The Northern Rivers Echo Main News

Buy a ribbon for breast cancer

Story & photo: Terra Sword

Breast care nurse Nancy Jaeger (centre) and Gibson's Amcal Chemist staff members Melissa Rumble (right) and Hayley Slattery with some of the Pink Ribbon Day merchandise that will be on sale next Monday

Breast care nurse Nancy Jaeger knows all too well the effects breast cancer can have on the lives of women and their families. And with one in every 11 women in Australia now diagnosed with the disease, it's likely most people – not just nurses – will be touched by breast cancer at some time in their lives.

That's why Nancy is encouraging people to dig deep for Pink Ribbon Day next Monday, October 27, and buy a ribbon to support the Cancer Council in its battle against the disease.

Nancy and other volunteers will be selling merchandise in Lismore next Monday and stalls will also be dotted around the CBD, selling pink ribbons for $2 and enamel badges for $5.

"Your $2 could make all the difference in the fight against breast cancer," Nancy said. "The more people give the more money the Cancer Council will have to provide ongoing support to people with breast cancer and for research into a possible cure. Fighting this disease is a passion for me and I urge everyone in the community to go out and buy a ribbon – the aim is to raise $450,000 in NSW but I believe we can do even better than that."

If you can't make it to the CBD on Monday, Pink Ribbon merchandise will also be for sale at various local businesses, including Gibson's Amcal Chemist, Katies, Millers and Rockmans.

As well as promoting Pink Ribbon Day, Nancy is also currently taking part in the Breast Cancer Challenge – the aim being to raise $3,500 by mid-November.

"The amount we are raising represents the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in NSW," Nancy explained. "I don't love anything more than a good challenge, and raising $3,500 in less than a month is certainly a challenge. I can't promise anything but I'm going to give it my best shot."

Nancy's major fundraiser is a Melbourne Cup Luncheon on November 4 at the Prestige Restaurant in Lismore (a pink theme of course). For $35 people can enjoy a two-course meal and a comedy show by the Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge team, plus raffles, sweeps and more. To book phone 6622 1888.

Nancy is also looking for business sponsorship and donations. To help out phone her on 6620 7664.

The race to help kids

Our Kids Community committee member Rebekka Battista (right) and Lisa Halliday, who will both model in the Melbourne Cup luncheon fashion parade.

The Our Kids Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund will hold a Melbourne Cup Charity lunch on Tuesday, November 4, at the Lismore Turf Club.

The day will feature a fashion parade hosted by Nora Vidler-Blanksby, entertainment by classical ensemble Tapestry, fashions in the field, novelty and best hat competitions and sweeps.

ABC radio presenter Fiona Wiley will MC the day, and a handmade quilt made by members of the Goonellabah Quilters Association will also be raffled.

"Along with the Our Kids calendar this is a major fundraiser for us, so we need lots of support from the community," Our Kids Community committee member, Rebekka Battista, said. "Being at the Turf Club on race day will create a great atmosphere and as well as having fun people will be raising money to help the hospital and local children."

Tickets are $50 per head, which includes complimentary champagne and a two-course lunch. The fun kicks off at 11.30am. To book a ticket phone 6629 5248 or 6621 5399.

Win Winnie's books

Marathon swimmer Tammy Van Wisse (left), who is an ambassador for Disney's Friendship Festival, with Captain Starlight and the charity CD.

To celebrate Disney's Friendship Festival The Echo and Disney are offering you the chance to win a fantastic Winnie the Pooh pack filled with great prizes.

The pack includes 10 fantastic Winnie the Pooh books courtesy of Penguin Books. We have two packs featuring the exploits of the loveable bear to give away over the next two weeks.

Disney's Friendship Festival is running during October and November and the whole idea is to promote friendship and its benefits to both children and adults alike.

Winnie the Pooh, the world's friendliest bear, was named the United Nations Ambassadorship for Friendship in 1997. As part of this year's Festival, a special charity CD is being sold through all Coles and Kmart stores to raise money for the Starlight Children's Foundation, which helps seriously ill children by granting them wishes.

