Wild dog control program to begin
February 24, 2010
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is commencing its annual autumn wild dog monitoring and control program across the Northern Rivers Region conducted in conjunction with the local Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) and NSW Forests and interested private landholders.
NPWS Pest Management Officer, Lisa Wellman, said prior to the start of each program, which began in 2006, advertisements are placed in local newspapers advising people.
“The program is undertaken twice a year in autumn and spring and looks for evidence of wild dogs, which can then be controlled,” Ms Wellman said.
“Control programs are based around baiting programs, and monitoring is also undertaken after control to determine how successful the program has been.
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.
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.
Rescue helicopter airlifts man to hospital after Evans Head boating incident
January 13, 2010
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter was this morning tasked to attend an accident involving an overturned fishing boat at Chinamans Beach at Evans Head.
It is understood that a recreational fishing boat carrying two men overturned about 6am this morning. A man on board another fishing boat witnessed the accident and went to the assistance of the two men.
All three men made it to shore, however the rescuer began suffering chest pains, believed to be the result of the physical exertion involved in the rescue.
The rescue helicopter airlifted the man back to Lismore and was transported to Lismore Base Hospital.
A Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter spokesman said no further information was available.
Picture courtesy of Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter service.
17 Clarence electorate groups share $417,000 in grants
December 18, 2009
Seventeen not-for-profit organisations in the Clarence electorate have won grants totalling $417,000 from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnerships program, Clarence MP Steve Cansdell has announced.
“The program was launched in the June State Budget to encourage economic activity,” Mr Cansdell said.
“I congratulate the successful applicants who will now be able to enhance their facilities to the benefit of local communities.
“While the Government pledged $400,000 to electorates with higher levels of unemployment like Clarence, I am pleased that an extra $17,000 was allocated towards projects in the Clarence electorate.
Shark Attack Near Evans Head
December 14, 2009
A man was bitten in a shark attack between Evans Head and Broadwater yesterday. The surfer was surfing just off Coffee Rock, north of Evans Head.
The man who was treated in Lismore Base Hospital can consider himself lucky that he was only bitten on the toe by the predator which was believed to be a bull shark or bronze whaler.
Whilst shark attacks are rare in the area, summer brings a higher level of risk for surfers and divers in the region.
Bitumen Bandits spotted in Woodburn, Evans Head and Coraki
December 10, 2009
Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge is warning consumers in the far north of the State to beware of Bitumen Bandits offering to lay asphalt on driveways.
Ms Judge said NSW Fair Trading had received reports from local sources in the region about itinerant traders scamming locals with cheap bitumen laying offers.
“Reports indicate that the traders are driving a vehicle with the NSW registration BD 14 RA,” she said. “They have been seen in Woodburn, Evans Head and Coraki.
“Bitumen Bandits generally target rural and regional areas and have been the subject of ongoing Fair Trading investigations.
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.
Spot a sea turtle for Australian Seabird Rescue
December 9, 2009
Australian Seabird Rescue is celebrating Coastcare Week (Dec 7-13) with the launch of a competition designed to get everyone on the beach this summer to keep an eye out for sea turtles.
The first person to call ASR after spotting turtle tracks on the beach leading to a turtle nest will receive a prize pack from the ASR Gift Shop full of turtle goodies (valued at $40).
“We expect at least 20 turtle nests in the area this summer, so there’s at least 20 chances to win,” ASR General Manager Keith Williams said.
But there’s a serious reason for the competition this year.
Men’s business – a unique perspective through strong men’s eyes
November 26, 2009
3 Rivers Aboriginal Art Space and Arts Northern Rivers are pleased to announce the opening of Men’s Business, an Indigenous men’s only exhibition at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery, Ballina, on Thursday, 3 December, at 5.30pm.
The exhibition, the first of its kind in our region, will be formally opened by renowned Indigenous artist Digby Moran, with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Bertha Kapeen.
