Northern Rivers Talking Turkey

Kyogle LGA receives Food Links funding

Scott Harlum — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:09:21 +0000

Community organisation Kyogle Together has been successful in obtaining $50,000 in funding through The Northern Rivers Food Links Project, to develop a community garden in Kyogle and to support existing school gardens in the area.
The Northern Rivers Food Links Project is a collaboration of seven north coast Council’s, including Kyogle Council. The overall aim of the Project is to, “mitigate climate change impacts associated with food production and distribution, and strengthen community resilience to climate change and peak oil impacts.”
Pat Anderson of Kyogle Together told the NRTT the local project is called ‘Seeds of Knowledge – From Garden to Good Health’, and that its aim is to “promote the value of growing and eating fresh produce”. The funding will be used to develop a community teaching garden on the grounds at Grove House, in Geneva Street, Kyogle, and to develop and support teaching gardens at Kyogle Youth Action, and at schools in Kyogle, Barkersvale, Mummulgum, Collins Creek, Bonalbo and Urbenville.
“We want to see adults, youth and children getting skilled to produce their own food, and to growing their own veges in their own yard,” said Pat.
Lynette Zito, Kyogle Deputy Mayor, told the NRTT, “This is an excellent opportunity for people of the Kyogle Local Government Area to participate in the eight projects around the area, and through them to gain a better understanding of food sustainability.”
Along with Kyogle Council, the Northern Rivers Food Links Project collaboration includes Tweed Shire, Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Lismore City, Clarence Valley and Richmond Valley Council’s, along with Rous Water. The Project has received overall funding of about $2 million from the New South Wales Environmental Trust. Other projects being funded through the program include for a community garden in Mullumbimby, and the Nimbin Food Security Project run through the Nimbin Neighbourhood & Information Centre. The Nimbin group are looking to purchase a grain mill with part of their grant.

Bentley Art Prize Winners

Scott Harlum — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:06:43 +0000

The major prize in the 26th annual Bentley Art Prize was awarded to Joanne Burgler of Coraki, for her work ‘Fishing Nets’.
A record number of onlookers attended the Bentley Hall on Saturday, 6 August, for the presentation to the winners in 14 categories, with prizes totalling $8,500. The show was officially opened by Mr Glenn Costello, Marketing Manager of Tursa Employment and Training, sponsors of the main prize, the Tursa Open Painting. Mr Costello said he was thrilled that Tursa are major sponsors of this popular local event.
The Casino RSM Club Acquisition Prize was awarded to Wendy Lageman from Goonellabah for her work ‘Caldera’. Caldera will now hang permanently in the RSM Club.
Helen Trustum, Co-ordinator of the event, told the NRTT she was, “Extremely proud of the artists work,” and that not only established artists, but also that up and coming artists have an opportunity to enter.
Ms Trustum said it was the most extensive array of quality artworks ever seen at the Bentley Art Prize and thanked all the sponsors for their generous support. Works entered included from artists based at the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, and as far south as Bathurst.
The Primary School Art Prize for Champion Boy went to Jack Barwick and the prize for Champion Girl to Emily Bryant.
The new drawing section, which was introduced this year, proved to be very popular – the theme being “Prominent People”. The entries from this section will be on display at the Playpus Gallery, 86 Centre Street, Casino until 31 August.
Winners of the other categories will be on display at Casino RSM Club for two weeks. The winner of the People’s Popular Choice is Rikki Fisher’s ‘A Man called Coulter’.

Dear Editor… Legacy Letter from Afghanistan

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:05:16 +0000

Legacy Letter from Afghanistan
Dear Northern Rivers Legacy Widows and Dependants,
My name is Al Schmidt and I am currently serving with the Australian Army in Afghanistan. It will come as no surprise to you that I can say little about my current service environment other than I am a Mentor with the Afghan National Army.
I have recently been informed that the Northern Rivers Region Legacy Family Day is to be recognised on Sunday 29th August this year. This is a most important date, a date on which we want you to know quite specifically that you are in our thoughts, and indeed in the thoughts of all Australian Servicemen and Women serving on Operations throughout the world.
I guess a lot of our fellow Australian citizens may not appreciate the thoughts that occupy those of us who are serving in places such as Afghanistan, or appreciate the thoughts of the families of those who are serving. In those quiet moments when thoughts turn to home, if we are to be completely honest, we invariably contemplate what will happen to our families should harm befall us and we fail to return. The one thing that gives us some relief is that we know Legacy and the Legacy Family is there.
On this very special day, we who are currently doing our duty here in Afghanistan and elsewhere, wish all Legacy Widows and Dependants the very best for your Legacy Family Day. We, more than most, understand and thank you for your sacrifice and your contribution to our nation. We also thank those who serve the Legacy cause and who make good the promise to “look after the diggers’ families”. It will be important that, in due course, we swell your volunteer numbers.
Rest assured that those whom I work with over here are grateful in the knowledge that the Legacy promise will be kept and that our families will be in safe hands.
Yours sincerely,
Allan Schmidt
Major
Australian Army, Afghanistan

Gallery ensemble concert

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:04:07 +0000

The Kyogle and District Arts Council is hosting an afternoon of classical music with performers from the Brisbane based ensemble known as the Gallery Ensemble. Dorothy Williams on contralto, Graham Evans on clarinet, Graham Simpson on viola and Mitchell Leigh on piano.
Explore in a gallery environment a program of music from Brahms, Mozart, and Schumann at the Kyogle Memorial Institute on Sunday 19th September starting at 2pm. Tickets for this concert are available from the Roxy Gallery or Gateway Office Supplies both located on Summerland Way Kyogle. Ticket prices are Adults $15 and Students (under 18 yrs) $10. A scrumptious afternoon tea will be available on donation by the Kyogle and District Arts Council.

