Life is no drag for this vintage queen

SAMANTHA ELLEY

Kyogle’s Stan Munro has led a very full life as an entertainer, which started at a very young age.

As a tribute to his life, his show Vintage Drag in Mint Condition will be playing at the Lismore Heights Sports Club on Saturday, September 7 with doors open at 6pm.

“It’s completely different to the show I usually do,” said Stan.

“This show is a history of my life starting from when I was born in 1941.

“I got into showbiz when I was about 13 in the UK, as I was in a boys’ choir and we made a movie.

“I have been tapdancing and doing acrobatics since about eight (years old).”

One of Stan’s frst big shows was with the original Andrew Sisters and he has also worked with Petulia Clarke, Max Bygraves and Anthony Newley, to name a few.

“I also became very friendly with John Inman (Mr Humpries on Are

You Being Served?),” said Stan.

“We became lifelong friends and whenever he came to Australia with his stage show, we caught up.”

When Stan came to Australia, he discovered the drag scene in 1963 at Les Girls in Kings Cross, Sydney.

“Then I headlined Les Girls in Melbourne, opening it in 1970,” said Stan.

“I starred and compered that until 1978, six days a week for eight years.

“That was a good gig.”

Stan has appeared on the Graham Kennedy Show and even appeared in movies, such as Alvin Purple which came out in 1973.

Now his life will be presented on stage in conversation with Kevin Markwell, discussing his six-decade long career.

“The show contains lots of gags and songs and we also have the copyright to the scene from Alvin Purple, that I was in, to be able to show it on the night,” said Stan.

“There is also a serious side to the show from my life.”

Vintage Drag in Mint Condition, an evening with Dame Stan Munro, has been running for 14 months, which included Castlemaine, Victoria as part of Pride Week 2023 and even in Katherine in the Northern Territory.

Despite owning property in Kyogle, Stan still travels around and will be heading to Sydney soon as a fnalist in the ACON Awards for Arts & Entertainment.

His biography has recently been written and is entitled “Queen of the Valleys” and Stan is looking for the right publisher to take it on.

“It’s a 20-chapter book that is waiting to be published,” said Stan.

“I don’t want to self-publish but the book needs a publisher.”

For bookings to Vintage Drag in Mint Condition, call the Lismore Heights Sports Club on 6624 3040.

Tickets are $50 each and bookings are essential.

Saffn Welcomes 12 More Paramedics on the Road in Lismore

Lismore has recently seen a signifcant enhancement in its healthcare capabilities with the arrival of 12 new paramedics, part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader commitment to improving regional health services. These paramedics, now based at the Lismore Ambulance Station, are set to provide essential emergency and mobile healthcare across the North Coast Zone.

This increase in healthcare personnel is just one aspect of a larger initiative by NSW Ambulance’s mobile workforce. Lismore is among several regional locations that are benefting from the frst group of 125 additional paramedics, with others, including Ballina, South West Rocks, and Port Macquarie, also seeing boosts to their healthcare teams.

Strategic Workforce Enhancement

The deployment of these paramedics falls under the $1.76 billion Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) Program, which aims to add up to 2,500 additional staff across

NSW. This program also plans to establish 30 new ambulance stations and increase the number of ambulances signifcantly over the next few years. The Minns Labor Government has committed to rolling out 500 additional paramedics over a fouryear period, with future placements to be decided based on consultations with key stakeholders to assess regional needs. Statements from Offcials

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park highlighted the signifcance of these new appointments, stating, “The addition of these highly skilled paramedics in the bush will help drive better health outcomes for patients and their families, while also providing more support to our current NSW Ambulance staff in the North Coast.” Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn voiced her approval, adding, “We welcome these additional paramedics who will make a real difference in our region. Paramedics are one of the most trusted professions in Australia, providing life-saving frontline care to our local communities. I value these highly skilled and dedicated professionals and wish them well with their postings.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan emphasized the impact of the workforce increase, saying, “This signifcant increase to the paramedic workforce across the state will boost NSW Ambulance’s capacity to provide highquality care to patients across NSW. As demand for services continues to grow, we remain committed to providing world-class emergency and mobile health care to the NSW community.”

Future Prospects

This investment in regional health services is a crucial step towards ensuring that communities like Lismore have access to timely and effective emergency care. The ongoing expansion of the paramedic workforce underscores the NSW Government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare in regional areas and addressing the growing demand for emergency services.

The Northern Rivers Times asked candidates for Mayor in the September 14 Local Government elections in Ballina to explain why they’re running and what they thought of holding a popular vote for the offce.

By deadline this week, two had taken up the offer and it remains open for the other three, Sharon Cadwallader, Kevin Loughrey and Kiri Dicker.

Andrew Broadley

I have genuine gratitude for my life here. I wish to return it with service to the community.

I have experienced life as a member of a working family, balancing the cost of providing for a family while encouraging my children and partner to excel at their chosen activities.

I have the shared experience of many, which is commuting to work on the Bruxner

The Northern Rivers Times asked candidates for Mayor in the September 14 Local Government elections in Lismore to explain why they’re running and what they thought of holding a popular vote for the offce.

Questions: Your Name and Length of Time You’ve Lived in the Electorate:

John Michael Jenkins 17 years

What is Your Main Motivation for