If you would like to win one of these fantastic prize packs just call The Echo on 6622 2888 between 11 and 11.10am on Monday, November 3, and tell us the name of Winnie's clumsy friend (hint: it begins with T) to go into the draw for this week's pack.

Correction

The scones and jam provided by the 'Tullera Hall committee' for a recent Council meeting – as printed in last week's Echo – might deserve a prize medal, but the journos at The Echo certainly don't.

Scones and jam were served, and yes, they were delicious, but they were actually supplied by the Tregeagle Hall committee, not Tullera. Apologies to the Tregeagle committee members who put on the spread – we hope this doesn't jeopardise our chance of eating future suppers!

Garden plants no longer a challenge

Showing off some of the plants that will be on offer at the Super Spring Sale is Lismore Challenge Foundation City Farm nursery worker Michelle Phillips (front) with City Farm coordinator Phil Dudman (rear centre) and nursery workers Gary Jeffreys (left) and Steven Dodd.

The employees of the Lismore Challenge Foundation have been busy cultivating plants at their City Farm nursery in East Lismore for a Super Spring Sale this Saturday, October 25, at the nursery.

Lismore Challenge Foundation provides ongoing training and employment for people with disabilities through the nursery and a soap manufacturing business, and all proceeds from the sale with help the Foundation to continue its valuable work.

This weekend's Super Spring Sale is a great chance to pick up a bargain – there will be hundreds of native and exotic plants and herbs on sale, and nothing is priced over $4.

There will also be a free sausage sizzle on the day, and ABC Radio's Good Gardening presenter Phil Dudman and horticultural expert Peter Graham will be on hand to give advice and answer questions.

"Last time we held a plant sale hundreds of people turned up – they were breaking down the gates before the sale even started!" said Phil Dudman, who coordinates the City Farm nursery when he's not on air. "People were really pleased with the great value-for-money and quality of the stock, and this time we have even more plants on offer. If you have a large garden and need to do a lot of planting this is an ideal opportunity to grab a bargain – the prices are so good you can load up the boot without spending a fortune. And all the money raised will help us continue our work here at Lismore Challenge."

The plant sale will run from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Lismore Challenge is at 47 Caldwell Avenue, East Lismore. To get there follow the signs down Wyrallah Road, turn left at Mine and Gary's Ampol, then right into Caldwell Avenue. For more information phone 6627 5000.

CASPA the friendly Xmas shop

Just about everything you can make with a pair of hands – from teddies and toys to children's clothing and beautiful homemade jams – will be on sale at the CASPA/North Coast Children's Home Christmas Shop, which opens next Monday, October 27, at Lismore Square.

Showing off some of the fabulous gifts on sale is volunteer shop convenor Helen Bryant (right) with CASPA workers Lisa Gardiner (centre) and Deirdre Paillas.

The Friends of CASPA (Child and Adolescent Specialist Programs and Accommodation) painstakingly knit, crochet, sew, craft and stitch the gifts throughout the year, with all money raised from the sale of the gifts helping local youngsters in need.

The shop, located outside Payless Shoes, will operate from next Monday until Sunday, November 2, and again from Monday, December 15 to Friday, December 19.

It is open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and on weekends from 10.30am-2.30pm.

Soup kitchen jumps on the gravy train

Receiving the $500 Gravox grant recently were Lismore Soup Kitchen vice-president Murray Harding and activities officer Margaret Lord (front) with Soup Kitchen volunteers (l-r) Julie Jamieson and her daughter Debbie, Ryan McEwan, Jim Marjoram and Millie Cameron.

The Lismore Soup Kitchen's vice-president, Murray Harding, thinks the community is lucky to have such a service, and obviously the Lismore community agrees.

The Lismore Soup Kitchen received the most nominations from the community to receive a $500 Gravox grant, one of 100 grants worth $500 awarded to charities around Australia by Gravox.

Murray said with such a high rate of homelessness in Lismore, the Soup Kitchen's service is vital, and any donation of money helps the kitchen continue its valuable work.

"This grant will help us pay a few bills and put more food on the tables," Murray said. "You never expect to get money but it's always welcome – it doesn't matter how much it is or where it comes from, it all helps. The Soup Kitchen relies entirely on donations so any assistance is fantastic."