Bentley community preschool open day

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:03:12 +0000

What: Bentley Community Preschool Open Day
When: 11am-2pm August 28th
Where: Bentley Community Hall. Lismore / Kyogle Road Bentley
Contact: Helen on 0407 936 636
Come along to our open day, meet the staff and hear about all the great things our preschool has to offer.
Face painting, jumping castle, play dough, painting and a free sausage sizzle.
Discover the fun in learning
Additional info if required:
* high staff: child ratio
* highly experienced, qualified staff
* quality educational program
* large outdoor play area
* casual bookings welcome

B Ward meeting

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:02:57 +0000

Councillor Lynette Zito held a B Ward Meeting at the KMI on Monday 26th July. The Director of Planning & Environmental Services attended and provided responses on many of the issues raised.
The meeting was well attended and matters for discussion included green waste, recycling, the need for a turning lane off the Summerland Way onto Omagh Rd, the status of the new toilets at Wiangaree and riding of trail bikes on private property. A large number of residents who attended the meeting are concerned that the NSW State legislation covering offensive noise is too prescriptive and unfair to rural property owners wishing to undertake a legal activity on their own private property.
Following on from the June B Ward meeting’s discussion regarding the new koala signs on Homeleigh and Sargents Roads, I have spoken to the Director Technical Services, who has advised that the koala signs are advisory signs for motorists and are not meant to direct motorists attention away from the road but, on the contrary, are to warn motorists that koalas may be crossing the road, the same as similar signs for kangaroos, etc. The signs are not too close to the road but at the required distance and the same distance as other advisory signs. As both the roads concerned are narrow, should two large vehicles need to pass in the vicinity of any road sign, one driver would need to give way to allow safe passing.
In addition, Council advises that there is no funding available to provide designated parking areas for people wishing to stop along the roads to look for koalas.
The next B Ward meeting will be held at 12pm on Monday 23rd August 2010 at the KMI. All residents are welcome and I hope to see many of you there.

Janelle Saffin’s Column

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:02:45 +0000

Along with the Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor, I am pleased to announce that a re-elected Gillard Labor Government will fund much-needed crime prevention programs in Kyogle Shire Council.
In total $70,000 will be allocated to the Kyogle Shire Council for three crime prevention projects:
* $30,000 for the renovation of the Kyogle Youth Centre
* $20,000 to improve safety at Cenotaph Park in Kyogle
* $20,000 for the preparation of a shire-wide Crime Prevention Plan.
These are important initiatives designed to give local young people recreational opportunities and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
I asked the Kyogle Shire Council to identify the local priorities for safer communities and crime prevention and the Council identified these projects.
These projects were consistent with what the local community told me it wanted, so I was happy to throw my support behind the proposals.
The Safer Suburbs Plan is a partnership between the Gillard Labor Government, other levels of government and the local community and aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
During Federal Labor’s first term, 21 projects were successfully rolled out across Australia. These projects have boosted community security infrastructure and helped vulnerable groups in the community to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our community.
The $70,000 for this commitment will be fully offset over the forward estimates, consistent with the Gillard Labor Government’s commitment to return the budget to surplus in 2013, three years ahead of schedule.

Who Will You Vote For?

Scott Harlum — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:01:44 +0000

When voting in the federal election on 21 August, readers living in the seat of Page will have a choice between six candidates. The sitting Member is Janelle Saffin for the Australian Labor Party. Ms Saffin’s opponents at this election are Kevin Hogan for the Nationals, Jeff Johnson for The Greens, Australian Democrat Julia Melland, and Independents Merle Summerville and Doug Behn.
The NRTT asked each of the six candidates to detail, in 200 words or less, why they deserve the vote of an NRTT reader. Responses from each of the six candidates follow.

