Terania Times #87

Est. 2005 * Issue 87 January/February 2020

FI RE SP EC IA L

Your magazine This is a community magazine so we want it to be filled with articles from members of our local community!

We welcome your articles, photographs, stories and other contributions.

It’s always a good idea to have someone else read it to see if it makes sense. Please keep articles to under 400 words, letters under 300 words and include a phone number in case we need to contact you.

All letters are, as far as practicable, left in their original form. Some stylistic or formatting alterations may be made to fit layout requirements but the spelling, grammar, punctuation, expression, opinions and information they contain are all their authors’ own work.

Executive contributors Editor, Advertising Enquires & Layout Ray Flanagan Accounts Betty Ryan Cover photograph Firefighters JJ and Brendon Photo by Nick Adams (we think)

T.T. #87 contributors Pauline Barratt Betty Ryan Bob Keene Jason Gough Beth Wallach Cath Lewis Terri Nicholson Andrya Hart Maggie Ritchie Nan Nicholson Jenny Dowell John Revington Rupert Reid Samuel Alexander Ivy Young Kizzy Crawley Rena Woolbank

Hugh Nicholson Jo Pitt Sally Best Wal Davies John Hutchison Angelos Bakas Jen Ireland Vera McAllister Fionn Quinlan Rod Poole Calvin Bosch Nigel Prem Nick Adams Mish Songsmith Maree Barber David Smith

Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in Terania Times are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the editors, the advertising or administrative team members.

Contact us For articles, suggestions, complaints and advertising enquiries e: theteraniatimes@gmail.com t: 02 6688 6100 Hard copy and written correspondence The Terania Times C/O Ray Flanagan 43 Ross Rd The Channon, NSW 2480 2 Terania Times Issue 87

Editorial Terania Times January/February 2020 Issue 87

Whoa! What a month it's been - preparing our community for possible fire invasion, evacuating home and supporting the local RFS on the fire front.

I always saw leaf blowers as an annoying replacement of the broom for cleaning suburban pathways. Well I have had to abandon my assessment of this tool since seeing how it can be employed to rapidly clear leaves from rooves, gutters around the house, off fire containment lines and even for blowing slow moving fire back on itself. But, I will still keep my broom.

In this edition of TT we have featured stories and photographs connected to the recent fires. I was thinking that I would love to share the many photos that didn't make it into print from the fires and other TT featured events. Now social media is not one of my strong suits. So, I am appealing for someone to manage a Terania Times Facebook page or at least someone to school me in the intricacies of the app.

The topic of climate change often now emerges when fires are mentioned. The NSW Minister for Environment, Mattew Kean, has

acknowledged the link between the fires and climate change and now although the Prime Minister acknowledges a connection Australia is one of the countries refusing to support stronger emission reductions at the UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid as I write. Scomo is obviously too committed to his coal and gas company pals.

Last week global carbon project executive director and CSIRO research scientist Pep Canadell said Australia's emissions were contributing to climate change.

"It's the tragedy of the commons. Below the biggest emitters in China and the US you have dozens and dozens of countries contributing between 1.5 and 0.8 million tonnes, which adds up to the climate problem," Dr Canadell said. "Because all the individual contributions are small no one feels responsible".

The second installment of 'This Civilisation is Finished' is on page 10.

No doubt we face challenging times ahead.

"Happy New Year!"

Ray Flanagan

TT IS NOW IN FULL COLOUR AT www.issuu.com/teraniatimes

Community Diary what

where

when

The Channon Craft Market

Coronation Park

Sunday January 12th

Rural Fire Brigade Training

The Channon Fire Station

Monday January 6th 5.30pm

Rural Fire Brigade Training

The Channon Fire Station

Third Sunday 9.30pm

Rural Fire Brigade Meeting

The Channon Fire Station

Monday February 3rd 7.30pm

The Channon Craft Market

Coronation Park

Sunday February 9th

Community Resilience Meeting

See web address page 4

Saturday February 15th

The Channon Open Mic

The Channon Tavern

Sunday February 23rd from 3pm

The Channon Raise the Roof Choir

The Channon Hall - Jessie 0417277211

Wednesdays 11am-1pm Resuming 8th Jan.

Circus classes

The Channon Hall - Rena 0421255982

Wednesday (performance class 3-5pm adults 5pm) Resuming 29th January

Circus classes

The Channon Hall - Rena 0421255982

Thursday (mixed class 3-4,30pm seniors Resuming 29th January

Seekers and Sages luncheon

The Channon Tavern - Cedar 66891709

Third Thursday

Social tennis

The Channon Tennis Courts

Mondays from 5.45pm

Karate

The Channon Hall - Rachel 0427778837

Tuesdays from 3.15pm

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PRE Issue 87 Terania Times 3

Letters to the Editor Recent fires have had a kaleidoscope effect on our community. We have been faced with many layers of personal challenges, in the way of physical fatigue, mental fatigue, material possessions, emotional needs and community connections to name a few. To consolidate our community connections and to continue our sense of supporting each other healers are invited from the community to gift their services to fire fighters, volunteers and other community members in need. People who are trained at soothing aching muscles or nurture people’s spirits or listen to experiences are being called on to support our community. Any healers who wish to volunteer some of their time and gift some vouchers for their services to local people who were directly or indirectly affected by the fires please call Rena. I’m willing to connect services and patients. If anyone has had a similar idea and/or can see a better way of connecting the dots please be part of this process. Could willing practitioners please call Rena on 0421 255 982. This summer may be long and hot.

We need to be a strong and healthy community, ready to face any new challenges in the future. Remember there are many services to reach out to for help including Lifeline’s free phone service. Our community has stepped up and we are doing an amazing dance.

Rena Woolbank

C

You Rock!

Wow! What a palpable sense of community pervades the somewhat smoke ridden atmosphere cocooning our villages, hills and valleys at this time. I suspect that for those selfless and courageous souls directly involved in the firefighting and management action that this community spirit has been experienced deeply. As it has for many others.

The Friday night fundraiser at The Channon hall was, by all accounts, a coming together of friends, neighbours and one time strangers, an opportunity to share stories, express fears and hopes, an important opportunity to learn, grow and strengthen as a community. It is my hope that such opportunities will only increase in scope and frequency, and continue to be seized with both hands by all concerned.

Unfortunately I was unable to be there with you all on that Friday night. I was similarly unable to assist with the on the ground community defence efforts during the recent fire threats.

Having recently moved away from the area it’s safe to say that I was feeling somewhat disconnected at the time, and a whole lot helpless! This feeling of helplessness was one that I heard expressed by others during the early days of the fires.

However, for me, it was a feeling overcome by gladly being in the right place at the right (even if one of the most challenging) time. And so, thankfully, I was able to assist

OMMUNITY RESILIENCE/EMERGENCY PLAN - MEETING - Sat 15th Feb If you’d like to be in the loop for ongoing community resilience in relation to these times, please add your contact here: http://bit.ly/the-channon-community-resilience

4 Terania Times Issue 87

with the coordination of food and drink drops that spontaneously developed.

Based at The Channon hall, a group of like-hearted people came together. Some from within the community, some from neighbouring communities and others from as far afield as Brisbane! A call was put forth for donations of snack type foods, fruit, cool drinks and beer, eskys and ice. I was initially overwhelmed at the abundance with which the donated goods arrived and continued to arrive, day in, day out. But we got to work dividing, packing and distributing the much appreciated supplies to RFS members and community defenders battling it out at both the Siddha Farm and Rainbow communities. We also managed to have pies warming and beers chilling at

the hall should any wearied warrior decide to stop in for a top up on their way home for some well-earned rest.

The immense generosity of resources, time and spirit that we encountered while operating out of the hall was for me, at times, emotionally overwhelming. Those that could do so gave their all and those unable to physically assist, offered many a kind word of encouragement and an always open ear at times when an honest de-briefing was exactly what was needed to rekindle, with vigour, the passion for our purpose.

