The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Lismore Show the place to bee

Story & photo:Terra Sword

Local beekeeper and show exhibitor Geoff Manning (left) and Show Society treasurer Gordon Starkey with some of the honey and a beeswax snake Geoff has made for this year's North Coast National Show.

When Geoff Manning was given three beehives to care for as a young man he never imagined it would become a life-long passion.

For the last 30 years Geoff, who keeps bees on his farm at Bentley, has been exhibiting his honey and beeswax at the North Coast National Show, although he'll take little credit for the products he exhibits.

"It's not really up to me whether I win an award – it's the bees that do all work," Geoff said. "Whether you win or not is really in the lap of the Gods, but I think I have a pretty competitive streak in there somewhere. Whatever happens I'm proud of the products I present."

Three years ago, Geoff's wife Wendy passed away, and while the show is a constant reminder of the life they used to lead together, it's one memory Geoff is happy to relive year after year.

"Wendy and I used to exhibit together every year and I think that's one of the reasons I keep coming to the show – it was something we always shared and loved doing," Geoff said. "I don't have to exhibit each year, but I can't see myself stopping until my health stops me or a I find something more interesting. I just think bees are really interesting animals – their behaviour is intriguing and being a beekeeper you get to live an outdoor lifestyle and be your own boss. I started with just three hives and now I have about 300 – and I'm meant to be half retired!"

Geoff is one of the many exhibitors displaying their wares in the pavilion at the Show, which continues this Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18, at the Lismore Showground.

There's everything from floral art and cake baking to photography and bonsai cultivation, with one of the highlights being a spectacular display by the members of Rural Youth to celebrate its 75th anniversary.

As well as pavilion exhibits, the show features another two full days of entertainment and activities for the whole family.

On Friday, the beef cattle judging and cattle dog trials continue, along with the showjumping from 10am and woodchops from 1pm. That night offers a huge array of entertainment, beginning with the Tursa Soccer Shootout at 6pm. There's also the Jack Fields Trick Bike Show at 6.30pm and the Stock Horse Spectacular at 7.15pm, followed by the magnificent fireworks display at 8pm.

On Saturday the livestock judging continues from 8.30am, with the popular Championship Dog Show from 9.30am and the Grand Parade of cattle and horses from 2.30pm.

At 12.30pm kids can meet Big Dog at the main stage and at 4pm the Beaut Ute parade and presentation kicks off.

Saturday night is packed with activities including more trick bike shows, performances by Denis Dryden and Wally Finch, dog high jumping, live music and much more, before the show's grand finale – the Bucking Thunder Rodeo – at 7.30pm.

Tickets to the show are $12 for adults, $9 conc or $5 for kids. Families can also purchase a $30 family day pass or buy membership for the entire show for just $45.

1 in 10 local youths drive stoned

Cartoon by Alex Clarke

A staggering 10 per cent of young Lismore drivers, aged 18 to 29, have driven a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis, according to new research from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

The Bureau found that more than 1 in 10 males and about 1 in 20 females aged between 18 and 29 in the Lismore LGA had driven under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) in the previous 12 months.

Overall, 11.2 per cent of the sample reported having driven within an hour of using cannabis at least once in their lifetime and 7.4 per cent had done so in the previous 12 months. Males (15 per cent) were more likely than females (8.2 per cent) to have driven within an hour of using cannabis in their lifetime.

The Lismore area was chosen for the study because the number of cannabis-related drug convictions is more than double the state average.

The Bureau used a telephone survey of 502 young residents in the Lismore Local Government Area in December 2001.

The prevalence of DUIC alone, and in combination with alcohol, appears to be low among the population, but higher among those who regularly use cannabis

Not surprisingly, DUIC was particularly common among current cannabis users.

Among the 130 respondents who had used cannabis in the preceding 12 months, 43 per cent had driven within an hour of using cannabis in their lifetime and approximately 29 per cent had done so within the preceding 12 months. An earlier 1998 study by David Reilly from the Lismore-based Riverlands Drug and Alcohol Centre found that 90 per cent of heavy cannabis users drove after taking the drug, although driving after taking cannabis and alcohol was quite low.

In the Bureau study, weekly users of cannabis (54 per cent) were much more likely than those who used cannabis less than weekly (32 per cent) to have driven under the influence of cannabis in their lifetime and in the previous 12 months.

