Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

In a turnabout for convention, Cr Col Sullivan was appointed Council's voting delegate at the 2003 Shires Association Annual Conference, at last week's Richmond Valley Council meeting. The surprise is that the mayor normally gets the job, but Cr Charlie Cox will be a spectator after a majority backed Cr Sullivan, noting that he is Vice President of the Shires Association.

Rally for pets too

Trisha Host, CMCA Rally of Surprises coordinator, said it's important to remember that the vehicles coming to Casino next month for the rally are people's homes – and that includes pets. Pet stores can expect to do well – a pet shop in a previous town where the rally was held did a roaring trade, not only in pet food, but also kittens, puppies, birds and cages and much more.

"Ask yourself, " Trisha said, "what do you need every week to keep your home running smoothly? With the exception of an engine, tyres and a lot of movement, the visitors will have the same requirements."

Country Beef Week

Country Music fans will be well catered for at this year's Casino Beef Week. Tamworth Golden guitar winner Adam Harvey, plus best new talent finalist Michael King, and Kerry Kennedy and Double Barrell will all be appearing at various Beef Week events. The full program is now available on the website at www.casinobeefweek.com.au

Woodburn plays!

Richmond Valley Council has joined with Planning NSW to provide the financial assistance to update playground equipment in Riverside Park, Woodburn.

Darryl Grissell, chairman of Woodburn's Townlife Development Program, said the upgrade will ensure that Woodburn remains a popular place for travellers to stop, rest and inject some dollars into the local economy. Around 9500 cars pass through Woodburn every day.

No doubt the local kids will also be keen to test out the new gear. The work should be finished by the end of June.

Economic plan

Evans Head will host two community workshops looking at the economic issues affecting the town in the coming weeks.

The first is this Wednesday, April 30, at 7pm at the Evans Head-Woodburn RSL Club, at 7pm. The second is on May 13, also at the RSL Club, at 7pm.

Part of the planning will involve setting up a local committee to ensure projects are supported and implemented.

Mayor Charlie Cox said the program will generate new business and employment in Evans Head.

"The partnerships formed from a whole community economic development program such as this can only have a positive effect," he said.

For information, and for catering if you're planning to go, phone Council's community development coordinator Louise Ford on 6660 0393.

Casino Art Centre

Casino resident Peter Gallo has a visionary plan to develop an Art Centre and Studio in the Casino Centre Arcade. The plan includes providing workspace for artists and will have a mezzanine floor where students and the public will be able to watch the artists at work. Peter has also suggested monthly arts only markets and a twice yearly art auction, as well as a number of competitions during the year. A public meeting will be held next Thursday, May 1, at 7pm in the Casino RSM Club to discuss the proposal.

Picture a big heart

ICAN! Evans Head (Integrated Community Action Network) is inviting locals to be part of an aerial photo next Tuesday as part of Heart Week. People will be arranged into the shape of a big, red heart. To make a really great photo, they need lots of people to come along, wearing as much red as possible. Meet at the surf club car park next Tuesday, April 29, at 10am.

Afterwards, free health screenings will be offered at the Community Health Centre from 11am-1pm and will include some simple tests such as cholesterol and blood pressure checks.

• Richmond Valley Notes is a new weekly column on happenings in the 'Valley of Surprises'. Pass on your Richmond Valley news, gossip or tips to Therese on 6662 7735 or email tschier@richmondnet.com.au