Police seek information after Byron Bay robbery, kidnapping
August 20, 2008
Police are appealing for information following a break and enter and kidnapping at Byron Bay this morning
About 4am a 61-year-old Byron Bay woman was working alone inside a café on Clarks Beach when a man forced entry and threatened her with a weapon.
It’s alleged that the man stole a number of items from the premises before forcing the woman to assist him with loading the items into her four-wheel-drive.
The man allegedly drove the woman to a remote location in Byron Bay and forced her to help him unload the items.
Renewable energy set to become the new boom business
August 20, 2008
A Southern Cross University academic has highlighted that Australia is about to commence a boom in renewable energy opportunities.
Adjunct Professor Michael Christie, from the Graduate Research College, said renewable energy was going to become one of Australia’s boom industries over the next 10 years.
Currently small businesses are missing out on being participants in this boom, he said.
“Australian governments provide assistance for households and community groups to participate in renewable energy. But at the same time, each year approximately $10 billion of government subsidies are paid for fossil fuels including to electric power generators,” Professor Christie said.
Fund-raising begins to purchase PET/CT Scanner
August 20, 2008
Residents in the Northern Rivers have been set the challenge of raising money to help buy a new PET/CT Scanner, a cancer detection machine regarded as one of the best in the world.
One PET/CT machine costs approximately $5 million, Member for Ballina, Don Page said.
“Cancer specialists on the Far North Coast believe one of these machines in our region would save countless lives,” Mr Page said.
“The PET/CT Scanner helps doctors more accurately diagnose and identify cancer, heart disease and brain disorder.
Steve Biddulph to give two regional talks
August 17, 2008
Bangalow’s annual Fatherhood Festival has lured best-selling author and family psychologist Steve Biddulph to the district to give two regional talks
Biddulph and his partner Shaaron are the successful authors of five books, including ‘Raising Boys’, ‘The Secret of Happy Children’, ‘Raising Babies’ and ‘Manhood’.
His public talks are known worldwide as highly entertaining, practical and emotionally powerful.
“While researching Raising Boys’ third edition, I discovered that fathering time has tripled since the first edition — just 10 years ago,” Biddulph says.
Vietnam Veterans honoured at Lismore service
August 17, 2008
Member for Page Janelle Saffin and the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Alan Griffin, have paid tribute to Vietnam Veterans during Vietnam Veterans Day in Lismore.
Speaking before a ceremony at the Far North Coast Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Lismore on Saturday, Ms Saffin said: “Today we take time to remember the service and the immense sacrifice made by our Vietnam Veterans.
“Australia’s commitment commenced in 1962 and continued through to 1973, the longest conflict in Australia’s history.
“60,000 Australians served on either coalface or in logistical support roles.”
RTA to remove Brunswick Heads-Yelgun audible line marking
August 8, 2008
The RTA says it will remove audible profile line marking on the Pacific Highway upgrade between Brunswick Heads and Yelgun following community concerns about traffic noise.
An RTA spokesperson said an independent operational noise study was carried out between October and December last year after community consultation.
“The study investigated existing and projected traffic noise impacts for the next 10 years,” the spokesperson said.
“The study showed noise treatment measures, including a low-noise wearing surface, noise walls and architectural treatment of homes, all complied with the noise goal for the project.
Mann, Nymboida rivers closed to fishing during cod breeding season
July 31, 2008
Survival of an endangered fish has been boosted by the decision to close the Mann and Nymboida rivers to all fishing during the eastern freshwater cod’s (EFC) breeding season.
For the first time, this August a three-month fishing ban will come into force to protect EFC when they are most vulnerable and the penalty for fishing in the closure zone can be a fine up to $22,000.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) senior conservation manager, John Pursey, said the fishing ban from August until October was based on scientific research and public consultation.
“We’ve found that EFC are vulnerable during their breeding season and any fishing near brooding EFC can have a devastating effect on this endangered fish population,” Mr Pursey said.
Police investigate Goonellabah Sports Club armed robbery
July 28, 2008
Richmond Area Local Command police are investigating an armed hold-up at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah, at 7.45 on Sunday night.
Police said a man entered the club armed with a rifle and got away with a large sum of cash.
Two female staff members were at the club at the time.
The man is described as being in his early 20s and of Caucasian appearance with an olive complexion.
He is about 175cm tall, had little or no hair, and was wearing a dark jacket and dark tracksuit pants.
Any information to Lismore Police on 6626 0599.
Responsible Service of Alcohol on the agenda
July 28, 2008
Frontline bar and security personnel from pubs and clubs in the Tweed-Byron and Richmond Local Area Commands will receive practical training in the responsible service of alcohol (RSA) and learn more about new liquor laws at a series of free workshops.
The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing will stage RSA on the Frontline workshops for hotel, registered club and nightclub licensees and their staff at the following locations:
- Club Banora, Banora Point, Tuesday 29 July, 6pm to 8pm
- Lismore Workers Club, Wednesday 30 July, 6pm to 8pm
- Casino Returned Servicemen’s Memorial Club, Thursday 31 July, 6pm to 8pm.
The RSA on the Frontline workshops will be presented by senior liquor inspectors as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to assist the liquor industry to reduce intoxication and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in and around licensed venues.
Page MP Janelle Saffin’s son charged over child pornography
July 25, 2008
The son of Member for Page Janelle Saffin has been charged with possessing child pornography.
Police said that computer and electronic equipment seized from the Lismore Heights home of Ned Saffin, 23, in March allegedly were found to contain ‘offensive images’.
Detectives yesterday charged Saffin with three counts of possessing child pornography.
Ms Saffin issued a statement today, saying: “I love my son. I know he has been charged. As the matter is before the court, I won’t be making any further comment.”
Saffin has been granted bail and is due to face Lismore Local Court on August 25.
