The Echo July 2009 by District Gazette

Opening Hours

about Special our ThisAsk Month’s BUDGET 500 full PRICES colour for all types business cards (oneprinting side only) of $90advertisement incl GST See our Ph on4782 Page2514 5

Your community news Issue 8

info@bennettsprinting.com.au

Winter Magic Festival It has been another successful Winter Magic Festival for the Upper Blue Mountains, with a great turnout by locals and visitors! Satellite events included street art, music and dance, film, fashion parades and fashion police, bushwalking, magic and stargazing – surely something for everyone. See photographs page 2

Poetry slam The night was dark and stormy, and the Clarendon lounge was dim. It was a great atmosphere for a poetry reading, and those who turned up for the Poetry Slam were treated to a great evening of performance poetry that veered from doggerel to dreamlike. Poetry Slam Co-creator Miles Merrill hosted the show, encouraging the 14 performers who got up and per-

July 2009

www.theecho.net.au formed their pieces. Each performer had two minutes to wow the judges, who were chosen at random from the unsuspecting audience. Regional winners of the Poetry Slam head off to the State final to compete for a place at the Nationals and $5000 prize money. This years winner was Peter Hines, with his beautiful poem, ‘Sola’, and the runner up was Greg North with his hilarious take on Tofu. We wish them all the best for the State final. Unplaced, but worth a special mention, was Colin Semmler’s epic ballad of Winter Magic, reproduced in The Echo website www.theecho.net.au

Graffiti Management Blue Mountains City Council has a new website to help residents get involved in getting graffiti off our walls, fences and shopping centres. Visit

FREE

Mon-Fri 8.30am-7pm Sat 9am-1pm Sun 10am-12pm

Ph 4757 3255

www.wentworthfallsvet.com.au

www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/sustainableliving/graffitimanagement and report graffiti to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Bowling Club Locals are upset with the news that the RSL-owned Katoomba Bowling Green in North Katoomba is closing down, although there has been no official announcement to the wider membership of the RSL. See page 3

Top Priority “Priority One”, the Leura Uniting Church Youth Group, has devised a novel way to raise money to provide clean toilets and sanitation in third world countries through the aid organisation TEAR Australia. Their idea is to ask church members to take a collection can home and put a coin donation into the tin each time they use the toilet!

Classes

• Only Abs • Pilates • Posturecise • Tai Chi Plus Cardio & Weights Equipment Level 2, 98 Bathurst Rd Katoomba

4782 3809 Join on an OFF PEAK 12 month membership & your friend joins FREE! (OFF PEAK HOURS 12noon-4pm)

www.villagefitness.com.au

Some conditions may apply

Gemglow Jewellers

Personal Service

Professional Repairs

Quality Jewellery

Large range of jewellery, gifts watches & clocks Watch, clock & jewellery repairs & remakes, valuations & restrings

Tel 4782 2371 Fax 4782 4535 Email: gemglow@hermes.net.au 157 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780

We stock Chamilia Charms and Bracelets www.theecho.net.au

July 2009

Winter Magic Festival

The Echo

Delivered monthly to Katoomba, Leura & Wentworth Falls

Local News Editor Jeanie Baxter 0420 356 705 echocommunitynews@gmail.com Managing Editor and Advertising Enquiries Margaret Stepniewski PO Box 121, Mulgoa, NSW 2745

Phone/fax: 4773 8974 info@theecho.net.au

NEXT ISSUE BOOKING DEADLINE Tuesday July 14, 2009 Advertising policy: Priority is given to businesses connected to local residents. An editorial focus on a local business may be included if space permits, at the Editor’s discretion. Community news: The District Gazette welcomes the following information (published free of charge): community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements, anniversaries & birthdays. Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor. Letters to the Editor may be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request. Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.

Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire)

000

Katoomba Police Station 4782 8199 Police Assistance Line 131 444 Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114 Katoomba Churches St Hilda’s Anglican Church 4782 1608 St Canice`s Catholic Church 4782 2804 Uniting Church 4758 8295 Lighthouse Church 4782 1352 Bethany Gospel Hall 4782 5956 The Salvation Army 4782 5124 Leura Churches St Albans Anglican Church 4782 4503 St Bonaventures Catholic 4782 2804 Uniting Church 4757 3435 Wentworth Falls Churches Holy Trinity Anglican Church 4757 1516 St Frances Xavier Catholic 4782 2804 St Andrews Presbyterian 4759 1998 Community Groups Community Health Centre Katoomba Neighbourhood The Salvation Army - Community Services - Rehabilitation Centre Breastfeeding Association Blue Mtns Bushcare Katoomba Girl Guides Rotary (Upper Blue) W. Falls Lions Club Leura/Katoomba Probus Central Blue Probus Toastmasters Alliance for Sustainable Well Being

4782 8201 4782 1117 4782 9251 4782 7392 4782 9474 4780 5528 4727 0655 4787 1857 4782 2178 4782 1672 4757 4695 4784 1349 4784 1349

Sports Clubs Katoomba Swimming Club 4782 2292 Cricket Club 0402 167 136 Katoomba Tennis (keys from the Handystore) Juniors Competition 4782 2303 Wentworth FallsTennis 4784 1044 (keys from the Falls Food Hall)

Junior Rugby League Table Tennis www.theecho.net.au

0432 219 564 4782 3174

ary

Holiday fun at the Libr Wentworth Falls

t from Waste ’ - a Monday 13th July: ‘Ar ed at the 5 to 12 collage art workshop aim per child. $5 , 3pm age group 1.30 to

Katoomba

‘Clay Fun ’creating Wednesday 15th July is d Clay Listening Native American inspire group. age Dolls for the 5 to 12 nty Pat Field will Monday 20th July: Au h songs , storytellwit C, IDO celebrating NA 10.30am to 11.30 am ing, dance and puppets. entry. EE FR up. for 0 -12 age gro ure into Iment adv Friday 17th July - an anything can ere wh d lan a , tion agination Na m 30a happen.10.30 am to 11. Family ticket -1 Katoomba Civic Centre. ticket $5 gle adult +2 kids is $10, sin library al loc r you at Book and pay

July 2009

FELLOWSHIP

“You brought no thing into this world and you’ll take nothing ou t. Love the LORD your God and your REAL treas ure will last for all eternity.” If you want friendly fellowship and good, plain Bi ble teaching with un-modern worship style, Katoomba Baptist Church, Wa ratah St (opp Coles) 10am Sundays Ph

4758 8674

Bowling Club

club will survive. Even on a cold, wet, wintery day, the club is a hive of activ“We were called in for a meeting ity. There are bowlers on the Greens, on June 2nd,” said Bowling Club presi- lots of people in the clubhouse and dent, Merle Campbell. “At the meeting morning tea being served. we were told that the club was closing “Everyone works together here” on July 31st. We were given three rea- says long time member, Gwen Marvin. sons. I asked them for a copy of the The Bowling club members are statement. Ray McLaughlin said he very concerned for many of the older would pass it on to us.” people who bowl here. It is very imporWhen Bowling Club member Chris tant to keep active as we age, and the Semmler went to the RSL to collect bowling facilities are terrific for giving the statement on the 30th June, she people the opportunity for gentle exerwas told that it would not be given out. cise, and for lots of contact and supWithout this information, people port from those around them. are left “There to specuare people late about who have what is bowled happenhere for ing. Noyears, and body is rely on the quite sure companwhen the ionship. If club is this goes closing, or that will be whether it for them they will – they have any aren’t well say in its enough to future. travel to “I’ve another The bowlers protesting at the Winter Magic Festival got people green.” in limbo, waiting to join,” said Merle, Said Gwen. sadly. The members of the bowling club The Bowling Club has been a part have expressed their concerns to the of the Katoomba community for 99 wider community, especially to the years. Before it started to trade as the members of the RSL. The directors of Katoomba Bowling and Recreation the RSL were petitioned on the 9th of Co. Ltd in August 1915, the commu- June to hold a general meeting to vote nity held an “All Nations Fair” to raise on 12 resolutions. money for the project. The history If you are interested in the fate of book published by the Bowling Club in the bowling club, or wish to be kept up the sixties makes a very specific men- to date with developments, there will tion of the enthusiasm of the Ladies’ be an information night each Wednescommittee, when it came to raising the day at both 4.30 and 7.30 at the Bowlfunds required! ing Club, in Dora St, Katoomba, until It seems the ladies are still very the General meeting is called. much at the heart of this busy comThe Echo has contacted the RSL, munity, and anxious to ensure that the but they declined to comment.