But the results are not as bad as some might think. A similar study in Western Australia in 1998 found that one in four male drivers aged 18-24 had driven while stoned.

The Bureau's study did not look at the relationship between DUIC and motor vehicle accident risk. But according to the Director of the Bureau, Dr Don Weatherburn, other research had shown that DUIC does significantly increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident.

"These results must therefore be regarded as a matter of some concern," he said.

Dr Weatherburn said more research was needed into the links between cannabis use and road accidents.

"Although the results of the present study do not suggest that driving under the influence of cannabis is widespread, even in a geographical location with very high rates of cannabis use, they do support previous research in showing that heavy cannabis users regularly drive while intoxicated by cannabis. This finding suggests that there may be value in education and public health campaigns warning against the possible risks," he said.

Nimbin accused appears

The youngest of the four youths charged with vandalising Nimbin's main street a fortnight ago appeared in the Lismore Children's Court on Tuesday facing a total of 24 charges.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, also faces two charges relating to an assault in December 2002.

Magistrate Nick Reimer refused bail for the youth, who will appear again in the Lismore Children's Court on October 28.

He had previously been refused bail at his first hearing in front of the magistrate on October 3.

The three other males charged in relation to the Nimbin incident are due to reappear in the Lismore Local Court on October 21.

Festivals win funding

The Northern Rivers Herb Festival and the Lismore Lantern Parade have both been awarded one-off grants from the NSW Government.

The two festivals will each receive $10,000 under the Regional Flagship Events Program, which is designed to help attract more visitors to regional centres.

"The Lismore Lantern Parade involves participants from throughout the Northern Rivers as well as visitors to the region who have attended workshops in lantern, mask and costume making," NSW Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Sandra Nori, said. The Byron Bay Writers Festival will also receive $30,000 in funding.

Land tax hike

Communities along the NSW coast are providing a massive windfall for the State Government through a rapid increase in land taxes, according to Shadow Minister for Housing, Don Page.

"Byron Bay is a good example of the increasing windfall reaped by the State Government in land taxes alone," Mr Page said.

According to Mr Page land tax collected from Byron Bay rose from $4.15 million in 2001, to $5.6 million in 2002. He said it has now been revealed that the Land Tax Assessment figure in the Byron Bay area for 2003 is $8.6 million, a doubling of the land tax collected from the area in two years.

"This is a massive windfall for the State Government from a small population," Mr Page said. "If land tax continues without reform, there will be no incentive to invest in rental accommodation. This will impact on the availability of rental accommodation."

Mr Page said the State Government needed to acknowledge that the levels of land tax being collected were excessive.

"The land tax system in NSW is out of control. Residents seeking affordable housing in areas such as Byron Bay are the victims of this relentless revenue-raising tax," he said. "The State Government fails to recognise that land tax on investment housing is effectively a tax on renters and has a significant impact on the availability of affordable residential accommodation. Landlords have no choice but to try to pass on the tax in the form of higher rent."

Mr Page is now calling on the State Government to urgently review the NSW land tax system.

Cycle-ways for scooters

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging scooter users to consider using the cycle-ways network to get around town.

"Some of the reports we get are quite disturbing, such as scooter users driving in amongst the traffic or running into pedestrians," Council's road safety officer, Stephen Bocking, said.

The council is keen to remind scooter drivers that they are classified as pedestrians and they must use the footpaths where available. Where there is no footpath the scooters must travel as close to the gutter as possible.

Students prepare for the future

Step To The Future national forum convenor Diane Allan and national executive director Robert Van Houten (front) with some of the local students on the organising committee.

A national youth leadership forum that has attracted high profile speakers ranging from premiers to top company CEOs, sports and media stars plans to hold its first regional forum in Lismore this November.

The idea of Step To The Future forum is for young people to develop and organise an inspiring forum for their peers, with high-profile speakers sharing their experiences about life and how they got to where they are today. A committee of young people have been chosen from six local schools to organise the forum, and already they have confirmed a number of speakers, including Federal MP Larry Anthony and Channel 7 news presenter Chris Bath.

"The students have total control over the forum – they have to choose the speakers, organise and run the day, seek local sponsorship from businesses and even do the introductions and ushering," national forum convenor, Diane Allan, said. "The group of students organising this forum are an extraordinary bunch – these country kids have a fantastic attitude and are really enthusiastic. It's a great opportunity for them."

