THE BYRON SHIRE ECHO Advertising & news enquiries: Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 21 #16 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2006 22,300 copies every week $1 at newsagents only
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Firies want women Alex McAuley If you’re looking for a new, exciting career that will not only teach you new, potentially life saving skills but also pay you while doing so, then this might just be your thing. NSW Fire Brigade stations based in Mullumbimby and Bangalow are both looking for applicants who are interested in joining their teams. Mullumbimby station captain Josh Rushton is especially keen to recruit women for his team, as he believes that they have a great deal to offer the fire brigade. ‘Women are the greatest untapped resource in this community,’ said Josh. ‘I only have to walk around town to see women working the shops who are in close proximity to the fire station and would make ideal firefighters.’ The criteria for application are simple: you must be an Australian citizen or perma-
nent resident; you must be over 18 and you must pass a basic health assessment run by the department. Other than that, you need to live within three kilometres of the station, so you need to be in town. According to Josh, women needn’t be concerned about being of slight frame or build as long as they have a healthy level of strength and fitness. ‘There is a big range of strength and size among the men,’ said Josh,’ but people of slight build are very capable of working in a team and carry out rescues of people larger than themselves. It is only a matter of
technique and training. The team at Mullumbimby is fantastic; the highlight of my working life so far has been working with the Mullum crew and I know anyone who joins us will feel the same. Not only does joining the fire brigade teach you some fantastic skills, it also teaches you how to work well in a team, think on your feet and some good leadership skills which can be applied to all areas of life.’ Josh is urging anyone who meets the criteria – and that’s probably you – to come along to an information session to learn more about what the job entails. There will be sessions held at both Mullumbimby and Bangalow Fire Stations on Thursday October 5 from 7pm. Application forms will be available on the night or by calling the zone office on 6624 5384.
Silken moves at Spring Fair
Grace Wightman and Charlotte Dods learn the delicate, and apparently curious, art of silk painting at the Cape Byron Steiner Spring Fair on Saturday. Photo Lou Beaumont
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Surfers catch the wave of peace
Greens MLC Ian Cohen leads the peace troops out to choppy seas on Saturday morning. About 150 peaceful surfers braved the winds for the Paddle out for Peace, and plenty of spectators were there to offer their support. Photo Lou Beaumont
Have we got a café for you! Michael McDonald The Department of Lands is inviting proposals to reestablish the Clarkes Beach Café at Byron Bay, said the Minister for Lands Tony Kelly last week. The Department recently took the café out of Byron Shire Council’s control for what the Minister says were ‘noncompliance issues involving its operation’. In an extraordinary piece of commercial spruiking for a government minister, Mr Kelly said in his press release, ‘This is an opportunity for the right business person to reopen the café to the community, taking advantage of its unique beach location and ocean views. ‘A strong market niche has been created with over
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25 years of operation of the café and we’re looking for someone with the capability and vision to continue this key service. The café is situated on Crown land fronting Clarkes Beach and is surrounded by parkland used for community recreation. It’s only a ten minute walk from the Byron CBD.’ Mr Kelly said it was anticipated the preferred proponent would be offered a lease over the site and start trading within six months of the lease commencement. ‘It is also expected the successful proponent will refurbish and/or redevelop the facility with a commitment to manage the site’s social and environmental values. The café is a good example of business and
community parkland infrastructure combining to meet the recreational and community needs as people enjoy public reserves and open spaces to improve their health, fitness and general lifestyle. ‘The provision of these types of facilities on Crown reserves and other public space was strongly supported during the recent regional consultations on the Iemma government’s draft state plan.’ To register for a site inspection or for more information email Tony Watts at tony.watts@lands.nsw.gov. au or phone 6691 9615. The proposal documents are online at www.lands. nsw.gov.au. The closing date for expressions of interest is 4pm on November 10.