Adept Conveyancing Ph: 4757 1675 Fixed Fee Conveyancing Jennifer G. Laing J.P. CPC

Licensed Conveyancer Lic No. 1334793

Specialising in Digital TV Reception & TV/DVD & Top Box Set-up 34 Years Servicing the Mountains Sydney & Wollongong Stations

4782 2507 162 Main St, Katoomba

For the best honest deals on bikes & accessorieS

Email: jenny@adeptconveyancing.com.au www.adeptconveyancing.com.au 10a Station St Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 (Behind Jakeman’s Art Supplies)

www.theecho.net.au

SALES & SERVICE

July 2009

Bits ‘n Pieces Did you know ... * Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland because he doesn’t wear pants? * Coca-Cola was originally green?? (Oh yuk!) * It is impossible to lick your own elbow? (Go on, you know you want to try this!) * If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat 1 cup of coffee? (Personally, I couldn’t wait that long between cups!) * In Sweden there is a ski-thru McDonalds? (And why not, skiers get hungry too!) * Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour? (I just thought you should know!) **** A poodle and a collie were walking down Russell Street the other day. The poodle, lifting his leg on the lamppost said “My life is a mess - my owner is mean, my girlfriend is involved with the German Shepherd next door and I’m as nervous as cat.” “Why don’t you go see a psychiatrist then?” asked the collie. “I can’t,” replied the poodle, “I’m not allowed on couches.” **** Danny Kaye said: Life is a huge canvas. Throw all the paint on it you can. Nice idea that isn’t it? **** What’s New at Bits ‘n Pieces, the lovely used and old wares studio in the old Assembly Hall on Russell Street, Emu Plains? Lots of things, from enamel pots to handpainted crystal glassware; vintage nightgowns, kitchenalia and English cottage ware to revamped chairs cabinets and stools! Beautiful potted plants now on sale too. Prices are very competitive with a selection and atmosphere unique to the region. “There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminshed by a nice cup of tea. Heroux” So, pop in for delicious, old fashioned tea and homemade cakes from July 10! Pop in and enquire about upcoming handcraft classes and workshops. Join the VIP Club! Cnr Russell and Great Western Hway, Emu Plains, open Thurs & Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4. Phone 0406 913 129 Bring this ad when you pop in and you”ll receive a $5 voucher to use on your next shopping visit! 3

Local Personality

We offer BUDGET PRICES We Print and prompt efficient service. • Menus Commercial and Colour Printing • Stickers Large Format Printing Magazines • Envelopes Photocopying B & W and Colour • Note Pads Business Cards • Letter Heads Use your own artwork or allow • Business Cards us to produce your documents to a professional standard. • With Comp Slips Ask us to quote on all • Posters your printing requirements. • Large Format Posters 88 Govett Street, Katoomba 2780 •Tel: Docket Books 4782 2514 ~ Fax: 4782 2534 info@bennettsprinting.com.au • Email: Reports (Monthly, Yearly) • Manuals • Brochures • Offset Printing Services • Digital Printing for Fast Turn Around Time • Raffle Tickets • Colour Copies • Black & White Photocopying • Spot Colour Matching • Catalogues • Order of Services • Book Marks

We also provide • Book Binding • Saddle Staples • Perfect Bound Books • Wire Binding • Comb Bound Books • Folding (DL, Z fold, In half, A3 to DL, Concertina) • Die Cutting • Creasing • Numbering • Perforating • Graphic Design Solutions • Type Setting Ask us to quote on all your printing requirements 88 Govett Street, Katoomba