Diane said the forum itself provides an opportunity to reach out to students through a variety of well-known speakers and motivate them to do the best they can in life.

"The idea is for high-profile people to tell their stories and experiences of life and inspire young students to do well and achieve in their own lives," she said. "We hope to encourage students to get out there and have a go – to enjoy life and make the most of what they've got. The Northern Rivers is a phenomenal area to grow up in, and we want young people to recognise what fantastic opportunities they have and motivate them to really strive for what they want out of life."

The Step To The Future youth leadership forum will be held at Southern Cross University's Whitebrook Theatre on November 21. Bookings for the forum should be made through local schools.

Wollongbar residents oppose child care centre

Terra Sword

Protest organiser Melissa Bell (centre) talks with Ballina councillor Marilyn Perkins (left) and Wollongbar Progress Association president Margaret Webb about the proposed day care centre, while concerned residents watch on.

More than 50 residents from the Avalon Estate in Wollongbar protested last week against the proposed establishment of a 68-place day care centre in the estate.

If approved by Ballina Council, the day care centre will be built on the estate's two remaining vacant house sites. Residents are opposing the centre arguing that they are concerned about the increased traffic and ironically, the safety of their own children.

"There is only one entry and exit here and we're looking at 100-odd cars coming down into a residential area every day," protest organiser and resident, Melissa Bell, said. "Most of the people who live here have young families and with such a huge increase in traffic we are really concerned about the safety of the children in the estate.

"Plus all the people here bought into Avalon Estate in good faith, thinking it would be a quiet environment. If the day care centre goes ahead the traffic and noise from the kids every day will make our life simply unbearable. It's not that we don't want a day care centre in Wollongbar, we just think there are better spots."

The residents put their case to Ballina mayor Phil Silver and other Ballina councillors who attended the protest, but the decision is not expected to be made until Council's November planning meeting.

Show me the money

Southern Cross University will receive $636,111 for five projects from the Australian Government's 2004 Australian Research Council grant round.

Congratulating Southern Cross for its continual success in obtaining grants, Member for Page, Ian Causley, said the projects to be undertaken by the University would lead to many new developments, which would have economic and social benefits for the Northern Rivers.

The grants awarded to Southern Cross University include: $265,000 for two projects to examine contemporary sulfur biomineralisation in acid sulfate soil landscapes and to explore the logical theories of Robert Kilwardby; $237,341 for two projects to look at sustainable development of Aboriginal-owned small to medium tourism enterprises in the Bundjalung Nation and reverting coastal acid sulfate soils to wetlands; and $133,770 for a project to establish a facility for Natural Products Research.

"This funding will further expand the opportunities for exciting research and new discoveries in all fields, and for the benefit of all Australians," Mr Causley said.

Comment on Evans Head development

Therese Schier

The future development of Evans Head is up for debate with the Evans Head Draft Development Control Plan (DCP) now on exhibition for public comment.

The controversial Iron Gates residential subdivision, which was halted due to action in the Land and Environment court in 1997, is zoned for possible future residential development along with areas south and west of the airport.

Other broad changes include a consolidation of development density in the CBD by replacing commercial and high density mix with medium density allowing for shop top development, and a restriction on population density of 180 people per hectare with a maximum building height of three stories.

Richmond Valley Council planning officer John Hession is confident the plan provides for balanced development.

"Our main land use objective is to provide for a range of residential development which will complement the existing character of Evans Head; to ensure the Evans and Richmond Rivers are not compromised by development; and to ensure coastal and environmental values are enhanced and protected," he said.

Any development of the Iron Gates area will require a lesser allotment yield meaning bigger blocks and the inclusion of buffer zones from the riverfront, amongst other conditions.

"I think it's a good plan and will allow for an ultimate population of 6000 in Evans Head, and provide a mix and range of housing," Mr Hession said.

The plan is on display for public comment until November at Council's Evans Head and Casino offices and online at www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au.

Alstonville cop shop cracks a ton

Alstonville Police station in 1910, with Constable Laidman and his wife and daughter, Gwen. Photo courtesy of Mrs A McCleay.

Alstonville Police Station is celebrating its centenary this month and to mark the occasion, the Station will hold an open day this Monday, October 20, from 10am to 2pm.

