Far North Coaster Magazine » Lifestyle

Saffin seeks assurance on future of Coraki’s Campbell Hospital

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:25:03 +0000

Page MP Janelle Saffin is calling on the Northern New South Wales Local Health District to give a public reassurance about the status of Campbell Hospital in Coraki.

Ms Saffin said it is not fair to leave the Coraki community in limbo about when the hospital will reopen.

“I understand that there was storm damage in September and again in October last year and the hospital was closed temporarily for repairs to be done,” she said.

“The Hospital Auxiliary was told late last year that extensive repair work that was to be done and they understood the work would continue over the holidays.

“However, the NNSW LHD has advised my office that it was decided late last year that a full structural review of the hospital was required.

“The structural review has now been done and I am advised that the report on the hospital’s infrastructure is due in coming weeks.

“It is important for the community to be kept well-informed about what is happening with the hospital.

“The community also wants to know that the buildings will be secured during any temporary closure.

“Back in 2010 the hospital was closed temporarily for roof repairs, and there were rumours flying around the community that the hospital would not reopen.

“At that time, on behalf of the community, I asked the CEO, Chris Crawford, to attend a community meeting to give a reassurance on the hospital’s future.

“At that meeting I assured the Coraki and district community that I would always make sure that their hospital stayed open so people could have the services they need. It is an essential community resource.

“The Coraki Hospital Auxiliary is well aware of my longstanding commitment to Campbell Hospital, including when I was on the hospital board.

“My commitment remains and I call on the Mr Crawford to again reassure the community that their hospital will be repaired and reopened.

“The Coraki community would also like to hear from the Chair of the Northern NSW Local Health District Board, Ms Hazel Bridgett. As she is the community Ministerial appointment to the Board, the community needs to hear from Ms Bridgett on this issue, as we have on the upgrade of Lismore Base Hospital Stage 3.”

Opportunities to learn about the value of property and farm planning

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:30:24 +0000

The value of a farm or property plan will be explained to landowners in the Richmond catchment area at a special seminar coming up in March and in a special TAFE course sponsored by Richmond Landcare Inc (RLI), they will be able to prepare their own.

The Value of a Property Plan Seminar will be held on Tuesday March 27 at Wollongbar Agricultural Institute, and the TAFE course supported by RLI will begin on April 2.

“There are many advantages in having a property plan, whether you have a working farm or a lifestyle property and even if it is only a few hectares,” says Communications Officer for Richmond Landcare Inc, Neville Sloss.

“A property plan can make it more productive, more sustainable and contribute to the biodiversity of your region. The development of a land management or whole farm plan is an ideal way to identify issues, set priorities and plan how to address them on the property.”

In addition, a property plan can greatly assist in gaining funding for projects that will enhance your property.

“There are some funding opportunities at State and Federal levels which require a plan, while a plan will definitely help even if it is not required. These days the competition for funding is very competitive, so a plan is a very worthwhile initiative,” Neville said.

Many factors are combined in the planning of farm management and future developments, including paddock subdivision, access, crops, shelter, water supply, habitat, pest/weed control, fire protection, livestock needs, soil conservation, land degradation and water quality.

For lifestyle property owners, biodiversity, land management to improve water and soil quality are some of the issues to consider.

The seminar on March 27 will introduce people to the process of producing a plan and what factors need to be considered.

Local farmers and property owners who have developed their own plans will be speaking, along with Simon Proust from the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, an experienced property planning facilitator.

In conjunction with TAFE, Richmond Landcare Inc is conducting a Whole of Property Plan course beginning on April 2 at Wollongbar TAFE.

This course is suited to those who are not familiar with the concept and over the weeks will help participants develop a plan for their farm or property.

It will cover auditing the natural resources of the property; any legal requirements impacting on the management of the property; management strategies to address the key natural resource management issues of water, soils, vegetation and wildlife; integrate business or lifestyle objectives and production plans with sustainable land management.

The course cost is $231 and this will be refunded by Richmond Landcare Inc once participants have completed the course. The subsidy is offered to anyone who is a member of a Landcare group across the Richmond River catchment and places are limited.

For any landowners who would like more information, Richmond Landcare Inc will have a stand at the Soilcare Expo at Wollongbar Agricultural Institute on Saturday, March 10. Anyone seeking more information can phone RLI on 66191582 or email cso@richmondlandcare.org

Richmond Landcare Inc provides support services to the community for natural resource management on behalf of the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) in the Lismore and Ballina local government areas.

Richmond Landcare Inc now has around 100 member groups across the whole Richmond River catchment.

