The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Let the (fun and) games begin

Story & photo: John McPherson

Love the legend - or so the slogan goes for the 3rd Lismore Masters Games, being held this weekend. Games organiser John Bancroft (centre) found himself on the end of some lovin' at the local-athletes registration on Wednesday night at the Lismore Workers Club. He is being 'attended to' by games volunteers Jamie Alvos (left) and Nadine Toniello.

More than 2000 athletes will take to Lismore's sporting fields - and pubs afterwards no doubt - this weekend for the 3rd Lismore Masters Games. The athletes, aged 30 and over, will be taking part in one of the fastest growing sporting phenomenon of recent years - mature aged, or 'masters' games.

Games organiser John Bancroft said the appeal of the games was as much about getting involved as winning. He estimates the event will inject an additional $1 million into the Lismore economy.

Of course, reliving great sporting moments with friends over liquid refreshments will also be an essential part of three-day event. No doubt many will be 'in training' at the Lismore Cup race day today.

Up to 800 locals are expected to compete along with 200 visitors in 21 different sports, including new sports such as athletics and dressage, and old favourites like soccer, cricket and golf.

The oldest competitor at the Masters Games is George Corones, 86, who'll be diving in the deep end at the swimming. And Thorpie's probably giving thanks that he's too young for George to teach him a lesson or two from a Master.

A fun day for pets

Ballina and District Riding for the Disabled Association secretary and coach Kerry Johnston (top), trainee coach Azusa Minagawa (left), Japanese visitor Tetsuya Miyamoto and Kerry's little dog Popze with one of the obstacles for the Ironman/Irondog Challenge at the Animal and Pet Expo this Sunday.

The Ballina and District Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is holding a huge Animal and Pet Expo this Sunday, September 28, at Alstonville showgrounds to raise money for the Association and give pets and their owners the chance to spend a fun day together.

There will be heaps on offer for pets and people throughout the day, including a canine fashion parade, pet walkathon, pet photography, expert pet advice, displays by animal welfare groups, obedience and agility displays, a Blessing of the Pets, stalls and the chance to meet Martin 'The Dogman' McKenna.

You can also enter some fun competitions such as the owner/pet look-alike comp, the Ironman/Irondog Challenge and art and colouring-in competitions.

"There are so few places you can go these days with your pet just to have some fun and relax, which is why we like the idea of the expo," RDA secretary and coach, Kerry Johnston, said. "We have held two similar expos before and they were really happy, successful days, so we're hoping to now make this an annual event.

"It's just a chance for pet owners to get together and celebrate the animals and pets in their life - for many people their pet is a much-loved member of the family. Of course it's all geared toward raising money for the running of the Association, and we need all the funds we can get. Horse feed alone cost the association $10,000 last year."

As part of the event a Pet of the Year Award will also be announced.

Entry to the expo is $2 per person or $5 for a family. The expo runs from 10am-3pm.

Come on in - the water's fine

Photo: John McPherson

The Lismore Memorial Baths will reopen for the 75th and last time this Saturday.

Baths manager Iain Jones (pictured) has invested heavily for the summer season, creating something Lismore Council is struggling to achieve - an under cover heated pool.

The 16.6-metre above-ground pool features drop-down sides, which, according to Iain, will allow children to enjoy it on windy days. The pool is heated to a constant temperature of 30°C. Also sure to be a hit with the kids is the popular inflatable obstacle course, better known as the 'lunar lander'.

The Memorial Baths season is expected to close a month early next year, so Lismore Council can begin the $4 million redevelopment of the site.

A new plan for the site has been developed to include a toddler's pool following revelations in The Echo last month that there was nothing for young people. A development application for the pool is expected to go on public exhibition next week, without the Council having voted on a final design.

But for those who'd rather cool down and take a soak in the existing baths, the pool is open 6am-6pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am-6pm on weekends and public holidays. Entry is $2 with children under 5 free.

Public meetings on koala plan

Lismore Council staff will hold information sessions about the new draft Koala Plan of Management next week.

The plan covers South-East Lismore and aims to ensure that koalas are protected, and that the interests of local landowners are taken into consideration.

To help explain the changes, information sessions will be held at halls throughout the area affected by the plan of management.

Planning Services manager Helen Manning said any landowner with questions about the draft Koala Plan of Management was welcome to attend.