I am filled with gratitude and admiration. Community defenders, you rock! RFS, you rock! Community…YOU ROCK! Kizzy Crawley.

Kizzy & kitchen crew organising food donations at the hall

photo food crew at hall>Vera McAllister

Building Community Connection

healing arts

BETTY RYAN

Melatonin

M

Eye Movement sleep where most of our dreaming occurs to regenerate and repair most efficiently. Sleep deprivation affects our judgement, motivation and mood.

Melatonin is the guardian hormone of our sleep, important in its initiation and maintenance. Melatonin production is impaired by artificial light especially from LEDs, TV, phone and computer screens. It’s made mostly in the pineal gland

elatonin is an amazing hormone produced by the pineal gland buried deep in the brain. It has many uses but it’s widely known for its regulation of circadian rhythm: wake in the morning and get bright light on the retina (in the back of the eye) and melatonin production stops – leading to increased wakefulness. When darkness edges into our world at dusk the decrease in light levels on the retina switches melatonin production on in the pineal gland, leading to sleepiness.

We seem to need sleep; it’s a healing and rejuvenating time when we’re probably clearing toxic metabolites from our brains and consolidating memories and newly learned skills. Poor sleep habits and patterns are associated with many chronic diseases including dementias. Interestingly most animals sleep, even bees and cockroaches, while dolphins appear to allow half their brain to sleep at any given time. We humans seem to need the deeper non-REM sleep as well as the Rapid

and a little bit in the retina of the eye, from the neurotransmitter serotonin so basic to our melatonin production is sufficient serotonin, known to be lower in some types of depression and gastro-intestinal

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problems. The retina registers the amount of blue light reaching it -that’s reasonably short visible light waves around 400nm and it’s blue light that inhibits melatonin production via the retina.

Light intensity can also inhibit melatonin production: 200 to 400 lux equates to an average fluorescent bulb and will inhibit melatonin production. Lux values are often written on light bulbs and LED bulbs are often a higher lux rating – 600+ lux for an hour will disrupt melatonin production.

As well as its job regulating circadian and seasonal rhythms melatonin is an immune system supporter and impressive antioxidant protecting our nervous system and limiting the physiological effects of neurodegenerative diseases. Melatonin collects in mitochondria – the tiny powerhouses within our cells – protecting them from oxidative stress and decreasing inflammation. Blue light can damage the eye leading to macular degeneration and vision loss – and melatonin is protective against this process but – catch22 – blue light stops melatonin production.

Melatonin production begins around the age of 3 months and peaks at adolescence with alterations at this life stage so teenagers’ sleep patterns can be naturally haywire. A healthy adult will produce around 8 times the level of melatonin at night compared to daytime production. During the aging process melatonin production can decrease and the duration of production can shorten so that older people may produce only twice the amount of melatonin at night as compared to daytime levels.

Marijuana use by humans can raise melatonin levels dramatically in most but not all people. Some people react the same way as our unwilling research partners the rats, whose melatonin production decreases with THC. While a lack of melatonin may not cause disease its deficiency has been associated with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s dementia, insomnia, migraine, depression, cardiovascular disease and progression of some cancers.To optimise melatonin production it’s best to get light on the retina early in the day –morning sunshine on the face before the day’s high U.V. ratings kick in. Then, when darkness falls moderate the light levels in your home or workplace as much as possible so that there’s not too much blue light hitting the retina. Remember, high blue light sources are screens, phones and LED lights.

Limit screen time and ensure your LED bulbs are as close to sunlight range as possible, or at least “warm” rather than “cool” white. This refers to the correlated colour temperature (CCT) measured in Kelvins.

A bulb rated less than 3000K will appear “warm” coloured whereas a light 5000-7000K will be a cool light and effectively contain more blue light.

Various plants contain melatonin with good examples being tart cherries, tomatoes, walnuts, bell peppers – the list goes on and one can surmise that these plants sleep well.

Possibly nothing would beat dropping the artificial light sources at night, but short of that we need to be aware and cautious of our health.

Issue 87 Terania Times 5

Around The Channon Excerpts from Pauline Barratt’s historical book published in 1999

Part 3 - The Pioneering Families Around The Channon The Kings

A

Hubert & Caroline King,1950

trees and undergrowth using axes and crosscut saws. They waited six months then burnt off so the land could be turned using mattocks. They planted bananas, but because of the difficulty with the English language, not understanding north or south, they planted on the wrong slope, producing only in summer and consequently bringing low prices. Many times payments for their bananas were made in postage stamps.

John became known as "Little John" to distinguish him from his partner and also because of his stature. He moved to Terania Creek in 1935 and leased land off Mr. W. Ross. Again he cleared the land and planted bananas and small crops.

In 1937, ten years after he first arrived here, his wife Car mela and their four children, Mario, Gina, Guiseppe ( Joe), and Gino ( Jim) came from Italy. It shocked them to see their dwelling. The younger children thought it was a fowl house.

However, they remained there five years, Joe and Jim attending school at Terania Creek.

In 1942 the family moved to the other side of the hill on

The Mazzoranas

by Lui Mazzorana. ohn arrived at Whian Whian from Italy in 1927 aged thirty nine. Working in partnership with Giovanni ( John) Barb and Luigi Merlin they cleared the land of

J

6 Terania Times Issue 87

John and Carmella with Jim, Mario, Gina and Joe

photos Kings >courtesy F Cowan ;John & Carmella>courtesy L Mazzorana

ballot was held in the Lismore Land Board Office in July 1904 for land which had been opened up for Conditional Purchase. There were twenty-four applications for Lot 16, Parish of Nimbin, an area of 142 acres at £2 per acre. Hubert and Caroline King of Boatharbour were successful in acquiring this block. By 1905 they had cleared fifty acres and sown thirty five acres of corn with an expected yield of fifty bushels to the acre.

They had six children — Jack, Beatie, Hubert (Sonny), Lindsay, Marj and Jim. The original home was a slab hut situated behind where the home is today. The new home was begun before the war and finished after it. A tennis court was built near the house. Dances were held in the large dining room.

Marj played piano for the dances.

Jack married Henrietta Pearl Bartlett in 1924. He worked at The Channon Butter Factory until it closed in 1946 then went to work at the local bakery until his early death at the age of fifty-nine. Pearl later married Tom McMullen. She continued to live in the old house next to the Butter Factory. She died in 1990 at The Channon.

Marj married Les Stone from Terania Creek. They had two daughters, Fay and Tibby. Marj and Les worked on the farm for a while, then moved to Coffee Camp where they grew bananas. Les went to Gundurimba for three weeks relieving work at a slaughter house. He stayed fifty years. Beatie and Jim never married and lived all their lives on the farm. Sonny died in 1912 from brain fever after being ill for three weeks. He was ten years old.

Lindsay married Elsie Grace Jenkins in 1927. They lived up Terania Creek for a while where Lindsay had a cream carrying business. The family moved back to The Channon, leasing Blackwell's farm. Lindsay was also on the tick staff, and did droving work. He was an excellent horseman, and taught many local children to ride. Later they moved back onto the family farm where they share-farmed until Lindsay retired due to illhealth. They then moved into town to live with their daughter, Katie Clapham.

Hubert and Caroline's grand-daughter Fay and her husband Ray Cowan returned home from Mt. Isa in 1969 and moved onto the farm and are restoring the home to its original condition. Tibby married Dudley Poison and lives near Casino.

The families first home

Mazzorana family celebrating 50 years in the district in 1987

(continued from page 6) Tuntable where they built a better house, but within a year it was demolished by a storm. Only the water tanks were left standing. They started another plantation by preparing the land with a horse and hand-held plough and where inaccessible by horse, dug with a mattock. The slopes were very steep so work was strenuous.

While here Mario was conscripted into the army for four years. Upon his return he moved to Sydney to work in his favoured trade of furniture making. Mario married Silvana Testa in 1959. They had three children, Carmen, Linda and John.

Mario passed away in 1997.

