Heartbeat Bangalow’s
free l may 2013 No.169 l Celebrating the Life and Times of the local Community
What weir wanting? Our iconic weir is crumbling and we must take action NOW. Council needs to hear what the citizens of 2479 want. This picture represents a glorious option where the creek flows freely and the waterhole invites. What do you think? Read our report on page 18 and become a stakeholder in the solution.
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editorial This month, as always, we were fortunate to receive articles and notices from a wide range of our community contributors. See, for example, the weir stories, the gardening column and the book reviews. Many thanks, and keep it up! The team’s contributions include a feature on two of our dedicated Billycart Derby volunteers, a follow up on the ViA Byron tourism campaign, the co-op retail model in Bangalow and profiles of several local community members. Historians in town would have noticed an error in the Leslie Street article in the April issue. The hotel on the corner of Gran-
• Any problem fixed fast • No call out fees • Great deals on new PC’s
uaille Road and Leslie Street did not burn down but was demolished in the 1960s. Please see the weir article on page 18 which outlines options for repair and introduces a new vision for this area. Email editors@heartbeat.net.au with your ideas or write to P.O. Box 132 Bangalow NSW 2479 by 15 May 2013. Responses will be collated and forwarded to Byron Council. Many thanks to Jessica Ure, a visitor from the UK, for the illustration of her ‘vision’ for our May cover. And the answer to our April mystery photo was Killen Falls, off Friday Hut Road, Brooklet. Di Martin
meet the team
t: 6687 5573 or 6681 5575
Ruth Kirby Assistant editor
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Ruth retired to beautiful Bangalow in 2010. Fortunately for her it was a time of change of editorship for Heartbeat and she was able to become an assistant for new editor Di Martin. This introduced her to an instant group of friends who made life in a new town much easier. Ruth and husband Phil, who both lived their childhood years on sheep properties in Queensland, had previously lived for 30 plus years in Brisbane, bringing up three children. Any ‘spare’ time was spent teaching science, and then later English as a Second Language to delightful migrant children in various high schools. Now it’s grandchildren and, for contrast, armed combat against www.heartbeat.net.au the dreaded Madeira vine.
B A N G A L OW ’ S H E A R T B E AT
For the
Brian Sundstrom Journalist
PO Box 132 Bangalow NSW 2479 Editors: Dianne Martin 6687 2592 Ruth Kirby Email: editors@heartbeat.net.au Advertising: Janelle Saunders 0422 069 861 advertising@ www.heartbeat.net.au Email: advertising@heartbeat.net.au heartbeat.net.au PO Box 132 Bangalow Production: allieleo@bigpond.net .au
bangalow’s heartbeat
Brian moved to Bangalow eight years ago, escaping the cold winters of Armidale. A career in farm advisory work, which included writing newsletters etc, prepared him somewhat for his journalistic role in Heartbeat. He also arranges distribution of the 2,300 copies of our magazine circulated in 2479 postcode each month. He continues some work in agriculture, assisting the local Farmers Markets assure their produce is local. There is just time left for some bushwalking, golf, tennis, bridge, wine club and some travel. Keeping in touch with two daughters and three grand daughters, and doing the garden jobs ordered by wife Judy, Team: Judy Baker, Marika Bryant, Tony Hart, Lyn areEditorial added pleasures.
Plummer, Brian Sundstrom, Christobel Munson Sub Editor: Helen Wilson Distribution: Bangalow Post Office, Brian Sundstrom, Peter Bradridge Web Pages: Wendy Gray Brian Sundstrom Accounts: Rob DISCLAIMER. Campbell This newsletter is published by Bangalow’s Heartbeat Incorporated PO Box 132 NSW 2479. Distribution: Bangalow P.O., Neville Chariman: Maloney Hon. Editors Dianne Martin, Ruth Kirby, Hon Sec/
Brian Sundstrom, Peter Ad Production: Allie Leo NSW 2479 Public Officer Neville Maloney. Membership is open Bradridge, Neil McKenzie Design: Niels Arup Editors: Dianne Martin DISCLAIMER. This news-letter is published by Bangalow’s Heartbeat Incorporated Boxpostal 132 district. NSW The 2479. to all adult residents of PO the 2479 Website: Joanna Wilkinson Editorial team: Judy Baker, 6687 2592 opinions expressed by individual not Hon Editors Dianne Martin; Hon Sec/Public Officer Helen Wilson. Membership is contributors open to allare adult Rob Campbell Don Brown, MarikaRuth Bryant,Kirby,Accounts: Ruth Kirby necessarily shared by the Editors and other members residents of the ‘2479’ postal opinions contributors not necessarily Chairman: Nevilleexpressed Maloney by ofindividual Sophie Clare, Tony Hart,district. The Email: editors@heartbeat. the Association committee. are While every reasonshared by theRobin Editors and Lyn other members of the Association committee. While every reasonable effort is made Osborne, Plummer, net.au able effort is made to publish accurate information, Bangalow’s Heartbeat Inc. no responsibility Benny Saunders, Sally Cover illustration:toJessica Ure accurate publish information, Bangalow’s Heartbeat Inc. accepts no responsibility foraccepts statements made or for statements made or opinions expressed. Advertising: Janelle Saunders Schofield, Andrea Sturgeon,
opinions expressed.
BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
ready to race
Billycart bales are a safety winner As any F1 follower knows, speed and safety are equally crucial elements, and it’s the same with billycarting, even if the flashest, fastest cart is a far cry from Mark Webber’s Red Bull Renault.
The principles remain the same: getting the chequered flag first, staying in one piece if you crash, and – one for the organisers – keeping spectators safe. Despite the leaps in F1 technology, the design of crash barriers is relatively unchanged, often consisting of a two-row tyre barrier in front of a three-row. At the end of straights, concrete walls are usually deemed the best measure. Ouch. At least recycling is involved (regarding the tyres), and the same can be said for the safety regime at the Bangalow Lions Billycart Derby where protecting drivers and onlookers depends on good old-fashioned bales of hay. Later, these can be used as garden mulch or in the chicken coop. To be accurate, however, they’re not bales of hay, which is a high-quality feed for livestock, but straw, baled from mature setaria grass. The shock absorbing bales are a tried and true way of keeping spectators safe from runaway billycarts, and errant billycart
Ron and Rita Martin baled up
drivers safe from themselves. Enter Ron and Rita Martin, long-time Kyogle cattle farmers and owners of CRT Eden Country Store in the Bangalow industrial estate. On the third Sunday in May for the past eight years, the Martins have come to the potential rescue of competitors and spectators alike by providing, free of charge, around 600 bales of straw to line the village’s main street. “Bangalow is rich in community events, and the Billycart Derby is one of the best of them,” Ron Martin told Heartbeat. “That’s why we’re really pleased to be a part of it.” Straw-lining the main street is itself something of a community undertaking. Although the Martins’ store stocks enough
straw for local needs – selling around 100 bales a week, and 50 of hay – Derby day begins in Casino with a bulk delivery. Early Sunday morning, race day, the Bangalow rugby boys load the bales onto trucks owned by Ballina-based M.E.T. Grono Transport who deliver them – also free of charge - to the racetrack, a.k.a. Byron Street, where volunteers erect the barrier along the course. At day’s end, the bales, hopefully still intact (note to skateboarders: please leave them alone) are taken to the Eden store where they will be sold at a discounted price. The Martins accept that some collateral bale damage is part of the fun, and much better than some damaged human beings. Robin Osborne
Bangalow
The Hinterland Specialists P r o ud t o b e a ma jo r s p o n s o r of the 2013 B a ng a lo w Billy c a rt De rb y !
