The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

An uncertain grace

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Shirley Gray (centre) with her support team (l-r) Palliative Care nurse Catherine Luxford, volunteer Helen Cooling and community nurse Marge Prosser.

Shirley Gray is dying of cancer.She has no hope of recovery, but with the help of the palliative care team at St Vincent's Hospital she is going to make the most of every minute left.The palliative care team help Shirley control the pain and symp- toms associated with her disease, whilst also providing emotional and spiritual support.

This week, May 25-31, is Palliative Care Week, and Dr Joanne Doran, Northern Rivers Area Director of Palliative Care, said caring for people is a team e ort that can involve all the community.

"Unfortunately, people immediately associate palliative care with dying which means it can be a bit confronting when our service is mentioned.But really, we are all about living, as well as possible, for as long as possible.In life, dying is a rst time experience for all of us, but looking after someone who is dying can also be a rst time experience, " Dr Doran said.

" The essence of what we do is to provide support, encouragement and information to patients and families.We endeavour to bring back a sense of control and calm to a family often in crisis.One aspect of this is keeping people at home and out of hospital where possible." For the last six months, Shirley has been visited at home at least once a day by the palliative care nurse, community nurse or volunteer who make up her palliative care team.She says it's these visits that have kept her alive.

"I think I would have died a long time ago if it wasn't for their support, " Shirley said.

"When people realise you have cancer they run for the hills - just to be near someone with cancer, it really scares people.So even though you did have friends, you suddenly feel yourself isolated.

Having these women around me makes you feel wanted - you feel like a part of your community and not like something that's just been discarded.

" They got me out of being alone and that was huge.I've always been very social and talked to people, so when I found myself alone it hit me very hard." The former Mad Max and A Country Practice actress is now living the toughest role of her life, and despite her resilient spirit and amazing energy, sometimes she just wants to cry.But she can't sing the praises of the people who help her through these times enough.

"They take you as you come and if you're feeling sensitive they don't say 'Oi!Stiff upper lip girlie', they just let you be yourself, " Shirley said."They are just so caring and they always have time for you.Sometimes it feels like you've just been thrown in the rubbish heap and you're simply not wanted, and that can be really difficult.But I can ring these women and say help and they're always there for me.I love them." That team effort also extends to the many people who help fundraise for the Palliative Care Unit.

Clinical nurse consultant Jenny McFarlane said she wanted to thank fundraising groups like Passport to Value and the Blue and White Ladies Auxiliary for their support to the unit.

To become involved or find out more, contact Dr Doran on 6623282.

All fired up

Gearing up for this Saturday’s open day is Goonellabah Fire Brigade captain Kevin Muldoon (front) with firefighters (l-r) Nathan Corby, Andrew Coe Crystal Maher.

Local fire stations will throw open their doors to the public this Saturday, between 10am and 4pm, so people can meet their local ‘firies ’, inspect the fire engines and get free advice on fire safety.

Goonellabah Fire Brigade com- mander Andrew McQuade said the open day was a chance to learn more about local fire fighters and the work they did.

“ The NSW Fire Brigade is more than just a fire service – we pro- tect the community from fire, haz- ardous materials incidents, non fire rescues and other emergen- cies, ” he said.

Commander McQuade said that winter was a peak time for house fires because people were using heaters and dryers.

Last year, nearly 4700 homes were involved in a fire in NSW.

“Our fire fighters are happy to provide fire safety advice, particu- larly in relation to smoke alarms, he said.

The fire station open day will also have promotional gifts and other goodies for children.

As well as the Goonellabah station, other stations open this Saturday include Lismore CBD, Casino, Alstonville, Evans Head, Ballina, Coraki, Bangalow and Kyogle.

Stacey's queen of Casino

Stacey Clark (pictured ) representing the Brahman breed, was crowned Miss Casino Beef Week when the town's 'longest week in Australia' kicked o on Friday night.

Beef Week has again proved popular, with numbers boosted by visitors who've stayed on after the Campervan and Motorhome Rally.

Retired Olympic gold medallist Duncan Armstrong showed he was more than a 'super sh with a humorous compering of Tuesday's fashion parade.Coming from Rockhampton, the rival Beef Capital, he taunted the locals over their claim to the title.

Beef Week moves into top gear from today, with the Hoedown from 5.30pm at Casino Saleyards.

On Friday, it's an early start for the Beef Week Breakfast, followed by a morning of unique entertainment including the (in)famous 'cow pat lotto' and milking competition.Tomorrow also features the Beef Week Cup race meeting and quilters, art, craft and photography exhibitions.

