the 'home away from home program', which provides short-term respite care for young people experiencing emotional or mental health problems.

New services include an aftercare support program to help young people make a successful transition into independent living or back into a family environment and a special support Program to provide specific care to young people with high needs on a short or long-term basis. There is also a new mentor program linking young people to adults to develop positive relationships outside their peer group.

"Each young person is different and the new programs are a lot more inclusive of the individual and allow us to target their specific needs," CASPA general manager, Lisa Gardiner, said. "Now we have expanded the service we'd like to involve more people from the community in mentoring, respite and professional care. We're looking for people in the community to put a little time aside to help young people".

To get involved , phone Stella on 6621 5446.

Obituary - Valerie Fay Smith

Bundjalung Elder
Dec 20, 1938 - Feb 25, 2003

Auntie Fay Smith was a truly amazing woman who touched the lives of many, many people who will miss her deeply. Her family of seven children, 28 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren was the foundation of her life, bringing her much joy, and they are a credit to her.

A proud Bundjalung woman, Auntie Fay confronted many challenges and much sadness in her life, including the hardships of growing up as an Aboriginal woman, her battle with poor health over the past years and the tragic loss of a loved son, which affected her deeply to the end. However, she worked through all the challenges and sadness to become an inspiring and respected Elder for her people and for the broader community in this area. She lived life to the full and left all of us who loved her richer for having known her.

Auntie Fay was committed to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and lived that commitment in her daily life. Despite the legacy of the many hardships that Aboriginal people experience, Auntie Fay had no room for bitterness. She reached out and connected with people from all walks of life, giving generously of herself to others and to the cause of reconciliation, for which she received an Australia Day Award from Lismore Council in 1999.

She had a passion for life, reflected in a deep love of singing, karaoke, dance and culture, including her own considerable talents as an artist with her vibrant voice and wonderful artwork. One of her great joys was belonging to the Reconciliation Choir and her own women's singing group, Fay Sing Up, where she sang and the other women harmonised with her. She called them 'my band' and performed her own original work about the Stolen Generation. Two of her major art works were used as logos on T-shirts, buttons and publicity for the historic reconciliation events in Lismore and Byron Bay on May 28, 2000. She was a working member of the task force for Lismore's 'Hands Together 2000 - Crossing Bridges', which was attended by some 1500 people, all of whom acknowledged and knew Fay, who lead the walk.

Despite financial limitations and her poor health, Auntie Fay endeavoured to establish and maintain a craft business, "Bundjalung Way", which promoted, and was an outlet for, Aboriginal art and craft.

Auntie Fay had a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh and smile that could brighten the space around her. She also had a strong interest in politics, reflected in her being involved in a mentoring program offered by Lismore Council and attended Council meetings sitting with the councillors for six months in 1999. This led to her standing for election at the 1999 local government election on a ticket with her daughter Diane, where she polled well. Her interest in local politics was maintained to the end through her membership of Lismore Council's Wayiganna Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Auntie Fay's energy was boundless and she continuously pushed the limitations imposed by poor health, never letting it keep her down. At countless ceremonies or events around Lismore Auntie Fay was there, often together with her loved 'sister' Auntie Agnes Roberts, to welcome people to Bundjalung land and share her stories, which frequently moved people to both laughter and tears. In 2002 she gave the Elder's address at the 'Sorry Day' luncheon in Lismore, which acknowledged the death of so many Indigenous Australians since settlement and celebrated and honoured those who survived.

She had a keen desire to learn. Despite leaving school at 15 she returned to education when her primary responsibilities as a mother were complete, enrolling firstly in a course at Southern Cross University in Aboriginal Health. She then went to TAFE, where, over a 12-year period, she completed studies including mediation, Indigenous Culture and art. In 2001 she enrolled again at Southern Cross University in the Bachelor of Indigenous Australian Studies, had completed seven units and was due to enrol for further units this semester the day she died. Apart from her own education, she contributed significantly to the education of her people. She was a founder of the Jarjum Pre-School in East Lismore, gave many talks at local schools on Indigenous culture and issues and was an Elder consultant to Southern Cross University in its establishment of Aboriginal programs and the College of Indigenous Australian People.

Auntie Fay's enormous contribution to this community was recognised in many ways.

She received the ATSIC Award 2000, a Certificate of Achievement from NAIDOC Week 2002, the Indigenous Community Award from the Quota Club of Lismore in 1993, the Reconciliation Bridge Walk and Corroboree award in 2000, and a NSW Premier's Award for her contribution to community services. She was a torchbearer locally for the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and attended the Disabled Artists World Conference in Los Angeles in 1999 representing Australia as a Bundjalung Elder. Her commitment to peace was reflected in her participation in the peace walk from Canberra to Sydney, which took three weeks, before the Sydney Olympics.

It is said that freedom comes from embracing what one is given to do in one's time and place. Auntie Fay certainly did that, engaging fully with life and truly earning her freedom. She will live in our hearts and memories and remain as an inspiring symbol of how one person, through love, compassion, energy and dedication can rise above hardship and influence her community in significant ways.

Cr Ros Irwin

Smoking's not a Patch on Good Health

Pharmacy assistant Alicia Smith (left), from Roper & Parry's ChemWorld in Lismore with the acting director of Population Health, Justine Waters.

Public health officials are not in the habit of taking a close professional interest in shop windows, but the latest display at Roper & Parry's ChemWorld in Lismore caught the eye of Justine Waters, the acting director of Population Health at Northern Rivers Area Health Service, and drew strong praise.

"It's terrific to see a pharmacy getting so strongly behind the quit smoking campaign, especially as chemists are the first port of call for people wanting nicotine replacement products," Ms Waters said.

The creator of the anti-smoking window, pharmacy assistant Kerri Cameron, explained that it was the chemist's entry in a display competition and won the $500 first prize.

Justine Waters said people should not 'go it alone' when they try to stop smoking, but take advantage of the help that's available, including the free Quitline on 131 848.

"If you go 'cold turkey' and fail, you tend to blame yourself and get nervous about trying again," she said. "These products can make all the difference with tackling a smoking dependency, doubling your prospects of quitting successfully, especially if you are a moderate-high smoker, which is more than ten a day or smoking within a half-hour of waking up. "

According to Ms Waters, the smoking rates in the Northern Rivers are 27% for males and 23% for females, with smoking being the most preventable cause of serious illness.

"It takes a terrible toll on the community's health, and because of its addictive ingredients, is quickly habit forming, with young people at particular risk because of the marketing strategies of tobacco companies."

Vaccination Website

Spike Echidna is the face of a new vaccine information website that offers answers common questions for parents.

The website will be launched between 10am-12pm this Saturday, in Lismore Shopping Square. Children can meet Spike and there will be giveaways such as balloons, stickers, fliers, drawings to colour in and mini Spike Echidnas.

All are welcome. The site is at www.vaccination.org.au.

This week's features: Local Businesses

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