NAMBUCCA COMMUNITY NEWS NAMBUCCA HEADS - MACKSVILLE - AND SURROUNDING AREAS ISSUE 5. June 2021 Published by the Nambucca Senior Citizens Club Inc.11 Kent Street Nambucca Heads NSW

The Dying with Dignity Dilemma By Rachel Burns Dr Max Brimsmead (pictured with Dr Helena Johnston) of Coffs Harbour, is a retired obstetrician with a career span- ning nearly forty years. He recounts, “it was my privilege to watch and medical- ly assist mothers and many fathers to prepare for a new life.” It is remarkable that in retirement he has taken up the campaign to get a bill through the NSW Parliament that would permit doctors to assist those at the other end of the spectrum, the ter- minally ill, who wish to undertake Volun- vanced, incurable, irreversible and will tary Assisted Dying (VAD). cause the person’s death in the next six Victoria was the first state in to months or twelve months for neuro- legislate VAD laws in 2017, which came degenerative disorders. into effect in 2019. West Australia fol- In the case of Tasmania three requests lowed, then Tasmania. must be made to access VAD, each of To be eligible to access VAD in these which comes with checks and balances. states you must be over 18, have the ca- Tim Jackson, Tasmanian chair of the Roy- pacity to make the decision, be acting al Australian College of GPs, says, voluntarily and be suffering intolerably “It’s a world class bill with plenty of safe- from a medical condition that is ad- guards.” (cont. page 11.)

WHAT’S INSIDE: What’s On- pages 12/13 United Hospital Auxiliary-page 2 History Story- page 14/15 Nambucca Orchid Show- page 3 Arts Council Concert- page 18/19 Kian Road Fire Book Review-p. 5 Councillor David Jones- Page 20 Mayors Feedback -page 7 Library Book Review- page 22 Tackling Youth Issues- page 10 Note from the Editors- page 26 Nambucca Red Cross Award p.11 2NVR News-p. 29 & Back Page 1 BowraMacksville United Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers recently held a raffle in Nambucca, Macksville and Bowraville to raise funds for our local Macksville Hospital. Many locals may not be aware of the important role this active group have in our valley, raising funds and sup- plying equipment to our local hospital. The President, Isabelle Hooper said, ‘our volunteers do such a wonderful job for our valley.’ In this financial year, they have raised over $60,000 and included: 1. An Ultrasound machine for the Renal Unit- $26,000 2. Education equipment used for training- $16,500 3. Emergency Department—$10,250 ( includes a pain relief machine) 4. Perioperative Life Pak defibrillator- $9000 The groups main fundraiser is the Hospi- tal Café but May was the first time the group were able to fundraise with a raffle since November 2019. In the previous financial year: 2019-2020, the group also donated close to $60,000 with major purchases of 2 bathing beds for Maternity and a defibrillator. UHA THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Does your community group have a story you would like to share with our readers? Would you like to list your event on our What’s On page? Just send the details to [email protected]. Contributions must be in by the 20th of the month for publication in the next month’s issue. Note that content may be edit- ed for correctness and space restrictions.

Nambucca Community News is published monthly with a circulation of 700 copies and an estimated readership of 2,000 in Nambucca Heads, Macksville and surrounding areas. Download available from our website: https://nambuccacommunitynews.org.au Enquiries Email [email protected]. Nambucca Community News reserves the right to alter, omit or change classifications and advertise- ments. The Nambucca Community News does not endorse or promote products or services contained in the newsletter. While every care is taken, the views and or opinions expressed in this newsletter within editorial articles do not necessarily represent the views and or opinions of the Nambucca Senior Citizens Club or any other organisation associated with the production of the Nambucca Community News. Nambucca Community News recognises the Gumbaynggirr nation as the original custodians of this land and pays respect to their elders past present and emerging.

2 Orchid Society May Show: A Blooming Fragrant Event The Nambucca Orchid Society held it’s first show for 2021 at the Nambucca Seniors Hall over the Mother’s Day weekend. The show allows the forty members of the Orchid Society to showcase orchids, bromeliads and cut flowers over three days with a steady stream of locals and visitors admiring the fragrant and colourful displays. Society president, Grahame Beatton was pleased to resume the show after Covid 19 prevented last year’s shows and was happy with the new venue at the Seniors. “We are one of the largest and oldest groups in the area but would welcome new members. Just come along to the Seniors Hall at 11 Kent Street Nam- bucca Heads on the first Monday night of the month. You will be very wel- come.” Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey was one of the admirers at the show and being a keen gardener snapped up some of the plants on sale. The next Orchid Show for spring will be over the Father’s Day weekend in September.