'No appointment is necessary to attend the sessions. We expect people to come and go as they please to discuss the plan and look at the range of maps available.

The meetings run from 3pm to 7 pm at the following places: Tregeagle Hall on Tuesday, September 30; Wyrallah Hall on Wednesday, October 1; Goonellabah Community Centre on Thursday, October 2; and McLeans Ridges Hall on Wednesday 8 October.

'We hope that many people will take the opportunity to discuss the plan of management with Council's staff. Exhibition of the plan on Council's Internet site has been very popular, and now that people have read it we are happy to answer any questions and discuss any issues raised," Ms Manning said.

In addition to the information sessions, a brochure is being distributed to owners of land containing koala habitat, with general information about koalas and the draft plan of management.

Police remember the fallen

National Police Remembrance Day next Monday, September 29 will be marked locally with a service at the Police Memorial in Lismore.

The Day remembers police who have been killed in the line of duty as well as former officers who have passed away in the previous 12 months.

Tragically, the only officer to die while on duty in the past 12 months was Constable Kylie Smith, from the Lismore station, who died in a car accident as she travelled to work on February 3, this year.

Const Smith, a 28-year-old mother of one, joined NSW Police in 1994.

Her husband, Senior Constable David Mackie, will attend the major service in Sydney, followed by a Police Contingent March to the Wall of Remembrance, where Const Smith's name will be added to the 240 officers who have died on duty since the NSW Police force began in 1862.

The Lismore service begins at 10.30am at the Memorial, adjacent to Lismore Memorial Baths. All are welcome to attend and pay their respects.

As a mark of respect to officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, flags will be flown at half mast and people are encouraged to wear blue and white National Police Remembrance Day ribbons.

Ballina slows down

Speed limits north and south of Ballina will be reduced under new plans revealed by the RTA last week.

A 70km/h zone will extend from 300m north of Teven Road to just south of Quays Drive, before dropping to 60km/h. North of Ballina, the 60km/h speed zone will be extended 150m.

Pump money

Rous Water will receive $85,000 from the NSW Government to buy two emergency pumps to allow Rous to pump from Rocky Creek dam if the water level falls below 20 per cent during drought.

Ben's the best

Casino High School student president Ben Lyons has received yet another accolade, this time from the NSW Education minister Dr Andrew Refshauge (pictured) who presented Ben with a Minister's Award for Excellence in Student Achievement in Sydney this week.

Ben was named one of the 45 most outstanding year 12 students in NSW.

Ben's citation reads that he "not only consistently achieved academically at the very highest level, he has used his academic ability to lead. As Student President and passionate believer in human rights issues Ben has sensitively, positively and articulately demonstrated to all members of the school community a commitment and belief in how young people can play a significant part in the affairs of the school and their community."

Library CDs you can copy

Linux computer buff David Guest presents librarian Lucy Kinsley with CD-ROMs featuring the Linux operating system.

Local computer buffs have just donated four Linux operating system CDs to the Lismore City Library.

But while the music industry is cracking down on people who copy CDs, anyone who borrows one of the Linux CDs (Mandrake or Knoppix) are not only allowed but are encouraged to make as many copies as they like and share them with friends.

The Goonellabah Linux User's Group (aka GLUG) donated the CDs because they wanted to see more people using the open source computer operating system.

Started four years ago, GLUG members meet to learn and discuss aspects of free open source software. Members vary in experience and skills and come from a variety of backgrounds. About 10 to 15 enthusiasts show up monthly and new members are always welcome.

Meetings are held every third Thursday at the Goonellabah Medical Centre from 7.30pm.

"If people would like to try Linux on their PC, we can help with the installation," GLUG member David Guest said. "We also provide free websites and support to community oriented non-profit organisations, whose aims are to enrich the physical, spiritual or social environment."

For more information about GLUG, visit http://glug.dyndns.org

House comes back to life

Story: Marelle Lee

A 1911 photo of Crawford House in Alstonville with its original owner, Ambrose Crawford, and his wife Olive.

While Ballina Council has just completed the restoration of the former Tintenbar council chambers (home of the Kolinda Gallery), the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society faces a major challenge to oversee the restoration and rebirth of the heritage-listed Crawford House on Wardell Road.

