The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Meet the Neighbourhood

Lismore Neighbourhood Centre coordinator Jan Pearson (right) and Volunteer Referral Centre coordinator Jeannette Tyler are inviting people to the centre's open day next Thursday, May 22, at the new premises in Carrington Street.

The open day is being held as part of Neighbourhood Centre Week (May 18-24) and will kick off with an Australia's Biggest Morning Tea event for the Cancer Council at 10.30am.

People also will have the opportunity to check out the new building, get information about the centre's services and find out how to become a volunteer. There will also be an information session on 'neighbourhood dispute resolution' with the Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre's Steve Bolt from 11am-12pm (phone 6621 7397 to reserve a place).

"It's just a good opportunity to come and see our accessible, spacious new premises and have a chat and a cuppa," centre coordinator, Jan Pearson, said.

"All neighbourhood centres are unique in that they reflect the grass roots needs of each community. The open day is a great chance to see how we cater for Lismore, and how a small band of volunteers can make a huge difference in their community. We're also looking for new volunteers, so if you're interested, come along and see us."

The Lismore Neighbourhood Centre provides a multitude of free services, ranging from advice on legal issues and divorce to emergency accommodation services and children's activities. The open day will run from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The centre is at 76 Carrington Street (the old Lismore Library site).

Budget's $2 tax break

Simon Thomsen

With an average annual income of just $15,000, many Northern Rivers residents will be just $85 a year better off under tax cuts announced by treasurer Peter Costello in Tuesday's Budget.

The saving amounts to a 6.2 per cent cut, giving back $1.63 per week, for anyone earning between $10,000 and $20,000 per year. But people can expect to pay more to visit the doctor, or go to university, under sweeping reforms to health and tertiary education.

The tax cut was the surprise of the Budget. People on the national average income, $45,000, will receive an additional $4 per week in their pay packet from July 1. The biggest winners are people earning between $21,600 and $24,000, who take home an additional $6.36 per week - a tax cut of up to 10 per cent.

The Prime Minister flagged changes to Medicare and bulk-billing last month and while universities will receive $1.5 billion over the next four years they will also be able to charge higher HECS fees. On the upside, the student loan repayment threshold will be lifted to $30,000.

In recognition of its role as a regional university Southern Cross will receive $4 million in special grant funding.

Page MP Ian Causley said the education reforms would secure the future of SCU.

"Southern Cross University, for the first time, will be able to determine the value of their courses in the marketplace and compete on price with other institutions," he said. "Southern Cross, if it wishes, can also set its student fees anywhere from $0 to a Government-determined upper limit."

While the HECS fees for nursing and education, where industry shortages exist, have been capped at $3854, fees could increase by up to 30 per cent in other courses, leaving arts students in 2005 paying up to $5010, and Law students $8355.

SCU Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Zbys Klich said it was too early to tell what action SCU would take on course fees. Offering an overview of the Budget, Prof Klich said there were few highlights for the region.

"On balance, the good news outweighs the bad, but for most people in the region, there is not a great deal to be excited about," he said. "In a few areas, such as unemployment, small business and education of nurses and teachers, there will be disappointment that not enough has been done to address major problems."

Prof Klich the 'drought' on federal funding for universities had finally broken, and included targeted support for rural, regional and indigenous students.

"We welcome the proposed increases for core funding to universities, but we are cautious about what appear to be conditions for gaining access to those funds," he said.

However, SCU Student Representative Council chairman, Eric Bateman, was less impressed, saying the Budget reforms would make education more difficult, leave students facing a lifetime of debt and threaten the viability of Southern Cross.

"Part of [Education Minister Brendon] Nelson's apparent carrot of extra funding is in fact a big stick attempting to force universities to collaborate with the government's anti-union, anti-student organisation ideology," he said.

"Deregulation of fees will inevitably mean more funding will flow to bigger institutions, and richer students will have more choice."

On the business front, employer organisation Australian Business Limited (ABL) said the Budget was responsible, and offered continued support for regional development.

But ABL regional manager Gordon Meggatt said there were some disappointments, including the continued 3 per cent tariff on business imports and a lack of new money for export market development.

"We were also disappointed that fringe benefits tax penalties were not removed from employers who provide childcare services for staff," he said.

Mr Meggatt said ABL supported the general direction of the higher education reforms and that the increased funding was good news for SCU.

There was one 'highlight' in the Budget papers for Lismore Lantern Parade organiser Jyllie Jackson. The parade will receive $27,500 under the Regional Assistance Program.