KidzArtz at St. Hilda’s

Goomblar has lived in Katoomba with his family for 11 years. He was taken away from his parents when he was 4 and separated from his 10 brothers and sisters. He worked in the Corrective Services Department as a Drug & Alcohol Counsellor and started the first Dance Troupe within Parklea Gaol to tour other prisons for Naidoc Week 5 years ago. One day he had enough of the 9 to 5 and came to busk at the Three Sisters as a way to escape the city life and decided that this was the place to bring up his family and children. For the past 15 years Goomblar has had a Dream - a Dream about how to teach and keep his culture alive whilst targeting Aboriginal youths at risk of reoffending. Aboriginal Language and Stories were never written and it is only by passing down knowledge through dance and song that the culture lives on. Through the Edge Cinema providing Cinema 2, Goomblar’s dream is becoming a reality. Goomblar’s Dreaming is the story of the Yidaki (Didjeridoo) and how it was made, a story that is over 40 thousand years old and has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a 20 minute show with visual effects and live performances with Goomblar and performers who come from various tribes. His 6 children, 6 grandchildren and

RED LENTIL VEGETARIAN CATERING 4-course meals delivered to your home or office Tiffin lunches combine the convenience of takeaway, the culinary flair of a restaurant & all the best things about a home-cooked meal! $15 (plus $1-$2 delivery)

Tel: 4782 2514

Free delivery to Katoomba town centre

email: info@bennettsprinting.com.au

Phone 0422 850 762

www.theecho.net.au

nephews perform with him when they are not at school thus keeping the culture alive and passing it down to them. The dancers perform 3 shows a day every day of the week at the Edge but do not get paid as Goomblar is still chasing funding. If you would like to support Goomblar’s Dream, contact Goomblar via The Edge Cinema.

July 2009

July school holidays mean KidzArtz is on again, so come and enjoy art and craft activities in a warm place. We have model making, painting, beading, iron on beads, decorating calico bags, paper and felt craft. The theme for talks after morning tea is “Down by the Sea”. The popular Friday Fun Day with games and bbq will finish off the program from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 July inclusive. KidzArtz is open to all children of school age whether or not they attend any other church program. It is supervised by members of St. Hilda’s and other churches and all leaders comply with Child Protection requirements. For further details: Elly Bryne 4757 1200 or Margot Auld 4782 5184.

The Art of Seeing The Blue Mountains Artists’ Company has a new exhibition at the Edge Cinema. The BMAC has entered into a partnership with The Edge, where there is now a permanent wall space for local artists. Well known sculptor Terrance Plowright opened The Art of Seeing which will be open to the public until Wednesday September 30th. “We have been waiting for 22 years for a space” said Mr Plowright in his address. General Manager for The Edge, Andrew Moyle, has said The Edge is very keen to become more involved in a wider range of cultural activities within the community. Rotary Club of Central Blue Mountains presents a

Trivia Night

Tuesday 28th July at Wentworth Falls Country Club 7.00pm for 7.30pm Trivia Master: Peter Owens Cost $10 per person Tables of 8-10 persons (Or we can place you on a table if you can’t make up numbers) Bring own nibbles. Drinks at club prices. No BYO. Light supper provided-tea & coffee Great prizes • Raffles• Lucky door prizes To book, call 4757 3580 (Barrie Sutcliffe) Monies raised will be used to fund our local Community Projects 4

Open Day

into classrooms to watch, help, ask questions and be involved in classroom activities and to view past work which decorated each room. It was a wonderful day enjoyed by all who attended. For more information about the school and the many programs it runs, please contact the office on 4782 2743