The Soup Kitchen has been established in Lismore since 1990, providing hot meals for people in need seven days a week, 365 days a year. It was operated from premises in Union Street, South Lismore, until the building was destroyed by fire in August 2001.

"It was a major setback, but it only held us up for a week!" Murray said. "Seven days later we were serving meals again from the new Norco Lane premises, which is currently our permanent home. Without a service such as this we'd have people worse off than they are now – at least people in Lismore have a full stomach."

And while the Soup Kitchen is primarily there to ensure disadvantaged people within the community have enough to eat, Murray said the service provides much more than just meals.

"We're not just about feeding people – there's a very caring community at the Soup Kitchen and people often come in for cuppa, a chat and some friendly company. For many people who come here it's their only contact with people who care and want to listen to their stories. It's really like an extended family."

The Soup Kitchen serves breakfast from Monday to Thursday at the Uniting Church in Lismore from 7am to 8.45am each morning. Hot lunches are served every day from the Soup Kitchen premises in Norco Lane, South Lismore, from 9am-1pm, with sandwiches for people to take away. A church service is held every Sunday at the Soup Kitchen from 10.30am, and they also have regular bus trips.

Donations of money or food are always welcome and more volunteers are needed. If you can help, phone Margaret on 6621 6936.

Help plan hospital's future

The community is being invited to attend a Public Meeting next Tuesday, October 28, at the Lismore Workers Club, to discuss the planned future developments at Lismore Base Hospital.

This is the second such public forum on the redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital, following initial discussions of concept plans that were made public in June 2002.

The meeting is aimed at providing Richmond Valley residents with the opportunity to hear the latest information on the proposed developments at Lismore Base Hospital and hear the response from other community members.

The meeting will be from 7.30-9.30pm, with the first half of the evening being used to present information, and the second half providing time to answer questions and receive input from the community.

Issues to be discussed include the current review and reorganisation of Lismore Base Hospital services, implementation of the Richmond Valley surgical services strategy, the hospital's ten-year services plan and the hospital's Master Plan for infrastructure development.

For further information contact Sandra Nicoll on 6620 7565 or 6620 2462.

Collision kills Clunes man

A 37-year old man from Clunes died in Lismore Base Hospital on Sunday after a fatal collision with a horse near Bexhill on Saturday night.

The man, Paul Matthews, was driving on Bangalow Road near Bexhill around 10.30pm last Saturday night when his Commodore collided with a horse. The animal was killed instantly.

Mr Matthews was taken to Lismore Base in a critical condition where he later died from injuries.

Wheeling and dealing

Trying out the motorcycles before this Sunday's charity poker run is Cancer Care Unit patient Bodie Milton and his dad Daniel (left) with (clockwise from top left) poker run organiser Jason Underhill, riders Greg Chad, Malcolm Hunt and Anne Maree Underhill, and Cancer Care Unit registered nurse Kezzie Warburton.

Members of the Northern Rivers American Motorcycle Club are holding a 'Cards for Cancer' poker run this Sunday, October 26, to help kids like five year-old Brodie Milton, who suffers from cancer.

Brodie was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January this year and has recently completed 10 months of treatment in Brisbane – an ordeal that sent his family into absolute turmoil.

"It's not just the kids that go through a tough time, it's the family as well – you drop the life you know and step into a new one just like that," said Brodie's dad, Daniel. "It's something you never expect to happen, and it can be very frightening."

Daniel is applauding the efforts of the motorcycle club, who are holding the poker run to raise money for games, soft seating and an entertainment unit for Lismore Base Hospital's Cancer Care Unit.

"When you're sitting in a bed and hooked to a machine for 20 hours at a time getting treatment, any form of entertainment would make the time pass more quickly," Daniel said. "Anything that can take their mind off feeling ill would be great. It's just excellent to see people supporting the Cancer Care Unit and raising awareness of how many kids have to go through this."

The poker run will start at the Hilltop Tavern in Goonellabah at 10am, for a 10.30am departure. Participants will be given five different cards at random during the ride, with the highest poker hand at the end of the day winning the highest prize. It only costs $10 to take part and there are heaps of great prizes on offer, plus a social BBQ to finish the day.

