A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR…
Gripping. Powerful. Intense. These are the words I used to describe opening night of the latest Ballina Players play “A Few Good Men”. It was one of the best plays I have seen. There are only 4 more performances with the season finishing on April 15th, so get in and book your tickets! We are so lucky to have opportunities for such great theatre so close by.
Another event coming up this weekend is at NORPA – see the details on page 10. The musician and founder of Onyx Productions, Gene Petersen, is one of Lismore Shire’s great success stories – he grew up on a farm between Casino and Lismore and went to Trinity High School.
In the Dec-Jan edition of the Gazette (Issue 164), I mentioned capturing the history of people in our families and in our local communities. Winnie David- son has given me a couple of photos for the Gazette from her own child- hood in the local region. Many of you probably know Winnie, or have seen her in her distinctive little yellow car around Dunoon. I’ve included one of the photos here, and hope to get a story to go with the other photo for the next issue of the Gazette.
Her picture reminded me of one I have of myself on a tricycle taken in the late sixties at my home in Mangere East, Auckland, New Zealand. Just for fun I have included it here – the photos may
be over 35 years apart, but they show how kids don’t really change! Perhaps more of our locals can give us a little of their history through either stories or pictures – if you have one of you, your siblings, or your parents on a tricycle, send it in to get the ball rolling!
On the subject of history, there is a call for assistance with the Richmond River Historical Society on page 7. WIRES needs some volunteers and have some great stories about wildlife, including local Dunoon stories on page 19. The RFS is in need of new members – see page 11. We also have our usual school, preschool and church news on pages 9 and 18.
There is a focus on health on page 16 with an opportunity to join in a study aimed to help people quit smoking. You can also register to host a morning tea for Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event. I will host again this year, so please feel free to come along. I am tentatively plan- ning to hold it on Monday June 11th at 11:00 am, but please call me on 0439 842 237 to RSVP closer to the date as I have a few unknowns in my calendar in the coming months that may cause me to postpone. Holidays are a great way to stay mentally healthy, so you might enjoy reading about Annabelle’s holiday on page 7 or book a cruise of your own with Schirelle (p 16). Perhaps you could go to Port Macquarie to the lovely apartment advertised on this page.
Other articles include Landcare, Papua New Guinea, and a sobering reflection on the plight of refugees in Cisarua, In- donesia on pages 20-21.
The winter season of football has started, so plenty of opportunity for watching football from the Deck of the Club, enjoying the lovely restaurant and bar or cafe food and coffee. Other club news is on pages 12-13.
Enjoy this edition. Until next time.
Bronwen Campbell
DUNOON PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWS
Greetings from Dunoon Public School! It has been a wonderful start to the year for our beautiful school with lots happening in and out of the classrooms.
New Beginnings
This time of year always heralds a new beginning for our Kindergarten students. This year we have welcomed 13 eager young people into our school community, and they have made an amazing start to their school journey!
Our Kinders have individual learning goals, which they are all busily working towards.
Swimming Carnival
We saw an outstanding effort by all of our students at the Dunoon District Swimming Carnival! Standout performances were champions Philippa and Darcy and runner up, Iris. Many students went on to represent the district at the zone carnival.
Year 5/6 Water Quality Day and Camp
Year 5/6 had a fabulous day at Dorroughby Environmental Education Centre learning all about water quality. The students learnt about the impacts of different land uses on the catchment (farming, forestry, urban development) and looked at solutions to help clean up our waterways. They then all had a sleepover at DEEC (and actually got some sleep!).
Check mate!
Four of our chess players represented the school at the Term 1 Gardiner Chess Tournament, held at Woodlawn College. Ben, Robert, Jack and Darius all played really well, and as a team they placed 2nd overall. Ben placed 3rd in the individual awards, winning 6 out of 7 games.
New Pedestrian Upgrade
We are very fortunate to now have a new footpath outside our school. Not only does it look great, it provides a safe area for students and parents to access the school.
Hockey
In Term 1, students enjoyed a hockey program that covered the basic techniques and rules of hockey. Our visiting coach was most impressed with our students’ abilities!
3-6 Cyber bullying presentation
March 16th was the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. In support of this, students from Years 3 to 6 attended an online “virtual class” about cyber bullying. Dunoon Public School stands strong against any kind of bullying, whether it is verbal, social, cyber or physical. Our staff continue to support the well-being of all students in the school through the whole-school “Stop Walk Talk” program and through lessons, conversations and strategies
MODANVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWS WITH ERIN AZZOPARDI
It feels like we only just begun the new school year and it is almost time for school holidays! It has been a busy term with lots going on as usual.
The new year begun with a successful parent information night and welcome BBQ. The new kindergarten students have settled in to school routines and are eager, enthusiastic learners. We are de- lighted at how well they have adjusted to the demands of the school environ- ment.
Our students have been enjoying a spe- cialist basketball teacher coming into the school on a weekly basis as part of the School Sporting Grants. The staff have also been learning new skills to implement in our school sports program.
This term we had students from years 2-6 compete at the Dunoon District Swimming Carnival, with many of our students qualifying to compete at the Zone Swimming Carnival. All of the students that participated made our school very proud.
Earlier this term a group of 5/6 students went to Lennox Head Public School to refine their debating skills. The students formed teams and debated against each other about whether children should be on the internet or not. Guess who won? Students thoroughly enjoyed the experi- ence and have learnt the importance of arguing eloquently.
Our 5/6 students also participated in an excursion to our local high school, Richmond River High School. The students enjoyed a range of activities such as woodwork, agriculture, music and many P.E activities. Our students reported that they loved making a candlestick holder.