Saturday is the climax of the celebrations with a huge entertainment day in the CBD, featuring everything from live cattle auctions, to mini stockman/lady competitions, a huge car and bike show, and 'Beef on Barker' (see here for details).In the evening, there's the Rodeo at the Showground.

Sunday is Family Day at the Showground with the working Draught Horses and display carts and Dog Trials.

Tues day's Beef Ca rcass Expo is the culmination of Beef Week, with keen competition from exhibitors to see which steer made the judges 'cut'. For details on Beef Week events, phone the Beef Week o ce on 6662 818 1 or visit www.casinobeefweek.com.au

Celebrating World Environment Day

Painting banners for next Wednesday's environmental expo is (l-r) Lismore TAFE Student Association secretary Cheryl Smith, president Derek Milburn, officer Rose Marin and treasurer Scott Jenkin.

The Lismore TAFE Student Association is celebrating World Environment Day with an environmental expo next Wednesday, June 4, at the Lismore campus.

The expo features a variety of displays from local environmental and landcare groups as well as Council's waste management team, Southern Cross University and TAFE.

People can access a variety of information about the environment, join a tree planting in the Sculpture Symposium or enjoy the free entertainment and guest speakers.

"People can nd out about all aspects of the environment, from Council's local recycling initiatives to what the Wilderness Society is doing on a national level, " Student Association o cer, Rose Marin, said.

"It's about education and awareness - we want people to pop in and learn about their environment, and how they can be more pro-active on a day to day level. It's a positive step towards being environmentally aware." The day will run from 11am to 1pm, making it easy for workers to drop in during their lunchbreak.

Ballina doesn't rate highly - but wants to

Rudi Maxwell

Ballina Shire Council is hoping to increase rates by 7.6 per cent - around $45 for the average household - more than double the capped 3.6 per cent increase allowed by the NSW government.

Council's draft management plan, currently on exhibition for public comment, argues that Lismore ratepayers pay around 70 per cent more than Ballina residents, so Ballina's rates need to increase for badly needed infrastructure work.

Council will apply to the Local Government minister to approve the additional increase, which is earmarked for spending on environmental work, including improvements to stormwater drainage, vegetation regeneration and the Shaws Bay redevelopment.

The good news is there is no increase to water or sewerage fees, but waste collection service fees will go up by $15.

Ballina remains committed to its CBD revitalisation, allocating $2.2 million towards the work, and two timber bridges at Teven will be replaced at a cost of $1m.

Council will also spend $1.8m on improving wastewater treatment and $1.7m upgrading water supply infrastructure.

Other expenditure includes $110, 000 for improvements to community buildings, including Crawford House and the former Tintenbar council chambers; $130, 000 on playground improvements and $300, 000 on improving facilities such as providing a covered walkway at Ballina airport.

At last Th ursday's meeting, Council voted to increase the mayoral and councillor fees, by 7 and 3 per cent respectively, to the maximum allowable amount - $27, 395 for the mayor and $12, 550 for councillors.

Ballina's draft plan of management is on exhibition until June 2 3 at the Council office in Cherry Street, the Shire's libraries, the Wardel l Community Access Space and online at www.ballinacouncil.com.au.

Quit, but don’t give up Terra Sword

At the World No Tobacco Day display at Southern Cross University yesterday were Northern Rivers Area Health Service health promotion unit manager Uta Dietrich (left) and Cancer Council regional programs coordinator Diana Fisher with journalism students (l-r) Courtney Cairns, Lynn Hancock, Elize Ogg and Matt Tucker.

Every child learns from parents or school that smoking kills, but it doesn ’t stop hundreds of children taking up the deadly habit every day.

One reason cited by the Cancer Council is the glamorisation of smoking by high profile celebrities in films, hence the theme World No Tobacco Day on Saturday – Smoke Free Film, Smoke Free Fashion! In an attempt to get the message across to young people the Cancer Council is highlighting the issue with cardboard cut outs of actors who smoke in films, combating it with information on smoking and how to quit.

Last week, Nicole Kidman was singled out for criticism after smoking at a press conference – having played a series of roles in which she also smoked.

“ The number of on- screen smokers seems to be increasing due to the encouragement of the tobacco industry, ” Northern Rivers Area Health Service health promotion unit manager, Uta Dietrich, said.

Ms Dietrich said World No Tobacco Day is an ideal time for smokers to take the . rst steps to quitting.