Katoomba North Public School opened its doors to parents and community members to celebrate Education Week in May. The day started with a community breakfast run by the North Katoomba Community Hub which offered a hearty breakfast of sausages, eggs and bacon, to not only the school community, but people from the Olivia Dunne with her mother in class 1-2G surrounding area. A presentation of Leura Teens Getting our Positive Behaviour for Learning Priorities Right Program was then offered to the parents in the Community Room and run “Priority One” is the name of the by our Principal, Mrs Mandy Hollis. Leura Uniting Church Youth Group. Our two kindergarten classes perThis small but active group are curformed well in a special assembly. A rently raising money to provide clean powerpoint presentation, compiled by toilets and sanitation in third world Assistant Principal, Mrs Jo Glazebrook countries through the aid organisation was an enlightening and entertaining TEAR Australia. Their novel idea has snap shot of the numerous activities been to ask church members to take run or attended by students and staff. a collection can home and each time A dedicated group from the P&C prothey use their toilet, they put a coin dovided hot dogs, coffee, tea and cake. nation into the tin! After lunch, parents were welcomed

www.theecho.net.au

July 2009

Meanwhile, younger children who attend the after-school KUCA Club give on-going support for a sponsored child in Sri Lanka. The children’s program Leura UC includes Kids’ Connection (Sunday Mornings) and a monthly inter-generational service. For information about the youth and children’s activities contact Diana White: diny.white@gmail. com or Kathy Garland: 4757 2634.

Katoomba RSL The Katoomba RSL Sub-Branch welcomed guest speakers Carolyn Gilholme, from the Blaxland Pharmacy and Sheryn Phillips, from the Leura Pharmacy at its May meeting. They addressed issues including safe use of prescription and over the counter medicines, medications and driving, avoiding medicine mishaps, expired medicines and safe disposal of medicines. The Sub-Branch members found these very informative. The Sub-Branch meets on the 4th Sunday of the month (except April and December) at 11:30am at the Katoomba RSL Club. Anyone seeking information on membership can contact the Hon Secretary, Geoff Norley on 47878761.

Cancellation Service Regional Communities need to nurture their small businesses. These are the people who help create local jobs and bring in money to sustain the local economy. In the Blue Mountains, a lot of our small business is built around tourism. Karen West, who lives in Leura, is one of many who make her living as host to the thousands of visitors that come to visit our beautiful area. “Two years ago I had a cancellation” said Karen. “And there was nowhere to let people know that my accommodation was available.” So in response, Karen created ‘Cancellations’ – a very clever promotional system that circumvents the limitations of a large booking agency, keeps costs to a minimum and uses online technology to provide far reaching publicity for local business. The majority of online booking agencies are large businesses who prefer to deal with large businesses. They earn their money by charging a percentage of the income you make through their agency, usually ten percent. Your accommodation is displayed as one of many in the area, and the details about your business are limited to the space allotted by the

agency to each property. Cancellations is not a booking agency. The advertisement links directly to your webpage, so prospective customers get to see everything you want them to instead of just a thumbnail picture on someone else’s site. If someone likes what they see, it will be your site that gets bookmarked, not the booking agency . As Karen says, “It’s all very well to have a website. The important thing is getting people to look at it!” Once your advertisement is posted, the link to your website and your vacancy comes up on page one of any google search that uses keywords like ‘last minute’ or ‘cancellation’ combined with the area name. In practice this means that when anyone considering a weekend in the Blue Mountains taps into google in their lunch break, the link to your webpage will be right in front of them as an option. Your advertisement can also be accessed indirectly, by people who go straight to the Cancellations site to search for available accommodation in your area. The system has all ready taken off with service providers in Melbourne and Sydney, and has been featured on ‘Getaway.’ Karen also has an arrangement with Channel

Ten, so that an advertisement for the Cancellations website goes to air once weekly in different parts of Australia. These commercials reach up to 350, 000 people per week. cancellations.com.au has over ten million references leading to their URL, which gives them an extremely high ranking for ‘last minute accommodation’ and other related searches on search engines. It’s wonderful to see a local business succeed Australia wide. It would be even better to see this local business help other local businesses to succeed a well.