Photos show Melinda Pavey MP, Grahame Beatton, Orchid Society president and Seniors president June Boag at the show and a creative piece by Max McKay. Just for Laughs:- A guy goes to a pet store to buy a goldfish. The salesman asks him, "Do you want an aquarium?" The guy responds, "I don't care what star sign it is! "Two cows are grazing in a field. One cow says to the other, "You ever worry about that mad cow disease?" The other cow says, "Why would I care? I'm a helicopter!"

3 4 Eighth November: The Kian Road Fire 2019 A Story For All Of Us By Rachel Burns Reading Eighth November The Kian Road Fire 2019 by Carrolline Rhodes is no light task. There is much to inform, confront, shock, sadden, challenge and one or two laughs (I will get back to that later) in this book. But overwhelm- ingly this book is a tour de force of the story of a community faced with a “violent invasion” and how it changed them. Reading the book changed me. Here are the people I stand next to in the shop queue. The people at the cafe and those at events by the river. Our neigh- bours who confronted disaster and somehow survived are on every page. The system failed frequently. Where is Kian Road everyone asked when the fire warnings came up. Truly no one knew. How do you get people to follow apps when they have no internet reception? What fool at Family and Commu- nity Services said homemade emergency donations of food had to have the ingredients listed or not be used? Why was Centrelink closed? What effect did the failure to have local consultation on fire prevention and backburning have? The book tells the story in a way that all disasters should be ultimately re- counted. So that figures, charts and statistics don’t dominate our recall. That the human voices come through. So that the recommendations if spells out are meaningful. I am trying to be cheerful after reading this book, but it is difficult. Just Raymond the al- paca springs to mind. He was last seen charging towards an immense fireball in a crazed effort to find the safety of a home surrounded by fire. He was given up to his fate. The next morning, with paddocks still on fire, who should come sauntering up the driveway complete with smug expression but this heroic alpaca. Everyone should read this book. If we could all appreciate the danger, the loss, the fear that our community went through then maybe the healing will be a little faster. Photo is author Carrolline Rhodes at the book launch at Macksville Ex-Services Club.

5 Gumbaynggirr Words of the Month From Kerrie Anne Jarrett, Project Officer Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG)

6 Feedback from the Mayor Cr Rhonda Hoban OAM In response to a reader: In 2010 after community input Coun- cil adopted the Nambucca River Masterplan which includes improvements to the foreshore in the lower estuary area de- signed to both protect and enhance the natural environment and to improve the accessibility and enjoyment of the area by the community. A more site specific detailed plan for the V- Wall area was adopted in 2019 again after pubic exhibition and community in- put. Actually implementing these plans has been subject to funding and we have been very fortunate recently in receiving grant funding which has al- lowed us to complete a significant amount of the identified work. There is still more to be done and Council will continue to progress the plans as funding be- comes available. The current funded work is almost complete. We are expecting contract line markers in the valley before the end of June and one of their tasks will be to mark hatched areas at the pram ramp to the BBQ area and other locations which should clearly identify the access points and resolve the problem of in- appropriate parking. Council will monitor the area near the showers. Temporary bollards will re- main until we can access further funds to continue with the widening of the foreshore promenade past this point. Constructing a safe access to the eastern side of the short wall will be a diffi- cult and expensive project however Council has lodged an application under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLERF) Program to design and con- struct an access. The application includes the completion of the Foreshore walk which was identified by the community in the Nambucca River Master- plan from the Tourist Information Centre to the V-Wall and the implementa- tion of wayfinding/signage and accessibility improvements. The BLERF funding is one of many programs available to fire affected communities but is specifi- cally targeted at economic recovery rather than direct assistance to fire affect- ed properties. If we are unsuccessful we will continue to seek funding oppor- tunities as they arise. Feedback on the functionality of the redevelopment of the V-Wall area is wel- comed and suggestions for improvement will certainly be considered. It is an iconic area enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. If there are areas of interest relating to Council that you would like information about please let the editors know and I’d be happy to provide a brief response in the next edition. Email to: [email protected]

7 Wayne’s Whizzers By Wayne Dayman This month it will be the missing word in the song lyric and the Artist! 1.You leave the Pennsylvania station around a quarter to four read a magazine there your in (------) 2.Don’t carry the world upon your ( ------) 3.Well you step inside but you don't see to many (-----) 4.But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turning (---) 5.The old hometown looks the same as I step down from the (-----) 6.Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way There were voices down the (------) Music Trivia answers on Page: 30

NEED A SPACE? At 11 Kent Street Nambucca Heads we have a large hall with sprung flooring (great for dancing) and two meeting rooms, equipped with modern facilities including a full kitchen, disabled facilities and access. We have just installed our new sound system and have WIFI. Painting and flooring reno- vations are also now completed! Hire from a low $15 an hour. Call Paul on 0414242982