Jon dives in the deep end

Filmmaker Jon Bell heads for Casino pool.

Story & photo: Therese Schier

Casino-born Indigenous filmmaker Jon Bell will shoot his first feature film at Casino Memorial Pool this weekend.

Jon's script, And Justice for One, was one of four selected for production under the Indigenous Mentor Scheme, funded by the state and federal governments. Experienced mentors and script editors are attached to each project.

Set in the 50s, the film addresses issues of race segregation, and how two brothers deal with their anger at being denied access to the pool on a hot summer's day.

"I deal heavily in metaphor," Jon explained. "The man at the pool represents the system and the brothers' characters portray two of the ways people deal with racism. The older brother wants to spit at the man as he lies sleeping in the sun but the younger brother doesn't want to cause trouble."

Lennox Head film producer Lois Randall will be Jon's mentor.

"The script is a beautifully poetic piece," Lois said. Jon has a very visual way of thinking and I'm impressed at how focused he is."

After studying film, writing, dance and music in Sydney, Jon returned to Casino 18 months ago, bought a video camera and set about making short films with friends.

"My ideas come from what I read and see around me. I often write like crazy at night, fuelled by coca cola and chocolate. I might start painting, go away to cook tea and come back later and think - 'that could do with black there,' he said.

Jon and Lois are grateful for the support and assistance from Richmond Valley Council staff and pool manager Michael Franey.

This film will be broadcast on SBS show Living Black later this year.

A gem of a hobby

Terra Sword

Lismore Gem and Lapidary Club president John Hoffman with 22 month-old Kei Winmill, who will attend his first Gem Fest this weekend.

For John Hoffman finding gemstones is a labour of love - one that might raise his wife's eyebrow. John has been collecting gemstones and crystals for the last 40 years, and says when you find one, it's kind of like jumping out of a plane.

"Nature produces these exquisite treasures and when you actually pick one out of the earth yourself its, well, almost better than sex," John said. "It's such an adrenalin rush and you keep doing it because of that amazing thrill. Sometimes you can go for months without finding a single thing and then bam, one day you come across something really special and you remember what the rush is like."

John will be showing off his prized collection of gemstones and crystals at this weekend's 13th annual Gem Fest, which is presented by the Lismore Gem and Lapidary Club.

The two-day event has something for everyone, whether you're a serious collector, metaphysical healer or someone who just loves crystals.

This year's event is the biggest yet, with more dealer displays and tailgaters (people who find and sell gemstones) than ever. You can get gemstones identified and appraised, discover the healing properties of different crystals or watch the numerous demonstrations on lapidary, jewellery making and other gemstone-related crafts. There are also some great kids activities such as sand sieving and free treasure hunts.

You can browse through an amazing collection of rare and beautiful gemstones or haggle for a bargain with a dealer. If you'd rather learn how to fossick for yourself, John and friends are happy to offer advice.

"The gemstones and crystals you see at the Gem Fest are not things you'll see every day in shops," John said. "There will some absolutely stunning gemstones on display. The entire festival is undercover so even if the rain's torrential you don't have to stay home and watch the box."

The Gem Fest is this Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, at the Lismore showgrounds. It is open Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 9am to 3pm.

Entry is $3 for adults and 50c for kids, and parking is free.

Weaving magic

Lismore Spinners and Weavers Club member, Lorraine Harris, with cushions made from natural fibres.

The Lismore Spinners and Weavers Club will host the Northern Region Combined Fibre Group's annual Interaction Day for the first time next Wednesday, May 21, at the Lismore Racecourse.

The group is made up of smaller clubs who love working with natural fibres (ie wool, silk, alpaca and mohair), and they come together each year to display their crafts. This year the theme is cushions, and the day will kick off with a morning tea and judging of the cushions in the Casbah display at 10am.

Traders will be selling natural fibres and craft equipment and there's a fashion parade of garments made by members. People are also encouraged to bring a picnic lunch.

"You're never going to make a living out of doing something like this - it's just purely for the love of working with natural fibres," Lismore Spinners and Weavers Club member, Lorraine Harris, said. "Watching the progression from the raw wool to the spun fibre, right through to the finished product is just magic. A carpenter will tell you he loves working with wood, and likewise we as spinners, weavers, knitters and felters love working with natural fibre. ."

Tickets to the Interaction Day are just $5 and that includes morning tea as well as tea and coffee to have with your picnic lunch. For info phone Lorraine on 6624 2025.