Gina married Amedeo (Charlie) Simeoni in 1947. They lived at Naughton's Gap near Casino for a few years then returned to Tuntable Creek where their three children, John, Leah and Peter attended school. They now live at Goonellabah.

In 1949 the rest of the family purchased a dairy farm from

photo Mazzorana reunion, first house>courtesy L Mazzorana

Revoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cartoon

Mr. Albert Osborne on Arkinstall Road. They dairyed and cultivated bananas and small crops. A few years later they purchased an adjoining property from Mr. Arkinstall and started grazing beef cattle. On this property Jim built his home when he married Luigina (Lui) Bazzo in 1958. Jim and Lui had two children, Gary and Leanne. Jim continued farming there until his death in 1990 when he was killed in a tractor accident on the farm. Gary and his wife Michelle have two daughters, Karen and Melissa. In 1990 they bought the disused Butter Factory and converted it into a tavern. Leanne works at the tavern and lives at McLeay Road beside Lui, who moved there after Jim's death.

Joe married Alieta Bozzer in 1958 and they have two children, Frank and Leah. They lived on their property at Tuntable but later moved to Goonellabah. They still own the property at Tuntable.

John and Carmella retired to Goonellabah in 1959, where they resided until their deaths. John died in 1975 aged eightysix years, and Carmella in 1984 aged eighty-five years.

In 1987 the family had a reunion at the Tuntable Creek Hall to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their arrival in the district.

The Channon Hall

The Channon Hall

thechannonhall.com

thechannonhall.com

HIRING RATES Full Terms and Conditions can be found on the website BOND - For all non-recurring hire events over 4hrs $150 Regular Recurring hire/ classes hall only 1-2 hrs $15 Hourly rate, non-recurring events hall only $15/hr Kitchen hire only $30

Full venue hire including kitchen $120

Full day hire, 4-8hrs (includes evening functions with setup) $90

TO BOOK contact The Channon General Store at 66886240 Issue 87 Terania Times 7

Tuntable Creek Landcare Inc. The latest activities of TCLC

8 Terania Times Issue 87

and at the Mullet Hole on Tuntable Creek. At The Mullet Hole we have also steminjected Ice Cream Beans, Large and Small Leafed Privets and Camphor Laurels.

This month we revisited the site at the creek. The Devil’s Figs were nearly gone on one side of the creek but an area on the other side was flourishing. The battle continues.

At the recent Tuntable Creek Landcare AGM, discussion became dominated by the bush fire situation and the magnificent effort of our RFS and Community Defenders. The feeling was that we should make bushfire mitigation, environmental protection and community safety a focus for the coming year.

Our work days are also used to help private landholders to get a head start on related projects within the Tuntable valley. Sometimes a project seems overwhelming but when the landcare group arrives in numbers with equipment the job becomes much easier. Visit our facebook page for a full account of the group’s activities.

We would welcome any new members who would like to help improve the environment at Tuntable Creek or

who need help on their own projects.

Sally working on the Coronation Park project

Contact Lina Svennson Tel. 0427 891 781 or 6689 1781 <tuntablelandcare@gmail. com>

Joscha spreading mulch at Coronation Park

Geoff, Dagmar Wally & Lina spreading mulch at Coronation Park

(continued from page 9)

Congratulations, well done everyone.

I was mainly operating during the day and JJ often did night shifts often pulling up those sneaky fire break outs.

The Channon brigade crew did a great job but we were part of something bigger that involved locals and their tractors, NPWS, other RFS brigades, water tanker and last but not least the hundred volunteer Defenders and the locals that so expertly organised them.

Matthew Wiseman from NPWS with Dave Yarnall at Rainbow Falls community

photos Geoff, Dagmar etc; Joscha>Ray Flanagan; Sally>Lina Svennson; Mattew & Dave>Terri Nicholson

T

his year has been a really good year for Tuntable Creek Landcare.

Seven of our monthly work days this year have supported the Coronation Park Riparian Rainforest Regeneration Project. Our planting site extended the area of creek bank plantings already begun by Nan and Hugh Nicholson. The site is located on a peninsula of public land bounded by Rocky Creek on the southern and western sides of the stall holder’s car park. Maintenance by local community people between work days has reduced losses.

There are now 630 flourishing newly planted trees and 200 lomandras along the creek edge. These two sites were the focus of a Lismore Council Field Day when various experts including Nan and Hugh discussed the revegetation methods used. Tuntable Landcare catered the event.

Working with The Channon Landcare group and other volunteers at Coronation Park was fun with up to 30 participants of all ages.

Two of our work days focussed on the battle to limit the spread of Devil’s Fig along Tuntable Creek Road

SALLY BEST & WAL DAVIES

Captain of our local RFS, John Hutchison, reports on the brigades recent activities

photo fire truck & folk>

In

late September a fire started in Doon Doon apparently by a lightning strike. This fire came over Nightcap and into the bluff. NPWS controlled the fire on top but left it to peter out down the Nightcap bluff.

On the 8th November Russell and I were working at the fire shed when we received a call from Dispatch at 11.41 to respond to smoke near Protesters. The fire/smoke was way back in the basin but because of the hot dry weather it was clear this was going to develop. Above it was mostly already burnt but it would go East and West.

091119 plans were to prepare Nicholson's Trail to contain the fire movement south. NPWS dozer and local bobcat operator cleared the trail in good time and The Channon II was in position to deal with the approaching fire at the tight pinch corner. We were concerned about it coming across below us and JJ, Gwanji, Mark and Dave had hoses out knocking down the fire in the rocky gully, unfortunately a log must have rolled off the cliff and fire spread along the bottom unseen, this coincided with another fire truck arriving that wanted to go past us and down the trail, Nick had to move The Channon truck forward and to the left to give room, this put the truck in a now vulnerable position whereas it had been safe. Within moments Gwanji came out of the gully yelling it's coming, moments later a wall of flame came up and over the trail just in front of the truck and because of the corner, mainly the right side and front got scorched, and plenty of nerves.

The Fires Near Me app had upgraded the fire to 'emergency' and residents of Terania and Tuntable Valleys and Wallace Rd were advised to evacuate. Time to grab a few valuables and essentials and head for safety in The Channon or further afield.

The problem then was that Nicholson's trail was lost and we had to find another east west control line. Mop's

trail had just been cleared and that's where the fire was eventually held in it's progress south.

We needed a control line below the tree line to stop it getting into the valley, miraculously people with tractors appeared and the old bullock trail was cleared almost to Austen's. Together with Mop's trail this worked. There were several break outs but with so many diligent Defenders, action could be taken in time.

We are still talking about the western side of the valley as this was the hottest and more pressing as the fire was now on the Wallace Rd ridge and heading north, west and south. Protecting the Mt Nardi towers called for resources. But now Tuntable Falls Co-op is in danger.

Extraordinary efforts were made by locals and RFS for days protecting houses from fire.

The next threat from Wallace Rd ridge is Siddha Farm. I wasn't there but we've all heard stories of the amazing work done by Defenders and RFS to put in a containment line to stop the fire at Hill 3 and so preventing it moving south.

Meanwhile, the fire had been raging on the east side of Terania valley and

over the top to the north, south and east, from Gibbergunyah, Whian Whian, to Huonbrook etc.

Properties on the east side were being impacted. Danielle's was the first and Jeremy and friends spent a long and arduous day, night, day saving the house.

Really well done.

I'd been in contact with Dave Yarnall as to the progress of the fire towards Rainbow Falls community and on 14th or 15th Nov The brigade helped put out the edge as the fire moved down to the community. Dave and I had convinced the NPWS to extend the dozer control line so as to include Rainbow. This control line extended to Giggergunyah Range Rd. However, we still had to tie off the control line from the community back down to Terania Ck. This job was started by a dozer which broke down and the trail had to be finished with teams of Defenders going hard for two days.

