Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Breaking the speed limit?

Rappville's resident emu is still running around the village.

And, in the best tradition of lay-abouts, it is often seen hanging out at the Rappville Pub and the Rappville dump! I mean, what better places are there for scrounging and scavenging? Kids at the school are getting used to seeing him racing up and down the lane near the Village 50km sign, wondering if he is exceeding the speed limit.

Evans Head Fishing Classic

Get the tinny tuned and the fishing hooks baited!

The eighth annual Evans Head Fishing Classic is on again from July 11-18.

With over $95,000 in prizes on offer it's one of the most lucrative fishing competitions around according to organiser Ray Collins.

"We are proud to be one of the few fishing competitions who weigh in only live fish wherever possible," Ray said.

"But we would also like to encourage all those competing in other categories to release any fish they know will not be a prize winner. It might develop into the prize-winning fish that you catch next year!"

The brochure and entry form is available on the web at www.richmondnet.com.au/evansheadfishingclassic

Silver Sands rate rise?

Richmond Valley Council is recommending a rise of $10 a week for storage vans at the Silver Sands caravan park together with an annual 'package' allowing owners 'free' access to their vans during the Christmas and Easter periods without additional payment; and a non-refundable $520 credit per annum for usage of the storage van outside these peak periods.

Once this credit is fully used normal rates would apply and any credit not used in the financial year would be forfeited.

Needless to say Council is to consult with storage van owners before proceeding!

Bentley Art Prize

Calling all artists!

It's time to get your entries in for the 19th annual Bentley Art Prize to be held on August 1-3.

Bentley identity Reg Hartley, who initiated the show, is urging local artists to come to the official opening by the Hon. Rod Kemp, Federal Minister for the Arts, on Saturday, August 2, and "show him what we have to offer from the artists of this area".

This is a great day to visit the exhibition with entertainment, stalls, home cooking as well as art on display. Interested artists and stallholders are invited to contact Reg on 6663 5253.

Bungawilbin Bird Watch

Landholders and interested bird watchers in the Bungawalbin wetlands area are being asked to assist the Bungawalbin Catchment Management Group to map the distribution of Jabirus and comb crested Jacanas. Coordinator of the Group Wendy Seabrook said the Jabiru and the Jacana inhabit wetlands with the Jabiru nesting high in a tree and the Jacana on floating aquatic vegetation. For further information phone Wendy on 6620 3903.

Youth Arts and Skills Festival

Casino Youth Service is inviting young people to apply for funding under the ArtStart NSW Youth Arts and Skills Festival.

Coordinator Linda Briggs said aspiring young artists should take advantage of this rare opportunity.

"It's the only arts and cultural festival specifically for young people aged between 12 and 24 in NSW," Linda said.

"It provides opportunities for young people to develop skills through participating in arts and cultural projects as well as performing and exhibiting their work to other young people in the wider community."

Phone the Casino Youth Service on 6662 6944 for further details and assistance.

If you have any Valley news, phone Therese on 6662 7735 or email: tschier@richmondnet.com.au