Memories sought for oral history of Northern Rivers
January 28, 2010
A Southern Cross University researcher is searching for older people living from Tweed Heads to Kyogle who can share their memories of the region’s early history.
Theresa Mason has embarked on her PhD research project – an oral history of the Northern Rivers – and already has many a fascinating tale to tell, thanks to locals sharing their stories for her earlier Honours project.
Her interest in the region’s history began when she was editing and writing for The Village Journal, a local newspaper based in Rosebank, serving the rural areas between Dunoon, Federal and Bexhill.
“I came across all of these older people who had fascinating stories to tell,” she said. “Many of the stories around people’s experiences during the Great Depression and in times of war were particularly interesting.
$12.65 million infrastructure boost for Ballina Shire
January 27, 2010
Ballina Shire Council has successfully applied for $12.65 million through the NSW Government’s Local Infrastructure Fund.
This fund is designed to provide interest-free loans that will assist in the delivery of roads, sewerage treatment and water reuse facilities.
In announcing the funding, Premier Kristina Keneally said: “This funding is designed to serve dual purposes: providing an economic stimulus, and providing infrastructure for NSW’s growing number of homes.
“We are directing the funding at areas that will grow in population, with a specific focus on fast-tracking projects that will stimulate urban development and local jobs. This is a practical and immediate step the State Government is taking to help councils respond to their changing communities.”
The projects approved for the council are:
Page electorates gets respite funding
January 22, 2010
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, and Page MP Janelle Saffin have announced more than $127,000 in one-off funding grants for eight services that provide respite for carers across the Page electorate.
The funding is part of the Rudd Government’s commitment to carers through the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) which this year will provide more than $200 million for respite services and programs in Australia.
Ms Saffin said local respite services provide valuable time-out for people who care for family members or friends with a disability, chronic condition or who are frail aged.
“This funding will help important local services continue to meet the needs of carers in our community,” she said.
Lennox Head-Alstonville wins Country Surf Lifesaving championship
January 17, 2010
Far North Coast clubs have dominated on the final day of the 2010 Stramit NSW Country Surf Life Saving Championships at South West Rocks.
With the final teams events contested today, Lennox Head-Alstonville claimed the top spot in the overall pointscores, followed by Byron Bay in second place and Cudgen Headland in fourth place.
Defending title holder for the last two years, Warilla-Barrack Point, slipped to third position.
Sawtell was the best performing club from the Mid North Coast region, while the host club, South West Rocks, finished up in 11th spot.
Lennox Head-Alstonville makes great start to Country surf titles
January 16, 2010
The 2010 Stramit NSW Country Surf Life Saving Championships kicked off yesterday under blue skies and smooth seas at South West Rocks.
With almost 2000 competitors expected to take part in the three-day event, the juniors took to the beach and water to contest a range of individual and teams events.
Competitors as young as seven battled it out, with championship title holder Warilla-Barrack Point SLSC ending the day on top in the overall pointscore.
Northern club Lennox Head-Alstonville finished up second after great performances from a particularly strong junior contingent.
Clarence Valley eco-tourism gets $500,000 grant
December 16, 2009
Page MP Janelle Saffin says she’s delighted that the Federal Government has announced $500,000 in TQUAL tourism grants for the Clarence Valley Council’s eco-tourism project for the Clarence River.
“The funding is for ‘The Clarence, river of adventure’, an exciting eco-tourism project which maximises the nature and adventure tourism potential of the Clarence River, while preserving the integrity of the river,” she said.
“The $500,000 in TQUAL grant funds will be used towards the development of camping and canoe access sites in the upper river, development of guides to canoeing, kayaking, cruising and sailing on the Clarence and development of a riverfront concept plan for Grafton.
“I was happy to strongly support the council’s innovative eco-tourism proposal, and congratulate CVC for its continuing success with its tourism projects and promotion.
75 volunteers groups in Page get funding
December 10, 2009
Federal MP Janelle Saffin says 75 volunteer organisations in Page had some early Christmas cheer after receiving funding from the Australian Government’s $21 million Volunteer Grants Program for 2009.
Ms Saffin said the Australian Government grants of between $1000 and $5000 recognise the strength and diversity of non-profit organisations right across her electorate.
“This is the Government’s way of offering wonderful support to the tens of thousands of volunteers in Page,” she said.
“All volunteers put in an enormous amount of hours to help improve our community life.
International Day of People with Disability celebrated locally
December 3, 2009
Page MP Janelle Saffin has celebrated International Day of People with Disability at events across the electorate today.
Ms Saffin said there was extra cause for celebration this year as the Government had ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – something she had strongly supported.
“From the morning tea at the Iluka Bowls Club and the display at the Alstonville Showground to the opening of the Macushla Doyle Visual Arts Prize at Lismore City Hall, the emphasis of the day has been on showcasing abilities,” she said.
“Our communities are so much the richer because of local organisations like RED Inc and Real Art Works Inc, who bring out the amazing creative talents of people with different abilities.”
A sacred place to relax in pre-Christmas
December 3, 2009
Churches with their high-pitched roofs, solid stone walls and lots of softer timber fittings have wonderful acoustics, especially for voices.
Spiritsong, a Bangalow-based choir directed by local organist Warren Whitney, and the Nouveaux Singers, a choir from Lismore, led by Bruce McNicoll, are combining to present a Christmas concert for you to relax to.
Study looks at Chinese input into region
November 18, 2009
A study has been launched into Chinese archaeological sites in far north-eastern NSW.
Local archaeologist and Southern Cross University Honours student Theresa Gilroy has embarked on the three-stage study and will conduct interviews with local knowledge holders, site visits and map generation.