Originally built as a police station and courthouse, the early pioneers fought long and hard to have a police presence in Alstonville (a tradition that continues to this day).

In January 1901, the local Progress Association lobbied to have the site for police. The police station and courthouse were completed in October 1903, with Constable Dobie in charge.

It followed a concerned public meeting in October 1902, which passed a resolution that "In consequence of filthy language and disorderly conduct in the vicinity of the Federal Hotel, in the hearing of ladies and children, Mr Perry (then local MP) be requested to use his best endeavours to have a police officer stationed her immediately". It seemed to work and a year later, Alstonville had a boy in blue. But the courthouse didn't sit until 1910 and only after many petitions by the then Tintenbar Shire Council.

The Alstonville Police Station is at 2 Perry Street. All are welcome to drop by on Monday.

House blaze claims life

Police examine the scene where a man died in a house fire in Goonellabah last Friday.

A man was killed in a fire in a Goonellabah home on Friday morning.

Neighbours alerted the fire brigade to the fire around 8.40am and officers from the Goonellabah brigade were on the scene within minutes of being called, quickly extinguished the blaze before locating the man's body inside.

The man was living in a Department of Housing unit on Rous Road. A neighbour and the man's carer attempted to rescue him during the fire but were beaten back by the severity of the blaze, which partly engulfed the property.

Crime scene police and fire brigade investigators from Sydney are attempting to establish the cause of the fire. Dental and medical records are being used to formally identify the victim, whose name has not yet been released.

Police are currently preparing a report for the coroner.

Ballina rejects shopping centre rezoning

Ballina mayor Phil Silver has used his casting vote to defeat plans to rezone the Tinkerbell caravan site for a shopping centre, following a deadlock in the vote at last Thursday's planning meeting.

A recision motion has been lodged, which gives the development, featuring a Big W store, another chance next month. Councillor Silver's decision upheld the convention known as "preserving the status quo".

Despite the mayor voting for the rezoning, the vote was locked at four-all (Crs Dakin, Perkins, Rich and Howes against). In an emotional meeting in front of a packed gallery it was clear that a number of councillors were feeling the pressure from what many described as "the biggest decision this Council has faced".

Two hours of debate saw some councillors close to tears. Councillor Marilyn Perkins said she could see the benefits in the rezoning but it came down to a matter of timing.

"We made a commitment that the CBD is the retail, commercial and administration centre of Ballina. My fear is that if so much land is rezoned now that status has the opportunity to move to that area. People will gravitate to that area (the Tinkerbell site) possibly to the detriment of the CBD," she said. "We should give the CBD the opportunity to consolidate before we rezone."

The gallery applauded. Councillor John Felsch later declared "the CBD looks pretty good to me". Councillor Sue Dakin wanted a public hearing to canvas the issues involved, but councillor Avis Kennedy called it "stalling". Councillor Dakin said Ballina already had enough commercial land available to accommodate a Big W store. Councillor Margaret Howes declared the rezoning would send the CBD broke and tried to put forward a proposal to delay approval for two years. It was ruled illegal.

Councillor Silver said there were two issues Council had to consider; did the community want the development and was it good for the local economy.

His answer was yes.

"In my judgement the community does want it, especially older people," he said. Councillor Alan Rich referred to the consultants report into retailing in Ballina.

"It states very clearly that the (Tinkerbell) proposal will impact on existing retailers. For some this impact will be potentially quite substantial... there are a lot of people sitting in the gallery with their livelihood on the line. It's important that we not turn our backs on the backbone of the community – the small traders," he said.

Developer Chris Condon said he was disappointed by the decision, but congratulated the city's CBD retailers for their successful opposition to the rezoning.

However, with the matter coming back to Council next month, they have only won the battle, not the war.

The Shed returns to the Channon

At the opening of 'The Shed' on Sunday were (front row) siblings Nancy and John Osborne, Peter Tanish, Ray Everingham and Lismore mayor Merv King, with the many volunteers who helped bring the project to fruition.

The famous Channon markets and local community groups now have a new home, thanks to the efforts of dozens of volunteers from the Coronation Park Users Group, who have helped rebuild the place they affectionately call 'The Shed'.

The project was a three-year labour of love, in which they raised $60,000 to replace the old timber building. Lismore Council provided the bulk of the funds, donating $25,000, and the monthly market also raised $13,000, while local P&C associations and Rotary also contributed.