Lismore City Council gave us use of the bulk water tanker for Rainbow but it had to be dragged/ assisted up the hill by local tractor operators. An amazing effort and skill. (continued on page 8)

Russell, Nick, Franchie, Sophie, Laella, Saskia and John at Rainbow Falls community

Issue 87 Terania Times 9

This Civilisation is Finished Conversations on the end of Empire - and what lies beyond - Rupert Reid and Samuel Alexander 2. CLIMATE CHAOS: BLACK SWAN OR WHITE SWAN? SA: The notion of a ‘black swan’ event was introduced into the cultural lexicon

by Nassim Taleb to signify a radically unexpected and improbable event that has profound consequences. Something that would lead to the end of civilisation as we know it would presumably be unexpected—a black swan—because otherwise people would have done something about it. Presumably. Yet you call dangerous anthropogenic climate change a ‘white swan’. What are you getting at?

RR: Much of my work in recent years concerns the impact of improbable events that can be ‘determinative’, wiping out the effects of decades of normality or ‘progress’. For instance, there is my work alongside Nassim Taleb, arguing this case vis-à-vis genetic modification; that is, we argue that there is a strong precautionary case against GMOs (genetically modifiedorganisms) (even if there is not a strong ‘evidence-based’ case against them), because there is a risk of ruin implicit in genetic engineering, if it goes wrong.

But there is a basic way in which the case of climate is very different from the case of GMOs. For it has been shown beyond reasonable doubt that anything remotely like a business-as-usual path puts us on course for climate Armageddon. The basic science of climate change is as compelling as that of tobacco causing cancer, and so we cannot pretend that we do not know that it would be insanity to carry on down the road we are driving.

Ever-worsening man-made climate change (ever-worsening, that is, barring a system change, a radical and swift transformation in our attitude to our living planet) is therefore not properly a potential ‘black swan’ event. It’s a white swan: an expected event. It is, quite simply, what anyone with a basic understanding of the situation should now expect. And this means that, tragically, the default expectation, barring us doing something extraordinary, must be for our future to look like (1)* or at best (2)* from the list I just outlined.

True, there are some significant grey10 Terania Times Issue 87

flecked feathers in the white plumage.

We don’t know the exact ‘climate-sensitivity’ of the Earth system, and we don’t know all the feedbacks that are likely to kick in, nor just how bad most of them will be. We don’t know how long we’ve got.

Crucially, these uncertainties, properly understood, underscore the case for radical precautious action on preserving our livable climate, for uncertainty cuts both ways. It might end up meaning that the fearful problem one was worried about turns out to be somewhat more tractable than we’d feared. Or it might end up meaning that it turns out even worse than expected.

There is an asymmetry here, for as the worst-case scenario for something potentially ruinous gets worse, we need ever more strongly to guard against it.

The possibility of a relatively tractable

“science of climate change is as compelling as that of tobacco causing cancer, and so we cannot pretend that we do not know that it would be insanity to carry on down the road we are driving." or even beneficial scenario (as with the possibility that anthropogenic climate change may make it feasible for the world’s best champagne to be produced in Britain) is always outweighed by the possibility of a yet more catastrophic scenario (as with the remote but non-zero possibility that if temperatures keep rising, we induce a runaway feedback—perhaps via massive methane releases—and we end up with the extinction of virtually all life on Earth). An infinitely bad possible downside cannot be outweighed by a possible upside, however good.

So, even the grey feathers among the swan’s plumage change the situation not one bit—except to underline how we not only face a potential catastrophe but

furthermore one that may exceed most of our models. It is beyond reasonable doubt that we are at present driving ourselves toward a cliff, maybe one with a fatally larger drop below it than our best current science suggests. We desperately need to slow down. But we show little sign of doing so.

Catastrophic climate change is a white swan, and even the odd grey or black feather only underscores how badly we are exposed to it—to catastrophe. We are, that is, in a long emergency, quite possibly a permanent emergency. Only it doesn’t feel that way most of the time, because the white swan isn’t yet flapping right in front of our eyes— though the increasingly chaotic weather frequently gripping us is a series of dramatic wake-up calls, wake-up calls that finally, thankfully, seem to be starting to wake an increasing number of us up.

So we are all, in effect, to some degree in climate-denial. We seem blinded by the light that this civilisation compulsively gives off. I guess that’s why you and I are having this conversation. To see if it’s yet possible to lift the blinders. And to assess what we can still hope and work for, assuming we don’t succeed in bringing off an unprecedented civilisational transformation. *(1) This civilisation could collapse utterly and terminally, as a result of climatic instability (leading for instance to catastrophic food shortages as a probable mechanism of collapse), or possibly sooner than that, through nuclear war, pandemic, or financial collapse leading to mass civil breakdown. Any of these are likely to be precipitated in part by ecological/climate instability, as Darfur and Syria were. Or *(2) This civilisation (we) will manage to seed a future successor-civil-isation(s), as this one collapses. Or (3) This civilisation will somehow manage to transform itself deliberately, radically and rapidly, in an unprecedented manner, in time to avert collapse.

A Tale of Two Trees NAN NICHOLSON

On

photo trees>Hugh Nicholson

Friday 8th November an unexpected little smoke appeared in the bottom of Terania Creek Basin, somewhere near the Circle Pool. By the evening it was a glow heading up the western side. Then it exploded as it hit the fuel it needed on a north-facing ridge. Hugh and I and our daughter Terri sat all night on a grassy hill to the south of the Basin, watching in disbelief as the sky bloomed red and the Basin blazed.

Sclerophyll forests, mainly eucalypts, burn sooner or later; they need occasional fire and they promote it. Rainforest is not supposed to burn; it needs fire-free sites to regenerate. But, as the firies say, anything will combust if it is dry enough.

Now I know how rainforest burns, at least in relatively benign conditions in spring. We are yet to find out how it burns in high summer, with strong winds and more intense heat.

In a soft burn in desiccated rainforest the fire trickles along, feeding on dry leaves, fronds and sticks. Since litter collects at tree bases, particularly buttressed ones, the fire concentrates there, and eats away at the base. It doesn’t take long to start up the trunk and if it is hollow, as in a big old tree or a strangler fig, it soon becomes a roaring chimney, even when the surrounding fire is not particularly intense.

That is what happened to my favourite Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus) in Terania Creek. It was a gigantic tree not far from the Circle Pool, in warm temperate rainforest. Its diameter at ground level was 5 m, the biggest I have ever seen, and its age was something more than 1200 years. The colossal butt

had unusual buttress-like roots which emerged from the trunk and re-connected lower down. Kids loved perching up high on the broad swellings below the main trunk.

When we checked it two weeks after the fire started there was nothing left of the enormous bole but a few blackened ribs. The trunk and crown had crashed into the rainforest, tearing down vines and other trees. An old and dear friend was suddenly gone and the grief for our wounded forest became specific and intense.

The day after this discovery, Hugh and I realized that another precious tree, not so ancient but very significant, was at risk.

It was a big strangling fig (Ficus obliqua) with a massive base of sprawling buttresses and roots, and a hollow core where the original host tree died. This tree is climbable and our family has used it as a coming-of-age tree for 10 year old kids. On their tenth birthday they get to climb up the inside with their mother and from the top gaze out onto the surrounding rainforest canopy from 30m up.

Both of our kids said it was a big day for them - they were nervous but very proud when they came through. The first of our grandchildren to turn 10 has already experienced this tradition also.

The fires that ran down the eastern and western ridges from Terania Creek Basin had continued to burn and threaten hand-cleared containment lines.

A flare-up of one of these fires was just a few 100 m from this fig and could threaten it with a slight change in wind direction.

Late at night Hugh and I discussed the risk to the tree. It was a candidate for turning into a massive candle. Its death would be utterly devastating for our kids and many others. Hugh proposed driving up to Terania and clearing the ground around it. It seemed hare-brained, I was exhausted, it was dark and I knew there were a great many vines and other entanglements around the tree which would make it a big job. But the thought of the tree being vaporised because we didn’t do anything was a powerful motivator.