“Quitting isn ’ t easy but professional help is available, ” Ms Dietrich said."Smokers can call the Quitline to get a Quit Kit and advice on how to quit, or discuss the issue with their GP.

Local pharmacies also have Effective products such as patches to help people deal with the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine.If you don't succeed the rst time, which most people don't, then keep persevering." People thinking about quitting should phone the Quitline on 11 8 4

Ballina bypass approved

NSW Government planning approval of the $254 million Ballina bypass has led to a familiarsiteforresidents awaiting a bypass - bickering between state and federal politicians over who pays for it.

NSW roads minister Carl Scully announced last Friday that the plans for the 12.5km four-lane dual carriageway had been adopted after several months of delay, but was quick to add that funding was some way off, blaming the federal Government.

Mr Scully said the project was not part of a 10-year funding deal with the Commonwealth, which expires in 2006, and claimed the federal Government was not prepared to renew or extend the Paci c Highway agreement.

"If this is the case, then the construction of the Ballina Bypass will have to compete with other important Paci c Highway upgrades which would normally involve a large proportion of Commonwealth funding, " Mr Scully said.

Despite being the national highway, federal roads minister John Anderson's office said the bypass was a state responsibility.

Ballina MP Don Page also weighed in saying it was up to Mr Scully to find the money.

" Thisweek'sfataltruck accident at the bottom of Tintenbar Hill has highlighted more than ever, the urgent need for the construction of the bypass, " Mr Page said.

"I would urge roads minister, Carl Scully, to make a signi cant commitment in next month's State budget in order to accelerate this vital project, " Mr Page said.

Mr Scully replied that if Mr Page was "serious " about building the bypass, then he should "use his position as a fellow National Party member and get John Anderson to commit the Commonwealth Government ".

Rain wrecks roads

Warwick and Lee Boyd inspect the huge crack in Bridge Street, which is right near their home in North Lismore. The crack has caused a fragrant myrtle tree, a threatened species, to collapse into a nearby creek.

While recent rain has been welcome - Rocky Creek dam is now at 92.75Ťn capacity - it has also caused problems for Lismore's roads, creating potholes, and in Bridge Street, North Lismore, causing a fissure that may cost more than $100, 000 to fix.

Lismore Council was forced to close one lane of the road after the crack began to grow in the last couple of weeks.

Council's roads manager, Garry Hemsworth, said that council was looking at options for the site, which is complicated by endangered ora growing close by.

"Council will de nitely have to take action to repair it as soon as possible, but we need to check what can and can't due in terms of environmental issues, and we'll be examining the site thoroughly on the weekend, " he said..

Mr Hemsworth said the drought and rain had both played a part in the subsidence of the road, which is next to a creek.

" The very dry spell probably opened up the ground, then with the recent rain, the embankment probably became saturated and slumped after the water drained away, causing the crack, " he said.

Council will have to make a decision about how to fund the work, which is not in the current budget, and it may mean that other works are delayed.

Mr Hemsworth said roadworks staff were currently busy filling in potholes caused by the rain.

"Generally, the roads are holding in pretty well, compared to previous years, but there has been potholing occurring on some roads, " he said.."Funds are available to deal with the potholes - the issue is having the manpower to get around and repair.

We're st r uggl i ng to keep up at the moment, but hopefully we can get on top of it within a month - although it needs to stop raining first."

Healthy rivers

North Coast rivers are at risk of being 'loved to death' by a growing population, a report by the NSW Healthy Rivers Commission has found.

Commissioner Dr Peter Crawford found that increasing demands for residential land, water- related services and recreation could place the river system at risk if not properly managed.

"North Coast rivers are under increasing pressure as population increases, as the so-called 'baby boomer' generation retires and as others in the community seek lifestyle changes, " he said.

Despite the recent drought, Dr Crawford believed there was still plenty of water.

" The nal report confirms that there is enough water to meet our needs if we use it wisely and maximise opportunities to reuse it wisely, " he said.

But the report also places a heavy emphasis on farmers as key players in solving river health problems, singling out acid sulfate soils on the coastal floodplains, and saying market-based incentives should be used to encourage farmers to implement sustainable agriculture practices.

The report also recommends the integration of water services, such as supply, sewerage and stormwater management.

Copies are available from the Commission, phone 100 8 18 369 or online at www.hrc.nsw.gov.au

Help save the Big Scrub

Big Scrub Environment Centre president, Gray Wilson is concerned about the future of the centre.