Market organiser Robyn Kelly said the new shed was a community effort involving volunteers and Envite Work-for-the-Dole participants.

"A special mention must go to the building designer Tony Roden for his patience, Thomas Osborne for his persistence, Neil Morton from Council for his guidance, Pippa Crane for her financial sense and the community and the markets for their support," she said.

Recently the market bought a four-burner barbecue and refrigerator for 'The Shed'. The group's next project is an upgrade of the playground equipment.

Passengers return to airport

Lismore Council's discount on landing fees, which has allowed Rex passengers to fly for as little as $99, has resulted in record number of people using the airport.

Numbers hit an all time high last month, leading mayor Merv King to declare the turnaround "nothing short of spectacular".

During the last week of September the airport had 1, 150 passengers.

"It was a week in which the Masters Games and the Lismore Cup were being held and this coincided with Rex offering its new $99 one-way Internet fare to Sydney," he said.

Since Council waved its passenger "head tax" passenger numbers have increased by 30 per cent. On Tuesday night, the mayor used his casting vote to wave the $10 tax until February 2004, after the vote was tied four-all (Crs Irwin, Suffolk, Baxter and Crowther against).

The move will leave an estimated $130,000 hole in Council's budget.

Although he backed the subsidy, Cr Frank Swientek said the decision was a "mad race downwards" and "fairly exclusive". He claimed Rex was flying money out of Lismore to be spent in Sydney, but Council's business manager, Craig Kelly, said the discounted fares were attracting just as many people to Lismore.

Councillor Ros Irwin said the Council was subsidising the economic development of Lismore and wanted to extend the discount until June 2004.

Her proposal caused some concern for general manager Paul O'Sullivan, who warned it would impact on rates and that the incoming Council next March would have to find the money.

The motion was defeated when the mayor used his casting vote to break another deadlock.

Rex spokesman, Hans Van Pelt, praised Lismore Council for its support of the airline, saying the decision ensured Lismore remained a strong competitor against the jet service from Coolangatta.

EPA rejects Evans Head sewage plan

Therese Schier

The latest plan to upgrade the Evans Head sewerage treatment plant has been rejected by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), leading Richmond Valley Council water committee chair, Cr Don Harvey, to declare he has "had enough of bureaucratic stalling", accusing the EPA of intervening at the eleventh hour.

"The committee and the community are totally frustrated. It's about time the bureaucrats come up with some solutions and get on with the job and stop wasting our time," he said

The rejected plan involved discharging into the Richmond River with provision to 'tap off' re-use water points along the river for agricultural spray irrigation and use on sports fields, school grounds and public spaces.

The EPA rejected the plan saying that the Richmond River is 'stressed' and cannot take any further effluent. The EPA's preferred plan is for ebb tide discharge into the Evans River, an option previously rejected by the community.

"The EPA can come up with a solution, " Cr Harvey said. " We have consulted the community and twice the community has agreed on solutions only to have them rejected. Don't ask us to come back with solutions."

Highlighting the critical need for a decision, Council's strategic planning manager, Ray Medhurst, said effluent from the recently approved ex-services retirement village will need to be stored on site while waiting for off-peak treatment at the ageing plant.

"It's reaching the point where it's overloaded," he said.

Mr Medhurst said the latest proposal is to separate approving plans for the treatment plant from the issue of wet weather effluent disposal in an attempt to speed up the process.

"The new treatment works will be built on and around the same site as the existing treatment plant and with the same discharge point to be used," Mr Medhurst said. This would allow Council to proceed without the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment.

This latest option follows almost five years of research on how to dispose of effluent from the new plant.

Cr Harvey is not confident this latest approach will go smoothly.

"I don't anticipate it will be obstacle free. We're just going to have to work through whatever impediments are thrown our way," he said.

Go places with public transport

Lismore Mayor Merv King and Passenger Transport project officer Linda Lomman at the launch of the Going Places public transport guide.

Lismore City Council has launched a comprehensive and 'user friendly' new public transport guide for the Lismore area on Monday to increase community awareness about the alternatives to private transport.

The 'Going Places' transport guide contains details on planes, airport shuttles, taxis, buses and trains, whilst also including a comprehensive section on fare concessions for financially disadvantaged people in the community.