MP calls for end of Canadian asbestos exports to sub-continent

admin — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 03:01:28 +0000

Page MP Janelle Saffin has moved a Private Members Motion in Federal Parliament to recognise the action of Australian governments in dealing with the impacts of asbestos-related diseases.

“We have first-hand experience of the tragic legacy of asbestos with constituents of Page who worked at the James Hardie mine at Baryulgil,” she said.

“There are also a number of locals afflicted with asbestos-related diseases as the result of old work practices and disposal methods.

“Our Government established the Asbestos Management Review in 2010 to come up with a national awareness strategy and is funding the Australian Mesothelioma Registry to gather information and data on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

“These actions will help to address the consequences of the unwanted inheritance the use of asbestos has left us.”

A key section of the motion supports Australian diplomatic efforts in trying to get the Canadian Government to recognise the implications of asbestos sales with a view to calling on Canada to cease current production of the material.

“Canada has recently resumed trade in exports of asbestos to the sub-continent, specifically India, which is just unbelievable. They must stop this,” Ms Saffin said.

“Unfortunately, asbestos is preferred as an inexpensive building material in many parts of the sub-continent but the consequence of its use is not widely known to the builders or occupiers of this housing.

“But it is known to those who profit from this product that has resulted in far too many painful deaths with many more to come.

“I am asking my colleagues in the House of Representatives to continue to call on Canada to ratify the necessary international convention to list chrysotile asbestos as a dangerous substance, and consequently cease its production.”

The motion will be discussed by the House of Representatives when Parliament resumes in 2012.

Belinda Jeffery says education is the key to regional sustainability

admin — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 02:49:12 +0000

Educating consumers to buy fresh, seasonal foods is one of the keys to reducing food miles, according to former restaurant owner, television presenter and acclaimed cookbook author Belinda Jeffery.

Ms Jeffery will be a keynote speaker at the Australasian Regional Food Cultures and Networks Conference on November 29 and 30 at Kingscliff’s Peppers Resort, which is organised by Southern Cross University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

She is a passionate advocate of using fresh ingredients in all her recipes, but she says consumers and the hospitality industry should change attitudes towards seasonality of foods.

“I am lucky where I live that there is a wide variety of local produce but there are certain times when things are limited due to the season,” Ms Jeffery said.

“Maybe all the producers have grown the same thing at the same time. Personally, I love that because it pushes you as a cook to think outside the box and to use ingredients differently. But there is an expectation in Australia at the moment that anything is available all year round despite the season.

“When you start seeing snow peas flown in from China when they are out of season in Australia, it is ludicrous. Think of the distance they have come including the flight and then the transport by road to the destination. For me that just doesn’t make sense, especially if you wait a little while and can buy it within one day of the farmer picking it.”

Ms Jeffery is practising what she preaches and buys the majority of her food either from farmers markets or directly from the farm gate. She has also been involved in the Northern Rivers Foodlinks project which aims to make a sustainable food future for the region.

She is one of a number of prominent keynote speakers at the conference which includes Kate Carnell, the chief executive of the Australian Food and Grocery Council; Robin Shaw, of the Winemakers Federation of Australia; Professor Elspeth Probyn, a Professor in Gender and Cultural Studies at the University of Sydney; Robert Heazlewood, the executive director of Brand Tasmania Council, and Joanna Savill, a director with The Crave Sydney International Food Festival.

The conference will focus on how food moves from the paddock to the plate. Some of the themes addressed will include how food is produced and by whom, its impact on our lives and environment, and the impact on our culture as well as food security.

The conference is unique in that it brings academics and industry together across a number of areas including food production, distribution, marketing, tourism and hospitality to explore the key issues and opportunities for regional food.

There is a pre-conference tour on Monday, November 28, exploring the region’s dairy industry, and a post-conference session on Thursday, December 1, on culinary tourism and agritourism.

There are places still available and interested parties can register through the website at
www.regionalfoodconference.com.au

New Mental Health Access Line – 1800 011 511

admin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:14:41 +0000

Northern NSW Local Health District is currently transitioning to a new Mental Health Access Line. The new number for the Mental Health Line is 1800 011 511.

Trent Taylor, Manager of Clinical Partnerships, Mental Health Services in Lismore, said the Mental Health Line provides 24-hour mental health connection and referral services and is staffed by mental health professionals.

“The new Mental Health Line is a single point, state-wide service that will connect the people of NSW with the right care,” Mr Taylor said.

“Services will continue to be provided at the same level as the existing Mental Health Access Line and callers will still receive the high level of care provided by the mental health professionals.”