A lack of volunteers and a fall in retail sales has left the Big Scrub Environment Centre is facing an uncertain future.

The news comes on the eve of World Environment Day next Wednesday.In an attempt to revive the organisation, the shop is closing for refurbishment for a week in late June.

Big Scrub Environment Centre president Gray Wilson said they are now seeking volunteers to lend a hand or join the board for next year.

Former treasurer Ray Wickett sadly passed away earlier this year, so the Big Scrub is seeking a new treasurer with the ability to keep a keen eye on finances.

"We need an injection of new blood and talent and we really need to reinvent ourselves to increase our business.

We feel a new board with younger members who have vision and commitment, plus the new look of the centre, will hopefully have that e ect, " Mr Wilson said.

Interested people should phone Gray Wilson on 6621 3123.

Mr Wilson also wants to encourage people to visit the shop on Keen Street, especially if they're looking for locally made gifts or want to make a donation.

Donations of paint or materials for the renovations are also being sought.Phone 6621 3123 if you can help.

The story of our place

John Corkill and Helen Wilson launched a new book on the culture of the region.

A new book looking at the culture of the Northern Rivers was launched in Lismore recently.

Compiled by Helen Wilson, Belonging in the Rainbow Region: Cultural Perspectives of the NSW North Coast, features essays and photographs from 15 local contributors on everything from the drug culture to ongoing forestry battles.

" The book looks at many different aspects of the region's identity and what it means to belong here, " Helen said."It's about understanding the current cultural landscape by looking at the past.I think readers will come away with a sense of history about the region and a better understanding of the foundation moments that have made the region such a cultural hub, like the 1973 Aquarius Festival and the original rainforest protests.

"I guess it's trying to document what makes this place special from a cultural perspective for those who don' t know the region or have only come here recently.A lot of people who live in this region weren't born here, but they still call it home." Belonging in the Rainbow Region: Cultural Perspectives of the NSW North Coast is $41.95 from Dymocks in Lismore or through Southern Cross University on 6620 3 284.

A rally drives on its stomach

Story & photo: Therese Schier

Some of the San Marco restaurant volunteers - Kath Gambley, Les Battistuzi, Annette Battistuzi and Ron Hiscocks - ready for another mealtime at the CMCA rally.

Perhaps taking their inspiration from Christ's catering efforts with loaves and shes, the St Marks Anglican Catering Group ran Casino's busiest restaurant last week during the Caravan and Motorhome Rally, serving an amazing 2850 main meals, 2000 desserts and 863 breakfasts in their specially created San Marco restaurant.

With more than 3000 people in 1500 vehicles at the Rally grounds, many visitors took the chance to 'eat out' at San Marco.

The group's tireless leader, Annette Battistuzi, was thrilled with their efforts."We did it!We fed them!" she said.

She thanked the volunteers from other churches, along with community volunteers and high school hospitality students, who also helped out.

Rally organiser Brenda Napthali was full of praise for the San Marco team.

"Annette is a saint.

She never stopped smiling, and she and the volunteers never lost their pleasantness, " Brenda quipped.

Their hard work also raised close to $15, 000 for the church.

While Casino is still taking stock of the Rally's e ect on business, the visitors were impressed by the town's preparedness and endorsed Casino's claim to be 'the friendly town'.

Rally organisers estimate that members spend an average of $99 a day while on the road.

Chemists were among those smiling from the impact of the 'grey nomads'.John Black at McDonald's Pharmacy, reported a 20 per cent increase in demand for prescriptions and Neil Scrivener at Soul Pattinson had a 10 per increase in business.

CMCA rally organisers Brenda and Geoff Napthali are more than happy with the Rally's success.

" The rain we had in the week before the Rally made more work but otherwise everything went well." Brenda said."The entertainment and seminars were great, and were well received by our members." Many members opened their homes to visitors on Open Day.

Bev and Sam Cropper - proudly sporting CMCA membership number 314 - are 'rally veterans'.

"We joined in 1988 and attended our first rally in 1989, " Bev said.

"We have owned three motorhomes, have had three trips around Australia and average three trips away a year." Ron and Aileen Penfold, are part of the CMCA's fastest growing category - the Big Rigs.

"To qualify for 'Big Rig' status, you must own a converted bus which is 35 feet and over, " Ron explained."We think converted buses have an advantage over motorhomes.They have a better ride, a stronger chassis and we can stay away from services for up to a month in ours." And with the Penfold's Big Rig worth $330,000, they have something most homes lack - wheels.

