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.

“People who lived on the land told me how it became essential for them to learn how to make their own fuel, and all sorts of mixes were developed and tested in backyard sheds. Many people also self-converted cars, buses, trucks and farm machinery to run on coal gas. While there were some tragedies from explosions, many of the designs were innovative and worked quite well.”

Theresa said that a lot of people had great ‘flood stories’ to tell.

“One woman told me how, during the big 1945 flood, her father hailed the cream boat that went from Coraki to Lismore, thinking it could drop them on the other side of the river because their house was flooding,” Theresa said.

“Instead, they were taken all the way to town where the boat was tied up to a hoop pine on the riverbank. Their family spent the night on board eating chunks of bread and cream, and early next morning, the waters had receded and they walked around town.

”The woman said the paper-mâché dress shop models in their beautiful gowns had collapsed onto the floors of the dress shops in the most grotesque attitudes, still with silly smiles on their faces.”

Theresa would like to gather as many oral histories as she can and is seeking 50 people aged 65 and over, living in the Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle Shire areas, who would like to participate in her research.

She can be contacted on 6688 2387 or by email at theresa.mason@scu.edu.au.

PICTURE: Theresa Mason, who is doing an oral history of the Northern Rivers area for her PhD.

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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:

1. Wollongbar urban expansion area:

The Wollongbar Urban Expansion Area on the Alstonville Plateau is expected to accommodate around 2500 residents once developed, which will contribute to the target of 2600 dwellings by 2031 under the Far North Coast Regional Strategy.

However, lack of adequate infrastructure for this area has so far been a major constraint to development on site.

• Funding will support a pumping station and a sewer trunk main to allow development to commence – $2.3 million

• Funding will support development of a link road providing access to land-locked areas in the precinct, to allow development to commence – $2.8 million

2. Recycled water and reticulation component of Urban Water Management Strategy:

The recycled water and reticulation project is part of the Shire’s Urban Water ManagementStrategy which is a 20-year program of works required to accommodate the projected population growth in Ballina Shire.

• Funding will allow the delivery of recycled water to new residential subdivisions in the Ballina and Lennox Heads areas – $7.5 million.

Mayor Phillip Silver said: “This is an excellent outcome for our community and highlights the efforts that councillors and staff are making to ensure the delivery of high-quality infrastructure at minimal cost to the community.”

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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.

“The one-off grants will support respite services by covering the costs of such things as office equipment and furniture, minor office refurbishments and online programs to support carers.

“Caring for someone full-time is physically and emotionally demanding and it’s important that carers are supported to take deserved breaks.

“Respite can allow carers to go to work for a few hours, to socialise with friends and go shopping.”

The organisations to be funded for projects in Page are:

• Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated, Evans Head
• Southern Cross Care, Casino
• Community Programs Incorporated, Grafton
• UnitingCare, Casino
• St Andrew’s Village, Ballina
• St Carthage’s Catholic Care for the Aged, Goonellabah
• The Hills Shire Council (for the Working Carer Liaison Project), Ballina
• United Protestant Association, Alstonville.

Information about respite is available by calling Carelink on 1800 052 222 or for emergency respite outside of business hours on 1800 059 059.

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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.

The event has been hugely successful for the small South West Rocks club and community, generating an estimated $5million within the local economy. With the support of the Kempsey Shire Council, the club is looking forward to hosting the event again next year.

Top 10 placings:
Lennox Head-Alstonville 687
Byron Bay 621.5
Warilla-Barrack Point 577.5
Cudgen Headland 521
Shellharbour 414
Sawtell 383
Coffs Harbour 336
Tacking Point 305
Port Macquarie 254.5
Woolgoolga 210.

Others: Yamba 62 (15th), Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore 59 (16th), Cabarita Beach 21 (25th), Brunswick 19 (26th).

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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.

Mid North Coast favourites Coffs Harbour, with the largest team in the competition, are currently in third place.

Competition continues on Saturday with the Open and Masters competitors, along with the surfboat racing.