8 9 Tackling Nambucca’s Youth Issues by Beverly Gibbs According to the 2016 Socio-Economic In- dex of Disadvantage, Nambucca LGA has been identified as an area of socio- economic disadvantage– particularly for our youth, with few opportunities for em- ployment. There have been many dire warnings of ‘Youth at Risk’, ‘Youth Suicide’ and Youth Unemployment’ in headlines. All of these issues are relevant for our new Part- Time Youth Worker, Kane, at Nambucca Youthie, ‘my aim is to connect our youth with the right services.’ Kane has found the most common local issues are: trau- ma, mental health, costly and/or no hous- ing, drug and alcohol issues, bullying and peer pressure. Trainee Jack and Kane Kane has been connecting with local agencies and schools over the last 3 months. He said, ‘youth typically need direction and after COVID lockdowns, some young people are now experiencing the positive and negative impacts of being digitally online.’ The 2016 Census of Nambucca reveals a need for youth services, with 0-14- year olds comprising 16.5% of our local population. Mental Health Services are desperately required with Nambucca/Kempsey statistics, from the North Coast Primary Health Network, showing 24 times a greater number, than the Austral- ian rate, of mental health prescriptions for 17-year olds and younger! Kane brings a rich and diverse background of customer service to his youth role with a high level of Digital Literacy and Community Service experience while he actively seeks social justice for our youth. He said, ‘a lot of people don’t understand what goes into providing services for young people but we can’t do it alone. We need connections with the right services, people who are passionate and then we can all come together to try and achieve something.’ Kane believes, ‘our youth need to engage with others and if they can come to you and open up- that is one measurable success.’ Yet our Youthie has suffered from continuous rounds of ‘funding bursts’ that make its future constantly ten- uous. Contact Kane on: 6568 7777 Email: [email protected]

10 The Dying with Dignity Dilemma (cont. from front page.) There are, of course arguments against VAD. These include religious princi- ples against killing or suicide, arguments that palliative care is sufficient for the dying and that the legislation is a ‘slippery slope’ that endangers the vul- nerable like the dementia sufferers and the disabled. Dr Brimsmead has affected steps to support his own VAD.”I have my own Ad- vanced Care Directive which requests assisted dying if my quality of life is such that it is no longer worth living. I am concerned that I will not be able to exercise this choice if I become mentally incapable of requesting it. This is why I have set it out now whilst I am of sound mind.” If you want more information Dr Brinsmead has his own website which also links to the Dying with Dignity website:- https://brinsmead.net.au/dying-with-dignity/

Prestigious Award for Nambucca Valley Red Cross The Red Cross Nambucca Val- ley Emergency Services Team, pictured, has been kept busy during recent disaster events. During Covid restrictions the team phoned returned Aus- tralians in hotel quarantine to assist them to access services and support. They also sent thank you cards to local frontline workers. With the onset of bushfires, they provided support to multiple sites in the Nam- bucca Valley and made outreach calls to other bushfire impacted communi- ties. Post fires, the team have conducted preparedness sessions and attended community recovery and wellbeing events. Over the past eight weeks, mem- bers have been volunteering in the Macksville Recovery Centre, providing sup- port and aid to those impacted by the recent devastating floods. All this work has not gone unnoticed as the group has been awarded the Aus- tralian Red Cross Distinguished Team Award. The award recognizes participa- tion, dedication and commitment to working with people and communities. Team members Carol Templeton and Lesley Smith accepted the award from John Maclennan, Chairman of Red Cross, in Sydney at the World Red Cross Day celebrations on the 7th of May. 11 WHAT’S ON ? Nambucca Valley Libraries in partnership with TAFE is offering technology help to beginners, the frustrated and the utterly bewildered at Nam- bucca Heads Library. Free sessions are held on Thursdays between 10am and 12noon. Contact Nambucca Heads Library on 65686906 for details and to secure a spot. Macksville Zumba Gold is run by Cheryl Summerville at Macksville Ex-Services Club on Wednesdays 9:00-10:00 am. Nambucca Plaza Lions Market- 2nd Sunday every month. Nambucca Plaza, Nambucca Heads 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enquiries 6568 5447 Funkya @ Unkya Markets Last Sun even months (not Dec) Eungai Reserve Pa- cific Highway Eungai 8am-1pm Enquiries 0425 205 737 Bowra Country Markets - 2nd Saturday every month Pioneer Community Cen- tre. Relax and enjoy our café and browse our local stalls 70 High Street Bowraville 9 a.m. to 1 pm Enquiries 0401481501 Stalls are available. Bellingen Community Market an all weather outdoor event held on the 3rd Saturday of each month. 1 Oak Street, Bellingen Enquiries 6655 2151 Bellingen Growers Market is held from 7.30 to 11.30 a.m. at the Bellingen Showground every Saturday except the third Saturday of the month. Studio 3 at Radio Nambucca 2NVR. Live and free family entertainment on the Third Friday of the month 6 to 8 pm at 834 Rodeo Drive Tewinga. Bring your nibblies and drink and enjoy the fun. Al-Anon Family Groups You can see what the drinking is doing to them.....but can you see what it’s doing to you? Al-Anon Family Groups meets every Tues- day at 10.30 am, at the rear, and under the Catholic Church, Mann Street, Nambucca Heads. For further information contact 1300 253 666 – 02 6568 7449. www.al-anon.org.au/ meetings NAMBUCCA HEADS TABLE TENNIS Mondays 1-4pm and Thursdays 5-7pm Where – Headland Hall, end of Liston St., above Main Beach. Improve your fit- ness, agility and overall health in a friendly fun filled atmosphere. Inexpensive and easy to learn. Begin- ners to advanced players welcome. All equipment supplied. Tryout - first game free which includes afternoon tea on Mondays. Just turn up or call Dorothy on 0428315739 for further details.