Harmony Day was celebrated at our school with students filling out question- naires about their family’s cultural her- itage and identifying these different coun- tries with pushpins on a world map. The students, staff and parents that were present also made handprints that were cut out and created into our ‘Harmony
Tree’ which is on display in the school library. Stories of different cultures were read to the students; a favourite being ‘Mirror’ by Jeannie Baker.
As I write this article there is a buzz of excitement around the school as the students look forward to the Easter Hat Parade and the Easter Egg Raffle. If you have bought a raffle ticket for our Easter Egg Raffle, thank you for your support, and good luck!
The Easter Egg Raffle and the upcoming school disco are initiatives of our excel- lent Student Representative Council. All of our students and staff had the oppor- tunity to vote for responsible students from Years 2-6 to form our SRC. Con- gratulations to all the students who were elected. We think you are doing a great job of making our school a better place.
Erin Azzopardi
GREAT BARRIER REEF WITH ANNABELLE CROW
Cruising to the Great Barrier Reef brings awareness of need to protect it
I recently returned from a week long cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. One of the highlights of my holiday was going on an hour long flight over the Whit- sundays and out to the reef in a small plane. We flew over Hayman Island, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, the 7km long Whitehaven Beach and many reefs, including the “Heart Reef”, so called because of its shape.
Once we saw that, we began to see all all sorts of familiar shapes in the reefs which we started calling “the sunglass- es reef” and “the rocking horse reef”, etc. We were lucky that it was low tide and the whole reef was exposed.
I chose this particular cruise because I had never actually seen the reef except on television shows and there is the risk that the reef may not survive in its present state for much longer. Accord- ing to David Attenborough and marine geologist, Dr Robin Beeman, more than 50% of the reef’s coral has been lost in the last 30 years. When you consider that the reef was formed about 14,000 years ago that’s pretty scary. The Reef is the largest coral system in the world and is a World Heritage site. Why aren’t we doing a better job of protecting it?
Another excursion that was well worth going on was from Cairns up to Kuranda on the Atherton Tablelands. Although I had been to Kuranda 30 years or so ago, this trip was special because after exploring Kuranda I trav- elled on the historic Kuranda Railway back to Cairns, passing through tropical rainforest reminiscent of the still intact parts of our local Nightcap rainforest and over narrow bridges and stunning gorges. As the train has been operat- ing since 1891 I swallowed my fear and put my faith in Queensland Rail. The Barron Falls (where the train stopped so we could take photos) and Stoney Peak Falls were stunning. It was impos- sible to fit the full height of the Barron Falls into one photo!
Annabelle Crow
RICHMOND RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY WITH DENIS MATTHEWS
I would like to write on behalf of the Richmond River Historical Society (RRHS)
I doubt that there is any reader of this Gazette who has absolutely no interest in the history of our district. There are surely many who would like my history of Dunoon to have told more about people than about land, but it was the ownership and occupation of land that attracted my interest in the first place. It was the RRHS that published my book and encouraged me to follow it through with access to the wonderful resources of its archives. Besides the whole story has not been told and maybe one of our readers is going to take up the chal- lenge of giving us a fuller version of our history.
The work of the RRHS depends on volunteers. The society engages some contractors but I do believe it has no employees whatever. Even the cleaner is a contractor. The society’s projects rely entirely on volunteers and there are never enough to do the work involved. I wonder how many of our readers are looking for a rewarding challenge to occupy their spare time. One can hardly find a more interesting challenge than the work of the Society, and there is need for a huge range of skills and in- terests.
Quite recently the museum was a busy space, but in just a few years the number of volunteers has become sadly depleted. My own involvement is acting as editor of the Bulletin which somehow continues to thrive thanks to a small number of contributors and to the pro bono contribution of a wonderfully talented graphic designer who normally works as a professional in the field. While the work of editor can be intense just four times a year I can usually find time to take an interest in some of the wonderful work my associates are doing. Some of them have a wonderful store of knowledge of the history of our district and are prepared to share that knowledge.
But please do not think one has to have the same degree of knowledge as these few to be useful in our Society. Anyone at all who has the desire to help can do great things for our Society. Please give the idea some consideration.
Denis Matthews
DUNOON PRESCHOOL NEWS WITH KATE SCANLAN
The start of 2018 at Dunoon Preschool has been lovely. We have met our new children and their families and everyone is settling in and feeling happy. We are helping all preschoolers to feel comfortable about not having just one “best friend” but rather to include lots of people in their games and have many friends to play different games with at different times.
We had a great working bee in the middle of the term, with lots of handy parent helpers and a lovely little concert and bbq dinner.
We are lucky enough to have some “pets” this term… we have had 3 sets of tadpoles to watch wriggle, eat and eat and eat and then get their back and front legs and finally get big enough to leave the water and hop away.
In the last 2 weeks we have caterpillars. The first lot had been affected by a wasp and so we saw a different “life cycle” to what we expected. The second set are progressing as expected – two are cur- rently in their chrysalis stage and we hope they will transform into butterflies just before the holidays!
Keeping with local wildlife…. we also had a visit from Lyn from Richmond Landcare who told the preschoolers all about our lovely native stingless bees that we have in our back garden. We hope to have our hive split and to taste the honey from the hive next term.
We had another lovely visit from Joanna to share a Yoga Story with us. This time there was a Harmony Day focus with the story of “Handa’s Surprise”. This year at Preschool we celebrated Harmony Day through sharing the joy and diversity of dances from around the world.
Before Easter we had our annual visit to Whian Whian School for their Easter Parade. We always love going on a real live bus (!!) and visiting this school – joining in with craft activities, singing and dancing and of course, an Easter egg hunt! Thanks Whian Whian!