Lapidary Club Lapidary is a fascinating hobby, bringing together people of all ages who share a love of beautiful stones. The Blue Mountains Lapidary Club has its workshop at Bullaburra open Wednesday and Thursday at 4pm. You can learn to cut and polish your own stones or the club has an ample supply of slabs for cutting. During the year the club hold fossicking trips to various locations so you can find your own treasures. The club is affiliated with the Gem and Lapidary Council of NSW. For further information please contact Una on 4759 2440.

Bent Art

Our service is not offered by Wotif and others Developed BY accommodation providers FOR accommodation providers A fair system for all! • Cancellations.com.au – has now taken page one position organically in the last minute accommodation arena on Google, Yahoo 7, ninemsn and others search engines • Cancellations.com.au reaches 360,000 potential clients weekly through our weekly television commercials with Channel Ten nationally • Take advantage of over 10 million links to our last minute website as these are actually references, not links • Have your availability indexed organically on page one of Google • Sell your availability, specials and packages online • We direct traffic to your website, allowing the client to book with you direct • It takes just minutes to create your ad and publish it live • Unlimited access - run over 500 ads per year • No fear of double bookings • Commission free • Smaller providers with 1-5 properties/cottages will pay $3.07 per week, GST incl • Larger providers with up to 100 rooms will pay $10.57 per week, GST incl

For further information, call 8214 8498 or visit www.cancellationsb2b.com.au www.theecho.net.au

The fifth annual Bent Art exhibition was held over the June long weekend. Over 300 people crowded into the Katoomba Civic Centre for opening night, with hundreds of other visitors taking the time to see the exhibition over the weekend. There were thirty works sold, and sales exceeded $13,000. This four day exhibition is held annually in Katoomba. It was first established in 2005 to celebrate the creativity of local gay, lesbian, bi and transgender artists, and has become Australia’s largest LGBT art event. This year 48 artists from across Australia submitted a wide variety of amazing works, which were divided into four categories, painting, sculpture photography and alternative media. The exhibition was opened by Katoomba Councillor Janet Mays, who spoke about the Blue Mountains being a ‘home and a haven’ to many of the gay and lesbian community. Judge Euan Mcleod, a winner of both the Sulman and the Archibald prizes, admired the very high standard of work before awarding the prizes. The overall winner was Michael Burge, with his painting, ‘Becoming Visible.’, with Valerie Ingham’s oil painting ‘Bienseance’ winning the People’s Choice Award.Category Winners were Pamela Hourani, for Painting with her picture “Interval at the Music Hall”, Peter Williamson for Sculpture, with his “Black Column”, Jocelyn Street in the Photography section, with “Sea Trees” and in Alternative Media, James Blackwell won with a piece titled “Silent 0401.1″ . If you missed the exhibition, the works were photographed by mountains photographer Julie Martin and can be viewed on the website www.bentart.com.au. July 2009

On The Look-out For New Recruits The Army Reserve is looking for more part time soldiers for its Lithgow unit and has put Wentworth Falls Soldier, Lance Corporal Keith Robinson (left) in charge of the Recruiting effort. B Company, 1st/19th Battalion Royal New South Wales Regiment parades at the Marrangaroo Army camp at Reserve Road, Marrangaroo. The unit consists of local soldiers from Lithgow and surrounding areas, as well as the Mountains. Army Reserve training consists of a Tuesday night parade every week, one weekend a month and one continuous training period a year of 14-16 days. A part time career in the Australian Army Reserve has many benefits including tax free pay, flexible training to fit in with civilian employment and opportunities to serve interstate and overseas. As the Unit Recruiting Liaison Officer for Lithgow and the Upper Blue Mountains, Keith runs regular information sessions at Marrangaroo. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Army Reserve in Lithgow can call 6331 3433 or 13 19 01.