12 WHAT’S ON ? Archery at the Nambucca Archery Club All Welcome! Held at the indoor range at the Macksville Showground every Wednesday. Competition and instruc- tion for under 13 starts at 5:00pm and goes through till 6:30pm. Adults from 6:30 pm onwards. Coaching by 2 qual- ified ANAA coaches. Archery equipment can be hired Cost is $10 per night. Use of Club equipment is $10 per night. Covered shoes must be worn. You must be prepared to follow instructions. Enquiries phone 0498174901 or via Facebook Country Women’s Association Nambucca Heads Branch - 1st Thursday of the month at 10am 46 Ridge street Nambucca Heads. Phone Kathleen Miller- 0427 768 325 Macksville CWA Branch- 10 a.m. 2nd Thursday of the month 31 Princess Street, Macksville. Telephone 0427 931 816 Ganly’s Gardeners have established and maintain 10 gardens around the town. Would you like to be a part of what we have created and con- tinue to maintain? We work on Mondays from 7 to 8 am with coffee after- wards. Phone Lil Ganly 0400324559 Faringdon Village Activities Bingo every Friday in Village Hall 1.30 p.m. Canasta every Thursday in Village Hall 1 p.m. Non-residents are welcome. University of the Third Age (U3A) will be holding an Open Day for the Sec- ond Semester on 25th of July. Come along, meet the tutors and sign up for the many interesting and enjoyable courses. VENUE TBA Nambucca River View Club (Voices, Interests and Education of Women) This local group sup- ports The Smith Family's funding of the ongoing educa- tion of Australian children in need. Interested women of any age and background may come along to a luncheon meeting, learn more about VIEW Club and enjoy the guest speakers plus some fun and friendship. Meetings are at the Nambucca RSL 'Down Under Bar' -4th Monday of each month at 11am for 11:30 start. To attend or simply enquire, phone Cynthia on 0414 234 557. CWA Charity Bingo On the 1st Tuesday of Every Month at Nambucca Heads Bowling Club. All funds raised go back to our local community, schools, refug- es, farmers etc. Nambucca Bowling provides the bingo books to our group Free Of Charge! Prizes are cash. Eyes down 10.30am. Hope to see you there.

13 History Story with Rachel Burns : The Buchanans of Valla The European History of Valla is indeed an interesting one. From an impenetra- ble scrub of immense blackbutt timber and lawyer vines the settlers of Valla needed endless hard labour and fortitude to survive. A previous article details the determination of Marmaduke England as a pioneer of Valla but his journey to the area was on the recommendation of the Buchanan’s who took up a se- lection at Deep Creek in 1870. At the time the area was called the parish of Val- ley Valley and the Buchanan’s were isolated there until England’s arrival in 1875. Andrew and Nathaniel Buchanan were not youngsters when they selected at Deep Creek, both of them being in their 40’s. They had arrived in from Ireland as children of Lieutenant Charles Henry Buchanan and his wife, Annie, nee White. The Buchannan’s and their four sons settled at Rimban- da in New England in 1839. In 1849 Nathaniel and Andrew joined the “forty- niners”, the name given to those who travelled to the California gold rush fields, along with their brother Frank. They must not have had any success in the gold fields because they worked their passages back in a ship called a windjammer, which is a three masted sailing vessel. Before leaving for California the three brothers had a station on the New Eng- land Tablelands. On return they found through either fraud or mismanagement they were no longer owners of it. In the years before they settled at Deep Creek they likely worked as drovers and station managers, initiating friendships all over eastern Australia which later shaped their lives. By 1870 Andrew and Nathaniel were at Deep Creek to raise cattle and maize. Nathaniel had met explorer in the droving years and with him discovered wide tracts of pastoral country near present day Lon- greach. The pull of further adventures in exploration saw him leave Deep Creek in 1873 with his wife Katherine. Nathaniel’s ensuing story has been well docu- mented as “the least rewarded of Australian explorers” and a “luckless pio- neer”. More tales of Nathaniel and his extraordinary journeys can be found in the Australian Dictionary of Biography. The first Buchanan house was built of slabs and bark and stood on the banks of Deep Creek. Travel to Kempsey was by way of a bridle track through the dense scrub. There were sufficient supplies of fish, goats, fowls, vegetables and maize. Tea and sugar were luxuries. Andrew and his wife raised eight children with son, George Nathaniel Buchanan, being the first European child to be born at Valla in 1873. (Cont. page 15)