OVERALL POINTSCORE – DAY ONE

1. Warilla-Barrack Point 192
2. Lennox Head-Alstonville 188
3. Coffs Harbour 104
4. Cudgen Headland 94
5. Tacking Point 86
6. Byron Bay 83
7. Sawtell 48
8. Bellinger Valley-North Beach 41
9. Port Macquarie 36
10. Shellharbour 26
11. Yamba 25
12. Woolgoolga 23
13. Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore 22
14. South West Rocks 20
15. Black Head 18
16. Nambucca Heads 18
17. Mollymook 16
18. Urunga 16
19. Brunswick 13
20. Taree-Old Bar 13
21. Forster 12
22. Cabarita Beach 11
23. Wauchope-Bonny Hills 8
24. Nowra-Culburra 6
25. Shoalhaven Heads 6
26. Kiama Downs 4
27. Kempsey-Crescent Head 3
28. Macksville-Scotts Head 2
29. Cape Hawke 1

PICTURES: Lyteeka Currie, from Yamba, who won the Under-9 Surf, Board and Beach Sprint events, and Lennox Head-Alstonville’s Scarlett Fahey in the Under-11 Ironwoman, (courtesy of Surf Life Saving NSW).

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“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.

“This project builds on the Clarence River Way Master Plan, which was funded for $105,000 under the Australian Tourism Development Program, and which I jointly launched with Clarence Valley Mayor Richie Williamson in Ulmarra recently.”

Cr Williamson said this was another example of the strong relationship which had developed between the council and the Federal Government over the past year or so.

“This project will open up the tourism potential of the mighty Clarence River and deliver great benefits to local residents and tourist,” he said.

Amaze’n’Place in Alstonville also received a TQUAL grant of $10,000 for an interactive educational optical illusions science centre.

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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.

“I’m particularly pleased that there has been an increase in the number of successful recipients from 45 in Round One last year to 75 in Round Two this year.”

Ms Saffin said grants have gone to organisations in the local communities of Alstonville, Ballina, Bonalbo, Broadwater, Casino, Coraki, Evans Head, Grafton, Iluka, Kyogle, Lawrence, Lismore, Wardell and Yamba.

“These include hospital auxiliaries and health support groups, sporting and recreation clubs, service clubs, emergency services, Parents and Citizens associations, environmental societies, cultural and arts organisations, historical and floral societies,” she said.

“Money will be used to purchase new equipment and to cover the cost of fuel, and this funding will ease the financial pressure on our non-profit organisations and their volunteers.

“Equipment includes computer hardware and software, barbecues for fundraising events, generators, public address systems, first aid kits, office furniture and tools.”

For the full list of successful organisations, please go to http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/volunteers/funding/Pages/volunteer_grant09.aspx

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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.”

Ms Saffin said this day also highlights the many barriers that get in the way of people with disability leading normal lives.

“With the number of people with severe disability predicted to rise to 2.3 million by 2030, the Government recognises the need to look at how we can better support people with disability over the long term,” she said.

“Last week the Government announced that the Productivity Commission is to look at new approaches to funding and support, including the option of national disability insurance scheme.

“I am in favour of this option as I have seen no-fault social insurance work for people who are catastrophically injured in accidents, and disability groups have long argued for such a scheme.

“It’s important that we have a system that provides certainty for people with disability and their families, wherever they live, and regardless of how they acquired their disability. 

“On this International Day of People with Disabilities I also want to make special mention of carers, and the valuable role they play in our community, often at great personal cost.”

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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.

Traditional Christmas music from throughout the ages is on the program as well as music by composers such as Bach, Schubert and Fauré.

Better known for his operas, Rossini composed some sacred music, and Spiritsong will be presenting his Ave Maria.

Choral works by contemporary English composer John Rutter will also be performed.

Tonight, Thursday 3 December, 8pm St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Alstonville.

And with just Spiritsong:

Saturday 12 December, 7.45pm All Souls Anglican Church, Bangalow.

Tickets at the door $10. Enquiries 0429 185 361.

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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.