Satin Bowerbirds Did you know that the male Satin Bowerbird is 7 years old before he develops his shiny blue-black plumage? This was not discovered until the 1960s, when Sid and Reta Vellenga colour-

banded over 600 individual bowerbirds in their garden at Leura. Other local garden owners recorded their garden visits and gradually a picture of the social life of bowerbirds emerged. Each male bird builds his own bower and decorates it with his chosen objects, usually blue, but sometimes, yellow flowers and leaves. Feathers, flowers, plastic pegs, children’s toys – all can be treasures for a bowerbird. Females are attracted to the bower, where mating takes place, then she goes off to build a nest and rear the young on her own, while he is busy trying to attract more females to mate with him as well as trying to protect his bower and treasures from other males. The nest is a shallow bowl of sticks lined with dry leaves and placed in a tree fork. When the nestlings leave the nest they are feathered but have a downy “punk hairdo”. At this stage they cannot fly and just hop around in low bushes. Unless they are at risk from cats and dogs they should be left alone as mother will return and look after them. Bowerbirds are a delight to watch in the garden but they can be a bit of a nuisance in orchards and vegetable gardens. A simple solution is to cover your fruit and vegetables and enjoy the birds. They are long-lived birds but one of their main dangers comes from their blue treasures. The blue circular rings on cream bottles can become caught in the beak and around the back of the neck. If the bird is not caught and the ring removed he will die a slow death from starvation. If you see any of these rings please break them and save the life of a beautiful bird. For problems or rescue contact WIRES on 4764 2946.

Leura Garden Club The Leura Home Garden Club is currently looking for new members. The club has been a local institution for over thirty years, meeting every third Tuesday of the month at 9.45 a.m., in St Albans Church Hall, Megalong Street, Leura. Club activities include expert speakers, and the exchange of local knowledge of best gardening practices for our unique climate, as well as social events and visits and excursions to local and regional gardens and other areas of interest. Gardeners and garden lovers are invited to attend a meeting as a visitor, and join up if the club appeals. Enquiries to Caroline, on 4784 2679, or CarolineStanton@bigpond.com.

Fire Fighter Power New powers to help investigate bush fires and reduce fire hazards have been announced by NSW Premier Nathan Rees. “In the wake of the Victorian tragedy, NSW has reviewed current legislation and we are giving fire fighters the tools they need to find and prosecute arsonists and reduce the risk of fires. “The NSW Government will introduce legislation to enhance the existing powers of the fire investigators and create new powers to try and limit the loss of life and homes, Mr Rees said. A Bushfire Arson Prevention Taskforce will also be established to recommend new ways of preventing bushfire arson. The Attorney General will introduce legislation to Parliament before the next fire season.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

AIR CONDITIONING

DDSI

ALARMS

Service & installation of alarms, intercoms, video coms & security cameras

Free quotes & friendly service Ask about our current promotions Mention this ad & receive a further 5% off!

ADVERTISE HERE

Advertise your business here for just: • $25 (single) per month • $50(double) per month Please call 4773 8974 or email info@theecho.net.au

Master Li cence 409587823

www.ddsi.com.au

For all your air conditioning & gas central heating needs Phone 4735 3300 4/84 Old Bathurst Rd, Emu Heights Lic No. 148730C

WE DESIGN. WE INSTALL. WE GUARANTEE. www.theecho.net.au

Mob: 0404 014 263 Tel: 4737 9962

also on-line at www.theecho.net.au

ANTENNA

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Installation of digital antennae, set top boxes, additional points, equipment tuning, telephone/data points, broadband & home theatre set-up Free quotes & friendly service

Mob: 0404 014 263 Tel: 4737 9962 www.ddsi.com.au Austel Licence No: S26743

July 2009

Blue Mountains Domestic Appliance Service For reliable service & quality repairs to refrigeration, air conditioning & appliances

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL 4759 2454 or 0418 973 417

Licence 53239C

AUTO MECHANIC

FINANCIAL ADVISER

REMOVALIST A MAN AND HIS TRUCK PL TRANSPORT

Need a removalist? Need a job well done? Want someone local? Want a free quote?

