Meet the new editor of the NewsWeekly, Caroline Strainig.

G’DAY!

My name is Caroline Strainig and I am the new editor of the Albury Wodonga NewsWeekly.

I arrived in the Border on Friday and my first few days have passed like a blur, meeting the team at the newspaper and getting out and about familiarising myself with the region.

For me, taking on the job of editor is very much a question of returning to my roots.

I started in country journalism on a NSW tri-weekly in Bowral more years ago than I care to reveal and went on to edit the Douglas Times in Port Douglas and then a large bi-weekly on the NSW South Coast, the Bay Post-Moruya Examiner-Narooma Area News.

For the past 13 years I edited a magazine, Cruising Helmsman, Australia’s leading audited monthly sailing magazine.

While that may sound a little different, in reality the job was very much the same as that of a local newspaper editor, producing a topical and relevant publication for a particular community, which in this case just happened to be a group of boating enthusiasts.

Anyway, enough about me – what is of much more interest is what my appointment will mean in terms of this newspaper.

I’m not the sort of person who does knee-jerk changes.

I, like most people, believe “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.

However, one of my major tasks will be to ensure the newspaper serves the Border community in the best possible way.

To me that means making sure it becomes an essential tool to keep people in touch with what is happening in the community and championing local causes.

To that end, I will be very much a hands-on editor who gets out and about and is involved at a grass roots level in what is going on.

Please do say hello if you see me and fill me in on your concerns and hopes for the region.

Fred makes a leap of faith. Picture: BLAIR THOMSON

LOCAL rescue groups are re-homing hundreds of dogs each year, saving the animals from being put down.

Wodonga Dog Rescue has re-homed more than 350 dogs in the last 12 months, a similar number to the Albury Animal Rescue.

The area’s newest group, Border Rescue, Grooming and Transport has saved and re-homed more than 60 dogs since its formation last October.

The animals are taken from local pounds and from people who can no longer care for them before being given health checks and microchips, vaccinations and de-sexing if required.

They are then placed with foster carers who look after the dogs until they are adopted out to new owners.

Karen Thompson of Border Rescue, Grooming and Transport said foster carers were always in high demand.

“We’re always after more foster carers,” Karen said.

“We can never have too many.

“We’ve got more dogs than carers at the moment so we urgently need whatever help we can get.”

Karen said the majority of dogs came from homes where people could no longer care for them, but the other groups mainly rescued animals from pounds.

“Generally the dogs are fantastic,” she said.

“We haven’t had any troubles with any of the dogs so far … it’s been good.

“You can become a carer or adopt a dog if you can open your family, your home and your heart to look after a dog.

“People looking for a new dog should adopt a rescue dog  because there are that many needy dogs out there looking for homes at the moment without buying puppies out of the paper or pet shops.”

Wodogna Dog Rescue vice president Andrea Jack said the service had 54 dogs needing new homes.

“We’ve had dogs that have been re-homed all over the country as far as Perth and Queensland,” she said.

“It’s heartbreaking for people to give away their dogs but they also know that they’re going to a good home.”

The majority of the dogs are aged between one and two years old and spend about 2.5 months in care on average.

Anyone looking to become a carer or adopt a dog should search for the local groups via the internet.

By BLAIR THOMSON

Inspector David Cottee. Picture: BLAIR THOMSON

ALBURY police say they are winning the battle against alcohol-fuelled crime in the city’s CBD.

Figures obtained by NewsWeekly show police attended 549 alcohol-related incidents in Albury’s CBD in 2006, which rose to 652 in 2007.

But the number of alcohol-related incidents recorded by the police has declined or remained steady each following year, with 220 incidents recorded in 2011.

The figures cover assault, drug detection, malicious damage and street offences where the offender or victim has drunk alcohol or attended a licensed venue, or if the incident takes places in sight of a licensed venue.

Inspector David Cottee said there were several strategies which had led to the reduction.

“It’s been quite a significant decrease,” he said.

“We have the fail to quit program that we brought in in 2007, and then enhancements to that in the red card system which bans people from venues.

“We have a very strong liquor accord, we’ve had increased security measures in all our licensed premises, as well as licensed security officers patrolling the main streets and taxi ranks.

“The 1.30am lockout has also had a very positive effect, in our eyes, on reducing crime in our CBD.”

Figures for alcohol-related assaults in the Albury CBD were not immediately made available to NewsWeekly.

But figures for wider Albury, which includes Lavington and other suburbs, show a 10.1 per cent drop in alcohol-related incidents between 2006 and 2010.

But Insp Cottee said the police were still concerned by assaults taking place in Albury.

“We’re still concerned about serious assaults in the area,” he said.