So, between 9 pm and mid-night, two old codgers armed with torches,

loppers and rakes, worked to remove decades worth of debris from a broad area around the tree. Its footprint was

much bigger and more complicated than I remembered and it took a big effort to clear but it was worth it in the end.

Was it OK to clear around this tree?

Doubtless we removed some tangles that provided habitat for small creatures.

Now the tree looks ridiculously neat and manicured in a naturally untidy forest.

Will it even make a difference if a big fire arrives?

Well, I have to apply here my prevailing philosophy that nothing is simple and nothing is perfect. We simply tried to protect a venerable tree that is a marker of our community’s connection with country. Time will tell whether it was effective or justified.

Fighting to protect something increases its value and makes it easier to fight even harder – a virtuous circle. That is why so many people love the Terania Creek forest and why our community effort to stop the fires travelling down the ridges towards The Channon was so exceptionally organised and effective.

It gives me hope that our community, knowing that it belongs to this place, will prevail over the governments, state and federal, who have clearly abandoned us to the impacts of climate change.

Issue 87 Terania Times 11

Andy & Rod hitch a ride with Tao

A planning session with RFS, NPWS and local vollies

Vollies and RFS 'refuel' at Rainbow firefighting HQ RFS volunteers Jed & Cris with ?

Clearing containment lines was made easier with machinery

RFS volunteer with plenty going on 12 Terania Times Issue 87

JJ checks the fires progress along Wallace Rd North of Mop's trail

photosclockwise from left>Ray Flanagan, ?, Mish Songsmith, Ray Flanagan, Hugh Nicholson, Maree Barber, Rod Poole, courtesy Nimbin RFS,

Alita rises from the ashes

Kathy, Naima and Isa at Rainbow Falls

photos clockwise from right>David Smith; Terri Nicholson, Fionn Quinlan, Fionn Quinlan, Nigel Prem, courtesy Nimbin RFS

Clearing northern containment line at Rainbow after the bulldozer retired injured

Part of the burnt out section of Terania Basin

Gwanji dousing a spot fire Defenders & RFS take a well-earned break after putting in containment line above Tuntable Falls

RFS volunteer,Toshi Issue 87 Terania Times 13

The Channon Hall News from our iconic Public hall BETH WALLACH & TERRI NICHOLSON

14 Terania Times Issue 87

see we were all volunteers in some form or other. I cannot list names - the list would be too long. So we celebrated our own contributions as well as others.

The Channon Hall has once again been used for the purpose for which it was built...to bring together this amazing community in good times and in bad.

Thank you all for your passion.

So we welcome in the New Year and hope it brings a good wet season and easier times for all.

And we look forward to many more celebrations at The Channon Hall.

Terri & singing friends

Band members, Mark, Col & Mish

Beth Wallach

H

ey Community :) What an amazing night we shared on Fri 6th at the Gratitude Party for our Firies, volunteer defenders and overall community response to the recent fires hey!?

Wonderful to report that $3267.15 was donated. Thank you all so much!

In consultation with the community, we have put the donated funds in the Terania Learning Centre account which is a neutral and safe place. We have a small grounded committee of community members (from wise elders and younger groovers lol) to collaborate with The Channon RFS and work out the best way to spend these generous dollars to support and service our immediate local community. There will be some reimbursement of hard costs to some

community members such as those who offered use of their earth moving equipment for days on end and need parts or a service. But mainly we anticipate these funds, and more that are raised in the near future, will go towards combinations of buying resources for our community and RFS crew (such as crucial fire-fighting equipment, high powered leaf blowers, decent smoke masks, radios etc) and keeping our crucial fire trails/ containment lines open which means earth-works for drainage etc so they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wrecked come heavy rain.

This is going to be a long summer ahead and we are looking long term at resil-

ience and how we respond as a community and what we need at a practical level. We will sit down as a committee and RFS to nut out best way to direct these funds and will let you all know.

And back to the night we shared on Friday. What a beautiful co-creation of gratitude, celebration, honouring and sobering moments for what we have been, and are going through, too.

The entire event was done in the spirit of community.

Thanks to all performers, musicians, food-bringers, organisers, decorators, cleaneruperers etc. Thank you! continued on page 15

photos Terri & friends>Calvin Bosch; the band>Jason Gough

As

I write this, the year is almost over and Christmas is approaching fast. I think I speak for many of us when I say that no matter what religion or belief we follow, our special wish this Festive Season would be to welcome the rain to feed the river systems and help put out the fires that have been causing such devastation throughout NSW since Spring.

In all its 112 years The Channon Hall has been used for many things, but we would not have expected it to be used as a food station to supply food and refreshments to Fire fighting volunteers for such a fire and such a length of time as the recent event which is still not over. I am so proud of all of you who stepped up to form a crew to work at the hall providing sustenance to the tireless volunteers on the fire front and beyond. Thank you so much for all of the hard work.

And of course thanks must go to everyone who donated such vast amounts of food and refreshments to make the food service possible. I can see the whole community was involved extending far beyond just The Channon boundaries.

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel to all the volunteers who have helped protect our community and our homes and the World Heritage National Park.

The fight is not yet over however the Gratitude Party put together by You The community, was an amazing way, not only to celebrate, but also to show gratitude to all the volunteers. As far as I can

Fionn did a fine job as MC - joined by daughter, Iyla

RFS volunteers are celebrated

Principal of The Channon School, Stephen Manser with some of the pupils

photos clockwise from right>Andrya Hart; Calvin Bosch; Calvin Bosch; Terri Nicholson; Andra Hart

Jeremy & friends

Rena's circus kids put on a great display watch that fan kid!

Deepest gratitude to all our RFS crew for your courage, care and expertise in fighting the fires in our own dear community as well as helping many other areas around the region. To all volunteer defenders who stepped in to physically help protect our forests, land and homes, we thank you. To all the other many many many people who supported in some way... huge thanks.

This is for people who stayed home with kids while their partner or friends could be on the front line; who made food for volunteers and RFS; who donated food or tools; those who helped organise volunteers and food drop offs; to those who helped transport horses during the evacuation time; to.... gosh the list is long and multi-faceted and I know I’ve missed many roles. Please know that it was all important. Each person contributing in the way they

could was significant. Thanks to each and every one of us.

So here’s to continued community resilience and connection as we move into the future where the effects of climate change are already upon us. We need each other.

Terri Nicholson

DONATIONS To donate to The Channon community fire response/ local RFS please send money here: Terania Learning Centre BSB: 728 728 Acc: 22326399 Please put “fire defenders” in description.

Issue 87 Terania Times 15

NEXT MARKETS

The Channon Craft Market Inc. JO PITT News

H

ello Dear Community, thankyou for your ongoing support of the market, we hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year, and purchased your X-mas presents from our art and craft stallholders!

On January 12th, our Charity of the Day will be The Channon Rural Fire

Sunday 12th January

Sunday 9th February

Charity: The Channon RFS Band: Romaniacs Busker: Hannah Pearl Cash Weijers

Charity: Dunoon Sports Club Band: Monkey & the Fish Busker: Beau Maynard

Service. Please come down and support our local RFS, who have been working so hard this last couple of months, show your appreciation by donations at the gate and buying food from the BBQ. Every year the RFS bring the truck to the oval and spray the hoses into the air for a few minutes in the afternoon, and give us some Chilling in the Chai Tent - June 2018

Ken Chelsworth Land Land & & Engineering Engineering Surveyor Surveyor Marked Building Set-outs Identification Surveys Subdivisions Boundaries Terania Creek Rd. The Channon phone: 6688 6120

much appreciated cooling-off.

Depending on the availability of the Fire Truck, hopefully it is not somewhere still fighting fires. In February we have a first-time charity, The Dunoon Sports Club who are financially stretched at the moment and asked if they could get a one-off spot as the Charity of The Day. We are proud to be able to offer this fundraising opportunity for over 12 local not-for-profit organisations.