The existing Mental Health Access Line number will continue to operate in parallel with the new Mental Health Line for some time to ensure the public has the opportunity to become familiar with the new number.

The new Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 number will be operational from November 2011, enhancing existing services by providing the opportunity for people to call one single number within NSW and directly link with local Mental Health Services, and to Mental Health Services in other regions throughout NSW connecting them to the right care.

Further information and access to marketing material will be available from Local Health District Community Mental Health Services.

Taste of Spring is on this Saturday at Wollongbar TAFE

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:55:23 +0000

North Coast TAFE Wollongbar is hosting a Tastes of Spring Festival this Saturday, November 5, 2011. Admission is by a gold coin donation.

The Tastes of Spring Festival is an example of the capabilities of its Events students and showcases the region and its produce by incorporating elements of spring such as family, food, wine, garden and sustainability into an interactive event.

The event is run by students completing a Diploma in Event Management and showcases their passion and enthusiasm for the industry with an energetic array of activities and exhibitors.

Tastes of Spring is an opportunity for regional exposure and collections from the day will be forwarded to the Our Kids charity.

“It will be a great day out with the family to support local businesses and producers. Bring along a picnic or food will be available for purchase, then relax and soak in the beautiful views our TAFE and regional partners have to offer,” a TAFE spokesperson said.

Saturday, November 5, 2011
Time: 10am – 4pm
Venue: TAFE Wollongbar Campus
Entry: Gold coin donation.

Activities include:

Live Music and Entertainment
Celebrity Cooking Competitions
Regional Exhibitors and Produce
Children’s Activities
Demonstrations and Competitions
ABC Radio Broadcast

“Join in and support local businesses and producers and experience the versatility of our region, through the eyes of innovative Event Management students,” the spokesperson said.

Rex to begin Newcastle-Ballina flights

admin — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 03:30:19 +0000

Regional Express (Rex) has announced that it will commence Newcastle to Sydney and Newcastle to Ballina/Byron services 7 days a week from Sunday, 30 October 2011.

Rex will provide three return services between Newcastle and Sydney Monday to Friday on a schedule that is convenient for the business traveller wanting to make a day-return trip, as well as those needing to connect on to Rex’s NSW regional network as well as other domestic/international flights.

Saturday and Sunday flights are also provided, making a total of 38 weekly flights between Newcastle and Sydney.

Rex will also commence a new daily return service between Newcastle and Ballina/Byron Bay.

A promotional fully-inclusive one-way web fare of $99 for both Newcastle to Sydney and Newcastle to Ballina will be available from service commencement until Feb 2012.

Rex said it sees substantial growth opportunity between Newcastle and Sydney as the route used to have 100,000 passengers annually, a far cry from today’s 30,000.

Reservations can be made via the internet (www.rex.com.au), phone (13 17 13) or your local travel agent.

Off-duty officer charged with drink-driving – Grafton

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:38:34 +0000

A police officer has been charged with traffic matters after allegedly failing to stop for a random breath test at Grafton yesterday.

About 4:50pm (Thursday 29 September 2011), police were performing random breath testing duties on the Pacific Highway near Grafton when a Honda Accord allegedly failed to stop at the RBT site.

Police conducted a search of the area and located the car stopped on Armidale Road.

The off-duty officer, a male leading senior constable from a specialist command, was spoken to and subjected to a breath test, returning a positive reading.

He was arrested and taken to Grafton Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis returning a reading of 0.128.

The officer was issued a court attendance notice for the offences of driving with mid-range PCA and failing to stop for RBT. He will appear in Grafton Local Court on Monday 7 November 2011.

His driver’s licence was also confiscated and suspended by police.

Happy poems from Brunei

Barry Cheadle — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 03:33:46 +0000

Gayathri Sama-rakoon, an author and contributor to Far North Coaster, is presently teaching in Brunei and she sent us these poems from students …

INTRODUCTION

Happy poems are simple lines of poetry which are used for self-expression. They are aimed at encouraging feelings of joy and sometimes are thought-provoking.

These happy poems are from Sekolah Menengah Rimba, a secondary school in Brunei Darussalam which is located on the island of Borneo. English is taught as a foreign language in Brunei by teachers from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and other countries. The teachers work for CfBT, a worldwide educational charity and consultancy based in the UK. Students in Brunei have a strong awareness of people from other cultures and countries and study English alongside their national language which is Malay. These poems are from students in Years 9 and 10. We hope you enjoy them.

Happy poems!!!