19a Byron Street, Bangalow www.eldersbangalow.com.au
6687 1500 MAY 2013 MAY 2013
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local news
Bangalow Music Festival We’ve got something very special here. In fact, most of us would agree that there are indeed lots of very special things about Bangalow and its surrounds. But in terms of the Bangalow Music Festival, what would make a composer as renowned as Peter Sculthorpe state that it is “the finest music festival outside of a capital city I have attended anywhere in the world”. Well, the musicians have got to be good. And they are. This year the artists will come from Israel, China, Germany, London, Singapore and, of course, Australia. Jayson Gillham, the boy from Dalby who is now the young man winning piano competitions overseas, is a favourite. The Silver-Garburg Piano Duo is one of the very best in the world. The Southern Cross Solists are seven musicians who receive critical acclaim both individually and as an ensemble. Then there’s a young tenor from Perth who is based at the Met in New York. The list also includes a violinist, a flautist, a soprano, a professor and a string quartet, just to whet your appetite. But what else contributes to make the Bangalow Music Festival special? Apparently, musicians and lovers of good music will come from near and far to enjoy the acoustics of our A&I Hall. Wouldn’t the people behind the building of the hall over one hundred years ago love to know
that. It must be all the pressed metal. Of course, there are other factors contributing to the festival’s success, such as the beauty of the area, the charm of our town, the friendliness of the hosts and the delectable food of our restaurants. You don’t have to be a classical music buff to enjoy the festival. Thursday night, 15 August, will be the Festival Prelude, presented in association with the Bangalow Chamber of Commerce. That’s your chance to sample the weekend’s musical delights, with a concert including both festival and
local northern NSW artists. Tickets for the Prelude will be $30 from Barebones. BMF was launched on Wednesday, 10 April, by festival patron Don Page MP along with Bangalow logistics coordinator Margaret Curtis, president of the Bangalow Chamber of Commerce Peter Mortimore, and creative director and Southern Cross Solist Tania Frazer. Weekend tickets are available from Barebones but individual concert tickets at $50 will be available later. Special packages for locals will be announced shortly. Ruth Kirby
In Harmony Bangalow
CHORALFEST May
11-12
Immerse yourself in a weekend of singing out loud at the third annual In Harmony Choralfest in the picturesque village of Bangalow. With five workshops, choir concerts across three venues, the Big Sing Finale and internationally acclaimed a cappella quartet The Idea of North, this promises to be a weekend that will entertain and uplift you, filling your heart with the joy of singing. Book Online: choralfest.nrcac.edu.au Enquiries: admin@nrcac.edu.au Ph 02 6621 2266
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BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
CSG-Free survey results Not quite final results of the recent survey to find out whether or not residents of Bangalow wanted their land to remain gasfield free indicate that so far, 98 percent of those surveyed responded YES. Surveyors braved the stormy weather early in the year to knock on doors in constant rain, particularly the teams surveying Binna Burra and Friday Hut Roads. The final results will be announced on Sunday, 19 May, Declaration Day, being held to coincide with the Billycart Derby. Nine people from the CSG-free Bangalow team, representing each area surveyed, will take part in the street parade, each wearing yellow rain capes with their area number and will present their survey results to Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson. “One friendly 98-year-old lady resident, who used to run a dairy farm close to Bangalow, said she did not want to see the precious land surrounding Bangalow ripped up by gas wells,” said organiser Bianca Ferrari. “She said she has had a good life, and the beautiful country around Bangalow very much contributed to her happiness. Bianca was very appreciative of the work
done by the surveyors. “I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all surveyors for a great job, giving their time freely and making this happen: enabling the community of Bangalow to head towards our CSGfree Declaration Day. I’d also like to thank residents for their participation.” It’s Bianca’s view that the CSG-free movement’s community survey “creates the opportunity for everyone to have a say as part of a unique grass roots process now claiming the nation. Bangalow will be part of a nation-wide people empowerment ‘peacefully building the greatest social movement this country has ever seen’ (Lock The Gate). Bianca is launching her children’s book Flock the Gate during the celebrations. In this fantasy, native Australian animals are under threat from invasive gas mining activities. Winners of the junior derby finals will receive copies of her book. The CSG-Free Bangalow team is on the hunt for a billycart so it can participate in the event. Please call Bianca Ferrari on 6687 2511 if you can help. Christobel Munson
Wanted: tourism group Bangalow Chamber of Commerce (BCC) is inviting local businesses to form a tourism sub-committee to help access grants from the NSW Government’s Regional Visitor Economy Fund that will be rolled out from July 1. The group will develop a strategy that can be incorporated in the Shirewide destination management plan being developed by the Visitor Industry Association Byron (ViA) and the Council. The fund was announced in early April during a Northern Rivers visit by NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris. It will provide promotional grants over the next three years for Regional Tourism Organisations ($11.1M) and product development and marketing of the regions ($10.5M). “The program has been developed to provide strategic investment into the NSW regional economy on a matched dollar-fordollar basis to deliver products and services that support the doubling of overnight visitation,” the Minister said. “If you have a business in Bangalow, you work in the tourism industry,” said
MAY MAY 2013 2013
Eve Heath, a BCC representative on the ViA board. “Everyone’s input will be appreciated. Government is providing a significant funding pool, and Byron Shire is well placed to be getting a fair share of it.” Mrs Heath stressed the urgency of establishing a tourism group, as ideas need to be fed through to ViA and Council as soon as possible. ViA board president Cameron Arnold agreed, saying the tourism assets of the hinterland – markets, cafes, shops and natural beauty – are central to both the area’s appeal and to a successful destination management plan. Annual visitor statistics provided by the state’s tourism body, Destination NSW, show that Byron Shire averages 434,000 overnight Australian visitors, staying four nights, and 180,000 internationals whose average stay is 6.3 nights. Domestic visitors rate eating out as more popular than beach going, with ‘shopping for pleasure’ fifth on the list of favourite activities. Inquiries about contributing to the Bangalow tourism sub-committee to admin@bangalow.biz. Robin Osborne
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community noticeboard Bangalow Garden Club If you feel fed up with your poorly performing sodden soil in recent months, come along and hear what suggestions Rita from Eden Country Store can make to help your garden bloom again. She is our guest speaker at the next meeting at 1.30 pm on Wednesday, 1 May at the Moller Pavilion. The Saturday Social Garden Visit on May 4 is to an attractive home garden in Cumbalum. Helen Johnston
Spinning and Weaving at the Museum Lismore Spinners & Weavers will be at the Bangalow Museum on Friday, 3 May with displays of their many and varied fibre crafts. The group will have lots of items available for purchase and, with Mother’s Day not too far away, it might be worth a browse – followed by a lovely morning tea at the Tea Room. Also on offer are two workshops on how to make silk paper, which can then be used like fabric for making items such as purses, bowls and notebook covers or for embroidery. Cost is $20 including all materials plus morning/afternoon tea, and bookings can be made by ringing the Bangalow Museum on 6687 2183. Places are limited. Workshop sessions are at 10.30 am and 1.30 pm. For anyone interested in joining Spinners & Weavers
the group meets from 10am on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month at McLeans Ridges Hall, Cowlong Road, McLeans Ridges. Or come along on 3 May and have a ‘fibre yarn’ with our enthusiastic group members. More details on 6622 2252. Dayle Snail
Red Cross Report Our next meeting is on Friday 3 May, 10am in the RSL Hall. At our last meeting we were overwhelmed by our Treasurer’s report detailing the funds raised for this year’s devastating bushfires in the southern states. With the generous contribution of the local community we raised about $1770 from our street stalls and private donation. These monies will be going to the Tasmanian Appeal. While it seems like a long time ago, the effects of these fires are still being felt, with many people living without basic amenities like power and fences. We would like to thank everyone for digging deeply for such an important fund-raising event. We were invited by the RSL to join in the ANZAC march, to promote the work of Red Cross. As usual we participated in the wreath laying, and would like to thank the Wedd family of Coorabell for their generosity in donating buckets of their magnificent dahlia blooms.
They do it every year and their glorious flowers are always a stand-out. The remaining flowers decorated the RSL Hall and were taken to Feros where they gave much joy. Dot Gill
ADFAS After its hugely successful April presentation from Adelaide Art expert, John Neylon, ADFAS Byron Bay and Districts is bringing a star of The Antiques Roadshow to town for its next presentation on Monday, 6 May. Entitled ‘Harlots, Rakes and Crashing China: An Accidental Introduction to Ceramics (with a little nudge from William Hogarth)’, this presentation is expected to deal not just with ceramics but with the observational genius and humour of William Hogarth, 18th century artist and satirist, who poked fun at the world and its foibles.
