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.
Richmond electorate volunteer grants announced
December 10, 2009
Member for Richmond MP Justine Elliot has announced that 75 volunteer organisations in the electorate will receive funding from the Rudd Government’s Volunteer Grants 2009 initiative.
“Under this initiative, grants of between $1000 and $5000 are provided to non-profit organisations to support their volunteers and encourage volunteering,” she said.
Volunteer organisations in the Richmond electorate will benefit from volunteer grants totalling $236,834.
“Every day volunteers are out in our local community doing what they do best – helping those in need, nurturing our environment and fostering our nation’s sporting and cultural life,” Ms Elliot said.
Severe thunderstorms, hail forecast
November 17, 2009
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours.
The Bureau of Meteorology says locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Ballina, Casino, Kyogle, Yamba and Maclean.
Prior to 4pm, 2-4cm hail was reported in the Murwillumbah area.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
Warnings are also available through TV and radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218.
Trade Training Centres announced for schools
November 5, 2009
Page MP Janelle Saffin says two local Trade Training Centres announced today will boost training opportunities for young people across the Lismore and Richmond Valley areas.
“The Trade Training Centre program aims to equip young people with the skills they need to effectively participate in the workforce of tomorrow,” she said.
“Up to $7,467,000 has been allocated to the Lismore Community Trade Training Centre – a schools cluster including Kadina High, Lismore High, Richmond River High, Wilson Park and Nimbin Central schools.
“The Trade Training Centre will include an industry-standard commercial kitchen at Kadina High and upgraded facilities for metal trades, furniture making and horticulture at Richmond River High and Lismore High.
“Kadina High Relieving Principal, Bradd Farrell, says students will be able to move between campuses to access facilities in their chosen trades, will have more access to school-based apprenticeships and be able to stay at school while starting their trade careers.
“The Richmond Ranges Trade Training Centre, which includes Kyogle High, Bonalbo Central and Casino High schools, has been allocated up to $4.5 million.
“The funding will be used to build a commercial kitchen at Kyogle High and to upgrade facilities for construction, engineering and hospitality at Casino High and Bonalbo Central School.
“Kyogle High Principal, Janeen Silcock, says this is terrific news because the Trade Training Centre will be a community-based facility in an area of real need.
“The Trade Training Centres in Schools program is part of the Rudd Government’s commitment to increasing vocational and educational training opportunities for all Australian students.”
Applications for round three of the program open on November 6, 2009.
Voluntary permanent water saving measures introduced
October 12, 2009
Rous Water and the local councils of Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley have introduced voluntary Permanent Water Saving Measures for all town water users, after its proposal received strong support from the community.
All residents and businesses are encouraged to comply with the measures, to ensure sustainable water use throughout the region.
Pair to face court over suspected murder
September 11, 2009
Homicide Squad detectives have extradited two people from Victoria who will face court today, following investigations into the suspected murder of a man last year.
The arrests follow extensive investigations by Strike Force Rohan, comprising detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, with assistance from the Richmond and Tweed/Byron Local Area Commands.
The investigations relate to the suspected murder of 47-year-old Saaid Zaiter, who was last seen at Chinderah on Tuesday 16 December last year.
A silver Land Rover Discovery was located burnt-out at Barkers Vale, near Nimbin in NSW, on that day.
Detectives to extradite man and woman following murder investigation
September 8, 2009
Homicide Squad detectives have successfully made an application for the extradition of a couple from Victoria, following investigations into the suspected murder of a man on the North Coast last year.
NSW Homicide Squad detectives travelled to Melbourne yesterday, as part of investigations into the case.
A 42-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman appeared before Melbourne Magistrate’s Court today for an unrelated matter.
NSW Homicide Detectives today made an application for the extradition of the man and woman back to Sydney.
Police tower at Nimbin to be relocated
August 12, 2009
A NSW Police Force radio tower erected at Nimbin Police Station is to be relocated following a productive discussion with Lismore City Council yesterday.
The tower was erected as part of a NSW Police Radio Communications Maintenance Program.
“The program is all about addressing identified blackspots for police radio coverage, improving officer and public safety. This includes upgrades to existing radio sites and new radio sites,” NSW Police said.
“The Nimbin township is an identified police radio blackspot area.
157 cane toads caught in Border Ranges National Park
June 1, 2009
With the cooler months upon us, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has concluded its cane toad control program for the season.
NPWS Pest Officer, Lisa Wellman, said that a control program funded by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority had caught 157 toads in the Border Ranges National Park and one at Terania Creek, in Nightcap National Park.
Water-saving measures may become permanent
June 1, 2009
Rous Water and the local councils of Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley are planning to put a number of permanent water-saving measures in place and have put the proposals on public exhibition for community feedback until June 30.
“Rous Water and local councils in the Rous region are considering the implementation of Permanent Water Saving Measures,” Cr Col Sullivan, Chair of Rous Water, announced this week.
“It is envisaged that these voluntary measures will be part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable water use in the region.”
Rous Water’s general manager, Kyme Lavelle, said Rous Water in June last year conducted a community survey of attitudes towards permanent water-saving measures.