General servicing & repairs All makes & models • Rego checks Pick-up & deliver • QBE Green Slips Log book servicing Ph 4782 5359

Call PAUL on 0430 447 337 • • • •

BATHROOMS & TILES

TRC Bathrooms & Tiles

Superannuation Specialist Retirement Strategy Life Insurance Wealth Creation

“Local advice in worrying times”

21 years experience, reliable, friendly & lives locally 8-tonne truck • Electric tail lifter

RESTAURANT

Sada Thai Restaurant

Ph 4757 4385

Authentic Pure Thai Cuisine Takeaway lunch special $9.90 from 11.30am-2.30pm Tues-Sun Open 7 days • Eat in or Takeaway

Email: ptichband@tfsa.com.au

1/24 Station St, Wentworth Falls

BRICKLAYER/HANDYMAN

FINANCIAL SERVICES

RUBBISH REMOVAL

Bricklaying, Carpentry, Irrigation Systems, Paving, Structural landscaping,

PERSONAL MORTGAGE ADVISER

Your LOCAL supplier of Bathroom Plumbing Products Wall & Floor Tiles • Huge Showroom

Full Bathroom renovation service available 14/26 Megalong St, Katoomba

Ph: 4782 9944

0424 079 667

Contact Peter Tichband Dip FP

Authorised Representitive Total Financial Solutions Pty Ltd AFSL No. 246545

Suite 5, 201 Gt Western Hwy Wentworth Falls

· · · · · ·

Full range of residential mortgages 1st Home Buyer specialist Investment property finance Debt consolidation/re-financing Lo Doc/No Doc mortgages Reverse Mortgages for the over 60’s

Lic No 193912c

Call Carl Loughman JP 0413 285 633

CLEANER

LAWN MOWING

Complete Cleaning Services

Andy’s Lawn Mowing

Regular or Holiday Lettings Reliable & Trustworthy $25 an hour Rosalind: tel: 4782 1879 mob: 0434

677 453

DRIVEWAYS

BBC Bitumen

Bitumen & asphalt driveways

Bitumen is 1/5 the cost of concrete! Call for a free measure & quote

Ph 0407 10 10 10

Rubbish removal, slashing, trees trimmed, Pensioner ride-on mowing, Discount domestic mowing, gutter cleaning Same day quotes All work guaranteed Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

LEGAL SERVICES

Call Gary: 0419

Lic No 14178S

972 427

EXCAVATION

ALPINE EXCAVATIONS BOBCAT, EXCAVATOR & TIPPER HIRE

Rockhammer & Auger, Land Clearing, Yards Levelled, Driveways, Slashing, Rubbish Removed, Filling Supplied

4757 1560 or 0414 541 560 www.theecho.net.au

LURLINE LEGAL SERVICES

* Conveyancing & Leases * Wills & Estates * Family Law * General Litigation

ORDER NOW Ph: 4782 8000

SECURITY MAKE YOUR BUSINESS SAFER • Alarm installations & service • CCTV • Alarm Monitoring • Mobile security patrols • Functions/parties

www.bbcbitumen.com

• Qualified • Courteous • Clean • Reliable • On time

Clean up with Grasshoppers “WALK-IN SKIPS” • 3m³-35m³ skips available Ideal for: • Garden Clean-ups • Renovations • Construction Credit Cards Welcome

High Quality Guard & Patrol Services 24 hours, 365 days of the year

0402 328 143

For all your Electrical Needs

4757 3623

4782 3700

lls49@bigpond.net.au 49 Lurline Street, Katoomba

MUSIC LESSONS

Piano & Keyboard Lessons

Friendly & inspiring atmosphere • Contemporary method • Musicianship & Composition Classes • Beginners & adults • All styles • Exams available

Early Childhood Classes

Developmentally appropriate music & movement programme • Newborn to 7 yrs • Singing & Instruments • Gift Certificates Available •

SPC STATEWIDE PROTECTIVE SERVICES

4751 8932 Phot

Master Licence No. 408 379 413

SOUND GEAR

Sound Gear for Parties & Events Also photos & video coverage of your next family occasion

4757 2757

www.bmmm.net brad2782@gmail.com

VIDEO TO DVD Preserve your precious memories vhs/tapes photographs/slides memorial/tribute to professionally edited DVD movies

0416 279 377 or 4753 7761

Phone 4757 1476 July 2009