Neighbourhood Centre leaders from Lismore, South Grafton, Casino, Nimbin, Mullumbimby and Pottsville gathered with Senator Stephens and Ms Saffin to discuss their plans for celebrating Social Inclusion Week 2010.

The first Social Inclusion Week was held last year and was the brainchild of Jonathan Welch, best known for establishing the Choir of Hope and Inspiration (formerly the Choir of Hard Knocks).

The Australian Government and the Brotherhood of St Laurence were major sponsors of the inaugural Social Inclusion Week.

The objective of the Week is to bring about more inclusive communities through taking practical steps to fight loneliness and isolation by bringing people together.

Last year’s week was a great success, with a wide diversity of events held across Australia – from sausage sizzles to jazz sessions, from cricket matches to market stalls, and even roller-skating displays.

The focus of each event was on bringing people together, particularly those who are traditionally isolated from the rest of the community such as people suffering a mental illness, those who are homeless and people with a disability.

“Neighbourhood Centres are a touchstone for finding out about local services and getting involved in the community,” said Senator Stephens.

“From the ideas that the Centre leaders have been discussing today, it’s clear that Social Inclusion 2010 is going to be even better than last year.”

Ms Saffin acknowledged the invaluable role that Neighbourhood Centres play in the Far North Coast and hinterland region and congratulated them on their proactive role in preparing for Social Inclusion Week 2010.

“Social Inclusion Week is a great time for showcasing the strong community spirit that we have here in the Far North Coast and hinterland,” she said.

“I’ve told the centres that I’m happy to help out with their celebrations in any way, and I encourage all local community members to get involved too – whether it be through participating in an event or running one.”

For more information about Social Inclusion Week 2010, go to http://socialinclusionweek.ning.com/

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About 11.55pm yesterday (Saturday 14 August 2010) police and emergency services were called to Nimbin Road, Nimbin, near the intersection of Stoney Chute Road after reports of a pedestrian hit by a car.

Inquiries are continuing, however, it appears that a 16-year-old Lismore girl was in one of the lanes of Nimbin Road when she was struck by a Toyota Four-Runner travelling north.

Paramedics treated the girl at the scene before taking her to Lismore Base Hospital where she was treated for serious leg and hand injuries, and grazing to her face. She currently remains in a stable condition.

The driver of the 4WD, a 34-year-old Mt Burrell man, was uninjured in the incident and was taken to hospital for mandatory tests.

A second teenage girl and a teenage boy who were in the company of the pedestrian at the time of the collision have been spoken to by police.

Ballina Crash Unit attended the scene and inquiries into the incident are continuing.

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or the three teenagers in the area around 11.55pm yesterday to contact Ballina Crash Unit via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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The crash happened when a north-bound Subaru and a Nissan Patrol 4WD, travelling in the opposite direction, collided on the Nimbin Road at Coffee Camp about 11am.

The driver of the Subaru, believed to be a 33-year-old man, suffered multiple injuries and died at the scene.

The driver of the Nissan, a 25-year-old man from Goonengerry, escaped injury. He was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.

Nimbin Road was closed for five hours while the scene was examined and the wreckage cleared.

The deceased driver is expected to be formally identified today.

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About 10:30pm yesterday two senior police officers were conducting patrols at the Nimbin MardiGrass festival when they were approached by witnesses and told about the incident.

It is believed a 29-year-old man from Queensland was running along Sibley Street, Nimbin, when he failed to see the overgrown creek and fell six metres.

Local police officer, Sergeant Dave Longfield, entered the flowing creek and found the injured man lying face down.

Sergeant Longfield was assisted by a number of other people and remained in the water with the injured man for over 40 minutes while keeping him calm and still.

Inspector Nicole Bruce remained on the banks of the creek and co-ordinated the man’s rescue.

He was removed from the water about 11:40pm by officers from the Police Rescue Squad with the assistance of NSW Ambulance Paramedics.

He was taken to Lismore Hospital suffering from a broken leg, head and chest injuries and remains in a stable condition.

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About 1.30pm on Monday (19 April), a motorcycle was travelling north along Terranora Road, North Tumbulgum, when it lost control and collided with two vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

As a result the motorcycle rider, a 51-year-old Nimbin man, sustained serious head and internal injuries.

He was taken by ambulance to Tweed Heads Hospital, where he died about 6.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 20 April).

Nobody else was injuries in the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

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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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“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.

“Volunteer grants provide valuable support to organisations that keep the local community together.

“In the Richmond electorate volunteer grants will be used to purchase small equipment such as cupboards, cabinets, first aid kits, marquees and sail shades.”