Lars Tharp (pictured) is a speaker, broadcaster and ceramics specialist who has spent over 20 years on the iconic show as an expert, especially in the work of William Hogarth. He is currently Hogarth curator and ambassador at London’s
superb Foundling Museum, and vice-chairman of The Hogarth Trust. Jill McCann
The Bangalow Business Women’s Breakfast Our next breakfast will be Thursday, 9 May at our new venue at Zentveld’s Pizza and Deli Bar. For details see f a c e b o o k . c o m / B a n g a l o w. Business.Womens.Networking. Eva Heath
Bangalow Land and Rivercare It was decided at the Bangalow Land and Rivercare AGM held on 22 April to keep the group going for one more year due to a recent rise in interest and attendance at working bees. A major working bee will occur on the 2nd Saturday of the month, at which workshops may also be run. Saturday morning working bees at 8.30 am are still mostly centred on the wetland. However, the next major working bee will be Saturday, 11 May at Megan Kearny’s place (Ballina Road) to clear weeds adjoining Stage 2, TBC. Please come along and show your support. Also we desperately need sponsors in order for the group to continue operating. Ring Liz on 6687 1309 or 0403 720 950 for information or download a sponsorship form at bangalowlandcare.org. au. Liz Gander
Heritage House Tearoom open 10am to 3pm Wednesday - Friday Booking (p) 6687 2183
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Access Roads Plant Hire - grader etc Driveway & Car Parks Erosion Control Hot Mix & Bitumen Seal Phone
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Choralfest The third annual In Harmony Bangalow Choralfest is approaching quickly. Five workshops of two hours length will be held on Saturday, 11 May. 10am till 12 noon: Conducting (Brian Martin). 1pm till 3pm: I love singing (Simon Chate); Breathe easy (Imogen Wolf); Choral improvisation (Nicholas Routley); Hear your male voice (Brian Martin). That evening in the Catholic hall, Australia’s premier a cappella quartet Idea of North presents a concert at 5pm. Various community choirs will perform in different halls on Sunday, 12 May at 1pm followed by a Big Sing Finale in the A&I Hall. Bookings can be made online at choralfest.nrcac.edu. au or contact us at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium on 6621 2266 or email admin@nrcac. edu.au. Weekend passes $50. Workshops $20. The Idea of North $25. Sunday passes $10. And as Ella Fitzgerald said, “The only thing better than singing is more singing”. Ruth Kirby
Bowlo news The Bowlo is starting a series of dinner shows entitled A Life in Music beginning on Saturday, 18 May. The first one stars Elvis. Each Life in Music show will have stunning vocal renditions of famous artists’ well-loved songs. A
Life in Music also incorporates images, historical accounts and personal anecdotes about the world’s most beloved singers. Reilly Scholtens
Mobile phone and wifi reception in Bangalow If you are having trouble getting signal for your mobile phone or wifi inside your house, could you ring Telstra as I am having trouble and I am sure I’m not the only one. This service is disgraceful considering the Telecom tower is only a couple of kilometres from town on top of St Helena. I have reported the problem to Telstra and the more people that contact them, the more chance we have of having the problem fixed. V. Gorec
Biggest morning tea Our biggest morning tea on Tuesday, 21 May at 10.00am is being held in the newly renovated Tintenbar Hall. The entertainment includes the talented students from Teven Tintenbar Public School and a fantastic piano accordian group which is led by local Phil Davis. I am sure their music will touch a chord and be loved by all of us. Red Cross will be providing the morning tea with their legendary cooking. Please come along, bring your new friends, catch up with old friends and meet new people in the area. Everyone is welcome. The Tintenbar Hall
North Coast Bookkeeping Services For all your Bookkeeping requirements including BAS, QuickBooks or MYOB ph: 6687 2604 Ian Holden fax: 6687 2893 7 Rosewood Ave, Bangalow book001@bigpond.net.au Member of Australian Bookkeepers Network
Committee has worked hard to complete the renovations and is proud to host this worthy event with TinCAN and Red Cross. Entry $5. All the proceeds from this function go directly to the Cancer Council of NSW. Ring Marg on 6687 8033 for information or assistance with transport. Stephanie McGarry
CWA news Many people in our community make beautiful handmade crafts for the CWA in Bangalow. There is an army of people throughout the community who knit, crochet, sew, make cards, weave, embroider etc. These works are sold through our CWA rooms and the monies raised go towards various charities in our community. You and your support throughout the year make all this possible. Come along on a Wednesday morning, share morning tea with us and meet some of the crew. A Biggest Morning Tea is at the Byron Bay Lighthouse Wednesday, 22 May. Bangalow CWA is assisting by providing biscuits and cakes. Hilary Wise
Spicy news from the Museum Tea Room Looking for somewhere different for dinner? Fancy a ‘pop up’ restaurant? Mark Friday, 24 May in the calendar; it will be Curry Night at the Tea Room. Beverley Singh will be cooking up a storm
with her highly acclaimed North Indian cuisine in what, we hope, will be just the beginning of a regular event. There will be a variety of different taste sensations to choose from and Beverley is offering two courses for only $30 per head. Bargain! If you can stretch your taste buds to dessert there will be something light and flavorsome - served with tea or coffee - for $5. BYO. Dinner will be available from 6pm to 9pm and bookings are preferred. Phone 6687 2183. In other news, throughout May, we are continuing the successful War Brides exhibition mounted to mark Anzac Day. We would also like to wish customers and friends a wonderful Mothers Day. Wendy Grissell
Another Big Morning Tea... A Biggest Morning Tea will be held at the Bangalow Museum and Tea Room on Thursday, 30 May from 10am - 12noon. Entry $7 for beautiful coffee/tea and yummy cakes. Phone Liz 6687 1195. Liz Parks
Bangalow Networking Breakfast Bangalow Networking Breakfast will be held at TOWN, Bangalow on Thursday, 30 May at 7.45 am. Sally Pattison will be talking about ‘Stress and how it affects every part of our body’. Rosemarie Toynbee
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sadly missed
ella may waugh The recent memorial service for the life and love of Ella May Waugh brought memories flooding back for several local families. Close relatives Gerald and Margaret O’Meara of Binna Burra and many of their large family were amongst those attending the service. Marge Buckley of Bangalow, now in her 97th year, also attended. She remembers Ella from their childhood, walking in to town for school together across the paddocks and the excitement when Ella was crowned ‘Belle of the Ball’ four times. Ella passed away in March, just five months short of her 100th birthday and so lived through remarkable times in this area – from the early days of the 20th century when dairy farming was the major industry, to the coming of the motor car and through all the changes to agriculture and settlement; from main street saddlers and Boot Palaces (owned by Edward Waugh’s father Percy) to boutiques and restaurants. On retirement Ella and Edward moved to Crowley Village in Ballina. At the service at Crowley Chapel, Ella’s son Rodger gave one of the eulogies. An extract is given below. Judy Baker Ella May Johnson was born on August 10th 1913, the only child to Arthur James and Florence Louise Johnson. Ella lived in a wonderful environment on a dairy farm just east of Bangalow – a more beautiful setting would be hard to find. Ella did the normal activities that young country girls engaged in, such as tennis at the local courts in Bangalow – she was
of a high standard. She loved horse riding and competed in the Bangalow Show. Ella particularly loved dancing and was crowned ‘Belle of the Ball’ on several occasions. I reckon she was a pretty popular young lady, especially with the boys!