	Jeff Johnson, The Greens I became the first Greens member of Ballina Shire Council in 2008 and have been committed to working with my local community on environmental, social and economic reforms. I am 34 years old and have a business degree from Southern Cross University, Lismore. I believe that this region can be a sustainability model that we can all feel proud of. What we need to achieve is local power generation through a gas-fired power station at Casino and local renewable energy projects, an increase in local food production with supporting infrastructure for local distribution and an integrated public transport network that provides affordable transport options linking our towns and regional centres. The Greens offer voters that positive choice. A vote for the Greens at this election sends a clear message to the major parties that we want positive action to address climate change. Delay or denial is not in Australia’s or our region’s long term interests. The Greens will push for a Medicare dental health scheme, more funding for local health services, public schools and universal free preschool education. We support Native Title and Indigenous social justice and the needs of our community and the environment always come first.
	Janelle Saffin, Australian Labor Party As a long term local, I have been actively involved in community issues for more than thirty years, setting up services, running them and advocating for our community. I enjoy being able to help people individually and at the community level. I am proud to stand on my record as a hard working local member, who connects with people across all sectors of the community, and gets things done. In 2007 I promised to end the neglect of this region. I delivered on all my election commitments and more. Health is a priority. Much has been achieved locally and much more will be delivered through the Labor Government’s Health and Hospital Network – the biggest reform to our health system since Medicare. I support a strong economy. The Labor Government kept us out of the worst global recession to hit in 75 years by taking action with the stimulus and it worked to support our local economy. Other priority areas include investing in education and trades training, action on climate change and a National Broadband Network. I’m asking for your support so I can keep putting Page on the map, advocating for local people, and getting things done.
	Kevin Hogan, The Nationals I’m standing at this election because I love our region – it is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. We can’t leave our future to chance in the hands of a city-based Labor government – we need a strong local voice to speak out for our region and make certain that our best interests are at the heart of the decisions that will affect our communities. We must preserve our local environment and what’s important to our way of life, while growing our local economy – providing jobs and opportunities for the next generation. Most importantly, we need to ensure our region gets a fair share of health and roads funding. Labor’s spiraling debt will cost Australians $48 billion in interest payments over the next four years. They are now borrowing almost $100 million every day. Labor has wasted billions on school halls, home insulation and cash handouts over the past three years whilst vital local infrastructure projects have gone unfunded. The Nationals will pay off Labor’s debt and put the brakes on their reckless spending, to ease cost of living pressures on local families and ensure our region gets its fair share.
	Merle Summerville, Independent Hello, my name is Merle Summerville. I seek your vote in the seat of Page. I have lived in the area for 21 years on a beef property at Sextonville. I also work for a Specialist Medical firm in Lismore. My decision to stand as an independent candidate came about because of the gross waste of public money combined with the deleterious neglect of country roads by the Labor Government. I believe everybody deserves a good road to their home. I also believe the needs of the community have vastly changed since Federation when Australia had a very small population. The State tier of Government hampers the wise use of taxes for Health, Education, Roads and Infrastructure. We now live a vastly over-regulated society with different and confusing laws between states.The above services should be totally controlled by the Federal government to better serve the needs of regional population. Larger local Authorities could eventually be made new States, allowing more equitable distribution of Australian taxes. There is provision in the Constitution. In conclusion, I am standing because Governments should facilitate every person’s desire to be the best they possibly can. Vote 1 – Merle Summerville.
	Julia Melland, Australian Democrats I stand for common sense, the future, a fair go and responsible government – because you deserve better. Electing Australian Democrats Senate candidates, Fiona Clancy and Jen Mitchell (Group J) will bring these priorities directly to the government, whoever wins. We must prioritise action on climate change. The Australian Democrats, have a long history of action on climate change – we initiated the first ever Senate inquiry into greenhouse. We can be the stimulus needed in the Parliament to deliver responsible action. A well educated society can resolve or avoid all of the other issues affecting it. If governments invested in holistic, best practice education we would have more equality, less prejudice and fear, better health, better mental health, more sustainable systems and practices, more peace and governments that serve us, not themselves and their mates. Currently farmers and pastoralists have to deal with a myriad of government departments, agencies and other organisations as well as different licensing for things like using chemicals, numerous quality assurance programs and numerous awareness campaigns and initiatives. This disjointed regulatory system creates a complex and sometimes contradictory matrix of red tape. You deserve better. For full information on our manifesto, visit www.democrats.org.au
	Doug Behn, Independent I was born in Sydney in I am a motor mechanic, and have had the service station in Evans Head for 35 years. I have run for the seat of Page since 1998 and I will also have a go at the State Election when it comes up. I do this to show people out there I am serious about representing our region. People forget that if Janelle Saffin is elected in our region then she represents Labor, if Gillard is elected then Saffin has a chance of doing something for the region. If Abbott is elected then Saffin will get nothing. Vice Versa if Hogan is elected. If I was lucky enough to be elected, then it does not matter which side is in power, I will be able to get something done because I am not in opposition and they might need my vote from time to time. I want to do something about the Grafton Bridge – health care – more funds for local councils – rural – work for the dole – stop the marine park – roads – and many other things too. So vote 1 for me, Doug Behn, on Saturday and whoever your favourite party is from then on. The party you don’t want in – put last.