Similar guides will be launched by the Ballina, Byron, Kyogle and Richmond Valley councils.

"The guide provides people with all the information they need to get from A to B using public transport," said passenger transport project officer, Linda Lomman, who helped develop the guide.

"Normally people would have to ring at least five different numbers to access this information, whereas the guide makes it readily available in one place. We believe the more aware people are of public transport options the more they are likely to use the services. Using public transport wherever possible is good for the local economy and good for the local environment."

The launch comes in the wake of continuing concerns over the future of the rail line between Casino and Murwillumbah.

Ballina MP Don Page has backed plans to extend the line through to Queensland and plans to lobby the Queensland and NSW premiers, along with the Prime Minister and federal transport minister to to see if they will jointly fund the line's extension.

He accused the NSW government of failing to rule out closure of the line.

"If the government is serious about viable Countrylink services on the North Coast it should extend the branch-line into South East Queensland," he said.

"The Northern Rivers region is growing rapidly and a good rail service linking northern NSW with South East Queensland is highly desirable for both communities."

Mr Page is circulating a petition in support of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, which he plans to present to Parliament.

Rotary helps Aboriginal nurses

Lismore MP Thomas George (left) with the president-elect of Summerland Sunrise Rotary Club, Kerrie Ellis, and Dr Malcolm Tester. With support from local Rotary clubs they're offering an Aboriginal scholarship to study nursing.

The Combined Rotary Clubs of Lismore have thrown their support behind efforts to tackle one of Australia's most pressing health issues - indigenous disease and mortality.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mortality rates are three times higher than the rest of the population. The diabetes death rate is eight times the national average, and deaths from heart disease run at three times that of non-indigenous Australians.

Health researchers estimate that to turn the situation around, indigenous health needs 500 more doctors and a 25 per cent increase in nurses.

Prominent Lismore medical practitioner and Rotarian, Dr Malcolm Tester, who conducts clinics for the Aboriginal Health Service, saw an opportunity to capitalise on Lismore being the headquarters for one of Australia's most respected nursing schools, at Southern Cross University.

Dr Tester, and the President-elect of Summerland Sunrise Rotary Club, Kerrie Ellis, put a proposal to the five local Rotary clubs to encourage indigenous people into nursing studies. They joined forces to fund a $3,700 residential scholarship in 2004 to cover the cost of accommodation for a student at the University residences, all electricity charges, collegiate service fees and college administration fees.

Lismore MP Thomas George went in to bat for the proposal and the NSW health minister agreed to pay the HECS fees for the student.

The Rotary nursing scholarship on offer for 2004 is valued at $7,400 and covers all fees and accommodation.

It is open to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate nursing at SCU in 2004, and who completed the HSC or its equivalent in the last five years. Applications close on November 1.

For details phone Kerrie Ellis on 6621 7197.

Brickworks clean-up

The derelict Bexhill brickworks site will receive $150,000 from the NSW Government for environmental rehabilitation works.

The brickworks, which last operated in 1997, had its lease cancelled in 2002. A security deposit paid to the Government by the owners was forfeited and used to fund a Remediation Action Plan and review of environmental factors.

Locals tempt UK buyers

Two local companies have been given the opportunity to show off their wares to a team of buyers from the UK-based Harvey Nichols department store chain at a special promotion in Sydney this week.

The Koala Tea Company of South Lismore and Heavenly Organics of Ballina will be vying to have their produce feature in the prestigious Australian retailers promotion, planned for 2004.

An exercise in chemistry

Lismore High School year seven student, Alexandra Hahn, who will compete in the state finals of the Intel Young Scientist of the Year award next Thursday.

Lismore High School year seven student, Alexandra Hahn, is one of four students from across NSW who will compete in the state finals of the Intel Young Scientist of the Year award next Thursday in Sydney.

To secure her place in the state finals Alexandra was required to submit a written research project investigating a subject of her choice. A keen Irish dancer, Alexandra decided to combine her love of chemistry with her favourite hobby, and submitted a research project titled The Exercise Intensity of Irish Dancing.

"Irish dancing is my life – I love it, so it seemed like the perfect subject to choose," Alexandra said. "No one has ever recorded the exercise intensity of Irish Dancing before and I think that's one of the reasons I got through to the state finals – it was an original idea and it was pretty unusual. Believe it or not my research discovered Irish Dancing is more physically demanding than either soccer or swimming."

Alexandra will travel to the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney next Thursday, where she will compete against the three other finalists in her age group. If successful, Alexandra will score herself a place in the national championships, where she will compete against students from other states for a spot in the international championships, to be held in May next year.

"This is the first time I've entered the competition and I really didn't think I'd get this far, so it was a bit of a surprise," said Alexandra. "When I found out I was just ecstatic – I get to go to Sydney and I get a day off school! I'm really happy just to be involved but I would love to make the national championships. Science is one of my favourite subjects; I don't know why I like it but I think it must be in the genes - my dad teaches chemistry at Southern Cross University."

Read all about it...

Amanda Fazio MLC (left) presents a NSW Government Library Development Grant worth $136,045 to Richmond-Tweed Regional Library librarian, Lucy Kinsley, in Lismore last week.

Libraries in the north coast were given a major boost last week, when Amanda Fazio MLC presented NSW Government Library Development Grants totalling more than $180,000 to four local branches.

The Richmond-Tweed Regional Library was presented with the highest grant of $136,045 to upgrade the current mobile library service, much to the delight of Lismore-based librarian Lucy Kinsley.

"The mobile library trailer is very near the end of its useful life, and this grant will allow us to purchase a new, up-to-date trailer that also has access for people with a disability," Lucy said. "People in the Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Lismore Shires have come to rely on the mobile library service, and this grant will allow us to continue to provide this much-needed and well used service. The mobile library driver, Michael Riddle, will no doubt be very pleased, as will the people to use the service on a regular basis."

Kyogle Council also secured a grant of $30, 882 to extend the Kyogle Library's collection of Australian fiction, while Ballina Council was granted $10,483 to upgrade the loan processing systems at Ballina, Alstonville and Lennox Head libraries.

Richmond Valley Council also received a grant of $7,611 to develop the Casino library's Books Alive – Storytelling Resources for Bookworms program, which is designed to help pre-schoolers with their reading.

Writer's mentor scheme

The Northern Rivers Writers' Centre is currently making a list of writers of all genres and categories as well as professional editors (both fiction and non-fiction) who reside in the Northern Rivers.

This register will soon be available to NRWC members seeking a professional mentor to assist in the development of their work.

Mentees will nominate a 5hr, 10hr, 15hr or 20hr mentorship. This includes reading time, email correspondence and face to face time.

Whilst this scheme will provide emerging writers with a chance to develop it will also provide employment opportunities for the writing professionals living in the area. If you are a writer or an industry professional with suitable skills or experience and wish to be included as a mentor contact the NRWC now.

To launch the program there is a grant from Regional Arts NSW CASP funding and the NRWC will give two scholarships for mentees.

These will be 10hr mentorships at no cost to the mentee and the participants will be selected on merit of the manuscript, a one page expression of interest and CV. Applicants must be a member of the NRWC.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 30, and you need to complete an application form available from the NRWC.

Phone 6685 5115 or email nrwc@nrwc.org.au or call in at the Byron Bay Community Centre, Mon-Thurs, 10am-4pm.

Student show highlights open day

Students at Vistara enjoying the freedom of dress-up play. Free expression and individual initiative in creative, academic and recreational activities is encouraged at Vistara.

Vistara Primary School, one of the leading alternative-education schools in this region, will be holding their Open Day on Friday, October 24.

Starting at 10.30am the day will include a tour of the school, morning and afternoon tea with the teachers, plus musical and theatrical presentations by the students.

When you drive into the picturesque little schoolyards of Vistara, nestled in the rolling hills of Richmond Hill, just a seven minute drive from Lismore, it is easy to see why the student body has developed such a strong bond to their school.

Vistara has everything a small school has to offer and more – a friendly atmosphere, smaller class sizes and a high standard curriculum that integrates academia and the arts, all set in a stimulating learning environment.

Vistara also offers an insight and understanding of each child as a unique individual, which sometimes can get lost in a larger school.

Didi Anandavitandra, the director/principal of the school said "At Vistara we are very proud of the school's achievements and of the children."

The school has a very caring and understanding attitude towards new students, particularly those entering a school for the first time.

To this end Vistara will be holding four Kindy Orientation Days during November, on Tuesdays, Nov 4 and 11, and Fridays, Nov 7 and 14. Please book for the orientation day on 6624 4127.

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