I write this as our Preschool is the Charity of the Day at the Channon Market. We are so lucky to have the op- portunity to be part of this great market and to have the support from the Pre- school Families to be able to run this es- sential fundraiser.
See you next term!!
Kate Scanlan
ST DYMPNA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH NEWS WITH JENNIFER JULEFF
At the moment we are preparing to give the inside of the Church a nice new coat of paint, preparations are under way with the removal of our Holy statues, curtains and many other things that we hold close to our hearts. We are eagerly looking forward to the end result.
If you would like to join us we would very much welcome you into the fold. After Mass we sit and have a chat over a cuppa and lovely homemade cakes and any fresh fruit someone has picked from their trees.
We are hoping for a visit from our new Bishop Gregory and show him our lovely community and village.
Barbie, one of our devoted parishion- ers, goes out three times week and teaches Scripture in our local schools at Dunoon and Modanville then travels into Lismore. If you see her around the school make sure you say a big hello to her.
Hope to see you at church.
Jennifer
LOCAL BAHA’I NEWS WITH BILL HENDERSON
Local Bahá’i New Year party
The Bahá’i New Year falls on the Equinox on March 21, the day when night and day are equal length everywhere in the world. Bahá’is call it Naw Ruz, from the Persian for New Day, and treat it as a Holy Day.
This year the Lismore Bahá’is accepted an invitation from the neighbouring Byron Bay Bahá’is to join in their Naw Ruz celebration, over on the coast.
They’d planned a mid-afternoon picnic and BBQ at Watego’s Beach below the Lighthouse, but on the day rain was threatening. So the party was moved to the Bangalow Heritage House and Café, where the Byron Bahá’is hold an all-welcome multi-faith prayer meeting and morning tea called Soul Food on the third Sunday of each month, from 10:30am to about midday.
The Naw Ruz party starting time was put back to 5pm and after a few prayers we shared a generous potluck dinner at sunset, including delicious home- cooked hot dishes from a number of dif- ferent national cuisines. And local salads and pavlova. Friends of the Bahá’í community had also been invited, and we were glad that some did join in our happy celebration.
Bahá’i Classes continue in six local schools
These are Albert Park, Barkers Vale, Bexhill, Clunes, Coffee Camp and Larnook − the schools where at least a couple of families have asked the school to provide a Bahá’i class for their chil- dren, during the weekly scripture period.
Hardly any of these families identify as Bahá’is, but they do want to help to build a better world, and they believe that the Bahá’i founder Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892) has brought us some useful new guidance from God for this modern age.
Our main focus is on character and be- haviour − knowing about and practising the virtues that make the world a better place for every person that we contact.
Bahá’u’lláh teaches that it is now time for us to go beyond treating others as we wish to be treated. Time to start self- lessly putting others ahead of ourselves.
That’s even better. And harder.
But our classes also introduce and ac- knowledge the other Messengers of God, each one taking His turn to further advance civilisation during the last 5000 years. We call this process ‘God’s pro- gressive revelation to mankind’, and our classes have gladly joined in the recent Christian annual pre-Easter lesson at each of our schools.
Local Bahá’i Devotional meetings
The Lismore Bahá’is hold their prayer meetings in private homes. As with Soul Food in Bangalow, these include prayers selected from all the Holy Books, and everyone is welcome to come and join in and then share a cuppa and chat.
We invite all to attend a monthly devo- tional meeting held in Goonellabah at 3pm on the first Sunday of each month. If you would like details please contact our secretary Melanie on 0434 355 810.
Bill Henderson billh6@bigpond.net.au
LOCAL ARTS AND EVENTS
BALLINA PLAYERS
Ballina Players current production is the court-room drama A FEW GOOD MEN, direct
ed by Mike Sheehan, and once again featuring one of our Dunoon locals.
One of the stars of the 1992 movie was Demi Moore, who played an Internal Affairs Officer at the Judge Advocate General’s Department, Joanne Gallo- way. Jo is an ambitious attorney, and an intelligent woman who knows the truth, but finds it tough when others can’t rec- ognize it. She is a real fiery character who sometimes bites off more than she can chew and gets into trouble when she speaks her mind.
In the Ballina Players production, Jo is played by a local Alstonville High School English teacher, Mel
Strawbridge. Mel joined Ballina Players for the recent 2017 musical Mary Poppins in the chorus, and enjoyed the stage so much and, wanting to expand her acting and drama experience, that she auditioned for the lead female role.
In the play, Jo Galloway plays a defender of Dawson (Liam Gatt) and Downey (Luke Mulder), who are accused of murdering a fellow private at the United States barracks of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Jo is extremely frustrated by the attitude of the lead defender, Daniel Kaffee (played by Dylan Wheeler), who she slowly turns around from a lazy inexperienced court attorney to a passionate believer in Dawson and Downey’s innocence.
Kendrick (played by Dane Bodley) is a strict and arrogant flunky, who berates his platoon leaders and continually draws on the Marine mantra, “Unit, Corps, God, Country!”.
The famous movie of the same name has a script that varies only slightly from the play. It was nominated for 4 Academy awards and 5 Golden Globe awards.
Tickets are available now: online at ballinaplayers.com.au/bookings or; at Just Funkin’ Music in River St, Ballina near the pedestrian lights ($2/ticket booking fee) in person or on 6686 2440.
Season runs from the 6th to 15th April.
NORPA
NORPA presents an Onyx Production
360 ALLSTARS
Friday 13 April, 7:30pm
Saturday 14 April, 2:30pm & 7:30pm NORPA at Lismore City Hall Tickets: $25/$44/$49
Bookings: www.norpa.org.au or call
1300 066 772
Patron Advice: Suitable for ages 5 to 105! Haze & strobe lighting.