Ella attended Bangalow Primary School and then moved on to Lismore Girls High. After passing her Leaving Certificate she pursued one of her other talents, dressmaking, a well-respected career then. Many people sought her skills in making wedding and engagement dresses, as well as alterations to dresses etc. At age 18 Ella contracted poliomyelitis while still living on the family farm. This
changed her life. Treatment was initially at Bangalow Hospital and not resulting in any improvement. Fortunately, the worldfamous Sister Kenny was operating an alternative treatment at a clinic in Sydney. The family decided this was worth a try, despite the cost. Initially long trips on the train were involved but they eventually decided it would be best to sell the farm and move permanently to Sydney to continue the treatment. On the 9th March 1941 Ella married Edward Waugh at Bangalow. Shortly after Edward was posted to Papua New Guinea in World War II. Meanwhile Ella and her parents ran a mixed business at Clemton Park, Sydney. Now we go to 1945. Two important events: World War II ended in August 1945, and on 16th November – Rodger James Waugh was born to Ella and Edward. On the lighter side, Ella loved to have a flutter on the horses, as she was originally involved with greyhounds, as Edward was a trainer. She also loved playing cards and Bingo was her speciality, keeping her occupied throughout her life. Ella was immensely proud of her family and was blessed to have four grandsons – Stephen, Mark, Dean and Daniel, and she was known as the ‘Grandmother of the famous cricketing Waugh twins’. She also had three greatgrandsons and three greatgranddaughters – Rosalie, Austin, Lillie, Tom, Dylan and beautiful little Emerald. Ella was a wonderful foundation for the family. Rodger Waugh
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BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
new horizons
FROM SCHOOL HOUSE TO CAFE Helen Johnston profiles Joanne Hammond and Greg Clarke of Liliana’s in the New Horizons series. During the many years Joanne Hammond and Greg Clarke were working in their careers in the Public Service in Sydney and Lismore, a desire to one day work for themselves in hospitality was an alternative they occasionally considered. Joanne’s Italian heritage on her father’s side meant she has wonderful memories of days of bottling up boxes of fresh tomatoes with oregano or basil in their garage and big family gatherings where they would literally eat all day. Her nonnie’s home-made gnocchi fed everyone and Joanne especially remembers delicious olives, salami and figs. Her mother was a dairy farmer’s daughter from the Macleay Valley and the eldest of 12. Favourite memories are of huge family Christmas parties with tables groaning with gramma pie, corn on the cob plus trifle, pavlova and carrot cakes baked by her parents and a myriad of aunties and consumed by her 36 cousins. Both her parents instilled in Joanne that all good food is prepared from fresh. “Everything from scratch” was their motto. Greg’s family connection to food is more local. His father Kevin and his granddad were the butchers in Eltham until the mid 1960s. His mother Daphne from Federal, another dairy farmer’s daughter, preferred the garden to the kitchen and was a talented orchid fancier. Joanne and Greg have always enjoyed cooking and built a wood fired pizza oven
to cook authentic pizzas and Smokey Portuguese chicken for their four daughters. This was a way of unwinding from their regular jobs and perhaps unconsciously preparing them for their destination 2479 project. From his management background Greg knew what it would take to bring a dream of having their own café to reality. Eight years of research, planning, building and renovation followed after purchasing the O’Possum Creek Public School which opened in 1911and closed in 1963. With this very special 101 year old school building in
their hands the real hard work began. They initially lived in the school house while building their home at the rear of the two acre block. Greg was very hands on with the building and he worked under the guidance of an uncle who was a builder in South West Rocks. When their home was finished they moved the school house forward on the block before beginning the extensive but heritage sensitive renovations. Liliana’s is named after an Italian cousin whose home in Rose Bay was the scene of many fondly remembered meals. The menu blends Mediterranean cuisine in a modern Australian style using local produce whenever possible. Take away pastries and coffee are available from a ‘tuck-shop window’. Bread and croissants not consumed on the day are frozen and given to the Lismore and Byron Bay Soup Kitchens. Near the entrance to the café the old cloakroom area has become an ‘artists corner’. It’s a cosy viewing area where the work of local artists is displayed on a two month rotational basis. Joanne and Greg love it when previous students re-live a piece of their history and come back with family and friends to reminisce and take a nostalgic stroll around the old school grounds. Many express their appreciation of their dedicated efforts in the faithful restoration of the building as it slowly morphed into the attractive hinterland eating destination it is today.
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local families
It takes a village…
As the only gays in the village with new twins, we have loved the warm reception when we proudly show them off along the main drag, although more than a few people are wondering how the babies came about. Here’s our story. As our twins sleep soundly on an old rocking turned out) after her sister had done so chair, I think of what a contrast this peaceful for another couple in 2011. We then went bliss is to their first month of life, and our to Europe for a holiday. While riding bikes journey to parenthood. Three years ago, my partner Javier and I decided to try and have our own children via surrogacy. After researching adoption here and overseas, we realised surrogacy was our only realistic option. A huge chunk of our life savings later, at 2.38pm on January 12, we were delivered a pair of miracles: a beautiful boy and girl. Santiago and Yindi were born prematurely at 33 weeks via emergency C Section in Javier, Santiago, Yindi and Nathan Delhi, India. As two gay blokes trying to have babies along a canal in Paris we got the news we overseas, we find it takes a bit of explaining. were pregnant! Some 30 weeks later, with a few hiccups Put simply, we employed an IVF agency and bought eggs from an egg donor. The agency along the way, Rani went in to pre-term hired a surrogate and coordinated the egg labour and Santiago and Yindi were born. When we first set eyes on our children collection, our sperm collection and the surrogate’s cycle. Magic happened in petri in their neonatal cribs, we both felt a dishes and our surrogate’s womb as the psychological shift, instantly bonding with them. Our life purpose became all about stars aligned to make babies. Of course there are a whole lot of ethical them. (After this morning’s poo explosions and legal aspects to surrogacy. I’ll save the I’m not feeling quite the same way). At birth, Santiago was only 1.7kg and Yindi controversial aspects for drunken dinner 1.9kg. Santiago was heavily congested. After parties, if we ever go out again! Initially, we tried Thailand, but, after a few days demonstrating to the nursing staff we were up to the job of feeding and looking several questionable incidents, gave up. Through a surrogacy blog, we stumbled after our bubs, we took them back to our on a local couple undertaking the process hotel, our hearts aching with love and joy. I would like to say our relationship with in India. They explained Dr Shivani’s agency in Delhi was considered India’s best. Javier our surrogate, Rani, was beautiful and we reluctantly agreed to potentially more are keeping in contact but that is not the heartache, the promise of our own kids case. Dr Shivani had warned us at the start that Indian culture was different and we keeping him hooked. We arrived in Delhi in May 2012 to leave should not expect ‘warm fuzzy’ western our genetic material and organise the style relationships with the surrogate. The process. We met our surrogate, Rani, who surrogates were only interested in the was keen to carry our baby (babies as it financial windfall. Regardless, we will be
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forever grateful to Rani. Unfortunately Santiago’s condition deteriorated. The smog in Delhi hit record levels and he had trouble feeding and breathing. We were on red alert. Then in the middle of the night every parent’s worst nightmare happened. He stopped breathing and started to change colour. I ran out the door with him leaving Javier to care for Yindi, who, bless her cotton socks, has been thriving since birth. Santiago and I arrived by rickshaw at the excellent emergency department of Delhi’s Max Hospital. For six hours I sat watching his blood oxygen levels go up and down as he seemed to get weaker and weaker. During another apnoea episode, I felt so low. I began to run through the ramifications on each person if the worstcase scenario eventuated. Right at that moment, the darkest in my life, mum called. She felt something was wrong. Hearing her voice did the trick. I got over my victim story. Three weeks later, after completing the bureaucratic process to get the passport and exit visas for the bubs, our paediatrician advised we could collect Santiago from hospital and leave. With oxygen assistance, we actually had a wonderful flight home. Santiago’s congestion virtually disappeared on the flight. Arriving home, the community took us up into its collective bosom. Thanks to all the aunties and uncles. Thank you for being a wonderful village to bring our babies home to. Feel free to say ‘hi’ if you see us around town. We may be tired and a little foggy but we love a chat. Nathan Cooper
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what we’ve been reading
The Fault in our Stars by John Green
Well I’ve been blessed this month with three fabulous books to read. The first, The Fault in Our Stars is the book I took on holiday with me because it came highly recommended by Megan, our newest recruit. Geared towards the young adult market this is a fine read for all ages. It’s raw and authentic, it’s funny and sad, it’s heartwrenching and uplifting and I loved the main protagonists, Hazel and Augustus, who met at a Cancer Kid Support Group (do not let that put you off, trust me!). A most engaging and thoroughly enjoyable holiday read.
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
This is Hannah Kent’s first novel and it’s a little ripper – I was engaged right from the start. During Kent’s time as a Rotary Exchange Student in Iceland she heard the legend of Agnes Magnusdottir who was the last woman to be executed in that country in 1830. Using the original correspondence from the District Commissioner (embedded in the story), various archival ministerial records and meticulous research Kent has fictionalised Agnes’ final months spent incarcerated with the family of the District Officer, Jon Jonsson. Using the original names of the parties involved Kent tells this delicious story. In preparation for her execution Agnes is required to spend many hours with the Asst. Reverend Toti Jonsson. It is during these hours that Agnes tells of the lead up and eventual murder of her lover and his business associate. I will admit that the Icelandic names were a bit of a trial but Kent did a superb job of developing relationships between the Reverend and, in particular, the mother of the family, Margret. A very entertaining book and I hope that Kent gets the recognition she deserves for a fabulous debut.
