Geoff Hannah’s latest work is that of a master craftsman
September 30, 2009
Geoff Hannah is a master craftsman who works with wood. He is a supremely affable bloke; warm, friendly and totally unpretentious.
He is also a man of many skills; working with wood is one, and telling a yarn is another. At the moment these yarns are hinged around his most recent work, The Hannah Cabinet, one of the most valuable and finely crafted pieces of furniture in Australia.
SCU gains provisional osteopathy accreditation
September 30, 2009
Budding osteopaths wanting to train in the fastest-growing allied health profession in Australia can now enrol at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus.
The university has received conditional provisional accreditation by the NSW Osteopaths Registration Board and full university approval for its osteopathic program, which consists of two degrees – the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathy) and the Master of Osteopathic Medicine.
This makes Southern Cross University the first regional trainer in osteopathy in Australia and the only provider outside of Melbourne. Enrolments for 2010 are now open.
The five-year program in osteopathic medicine is designed to produce primary care health practitioners who have the ability to solve complex problems, and work within a contemporary professional model that integrates the principles of evidence-based practice with an holistic paradigm of patient-centred health care.
Stuart Kennedy dominates day two of Pro Junior
September 30, 2009
A return to form from past champion Stuart Kennedy headlined day two of the Billabong Pro Junior Bells Beach on the blustery Victorian Surf Coast today.
With a change of location to Jan Juc, due to a dissipating swell and strong off-shore winds, the best junior surfers in Australasia were out to cement spots in the prestigious Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
2008 ASP Australasian Pro Junior champion Stuart Kennedy (Lennox Head, NSW) was a man on a mission this morning, posting the highest single wave and total heat score with an 8.25 (out of a possible 10) and 15.25 (out of a possible 20) respectively.
“It was really testing conditions today,” Kennedy admitted.
Fire crews consolidate containment lines at Wooli
September 30, 2009
Firefighters have contained a bush fire which is burning in the area of Colletts Crossing Road, Pillar Valley, and the Rural Fire Service says there is no immediate threat to property.
Overnight, crews have been consolidating containment lines around the Colletts Crossing fire. This will continue today.
Motorists on Wooli Road and other roads around the fire are asked to proceed with caution as fire crews continue to work in the area.
The fire has burned approximately 6500ha of bushland.
Residents in the township of Wooli may continue to experience smoke and ash as the fire burns behind containment lines. They should continue to ensure their properties are prepared.
‘People power’ brings Maclean Hospital sale backdown: Cansdell
September 30, 2009
Vocal protests by the Lower Clarence community were the key factor in forcing the NSW Labor Government to back down on its proposed sell-off of Maclean Hospital land, according to protest rally organiser and Clarence Nationals MP Steve Cansdell.
“This is the biggest win for Clarence people power since we forced Labor to can its attempted sell-off of the Grafton Ag Station,” Mr Cansdell said.
He said that ‘hundreds of locals joined a protest rally organised by their community-focused MP’, and the positive outcome was announced in writing recently by North Coast Area Health Service boss, Chris Crawford.
“As there has been no interest since the land was offered for sale, it has been withdrawn for sale,” Mr Crawford wrote to Maclean Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Neil Morris.
Koalas on the move; vulnerable to dog attacks
September 29, 2009
When koalas are on the move they are vulnerable to attack by dogs. Friends of the Koala say that this year koalas appear to be extraordinarily active.
“Canopies are sparse and leaf is very dry. Perhaps they are seeking food as well as satisfying the urges brought on by spring,” the Lismore-based group said.
“Dogs inflict serious and often fatal injuries on koalas. In cases where the koala appears to have escaped unscathed, householders may erroneously assume the encounter has been nothing more than a narrow escape.”
Dogs of all sizes are capable of killing koalas. The behaviour of koalas, especially during these months of mating activity and dispersal, when some animals end up in potentially dangerous situations, can provoke attack. Dealing successfully with the encounter is paramount; not apportioning blame.
Firefighters continue to fight Pillar Valley bushfire
September 29, 2009
Firefighters are working to contain a bushfire which is burning in the area of Colletts Crossing Road, Pillar Valley. There is no immediate threat to property, according to the Rural Fire Service.
“Backburning has progressed well overnight, particularly along Wooli Road. Firefighters will be working in the area today and motorists using Wooli Road are advised to use caution and slow down,” the RFS said this morning.
“The fire is still burning to the west of Wooli township. Residents will see an increase in fire activity and smoke while backburning is carried out.
“People in the village of Wooli are advised to remain alert to smoke and embers and ensure their properties are prepared. For general information on how to prepare your home please click here.
Saffin welcomes debate on modernising electoral system
September 28, 2009
Page MP Janelle Saffin says she welcomes debate on modernising our electoral system as outlined in the recently released Electoral Reform Green Paper: Strengthening Australia’s Democracy.
At Yamba’s University of the 3rd Age in Yamba on Monday, Ms Saffin took the opportunity to open discussion on some of the issues raised in the Green Paper including the idea of lowering the voting age to 16 or 17.
“The issues raised in the paper are ones I strongly feel should be open for consideration and debate,” she said.
“Unlike the Opposition, who believe democracy would be endangered by debate on issues such as lowering the voting age to 16, I feel democracy is in fact endangered by being fearful and not defending it in any way we can.
A big thank you from Seabird Rescue
September 28, 2009
The windy weather over the weekend resulted in a few calls to Australian Seabird Rescue (ASR) but none more challenging than the plight of a baby Osprey blown from its nest at Ballina by the strong winds.
ASR spokesman Keith Williams said: “Sunday afternoon is never a good time to be calling in help, but thanks to the quick response from Country Energy and Ballina Shire Council, our baby Osprey was back in the nest after only a couple of hours.
Local Nationals open pre-selection for Page
September 28, 2009
Grassroots Nationals members from Grafton to Lismore met in Casino on Sunday and voted to open pre-selection for the Federal electorate of Page.
The goal is to have a candidate up and running before Christmas, according to Page Nationals Chairman, Dr Simon Kinny.