"The poker run gives local riders the chance to support their hospital by doing what they love best – getting out there and riding," organiser, Jason Underhill, said. "It's a great opportunity to meet other riders and band together for a good cause."

All kinds of bikes are welcome to take part – simply go along to the Hilltop on Sunday and join in the fun. For more information phone Jason on 0421 440 093.

A sound start to the HSC

Lismore High School's Jeremy Scott, 18, Jessica Pilling, 18, and Ben Sekulic, 17, are happy with how they went in their HSC English exam this week.

So far so good. That was the message from many of the students at Lismore High School this week as they sat the first compulsory English test that signals the start of the HSC exams.

"I thought it was alright, better than I expected," said 18-year-old Jeremy Scott. "English has never been my best subject. I thought I would pass, but I think I've done better than just a pass today."

This year a record 65,311 students will sit for their HSC, with more students than ever sitting the top-level English, mathematics and history courses, reversing previous declines in advanced level study.

"I think it was a good paper," said Jessica. "Some of the questions were not too specific, so it gave you the opportunity to put a lot in."

While Jessica, Jeremy and Ben are happy with their performance Lismore High School principal Kieron Klar was quick to caution students against being over-confident.

"I think the new HSC syllabus is very rigorous," she said. "It can be very demanding."

Exams will run over the next few weeks, and for those feeling the pressure help can be obtained from the HSC Advice Line by calling 13 11 12.

Additional information, for a record 46 subjects covering 72 courses, is available from the HSC Online website at http://hsc.csu.edu.au.

Results from exams will be available via the Internet and telephone on December 18, and through the mail from December 22 this year.

New centre cares for carers

Ruth Henderson (left) with carers Dennis Rothwell and Lorna Lorz.

Commonwealth Respite Service program manager Ruth Henderson says National Carers Week (October 19-25) provides an opportunity for the community to acknowledge the work of thousands of carers throughout the region whose efforts go largely unheralded.

According to the Bureau of Statistics as many as one in ten residents on the far north coast care for friends or family members with disabilities, chronic illness, or age-related difficulties.

Speaking at the opening of the new Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre at Alstonville on Wednesday, Ruth said this figure is expected to increase.

The new centre, located in the Alstonville Plaza, combines the offices of Commonwealth CareLink with the Commonwealth Respite Service, and will provide a range of services for carers, along with information regarding the care of older people.

"The term 'carers' is often misunderstood in the community," Ruth said. "It really refers to anyone who looks after someone else, and there are more of them than most people realise."

Lorna Lorz from Tuckurimba is one such carer. Lorna is a sole parent caring for her ten-year old son, Donovan, who suffers from cerebral palsy and has an intellectual disability. Donovan also has a language disorder, and he often experiences short-term memory loss due to epilepsy.

"It's a full time job," says Lorna. "He does need some help with showering and dressing, but I hate to sound like I'm complaining. He's a great kid with such a terrific personality."

Lorna is a member of the Lismore and District Carers Group, which offers every carer support, education, a cup of tea and a 'jolly good time'.

Dennis Rothwell from Ballina, who has spent more than ten years caring for his wife with dementia, says caring for someone can be rewarding experience in many ways, despite the challenges faced along the way.

"The caring role does wonders for one, "Dennis said. "It makes you a more relaxed person. I believe once you accept that your partner is always right you're half way to developing a happy, caring relationship. You can't argue with a person with dementia."

The Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre can provide carers like Lorna and Dennis with a much-needed break and a chance to speak with other carers. They can help arrange respite care and can even provide carers with funding support for a short holiday.

Further information on the services available and support groups phone the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre on1800 059 059.

New manual helps kids manage conflict

Clare Heaton (left) and Maureen Lynch with ABC Centre Bookshop owner Dick Ryan launching their teacher's manual on conflict resolution skills for students, titled Managing Conflict with Confidence.

Nine years of commitment to teaching conflict resolution skills and hundreds of lessons later, two Casino women have published a manual for teachers, titled Managing Conflict with Confidence.