Ballina Shire Council has backed the Society by offering it use of the building for a year for a 'peppercorn' rental of $1. The move follows earlier attempts to convert it into a restaurant or sell it. The two organisations are working together to preserve the building, which now is alarmed and surrounded by a security fence - the necessary legacy of a series of attacks by vandals. Council has allocated $45,000 towards restumping and rewiring the house, along with other minor repairs.

Ballina's Corporate Services manager Paul Hickey said the Historical Society had agreed to provide in-kind support to assist with the upgrade.

"This is an excellent example of the Council and a community group working together to improve a community asset," he said.

Society president, Mrs Marguerite Fuller, said there was strong community support for ensuring the village's heritage was preserved.

"We are delighted that the Council was becoming more heritage-conscious," she said.

Mrs Fuller said that offers of help have come from a range of people, including Apex and Rotary Clubs, while Summerland House With No Steps will provide workers to help re-establish the garden.

"We are absolutely amazed - everyone has been so positive."

The Historical society also hopes to restore the original bull-nose roofing over the verandahs and a picket fence around the house.

Crawford House was built in 1910 by Ambrose Crawford, for his bride, Olive White, in 1910, and they spent their entire lives there. Their daughter, Dorothy Crawford, sold the home to Ballina Council in 1992, with the wish that that it be used for the community. A decade ago it was used by the health service before falling into disrepair, but thanks to Council and the Historical Society, will now spring back to life.

Students reach their goal

Some 205 graduates from Southern Cross University received their degrees on Saturday, watched by more than 1000 family and friends. Here are just some of the happy graduates.

Govt backs down on education reform

The NSW Government has backed away from key changes to education following fierce community opposition.

Earlier this week, it abandoned plans to introduce fees on TAFE's introductory learning courses and yesterday, announced changes to its controversial restructuring plans for the Department of Education, which would have seen Lismore schools run from an office in Tamworth.

But the changes announced yesterday by Education Minister Dr Andrew Refshauge are only a partial win. Five districts, including Lismore, will be merged into one North Coast region, stretching from Taree to Tweed Heads, with its head office in Coffs Harbour. Under the new plan, there will be regional support offices in the existing district offices, including Lismore. The regions will match existing TAFE institute regions. But the Government is still seeking to cut 1000 education jobs across NSW.

Dept of Education district superintendent Greg Cloak said the Government's decision was a win for the people who lobbied against the original plan.

"We don't yet know the final staffing for Lismore, but it seems like a vast improvement on the initial proposal. This community presented a logical argument to the Government and I think that held sway. The Minister has listened to the feedback and responded. Support in the regions is going to be there," he said.

Lismore MP Thomas George, who also lobbied the Government against the changes, said 5000 responses across NSW had had an impact, delivering a win for commonsense.

"Thank you to the community, Lismore City Council, industry and individuals for the support given to our submissions," he said.

"We will have a significant presence maintained in Lismore with most support services being retained. However, I still have concerns and will need to make further representations to the Minister to seek support to keep corporate service rersonnel, office managers, clerical, properties and information technology staff."

The new structure is expected to take shape after six to eight weeks, revealing the future for a substantial number of staff in the Lismore office.

Meanwhile, plans to charge more than $5.5 million in fees for 38 TAFE Access courses, including reading and writing for adults, volunteer training and employment skills, have been dropped.

That decision means 150,000 people, including people with a disability, veterans, or on benefits, will continue to study at TAFE for free.

Dr Refshauge said the decision would ensure the most disadvantaged in the community continue to have access to education and training.

Long row home helps cancer unit

Surfboat crew members from Evans Head-Casino Surf Lifesaving Club at the end of their marathon fundraising row from Ballina to Evans Head last weekend.

Saturday began badly for the Evans Head-Casino Surf Lifesaving Club when the main surfboat was stolen in the early hours of the morning - it was later recovered at Wardell - as they prepared to take part in a charity row from Ballina to Evans, but lifesavers always rise to a challenge and the show had to go on.

By mid-morning, three 10-member crews had completed the second annual surfboat marathon raising valuable funds for the Cancer Care & Haematology Unit at Lismore Base Hospital.

The inspiration for the 30km row - the region's longest open-water surfboat event - came from club member Jenny Rae who was successfully treated at the Cancer Unit.

Fundraising for the Cancer Unit is ongoing and tax-deductible donations can be made through any branch of the Summerland Credit Union. The account name to specify is 'Ballina to Evans Head Charity Surf Boat Challenge'.