$25m Ballina hotel on hold

Rudi Maxwell

The proposed design for the Ramada Hotel in Ballina.

The proposed $25 million Ramada Hotel development in Ballina hit a snag on the eve of its approval by Ballina Council, when NSW Planning Minister Craig Knowles called the development in last Thursday. The move took approval power away from the Council, which nonetheless narrowly gave its blessing to the development when it met that night, voting 5-3 (Crs Rich, Howes, Dakin against; Cr Silver declared an interest).

The hotel is being developed by Slipway Properties, a consortium of 10 local families whose directors include well-known developers Chris Condon and Elton Stone, Ian Mills, Glen Stotter and Bryan Marriott.

Mr Mills said they were surprised by the government's response.

"The disappointing part is that we met with Planning NSW in January and lodged the DA in mid-February. We submitted a copy to Planning NSW and they took until last Thursday to respond," he said.

"Clearly Council, senior staff and the whole community want the development to go ahead. We've only ever had five letters of objection and we dealt with all of those concerns with this new DA. I'm confident we'll get approval."

A spokesman for Mr Knowles said that the Minister had received 'a lot of correspondence regarding the Ramada development'.

"PlanningNSW thought that various aspects to the development could warrant more scrutiny and the State Government has much more clout to do a more thorough impact assessment," he said. "More clarification is needed on public foreshore access, overshadowing, possible erosion, riverbank stability and possible erosion of the building itself."

He said the Minister rejected accusations of an '11th hour' intervention.

"The Government doesn't work to the pressure of developers. It can call in developments whenever it likes if it is in the public interest. This hasn't sounded a death knell to the development. The department will use its resources to dig deeper into the possible effects this development will have, but liase closely with Ballina Shire Council the whole time to make sure an appropriate decision is made," he said.

At last Thursday's Council meeting Cr Avis Kennedy moved to tell the Minister of Council's backing and urging urgent approval, arguing it had strong community support.

Cr David Wright said Ballina was "crying out" for a major tourist hotel.

"The developers have listened to the community. Every person who objected last time has had their objection met fairly. I believe we should say to the minister that the majority of the community support this development and consent should be granted," he said.

Cr Peter Moore said it was "good for the economy, jobs and young people and the community", while Cr Sue Dakin suggested 'proceeding cautiously' to ensure the hotel didn't have permanent residences.

But Cr Margaret Howes said it was an "overdevelopment of the site" and Cr Alan Rich said the Minister had done Ballina residents "a big favour".

However, the developers have an earlier, approved DA for a larger, more 'boxy' complex, which could be used if the latest proposal is rejected. Slipway Properties secretary Bryan Marriott said it would be unfortunate if they had to use the old plan, saying the newer design was more attractive, community-friendly and moved the hotel back an average of 10m from the foreshore.

"An international hotel on the riverside fits in with the 'Port of Ballina' idea that the community decided to support several years ago. Ballina is changing and I only hope it is well-planned change," he said.

Babies save lives

Lismore Inner Wheel Club president Jill Sprogis, morning tea coordinator Joanne Cooper and charter president Margaret Frith.

The Lismore Inner Wheel Club will hold a special morning tea in Goonellabah tomorrow, May 16, to raise money for National Cord Blood Day.

All money raised from the event will go towards cord blood research, which is not unlike embryonic stem cell research, except it's a lot less controversial.

With cord blood research the stem cells are sourced from old umbilical cords rather than embryos. These stem cells can then be used as an alternative to bone marrow transplant for people with leukaemia.

"As a mother whose only recently had children I'm more than happy to give my umbilical cord to research if I know it could save lives," Lismore Inner Wheel Club member, Joanne Cooper, said. "It's almost like being an organ donor - it's not like the umbilical cord would be used for anything else anyway. Cord blood research has already been used successfully to treat people with cancer, and if we can raise more money for research then we can save more lives."

The morning tea will be held from 10.30am tomorrow, and it only costs $5 per person. To register and get details of the venue phone Joanne on 6625 1611.

Other Inner Wheel Clubs around the region are also holding events tomorrow to raise funds. Alstonville Inner Wheel will have a stall at Alstonville Plaza and Ballina Inner Wheel will have a stall at Ballina Fair, both from 8.30am to 4pm. They will both be selling badges for $5 and pin-on red cords for $2.