The colour Blue makes me happy because it reminds me of the cloudless skies,
Green colour makes me happy because it reminds me of tall green trees,
Pink colour makes me happy because it reminds me of my mother’s rose garden,
Fried noodles make me happy because it reminds me of my 100-year old grandma,
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY CARE TO SHARE?
- Azmon Ahmad, 9a Rimba

Red Roses make me happy because it reminds me of my Ferrari back at home – Diyaulhaq, 5R2
Melody makes me happy because it reminds me of a ‘flowing’ day – Murni 10E PMB
Swings in the park make me happy because they remind me of my days as a child – Nabillah, 5R2
The Green fields make me happy because they bring peace to my mind – Farah 5R2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?

The pink colour makes me happy because it softens my heart with its softness - Nur N’ Matul Sapar, 9sps
Green Koran makes me happy because it brings peace to my mind
Old pianos make me happy as it reminds me of old melodies
Melted brown makes me happy as it reminds me of ‘yummy’ chocolates,
Nor Nazratul- 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?

The blue ocean makes me happy because it reminds me of my favorite teen cartoon
Azure skies make me happy because of my peaceful country
A toothy smile makes me happy because it reminds me of my naughty friends – Nur Aidatul Yusuf, 9sps
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY CARE TO SHARE?

Saffron yellow makes me happy because it reminds me of SpongeBob’s square pants
Multicolor make me happy because it reminds me of rainbow in a cloudy sky – MD Afiq Hasif 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?

Sushi makes me happy because it reminds me of home, memories and ‘a normal day’
Jokes make me happy because it gives me joyful feelings
Stars make me happy because they remind me of life and freedom – Muhammed Hazim Juhari, 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?

Schools make me happy because it makes me think of my future
Drums make me happy because the ‘dum-dum’ beat gives me a boost
Football makes me happy because it reminds me of freedom – Ak Muhd Yahya
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?

‘Boom’ noise makes me happy because it reminds me of my MP3 player
Speed makes me happy because father always drives fast
Candy makes me happy because it reminds me of the ‘sweetness’ of life
Muhd Wafiuddin Sohari- 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?

Breeze on the beach makes me feel happy because it reminds me of ‘niceness’ of life
Indigo, pink, yellow rainbows make me happy because they remind me of God Almighty
Sound of violins make me happy because think of days alone
Hari Raya makes me happy because it brings me money – Nora Aboulaih, 9SPS 2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?

PICTURE: Some of the teachers at the school.

Sample Food Festival a delight

admin — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:29:53 +0000

The inaugural Sample Food Festival, held on September 10 at the Bangalow Showground, was enormously popular with over 10,000 people attending throughout the day.

“We were thrilled with the crowd,” said festival organiser Remy Tancred. “There were of course locals from across the Northern Rivers and I also met many visitors down from the Gold Coast and Brisbane throughout the day.”

Hundreds of children enjoyed entertainment from Cupcake the Clown, Lenny the Lion, Byron Bay Kidz Club, the Macadamia Castle and others. Non-stop entertainment from Kurtis, Kato and Wolf, Eliza McLeod, Ilona Harker and Tres Hombres had the crowd kicking back on the grass, enjoying the restaurant offerings.

Nearly all of the 22 restaurant marquees sold out of their $5 and $10 tasting plates, some before they could even offer the Sample Judges a taste.

Belinda Jeffrey, Joanna Savill, Barbara Sweeney and Steve Snow judged the best of the plates over the course of the day, presenting the Golden Fork Awards at the Sample Gala Dinner on Saturday night at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa.

The sell-out dinner was attended by 150 guests, who enjoyed four courses with matching wines prepared by eight of the region’s top Chefs – Monique Gutteres-Harrison, Gavin Hughes, Adam Smith, Perry Hill, Katrina Kanetani, Scott Frost, Peter Busara and Joe Griffin.

The $5 plate winner was Satiate for their lemon myrtle and lime meringue cupcakes, with Harvest achieving the runner-up place for their Harvest brioche roll with John Singh’s braised shredded pork, onion jam and Coopers Shoot Tomatoes.

The $10 plate winner was Fleurs Restaurant in Ballina for their saffron infused mussels with chorizo. The Beautiful Feast achieved the runner-up place for their Ploughman’s plate with marmalade glazed Bangalow ham.

Seaweed Cuisine and The Boardwalk were awarded People’s Choice Awards for their record number of plates sold on the day.

“I was so pleased the exhibitors had a successful day and really appreciated the support of my sponsors who made the festival happen” said Remy Tancred.

www.samplennsw.com

PICTURES (from top): Judge Steve Snow with Byron Mayor Jan Barham; Katarina from Satiate; Rory Twoomey and Chi Desmond-Weller; Kurtis performing for the crowd; there was plenty to entertain the children.