The Wild Side of Town with Kathryn Kermode

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:51:18 +0000

On Soaring Wings
I round the corner and pulled up on the top of the ridge; from here I can see the mountains displaying the volcanic past of the landscape, Mt Lindsay, Mt Warning and the twin peaks of Mt Barney. In front of me a nude paddock has a lone dead stag, standing as a reminder of a fallen forest and at the top of this dead tree is perched a pair of huge birds.
They are of course a pair of wedge-tailed eagles, Australia’s largest bird of prey and the fourth largest in the world, they can have a wing span of up to 2.5m and with a standing height of 1m, they are impressive and unmistakable and are always a welcome sight soaring above the ridge on the rising thermals. The birds are scanning the open landscape around them, rotating their heads to the most unlikely positions as they turn to look backwards. Wedge-tailed eagles have exceptional eyesight which includes the ability to see infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths, this pair are scanning the paddock for any movement that may signify suitable prey, they are opportunists and will take anything that is the right size such as small wallabies, echidnas, rabbits and they are even known to snatch koala joeys out of the trees. We lost one of the Homeleigh koala joeys last year to a wedge-tail, the dramatic snatch and grab was witnessed by an astounded horse rider who just happened to be riding by.
The pair of eagles I am watching are getting fidgety and ready to take off; the first spreads its wings and drops into a low glide over the paddock and off the ridge high into the sky in the east. The second eagle then spreads its wing and soars towards me, I look up at the massive bird that is only meters above my head and I am stunned by its size and the silence, as it glides above me it does not make a sound.
It is the breeding season for the eagles and it commences with the pair strengthening their bond, they perch close together, preen one another and perform fantastic aerial displays which sometimes end in a breathtaking cart wheeling dive as the birds join talons and plummet towards the earth, they spiral together until at the last moment they let go and pull out of the fall. Finally the birds will select this year’s nest site which may mean building a new nest from scratch or repairing an old one, the construction is a large stick nest that is usually built in a tall tree that overlooks their territory. Nests can be reused for many years and old nests may grow into massive structures as new sticks are added each year. My mum has been watching an eagle’s nest on her place for several decades now and on one of my visits home she took me to see it. We climbed for a couple of kilometres to the top of a hill and looked across a narrow gully to the opposite hillside, we could see down into the eagles nest. A young chick stretched its downy wings while it waited for its parents to bring some fresh meat. Although wedge-tailed eagles are often encountered on the ground feeding on road kill they will only take freshly killed meat to the nest, most prey is caught on the ground in a gliding attack and yet this magnificent bird can soar to heights of more than 1800 meters. I am sure that most Australians have watched a wedge-tailed effortlessly circle higher and higher into the sky until it is just a dot and then kept watching until the dot vanishes altogether.

KATS latest production is – Fairytale High

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:49:58 +0000

KATS youth production “Fairytale High” is in full rehearsal swing, this is a play that should delight both young and old. The characters in Fairytale High have all been taken from well known fairytales and placed in a modern high school setting. Once upon a time there was….. well you will just have to come along and meet all the characters from the 7 dwarfs to Rumplestiltskin and all the rest in between.
There will be two performances starting with a Matinee on Sunday 12th September at 2pm and then Saturday 18th September at 7pm, tickets are Adults $10 and children $5 and will be available at the door at the Memorial Hall.
Auditions for our end of year Theatre Production “Jest Call Me Cowboy” will be held on Wednesday 1st September 2010 at 6pm in the Kyogle Memorial Hall.

Mother of the Year Mamma Chaos

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:47:57 +0000

The morning of News Day is always fraught with anxiety. When I was a girl, we called it “Show and Tell”, and having something special to show the class was a red letter day. We only presented a Show and Tell item if it was something really interesting or special. One didn’t dare get up and tell something run of the mill; the eye rolling and snickering ensured any child only did this once.
Nowadays, News is a more structured affair. Kid A and Kid B have designated News days, which, they tell me, they are required to present an item to the class. These mornings generally go like this:
Child: Mum! It’s my News day today!
Parent: So what will you be sharing for News?
Child: I don’t know! What can I bring?
Parent: Just take a book.
Child: I took a book last week!
And so on. Some mornings we’ll print out a photo of a weekend event we might have attended. Other mornings we argue that no, the cat doesn’t want to go to school in the cat carrier. I don’t care if someone else brought in their kittens last week, you’re not taking the cat to school. Some weekends it’s a blessed relief when I realise, “Aha! This can be News next week. For both children.”
Some News events are recycled. Kid A, now a third year News veteran, has taken to bringing in News items he showed the class in Kindergarten. Kid B follows this example by taking Kid A’s previous news items to school as his own.
One of my girlfriends spent three months travelling around Australia with her family. The first News day after this epic journey, her son decided he wanted to take a toy car in for News. “Not swimming with turtles? Not catching a Barramundi?” No, the car won out.
Parents need to be mindful about what they say to their children, lest it ends up as News. When my mother was pregnant with my older sister, she had a calcium deficiency problem, and her upper teeth all flaked away. She ended up getting them all removed and replaced with a denture. When I asked my mother how she lost her teeth, she told me (thinking I wouldn’t understand the truth), that she had been in a car accident and they had all fallen out. This was an impressive story, which I duly shared with my entire class the next day. My poor mother must have been stopped by every other parent in my class, asking about her wellbeing.
My own son topped me by asking if he could take the book “Where Did I Come From?” as a book report for News. He was incredulous when we said no, and it took some delicate explaining about how the information contained in the book was for parents to share with their children, it was not his job to educate other children about procreation. I don’t think I would have liked the response from other parents if that book had found its way to school…