As part of the first stage, Theresa is calling for people with knowledge of Chinese activities, artefacts and structures to contact her on 66 841 498 or by email at tgilro.10@scu.edu.au.

Written accounts can also be sent to her at the School of Environmental Science and Management, PO Box 157, Lismore, 2480.

Theresa is particularly keen to hear from senior members of the community who have memories of Chinese people from the first half of the 20th century, or who remember stories told to them by friends and family members.

“Much of this information has never been recorded,” said Theresa. “We are in danger of losing this knowledge if we don’t document it soon.”

As well as asking people to contact her directly, she also encourages friends and family of senior citizens to question them about any memories they have about Chinese people and places. This information can be written down or recorded and submitted as an email attachment.

Participants will not be identified in the study unless they request to be. All participants will receive a copy of the study’s results. This information and GPS site recordings will be used to generate maps that indicate the location and time frame of Chinese sites in far north-eastern NSW.

Theresa hopes that her study will increase the community’s awareness of our Chinese history.

“Most people are not aware of the extent of Chinese involvement in the health, nutrition and infrastructure of our region,” she said.

Last year Theresa identified the existence of 94 sites in the region which she classified into five main phases – pastoral, mining, market gardening, banana growing and permanent family. Site types include stone terraces, wells and causeways, and wooden houses, sheds and stores.

“Chinese people were active in the region from the late 1840s, first appearing as pastoral workers on newly established sheep and cattle properties. They were used as an alternative to convict labour when deportation was halted in 1848,” Theresa said.

“Then thousands of Chinese men migrated to the upper Clarence in the 1850s in search of gold. There were at least six Chinese mining settlements, referred to as Chinatowns.

“During this time they built extensive stone and wooden structures, for the washing of alluvial gold. They operated a large water wheel that was turned by man-power much like a giant mouse wheel, and at Tooloom, west of Kyogle, they constructed a ‘race’ for diverting river water, that was 20 miles long.

“Chinese men were also sand mining at Evans Head in the 1870s and had their camp at ‘Chinamans Beach’.”

Theresa is conducting research that may indicate that Chinese involvement in sand mining was much more widespread than this, and that they may have had a sand mining camp on the northern side of Belongil Creek, near Byron Bay.

“As the gold strikes ended, market gardens were established on the outskirts of many towns. Murwillumbah had several gardens, and at North Lismore they extended as far as the racecourse,” Theresa said.

Last year Theresa identified the location of a market garden in Byron Bay. She is particularly keen to find anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of the Alstonville Chinese market garden.

“Chinese fruiterers from Sydney first established banana farms on the North Coast in 1916, due to a prohibitive tariff imposed on imported bananas by the NSW State Government,” she said.

“I have classified these farms as ‘complexes’, as they contain a variety of archaeological evidence spread over a wide area. As well as remnants of communal houses, packing sheds, stables and cook houses, these banana farm complexes contain stone terraces, wells, dams and even a tramway used to transport bananas from the field to the packing shed.

“In some instances Chinese people even built the infrastructure needed to transport their produce, with a road being built at ‘Chinamans Hill’, a causeway at Wilsons Creek and a road and wharf at Bagotville.

“Most Chinese men eventually returned home to China, partly due to racist legislation that would not allow them to bring their wives into the country. However, some did stay and I have classified this era as the permanent family phase.

“Better-known Chinese families in the region include those associated with the Tongs store in Murwillumbah, and the Kwong Sings store in Casino. Probably the best-known person of Chinese descent from our area is ‘Wake Up’ Jeff Fatt, of the Wiggles fame.”

Theresa is receiving ongoing assistance from historians and historical societies throughout far north-eastern NSW.

She would particularly like to acknowledge Frank Mills, who has extensively researched banana growing; Robyn Howell, who has provided a wealth of information on Chinese mining sites, and Joanna Boileau, who recently published ‘Families of Fortune’, a book about the Chinese history of the Tweed.

PICTURE: The Chinese market garden Kyogle Road, Bray Park, Murwillumbah c. 1920.

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