“There are still incidents of serious assaults in the area and alcohol-related crime.

“It would be nice to think we could eliminate all of those, but realistically that’s very unlikely.

“We would still like to see a reduction in those areas, and I think patrons need to take some responsibility for not only their own behaviour, but also their own safety.”

Insp Cottee said there was still more the police could do to stamp out alcohol-fuelled incidents.

“We’re obviously going to continue to work to reduce those figures even more,” he said.

“We have just enacted a pro-active deployment unit which we hope will have some further effect by focusing on anti-social behaviour in Dean Street and outlying areas.”

By BLAIR THOMSON

Peta Stewart says awareness of lung cancer is the focus of the Ride Hard to Breathe Easy campaign. Picture: TREVOR JACKSON

RAISING awareness rather than funds is the focus of the Ride Hard to Breathe Easy campaign.

Celebrating the life of Karen Munro, the event aims to create more awareness of lung cancer.

RH2BE board member and local cycling identity, Peta Stewart has been instrumental in ensuring the campaign, originally created by Karen, has continued to grow.

Peta and Karen’s husband Steve, along with a group of friends throughout Australia have helped spread the message that lung cancer is not always a result of smoking, a view often held in the wider community.

Before Karen passed away she was passionate about that message.

Having never smoked in her life she wanted to ensure people understood and helped remove the stigma often attached to lung cancer, one of the biggest killers among the cancer groups.

“Karen was my best friend,” Peta told NewsWeekly.

“We were cyclists together and became best mates just through cycling.

“When she was diagnosed she had the vision to start Ride Hard to Breathe Easy.

“When she passed on we formed a committee to make sure things were kept running.

“We really have launched it even bigger than what she had when she was still alive because she really struggled with her health.”

The current program run by the group is all about community involvement, not just in Australia but on the world stage.

Participants register online and have the month of April to cover a distance of 800 kilometres, or whatever they can manage.

This was the same distance Karen covered on a ride from Adelaide to Melbourne after being diagnosed.

She rode the whole distance of that event and the final stages from Ballarat attracted around 200 riders to escort her to the finish line.

The current program also has unlikely support from an international cycling website called Strava where people uploaded details and compare rides with others.

“You can download a ride someone else has done and go out and do the same ride and challenge yourself,” Peta said.

“It’s massive!

“It’s the first time ever across the world they’ve allowed a charity to do this.

“I think a lot of it is they can see it’s got nothing to do with money.”

With the campaign only launched in the last week it has already attracted close to 1000 participants across the globe and is growing by the day.

Cyclists can also purchase Ride Hard to Breathe Easy kits to wear whether in this event or for everyday cycling, all helping to raise awareness.

Peta said with the launch of the new website, kits would be available in the near future.

For further information those interested can contact Peta at peta@petastewart.com.au, visit the website at www.ridehardtobreatheeasy.org, like their page on Facebook or check out the Strava site at www.strava.com/challenges/rh2be

By TREVOR JACKSON

Corina, pictured with her son Ethan, will skydive next month in support of junior diabetes research. Picture: BLAIR THOMSON

A LOCAL group is seeking support for a hair-raising fund-raiser for a brave young boy.

Six-year-old Ethan Beyer has suffered from type one diabetes since he was a baby and must test his insulin levels between 10 and 13 times each day.

He also requires injections up to five times per day, with his disease draining his energy and causing extreme nausea.

In a bid to raise money for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation, Ethan’s mother, grandmother and their friends will skydive next month.

“I figure if Ethan can go through what he does each day, even though he feels physically ill and has to inject needles up to five times a day, I can do this one event, overcome my fear of heights and just get on with it,” mum Corina said.

“Even though I’m nervous and scared, it’s nothing on what Ethan goes through every day.”

The five skydivers need to raise $6250 to qualify for the jump, with that money to support research, education and fun days for those affected by junior diabetes.

Corina said the disease had a big impact on the family.

Ethan’s parents only discovered he had diabetes when he slipped into a coma and needed to be rushed to hospital.

“My husband and I check him every couple of hours over the night to make sure that he’s stable,” Corina said.

“Before he has anything to eat or drink, we need to know the carbohydrates of that and we then do a calculation of the insulin he needs to compensate for the carbohydrates in his body.

“It’s extremely stressful and that plays a big part.

“It’s kind of the element of the unknown; just when you think you’ve got it right, it changes.”

To help boost their fund-raising efforts, which currently sit at $3000, a curry and wine night will be held on Saturday 25 February at Frayne College in Baranduda.

“We hope to get between 100 and 120 people down,” Corina said.

“The night is a nice get-together of people – everybody purchase a ticket for $20 and we’re asking everybody to bring a dish.