After training in conflict resolution, and using the skills to good effect in their lives, Maureen Lynch and Clare Heaton realised the benefit children could gain by learning the same skills.

"We wondered why we didn't learn these skills years ago when we were children," Clare said. "Life would have been so much easier and happier."

So they set about designing a course to teach the skills in the classroom.

The manual is a do-it -yourself kit, based on the steps of conflict resolution as designed by the Conflict Resolution Network and is filled with planned lessons, activities, stories, games and role-plays that busy teachers can photocopy and use as teaching aids.

Conflict resolution skills covered in the course help children learn how to be assertive, to listen and to understand the needs of others, and to seek a win/win solution in their conflicts with others.

"We wanted to design a program for kids to make their lives easier, and to help them to have happier relationships," Clare said. "The course empowers kids to solve their own problems."

Southern Cross University and the University of New England have now invited Clare and Maureen to teach the course to students in their Bachelor of Education courses.

Managing Conflict with Confidence is available at the ABC Bookshop in Woodlark Street, Lismore or online at www.pearsoned.com.au.

Be a better father

Chris Hawke from the Men's Resource Centre in Lismore (pictured) is literally tearing his hair out. According to Chris the centre has effective courses and programs to benefit fathers and their families, but he is disappointed that few men enrol.

"Men are reluctant to put their name down for courses because they are concerned that this might make them look incompetent‚" Chris said. "These courses are not about finding fault, they are about building on the good job you are already doing."

Chris said some men might also be put off by the idea of talking about their family with strangers.

"They are worried about their own privacy and about discussing emotionally difficult events‚" he said. "What they don't realise is that there is a tremendous relief in just talking. Being able to get things off your chest brings a sense of space, some room for hope and positive change. It's also great to find others grappling with the same problems. It's difficult bringing up kids in the 21st century."

Chris, who is one of the facilitators with the Men's Resource Centre, says fathering programs for dads will start in Coraki and Lismore soon. He also runs a monthly BBQ and discussion group for dads called DACKS (Dads And Carers of Kids Support).

Any fathers interested in any of these courses or events should phone Chris or Stuart at the Men's Resource Centre on 6622 6116.

Duke's honours for Woodlawn students

Lismore MP Thomas George (rear left) and Duke of Edinburgh awards convenor Ted Davy with Woodlawn award recipients (in no particular order) Rebecca Loquet, Adrian Crispo, Chris Skenner, Amy Rossington, Bethany Collins, James Stewart, Thomas Loquet, Mark Perkins, Louis Papworth and absent Ellen Redden.

Ten students from St John's College Woodlawn received Duke of Edinburgh Awards this week, the most awards ever presented at the school in one ceremony.

Duke of Edinburgh awards are given to young people aged between 14 and 25 who complete a series of physical and educational tasks and community services, and are aimed at developing life skills and promoting physical activity.

Community services completed by those receiving awards included the completion of first aid courses, surf life saving, helping children with disabilities and raising funds for cancer research. The awards were presented by Lismore MP Thomas George at a recent school assembly.

A nose for history and heritage

Past president of the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society, Marguerite Fuller, who will receive a NSW Heritage Volunteer Award this week.

A love of history and admiration of the region's early settlers has resulted in recognition for Alstonville's Marguerite Fuller, who will receive a NSW Heritage Volunteer Award in Sydney this week.

Marguerite, a past president of the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society, said the award came as a complete surprise.

"I'm amazed people managed to keep it a secret from me," she said.

Marguerite's love of history developed from researching her own family history and an interest in old photographs of the region. This lead her to begin speaking to people and asking them to tell their stories about their families.

"I'm basically nosy," she said. "I've become fascinated by the early pioneers. They lead amazingly rich lives - they were always having parties."

The Alstonville Plateau Historical Society began in 2001 and now has around 60 members. Supported by Ballina Shire Council, one of the society's principal roles is to promote the history of Ballina Shire.

"We're very heartened by Council's interest in heritage," Marguerite said. "They've recently agreed to let the society move into the old 'Crawford House' premises in Wardell Road. It's a wonderfully fitting choice as Ambrose Crawford built the house in 1911."