Don't skip the skip

Lismore City Council has reported a big increase in the amount of recycling collected at its drop-off centres. Almost 42 tonnes a week of recycling is being collected currently, an increase of more than 400 tonnes a year.

But Council's waste minimisation officer, Lesley Trott, said that some problems have emerged, with people leaving bags and boxes of recycling on the ground, causing additional expense.

"Lismore ratepayers spend around $450,000 a year to keep our drop-off centres open, much of this is spent on cleaning and maintenance. We all want to keep the costs to a minimum. Leaving recycling on the ground adds to clean up costs," Ms Trott said.

"Don't forget, put only glass bottles and jars, aluminium and steel cans and plastic numbers 1, 2 & 5 in the skips; no plastic bags please."

New signs have been erected at the recycling centres reminding residents 'not to skip the skip'.

Homeopathy trial for osteoarthritis

Between 14 and 16 per cent of Australians suffer from osteoarthritis, a disease involving joint pain, tenderness, limitation of movement, occasional swelling and varying degrees of inflammation.

A new study at Southern Cross University is about to test homeopathy as a treatment in the reduction of symptoms of arthritis of the knee or hip.

The study is being carried out through SCU's School of Natural and Complementary Medicine.

"One of the aims of this trial is to improve the range of options available for this common and painful condition," said study coordinator and postgraduate student Don Baker.

"By combining the essential features of homeopathic practice with rigorous scientific method, this research is designed to establish a benchmark for future controlled clinical studies of homeopathy," Mr Baker said.

"A feature of homeopathic treatments is that they are inexpensive and do not have the negative side-effects of many conventional treatments."

The researchers at SCU are looking for people who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, aged between 18 and 85, and who are willing to cease all other treatment for eight weeks.

The study involves an initial four-week period without treatment to establish a baseline picture, followed by four weeks of treatment involving taking a one-off dose of homeopathic pills, followed by an oral spray four times a day for a month.

Volunteers will be required to make notes of the severity of their symptoms daily, and visit a clinic at SCU three times during the eight weeks.

Potential study volunteers should contact Don Baker on 6626 9288.

Hospital plan stalemate

Ballina and Byron Community representatives helping to plan future hospital services on the coast have failed to reach agreement over where to locate a number of services, including aged care and surgical services, as the two areas battle each other.

It's the second time to process has reached stalemate, following last year's aborted attempts to plan coastal hospital services after they became bogged down in parochialism.

While the two camps have taken what some see as 'the soft option' to keep a hospital in each shire rather than combining them into one coastal 'super-hospital', a Byron-Ballina Community Consultative Committee workshop on Saturday failed to decide on the best sites for aged care and rehabilitation and surgical services.

Ballina believes its demographics, clinical needs and increasing demand from further south in areas like Evans Head give them a strong case for aged care and surgery, but Byron Bay also wants the services in its hospital. Duplicating the services is not viable.

A report on the consultation process will now be sent to NSW Health Minister Morris Iemma explaining the deadlock and he his expected to rule on how it will be decided.

Northern Rivers Area Health Service (NRAHS) Chair, Elizabeth Rummery, will prepare the report, along with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health, Cherie Burton, who has been attending the consultation meetings.

Mrs Rummery said that although the committee was unable to reach a final agreement, it had gone "a considerable way" towards a successful outcome by arriving at the preferred option of 'one hospital on two campuses'.

The Minister has indicated that he will await the final report on the consultation process before making any determination on how to proceed in making a final decision where to locate aged care, rehabilitation and surgical services.

One hell of a ride

Celebrating Country Energy's two-year sponsorship of the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour is (l-r) Country Energy far north coast regional manager Col Ussher, Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour organisers Tony Keogh and Scott Gibson, and Rescue Helicopter general manager, Perry Wells.

The LifeSaver Rescue Helicopter was thrilled last week when Country Energy announced it would become the major naming rights sponsor for the annual Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour, a deal worth $8,000 over two years.

More than 40 riders will participate in the eight-day, 580km tour, which begins at the Lismore helibase on October 11 and finishes in Coffs Harbour on October 18. The event is a major fundraising event for the Rescue Helicopter and this year riders hope to crack the $50,000 mark.