“They can come along, have a nice night, and enjoy some curry and wine.”

Tickets to the event can be purchased from Corina on 0409 565 561.

By BLAIR THOMSON

Ben Gard, 14, will compete in the Kinross Pro Charity Rodeo on Sunday. Picture: BLAIR THOMSON

BULL riding returns to the Border on Saturday at the Albury Wodonga Equestrian Centre in Thurgoona.

Competitors will ride bulls weighing close to a tonne during the Kinross Pro Charity Rodeo, competing for championship points under the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.

Ben Gard,14, of Thurgoona will be one local rider looking to take out a win.

“I started when I was about six and just liked it … I didn’t really like pony club,” he said with a laugh.

“It’s the adrenaline rush when you get on them.

“It’s fun … it used to be scary but it’s not really that scary now.”

Despite having his leg stomped by a bull last weekend, almost breaking the bone, Ben admits he’s been “pretty lucky” during his time in the sport.

His father and event organiser, Mick Rake, said competitors risked serious injury each time they jumped on a bull.

“It takes a lot of dedication, a lot of practice and you have to have guts as well,” he said.

“There have been people known to get horned by bulls and there are a lot of broken legs and wrists and ankles.

“It’s a pretty tough sport.

“The bulls at the weekend are 800 and 900 kilos of thundering flesh.”

Mr Gard has been involved in rodeo for more than three decades and is glad his children have taken it on.

“It keeps them keen and keeps me keen,” he said.

“Rodeos are very spectator friendly sports, it’s a family friendly sport and we just hope that people in Albury appreciate that there’s a lot that goes into putting on a rodeo and that they turn out and support this.”

Mr Gard said about 2,000 people attended last year’s inaugural event, which he hoped would increase to 3,000 on Saturday.

Qualifying events start at noon and the main performance at 7pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or at the Kinross Woolshed Hotel, costing $50 for a family, $20 adults, $15 pensioner and $10 6-16 years.

By BLAIR THOMSON

Jodie Tiernan with the local Carevan. Blacktown will soon begin serving meals to needy people from its own Carevan. Picture: BLAIR THOMSON

THE Border’s Carevan service will open a branch in Blacktown, with further plans to expand the homeless charity Australia-wide.

The local Carevan, started by Albury orthodontist John Brabant, served its first meal in May 2010.

Run by CEO Jodie Tiernan, the Carevan Foundation serves meals to more than 200 homeless and needy people each week and Ms Tiernan is excited about the expansion.

“Blacktown is a big one for Carevan and we’re just very proud that we’re a big part of it, that people want to take what we do here and provide that service in their own community,” she said.

“We’re very proud that a home-grown charity, started here in Albury Wodonga through volunteers, is growing nationally.

“And if other people want to take it on, we’re happy to provide the blueprint for what we’ve done here and they can run with it.”

The group behind the Blacktown Carevan, led by teacher and chef Terry Evans, received their own campervan late last year and will begin training volunteers next month.

Mr Evans expects about 300 people to attend an upcoming volunteer meeting with the aim of serving the first meal in early April.

Therese Rein, Jodie Tiernan, Kevin Rudd and John Brabant

Ms Tiernan said the service would serve meals three to four times a week, but go beyond being just a food service.

“They want to take on the book library, the Carevan cooking program and just the Carevan concept of caring,” she said.

“I think that grabs them a bit more than just being like, here’s a meal, move on.

“It’s about sitting down and getting to know the individual that visits the van, learning about their life and steering them in the right direction and giving them a bit of a chance.”

Ms Tiernan and Dr Brabant recently met former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his wife Therese in Sydney, with Mr Rudd sharing a video message with those involved in the charity.

“Can I just say to all you guys who are out there with Carevan and working with Jodie and the team, hi from Therese and myself,” he said.

“All the very best, make the most of your lives, look after them, stay well and life’s going to have something really special for you.”

Ms Tiernan described Mr Rudd as “compassionate” and said he had been impressed by the way the community had embraced the Carevan.

She said they hoped to one day have Carevans operating across the nation.

“The idea is that a homeless person travelling around sees a Carevan coloured van and they will know they’re going to get a healthy meal a bit of company, a bit of inclusion back into society,” she said.

“And I suppose the dream would be to help those people back into the community.”

By BLAIR THOMSON

Podiatrist Sylvia McAra checks foot blood circulation in one of her students. Picture: CAROLINE STRAINIG

WHEN a 92-year old man came to podiatrist Sylvia McAra with an ulcer on his toe which wouldn’t respond to normal treatment, she knew she had to think outside the square to help him.