14 History Story: The Buchanans of Valla (cont from page 5)) An interesting tale of this time is the method of mail delivery at Valla. A mail- box was nailed to a tree on the north side of Valla beach and the delivery was left there by a horseman riding along the beaches. Andrew Buchanan collected the mail there by rowing a boat down Deep Creek and the area was long known as Letterbox beach. When Marmaduke England, his wife Anne and seven children arrived in 1875 they stayed with the Buchanan’s until they built their own primitive shelter just a mile upstream. The friendship between the two men arose from their meeting at New England and an equality of background and education. Their two wives cemented the lifelong friendship acting as midwives for each other’s birthing. The next arrivals were the Greer’s and the Ainsworth’s which made the foundation of a closely knit community. Andrew’s choice of staying on the Nambucca saw him overshadowed by his brothers’ successes. Nathaniel was famous for his exploration in north and the . At the age of 63 he accepted a com- mission from the government to attempt to find a stock route from there to North Queens- land. Although the route was eventually found impractical the Buchanan Hills remain as his namesake. Their brother William was a famed pastoral- ist, stock breeder and busi- nessman and on his death in 1911 left an estate valued at almost 300,000 pounds. When Andrew died intestate in 1909 his estate of 58 acres at Deep Creek was valued at 750 pounds. Andrew and his wife Sarah Elizabeth are buried at the Nam- bucca Cemetery.

This writer acknowledges the Gumbaynggirr people as the original custodians of this land and pays re- spect to their elders past, present and emerging. This article was sourced from the records of the Nam- bucca Headland museum.

15 Get to Know the card game of 500 at the Seniors Although Five Hundred is now the national card game of Australia, it was in fact invented in the USA and promoted by the US Playing Card Company, who copyrighted the rules in 1904. The game is called 500 because the first team (or player) to reach a total score of at least 500 points wins. It is an extension of Euchre, in which elements have been added.

In Australia, 500 is normally played by four people, two playing against two in fixed partnerships; a similar version of the game is played in New Zealand. It has been said that 500 is also popular in the Shetland Islands.

If you are interested in joining a game or willing to learn, U3A have a ‘500’ game scheduled every Wednesday between 10am and 12 noon at the Nam- bucca Senior Citizens Club, 11 Kent Street, Nambucca Heads. If you are not a member of U3A then contact Paul Burns on 0414 242 982 or email: [email protected]

16 The Family History Puzzle with Debbie Anderson Have you ever wondered if you have any distant or unknown relatives in Aus- tralia or overseas. Maybe there was mystery cousin or a hushed story of a con- vict ancestor? For the past six weeks two groups from U3A have been digging up the past to uncover their family history. One is a group for experienced family researchers and the other a beginner group just starting out. The research has included searching old newspapers, birth death and marriage records, grave records, immigration, shipping, and military records. There was talk of a possible distant relative between two class members which they are trying to prove. Some old family stories have been disproven, and a few new relatives have been found. While digging up an old newspaper from the Victorian gold rush, one class par- ticipant found a disturbing story of child neglect related to the family. A few scoundrels have been discovered in the search and an inquest into a suspicious death. Some surprises have been a bankrupt publican and a child migrant trav- elling without his family. The biggest surprise find was a second fleet convict with links to Norfolk Island, Tasmania, and then locally to Tamworth. Early pho- tograph collections as well as early land records have been used to make the family story come to life. As one participant said “Family History is like a putting together a jigsaw puzzle”. (See U3A in “What’s On” page.)

