Shaggy Dog Comments...

There's an old joke about how I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.. but we think the new slogan for Lismore Council should be "Decisive is in the eye of the beholder". Opposing factions are as bad as one another when it comes to delays.. so we found it amusing when mayor Merv King issued a press release about the interminable pool saga declaring "As a community we have to be decisive and get some of these perennial issues resolved so that Lismore can move on to new challenges and opportunities." We're not sure if he's related to the same 'decisive' Cr King who backed a push to defer approving the Koala Plan of Management, despite 7.5 years of haggling and extended public consultation.

During the debate on shade for the new pool, Cr Reg Baxter said he couldn't understand what all the fuss was about since, when you're swimming, "90% of your body is under water, and the remaining 10% above is covered with hair." Hopefully, the new pool will come with tinted water - and vouchers for Advanced Hair for those a little less hirsute than the octogenarian councillor.

Tuesday night's Council meeting ran for a whopping six hours, finishing just before the council chambers turned back into a pumpkin. Normally, by about 9pm, Shaggy and some long-suffering councillor spouses are the only spectators left. But the issue of the North Lismore ring road was left until the end of Tuesday's meeting, setting a new world record, with around 17 people still in the gallery at 11pm.

As part of the redevelopment of the Wilsons River, organisers are planning an 'experience walk', part of which will celebrate the city's rich history. The Wilsons River Steering committee are currently working with historians to plan an interesting and intelligent interpretation of a whole variety of subjects.

They are currently seeking stories and photographs of the recreational use of the river - stories, anecdotes and photos about canoeing, rowing, swimmming, fishing, music and dancing, picnics etc.

If you can assist, call Lois Kelly on 6622 8147, or email lois.kelly@lismore.nsw.gov.au

A very happy four score to Modanville legend David Zambelli (pictured) who celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday with granddaughters Alex (behind), Lucy, Matison and Georgia.

David and his wife of 47 years, Doreen, raised a family of five children - Deanna, Bruno, Nancy, Audrey and Linda - on their farm at Modanville, and are also the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren.

David is still actively involved in the running the farm - a testimony to hard work being good for your health. His family managed to keep the party a complete surprise for David, and many old friends came along, making the occasion even more special.

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