Norco upgrade riles residents

Richmond Valley Council has approved plans for Norco Rural Stores to re-develop a drive-through retail produce store across the road from their 30-year- old store in Dyraaba Street, Casino.

Councillors voted 9-1 (Cr Ray Je ry against), despite the objections of a number of residents opposed to commercial redevelopment bordering a residential area.

Resident Graham Leis argued that property values would fall due to increased noise and tra c, plus off ensive smells.He wanted the area rezoned residential.

"It seems this council wants to move us out of town to satellite suburbs, " he said.

Norco general manager Rod Sproule said Norco had plans to progressively upgrade all 18 rural stores and wanted to work with residents.

" The Casino redevelopment will improve safety and tra c ows, " he said.

"Norco met with residents and we have addressed their concerns." Cr Don Harvey agreed saying "I think that's as far as you can go." But councillors made a last minute change, shifting the exit to Dyraaba Street and not via the smaller Dean Street.

Bus just what the doctor ordered

Nimbin health bus driver Geoff Allan watches Zelly Galadriel board the weekly bus which brings people wanting to see a doctor to Lismore.

Nimbin may be left without a GP after Dr Dan Oxlee closed his surgery last Friday, but people from Nimbin and surrounds still have weekly access to a doctor thanks to Northern Rivers Community Transport (NRCT)and the Northern Rivers Area Health Service.

A mini-bus has begun a return shuttle service between Nimbin and Lismore giving people access to doctors and other health services.

The 'Nimbin Health Bus' also travels via Tunt abl e, The Channon and Dunoon as part of a three-month pilot by the NRAHS.

The bus runs every Wednesday, l eavi ng from Cullen Street at 9am.Passengers are expected to be holders of a health card, unable to drive themselves or to access private transport, or to reasonably utilize mainstream public transport.A small financial contribution is requested.

The shuttle takes people to their individual destinations, such as doctors' surgeries, medical specialists, physiotherapists, chemists, hospitals and community health centers, and collects them again at a pre- arranged time.

With Dr Dan gone, Nimbin resident Zelly Galadriel used the service for the first time this week.

"It was on time and friendly, and the driver, Geoff , put us all at ease, " Zelly said.

For details of the service, phone Paul Ricketts at the Nimbin Neighbourhood Centre on 6689 1965 or Colleen Th omas on 662 4 7 070.

Nimbin is poles apart apart

Cr Di Roberts, sculptors Maxx Maxted, Adrian Ward and Allan Geier, and Thursday Plantation owner Chris Dean, in front of one of the villageˇ¦s new sculptures.

Rudi Maxwell

The attractions at the Nimbin Museum now start outside thanks to a community project unveiled as part of the 30th anniversary Aquarius Festival celebrations.

It came about when Th ursday Plantation founder Chris Dean, who owns property in the village, noticed some awning poles were missing from in front of the museum, so he donated timber and money for some new street art.

"I'm a lover of sculpture and Nimbin and I just put the two together, " Chris said.

Sculptor Maxx Maxted designed the poles.

" The first pole is the community vine.It has different elements of the community interweaved with the environment, " Maxx said."Our children grow up with symbols and transcend them with their own.

" The second pole is made from blackwood and is about Koori culture.I was given permission from the local Bundjalung elders to use the diamond python and the goanna.

The diamond python is facing up out of respect for the Bundjalung totems, " he said."The third pole shows the combi connection at the bottom and has a boy sitting on the top, because that' s what people do - he's looking down Rainbow Lane." Don Sharpe co- ordinated the project and raised extra funds for it.

"Money was donated by some of the street traders, Ron Wood the butcher, Ian the chemist, " Don said,, adding that it was a 'typical' Nimbin job.

" The timing was perfect.This project is six months late and it's right on time, " he quipped.

Chris Dean said he hopes the carved sculptures will re ect what's good about the village.

"We just wanted to say we love Nimbin and show that it is a place that celebrates life.

People don't need to be afraid of Nimbin.A lot of people are freaked out by it.Hopefully people will come to Nimbin and see what a colourful, wonderful place it is.These sculptures express love and caring and that's what gives Nimbin such a unique character, " he said..

Keeping abreast of age

Could the first milk of life make older peoples' lives better? Southern Cross University intends to find out by testing the bene ts of colostrum on older people.

Colostrum is the milk produced by a mammal in the first few days after giving birth.In the search for natural performance- enhancing supplements for athletes, colostrum may produce fast muscle recovery in sportspeople, but so far any bene ts have not been tested on the general population.