17 ARTS COUNCIL AFFAIRS by Marlene Griffin Thank you for the Music Music concerts offer a wonderful way to bring community together andto create opportunities for local and talented musicians to perform on stage. We had a great example of this with a recent visit to The Nambucca Community and Arts Centre ( NCAC) by young musicians and staff of the Coffs Harbour Conservatorium. They gave us a fantastic afternoon of music and delighted the audience with their repertoire and amazing talent. There are very few venues in the Nambucca Valley and surrounding areas where young musicians can perform in an auditorium with concert facilities and space for a good sized audience. The Main Hall in the NCAC has served our community well and has provided these facilities for over 80 years. In recent years it has undergone an extensive programme of renovation. This began a few years ago with the repainting and redecoration of the interior of the Main Hall and refurbishment of our two dressing rooms. Since then we have replaced all our concert seating, stage lights and sound system. Finally, new stage curtains were installed to give the hall a theatrical ambiance. This has all been financed by a series of grants we have applied for over many years. Visitors from interstate often comment on the wonderful asset we have in this building. It comes into its own for many purposes. Schools, churches , local performing groups and our University of The Third Age hire the hall over the year and it serves as a venue for exercise, dance and a host of other activities. It is also used as an extension of the gallery to display works by local artists. (Continued Page19) Photo of the Coffs Harbour Conservatorium Ensemble .

18 Arts Council Affairs by Marlene Griffin (cont. from page 18) Not many people will know that many years ago the building served as the first bank in our town, a venue for the Tourist Information Centre and at one point there was even a hairdresser and chiropodist occupying the front foyer. The building has a rich and amazing history . At the moment preparations are underway for the library to move into the Main Hall during the building phase of the Nambucca Heads Library Extension Project and so our concerts and many other activities of community groups will have to be curtailed for the foreseeable future. We are sorry to have to consider other venues possibly outside of Nambucca Heads for some of our events during the duration of the building project which could be quite some time. Let’s hope the rebuild progresses smoothly and timely. At the moment we are unsure exactly when the actual re-build will start but understand it will be later this year.

WANTED Friends of Nambucca Heads Lions Club Inc. Nambucca Lions Club currently have about 34 members and have several projects going at any one-time e.g. - Raffles, Markets, Library books for nursing homes, Cleaning Barbe- cues etc. This means we are spread very thin at times as some members still work, have family commitments, are un- able to assist with certain tasks due to health reasons or go on holidays, that leaves very few members time to devote to Lion’s work. Lions’ members are enthusiastic and committed, but even with the best will in the world, we can’t all be everywhere, all the time. BECOME a FRIEND of LIONS is an easy way to contribute to your community, while not over-committing! Our friends are not LIONS members. They are people who like to contribute their time or skills on occasions, to aid Lions to achieve their goals assisting the community. Perhaps you, or someone you know, is willing to lend a hand eve- ry so often, just a few hours Barbecue for an event, paint a wall, assist at mar- kets, clean barbecues . . . that sort of thing. No committees or meetings, just good intention and some muscle or skill. There are so many personal benefits from being a “Friend of Nambucca Heads Lions Club”. To support the community, we need the support of the communi- ty. If you can help with time or skill’s, please contact our Secretary Bill ph. 0428004035

19 Council Chat with Cr David Jones

“Which level of government is responsible?” Considering the often-baffling complexity of our three tiers of government, people generally have a very good understanding of which level of gov- ernment is responsible for what. The Federal Gov covers external things such as passport, foreign affairs, wars and taxes etc. The Fed and the State Governments share health, schools (mainly State) etc. The State runs educa- tion apart from Universities, which is Federal. Arghhhh, well what about Roads, surely this is a Council thing. No, the major motorways are usually jointly funded between the Federal Government and the State, and the local potholes are repaired by Council with both Federal and State funding. In fact, without Federal grants and State funding, our local roads would be hugely underfunded and impossi- ble for Council to fund. We do have a lot of roads compared to inner Sydney Council’s who have greater revenue from rates and smaller geographical areas to cover. So, let’s consider the ‘Bats’ and ‘dredging the river”, surely these are Council responsibilities. Well, for the bats the answer is not really, the legislation and the protection of the bats comes under State and Federal legislation. As to the idea to dredge the river the answer is No, not at all– the river is a State issue. The local member ,who is the Minister for Water- rivers and the Murray Dar- ling Plan is the allocated person . Our council can’t just move the bats on, and we cannot even touch the river. I do find it baffling when asked about the river, the local fishermen know that it’s a State government issue, many having visited the Ministers office, yet still the public cry is to blame the Council, or the ‘Greens’ who have no say what- soever. But wait, there is more. An old saying in local government that ‘all issues are local’. A very good example of this occurred when the Councilors united to fight for the new Hospital to be built on a brand-new site. We were successful and this is where lobbying and advocating for our community never ends. Council is closest to the people and it should be willing to lobby for what the people want. Ummm, so I hope that makes these issues a bit clearer.