So Many Everests by Diana and Victoria Webster
This is an uplifting memoir co-written by mother and daughter team, Diana and Victoria Webster. Born with cerebral palsy, Victoria is a feisty character who does not like to be told she cannot do something. With the support of her loving family and despite the many challenges presented her she went on to become Sweden’s first Specialty Consultant in Accident & Emergency. The fiercest opposition to her reaching this achievement came from the medical profession itself! Carolyn Adams – Bookworms & Papermites
Let’s Go To Sleep by Margaret Wild and Michelle Dawson
Let’s Go To Sleep is the third book illustrated by ‘Bangalow’s own’ Michelle Dawson. A bedtime book, the lilting, calming words are written by Margaret Wild, a well established author of more than 70 children’s books. How Weird is That?, an earlier book Michelle illustrated, written by Gyan, featured a collection of Michelle’s amazingly inventive hybrid beasts woven around a theme of Australian native animals. It appealed to kids of all ages. Simpson’s Donkey, written by Peter Stanley, was a book Michelle illustrated that was written for ‘tweens’, imagining the life of the donkey before, during and after Gallipoli. Still on the animal theme, Let’s Go To Sleep is written for young children. In it, all over the world, in different lands, habitats and climates, baby animals are settling down with a parent to sleep and dream. Rather than creating the fantastic animals of her imagination of her first book, in this one, all the animals actually exist. “I have strived with each drawing to evoke the scenes and settings suggested by Margaret’s exquisitely distilled sentences and with the depiction of the animals to express a sense of tender nurturing, love and safety that the children can take with them as they drift towards sleep,” Michelle said. To illustrate the text, Michelle used watercolour, ink and soft drawing pencils on cotton paper. It was a perfect project for her, as so much of her work as an artist focuses on drawing or painting animals. “Because of my love of animals it was important to me that although the book was intended for a very young audience, the portrayal of the animals be true to their actual colours, forms and behaviours,” she added. In the words of the book’s author, Margaret Wild: “Michelle Dawson’s pictures of the various animals are warm and endearing and gorgeously sleepy – just right for bedtime!” In Bangalow, the book is currently on display in the window of the newsagents where it’s on sale, otherwise online or at most bookshops. Christobel Munson
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BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
local enterprise
Something old, something new The Bangalow Vintage Co-operative brings three local businesses together to create something special. You may have noticed at the eastern side of town there have been a few retail changes of late. Lazybones has moved a little further down Byron Street, to a new location opposite Market Street. So what’s in their old store above the Credit Union? What once was Lazybones is now a new Vintage Co-op. The Co-op began operation in late March and it’s an exciting collaboration of three Bangalow businesses; Heath’s Old Wares and Collectables, Tongue-in-cheek Vintage and Lazybones. The new store displays a unique range of old wares and vintage fashion. Bangalow enjoys a well established reputation as a destination for anyone seeking old wares and collectables. The members of the Co-op believe their new store will further cement this reputation. Eve Heath from Heath’s Old Wares explains that there is a sense of ‘the more the merrier’ in regards to vintage themed stores in Bangalow and emphasises that the addition of such stores in the town increases the range on offer to visitors, strengthening Bangalow’s reputation in this field. This notion of unity is supported by Natalie Holt from Lazybones who explains that with their shared passion, collaborating with the other two businesses is a joy. The outcome is a unique store with a diverse range of quality products. Natalie explains that the Co-op is in a sense recreating the marketplace where the members of the three businesses would often compare ‘finds’ and share their enthusiasm. The store enables the Co-op to share this experience with visitors. Furthermore Natalie says the Co-op not only sees each business bring their individual product specialties to the store, they also bring diverse experience in retail and business operation. She states one of the benefits of working in the Co-op is “the sharing of skills and experiences”. In addition, the Vintage Co-op provides
the individual members with a chance to diversify their range and expand their own client base. Eve Heath describes the Vintage Co-op as an opportunity for her businesses to display specific types of products, such as vintage clothing and jewellery, which may not typically be associated with their Station Street store. “It’s a little bit more feminine for us”. It must be said however that the Co-op also hopes to attract male clientele. The store has established a “men’s” room which displays a unique array of men’s vintage fashion items. Sarah and Kym from Tongue-in-cheek Vintage emphasise that
they want the store to appeal to many types of people, including men, who they feel are sometimes neglected when it comes to vintage fashion. “The skill involved in the craft of vintage items makes them unique and appealing. The stories associated with each item are fascinating. They are a piece of history and its something that everyone should feel encouraged to enjoy and appreciate,” they explain. For further information please visit: www. heathsoldwares.com.au/localTrail.html, telephone 02 6687 2338 or contact the store through social media. Sophie Claire
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the person behind the job
A Vocation for Healing This month’s Person Behind the Job is Dr Inga Schader from the Bangalow Medical Centre. Inga Schader’s approach to medicine is marked by a strong vocational sense, a call to devote her life to healing. It springs from her childhood problem of eczema, a difficult to control skin disease. As a 14 year old she began to consider alternatives to the limited treatments then available and she has followed the holistic path as part of an integrated approach ever since. Originally from Rotorua she completed her secondary schooling in Auckland and studied with naturopaths and homeopaths as her first steps on the road to a medical career. These treatments gave her a better understanding of the role of nutrition and emotional states in various illnesses, but she felt the need to balance these with traditional university studies of medicine. Studying for a science degree in Iowa, she met and married Art. Returning to New Zealand she completed her degree in Medicine in Otago, but at the same time she continued to study diverse approaches such as the ancient traditional Ayurveda. She had also learned transcendental meditation as a sixteen year old and continues to practise it to this day with very positive results. She continues her studies of all the various treatment options and draws on these studies to find appropriate treatments for her patients. Inga and Art have two children; son Jordan, seven, and daughter Nova, three. Art, a trained neuromuscular therapist, is a house husband on the four days that Inga works at the medical centre. Both parents seek to maximise time with the children, being particularly keen on the beach whenever possible, since Inga had grown up close to the water and is a keen swimmer.
they moved in. There’s still plenty to do. Inga’s mother links the family to the culture of the Maori people and her father’s family are German, providing links to the culture of Europe. Inga speaks German and has visited her German relatives in her teenage years. Her first Dr Inge Schader Photo by Judy Baker contacts with Australia came when she accepted locum positions in Mackay and then in Lismore in 2006. Such positions are popular with young New Zealand doctors wanting a working holiday and a chance to broaden their experience. While in Lismore she paid her visits to Bangalow and quickly felt at home in its small town atmosphere. She liked the arts, shops, markets and the hum of an active and friendly community and decided that if the chance arose, she would come to live here. About three years ago that dream became a reality, and the family moved to Clunes. Inga pays tribute to the staff at the medical centre. In her own words, “I adore my job, and the amazing people I work with who make my hectic schedule manageable and make lovely cups of tea along the the Bangalow Bowlo retro nights held on way.” She enjoys good relationships with the first Friday of each month, as well as her patients, and regards medicine as a classes held weekly. Her taste in music rewarding profession. As in all professions is obviously strongly influenced by her so involved in human affairs, there are dancing, but she also likes some classical some problems. Hectic schedules, guitar music, and the lyrical group, The the constant need to update skills, the intrusions into family life and the sadness Kings of Convenience. Time constraints limit her reading to of losing patients are concerns, but there professional writing, because of her diverse are many more positives. With a supportive husband, two happy interests and the need to keep pace with the field of modern medicine which is children, an enjoyable job serving a changing rapidly. She likes gardening too, responsive and interesting community, Dr and it is a family enterprise because their Schader has many reasons to smile, and Don Brown home in Clunes was a bit like a jungle when smile she does. Inga admits to an obsession with 1940s Lindy Hop/ swing dancing, not only because it is great exercise, but because of the widening circle of friends met at the gatherings. Inga gave a big plug for
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local history
Guy Foldman in his house in Rosebank.