School of Exercise Science and Sport Management graduates, Lauren O'Leary and Roxanne Sample, are looking for volunteers, aged 60-70, to take part in the trial.The colostrum comes from cows and has a higher percentage of growth factors than ordinary milk.

" The beauty of colostrum is that it is a natural substance, so we can expect no adverse e ects in anyone except those with a lactose intolerance.This could be groundbreaking if it boosts the flexibility and comfort of older people.If it means they can walk further, be more active, and go about their everyday activities with greater ease, this could be really important, " said Roxanne Sample.

"Volunteers will gain important information about their current health status, increased knowledge of their body's functional status, exercise performance, and the satisfaction of participating in what may possibly be a very signi cant breakthrough for improving the general health of older people, " the study supervisor, Dr Robert Weatherby, said.

Vol unt eers need to be within driving distance of SCU's Lismore Campus.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like further information, call Lauren or Roxanne on 6620 3 65 4 or Dr Robert Weatherby 6620 3671.

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.

Weari ng a seatbelt is not about making a choice - it is the law - and drivers have a responsibility to see that children are properly secured in a seatbelt every time they travel, even on the short trips, " 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.

Ambulance delays

A man injured in a car accident in Goonellabah on Tuesday was forced to wait nearly 30 minutes for emergency treatment because there were no ambulances available in Lismore.

An ambulance came from Casino, 30 kilometres away, because ambulances in Lismore and Ballina had already been deployed.

Health and Research Employees Association regional organiser Ken McIntosh called on the NSW Government to fulfil its election promise to provide 2 7 new ambulance staff and several new vehicles for the region to help alleviate delays.

Alstonville bomb scare

A Goonellabah man who forgot his briefcase, leaving it behind in the National Australia Bank in Alstonville on Monday sparked a major bomb scare, closing the main street and forcing nearby buildings to be evacuated.

Police were forced to treat the bag as suspicious, calling for the Sydney bomb squad.The drama ended when briefcase owner contacted police after hearing about the bomb scare on radio.

Thief arrested A man wanted over the attempted robbery of a general store in Dibbs Street, Lismore on May 19 was arrested by police on Sunday.Police located the 22-year-old man in East Lismore just after 3pm and took him into custody.He was charged with assault with intent to rob whilst armed and two counts of resisting arrest.

Hijack faked

Two te ena ge girls who claimed they were kidnapped at knifepoint will undergo youth conferencing after police investigations revealed they concocted the story after having a car accident in South Lismore.

The girls, aged 1 and 15, initially told police that they were sitting in the car around midnight last Wednesday when two men approached them and 'forced' them to drive to South Lismore.The underage driver lost control of the car in Casino Street, and the car crashed into the shopfront window of the Southside Pharmacy.

Longer hours for St John

Launching St John Ambulanceˇ¦s extended trading hours last week was Lismore branch coordinator Chris Way and CEO Rhonda Bignell (front) with Lismore MP Thomas George, Lismore Unlimited manager Peter Fraser and Lismore mayor Merv King.

St John Ambulance in Lismore has extended its trading hours to cater for the increased demand for first aid courses, kits and training.The office is now open weekdays, 9am to 5.30pm.

" The Lismore office opened in 1995.The demand for courses has been growing over the years and we realised that we have done as much training in the first ve months of this year as we did throughout the whole of 2002.We needed to expand our service to cater for the growing interest for first aid in the community, " St John Ambulance CEO, Rhonda Bignell, said.

St John Ambulance is situated in the Lismore Professional Centre on Molesworth Street.

For information, phone 6621 8044 or visit the office.

Under-age ciggie fine

A former Ballina shop owner has been found guilty of selling cigarettes to a person aged under 18 in Ballina Local Court last week.

The man was ned $2000, plus $2836 in costs -the highest ever imposed in the region Population Health & Research acting director Justine Waters said it was the fourth successful prosecution by the Northern Rivers Public Health Unit in recent times.

"It sends a strong message about society being prepared to take a strong stand on this issue, " she said.

The prosecution followed a complaint from a parent and compliance testing of the retailer.

"Retailers and their staffwho sell tobacco products should be aware that we receive a number of complaints from both young people and adults regarding suspect premises, and our policy is to follow up with compliance testing, " Ms Waters said.

"We greatly appreciate the public's important contribution to reducing smoking and its associated health impact on the community." Complaints or concerns can be passed on to tobacco inspectors at the Public Health Unit on 6620 7528.

This week's features: Your Shopping Guide - Local Businesses