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.

“Neighbours of these reserves are notified of this program and areas that are baited are signposted.

“Our monitoring allows us to target wild dogs in specific areas where they are found and in the past has shown that control has been effective.’
 
“We have received very positive feedback from the community in response to our programs. We encourage park neighbours to report wild dog incidents to the NPWS and the LHPA.

“Local LHPA Wild Dog Management Plans outline where and when wild dog control should be undertaken and have a central objective to reduce the impacts of wild dogs on agriculture and biodiversity.
 
“The local LHPA Wild Dog Management Plans are to be reviewed in 2011 and this provides an opportunity for the community to have input into the priorities for wild dog control in the region.

“The reserves to be targeted this autumn are Maryland, Toonumbar, Richmond Range, Mebbin, Mt Jerusalem, Bundjalung, Nightcap and Goonengerry National Parks, Whian Whian State Conservation Area and Bungabbee and Muckleewee Mountain Nature Reserve.

“Landholders in areas nearby who wish to conduct baiting on their own properties should contact their local Livestock, Health and Pest Authority.”

For information on where wild dog control programs are taking place, contact your local NPWS office: Kyogle Area 6632 0000, Tweed Area 6670 8600, Richmond River Area 6627 0200.

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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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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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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.

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“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.

“I believe that was because of the strength of the applications received.

“Commiserations to the 18 groups which missed out on funding. There was nothing wrong with their applications but there simply wasn’t enough money on the table to satisfy everyone.”

Grants:

• Casino Netball – The clubhouse extension & renovation $50,000
• Clarence Valley – Council McKittrick oval makeover, South Grafton $15,000
• Dirawong Reserve Trust – The Dirawong Chinaman`s beach boardwalk access ramp, Evans Head $15,000
• Dougherty Villa Aged Care Hostel – The walkways and sensory gardens with sun shelters, Grafton $19,768
• Ellangowan Public Hall Trust – The relining of the hall with plasterboard, Ellangowan $12,048
• Grafton City Tennis Club – The provision of ancillary support facilities for tennis tournaments, Grafton $19,250
• Grafton Pony Club – The kitchen update for grafton pony club, South Grafton $28,900
• Grafton Sk8ters Incorporated – The Grafton Park extension $30,000
• Greenridge Memorial Hall & Social Activities Club Inc – The building of new toilets to incorporate the disabled, Greenridge $30,000
• Hawthorne Park Equestrian Users Group – The Hawthorne Park maintenance work program, at Gwydir Hwy $15,000
• Maclean Dirt Bike Club – A new disabled toilet/parents room and upgrade to existing toilet block, Townsend $28,000
• Richmond Valley Council – The Evans Head Surf Club upgrade, Evans Head $50,000
• Windara Communities Limited – The Windara Nursery expansion, Casino $17,810

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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.

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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.

“These bandits are generally very surveillance savvy and despite fines being issued against them, they continue their scamming activities.

“The bandits attempt to gain people’s confidence and in the worst cases, lie in wait for people to leave their homes.

“They will often say they have leftover product from another job for the local council or Main Roads and can do a good price. They also ask for cash payment.

“They are known to keep a watch on homeowners to see when they leave their property.

“When they do, the bandits will turn up and start laying bitumen without consent.”

Minister for Police Michael Daley said it was important for people who are the victims of Bitumen Bandits to contact Police.

“The assistance of the community is an invaluable resource for local police when it comes to arresting criminals of this nature,” he said.

“These so-called bandits could face up to five years in prison if convicted under the Crimes Act.

“That’s why I’d ask people to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or their local police on 131 444 if they are approached by anyone offering quotes for bitumen laying.

“If you come home to find them already at work on your driveway, you should still call police immediately.”

Ms Judge encouraged residents to also contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 if they are approached by Bitumen Bandits.

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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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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. 

“We need anyone and everyone out there looking for turtles or turtle tracks from now until the end of March,” Keith said.

“With beach erosion from the June storms yet to be replaced in many places, there are still steep sand cliffs along many beaches.

“Turtle nests laid at the bottom of these cliffs will be in danger of inundation from subsequent summer king tides.