A phenomenal physical performance ex- ploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALL- STARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a radical urban circus with a stunning live soundtrack performed by award winning master musician Gene Peterson and freestyle rap prodigy Roman MC.
RURAL FIRE SERVICE NEWS WITH MIKE BERRY
Our Captain Ross McDougall has left the area (hopefully not permanently) to trial a move back to his North Queensland home. Ross has done an outstanding job for the Dunoon RFS over the past 20 years, serving in numerous roles including Captain for at least the past 10 years.
Ross’s departure has left a huge hole in our brigade that will be very difficult to fill but our members stand ready to con- tinue to provide this vital emergency service for our community. We do want to acknowledge and thank Ross for his committed service over many years.
Winter Preparations
Winter is on its way and this is a time of year when the Fire Service see a spike in house and other structure-related fires. Smoke alarms are a critical early warning to a potential disaster so it is important to make sure you have them installed and they are in good working order. Now is the time to check your smoke alarms are operating correctly and replace batteries if necessary. It could just save your life or that of a loved one.
Chimneys can be a potential fire hazard if not checked and cleaned before first lighting with the arrival of cooler weather. Now is the time to have your chimney checked and cleaned so you are ready to go once wintery weather arrives. Also checking the operation of other equipment such as heaters and electric blankets is important at this time of year.
Fire Hydrants
The Dunoon Fire Brigade did a spot check on a number of fire hydrants around Dunoon in recent weeks and the results were somewhat disturbing. Some hydrants were difficult to find, some were hard to open and many were found to be full to the top with compacted red dirt once opened. A few could not be located at all because they are hidden in gardens or entirely covered by grass.
Fire hydrants are identified by the blue reflective marker located in the middle of the road with a yellow painted triangle that points to the location the hydrant. Hydrants are mostly located on the nature strip or even inside the boundary of indi- vidual properties.
Hydrant lids are painted yellow and sometimes marked with a post with the letters HP (Hydrant Path) or HR (Hydrant Road) to indicate their lo- cation. Residents can play their part by keeping these essential water access points clearly visible for emergency service use if required.
It would be helpful if you could locate the nearest hydrant to your home or business premises and keep the lids clear of overgrowing gardens, grass, dirt, gravel etc that make them difficult to find, particularly at night. If you think you have the ability to open the lid and check to see if they are full of dirt that would be helpful as well. You could either remove the dirt yourself or if that is not possible then let the Fire Service know your hydrant needs attention. Hopefully neighbours can work together to check their nearest hydrant as often as possible.
We have contacted Council regarding our concerns and I am sure they will undertake some maintenance in coming weeks but this is an ongoing problem and residents can help by keeping clear and easy access to fire hydrants that are located near their property. The follow- ing link will provide more information https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page. php?id=9257
New Members
The Dunoon RFS are always looking for new members so if being part of this es- sential service has been something you would like to try please come along to give it a go. It can be hot and tiring work but the sense of achievement and standing within the community is very rewarding.
An initial introduction to what is in- volved can be provided at a local brigade level and if you decide it is something
you would like to pursue you can un- dertake the Basic Fire Fighter course that will allow you to attend incidents. After that you can simply remain a basic fire fighter or undertake a range of spe- cialist training courses such as Village/ Advance Fire Fighting, Breathing Ap- paratus, First Aid, Chainsaw Operator, Crew Leader, Air Support, Rural Fire Driver to name just a few.
We meet at the Fire Shed in Munro Road every Wednesday night from 7:00pm so simply come along or give Mike Berry a call on 0414 764360 to discuss. Don’t delay; act now, we need you.
End of Fire Danger Period
The Fire Danger period ended on 31/03/2018. Although permits are not required after this date please be aware you still have legal obligations for any fire you light.
You must advise the Northern Rivers Fire Control Centre on 66630000 and your neighbours at least 24 hours before you light up. Always be aware of fore- cast weather conditions – not just when you light a fire but also what may develop at any time your fire will be alight.
In an emergency call 000.
Mike Berry
DUNOON & DISTRICT SPORTS & RECREATIONAL CLUB – www.dunoonclub.org.au
Since mid 2017 Andrew Hicks and I have been running Thursday night raffles at the Club to raise enough money to buy a P.A. system. For those who don’t understand musician talk this is a complete sound system including amplifiers, speakers, microphones, etc. To date we have raised about $1800.
I am pleased to say that we have just purchased the first component in the system – a 16 channel mixing desk – at just under $700 delivered. Next will be two P. A.s – speaker and amplifier units.
Having this quality equipment will mean that visiting bands and musicians can possibly be hired at a lower cost and we will have a decent microphone and speaker system for in-house announcements, badge draw, etc.
Thank you to all the people who have supported us by buying raffle tickets. We still have a little way to go but we are within sight of the end!
Annabelle Crow
PLUCKERS & POETS
2nd Sunday of each month Starting @ 3pm
FREE TRIVIA AND BINGO
Bingo 1st and 3rd, Trivia 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month Starting @ 6:30pm
TRIVIA AFTERNOON
3rd Saturday of each month
Starting @ 3pm
THE DECK RESTAURANT OPENING HOURS
Until further notice, the club and restaurant will be open from 9am to 7pm on Sundays.
Weds 6-8pm Thurs 5-9pm Fri 6-9pm Sat 12-8pm Sun 9am-7pm
Meals including Pizza home delivery Weds only. Sunday lunch is a roast
For Club Bus information and bookings, please call 6689 5444
Friday Nights available for bookings thanks to Robert volunteering as Driver – call the club on 6689 5444
Otherwise only available for group booking. May be hired for excursions or attending events.