We are looking forward to bringing the market into

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 44th year in 2020, and hopefully the only market that will be cancelled is because of wet weather, not fire, like November 2019. At the time of writing this article the smoke hangs heavy in our valleys, and Australia is on fire.

We have seen our community members rise up and organise, to defend the forest from fire.

The future looks bleak but the actions of our defenders brings hope that all is not lost, we can make change and together make a difference.

J. D. Vance

4(% #(!../.

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Call Jeremy t: 02 6689 5414 m: 0457 895 414 16 Terania Times Issue 87

EXCAVATOR DOZER BOBCAT GRADER TIPPER

MEMBERSHIPS NOW DUE Family $50 Single $30 call Ray on 66886100 COURT HIRE - Members $10/hr non-members $15/hr Keys at The Channon Store or The Tavern

photo chai tent>Anji

EARTHMOVING

Cath Lewis shares some handy tips to help you get more from your vegie patch

N

photos damaged leaf>courtesy Cath Lewis

itrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are called the macronutrients.

Nitrogen - leaves • Responsible for keeping plants green. Keeping a green lawn requires a good N supply.

• Promotes healthy leaf growth.

• Feeds new shoots and plant growth.

• The main nitrogen-based fertiliser is ammonia or its solutions (ammonium nitrate, or urea).

• Nitrogen based fertilisers can lead to soil acidification over time, which decreases nutrient availability to plants.

This can be relieved by adding lime to the soil.

• Fish emulsion is a good source of N, water around roots for the best use.

• Dynamic lifter is based on chook poo, a slow release N. • Blood and Bone is a rapid release N. Phosphorus – flowers and fruit • Builds healthy roots.

• Promotes flowering and fruiting and seeds, bulbs and blooms.

• Mined as phosphate rock.

• Blood and bone, 1 handful every 3-4 square metres.

Gardening with Greencath NPK explained and Citrus Leafminer • Not for native plants from the proteaceae family (banksias and grevilleas don’t like P).

Potassium – overall resilience • Also called potash, and is soluble in water.

• Used by the plant for stem and root growth, and synthesis of proteins.

• Responsible for the movement of water in plants.

• Promotion of flowering and fruiting.

• Disease resistance and general plant health.

• Suphate of potash (potassium sulphate) - dust lightly around plants.

• Wood ash is a good source of potassium. Ash also contains calcium carbonate which acts as a liming agent so it makes soil alkaline.

Reading the label on a bag of fertiliser, N:P:K is the % by weight of these elements. The NPK rating describes the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a fertiliser, presented as 3 numbers separated by dashes, for example 16-4-8. Sometimes there is a 4th number, which represents sulphur.

A typical NPK for organic fertiliser is 6-3-10.

Trace elements (or micronutrients) include sulphur, calcium and magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, boron, silicon, cobalt, and vanadium. Various plants require more of some of these elements in order to thrive.

Citrus Leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella) This pest was introduced from South-east Asia, and the season of its presence is soon

upon us. All citrus can be affected.

I’ve never seen the small moth (4mm wingspan) but the pale green-yellow larvae (3mm long) are obvious when they tunnel in the middle of citrus leaves, mainly the newly opened leaves causing the leaves to curl up. A severe infestation may affect the growth of young citrus trees while older trees are less affected.

Within 2 weeks the larvae pupate in the leaf by bending the leaf over, holding it down with silk. There can be up to 15 generations of larvae in one year.

The best prevention is to fertilise citrus trees in late winter, so the new growth occurs in early spring, and can harden up before the leafminer appears in the warmer weather. Oily sprays such as Neem oil reduce the egg laying, but may also kill parasitic wasps and predatory mites, so keep the spray to the new leaf growth only. Oils may burn leaves in hot weather. Lacewings are another predator of the leafminer. It is possible to squash the leafminer by squeezing the leaf or prune a branch if a lot of leaves are affected. Spinosad, a bacteria that affects caterpillars, can be useful but not near citrus flowers as it may affect bees.

Mostly the activity of the citrus leafminer causes cosmetic damage only, so little or no control is needed.

Issue 87 Terania Times 17

musicnotes * Jason Gough takes a look at music that is not so well known but well worth a listen

Songs to Bring the Rain

I’m

not sure how I feel about spirituality, God and all of that woo woo stuff. I guess I’m a reforming atheist.

The older I get, the more the dots connect and the harder it is for me to deny that maybe there is something in it all.

I do believe in the power of intention though. One of my personal mottos is ‘You hit what you head for’.

The recent Aboriginal Rain Dance held on December 1st really seemed to work. The rain even responded pre-emptively because the night before we got around 35mm of the beautiful wet stuff from the sky. It was a great start but we need much more to stop the fires, soak the ground, flush the creeks, fill the tanks and generally get things feeling better.

To that end I’ve compiled a playlist of songs as a stimulation for precipitation.

If dancing works then music should work as well. Maybe if we all keep singing and listening to songs inspired by the rain it will encourage the heavens to open up.

Well it’s worth a try. My search quickly turned into a deluge and as it turns out there is a tank load of songs about rain out there. Here are some of the best: Love Reign o’er Me (The Who) One of my very favourite songs. It’s big and emotive with a very fitting metaphor

linking rain and love.

Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

(CCR) – It’s felt like that, hasn’t it. We’ve seen a bit though. More coming.

I love a Rainy Night (Eddie Rabbitt) – Don’t’ we all?

November Rain (Guns ‘n Roses) – November, December, January, February, March. Keep going.

Purple Rain (Prince) – Another massive, dramatic love song featuring rain.

Red Rain (Peter Gabriel) – ‘Let the rain fall on your skin’ Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain (Willie Nelson) – A beautiful little country lament. The duet with Shania Twain is especially sweet.

A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall (Bob Dylan) – Let’s hope so (Maybe not too hard) Singing in the rain (Gene Kelly) – We’ll all be when it comes…..

It’s Raining Men (The Weather Girls) – Ok, not really about rain but it’s too much of a classic to leave out.

Fire and Rain ( James Taylor) – This seems like an obvious one. Well we’ve seen the fire. Let’s complete the song.

Here is a couple more to round out the list: Only Happy When It Rains – Garbage, The Rain Song – Led Zeppelin, Let it Rain – Eric Clapton, Rain – The Beatles, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head –

BJ Thomas, Here Comes the Rain Again – The Eurythmics, In the Early Morning Rain – Gordon Lightfoot There are dozens of rain songs and I’m sure I’ve left some favourites out.

It’s up to you now. Dial these into your playlist and let’s see if we can’t work a little rain magic.

I have included a rain poem of my own to help.

The Memory of Rain Smell it memories of misty dark moss fringed glory frog croak and sing steady patter gurgle tin roof and gutters lulls me to sleep Remember rain end of pain, garden’s gain squelch and squish mud through thongs soak stained sarongs Never ever curse it rub your head with a towel change your clothes and go to bed cloaked in the safety of rain dry sheets and full tanks Keep the wolf from the door the dry tongued dusty breathed wolf that eats hope and shits our dreams wolf that runs on a hot dry wind

Bring us rain ignore the news and tighten your belt the land of battlers knows pain a grim larrikin grin knows to hold on but not let go Bring us strength Bring us moisture Bring us hope Bring us a smile Bring us rain 18 Terania Times Issue 87

photo rain>courtesy Jason Gough

Taste it through your hair tickle your nose and drip onto your tongue, so sweet sting my face and chill my back mould my belts and boots but let it rain

the channon Open Mic Hosted by Ray Flanagan at The Channon Tavern 4th Sunday each month November audience members make friends with a local dog

'Sticky Rock' were popular performers in October

O

ctober Open Mic was well supported. The Tides have become a regular opening fixture, which takes the pressure off finding an opening act - most performers prefer not to be 1st up especially if there is not a big audience at 3pm. Gaz returned with some solo work then a duet with Terri.

Glen gave his wooden ironing board 'guitar' an outing.

November was a question mark would it be smokey, would anyone come?