“We have to spot the nest the same day it’s laid if we are to relocate the nest to a safer spot.

“A turtle track looks like someone has rolled a giant tractor tyre up out of the water to the edge of the dunes and then back to the water.” 

A trained volunteer can identify the species of turtle from the pattern of the turtle track.

“It’s amazing that each species has its own unique way of crawling,” Keith said.

“Some do freestyle, others butterfly.

“Most of the nests laid on the North Coast will be from the endangered Loggerhead turtle. Moving one nest has the potential to save 100 hatchlings, so that can have a big impact in later years.” 

Last summer was also a record for ASR, with 30 turtles in care at one time.

“It seems that when people are out looking for turtle nests, they’re also more likely to spot a sick or injured turtle,” Keith said.

During the coming school holidays ASR volunteers will be distributing a new Turtle Guide brochure throughout the North Coast.

• In the Tweed Shire turtle nests have been found in the last two years on beaches at Kingscliff and Casuarina.
• In Byron Shire turtle nests have been found in the last two years on beaches at Tallow, Belongil and New Brighton beaches.
• In Ballina Shire turtle nests have been found in the last two years on beaches at Lennox Head, Angels and South Ballina.
• In the Richmond Valley turtle nests have been found in the last two years on beaches at Evans Head.
• In the Clarence Valley turtle nests have been found in the last two years on beaches at Woody Head, Pippi’s and Back Beach Angourie.

“We recommend people program the ASR number (ph 66 862 852) straight into their mobile phone. That way it’s always handy if they spot any marine wildlife in need of help,” said Keith.

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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.

Men’s Business captures a unique but diverse perspective – interpreting land, culture and Aboriginal spirituality through the eyes of local male artists, young and old, established and emerging.

It is their voice, telling their stories, and sharing their experiences of being proud Aboriginal men.

“This is not an exhibition of secret men’s business, intended for men’s eyes only,” explains Lismore-based contributing artist Les Evans. 

“It’s a celebration of Aboriginal men’s art they and their communities can be proud of.”

Importantly, the exhibition includes works by some younger artists who have benefited from mentoring with leading artists from the Northern Rivers region.

For example, in the lead-up to the show, Fingal Heads sculptor Garth Lena – winner of numerous awards including the 2006 Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize – has worked closely with fellow Tweed shire artist Lenny Noteo.

Since September the two have been meeting regularly, with Lena encouraging Noteo to take part in the show and mentoring him on becoming a professional artist.

Lena explained that through the sculpture he has submitted, ‘Little Man’, he wanted to depict a man proud of his Aboriginality. 

“A man, even though small in stature, is strong in who is his,” he said.

Tweed Heads artist Robert Appo said the painting he has submitted to the show tells the story of growing up as a young boy under the guidance of his grandfather, uncles, cousins and brother on the Tweed River.

“I want people to get a feel for the places where we used to go,” he said, adding that this particular work is ‘very abstract, using a lot of texture, and medium’.

Evan Heads-based Oral Laurie, who was mentored by his father Oral Roberts, said the experience has taught him about the ‘clever and healthy’ traditional side to his father’s life.

Oral Laurie said that he believes his father’s paintings ‘gather it all up and turn it into art’, with individual works reflecting what he has been told by his dad and uncles.

Men’s Business has been curated by a panel of first-time curators – Indigenous artists Robert Appo, Garth Lena, Michael Philp and Penny Evans, working with Arts Northern Rivers’ Indigenous Arts Development Officer, Frances Belle Parker.

Mrs Parker said it was fantastic to be able to offer this new learning opportunity to some of the more advanced artists in the region and also to include new artists in the show through the mentorship program.

“The dedication of the mentors who have supported and encouraged young artists to create artworks for the exhibition was invaluable, not only for this event but also for the long-term development of Indigenous arts in our region,” she said.

Men’s Business opens Thursday, December 3, at Northern Rivers Community Gallery, 44 Cherry Street, Ballina. It runs until January 10, 2010.

Image credit: Jai Darby Walker, Men’s Business (detail).

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