To DIY or not to DIY?
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 Available early Tuesday at: http://www.echo.net.au VOLUME 22 #36 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2008 22,500 copies every week Printed on 100% recycled paper
A B O U T
T I M E
Long overdue but heartfelt apology
The answer may be on pages 18 to 20
Three cheers ch for health volunteers
Jann Gilbert Byron Bay Hospital paid tr ibute to its volunteers last Fr iday to mark NSW Health Volunteers Appreciation Day. The hospital hosted an afternoon tea for its v olunteer groups who include United Hospitals Auxiliaries, Pink and Lilac Ladies, Red Cross and a range of other organisations that raise muchneeded funds for the hospital, and channel the voluntary time of their members into improving the wellbeing of patients and staff. Director of Nur sing at Byron Bay Hospital, Jane Ackerman, acknowledged the ongoing support of the v olunteers and their vital contribution. ‘The hospital wouldn’t have many of the things that assist with patient care without the help of our volunteers,’ said Ms Ackerman. ‘It takes a long time to raise funds and y ou don’t know how much help you have given the hospital. It’s not only the time spent sitting in front of Woolies or organising events but also the time spent at home making things to sell for the hospital. Not to mention looking after pa tients and staff a t the café, which involves hours of volunteer service. And all funds raised from the café go to the hospital.’ Marie Ronan, President of the Hospital Auxiliary, thanked the hosWarren ‘Little Wazza’ Jones (front) celebrates in tradition ochre with Uncle Pete Jungala (centre) and Warren ‘Big Wazza’ Baker (far left) as part of the Binikilii pital for the after noon tea and the dance group at the Byron Bay community centre last Wednesday. Photo Lou Beaumont acknowledgement of their work. ‘We don’t expect thanks b ut of these Stolen Generations, their families and communities, we We apologise especially for We apologise for the laws and it’s certainly nice to ha ve,’ said descendants and for their families say sorry. policies of successive Parliaments the removal of Aboriginal and Marie. ‘We raise funds for the And for the indignity and left behind, we say sorry. Torres Strait Islander children and governments that have benefit of patients and everyone degradation thus inflicted on a To the mothers and the from their families, their inflicted profound grief, at the hospital.’ proud people and a proud fathers, the brothers and the communities and their country. suffering and loss on these our Last year the Auxiliary raised culture, we say sorry. For the pain, suffering and hurt sisters, for the breaking up of fellow Australians. over $50,000, which is used to Jann Gilbert the apology, the Arakwal people thanked the community for their actually a realisa tion that we’re a buy equipment such as highWith these relatively simple words invited family and fr iends for an continuing support in gaining jus- generation of the Stolen Genera- dependency monitors for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd altered impromptu celebration at the tice for Aboriginal people and tion. My own grandfather and my improved patient care. the psyche of a na tion and set Community Centre, where the acknowledged that, while the apol- great aunt were taken from Byron Unfortunately, like many volunhands clapping with a deafening excitement and sentiment was pal- ogy was a great foundation, there Bay and put into homes then fos- teer organisations, numbers are roar across Australia. pable. Deb Cole from the Ca v- was still a lot of work to be done. tered out for home duties. And we dwindling and new v olunteers are For many Australians it was an vanbah Reconcilation Group Speaking to the gatheringYvonne never got to meet. always needed. If you or someone emotional and histor ic moment opened proceedings by welcoming reflected the feelings of man y of But I guess our community here you know would like to v olunteer but for Aboriginal Australians par- all to Bunjalung countr y and those present, who were still com- today is a perfect example of surfor the Auxiliary or Pink Ladies ticularly it signalled the ackno wl- acknowledging Arakwal Elder, ing to terms with the apology and vival. I think w e’re a strong breed (that includes blokes as w ell) or edgement of ‘the stain’ across white Auntie Dulcie Nicholls, and her its significance. and I know we’re a strong na tion, even if you just want to knit chickAustralia’s history and a hopeful niece, Yvonne Stewart, who is ‘I haven’t had time to absorb it and I think that the Aboriginal com- ens for Easter please contact Marie new wave of reconciliation. Chair of the Cape Byron Trust. yet,’ said Yvonne. ‘It’s quite emo- munities around Australia will on 6685 7769 or Secretar y MauFollowing the local telecast of Before introducing Yvonne, Deb tional. I think this mor ning was continued on page 2 reen Weir on 6685 3162. Advertisement