After a lot of research, the Albury-based Charles Sturt University researcher came up with the idea of trying a glyceryl trinitrate patch – normally used to treat angina – on his foot to see if it would boost blood circulation there, which should theoretically increase the chances of the ulcer healing.

The result was an outstanding success, and the patch proved equally effective on other patients, with one three-year-old ulcer healing in three weeks.

Today, the next step to make the patches an accepted treatment for foot and leg ulcers is underway – a full-blown clinical trial.

But there is a problem: she needs more volunteers.

“So far we have only 16 suitable volunteers, so we need another 84 and are hoping by spreading the word through the media more people will come forward,” the researcher said.

The trial is a rolling trial during 2012 and will require each volunteer to make seven visits over six months to the Allied Health Clinic at the corner of Olive and Guinea streets in Albury, the Charles Sturt University Albury campus.

Volunteers need to have have reduced circulation in their feet.

Symptoms of this can include cold feet, foot ulcers or a history of foot ulcers or a history of chilblains.

People already using glyceryl trinitrate patches or Viagra are not suitable.

The same applies to people with very low or unstable blood pressure.

Anyone who would like to take part can make an appointment for a free assessment by calling 02 6051 9299.

The findings of the study will be published in Australian medical journals.

If the trial results are good, the treatment will then be submitted for official approval and podiatrists and doctors Australia and even world-wide will be free to adopt it.

By CAROLINE STRAINIG

Wodonga's vacant rail land. Picture: BLAIR THOMSON

THE head of the government body charged with revamping Wodonga’s CBD believes the community didn’t want a $110m shopping plaza on the vacant former railway land.

Places Victoria CEO Sam Sangster said the development plans – which included retail stores, outdoor dining, open areas and commercial space – didn’t fit in with master plans for the site.

“It clearly doesn’t match the master plans that’s been talked to the community about,” Mr Sangster said.

“On that basis it doesn’t seem to fit the desires and wants of the Wodonga population.”

The developer withdrew from the plans as a result of what his representative Bill Pickering called roadblocks from Wodonga Council and Places Victoria.

But Mr Sangster said any developments on the rail land must consider the city as a whole.

“It’s not just what happens on that site, but also looking at how that 10 hectares of land inter-operates with the balance of the city,” he said.

“There’s no point in adding a whole bunch of activity on that site and then Centro empties out and High Street empties out.”

A planning framework for the land redevelopment was passed last Thursday – the same day NewsWeekly revealed the collapse of the $110m shopping centre plan – giving the green light for development to go ahead.

While Mr Sangster wouldn’t say when old rail infrastructure would be removed, or when building would commence, he said residents expected activity soon.

“This is a 10 to 15 year-development proposition; this is not something that’s going to happen overnight,” he said.

“We need to get going very fast and we’ve heard clearly from the community that there is a desire for activity on the site.

“We need to get things happening now but things aren’t going to be completed overnight.”

By BLAIR THOMSON

Mill manager Vivienne Worden discusses the $6.5m upgrade with warehouse co-ordinator Simon Stobbart. Picture: CAROLINE STRAINIG

IN AN age where Australia is better known for what it imports rather than what it exports, it’s good to see one Albury-based manufacturer bucking the trend and showing what can be done if you think smart.

Last Sunday marked the 25th anniversary of Kimberly-Clark’s Albury Mill, which manufactures the non-woven fabrics found in everyday products like Huggies Nappies and Kleenex Viva Glass and Mirror as well as the Kimberly-Clark professional range and health-care products found in hospitals.

The first roll of fabric was manufactured in 1987 two months ahead of schedule at the purpose-built factory at the corner of Drome Street and Borella Road in Albury and the company has continued to expand and grow over the years, today employing 48 staff directly, plus numerous contractors.

Manager Vivienne Worden said the key to their success was innovation and employee contributions.

“You have to be constantly looking at ways to improve manufacturing processes, efficiencies and embrace change,” she said.

Part of that mindset is investing money in new equipment and a $6.5 million upgrade to the meltblown extrusion line will shortly get underway, scheduled for completion in April.

“This will allow us to pursue new, broader innovative opportunities for our fabrics as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting key processes from coal-based electricity to gas,” Ms Worden said.

Kimberly-Clark is a US-owned company and its well-known global brands are part of life for people in more than 175 countries.

Every day, nearly a quarter of the world’s population trust K-C’s brands and the solutions the company provides to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being.

With well-known and trusted brands, Kimberly-Clark holds the number one or number two share position in more than 80 countries.

Employees who have been there from day one include John Hamilton.

The mill will celebrate the milestone with a family day for employees in June after the $6.5 million upgrade is finished.

By CAROLINE STRAINIG