DUNOON & DISTRICT SPORTS & RECREATIONAL CLUB – www.dunoonclub.org.au
PAPUA NEW GUINEA WITH CHARLES BETTERIDGE
EARTHQUAKES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA 2018
In the February/March issue of the Dunoon Gazette my item covered an “Unstable Papua New Guinea
“ and on the 24th February the High- lands regions of PNG became very unstable indeed when 10 earthquakes struck on that same day. For many days after the Highlands area of PNG was continually struck by earthquakes .
During my time of working in PNG for thirty years 1960 – 1990 for Burns Philp/Ela Motors in many parts of the country I only experienced round twenty quakes in all those thirty years and most of them were up in the High- lands of PNG.
I spent nearly four years in Mount Hagen (1979 – 1983), altitude 5,600 feet, as branch manager of Ela Motors and during that time I visited the Eastern, Western and Southern High- lands and saw for myself the rugged- ness and beauty of the country and nat- urally visited many villages at the same time. Yes, we felt a few quakes while up in the Highlands but there was only minor damage to the villages and the roadways etc. – nothing like what has been happening now.
The quakes that have hit PNG in late February/early March this year (2018) up in the Highlands have been most unusual in the large number that have occurred in such a short time frame. I recently installed a computer pro- gramme of “Interactive Map of vol- canoes world wide and recent earth- quakes”. This map shows all the volcanic action going on (or at idle) plus all the earthquakes that are hap- pening around the world. There are several Geo Satellites in orbit picking up earthquakes and volcanic move- ments using UTC (United Time Clock time) and it shows the exact date, time, location, magnitude and depth of the quakes.
An earthquake would read for example, Sun, 4 Mar. 20:24.03 UTC, M4.9/10.0 km 114 km WSW of Mendi, Papua New Guinea. -6.4969/142.6661 USGS.
This translates as follows; Sunday, 4th March, 8.24 PM and 3 seconds UTC time, Magnitude 4.9 and 10 km below earth surface, 114km West South West of Mendi, Papua New Guinea, -6.4969/142.6661 (Longitude/Lati- tude), USGS (United States Geo Satellite).
When the quakes first started on Satur- day 24th February, I only wrote down on paper the days and dates and the number of quakes but not the mag- nitudes and location in PNG but by Tuesday 27th February I was able to download all the data. The print-outs showed not only PNG but every other country in the world and believe me I was quite stunned to see how many other earthquakes were going on in other parts of the world. Add to that the number of active (and inactive) volca- noes world wide (including PNG) and the fact that this is going on 24 hours a day – when I put it all together on my computer screen it shows how volatile earth is.
To put the full data of each quake would take many more pages but on average the quakes were around 10 km deep but there were a few “unusual” ones among them all. For instance: Tuesday 27 Feb. at just on midnight PNG time a 5.3 magnitude quake hit at surface level yet just 8 seconds later a magnitude 4.9 struck 10 km deep and 11 minutes later another quake was 116 km deep!! 98% of the quakes were hitting the High- lands regions.
On Thursday 1st March two quakes hit the Saidor area in Madang Province just 5 seconds apart. The first quake was 111 km deep and the second 100 km deep.
During Monday 5th March only three quakes occurred, but on the very next day a total of 17 quakes occurred, one of which was a larger 6.7 quake which struck at about 13 minutes past midnight PNG time. That would have caused even more death and destruction to the Highlands areas. The big ques- tion is, what is next?
Is it possible that with all these earth- quakes happening in PNG they could set off some volcanic chain reactions? PNG has numerous volcanoes includ- ing a few up in the Highlands. Most of these are close to “The Ring of Fire”, a giant tectonic plate that runs from Alas- ka’s western side, down past the west coast of the USA (where San Francisco is) then down past the west coast of South America and downwards towards the top of Papua New Guinea, then up past the Phillipines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan and up past the east coast of Russia to near the North Pole. It is this huge tectonic plate moving now and then that causes these quakes.
From Saturday 24th February to 11th March (16 days) a total of 141 earthquakes struck Papua New Guinea ranging in magnitude from 4.7 to 7.6
Australia and New Zealand have sent cargo planes carrying food, water, medical supplies, tents, blankets etc.
New Zealand had also recorded 43 minor quakes in just two days on 11th and 12th March.
Yes, Papua New Guinea is a very vola- tile country especially when it comes to earthquakes and large volcanic erup- tions. Rabaul township for example sits inside a large volcanic caldera which is still active from time to time – but only minor, for now!
There is some information available on the extent of the damage in PNG and the humanitarian aid provided by Australia at http://dfat.gov.au/crisis-hub/ Pages/papua-new-guinea-earthquake. aspx
Charles Betteridge
YOUR HEALTH
DO YOU WANT TO QUIT SMOKING?
In New South Wales, those who reside in outer regional, remote or very remote areas (19.9%) or inner regional locations (17.6%) have higher smoking rates than their counterparts who live in a major city (14.1%).
Dunoon is located in the Lismore Local Government Area and has a higher proportion of smokers (estimated 18.5 per every 100 people) compared to the national average of 16.1 per 100 people. Therefore it is important that smoking cessation services are provided to smokers residing in regional and remote areas and that’s what this study aims to achieve.
Real-time video communication, along with telephone support and written materials may be options that smokers are willing to use to assist them to quit or change their smoking habits.
Currently the Quitline offers telephone support or written materials but does not offer people the option of receiving video support sessions delivered via platforms such as Skype or FaceTime. If this study finds that video support sessions assist smokers to quit then a video communication support strategy could be another option Quitlines offer as part of their services.