We Need More Women

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:47:33 +0000

There are too few women Councillors in NSW. The next elections for local government are on Saturday September 8, 2012. It is never too early to start thinking about standing for election, so Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell is hosting a seminar on Wednesday September 8, 2010, 5-7pm at Lismore City Council Chambers, Oliver Ave, Goonellabah to allow women to learn about getting elected and to support women who are interested in standing as candidates. 2010 is the Year of Women in Local Government. If we work together now, we can boost women’s representation in Councils in 2012.
Councillor Lynette Zito is asking any women in the Kyogle LGA who are interested in learning more about being a councillor to please contact her on 0429 922 169 or lynettezito@gmail.com to organise a group to attend the above seminar.
Alternatively, you can RSVP directly to Jenny Dowell by September 3, 2010 on 0402 651 394 or to:
Jenny.Dowell@lismore.nsw.gov.au

Northern Rivers Bush Fire Management Committee

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:47:24 +0000

PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF DRAFT DOCUMENT
Northern Rivers Bush Fire Risk Management Plan
The Northern Rivers Bush Fire Management Committee is currently seeking comments on its draft Bush Fire Risk Management Plan (BFRMP) which has recently been prepared.
The draft BFRMP covers the whole of the Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley Council areas. It includes information about the local area and specifies works to be done to manage bush fire risk in the area.
The draft BFMRP applies to all land in the Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley Council areas, including private land.
The draft BFRMP will be on exhibition for a period of 42 days from 23rd August, 2010 until 5th October, 2010.
The Draft BFRMP is on display at the following locations:
· Kyogle Council Office, Stratheden Street, Kyogle
· Lismore City Council Corporate Centre, 43 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah
· Lismore Public Library, Magellan Street, Lismore
· Richmond Valley Council Office, Graham Place, Casino
· Richmond Valley Council Office, Woodburn Street, Evans Head
· Richmond-Upper Clarence Regional Library Kyogle, Stratheden Street, Kyogle
· Richmond-Upper Clarence Regional Library Casino, Graham Place, Casino
· Richmond-Upper Clarence Regional Library Evans Head, Woodburn Street, Evans Head
· Richmond-Upper Clarence Regional Mobile Library, (as per published timetable)
· DECCW Regional Office (National Parks & Wildlife Service), Colonial Arcade, 75 Main Street, Alstonville
· Southern Cross University Library – Lismore Campus, Military Road, East Lismore
In addition, the plan will be on display in the following locations with a BFMC representative in attendance as indicated on the date shown:-
· Nimbin Rural Fire Brigade Station – 10.30am-2.30pm, Monday 6/9/2010
· Woodenbong Rural Fire Brigade Station – 10.30am-2.30pm, Tuesday 7/9/2010
· Tabulam Rural Fire Brigade Station – 10.30am-2.30pm, Wednesday 8/9/2010
· Evans Head – Richmond Valley Council Office – 10.30am-2.30pm, Thursday 9/9/2010
Copies of the draft BFRMP may be obtained by post, e-mail or in person by contacting Lismore Fire Control Centre on (02) 6622 6088 during office hours (8:30-4:30, Monday to Friday).
Copies of this draft BFRMP may also be downloaded from the participating Council web sites.
Kyogle: www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au
Lismore: www.lismore.nsw.gov.au
Richmond Valley:
www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au
Written submissions on the Draft BFRMP can be sent to the BFMC by e-mail on:
northern.rivers@rfs.nsw.gov.au or by post to “The Executive Officer, Northern Rivers BFMC, PO Box 5023, East Lismore NSW 2480. The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 5th October 2010.
For further enquires, contact Superintendent Boyd Townsend on 02 6663 7211.

Bundjulahm Blurb with Patsy Nagas

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:46:23 +0000

JINGI-WULLU (Greetings)

As promised here are photos of my brothers, Billy, Wayne and Terry and me taken during my recent trip to Tennant Creek. There is also one of my nephew, Johnny Torrens at Devil’s Marbles, who went with me to visit the family in Tennant Creek. It was a wonderful reunion for us all.
Wayne is now here in Kyogle for a few weeks visiting with family and friends. He and his son, Shannon Walker, who plays for the Titans, will give out the Awards at our Reconciliation Group presentation night on Saturday 21 August at the Bottom Pub (Exchange Hotel). There will be finger food from 6 to 8pm in the Banquet Room and the awards will be presented at 7pm.
On Saturday, 18 September 2010 we are now holding the Walk for Life at the Recreation Reserve (near Caravan Park) between 11am and 3pm. This event is to raise awareness about chronic diseases of aboriginal people and to encourage healthy living. Everyone is invited to attend and in my next column there will be lots of information about how you can take part in this annual event. This is the second time we have held the Walk for Life and this time we are doing it in conjunction with Active Kyogle.
Remember to check out the website www.activekyogle.org.au and sign up for the “Make It A Habit” 21 day health challenge starting 21 August. You can email Active Kyogle on:
info@activekyogle.org.au
Until next month –