Thanks, but aged care nurses lag behind

Patient Barry Torrens, at the Renal Unit at Lismore Base Hospital, says thanks to nurses Cheryl Whitlen, Sue Rowell, Bev Hiles and David McCallum on International Nurses Day 2003. Photo: Sue Walker

The 1,400 Registered and Enrolled Nurses working for the Northern Rivers Area Health Service in hospitals and other facilities received a special message of appreciation for International Nurses Day on Monday.

The annual event - this year the theme is 'Thanks Nurse!' - is held on the birthday of the world's most celebrated nurse, Florence Nightingale.

NRAHS Director of Nursing, Anne O'Donoghue said that modern nursing had changed dramatically, especially through new technology.

"Nurses are continually adjusting their knowledge and gaining new skills to meet the scientific advances. They have to be on their toes and vigilant about world trends, new practices and the latest research," she said.

As part of the celebrations, the Heath Service honoured their best with the Nursing Excellence Awards at Ballina Hospital.

Meanwhile, NSW Health Minister, Morris Iemma, announced a $1.2 million, three-year study into the workload and responsibilities of nurses, saying that while nursing was "an enriching profession," Australia encountered great difficulties in filling vacancies. The study will focus on how patient care was affected by the nursing workload, the skill-mix of nurses, models of care and nurse-patient ratios.

NSW Nurses Association General Secretary, Brett Holmes, said one major problem was that aged care nurses were paid up to 14 per cent less than their colleagues in public hospitals.

"Unfortunately, the federal Government's aged care policies, and the attitude of nursing home operators towards their nursing staff at the moment, are increasingly turning aged care nursing into a thankless task. If we don't do something to reverse the situation, and provide better pay and conditions for aged care nurses, then the sector will find it increasingly difficult to attract qualified and committed staff," Mr Holmes said.

"People would be shocked to learn that the standard hourly rate for a 4th Year Assistant in Nursing in a NSW nursing home, who provides care for frail elderly people, is $12.86 per hour, while the rate for an adult (over 21) supermarket shelf packer is $14.20 per hour."

Mr Holmes said nurses needed wage parity across all sectors to make nursing an attractive career option.

Education key to reconciliation

Gearing up for the upcoming Sorry Day events is Reconciliation Week coordinator Judith Light, Widjabul country custodian Irene Harrington and Reconciliation Week committee member Ken Morgan.

In honour of the late Bundjalung Elder Fay Smith this year's Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week theme will be 'Faycing up to Education'. A Sorry Day Elders address will be held on Sunday, May 25, at Lismore City Hall, following on from last year's inaugural address, by Fay.

This year Widjabul country custodian Irene Harrington, who has taken on the role of the late Fletcher Roberts, will give the address and join other Bundjalung Elders to tell their stories.

Irene, who had little schooling as a child, will talk about the importance of education. She studied for an Associate Diploma in Aboriginal adult teaching at University in her 50s.

"I went to primary school and to high school for one year, but the rest of my education was self-taught," Irene said. "Society keeps changing with each generation and I believe to truly contribute to that society you need an education. These days people have to compete for employment and you need education just to have a shot at getting a job. If I can get an education at 50, they should be able to get one at 15."

The Sorry Day Elders address starts at 10.30am, with a Filipino luncheon from 12pm. Tickets are $10 per person and bookings are essential. Phone Judith Light on 6624 1926.

Other activities during Reconciliation Week include a Yarn Up between Bundjalung Elders and high school students on Monday, May 26, and an Education Expo and picnic day on Friday, May 30, in Spinks Park.

The picnic day is a family event and there will be information stalls, free entertainment, kids activities, choir performances and a sausage sizzle. The day will run from 10am to 3pm.

300 not out for nation's black voice

Celebrating the 300th edition of The Koori Mail on Saturday night were (rear l-r) Democrats Senator Aden Ridgeway, director Terry Randall (Maclean-based Nungera Co-operative), editor Todd Condie and director Don Daley (Cabbage Tree Island-based Bunjum Co-operative), with (front) Koori Mail chairman Russell Kapeen (Coraki-based Kurrachee Co-operative), deputy chair Robyn Ferguson (Casino-based Buyinbin Co-operative) and country music star Troy Cassar-Daley.

The Lismore-based national Indigenous newspaper The Koori Mail celebrated another milestone last week when it printed its 300th edition.

Formed in 1991, the paper is 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned, by five local Aboriginal communities.

Koori Mail chairman Russell Kapeen, said the fortnightly paper had grown to become nationally recognised in 12 years.

"We are proud that as the Bundjalung owners of this self-funding newspaper, we have a production that not only provides excellent news, but also gives back to our community through scholarships, sponsorships and dividends," he said.