Photos by Tim Hixson
Not Quite Square, The Story of Northern Rivers Architecture This exhibition, at the Lismore Regional Gallery in Molesworth Street, looks at handmade houses built in the region since the 1970s. The media release says the exhibition “will validate the Northern Rivers region as being at the forefront of new ways of considering the domestic space, and community living, and honour the people involved in this story.” Opened on 20 April by renowned Australian architect Richard Leplastrier, the exhibition closes 2 June. For more info, see www.
lismoregallery.org or phone 02 6622 2209. Guy Foldman started building his house about 31 years ago after spending a couple of days with Dennis and Malina Monks at their house on the Terania Creek Road. Guy built it mainly by himself, with occasional help from a long list of people, who, for the most part, offered their help for free. It’s a one-of-a-kind and has grown out of a belief in what would be amazing to build, rather than what would be practical. The structure of the house, or ‘temple’, is based
on the Star of David and its design creates an energy of balance. The main temple is a 14 metre high four-storey structure. There’s no completion date; it’s a work in progress. There’s an open door policy and philosophy and the temple is a community centre. Guy receives guests, travellers and people in need. He doesn’t advertise but people have found out about the temple by word of mouth. The place is based on a philosophy of the 70s, with its radical ideas of doing things differently. Christobel Munson
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BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
finding family
Unearthing the past One day in 2009, Tanya Honey took part in a tour of the Bangalow Cemetery organised by the Historical Society. A local resident for the past nine years, she had often passed but never entered the burial grounds. What she saw in the hillside graveyard off Granuaille Road impacted her in a profound way. Here amongst the grass fringed plots and weathered headstones were the graves James and Eliza Simmons, her great-great grandparents. It was a defining moment for the Graftonborn librarian, one that stoked her recently ignited interest in family history research. “I thought I should find out more about these people, how they ended up in Bangalow, why they came here, and what their lives were like,” says Tanya. So began a quest to unearth information about not only the people but also their lives and times. Searching the catalogues of local libraries and the musty archives of local historical societies, Tanya learned that her great-great grandfather James Simmons was a former mayor of Milton/Ulladulla. The renowned horseman and his family moved north in search of greener pastures – and a future in cattle – sometime in 1899. “The family farm that belonged to James and his ten siblings was sold during bad drought and recession years in the 1890s and presumably James and his family moved north where there was more land and better opportunities,” she says. James died suddenly in 1912, leaving Eliza and her five boys running the farm. Two years later, World War One erupted and three of the five Simmons sons enlisted, seeing active duty in France. “By 1916, son Rupert was confirmed a prisoner of war and another son, Milton, was reported missing during a fierce battle in Pozieres, France, a part of the Battle of the Somme,” says Tanya.
Desperate for any news of her missing son, Eliza wrote to the army pleading with them for information but tragically she passed away before learning the fate of her son. “She was to die only three months later not knowing whether he was dead or alive, but must have been dreading the worst,” she says. Rupert eventually returned home, as did Victor, Tanya’s great-grandfather. Milton died where he fell on the muddy battlefields of Pozieres, his remains interred in a war cemetery in France. Eager to unearth more about this side of her family tree, Tanya consulted digitised copies of regional newspapers on the National Library’s Trove website (trove.nla. gov.au) and archives on the State Records NSW website (http://www.records.nsw.gov. au/). Here she learnt a family secret. “I found that James’ father was a convict, and that was quite exciting. He’s the only convict I’ve got, which is disappointing. I’d like more,” she laughs. Armed with this new snippet, Tanya again contacted local historical societies to trace her convict. She learned three things: He had
tattoos on his fingers; he was transported for stealing shoes and that, frustratingly, the transcripts relating to his trial had been lost. She found an ally in a sympathetic court officer in the UK who offered to search local newspapers for her. He uncovered a long newspaper article that was basically the trial, word-for-word providing a vivid picture of her great-great-great grandfather. “As a librarian, I love the hunt. But actually looking for people that you’ve descended from, it’s finding out more about them as people and their lives.” “A lot of them had really hard lives and I look at that and think how lucky we are now.” Her discoveries are a reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary people to earn a living and raise a family in a harsh and unforgiving time. “They may not have made a lot of money or were people who had their names written on buildings or had towns named after them, but they achieved enough that their children could go on and achieve something in their turn and make a life for themselves. And here I am.” Sally Schofield
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what to do about the weir?
time for action! People of Bangalow, it’s time. Time we told Byron Council just what we envisage for our Deacon Street park and Byron Creek weir. We have a sensational natural resource here – beautiful parklands, a restored wetland, a picturesque, healthy creek right in the heart of town – but the entire area has been lying fallow while we dither about how to repair the cracked weir wall. At this rate, the weir will get washed away and the opportunity to restore the whole area will be lost through inaction and lack of community support. Everyone knows the story by now. Community members are unhappy, even angry, that the previous council dropped the ball and stopped maintaining the original weir pool, leading to the current situation. Today, the old creek pool is an eyesore. The cracked and leaking weir wall is fenced off from the public and sadly unused. Weeds are left to grow by the creek; it’s neglected, unloved, in a sorry state, and it’s been that way for nearly three years. On the positive side, this current crew of Byron Shire councillors are showing the determination to face and deal with complex situations like this. Six councillors including the mayor were at the community meeting held on the topic of the weir’s future on Monday 8 April (a night where there were several other important community meetings happening) and all contributed constructively to the conversation of what to do now. Council’s consultants WBM presented four options: from the lowest cost ‘get rid of it’ option of around $115,000, through to the ‘top of the range’ version: replacing the weir for over $460,000. (Full WBM report at www.byron.nsw.gov.au). There is no need to turn the creek pool into an Olympic pool suitable for serious training sessions or the swimming carnivals of the past. The Bangalow Pool Trust has been working towards that for 10 years and are about to put in a DA for that sort of pool. There are of course a raft of regulations which would be imposed on Council with whichever option is eventually chosen. Council also still need to receive geotechnical reports on the existing structures, and final costing estimates, before a decision can be made - and the question of fish ladders also needs to be definitively resolved. Bangalow Land and Rivercare president, David Pont points out: “Weir removal itself has a significant cost, and carries the risk of further undermining a large concrete wall on one side. Full restoration carries a higher financial and environmental cost, with a difficult fishway to allow over 20 species 18
of fish to access the upper creeks probably required. A common view is that the original weir height is probably not needed and a compromise height could work. The main factors are heritage, environment, financial, tourism, and swimming safety.” Generally speaking, people at the meeting said they’d like a natural solution, not a brand new version of what was built by the community 90 years ago. At the April meeting, there was also strong support for this waterway repair project to be seen as part of a larger plan for the park. Cr Richardson raised the idea of broadening our vision. Rather than limiting our scope to merely the repair of the weir wall, why doesn’t our community start to envisage what we’d really like to see in the whole Deacon Street parkland – linking meandering Byron Creek to Bangalow Historical Society’s very successful Heritage House museum and tearooms and the creekside wetlands restored and replanted so patiently by Bangalow Land and Rivercare. So what do we, the people of Bangalow, really want now? Do we want a ‘natural’ version of the creek pool, extending the wetlands area, a place which can be enjoyed by visitors and local residents, where we can relax and kids can play in a classic parkland? What about building a rotunda as a focus for musical events, meetings or weddings? Do we want to refurbish the existing shelter sheds and toilet block? Do we want more public seating for quiet reflection by the creek? We could rename the whole area. Ideas are already being floated. Bangalow Community Watergardens, the Bangalow Waterway, Bangalow Botanical Gardens are a few early suggestions. Please email editors@heartbeat.net. au with your ideas, or write to P.O. Box 132 Bangalow NSW 2479 by 15 May 2013. Responses will be collated and forwarded to Byron Council. Council needs to hear from our community exactly what we want before it can take any action. But until then, it will only ever remain a site for sore eyes. Christobel Munson Background information, including other articles on this subject, can be found at www.heartbeat.net.au BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
then and now
higher vision