This study conducted Dr Tzelepis colleagues and from the University of Newcastle offers those in regional and remote areas, including Dunoon either video support sessions (via Skype, FaceTime or other form of video communication), telephone support calls or written materials to assist them to quit smoking or change their smoking habits. The study requires the completion of a 2 minute eligibility survey, a 10 minute baseline survey and a 4-, 7- and 13- month 10 minute follow up survey. Participants randomised to telephone or video support will also receive 4-6, 15 minute support calls.
For more information and to join the study, Dunoon (and district) residents can go to the website:
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/ research/quit
Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
When: Official date is Thursday 24 May 2018 but you can register to host an event at any time from now until June
Who: For North Coast and Northern Rivers residents can register to host a morning tea and gather friends, family or colleagues to share a cuppa and show support to people affected by cancer
Register: Call 1300 65 65 85 or visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
LANDCARE WITH EMMA STONE
Water, Weeds and Wonder in Whian Whian
March 2018
There is a change in the air in Whian Whian, and it smells rather good.
If you haven’t noticed it yet, all you need to do is follow your nose down to the Whian Whian Falls, and you’ll catch a whiff of freshly turned soil, with satisfying notes of decaying weeds and the heady flush of sap in the new growth of several hundred rainforest saplings.
You guessed it, Whian Whian Landcare have been at it again.
This new Landcare site – visible from Whian Whian Road is just one compo- nent of a new project the group is cur- rently undertaking. ‘Healthy catchments and improved water quality in the upper Wilsons River catchment: Riparian and catchment restoration and soil conserva- tion in Whian Whian’ (the project) deliv- ers a comprehensive range of on-ground and community capacity building out- comes aimed at increasing riparian and catchment restoration, soil conserva- tion and community engagement in the Whian Whian locality of NSW.
Supported by North Coast Local Land Services with funding provided by the National Landcare Program and imple- mented in partnership with Richmond Landcare Inc, this project employs a combination of; on-ground vegetation restoration activities, soil conservation and erosion mitigation, water quality monitoring, and community capacity building activities to improve the health of the catchment and its people.
In 2017, Whian Whian Landcare got to- gether with the regional network group, Richmond Landcare, and dreamed up a project that ticked all the boxes. “We could see that poor water quality, de- clining riparian vegetation condition and soil erosion are priority issues for the Whian Whian area, so we wanted to build a project that would both address these issues, and engage and upskill the community while we were at it” said Whian Whian Landcare’s coordinator Emma Stone.
The Richmond Catchment received on overall ‘D+’ health rating in the 2014 ecohealth check, putting its health among the poorest in the state. The same report card delivered Rocky Creek (downstream of the sites) an overall rating of ‘B-’, with water quality at this site a ‘C’. Active restoration of riparian zone vegetation and reducing diffuse sources of fine sediments and associ- ated nutrients is identified as a long term action for improving the condition of the river system.
The latest activity of the project was a community tree planting event at the group’s new work site on land managed by project partner Rous County Council at Whian Whian Falls. With 24 people attending and 250 trees planted, the site will be the focus of the group’s work on public land for the next few years. The project also features a water quality monitoring program being con- ducted with Whian Whian and Dunoon schools; erosion control and soil conser- vation works on macadamia farms, edu- cational workshops for landholders, and on-ground restoration of riparian vege- tation condition on properties bordering Rocky and Branch Creek tributaries.
“The project has been a great success, due in no small part to the stellar efforts of the Whian Whian Landcare commit- tee and the willingness of committed landholders. Whian Whian continues to punch above its weight as a local Landcare group, they really are leaders in our region” said Richmond Land- care Coordinator Hannah Rice-Hayes.
The next project activity will be a public event at a macadamia farm in May, ad- dressing erosion control. You can find out more about the project by following updates on the Whian Whian Landcare Facebook Page https://www.facebook. com/whianwhianlandcaregroup .
For more information contact: Hannah Rice-Hayes, Richmond Landcare Inc 02 6619 0115 landcare.support@ richmondlandcare.org or Emma Stone, Whian Whian Landcare, whi- anwhianlandcare@gmail.com
With generous support from NSW Local Land Services and the National Land- care Program:
ST. MATTHEW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH NEWS WITH ‘GINA MURRAY
What is happening at the Anglican Church of St.Matthew’s
After having January without services, we got the year off well with services as normal (10.00 am every Sunday) in February and on 25th February we had a combined service in Lismore before the Parish Annual General Meeting.
On the evening of March 2nd members of St Dympna’s Church and others joined us in St Matthew’s to present ‘The World Day of Prayer’ Service.
The World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement dating back to the 19th Century which brings together Christian traditions for an annual day of worship and prayer. On the first Friday in March each year more than three million people (including our few in Dunoon) in over 170 countries join in a service prepared by the WDP Committee of a different country to celebrate both our unity in Christ and our diversity in culture.
This year, the Service had been prepared by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Suriname. We learned about the plight of women and children in Suriname and we were told us some facts and given information about how Christianity has been able to strengthen the resolve of the people there. It was a very informing and interesting service.
The money given that evening in Collection has been forwarded to The World Day of Prayer Committee. The World Day of Prayer, Australia
offerings are used to provide grants to various women and children’s programmes. Each country’s committee is responsible for determining the use of the offering as it relates to the theme for each year.
The supper afterwards was to our normal standard and the fellowship as well as the good tucker made for a very interesting conclusion to the evening.
Some members of St Matthew’s formed a lenten study group which met every Thursday evening during Lent. The programme was based on the movie ‘The King’s Speech’ and it was very thought provoking. It will, hopefully, be very valuable to those who took part.