Well it was relatively smokeless and indeed there was a good audience turn-out.

As has become customary, we took a break in December and will return on 23rd February. So hope to see you then for a 3pm start

photos Open Mic>Ray Flanagan;

Now &Zen

Nurture yourself within the tranquil surrounds of Havan’s Eco Retreat at Terania Creek, gateway to Nightcap National Park and Protestor’s Falls. Located 8km from The Channon shop, Pub and Teahouse

“M

aster! Did I just see you talk to that

bird?”

“Don’t be silly”, said the master, “how would the bird understand if I talked to it? I

Prices in Au$. Breakfast included: Single $100 Double $150 Double with Spa $165

www.havans.com.au

Lot 1, Lawler Rd, The Channon NSW 2480 Tel: 02 6688 6108 e: havans@bigpond.com

teachings of a reluctant master ANGELOS BAKAS was singing to it, that’s what I was doing.”

Communication

This is a chance to renew your inspiration with Yoga and Art private tuitions with yourhost Brigitte Havan-Odum By appointment with RAIN: Remedial massage

Knowing

“I

master.

want to leave”, said a young follower to the

“Yes”, replied the master.

“What? Are you not going to stop me?

“How could I?”, asked the master. … By reminding me of the teachings, maybe, or by a binding order.”

“Why should I?”, asked again

the master.

“Well… I don’t know…”, said somewhat unsure the young fellow.

“Then, maybe, you shouldn’t leave”, said the master and poured him some tea.

Issue 87 Terania Times 19

Wallace Rd Burns

On

Friday November 8th, on a hot, dry and blustery afternoon, a fire began in Terania basin, our own little Amazon rainforest. It quickly spread and by the following day it had reached emergency evacuation level.

Everybody was in a panic, either fleeing with a few frantically gathered belongings, or dropping everything they were doing, to defend their land and home.

I live on a Wallace Ridge, which was threatened by this fire, and we spent days raking back leafy debris, clearing a perimeter around our home, filling tanks, running sprinklers, clearing gutters. Constantly thinking, what's the next most important task I have to do, to try and protect that which we've worked so hard to create - our home.

But somewhere in there we realised that we had to broaden our scope. That we couldn’t wait for the fire to be on our doorstep. We must be proactive. And we realised that we are all connected: That if a fire threatens a home a kilometre away, that increases the risk for our own home.

We had to take the fight to the fire, so to speak. We couldn't wait for the impacts to come to us. By then the fire would have been that much larger, and more difficult to control. And that much more forest would have burned, and houses threatened.

And so we took direction from the firies, we thought strategically and we mobilized. The greater community worked together, and everybody who was able did their bit. Whether it was using chainsaws or hand tools, leaf 20 Terania Times Issue 87

blowers, or machines, to clear fire trails, create containment lines, or fire breaks around houses.

Other people prepared food, or helped co-ordinate volunteers, or looked after children so that others were able to help on the ground, or ran errands in town, or donated food.

Everybody had their part to play according to their own strengths and abilities. And together we were able to stop the fire in the forest before it reached many homes.

munity is now a safer, more connected place, where fire is not threatening our homes.

There are obvious similarities between the challenges of fighting a fire and fighting to minimize the impacts of climate change and ecological collapse.Emotions can run high in these challenging times.

We may feel sad for the creatures losing their homes, or scared by the threats to our childrens’ welfare, or angry at the political inaction and lack of leadership by those that

Eron and his bobcat worked tirelessly clearing containment lines.

Here with Hutcho on day 2 at Nicholson's fire trail

We achieved this through a massive collaborated effort.

This fire was a wake-up call. It burned through eucalypt forest that has not seen fire for more than 60 years, and rainforest that hasn’t burned for maybe 800 years.

Many people spoke of regret, of not being more prepared, or managing the land better to reduce the risk of out of control fires. Many neighbours let go of their differences, or met for the first time, and worked together for the shared goal. By working together we minimised the overall risk, and our com-

have been elected to represent us. These feelings such as anger and sadness and fear, we have these feelings because we love. Because we care about this world, we care about our fellow human beings, fellow creatures and ecosystems that co-inhabit Earth.

I say, let these feelings fuel our strength. Let them give us courage because we know that this fight is worth fighting. Do not give in to despair. For as long as there are people that care, that are willing to stand up, to be active, to demand what is right, we have the power to shift

things towards a future where humans live in balance with nature.

We cannot stand around, waiting for a revolution. We must be the change the world so desperately needs.

Yes, we need to change the system that is systemically destroying the foundations that make life as we know it on this beautiful planet possible.

And we must with urgency call on our politicians to see the bigger picture, to listen to the experts, and take the brave steps necessary to restore health to the planet and to the people. But we cannot wait for them to act, when we can act of our own accord. We can all take steps in our own lives to help turn the tide towards climate and ecological justice. Towards humans living in balance with nature.

So let’s all take the steps our own strengths and abilities allow us to do. Maybe its lobbying politcians or CEO's of corporations, or joining a local proactive group, or avoiding products or passtimes that harm the earth, or strengthening connections within your community, or making choices that reduce your ecological footprint, or gently educating people to increase awareness that their actions, too, are powerful. All these actions, and many more, they all make a difference.

Let us all be empowered, knowing that we are connected, that our values unite us, our diversity gives us strength, and that our actions ripple out in positive and unexpected ways.

May we all believe in our own power and ability to help this world be a better place.

photo Eron & bobcat>Terri Nicholson

This is the speech given by Ivy Young at the climate strike outside Kevin Hogan's office on 29th November

Climate Emergency JEN IRELAND

I

have woken up this morning and it’s raining – not heavily, but raining, nevertheless. This is normal, or what used to be normal – to have rain at certain times during the year or overnight. Remember that beautiful experience of rain overnight? And waking up to everything fresh and renewed?

What people are now saying, experiencing and accepting as normal is the long drought we are in, the bushfires we are living through, the uncertainty of what the weather will be like in the future, the way of life that we knew and loved …… a thing of the past.

Yes, this sounds a bit like doom and gloom, yet pushing reality away won’t make the facts go away. This rain is unexpected and hugely welcome. When it stops, will we go back to long stretches of dry, hot weather? Will we experience the extreme weather conditions that are being predicted? Will the bush fires come back to our area? And so the uncertainty in our lives rises.

As I lay in bed listening to the rain, my mind did what minds do best – problem solve. I find it hard to even mention Scomo’s name, as he leads a government that is, in my opinion, totally focused on promoting consumerism, big business, growth, individualism (and praying, it would seem) and definitely short term gains for long term environmental loss.

So what was the problem solving I came up with? Quite possibly nothing new or earth shattering that you haven’t heard before. But things are so dire that I felt sharing my thoughts, ideas and actions with others was an imperative.

We experienced ‘the power of the people’ at Terania, at Bentley, and more recently, the power of community has been experienced during the local bushfires.

The stories of the bushfires at the recent Gratitude Gathering at The Channon was a testament to people power.

People need to stand up and act! It’s been pointed out recently: where are the adults?! The people in Canberra aren’t standing up and being accountable, aren’t modelling responsibility, aren’t being realistic about the impacts of decision making around environmental issues, with coal mines still being approved and ‘business as usual’going ahead.

So, it seems to me that we,

individually and collectively, need to stand up, be seen, be heard, start conversations, write letters, hassle our government representatives, be annoying, and in other words…….rock the boat before the boat sinks completely!

Christopher Titmuss, a long term senior Dharma teacher of many local people, is now writing and talking about Climate Emergency constantly, as he sees this to be the critical issue of the current times. Some of us heard Christopher speak on Climate Emergency in Lismore recently. To quote Christopher: “The knowledge, expertise and materials have developed to enable the end of the climate emergency. Sadly, there is not the political/corporate will, which resists tackling the emergency. Economic growth, profit and consumer demand take priority over life on the Earth. We are engaged in slow suicide of life on Earth.”