YUMBA-LERE (Leaving for Now)
BUNDJULAHM

Picasso cow project

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:43:41 +0000

Afterlee Public School is fortunate to be one of 110 schools across Australia participating in the Picasso Cow Project, a multi-layered educational experience, organised and supported by Dairy Australia. The project theme ‘Fuel for Life’ aims to educate students about the importance of dairy health and nutrition and making choices for a healthy life style, through participating in creative activities and teamwork.
Afterlee students have planted a vegetable garden and are painting a rural mural on the COLA depicting the importance of dairying in the history of the local area. Participating schools are supplied with a life-sized fibreglass cow which is adopted into the school community, named and painted as part of the project. ‘Rainbow’, Afterlee’s cow, so named after her connections with COLOURSS (Community of Learners of Upper Richmond Small Schools), made her first public appearance at the recent COLOURSS art exhibition at the Roxy Gallery, Kyogle.
If you would like to meet Rainbow and be there for the first official viewing of the mural, come along to the annual Market Day held in the beautiful grounds of Afterlee Public School on 12th September commencing at 9.30am. There will be visiting entertainers and student performances, a chocolate wheel, delicious food, art, craft and produce stalls. For the children there will be show bags, the popular animal nursery and more.
Our community gets together to fundraise and have a great time at this event. Come for a scenic drive and enjoy a day out at picturesque Afterlee Public School.
Interested in being one of our many stallholders? Stall fees are still only $7. Contact Afterlee School for more information on 6633 3163.
Deborah Brown
Principal – Afterlee Public School

Quota Happenings

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:42:38 +0000

Simon was the “Star” at the Friendship Dinner.
On 26th July we had our Friendship Dinner at the Kyogle Bowling Club, 112 guests attended. Guests included Thomas George, wife Debbie, fellow Quotarians from Casino, Tweed Heads – Coolangatta.
Our special guest was Simon Mahony and his wife Melissa, who are both profoundly deaf, they have 3 boys. They are speaking.
Simon won the 2008/2009 24th District Quota South Pacific Area Scholarship for Hearing and Speech. District Scholarship $1,000.00 donated South Pacific Area Scholarship $5,700.00 donated total of $6,700.00.
Simon learnt of the OSPA Scholarship via the internet.
Simon is in his 3rd year at uni in Lismore. He will be a PE teacher, he plays Deaf Rugby Union.
Simon gave his report about Fiji when he travelled there between 24th August – 21st September 2009 through his interpreter Bronwyn Watson using sign language.
When Simon arrived in Fiji he was very shocked because the environment as it is, is so much different than in Australia. He stayed in Suva the longest because there is a large Deaf Community there. Deaf Fijian’s had impressed me in their ways and it made me so passionate with Fijian Deaf Culture. He also visited the northern and western divisions and during their school holidays he visited the Deaf camps. The Fijian Association of Deaf sports are for example: Volleyball, Netball and Rugby Union.
Simon presented two workshops and trained two Fijian Deaf Committee members how to set up a website and maintain it, he also visited schools for the Deaf.
Simon hopes to go back to Fiji for the first Pacific Deaf Rugby Union Cup during 2011, this will bring an enormous sense of pride and celebrations for the Fijian Deaf Community across the Fijian Islands.
Simon said, “It is beyond words to say thank you to the Quota Club for giving me this extraordinary opportunity as it is a part of my life experience. It is important to see things first hand and to see what is really needed. I would love to apply for this scholarship another time to finish my objectives.”
Everyone in the bowling club were overwhelmed with his story.
Simon is an inspiration to us all. We donated $200 to a charity that he picked which was Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union. $500 was donated to “Help Talaya’s appeal.” Talaya is an 8 year old girl who had a brain tumour operation.
Our Raffle was donated – Mystery Talule Gifts $354.25
Quota donated $145.75 = $500 for Talaya
Raffle – 1st prize: 4 Coffee Mugs won by June McMahon Black C65; 2nd prize: Table Runner and 4 placements (donated) was won by Norma Wilson Black F15, $368 was raised.
Thank you to the people of the Kyogle Community for your support, also a big thank you to our guests on the night.

Womens Golf Kyogle

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:41:31 +0000

A 3BBB versus Par event was played on Wednesday with the sponsors being Rene O’Reilly, Clarice Adams and Mary Garred. In a closely contested event the winners on the day were Linda Macdade, Sue McInnes and Narelle Vary. NTP’s went to R Perkins (3/12), V Lloyd (5/14), L Macdade (13th) and D Brown (9/18). Ball winners were L Macdade, S McInnes, N Vary, J Williams, H Jenkinson, M Williams, D Brown, R McLaughlin, A Perrin, Y O’Reilly, V Lloyd and M Garred. The annual Kyogle v Lismore shield was held on Monday and whilst we were not winners M Rogers/S Murray won their match and N Vary/Col Hurley drew their match.

It’s Kyogle Show Time

Scott Harlum — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:41:11 +0000

Preparations are well underway for the 2010 Kyogle Show, planned for Friday, 8 and Saturday 9, October.