The group will re-convene after Easter and continue their study of ‘Revelations’ on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm in the Church.
We held our Anglican Women’s Guild Annual General Meeting at the beginning of March. Needless to say, all the office bearers stayed the same and we continue on doing the best for our beautiful church.
Don’t forget, normal services are every Sunday at 10.00am and Guild meets every three months.
Love to see you at Church sometime!
‘Gina Murray, Anglican Women’s Guild of St. Matthew’s, Dunoon
WILDLIFE INFORMATION, RESCUE AND EDUCATION SERVICE NEWS
Wires needs more members in the Dunoon area
With such rich biodiversity in the Dunoon area, WIRES is regularly re- ceiving calls about injured or orphaned birds and animals – like this Eastern Whipbird chick that was rescued from Dunoon earlier in the year. It was taken into care for 24 hours to ensure it was well and hydrated before being returned to its family the following day.
One of the delights of being a wild- life carer is reuniting chicks with their parents. In this case, this cute little chick’s mum, dad and a sibling were skipping around in the bushy under- growth and making their wonderful whip noise. It was a very happy reunite for the WIRES bird carer.
In March, this Mountain Brushtail possum, now named Rocket, was found all alone on the side of the road at Dunoon. Weighing just 230g, she is now in care with one of WIRES specialist possum carers.
Delightful as it is to rescue and care for birds, possums and gliders, macro- pods (kangaroos and wallabies), small mammals, echidnas and reptiles, not everyone has the time or space to take on caring roles. However, there are many valuable ways you can help.
WIRES makes the most of its members’ skills and interests in roles as diverse as administration, sewing, building and catering, fundraising and education ac- tivities with schools and community groups. In the Northern Rivers some WIRES members answer calls from the public via our 24-7 Hotline. Volunteer- ing for 2-4 hours a week is a great way of contributing from the comfort of your own home.
You can start training to become a WIRES member AT ANY TIME with the WIRES Rescue & Immediate Care Course. You can commence the online (or booklet) course at any time and then sign up for a face-to-face practical workshop, next held in Lismore on May 27th and September 23rd.
Give us a call on 66281898 for more information about what being a WIRES member is like, and how you can join and contribute. You can also find out more at https://www.wires.org.au/ rescue/Become-a-rescuer
Small Mammals
Have you seen a “mouse”? Disturbed a “rat”? Don’t assume that the animal is a feral pest. There are numerous small Australian mammals which can be easily mistaken for rats and mice, and they often are friends rather than foes.
For example, this melomys which has only just opened its eyes, is some- times known as a mosaic- tailed rat, and is an Australian native rodent.
There are a number of species in the Northern Rivers, including the Grass- lands and the Fawn-footed melomys.
The native Bush rat lives in eucalypt and rainforests and eats insects, fungi, seeds roots and plant stems. In the North- ern Rivers we also have the Swamp rat and the Water rat. These shy creatures rarely move in to human houses, but are
sometimes found around sheds and rural properties. The New Holland mouse (listed as vulnerable) is similar to the introduced House mouse but does not have a pungent odour.
We also have a number of species of An- techinus in Northern NSW; the Brown, Dusky and Yellow-footed as well as the Black-tailed antechinus that was first discovered in the Border Ranges in 2014. Together with Planigales (which are listed as vulnerable to extinction), these small marsupials are often mistak- en for mice. Being carnivores, they eat insects such as cockroaches, so are great inhabitants around your house.
It can be difficult to identify these species of small mammals, particularly when they are young. Please be careful when dealing with mice and rats around your home as you could be accidentally killing protected native wildlife.
A very different echidna bin
People are often surprised to know that echidnas are very good climbers. With each spine controlled by a separate muscle they can scale fences and push their way past many obstacles. Wildlife carers need special, deep tubs and en- closures when they rescue or care for an echidna so that they don’t escape.
When WIRES received a call from Peter at Dalwood they discovered an echidna that had definitely met its match. An echidna had fallen several metres down into a Macadamia hopper and definitely could not get out.
The WIRES rescuer climbed down a ladder into the macadamia bin to wrestle with this strong animal and carry it back up the top (see photo on front page).
The echidna is very lucky to have been spotted by Peter and to have survived the ordeal. It should make a speedy re- covery before being returned to its home on the macadamia farm.
Contact WIRES for rescues, advice or enquiries. The 24-hour hotline is for all calls to WIRES in the Northern Rivers – 6628 1898. www.wiresnr.org
VISIT TO CISARUA – A PERSONAL REFLECTION WITH KAY DOUST
A personal reflection on a visit to Cisarua with Mozhgan Moaref and friends from Refugees and Asylum Seekers Information Centre. 31st January 2018.
Today I visited some families living in the Cisarua Refugee community. It was both a joyful and disturbing experience.
We arrive in Bogor in the hallmark heavy traffic of Jakarta and environs. We are here to deliver the monthly care packages for the families. The packages contain items for personal hygiene and are tailored to men, women and children individually. Mozhgan purchases items from donations received. Mozhgan observes that skin conditions have re- solved considerably after the introduc- tion of the care packages.
Cisarua is a small town nestled in the mountainous region above Bogor, outside Jakarta. Locals tell me it rains every day and the damp conditions create mould problems in the houses here. The air is slightly cooler and less humid than Jakarta.
The first house we visit is a simple home with two main living areas, around 4 bedrooms and a small kitchen area. There are a couple of simple bathrooms. The tenants have to pay a yearly rental equivalent to $4000 AUD along with a payment of $1100 AUD to local authori- ties to be able to live there.