Following is a full list of successful applicants:

·       Island Quarry Association – $2,100
·       Australia Indonesia Arts Alliance – $2,000
·       Brunswick Heads Red Cross Branch – $1,067.74
·       Byron Bay Red Cross Branch – $2,737
·       Murwillumbah Red Cross Branch – $2,078
·       Tweed Heads Red Cross Branch – $2,064
·       Uki Red Cross Branch – $1,000
·       Beachside Church Pottsville – $5,000
·       Bangalow Anglican Op-Shop – $2,426
·       Bangalow Community Children’s Centre – $3,400
·       Bentley Rural Fire Service – $3,400
·       Blind and Vision Impaired Support Group – $4,376
·       Blind Citizens Australia, Tweed Valley Branch Tweed Heads – $3,671
·       Blue Knob Hall – $2,802
·       Brunswick Valley & District Volunteer Rescue Organisation – $3,758
·       Brunswick Valley Christian Life Centre Opportunity Shop – $1,500
·       Brunswick Heads Community Dunecare Group – $1,350
·       Byron Bay Rural Fire Cadet Brigade – $4,975.90
·       Byron Lapidary Society – $1,800
·       Byron Underage Drinking and Drug Initiative Community Drug Action Team – $3,795
·       Chillingham Community Association – $3,400
·       Clunes Old School Association – $1,797
·       Coorabell Parents and Citizens Association – $4,000
·       Crabbes Creek Community Hall – $4,531
·       Disabled Surfers Association – Far North Coast Branch – $4,500

·       East Ballina Lions Club – $4,000
·       First Bangalow Scout Troop – $2,620
·       Friends of the Circus – $4,995
·       Friends of the Pound Tweed – $2,000
·       Clunes Girl Guides District – $1,000
·       Kids In Need Association Banora Point – $2,700
·       Kingscliff Amateur Swimming Club – $2,500
·       Kingscliff District Soccer Club – $3,989
·       Larnook Volunteer Bushfire Brigade – $2,833
·       Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Lifesaving Club – $2,050
·       Lennox Head Combined Sports Association – $5,000
·       Liberation Larder – $5,000
·       Lions Club of Lismore – $3,339
·       Maternity Coalition – $2,310
·       Mullumbimby Agricultural Society – $4,830
·       Mullumbimby Branch Country Womens Association – $3,800
·       Mullumbimby Golf Club Veterans Association – $4,926
·       Mullumbimby High School P and C Association – $3,538
·       Mullumbimby Local Food and Products Alliance – $2,517.41
·       Mullumbimby Tennis Association – $1,981.75
·       Mullumbimby Table Tennis Club – $2,775
·       Murwillumbah High School Parents and Citizens – $4,500
·       Murwillumbah Netball Association – $3,200
·       Murwillumbah Pony Club – $3,000
·       Murwillumbah Rowing Club – $5,000
·       National Parks Association of NSW – Far North Coast Branch – $2,740
·       Nimbin Aquarius Landcare Group – $4,982
·       Nimbin Volunteer Bushfire Brigade – $4,000
·       Northern Rivers Rowing Association – $2,500
·       Prostate Awareness Twin Towns and Tweed Coast – $1,250
·       Quota International of Murwillumbah – $2,000
·       Rainbow Ridge School Parents and Friends Association – $3,995
·       Riding for the Disabled (NSW) Tweed Valley Murwillumbah – $3,150
·       Rosebank Fire Brigade – $1,803
·       Rotary Club of Coolangatta – Tweed Heads – $4,939.95
·       Rotary Club of Tweed Heads South – $2,862
·       Sailability Northern Rivers – $4,272
·       South Tweed Colts Cricket Club – $4,900
·       St John (NSW) – Northern Region Kingscliff Rapid Response Group – $3,000
·       Tennis Terranora – $3,000
·       The Malibu Club Byron Bay – $4,000
·       Newrybar Rural Fire Brigade – $2,195
·       Wollumbin Bicycle User Group – $2,650
·       Tweed Coast Food Services – $2,000
·       Tweed Coast Junior Touch Association – $1,500
·       Tweed Heads SES – $4,400
·       Tweed Heads Soccer Club – $1,986
·       Upper Main Arm Community Association – $3,736.92
·       Wilsons Creek Huonbrook Landcare Group – $2,140
·       You Have a Friend – $4,900

PICTURE: Ian Carlson from the Tweed Heads SES with Justine Elliot.

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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.

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“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.

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All residents and businesses are encouraged to comply with the measures, to ensure sustainable water use throughout the region.

“After extensive public consultation earlier this year, Rous Water and local councils in the Rous region are now implementing permanent water saving measures,” Rous Water chairman Col Sullivan said.

“These voluntary measures will be part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable water use in the region.”

Rous Water general manager Kyme Lavelle said: “In June last year, Rous Water conducted a community survey of attitudes towards permanent water saving measures.

“These measures would be voluntary and separate from the mandatory water restrictions that are implemented during dry times.

“The survey found very strong support within the community for permanent water conservation measures, regardless of dam levels.

“These measures will therefore be in place on an ongoing basis and will ensure sensible and sustainable use of potable water throughout the region.”

Rous Water and the local councils of Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley jointly prepared a list of possible measures and obtained feedback from the community before adopting a final list in mid-August this year.

The measures are now in place and will restrict the use of potable water for activities such as hosing of hard surfaces and garden watering times.

The full list can be seen at the Rous Water website.

Alternatively, community members can contact Rous Water for a copy by calling 1800 450 203.

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