Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Art in Casino's heart

Hot on the heels of its successful inaugural exhibition the Casino Art Centre has another exhibition featuring work from artists in the Richmond Valley. The exhibition runs for two weeks leading into the official opening of the Centre on Sunday, November 9.

The official opening will take the form of an art auction, art only market and family day.

Stalls are still available for artists. Details on 6662 7325.

Coordinator Peter Gallo is dedicated to fostering art and his motto is: 'Casino Art Centre is here to nourish the soul - so consume a lot.'

Year 12 student awards.

With the HSC in full swing Richmond Valley high schools have recently farewelled Year 12 students with moving ceremonies and presentations of major student awards.

Following is a list of major award recipients from the Valley's three high schools:

Casino High:

The Anne Lewis Memorial Award - Kathryn Pelham.

The Norma Anderson Year Adviser's Award - Dean Throssel

The Ruben F Scarf Award - Tiffany Jorgensen

The Northern Marketing CALTEX Award - Kayla Crethar

The Student Of The Year Award for the student who has achieved the most outstanding academic results in Trial Higher School Certificate and HSC Assessments - Ben Lyons.

St. Mary's High:

Principal's Awards for Academic Excellence -Tanya Cross, Andrew Ko, Heidi Llewellyn, Amanda O'Connor, Meegan Parkes and Andrew Pierce. The Bishop Farrelly Cup for Academic Excellence -Andrew Ko.

Evans River K-12 School:

The Rueben F. Scarf Award for Academic Excellence - Adele Shelley.

Caltex All Rounder Award - Emy Dossett.

The Southern Cross Award for Academic Excellence - Claire Macey.

Pierre De Couberton Award - Kelly Gardner.

Council deckchairs shuffle

Richmond Valley Council's general manager Brian Wilkinson finalised three key appointments this week. Replacing former Environmental Development Services director Stan Taylor (who's off to the Rural Fire Service) is Ken Exley from Pristine Waters Council, who signs on next Monday. Corporate services director, Wayne Halcrow, has been reappointed. Works director Bill McMahon will finish up in January, when Gary Murphy, who currently works for a far north Queensland council, takes over the job.

Health open day

The Casino Community Health Service is holding an Open Day next Wednesday, November 5. The aim is to update locals on the centre's diverse services and how to access them, but Integrated Care Coordinator, Jacqui Beaumont, said the emphasis is on having an enjoyable time.

"Children can enjoy the outdoor art project, playing outdoor games, and guessing right answers on the chocolate wheel to win a prize," she said. "There will be talks and displays on everything from water safety to stress management for parents and working adults. Older people can test their balance and learn useful skills, such as how to make gardening easier and safer. There will also be demonstration games of Lifeball."

And toss in a barbie with kangaroo kebabs, plus healthy juices to drink.

A free wheelchair-friendly bus will run from Shepherd Street at 9.30am and 10.30am, picking up at the Oaks Centre, Golf Club, SupaFresh, Woolworths, the Post Office, South Casino newsagency and Richmond Lodge en route to Community Health. The bus will return via the same loop, leaving from Community Health at 2pm and 3pm.

The Open Day runs from 10am to 5pm. Community Health is in Canterbury Street, next to the Hospital.