More than 12,000 copies of the paper - the latest edition is 96 pages - go out to remote, rural and regional Aboriginal communities right across Australia. The paper has a staff of eight based in Lismore.

Todd Condie has been editor since 1997, and said he takes great pride in giving Indigenous people a voice in the media.

"We have correspond­ents across the land and we give people who are often forgotten in Australian society - especially young people, those in prison or with low literacy, or living in remote area - a chance to be heard," he said.

The aged of Aquarius gather

Terra Sword

Launching the 30th anniversary Aquarius Festival celebrations in Nimbin last Friday were (l-r) Nimbin Aquarius Foundation president Benny Zable, Cr Diana Roberts, Lismore mayor Merv King, and Woodstock visitors Nathan Koenig and Shelli Lipton.

The founders of Woodstock Museum, Nathan Koenig and Shelli Lipton, are in Nimbin for the next fortnight to join in the Aquarius Festival 30th anniversary celebrations.

Nathan and Shelli are in Nimbin to show archive footage of Woodstock, strengthen the Nimbin/Woodstock sister village relationship.

"It's more Woodstock than Woodstock - we love it," Shelli said. "It's a really opportune time to celebrate with the locals too, because it's the Aquarius Festival anniversary here and also the 100th year of the founding of Woodstock. We want to get as much video footage and imagery as possible, so people in Woodstock can see Nimbin for themselves. We thought we had to educate people about the Woodstock notion of sustainable living and peace on Earth, but Nimbin is already living it."

The Aquarius Festival 30th anniversary celebrations continue until May 24. During the next fortnight Nathan and Shelli will present film screenings at Djanbung Gardens.

Tomorrow, May 16, the Community Gardens will be opened at the Anglican Church with a free concert from 2-5pm, and there's also a vegetarian feast and music night at the Rainbow Cafe that evening to celebrate the full moon.

On Saturday, May 17, there's music, dancing and a BBQ in Peace Park all day, followed by a Women Celebrating Aquarius event in Nimbin hall from 5pm. On Sunday there's also the Aquarius Fair markets

Other highlights of the festival include the Aquarius Ball on Friday, May 23, at the Town Hall and the Peace Pole Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, in Peace Park from 12pm.

For full entry and venue details, as well as a list of all other events, visit the official website at www.aquarius.rainbowregion.com.

Bexhill quarry

Lismore Council is investigating the remediation of the Bexhill quarry - the former brickworks site - because of the dangers it poses to the local community. The quarry is administered by the NSW Government, which is behing lobbied to remediate the site.

Council's environmental services manager, Tony Kohlenberg, said the quarry face was unstable and the water dangerous.

"Bexhill Quarry is dangerous and out of bounds. That's something we encourage every parent to tell their children," he said.

Council will have an information stall at Bexhill Store this Friday, 9-11am, and nearby residents will be letterboxed about the issue.

Seatbelt survey

More drivers are buckling up more often, according to a seatbelt survey conducted last week.

The surveys were conducted at 11 sites across Lismore and Ballina to set a benchmark for a seatbelt campaign being conducted by both councils and the Police.

Road Safety Officer, Wendy Johnson said that although the results are encouraging with about 95 per cent of drivers and passengers seen wearing their seatbelts, although 93 people were not.

Mrs Johnson said most of those not wearing a seatbelt were males driving work vans and light trucks.

"What is really alarming is that eight of those not wearing a seatbelt or occupant restraint were children," she said.

Evans bar dredging

Clarence MP Steve Cansdell has called on the NSW Government to fast-track its election promise of $250,000 to dredge the bar and channels of the Evans River.

Mr Cansdell said that the promise, made on February 22, must be honoured as soon as possible.

"To date, only luck has prevented a serious mishap and unless some positive preventative action occurs soon, there will be a tragedy on the Evans River Bar," he said.

Mr Cansdell said the dangerous conditions were impacting negatively on local businesses and had already cost jobs.

Drought half over

Recent rains have led to drought declarations being lifted in 7.3 per cent of NSW. While 92.5 per cent of the state is still in drought, the eastern half of the Tweed-Lismore was drown-graded to marginal, suggesting that farmers still have a long way to go before they recover.

80k to Ballina

The speed limit on the Pacific Highway south of Ballina, from the Bruxner Highway intersection, has been reduced to 80km/h to improve safety at the intersection.

A new merge lane for northbound traffic turning onto the Pacific Highway is also expected to be completed by the end of the month.

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