"These riders are working hard and volunteering their time to do something for the community and we want to support them in their efforts," Country Energy far north coast regional manager, Col Ussher, said. "We regard the helicopter service as essential to the far north coast community, and while our sponsorship gets the event happening we hope the community will come on board to make it a success."

Tour organiser, Tony Keogh, was equally delighted with the sponsorship deal.

"The riders are really excited and enthusiastic about this year's event - I think it's one of the few events where the volunteers, in this case riders, actually pay to be part of it," he said.

Riders in the tour are now looking for sponsorship from local businesses.

For details, phone the Rescue Helicopter service on 6621 4274.

Arts officer returns to region

Story: Michael McDonald

Lois Randall, the new Northern Rivers Regional Arts Development Officer.

After an absence of several years, the arts-rich Northern Rivers region has a new Regional Arts Development Officer (RADO). Lennox Head resident Lois Randall takes up the position at a new office at Alstonville and will be joined in November by project officer Cath Fogarty.

Ms Randall would be familiar to many in the region as a founding director of Northern Rivers Screenworks and in her role for the Australian International Documentary Conference 2003.

Ms Randall said she was looking forward to working with the 10 local councils, arts organisations and individual artists to "further develop what is already an exciting and significant arts and cultural sector in the region through initiatives such as strategic cultural planning, audience development and collaborative marketing of the arts."

Ms Randall has a Masters in art theory and history.

"I'm very serious about getting out there and consulting with artists," she said. "As a worker in the arts industry I know that the issues facing artists are similar across the board, especially in funding. The challenge of this job is in balancing the different demands and needs of urbanised and country areas."

As a digital and video artist, Ms Randall has had work exhibited in the Fukui International Video Biennale, Japan, and the New York Museum of Modern Art ('The Bicentennial Will Not Be Televised'). She grew up in the Northern Rivers and went to school in Lismore. After almost 20 years of working in media organisations and on independent film and television productions, she returned to the region five years ago.

The Northern Rivers Regional Arts Office is now open at the recently refurbished Old Tintenbar Chambers, 5 Bruxner Highway, Alstonville. Phone 6628 8120.

Members of the Northern Rivers Arts Steering Committee include:

Sue Dakin, Ballina Shire Council (Chair); Greg Downes, administration manager for Byron Shire Council; Wayne Halcrow, Richmond Valley Shire Council; Catherine Rodgers, Deputy Mayor, Kyogle Shire Council; and Wendy Adrians, Lismore City Council;

More about the regional arts network is available online at regionalartsnsw.com.au.

Check your health online

The Northern Rivers Area Health Service (NRAHS) is launching a new website (pictured) for the public tomorrow, September 26. The site offers extensive information on services, health news and regional healthcare, population statistics and jobs with the health service.

NRAHS CEO, Chris Crawford, said the website has a searchable Online Service Directory providing information on how the public can access NRAHS services, with useful information including descriptions of services, street maps and appointment and contact details.

"The new site is the result of many months of planning and design work, and includes specialist sites such as Aboriginal Health, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, the MERIT Program, Living with Chronic Disease, Women's Health, Palliative Care, Nursing, Parenting, Pharmacy Services and Community Health," he said.

You'll find it at www.nrahs.nsw.gov.au

Spring into discovering wildlife

Enjoy a paddle on the Evans River in Bundjalung National Park then walk the Gumma Garra trail to learn about the rich history of the Bundjalung people as part of the National Parks school holiday Discovery program.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Spring school holiday Discovery Program begins on Monday, September 29. Discovery Coordinator, Kate Adams, said the upcoming program is designed with families in mind, and offers many opportunities to enjoy our region. A full program can be viewed at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.

"The Program kicks off on Monday, September 29, when Discovery Rangers will be joined by a Ranger from the Cape Byron Marine Park at the Lennox Head Bream Hole. We would like to invite people to enjoy a rockpool ramble and learn more about our new Marine Park," Ms Adams said.

"There is free activity on September 30 in Arakwal National Park, which will be a good opportunity to learn more about the natural and cultural features of the area, searching for the elusive 'acid' frogs and chestnut mouse."

On Wednesday, October 1, an activity at Broken Head with an Arakwal guide will explain the significance of the Broken Head and Byron Bay area to Aboriginal people through story, dance and creative expression.

On October 2, there will be a canoe and walk in Bundjalung National Park with an Aboriginal guide and on October 3 you can join Discovery Rangers to at Cape Byron to learn more about capturing the beauty of the Cape through photography."

On Saturday October 4, you can join us for a Tag-along tour through the beautiful Border Ranges National Park with stops for guided walks.

There is a platypus and bird walk at Rocky Creek Dam on Sunday, October 5, whale watching at Cape Byron on Monday and Wednesday, the 6th and 8th, you can join Discovery Rangers and Marine Parks staff on a snorkelling trip to Julian Rocks."

On Thursday, October 9, you can join an Aboriginal guide in Victoria Park Nature Reserve, near Alstonville, to learn more about the importance of the rainforest in Bundjalung culture and the program concludes on October 10 with a walk to Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park.

"The Discovery program is a great opportunity to explore the natural environment of the Northern Rivers," Ms Adams said.

For information or to make a booking phone the Alstonville NPWS office on 6627 0200 or visit the NPWS website.

Kids get the picture in stormwater book

Students from Goonellabah Public School with their entries in the competition to illustrate the book 'Little Djabu'.

Local children have helped illustrate new books about water pollution. The books were written by Bundjalung Nation Stormwater Education Project (BuNSEP) officer Lee Middleton with guidance from the Bundjalung Aboriginal community.

Mr Middleton said the illustration competition had helped foster community involvement and pride in the care of local waterways.

"The books are about combining Bundjalung Elder's experiences and traditional knowledge about their country with the modern day issue of stormwater pollution. The books are appealing to all readers as they have historical and cultural content and are being produced with the local communities," he said.

Bundjalung Elders and Custodians from each town mentioned in the books were consulted to ensure accuracy.

"The contribution by local elders has been fantastic. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work so closely with them and to hear some of their stories."

Three books have been written for the Tweed, Richmond and Clarence catchments. Each book follows the journey of a young Aboriginal child across parts of Bundjalung Country, inspired by knowledge passed down from his or her Elder.

The books will be included in the BuNSEP stormwater education kit currently being developed.

North Woodburn considers leaving Lismore?

Residents of North Woodburn will get to make their feelings known about seceding from Lismore Council to Richmond Valley at a public meeting next Wednesday, October 1.

Lismore Council is considering a push from the residents who want a boundary adjustment to join their neighbour council and Woodburn residents on the other side of the river.

The meeting will be held at Woodburn Hall from 7pm.

Lismore Council spokesperson Col Cooper said it was important that North Woodburn residents attend to make their feelings known on the issue to help the two councils decide what steps they are going to take.

For more information, phone Mr Cooper on 6625 0500.

The move comes as the NSW Government considers possible mergers of councils, a move opposed by local councils.

A little slice of Italy

Filmmaker Mark Jago (foreground right) captures the scene in Nesbitt Lane. Project coordinator Amber Hall is seen in the centre of the lane.

Lismore's Nesbitt Lane was turned into an Italian-styled piazza for a video shoot recently.

Market stalls, artists, streetside restaurant service and entertainment from musicians and acrobats were all part of the fare as Amber Hall and Mark Jago set about documenting on video how vibrant Lismore's back streets and lanes could become with a little public and private initiative.

Ms Hall, from Outlook Consulting Agency, with backing from Lismore Council and the NSW government, has spent the past 12 months documenting the opinions of businesspeople, residents and shoppers in the CBD district about how the inner city lanes could be best utilised.

A community consultation meeting on the issue will be held on Wednesday, October 8, in the Star Court Theatre at 5.30pm.

Come trample through the tea tree

Event promoter Greg Cromwell and TP Health chairman Christopher Dean get their Frisbee ready for next Thursday's Forest Fun Day.

After launching the annual sculpture show on Sunday, TP Health (aka Thursday Plantation) is getting ready for another afternoon of fun and frivolity at its Ballina headquarters next Thursday, October 2. The second Forest Fun Day will raise funds for the local rainforest conservation group, Rainforest Rescue."The name of the event says it all," commented an enthusiastic Christopher Dean, chairman of TP Health.  "If you have ever thrown a Frisbee, you just have to experience playing Frisbee golf."  Individuals, community groups and businesses are welcome to field a team.  

"We have room for another 20 teams, and anticipate that those spots will go quickly", Chris said.The 9-hole Frisbee tournament is just one of the activities planned, along with guided tours and talks by leading rainforest experts; along with competitions, prizes and raffles.  