We are warmly welcomed. Mozhgan is clearly respected by the people in the home. The household is dominated by women. Most of the women are Hazaras from Afghanistan and several Ethio- pian women. The household has just welcomed two young Ethiopian girls who had nowhere to go and no support. The eldest is 21, she has her 16 year old sister with her. They are unaccom- panied. The Ethiopian women speak Arabic or Oromo language. The Hazara women speak or understand Farsi or Dari language. One of the Hazara family groups have their brother with them. Mozhgan tells me there have been some problems as he tried to assert au- thority over his sisters as is the custom in Afghan society. His sisters resisted.
There is one married couple living there. The husband is our guide, he is warm and open. He was a me- chanical engineer in Afghanistan. His wife can move freely un- accompanied in the community. There is a relaxed and happy mood in the home with laughter and coopera- tion.
It hasn’t always been this way. When the group started to live together each family group kept to them- selves, did not mix or share resources. Mozh-
gan’s mother has been a positive influ- ence and an agent for change. A refugee herself, she regularly spends time in the household, bringing a lifeline of gro- ceries weekly that she and Mohammad purchase in Cisarua and distribute, only made possible by donors in Jakarta. She talks with the families and teaches sewing and quilt-making. Mozhgan and her family are remarkable.
Some of the Hazara women make beau- tifully embroidered cushions, the in- tricate patterns all from memory. The women have all worked hard to prepare a feast. We sit on rugs on the floor and share a delicious Hazara meal. Freshly made yoghurt, delicious chicken and vegetables in a delicious sauce, fresh tomato and cucumber, rice and flat bread.
Patrick, a volunteer local GP does health checks and writes prescriptions if required.
We make our farewells and drive to another area in Cisarua. On the way Mohammed, Mozhgan’s brother stops at a house to deliver CARE packages but we can’t visit there as one of the children has contracted hepatitis and tu- berculosis.
We walk down the tiny laneways through puddles and past open drains. There is still water everywhere. We meet a family living in a tiny room ap- proximately 3m x 4m. It is neat and tidy. There is a boy around 8 and a girl around 6 and they have a little sister who is 6 months old. She was born on the floor of the room, her mother was unattended during the birth. The children look healthy and their mother is engaged and charming.
The father’s anguish is palpable. He doesn’t smile, he seems tired and far away. He answers questions politely but I can see this is difficult. His gracious wife makes sweet fragrant cardamom tea. She seems to genuinely enjoy the company. I ask whether the children go to school at the refugee learning centre but they cannot afford the regis- tration fee and the waiting list is long. The family fled Kabul and increasing violence. They paid $4500 each to the people smugglers, they sold everything. The smugglers said they would be sup- ported during the “three weeks or so re- settlement” process in Indonesia. They were promised heaven and delivered hell. They have no money, friends have banded together to rent the small room for them, there is nothing to do and no education for the children. They have been in Indonesia six months.
We thank the family and move on, as we walk by another couple invite us in to their home also but we have two more visits planned and must keep going.
We greet another Hazara family who have been here around 11 months. There is a husband and wife and little girl around 2 years old. The child has been unwell so Patrick checks her over.
The family fled a regional city near Kabul. They have always experienced discrimination. The Taliban says that killing one hazara is worth seven others and a pass into heaven. They sold eve- rything to leave. A short time later the borders closed and their friends who couldn’t get out have been killed.
There is no going back. A visitor paid their rent for the month but like the other families there is nothing left and they must rely on others for their exist- ence. The husband patiently answers questions while the wife listens from the bedroom doorway. He was a teacher and delivery driver. He has the same empty resignation we saw in the last home. He smiles weakly and Mozhgan tells me the family had no food for days and finally rang in desperation for help last week; he was deeply ashamed. We ask if we can have a photo, the wife asks her hus- band’s permission. She is not permitted to leave the immediate village. The wife bids me fare- well, smiles, holds my hand and says to me ‘’mother’’ in solidarity with her.
We move on to our final visit. We climb a precariously steep flight of stairs to the small upstairs apartment with two bedrooms. The family are not Hazara but another ethnic minor- ity. They fled Kabul with the increasing bombings and violence. They are Shia and not considered muslims by the Taliban. They paid $19,000 to escape with the same promise for quick reset- tlement and support in the interim.
The husband is outgoing and person- able, he is a good language scholar. He comes from a family of rugmakers. His wife is shy, she greets us, then makes herself scarce.
There are three boys in the family, the two younger children attend the local refugee learning centre and are excel- lent students. They
dream of becoming a pilot and a doctor. Father motions me to the older child in the bedroom. He lies on a mattress, his eyes track involuntarily and he grasps my hand when I offer it. He makes un- intelligible sounds. In Kabul he was nearby when a suicide bomber exploded. He was in a coma for 3 days and woke up this way. He was also a bright student, now he suffers incontinence and sei- zures. His family brought him with them from Kabul. His medication is paid for by a buddhist organisation. The wife constantly cares for the family and disabled child and she is experiencing foot problems. Her life is constrained within the walls of the apartment. She brings us tea and sweets and slips back into the kitchen.
There is no agency for any of these fam- ilies, only utter dependency. Forbidden to work with no access to any unpaid medical care or education support. There is a world weariness amongst the men and a meekness amongst some of the women. Their situations are unsustainable.
Mozhgan believes it is the basic simple things that combine to make a difference to their lives, the things we all take for granted; she works hard to bring some normality to day to day life.
The tragedy of the situation is the utter waste of these lives. From my perspec- tive, as an outsider it feels as though the world has forgotten these people or perhaps they are just invisible. Hidden away amongst the alleys and lanes, they barely exist.
Kay Doust
To find out more, or ways to donate,
visite www.raicindonesia.org