20 21

By Heather Campbell Local author Annie Seaton is a prolific writer with many titles to her name. The series that has recently captivated readers is named “The Porter Sisters” books 1 to 4. In Book 1 we meet Ellie Porter, a helicopter pilot working at Makowa Lodge Tourist Re- sort, close to the majestic Kakadu National Park. Ellie’s sightseeing flights include a com- mentary on special sites and local history. During a flight, Ellie notices suspicious activity close to the southern end of the park on the mango farm once owned by her family. Her interest does not go unnoticed and attracts the attention of some unsavoury characters who then threaten her life. Annie raises the issue of illegal exploration and mining activities which threaten the natural environment and she skillfully weaves this int a tale full of suspense, drama and romance. Book 2, “Daintree” follows the life of Ellie’s sister, Dr Emma Porter. Once again Annie draws our attention the ever present danger posed by human greed to native flora, fauna and avifauna who call this area home. In Book 3, “Diamond Sky” we meet the third sister, Dru Porter, an engineer employed at the Matsu Diamond Mine in the East Kimberley. Dru is a loner, who is fighting her own demons and is inadvertently drawn in- to an investigation when it is discovered that diamonds are being illegally re- moved from the supposedly theft proof mine and sold overseas. She be- comes a target for the thieves and her life is in danger. We have met three Porter sisters and their mother Sandra. But is there an- other sister? Book4, “Hidden Valley” is also a gripping, engaging story. It is set on a remote in the Northern Territory. The common thread is the exploitation, destruction and preservation of our precious natural envi- ronment. Annie is a meticulous and dedicated researcher. She writes about speaking with locals and weaving historical facts into her stories. If you are interested in environmental issues and enjoy suspense, drama and romance this series will entertain and enlighten you.

22 23 Colouring Our Minds By Beverly Gibbs

How do you feel wandering through our cool green rainforests or walking by our blue rivers and ocean? Do you feel like you live in ‘Nambucca Heaven’ as one of our locals, Helen, said when she moved here from the south? Many people don’t realise the affects that contact with our natural environ- ment has on their long-term health and well -being. A lot of research is being undertaken on the effects of blue and green spaces in our living environments. Living in dense overly populated urban areas not only leads to greater numbers of people experiencing mental health disorders but peculiarly, they may have fewer social supports. Many people feel less stressed when closer to nature but can’t describe why this is so! Is it intuitive- have you ever felt the ‘call of the sea’? Living near water can be beneficial to our general and mental health. Why is this so? Perhaps green and blue spaces lead people to live a more out- door life. Maybe the ebb and flow of the tides leads to thinking outside our- selves, and sunshine exposure to better Vitamin D levels. Being in tune with nature can lead many to less rumination in their thinking patterns and a higher connection to spirituality. In many cultures, water has been seen as sacred, a ‘symbol of life’ with life giving powers. How lucky we are to have both green and blue spaces in the Nambucca Valley. Cities need to consider incorporating more blue water and green spaces into their designs for better health outcomes for all. As Emily Bronte said, ‘I’ve dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas: they’ve gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind.’ (Wuthering Heights, 1847)

24 Nourishing Nambucca By Beverly Gibbs

On a recent visit to the main street of Nambucca, I found a tasty delightful breakfast. At Earthbound Bowra Café, the menu choices are worth the wait. The Tabbouleh Eggs on offer delivered a sensation of flavours. From the sprinkled dukkah over the beauti- fully formed poached eggs to the cauliflower tabbou- leh enhanced with lemon, pomegranate and all spice, which gave it a special lift. All of this with the added excellent service from our locally employed youth makes this a great venue.

COFFS HARBOUR OFFICE SUPPLIES Deliver to Nambucca Heads and Macksville daily. Free delivery for orders over $50! Let our friendly team handle all your printing, toner, stationery and office fur- niture needs. SALES . SERVICE. SUPPORT. Phone 02 6652 1599 today