Aerial view of Bangalow, taken in 1938, in a plane flown by Sonny Armstrong. It was photographed by Gordon Upward, a most appropriate name for someone taking pictures from an aeroplane in 1938. Ray’s factory is the large building left of the bowling green which was then adjacent to the school. The tennis court is behind the bowling club. The pool is clearly visible and shows what it looked like before the creek was diverted. The diving tower can be seen on the western bank. The picture shows us the magnitude of the effort put in by volunteers in the community to create this unique piece of infrastructure born out
New room at BCCC After years of planning and fundraising, the Bangalow Community Children’s Centre is pleased to announce that the new Under 2’s room has finally been completed and is now open. The new room allows greater access for the educators to monitor the children and to best meet their needs. We have increased car parking spaces so that families will have easier access to the new room. Access to the new room is available at the end of the car park. We would like to thank the staff, the committee and the community for helping us to raise the necessary funds to build this new room, which will serve the Bangalow community well in the future. Joanna Wilkinson MAY 2013
of a desire to provide a recreational facility for the townspeople and unencumbered by bureaucratic rules and regulations It was not only visionary but it was practical, and the efforts now being put in by interested locals, who live in much different and regulated times, will focus on the needs of the community for the next 50 to 100 years. Inspired by their predecessors, encouraged by the older living residents and mindful of the needs of a mostly newly imported community, work is already underway to take our forbear’s work to a higher level with the respect and admiration it deserves. Terry Bleakley
Controversial Station St development rejected by Council The four storey development containing three shops and eight residential units was rejected by Byron Shire Council at its meeting on 18 April. Former councillor and Bangalow resident Jenny Coman, together with Showground Trust activist Jan Hulbert, used public access to make impassioned pleas against the development. Representing the developer, planner Paul Defina spoke in favour, stressing the development’s compliance with local planning requirements; he said an adverse decision could end up in the Land and Environment Court. He did, however, indicate that the developer was prepared to enter into detailed discussions with the local community to modify the proposal so that it was more acceptable. Council planning staff recommended refusal of the development application. Council did not even debate it, and the 9 Station Street Bangalow DA was rejected. Tony Hart
Highway Update Despite inclement weather conditions throughout February the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade is on schedule to be completed in the second half of 2014. The upgrade will be approximately 17 kilometres in length. It starts at the northern end of the Ballina bypass at Ross Lane and then extends to the Ewingsdale interchange. Baulderstone Pty Ltd have been contracted to design and complete the upgrade. Structural progress is now very apparent and probably the most obvious change l have noted since that time. Structures are rising out of the ground and also within the ground. Bridges are being constructed at Minor, Emigrant, Skinners, Byron and Tinderbox Creeks. There is also a bridge being constructed on Broken Head Road
requiring a temporary traffic diversion. The St Helena tunnel excavation operations have commenced. There has been controlled blasting at the southern tunnel portal. Vegetation is now cleared all along the upgrade site. In its place, huge earthworks machinery abounds operated by an army of Baulderstone employees. The Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade received national profile in March with a visit from Prime Minister Julia Gillard Friday, 22 March. Member for Richmond Justine Elliot accompanied the Prime Minister. For more details about the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade please refer to: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/ roadprojects/projects/pac_hwy/ballina_ tweed_heads/tintenbar_ewingsdale/ Andrea Sturgeon 19
people and pets
CAWI : Working to Achieve its Goal For nearly a decade, since establishing Companion Animals Welfare Inc (CAWI) in 2004, Margaret Brown’s wish has been to build an animal adoption and training centre for unwanted, homeless or injured dogs and cats that would otherwise be euthanased. And with Byron Shire Council recently granting CAWI 3816 square metres (almost an acre) of land at Tyagarah, Margaret’s wish will, with dedicated planning and enough funds, become reality. A long-term Northern Rivers resident, Margaret worked with The Animal Welfare League before embarking on producing a magazine covering health, local people, wildlife and domestic pets. By 2002 she faced a dilemma. She could continue working as she was or follow her heart and work solely for animals. Although it grieved her, she abandoned her magazine. “I was drawn towards saving animals,” she says. Fortuitously, an elderly lady whom Margaret knew and who adored dogs had left a bequest, money that enabled Margaret to establish CAWI and open an Op Shop in Brunswick Heads that would raise funds. Margaret says she did not think ahead to the consequences of what she had started. “I just plunged in and contacted friends whom I knew to be dog lovers. We formed
CAWI group photo in 2011
a small committee, a friend became vicepresident. We knew of a vacant shop in Brunswick Heads, so we negotiated with the owners, secured a three-year lease and began advertising for goods. Surpluses were stored at my house.” From the outset Margaret wanted the CAWI Op Shops to be different. “I wanted an ultra-clean shop, all clothes are washed and ironed before being put on display, all toys, books and DVDS are checked and cleaned before going on the shelves. The formula has worked,” she says. After a few years CAWI applied for tax deductible gift status. The Australian Taxation Office rejected the application, saying that CAWI was not saving animals. “We applied again in 2011,” says Margaret. “And thanks
to much hard work by vice-president Sue Chakos, this time the ATO acknowledged CAWI’s role in saving animals and granted tax deductibility status.” Margaret stresses a team effort is behind the successful acquisition of land from Byron Shire Council. “We knew that the land is slightly flood prone,” she says. “But the flood levels are higher than previously thought.” Consequently, a special design has to be devised for the proposed building, with an evacuation centre for dogs. This substantially increases building costs. “We estimate we will need closer to $1million, about double what was initially thought, to complete the project,” Margaret says. “There is still a long road ahead.” Edna Carew Secretary
useful information and contact numbers AA Tues 5.30 Richard 0466 885 820 Angling Club Outing 2nd Sat Ray 6687 1139 Aussie Rules Bill 6687 1485 Aussie Rules Junior Greg 6687 1231 Bangalow Community Alliance (BCA) Terry 6687 2525 Bangalow Markets monthly 4th Sun Jeff 6687 1911 Bridge Fri 12pm Steve 6688 4585 Cancer support 1st Wed 1-4pm Chris 6687 0004 Childcare Centre 7.45am-6pm Kerry 6687 1552 Cricket Club Anthony 0429 306 529 Co-dependents Anonymous Sat 4pm Gye 0421 583 321 CWA 2nd Wed Claire 6687 0557 Garden Club 1st Wed Hazel 6687 8409 George the Snake Man George 0407 965 092 Groundforce Georgia 6629 1189 Historical Society/Museum/Tea Room Wendy 6687 2183 Land/RiverCare 1st Sat working bee Liz 6687 1309 Lawn Bowls, Men Wed & Sat 1pm Gerry 6687 1142 Lawn Bowls,Women Tues 9am Dot 6687 1246 Lions Club 2nd/4th Tues 7pm Roger 6687 0543 Mufti Bowls 3rd Sat 9am Lynne 6687 1823 Netball Club train 4.15 Thurs Rachel 6687 0402 Op Shop 10-3pm Sat 10-12 6687 2228 Parks Committee 3rd Tues 7.30pm Jan 6684 7214 Playgroup Tues 10am Cyndi 6687 0640 Police Peta 6687 1404 Pony Club Kim 6687 8007 20
Pool Trust 3rd Wed Peta 6688 4236 Poultry Club Hec 6687 1322 Progress Association Ian 6687 1494 Quilters 2nd,4th Thurs Leonie 6687 1453 Red Cross monthly - 1st Fri Dot 6687 1246 Rugby Union Richard 0415 773 064 S355 C’mtee Heritage House Don 6687 1897 Scouts Tues 6.30pm Jenny 6687 2047 Show Society Karen 6687 1033 Soccer Club 2nd Mon 6pm Nick 6687 1607 Social Golf every 2nd Sun Brian 6684 7444 Sports Association 2nd Wed bi-monthly Brian 6687 1024 Sporting Field bookings Nick 6687 1607 St Vincent de Paul Thurs 10-11am/Catholic Hall Tennis Court Hire 6687 1803 Writers Group 1st Thurs Simone 6629 1588 VENUES A&I Hall Station St Susie 0428 925 472 Anglican Hall Ashton St Doug 0418 182 450 Bangalow Showgrd Moller Pavilion Karina 6687 1035 Sports/Bowling Club Byron St Scott 6687 2741 Catholic Hall Deacon St Russell 0423 089 684 Coorabell Hall Coolamon Scenic Simon 6684 2888 Newrybar Hall Newrybar Village Ian 6687 8443 RSL Hall Station St Charlotte 6687 2828 Scout Hall Showgrounds Jenny 6687 2047 Heritage House Deacon St Don 6687 1897 BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
taking it to the streets I meandered down George Street Bangalow, once occupied by a cordial factory, on a lovely clear April autumn afternoon. Immediately l spotted some basketball action midway down the street on the right side. I was drawn to the activity and couldn’t resist capturing via a photo this fun combination of households. Further along the street l saw tables and chairs set out on the nature strip inviting households to come together to socialize and communicate. There was also evidence of busy creative children that day with chalk art along the footpath. A swing hanging down from a tree along the nature strip suggested to me the people living in this street have made an effort to encourage their children outside to socialise and be active. I also observed adults sitting out on verandahs chatting together while watching the activity of the children playing basketball. George Street seemed to me a very social street. I guess with the Public School across the road where it joins Market Street, with being in easy walking distance to the main shopping strip and with the houses on the northern side of the street backing onto the Show Grounds, it lends itself to being social. The street is a short no through road. It is closed off allowing only local traffic during events such as the monthly Market. Houses within the street are mostly the original traditional Queenslander homes oozing Federation period features. There are a few modern exceptions. George Street was named after Robert and Marion Campbell’s son, born in 1882. The Campbells were original settlers of Bangalow.