The award, from the NSW Heritage Office, recognises the enormous contribution of many committed community organisations and volunteers in identifying, assessing, and managing the heritage of NSW.

A garden of earthly delights

Windara nursery manager George Huxley and worker Peter Stone display one of the plants for sale at the nursery and function room complex on the Sextonville Road, west of Casino.

Windara's newly appointed manager, Ken Andersen, wants everyone to know more about Windara, a community developed project employing people with an intellectual disability, just west of Casino.

Windara consists of a retail nursery and a restaurant and function room, as well as a coffee shop in the Casino Shopping Plaza and a travelling food van servicing the Casino Industrial Estate. The organisation trains its workers in a wide range of nursery, restaurant and office skills so they can then work within the retail sectors of Windara.

Ken is especially proud of the enthusiasm and dedication shown by his team of workers.

"When the bus pulls up in the morning, enthusiasm pours out," he said. "Everyone wants to talk at once."

The nursery is a feature of the Windara complex, with its large stock of plants on sale for retail and wholesale customers and it's 'Maze of Bewilderment', a hedge maze adjoining the beautifully landscaped gardens that the restaurant and function room overlook.

Windara specialises in Grevillias with over 20 varieties available as well as a full range of nursery plants and supplies including fruit trees, shrubs, conifers, cottage garden plants, seedlings, indoor plants, gift lines and garden craft.

And if you want advice on what to plant, nursery manager George Huxley will come to your house to help you choose the best plants for your garden.

"We will help you create a theme and a plan," George said. "We pride ourselves on friendly service and advice."

The a la carte restaurant is open every Friday and on request.

The nursery is on Sextonville Road, just west of Casino, and is open 7 days a week. The function room is available for weddings, parties, anything!

For information or to book the restaurant and function rooms phone 6662 3800. For nursery enquiries phone 6662 3857.

Shops and jobs for Casino

Casino shoppers are set to benefit from improved shopping services after it was announced recently that Bi-Lo and Target Country would open new stores in the Casino RSM Shopping Village, creating around 130 new jobs.

The Target Country store will replace the existing Walker Street store, more than doubling its selling space to around 800 square metres, and hence creating 10 new jobs.

The Walker Street store will continue to operate until the new store opens in late November.

Bi-Lo will open its new store in December, creating 120 new jobs.

Kids and driveways a deadly mix

As part of Children's Week (Oct 18-26) Kidsafe NSW are reminding parents that the home driveway is a dangerous place for small children.

Organisers say that while parents are very aware of the dangers of the road, the danger waiting in the family driveway is often overlooked, and often the most dangerous.

" Children under three are most at risk and, tragically, the driver is most often a parent, family member or family friend," Kidsafe NSW executive officer, Greg Stead, said. "One child, often a toddler, is run over in the driveway of a home every week in Australia."

To minimise the risk to young children, organisers suggest parents always supervise children, encourage them not to play around the driveway, make access to the driveway difficult by using security doors, fencing or gates, and ensure children are securely in the vehicle when it is moved.

Education grants help maintain local schools

Science teacher Kath Amor and maintenance coordinator John Lee examining some of Richmond River High School's aging science lab benches.

Twelve schools in the Lismore area will share in $631,000 from the Department of Education and Training for repairs and improvements under the State Government's School Works program.

Casino High School will receive more than $250,000 for internal painting and to replace floor coverings and repair its damaged driveway. Kyogle High School will receive $135,000 and Corndale Public nearly $30,000 for external painting, while Richmond River High School in Lismore will receive more than $70,000 to install new stainless steel troughs and benches and replace vinyl flooring in two science labs.

The current science labs at Richmond River are now nearly 30 years old and showing signs of wear, with some bench tops rusted and corroded through years of chemical use.

"This upgrade will provide us with some much-needed improvements," science teacher, Kath Amor, said. "The new benches have been redesigned to allow for better access to workspaces."

Other improvements at Richmond River High School will include changes to its metalworking and welding bay with the installation of new fume extraction facilities. Richmond River's welding bay is not only used by its own students, but by students from other local schools undertaking metalworking and engineering courses.