25 A Note from the Editors - “From Little Things Big Things Grow” The idea for this community newsletter was born across a coffee table shared by two con- cerned friends. They asked where is the grass- roots local news, the stories that interest us and the news of events and meetings that our active citizens want to get involved in? Would there be a market for a newsletter that :-  Is 100 percent local  Is easy to read in a booklet format that fits readily into the hand.  Welcomes local contributions and publicises events? Well, thanks to a grant from the Foundation for Rural Renewal, that concept is now in your hands. After five editions we are pleased to report:  A print run of over 700  Email distribution in the hundreds  A website with growing “hits”. (nambuccacommunitynews.org.au) The response from the community has been overwhelming, people even chase us down the street to voice their appreciation! Their comments include-  Congratulations, your content, concept and communication with the com- munity is commendable.  (From a visually impaired local) I get visitors to read it to me as soon as they arrive. Reading it makes me feel part of the community again.  Congratulations to your team. The newsletter is a great read.  I love the 2NVR program. Now I know what shows are on when.  What’s On is the only way to advertise our activities. Thanks.  Our community service has had new participants since being in What’s On. Thank you this is such a great help to people.  The nursing home residents love it. Good print size and they can hold it in their hands easily.  Can you email it here to me in Victoria? We want to make one just like it! A big thank you to all our advertisers, our amazing team of volunteers and the local community who have welcomed the newsletter so heartily. Don’t forget if you would like a copy emailed or have an article or event news email us at:- [email protected] Download our current and past issues at:- Nambuccacommunitynews.org.au

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27 28 RADIO 2NVR: Ceri Wrobel Come along for the free, family friendly ‘Studio 3 Live ‘ event at 2NVR Studios 834, Rodeo Drive, Tewinga or listen on 105.9fm or stream via www.2nvr.org.au on June 18. These events are held on the 3rd Friday of each month– BYO nibbles and refreshments and be part of the ‘on air’ audience. We will welcome, ‘Looking for Lucy’, Found- ing member - Julie-Ann Glur, who has re- cently settled on the lush Mid North Coast of NSW and over the past 12 months has been performing regularly around the Coffs Coast, presenting her uniquely branded – “Meadow Rock”. We are into Footy Season and the 2NVR Sports Team is keen to keep you up to date on the Sports Show ‘That’s a Wrap’ find them on Facebook @ThatsaWrap2nvr . Game times may vary so follow the page to be ‘on the ball’. As Group 2 juggles their days & times, ‘That’s a Wrap’ can be streamed via www.2nvr.org.au by clicking on the button‘ Sport Stream Here’ or the Lis- ten Now button for normal program steaming. 2NVR has recently welcomed new Trainee Presenters, who you will hear over the airwaves, as they gain ex- perience and take on their own shows. If radio interests you contact Nuke– M: 0408 696 184. Studio: 026564 7777.

ACTIVITIES AT THE SENIORS 11 Kent Street Nambucca Heads Mondays: Computer assistance Drop in 9 a.m. to 12 noon Tuesdays: Seniors Bingo Cards Lunch Friendship Wednesdays: NVAC Art with David Phone 6655 7550 Wednesdays: 500 with U3A Phone Paul 0414242982 Fridays: Mahjong- 1pm Phone Beverly: 0422331878 Meditation Group with U3A twice monthly Phone Doug 6568 4426 Monthly: Nambucca Valley Orchid Society Phone Graham 6568 8978 We have a spacious modern hall and meeting rooms for hire all with full kitchen and modern facilities including disabled access. All at low rates. Hall Hire phone Rachel 0423092656 or Paul 0414242982

29 Music Trivia (Page 8) answers 1. Baltimore (Chattanooga Choo Choo by Glen Miller and his Orchestra) 2. Shoulders (Hey Jude the Beatles) 3. Faces (Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits) 4. Red (Raindrops by BJ Thomas) 5. Train (Green Green Grass of Home Tom Jones but originally recorded by Johnny Darrell) 6. Corridor (Hotel California the Eagles)

Are you looking for a Flexible Work and Office Space solution? 8M X 4M room available for either short or long term lease. New floor- ing installed and recently painted, this great space includes NBN access, air-conditioning comfort, disabled toilets and access to a modern kitch- en. Disability access ramps have re- cently been upgraded. It is centrally located at 11 Kent Street, Nambucca Heads with parking available at the nearby Seascape Arcade. Telephone Narelle: 0435 054 625 or Craig: 0412 080 287 @Realty

Advertising Charges per issue: Finished Reading 90x90 mm 1/6 page $12 Nambucca Com- 90x180mm 1/3 page $22 munity News? Half Page $32 Full Page $43 Please Email: [email protected] Recycle! Download a copy from our Website: Pass it On! https://nambuccacommunitynews.org.au We welcome articles and news of your community event! Contact our friendly editors.

30 LOCAL TRADES & BUSINESSES LIST YOUR BUSINESS HERE [email protected]

Contact Trisha Herraman today 0439 857 455 or [email protected]. This & That Macksville stock a variety of Let her save you time and give you peace of clothes giftware & homewares including mind by finding the best possible insurance candles incense fashion jewellery bags & cover to suit your needs. footwear. Gift certificates available.

Craig Bellamy and Narelle Harper are your friendly local @realty real es- tate agents specializing in sales and leasing. Phone them on 0412 080 287 or 0435 054 625.

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