Les O’Reilly, President of the Kyogle Show Society, said that this year’s Kyogle Show promised to be a great couple of days of family fun, entertainment and competition, with new attractions joining the traditional Kyogle Show events.

“There’ll be the usual side-show alley entertainment, all the events and competition in the main ring including the horse show-jumping, there’ll be wood chopping, the stock displays and the poultry pavilion, show dogs, poetry, arts and crafts, the Friday Bull Ride and the Demolition Derby and fireworks on Saturday,” said Les. “We’ve also booked a couple of new attractions this year, including the Gilmore Family Circus and a reptile display.”

The Show Society are including a Vealer Show in the schedule this year for the first time. “It’s now time for vealer producers to start getting their entries ready for the Norco sponsored Vealer Show,” said Les.

This year will also see the first presentation of a trophy for the Supreme Champion Livestock Exhibit, donated by Councillor Robert and Grace Dwyer. Awarding of the trophy will alternate, going to the supreme exhibit in the cattle section this year, and the equestrian next.

The Show Society are also encouraging any aspiring Miss Kyogle Show Girls to make themselves known to the Show Society or to Megan Wilson at the Hairport hair salon in town.

For information regarding the Kyogle Show keep an eye out in Kyogle and the region for Show programmes and posters, or phone the Kyogle Show Society Office on 6632 1220.

Kyogle Social Golf Results – 1/8/10

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:39:45 +0000

A GRADE: winner; S Beaumont; Runner Up, G Moore; NTP, S Beaumont.
B GRADE winner; S Olive; Runner Up, P Morrison; NTP, R Clark.
C GRADE winner; S McBride; Runner Up, I Henderson; NTP, S Kaihau.
Putting, B Lane.
The next outing August 22 Kyogle, for further enquiries phone Butch Rogers on 6632 1603 or visit:

http://kyoglegolf.tripod.com/

Kyogle Mens Golf – Veterans 5/8/10

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:39:29 +0000

Thursday’s veterans stableford event was played in perfect conditions and Tony McInnes found things to his liking and recorded a tidy 39 points to win. Rob Faulkner also played well to be runner up on a count back from visitor Fred Ledwell. Roy Crotty, Mark Henry, Steve Beaumont and Wayne Mills all had 35 points and balls went to 34 points.
Nearest pins were won by Vic Worth, Roy Clark and Stewart Penman.

Kyogle Mens Golf – 7/8/10

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:39:04 +0000

McMahon’s Butchery sponsored the August monthly medal won in A grade by L Jenkinson with a nett 65 and B Grade by D McInnes with a nett 60. A grade runner up was V Worth with nett 68 and B Grade runner up was P Olive with a nett 68.
The veterans ball was won by D McInnes and the putting comp won by W Mills with 25 putts. In the ball comp all players with nett 73 or better won balls.
Nearest the pins were W Mills 1/10 & 2/11, M Gow 4th, D McInnes 5/14, B Strange 9/18 & 12th, P Schipanski 13th.
Next weeks event will be sponsored by the Veteran Braford Breeders and will be a 4BBB event.

Womens Golf Kyogle

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:38:38 +0000

This good weather is conclusive to some very good scoring and none was more apparent than on Wednesday for our monthly medal game. Mary Garred showed the way to win Division 1 with a good 66 nett and Heather Jenkinson continued her winning way to take out Division 2 with a nett 68. Putting went to Mary and she also won the Vets comp, well done. A grade medal was won by Raema Perkins, Mary Garred won B grade and Heather Jenkinson won C grade. NTPs were J Williams (2/11), H Jenkinson (3/12), S Murray (5/14) and R Perkins (13th).
Sunday saw us play in the Don Brown memorial day sponsored by Dot Brown. Dot combined well with Wayne Mills to take out the event with 50 points, Mary Garred and Allen Marsh were second with 49 and Maureen Welsh and Mich Tough came in third with 48 points. Colleen Hurley and Dave Walters won the 1st nine holes and Heather and Les Jenkinson won the 2nd nine holes.
In very wet conditions we played the Northern Rivers tournament at Ocean Shores last week with moderate success. Raema Perkins won the nett event for Monday and Linda Macdade won the nett event for Tuesday. A team consisting of L Macdade, J Williams and M Rogers won the Grafton Shield 3 person team event and Viv Lloyd took out NTP for her division on Monday.

Kyogle garden competition

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:38:18 +0000

Attention – Green Fingered Friends just a gentle reminder that entries for Kyogle Garden Club’s annual garden competition close on Friday 3rd September so you have a month to decide if you are going to enter your garden in one or more of the 20 categories available. In the past Kyogle was noted for its beautiful private and public gardens and we must congratulate our council for the work they have been doing to improve the appearance of the gardens in the main street. I am sure many of us would like to know Bruno’s secret to his beautiful roses. So let’s get cracking turning the soil, planting, mulching and pruning so that our town is a picture postcard once more. Remember gardening is good exercise and it is surprising what you can achieve in a 1/2 hour in your garden.
Entries for the Garden Competition can be obtained from Clarke’s Mitre 10, Kyogle Library, Kyogle Country Store and Gateway Office Supplies.