"Work in this area is particularly important and will ensure we comply with accepted WorkCover and occupational health and safety standards," said principal Neville Ryan.

"Schools were not originally designed to provide these sorts of courses so we have to work at ensuring that we have appropriate facilities in place to meet industry standards."

Other local schools to benefit from maintenance funds included Barkers Vale, Bexhill, Dunoon, Casino, Albert Park, Doubtful Creek and Caniaba Public Schools, as well as the Dorroughby Environmental Education Centre.

The business of being a woman

Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Pru Goward, will be the guest speaker at a Women in Business lunch hosted by Southern Cross University next Thursday, October 30. The lunch starts at 12.30pm in the SCU Staff and Graduates club is open to all members of the public.

Ms Goward was appointed Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner for a five-year term in 2001. Ms Goward worked as a journalist and political commentator at the ABC for 19 years, before moving in to public administration when she took up the role as head of the Commonwealth Government's Office of the Status of Women.

Ms Goward is an outspoken advocate of women's rights, including supporting the introduction of a national, paid maternity scheme.

Ms Goward will address work and family issues relating to rural and regional women. She will discuss the relative dearth of women in higher level management and professional roles, in relation to the high number of women graduates and their lesser earnings and seniority compared to their male counterparts.

This is the final Women in Business lunch for the year.

Attendance at the lunch will cost $38.50 per person and bookings can be made by contacting Judy Hill at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management on 6620 2051.

Give me some skin

Local photographer Marie Cook and Dr Ken Gudmundsen from Northern Rivers Dermatology.

Local photographer Marie Cook, in conjunction with Northern Rivers Dermatology, has established a new business, Skin Images, to help people track the progress of moles and other marks on the skin.

A photographic record of the skin can help people monitor their moles or other suspicious marks, and can be taken to any GP to assist the doctor in detecting changes and ensuring early treatment.

The service is strictly confidential and people are able to keep their photographic record, which means if they move away or change their GP they still have an accurate record of their skin.

"It's a convenient way to take proper care and precautions against skin ailments," said Ken Gudmundsen from Northern Rivers Dermatology. "Doctors can't always remember just by looking at people what changes have occurred in their skin, but with an accurate photographic record we can tell if there's something suspicious and deal with it early. With a high incidence of melanoma in this area it makes sense to provide such a service, especially for those who have a high risk of developing skin cancers. We've already discovered differences in moles through the photography and so we know it works."

Marie Cook runs Skin Images through Northern Rivers Dermatology at Suite 4, 109 Molesworth Street, Lismore. For more information on the service or to book an appointment phone 6621 3500.

Show me the money

Police are urging local business owners to look out for anyone attempting to purchase goods with old currency, after a sum of older–style paper notes were stolen during a break an enter in Goonellabah on Monday.

Police say a 'considerable sum of money' was stolen during the break-in at a residential home in Teven Street, Goonellabah.

Business owners who have any suspicions should call Lismore Police on 6623 1599.

Young Kate loves her country (and western)

Kate Botfield, a 12-year-old country music singer from Mumulgum, proudly displays some of the trophies she has won since she started competing in country music festivals in June last year.

At 12 years of age singer Kate Botfield from Mumulgum will be one of the youngest singers competing in the prestigious Champion of Champions Country Music competition in Brisbane this November.

Entries are by invitation only, to winners and place-getters of major talent quests in the current year. Kate's successes this year include winning Junior Champion at the Warwick Country Music Festival - competing against singers up to 17years old - and being awarded Juvenile Vocal champion at competitions in Casino, Brisbane, Grafton, the Gold Coast and Lismore.

"Country Rock is my favourite," Kate said. "My aim is to go to the Country Music College in Tamworth and to be a star like Becky Cole!"

Kate commenced singing lessons three years ago with Casino teacher Heather Dennis and competes in vocal, gospel, bush ballad, country rock and yodeling.

Whilst the awards are impressive, Kate's Mum, Jenny, said a highlight for her was the standing ovation Kate received from over 3,000 people when Kate sang at the Campervan and Motorhome Rally in Casino earlier this year.

This week's features: Health and Wellbeing - Perfect Weddings - Your Shopping Guide - Local Businesses