Story and photos by Andrea Sturgeon
www.bangalow.com MAY MAY 2013 2013
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in the garden
Rose cultivation in the subtropics Growing roses in the Northern Rivers is not without its challenges. Yet it is possible by selecting the varieties carefully, choosing the right spot in your garden, preparing the ground prior to planting and ensuring a well -designed maintenance program. Location Roses will tolerate a wide range of soil types. Our soils in the hinterland hills are not a problem for roses as long as they are well drained. They need to be planted in full sun in an open position. Air flow is of the upmost importance to reduce pest and fungal problems for roses. Bed preparation This should be done far in advance. Improve existing soil with plenty of organic matter such as compost, old manure, lucerne mulch or by growing green manure crops. If your soil is very acidic, add dolomite or agricultural gypsum. Roses have a relatively shallow root system which is why roses are better grown on their own and will need to be fertilised at regular intervals. Planting As stated before air flow is essential for rose health. Generally a distance of 1m apart is sufficient. This will depend on varieties as some grow to 1.5m wide. Bare rooted plants, usually in June/July and in a dormant state, should be planted straight away. What I recommend is to fill a bucket with well rotted manure and soil mix, add water to make a paste then coat the roots with the mixture prior to planting. Roots should be spread out over a small mound made at the bottom of the hole
without being bent. Roses in pots can be planted almost any time. Dig out the holes and fill them with water. Once the water has drained away take the plant out of its pot and very gently tease out the roots. In both cases the union of scion and rootstock should be level with the bed’s surface. Press the soil firmly to exclude air bubbles and water straight away after planting. Avoid water on the foliage. If the soil is well prepared prior to planting there will be no need to add fertilizer until strong
growth occurs. This said, a small amount of slow release fertilizer can be added to the bottom of the hole. Fertilising Start two months after planting. Slow release fertiliser is always preferable. High nitrogen content is not advisable as this will promote soft growths which are more susceptible to fungal disease and aphid attack. Deficiency in potassium will make roses more vulnerable to disease. Use sulphate of potash in spring, summer and autumn at 100g per bush. When applying fertiliser, always water the bed beforehand. Do not cultivate the soil deeper than 50mm so as not to damage the topmost feeding roots. It is better to apply small doses of fertilisers at regular interval than a lot at once as the aim is to sustain a healthy growth. Do not fertilise from late November to mid January. Foliar fertilising such as seaweed will help change the pH of the leaf surface making it more resistant to fungal spores. Mulch the bed with lucerne mulch as it will provide nutrients and promote the growth of beneficial soil fauna and flora. Keep mulch away from the stem of the plant. Watering Deep watering twice a week is much better than a little every day. It will promote a better and deeper root system that will help sustain the plant longer in periods of drought. Next month we will continue with pruning, non chemical pest control and varieties suitable for our area. Patrick Regnault (MAIH)
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43 Byron Street Bangalow Ph 02 6687 1262 www.thecellar.com.au
Sun - Thurs 10am - 8pm | Fri - Sat 10am - 9pm 22 22
BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
MacaNut Cheeze Macadamias are certainly a versatile nut, and their use has recently been extended - as a base for a non-dairy ‘cheese’. Dianne Horton and Nathan Hebbard (pictured) run the raw food business, Raw Ecstasy. You may have seen their stall at local farmers markets, with lots of healthy and tasty treats. They are often developing new products and have recently added MacaNut Cheeze to their range. It is worth tasting, specially for those on vegan or vegetarian diets. Raw Ecstasy is based at Rosebank where the farm has 1,000 organic macadamias, many fruit trees and herbs and a commercial kitchen. The ‘cheese’ is made from blended nuts with some of the oil removed. This is then fermented and matured with a yeast culture and spices such as paprika. Brian Sundstrom
COTTON BUSH WEED Gomphocarpus physocarpus Continuing the series on environmental weeds One of the most common and widespread weeds in this area is the balloon cotton bush. Many farms become infested with cotton bush which takes over the paddocks quite rapidly and causes them to become very unsightly and unsuitable for stock. Cotton bush is a member of the Asclepiodaceae family and is a native of South Africa. It was originally introduced into Australia as a garden plant but quickly spread into rural areas and is now a noxious weed. Cotton bush is a tall slightly woody herb which grows to a height of about one metre. Plants have a thick white sap which gives rise to another common name of milkweed. Balloon cotton bush and the closely
related Narrow leaf cotton bush Gomphocarpus fruticosis get their name from the silky white threads resembling cotton which are attached to their seeds. Clusters of drooping white flowers develop into pale green balloon-shaped seed pods. The seeds can germinate at any time of the year if the conditions are warm and
moist. Once the seed pods burst they can be blown into neighbouring areas and germinate very easily. Run down and degraded country is particularly susceptible to infestations of cotton bush. Cotton bush is poisonous to stock but is seldom eaten. It is the preferred plant for the colourful caterpillars of the Wanderer Butterfly which emerge from a beautiful chrysalis. Care should be taken when handling cotton bush to avoid contact with the toxic sap which is especially irritating to the eyes. Where there are small areas of cotton bush it is best to control them by pulling the plants out before mature seed pods form. Large areas of cotton bush are best controlled with a combination of spraying with a herbicide, slashing, burning and pasture management. Lyn Plummer
The Idea Of North Choralfest 2013 Saturday 11th May 5pm Catholic Hall Bangalow Tickets $25 The Idea of North is Australia's premier contemporary a cappella ensemble. Formed twenty years ago in 1993, their enviably imaginative arrangements of classic songs from the pop, jazz, folk, gospel and comedy genres have won them awards the world over. The dynamism of this group will capture your imagination – and is something that needs to be heard to be believed! Book Online: choralfest.nrcac.edu.au Enquiries: admin@nrcac.edu.au Ph 02 6621 2266
MAY MAY 2013 2013
H O L I D AY I n A G R A C I O U S A pA Rt m e n t I n n O B L e pA L A z z O n O tA R n I C C H I in a stone sicilian village high in the m a d o n i e m o u n ta i n s
tA I L O R e D peRSOnAL JOURneYS I n S I C I LY tHeSICILIAnHOUSe.COm
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may diary
town talk support to projects in other parts of the world. Neil McKenzie, Secretary
1
Garden Club meeting
3
Spinners & weavers display and workshops; Red Cross meeting
4
Garden club social visit
6
ADFAS ceramics lecture
9
Business women’s breakfast
Mad Hatters Derby Tea Party On Billycart Derby Day the fun will be on again at the Bangalow Public School, with familyfriendly activities and wholesome food from 9am to 3pm. Eds
Guns in parks
ANZAC Day A representative from the Pony Club lays a wreath at the service. Fine weather, a large crowd and participation by community members and servicemen and women made this another very special day of remembrance. Eds. Photo by Judy Baker
Most locals are appalled by the State government decision to allow amateur shooters in NSW National Parks. It is widely understood this is to get Shooters Party support for legislation to sell power assets. For our area, Nightcap NP, around the Minyon Falls area, is the key issue. Please help get this decision changed before the legislation, currently under review, is enacted. Contact our local member. Brian Sundstrom Cartoon by Rosie Lee
Lions lines Bangalow Lions Club is a very active service club consisting of 33 members who meet fortnightly at the Bowlo. We have recently purchased a trailer, which will make it much easier for us transport our BBQ to service any event where we are needed. It is available to other community groups by arrangement. We look forward to continuing to provide active service to our community and
11
Landcare working bee; Choralfest workshops and concert
12
Choralfest community choirs concert
15
Weir responses due
18
A life in music: Elvis
19
Billycart Derby; Mad Hatters Tea Party; Declaration Day
21
Tintenbar’s biggest morning tea
22
Byron lighthouse biggest morning tea
24
Curry night at the Tea Room
25
Annual poultry show
26
Bangalow Market
30
Museum’s biggest morning tea; Bangalow networking breakfast Farmers Market; 4, 11, 18, 25 HB deadlines: 15(ads) 20(copy)
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BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT