Shaggy Dog Comments...

Shaggy's master is off to the pound on Saturday to raise funds for the Red Cross. Lismore mayor Merv King has already made a donation to have him locked up, along with a number of other a-little-too-enthusiastic-for-our-liking people. So Simon Thomsen will join a dozen others, including Northern Star editor Russell Eldridge, MP Thomas George, Police commander Supt. Barry Audsley and Prime Possum in a 'prison' in Lismore Shopping Square from 11am this Saturday. Donations are still being accepted to lock up the editor - phone Heather on 6622 2888. But he also needs to raise an equal amount of money for 'bail' so he can get out of gaol. Any help would be gratefully accepted. You can phone him in prison from 11am on Saturday morning on 0412 878 405 to help him break out. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Speaking of the Mayor, we know we're breaking a confidence here, but we want to wish Cr Merv King a happy birthday for yesterday, September 24.

While the blokes have got a World Cup coming up next month, the Australian women's soccer team, The Matildas, are currently in the USA competing in the Women's World Cup. They went down narrowly to Russia in their opening match on Monday, and play China today, Sept 25, and Ghana on Sept 28. You can send them a hero fax to show your support on 9228 5700.

Nimbin's outstanding photo-documentary collection, Some Children of the Dream, is currently touring the US with well-known activist Benny Zable. But they need a further $1000 to get it to New York's Ecofest next week. The money will help create a multi-media display to go with the show. If you'd like to help out, phone Harsh on 6680 7380 or email somechildren@yahoo.com.au

Lismore Library is hosting plenty of fun things for kids to do during the school holidays. The theme is the jungle and there's everything from storytelling to activity tables, a colouring-in competition, jungle dress up days and screenings of the Jungle Book 2 movie.

Come dressed as your favourite jungle animal for story telling at 10.30am and 11.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school holidays, Sept 29 - Oct 10, and the Jungle Book 2 movie will screen at 10.30am on Wednesdays and Fridays. Bookings are essential. For more details phone Nicole at the Library on 6625 1415.

If you're looking for things for the kids to do during the school holidays, the Lismore Visitor Information Centre has compiled a top 10 of free kids activities. They also have a list of reasonably inexpensive things to do, and you can pick up a kids activity brochure from the Centre, opposite Lismore City Hall. Or phone them on 6622 0122.

The State funeral of Australian country music legend Slim Dusty, who died last Friday, aged 76, will be broadcast live by ABC TV and radio this Friday. The service runs from 10.25am to 12noon. You can hear it on 2NR (94.5Mhz). The funeral is at St Andrews Cathedral in Sydney. We can only assume the wake won't be held at the Pub with No Beer.

Cows come home to roost

The Lismore Visitor Information Centre has 3000 free 'wish you were here' postcards (pictured) to give away to residents. The funky postcard features a farm gate with the sign 'Cows playing' at a property near The Channon.

Lismore Tourism Manager Holly Galbraith said the image "really sums up the Lismore Hinterland".

"It has the right mixture of our relaxed, country lifestyle and with a healthy dose of our alternative humour," she said.

Lismore residents are asked to send a postcard to friends or relatives living elsewhere to encourage them to come and visit the 'Rainbow Region'.

The postcards are available from the Lismore Visitor Information Centre, which is open daily, and The Echo office.

A hearty congratulations to Mr & Mrs Paul and Luisa Tonkin (pictured), who decided to make NORPA's Lismore Feast on Saturday night their wedding feast, bringing along their friends and family (joining another 160-odd brand new friends) for the four-course banquet, entertained by wandering minstrels and a band for dancing under the stars.

The Feast was also the perfect way to end the day for a number of graduates from Southern Cross University.

Flectchers Fotographics ace snapper Des Sheridan took a number of photos of everyone enjoying the night.

You can inspect them and order copies from Fletchers, in Carrington Street, Lismore.

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