Kyogle CWA news

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:38:03 +0000

Kyogle CWA Awareness Day, Wednesday 8th September 2010 will be held in the Memorial Hall Shop near Gateway Office Supplies. Come join Kyogle CWA members for a complementary morning tea at 10am.
The CWA Awareness Day is a time to reflect on the achievements of what CWA does in our area.
Look forward to your company for chat and cuppa.

Wiangaree Red Cross

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:37:40 +0000

The annual general meeting was held at the hall recently and because we are only a small group, the following members were re-elected to their positions.
President Muriel Phillips; Vice Presidents Edith Mansfield and Judy Moore.
Secretary Jean Parker; Treasurer Marjorie Faulks;
Patrons Peggy Constable and Joan Hellyar;
Auditor Bruce Wilson; Publicity Muriel Phillips.
During the last 12 months we have attended the Annual Zone Conference, when 4 of our members were presented with “Long Service Bars”.
We held a successful Street Stall in September and we thank everyone who supported this event.
The Euchre nights at Wiangaree hall have been very popular and we hope to continue these when the weather gets warmer.
The donation box at Wiangaree Store is very generously supported by the customers and we thank Bruce and Trish Wilson for assisting Red Cross in this way.
We recently attended a special “Afternoon Tea” at Red Cross House, Lismore, and we hope to continue our voluntary work for Red Cross.
We meet at Wiangaree hall on the 3rd Monday each month at 10-30am and would be delighted to welcome new members.

Log-skidder almost ended Jeff’s life

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:37:04 +0000

A WORK accident five years ago came close to claiming the life of Jeff Whitney.
A resident of Old Bonalbo, Mr Whitney was working on a log-skidder at a property near Urbenville when the jack flew out and slammed into his groin. The impact was so hard it cut the femoral artery causing severe internal bleeding.
Mr Whitney said Urbenville ambulance officers were on the scene quickly to apply first-aid. He said they wasted no time in calling for the rescue helicopter to airlift him to hospital.
“I was in a lot of pain. They gave me morphine but I was still yelling and screaming,” he said.
The rescue helicopter flew Mr Whitney to Lismore Base Hospital for emergency surgery. He was operated on immediately and was later told by the surgeon he was less than five minutes away from death.
“Just imagine if I had been taken to hospital by road ambulance – I probably wouldn’t have made it,” he said.
“It’s so important to have a local rescue helicopter service; that’s why we donate to it every year.”
August 21-29 is Helicopter Awareness Week which is all about raising awareness of the essential community service provided by Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, and the not-for-profit basis under which it operates.
Part of Helicopter Awareness Week is the annual Rescue Helicopter Appeal which the service is urging the whole community to get behind.
This year, the service’s operating budget is $6.5 million – almost double what it was just four years ago. Of that, $4.2 million has to be raised through the community, business sector and from sponsors.
To donate to the Rescue Helicopter Appeal, please phone 6627 4444, visit any Westpac branch or go to www.helirescue.com.au

Quota Happenings

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:36:50 +0000

Kyogle Breast Cancer Support Group Raffle was held in July.
The raffle was donated. Thank you for your generosity of donating 3 electrical items as listed.
1st prize: 2 slice Sandwich Maker
2nd prize: Coffee Maker
3rd prize: Hand Electrical Mixer
$240.00 was raised.
Winners -
1st prize: Y. Morris, Red E85
2nd prize: T. Smith, Red F14
3rd prize: N. Layton, Red B52
Drawn by K. Donaghy and C. Bushell.
Thank you to the people of the Kyogle community for your support.

SES fundraising committee news

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:35:54 +0000

On Wednesday 4-8-10 we held our meeting and it was quite an eventful morning. All our members except 2 were present at this meeting and it was great to see.
We had a guest speaker, David Page who was kind enough, although he felt a bit embarrassed being there and wondered why he was asked to speak at our meeting. David retired a short time back and after 40 years in the Fire Brigade I thought it would be good to use a little of his spare time. He gave a very interesting talk and we all enjoyed it. Thank you David.
Our next Raffle which is one for the Dads for Fathers Day will start on 12-8-10 and prizes are, 1st prize Dart board, 2nd prize is several items from Makita, both these prizes were donated by Kyogle Building and Plumbing Supplies, a very big thank you for that and 3rd prize is a back pack and was donated by Margaret Murphy prior to her passing and there is a surprise inside the back pack. This raffle will be drawn on 28th August. Tickets also available at Jennys Coffee Lounge and a few other places to be decided on.
Our next venture for the morning was a trip to the Kyogle SES shed where we all had our photos taken and then shown the equipment the Unit members use. Wow, it sure opens your eyes to what goes on when they are called out. Congratulations to you all on a great assortment of gear. It is a credit to you in such a small town.
Thanks to all who make our raffles worth while, our committee members who sell the tickets and the different venues we can leave raffle books at etc. Thanks to the staff at Jennys for putting up with us.
Brenda Cameron

Kyogle Legacy raffle winners

NRTT Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:35:36 +0000

Raffles held on 9th June was won by Andrew Clark and on 14th July it was won by Robert Felton. Thank you to everyone for your support.