Nimbin Cannabis Cafes

Nimbin Cannabis Cafes

I have commended recent raids by local police on their action in relation to the Nimbin Cannabis Cafes. My praise followed criticism of police inaction during the Nimbin Mardi Grass and I am pleased that action by police has been taken to curb this activity. Concerned constituents in the Nimbin area and surrounding communities had sent numerous letters to me conveying their objections to the operations of these proposed cannabis cafes. The excuse that local cafe operators felt police inaction indicated support is absurd. The police have my full support in whatever action is needed to combat local illegal drug activities.

Protective Commissioner

Following my representations and approaches to the Office of the Protective Commissioner and the Guardianship Board, the Lismore electorate was the only regional town visited by the Public Bodies Review Committee specifically due to its identification as an area of high concentration of clients. Like a lot of concern people, I will be eagerly waiting the report that will be tabled later this year, hopefully addressing many issues raised by relatives, carers and service providers.

2001 National CommunityLink Volunteer Awards

Nominations have opened and the main objective of the Awards is to promote, encourage and develop community service and volunteers. The objective is to help people make a difference in their community, to celebrate and promote the contribution which volunteers make to our society and facilitate a sharing of innovative ideas and best practice in volunteer management among communities. Nomination forms area available upon request to my office or online at www.national.com.au/Community/ and I encourage all local volunteer groups to nominate. Closing date 27 July 2001.

Capital Assistance Program

The 2001/2002 funding round has opened and I encourage local sporting organisations to make application for these grants. The program provides assistance with the development of local community sport and recreational facilities throughout NSW. All applications need to be submitted to the Lismore Regional Office of the Department of Sport and Recreation before 25 July 2001. Application forms and guidance notes are available upon request.

National Tree Day - 29 July 2001

A nationwide campaign to promote community tree planting and greater environmental awareness is being planned. Anyone interested in organising a National Tree Day event in this area can contact my office for further details.

HIH Builders Insurance Enquiries Welcomed

I would be interested to hear from local builders experiencing insurance processing delays following the collapse of HIH. A number of areas in the State have received concerns and I am aware that the Housing Industry Association is offering assistance to builders with problems obtaining Home Warranty Insurance. Local builders can contact my office with details of their particular issues and concerns.