Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

Festaggiare gemellagio!

Good News! It is anticipated that the delegation from our sister city, Cassino, Italy will arrive in Casino during the week of October 27. This will be the first visit by our Italian friends since its beginning in January 1997.

So, what have you planned for this coming Fathers Day? To get you in the spirit of "gemellagio" (twinship) a fundraiser is being held at the New Italy Museum Café in support of the coming visit.

New Italy is a perfect place with a difference to celebrate Dad's special day and enjoy renowned Italian hospitality. Bring the family and make it a community event. Plenty of easy music and good fun.

Bookings can be made on 6682 2622.

On Wednesday, August 27, I was pleased to attend and speak at a luncheon in Coraki to thank those volunteers who assist at the Mid Richmond Retirement Village. Volunteers are very much part of the Australian culture and, as in the case of our Retirement Village at Coraki, bring a great deal of comfort and social contact to the residents.

Whilst acknowledging the contribution made by volunteers in Coraki, more are needed. If you have an interest in newspaper readings, gardening, board games, woodwork, cards (in fact any interest or hobby) and would be willing to become involved, please make contact with the Village (phone 6683 2420). You will be most welcome.

The Commonwealth Government is conducting a national campaign extending an invitation to eligible permanent residents to consider taking out Australian citizenship.

Australian citizenship enables you to vote, stand for public office, apply for an Australian passport and leave and re-enter our country without a resident return visa.

Australian citizens can also apply to enlist in our armed forces and apply for employment in government jobs. You can also register your children as Australian citizens by descent.

Applicants must have at least two or more years residency and have a basic knowledge of English (unless over the age of 50).

Further information and application forms are available from either your Post Office, or phone the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880, or visit the website www.citizenship.gov.au.

Citizenship ceremonies are conducted by Council by arrangement on request.

This week is Adults Learners Week. No, no one is ever too old to learn - and it certainly retains those brain cells a little bit longer. Why not contact your local U3A (University of the Third Age) or enquire at the Neighbourhood Centre about the interesting courses and experiences they have to offer?

Council Comment

with Merv King

Creating jobs number one issue

Lismore received some more excellent economic news this week with the announcement by the State Government that it was moving its main job-creating department from Ballina to Lismore.

The Department of State and Regional Development is the State Government Department responsible for generating investment and job-creation in our region.

The office will be located in the Rous Building, Molesworth St, and also provides Council with an opportunity to co-locate its own Economic Development Unit to the same building.

In my view, the department is 'back where it belongs' - in the regional capital.

The relocation recognises that Lismore continues to be the main government centre in the Northern Rivers, and the main business and retail hub.

Both South-East Queensland and Coffs Harbour are growing economically, and unless the Northern Rivers stands up for its own economic imperatives, it is in danger of being squeezed 'in a vice' between the two.

That's where Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley need to think strategically about the kinds of industries and employment opportunities that are promoted.

By greater co-operation between all governments, the funding that is available can be put into the industries that best support our future, and those with which we have an affinity.

In addition to our traditional farming strengths, our region needs to promote and encourage new farming enterprises that appeal to the modern market.

Meanwhile, the region can't be allowed to become a technological backwater to Queensland - so that investment in an educated and modern workforce here in the Northern Region is fundamental. That is one of the reasons why I have been so opposed to the State Government's plan to move the regional headquarters of the Education Department to Tamworth.

Recent announcements such as plans for a private hospital in Lismore and the success of Southern Cross University in attracting over $100m in research funding in a very competitive area, are fundamental to the future of the city.

The announcement just this week of the creation of the new Earth Science Corporation (formerly Aspect North) to use Lismore Airport as the base for its geo-spatial and remote sensing work also point to our technological future.

Lismore must continue to insist that both the State and Federal Governments deliver benefits for this region, that are specific to us, that capitalise on our historical strengths, while also providing the means to continually improve our infrastructure so that we can capitalise on new industries as they are created.

The next few weeks will be a busy time for Lismore and the district. We have just witnessed the opening of Kadina Park, the Truck Show, the Herb Festival and now have the Masters Games, Lismore Cup, musical festival, garden competitions and Farmarama to come. Please support these events.