Visitors are also able to explore the endangered plant garden and collection of inspiring sculptures. Forest Fun Day runs from 2pm to 5pm at the Thursday Plantation groundsTickets are $20 and an extra $5 to play in the Frisbee golf tournament.   BYO Frisbee disc.

Ag staff the best

Wollongbar Agricultural Institute secretary Jenny Grant and NSW Agriculture operational staff member, Neville Morrow, have both received awards at 12th annual NSW Agriculture and Rural Assistance Authority Staff Achievement Awards.

Jenny and Neville were among 15 staff presented with an achievement award at a ceremony in Orange recently, after being nominated by their peers.

"The awards provide an opportunity to recognise the outstanding effort and dedication of staff within these two organisations - these people have all made an exceptional effort in their various roles to contribute the work of the department and provide a high standard of service to rural communities," Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Ian Macdonald, said.

Meanwhile, the Public Service Association has launched a campaign to prevent the loss of 17 jobs at the Wollongbar Institute under restructuring plans by the NSW Government. Corporate service staff are being forced to relocate to Orange under the plan.

The union is handing out 'lost NSW agridollars' to local businesses to illustrate the impact the move will have on the local economy.

PSA assistant general secretary Shane O'Brien said the move would take $779,000 out of the Northern Rivers economy in salaries alone.

Woolies plan threatens chemists: MP

Plans by supermarket giant Woolworths to establish in-store pharmacies in its supermarkets will have a devastating impact on traditional chemists, according to Page MP Ian Causley.

Mr Causley said the recent announcement by Woolworths' CEO Roger Corbett that it was once again trying to get pharmacies in the supermarket threatened to destroy small business.

"This attempt to further erode the competitiveness of small business in regional Australia concerns me greatly. It also threatens the level of service and convenience residents enjoy from their local pharmacy, particularly in terms of prescriptions being filled outside of normal supermarket trading hours," he said.

"The traditional service offered by chemists is an integral part of country towns and the advice is given free of charge."

Mr Causley said The National Party was opposed to any major supermarket chain running pharmacies in their stores.

Putting Sunshine in kid's lives

Sunshine truck appeal organiser Mathew Davis (front) and helpers Damian Cook (left) and Zeth Duff (centre) with Lismore locals Holly Shiach and Rick Halliday, who donated clothing and seeds for the appeal.

An old truck on Mathew Davis' family farm in Gippsland could change the lives of children on the strife-torn island of Bougainville forever.

Matt is taking the truck, called Sunshine, from his home to Townsville, where it will be shipped to Bougainville, off the Papua New Guinea coast, with a load of donated solar power equipment, medical supplies, sports equipment, clothing and school supplies.

The truck will be used by villagers to transport cocoa from the hills for export. The profit from cocoa sale will go towards a new school, being built by the children. Many of them have been militia members for years and know little else but war and poverty. Mathew became aware of their plight when he visited Bougainville last year.

"The elders of 10 different villages have come together to build the school and provide something positive for these children after almost a decade of war," Mathew said. "They're trying to re-establish their livelihood and it really struck a chord with me - I had the truck at home and realised there was a potential to do something useful and help these people. It was just sitting in our back shed and in Australia it's not worth much at all, but it could change these people's lives. They're building more than just a school, they're building a life for these children."

While Sunshine was in Lismore this week for repairs at Lismore Diesel, Lismore locals Holly Shiach and Rick Halliday kindly donated some clothing and seeds for the truck. Mathew says while they have lots of supplies, they are sadly lacking in power and carpentry tools.

Anyone who would like to donate things should phone Mathew on 0418 335 864.

Wheel turns for support group

Lismore Inner Wheel recently presented the Motor Neurone Disease Association with a cheque for $500. Jill Sprogis (pictured left) past president of Lismore Inner Wheel, was joined by Helen Gates when she presented the funds to Noelene Kidd (right), secretary of the Northern Rivers Support Group of the Motor Neurone Disease Support Group.

Helen Gates, wife of the late mayor Bob, who died from MND earlier this year, was recently elected President of the Northern Rivers Support Group. In the last six months, she has helped raise thousands of dollars for them.

The MND Northern Rivers Support Group meets regularly. For details, contact Noelene Kidd on 6624 6484.

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