He calls on sustained campaigns for all national and regional governments to include climate issues in all relevant policies. In a blog earlier in the year, he lists 25 areas in which we can all get active and take responsibility to lessen the climate emergency. They are in alphabetical order, not necessarily in order of priority. I’m suggesting you tick off the ones you are already acting on and think about those that you can embrace now and over the next few months – time is of the essence!

• Conservation in every area to protect resources • Domestic and Industrial Recycling • Electric vehicles • Eliminate food waste • Energy storage • Family Planning • Farmland restoration • Forest protection • Forest renewal

• • • •

Green Banks Green Businesses Green Industry LED lighting and solar panel lights for remote villages • Maintenance and Repair • Massive cutting down of land fills • Massive reduction of plastic • Plant-based diet (Vegan) • Public transport • Renewable energy • Solar Farms • Solar panels built into roads of motorways • Taxation for a Sustainable Earth • Telepresence business conference meetings • Wave and tidal energy • Wind turbines.

It’s so easy to be distracted by the everyday highs and lows of life, by the so called ‘festive season’, and of course, by the necessity of survival through the experience of bushfires. But if we don’t ramp up our acceptance, knowledge and engagement with the climate emergency that we are in, then we will witness the continuing disintegration of the environment and life on earth. Some people may say this is what we deserve - as humans who have caused the problem. But I believe that we can muster the collective wisdom of a group of aware, committed, loving human beings. Christopher Titmuss, numerous scientists and individuals all around the world, have pointed out that we can reverse the current trend if we act now.

It’s time to act and best of all to act collectively!

RICHMOND WASTE S Bulk Waste Bins S Mini Skips S Septic Tank Pumping 6621 7431

(a/h 66287008) Issue 87 Terania Times 21

Sudoku Puzzl3s Sudoku is a puzzle based on pure logic. The numbers 1 to 9 are used, no mathematics is required to solve the puzzles. The grid consists of nine boxes and nine cells within each box. Each column and each row must contain one each of the numbers 1 to 9. And each box must likewise contain one each of the numbers 1 to 9.

These puzzles have a rating (from 1 to 6) according to the degree of difficulty. I will usually include one puzzle in the upper range and one in the lower range (solutions on the following page ). Happy solving!

LEVEL 6

LEVEL 2

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ϵ Ϯ

ϵ ϲ ϭ

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Lismore Theatre Co. Needs YOU!

L

ismore Theatre Company has completed a great year of performances with many sell out shows featuring people of all ages in on and off stage roles.

In preparation for the 2020 season, the company is inviting others to get involved.

There is a role for everyone at LTC. Whether it be on stage or helping with sets, lighting or costumes in one of our other scheduled shows such as our opening play for 2020, Educating Rita, that will be directed by David Addenbrooke, all new people would be welcome.

Anyone with technical skills in lighting, sound and electrical areas or with carpentry abilities are always highly sought after in community theatre and also those with design and on-line skills.

Lismore Theatre company will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020 and will hold some special events mid year in its home, Rochdale Theatre on Ballina Road Goonellabah. In the past year air conditioning has been installed in the theatre, the supper room and back stage to 22 Terania Times Issue 87

make this 88 seat venue a comfortable space for all. Its raked traditionally upholstered seating and excellent acoustics add to the theatrical experience for audiences.

Painting of the exterior is in process

for a fresh new look for a fresh new year.

For more information about getting involved, please contact the theatre though its websitewww.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au

Planning Lismore’s Future In February 2020, Lismore City Council will be running six workshops with members of the community at various locations in the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA).

The purpose of these workshops is to: • Ask your opinions on land use needs for the Lismore LGA, to inform the content of our Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS); and • Review our current Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 10-year priorities and aspirations for the future and to plan strategies for achieving these goals.

The dates/venues for the workshops are below and you will need to register your attendance on Your Say Lismore at www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

• • • • • •

Thursday, 6 February 2020 – 5:30pm-8:30pm Clunes Coronation Hall Monday, 10 February 2020 – 5:30pm-8:30pm Nimbin Birth & Beyond Wednesday, 12 February 2020 – 5:30pm-8:30pm Dunoon Hall Thursday, 13 February 2020 -5:30pm-8:30pm Perradenya – Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Monday 17, February 2020 – 5:30pm-8:30pm The Channon Hall Wednesday 19 February – 5:30pm-8:30pm Southern Cross University – Enterprise Lab, Workshop Room

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Community Engagement Team on 1300 87 83 87.

Rainfall Chart

8OINSUTJ :]KKJ 8KMOUTGR 2OHXGX_

MOBILE LIBRARY LIBRARY MOBILE

Monthly YTD Totals Location Monthly YTD Totals Location Rainfall Rainfall 26mm 1001mm Upper Terania 26mm 1001mm Upper Terania 18mm 807mm Lower Terania 15mm 731mm The Channon 22mm 772mm Lower Rose Rd 10mm 1011mm Upper Terania 17mm 824mm Lower Terania 4mm 735mm The Channon 15mm 786mm Lower Rose Rd

Period Period October October October October October November November November November

SERVICE Book Library Timetable

Tuesdays Tues.

Jan. 7th & 21st Tues. Feb. 4th, & 18th Tues. Mar. 3rd Dunoon School 11.15am - 12.15pm Modanville School 2pm - 3.30pm

Terania Times Advertise with us to reach your local region Supply your own copy and artwork or we can design an ad for you at no extra charge Contact Ray Flanagan t: 66886100 e: theteraniatimes@gmail.com

Terania Times tech specs Terania Times Advertising Rates width shown first, dimensions in mm

Articles & Ads Submission Deadline for Next Issue

Wednesday 12th of February 2020 send articles & ads to theteraniatimes@gmail.com

Sudoku Solutions from previous page LEVEL 2

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A $20

55 x 79/115 x 37

B $25

30 x 200 55 x 121 / 85 x 79

C $35

1/4 page -115 x 79 / 55 x 165 / 129 x 70

D $50

175 x 79 / 85 x 160

E1 $70

1/2 page Inside -175 x 121

E2 $85

1/2 page Back Cover

LEVEL 6

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F1 $130 full page Inside -175 x 247 F2 $160 full page Back Cover .................................. .Classifieds $1 per line Issue 87 Terania Times 23

Check website for more details: www.thechannontavern.com

EVENTS DECEMBER Fri 20th – MONSTER HAM/FRUIT RAFFLES + Push Band 8pm Sat 21st – RUFF SCALES 7:30pm Sun 22nd – Broken Levee Brass Band 3pm Tues 24th – Christmas Eve, Harry Nichols Band 7:30pm

CHRISTMAS DAY – CLOSED BOXING DAY - CLOSED Fri 27th – Karaoke Night w/ Jon J Bradley 7:30pm Sat 28th – Sabotage Band 8pm Tues 31st – New Years Eve, Jock Barnes BAND 9pm into the new year.

JANUARY NEW YEARS DAY – OPEN 11am to 5pm.

Sat 4th - Cath Simes Band 7:30pm Fri 10th – King River Rising Band 7:30pm Sun 12th – Market Day, Pink Zinc Band 2:30pm

COURTESY BUS AVAILABLE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT DURING NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, SET ROUTE. Depart Arrive 5:30pm Rose Road Tavern 5:45pm 6pm Dunoon School 6:10pm Modanville Store Tavern 6:20pm 6:35pm Lawler Rd -Terania Tavern 6:50pm 7pm Gordon Rd Nth 7:05 Cox Rd Koonorigan Tavern 7:15pm Returns arranged with driver at collection.

Bookings also available after route, within a 15minute radius.

RESTAURANT Lunch: Mon to Fri 12 to 2pm Saturday 12 to 2:30pm Sunday 11:30 to 4pm.

Dinner: Tues & Thurs 6 to 8pm Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 5:30 to 8:30pm Sunday 5 to 8pm.

(School Holidays - Lunch weekdays & Public Holidays to 2:30pm) Times may vary for Functions.

KENO / TAB / POKER MACHINES ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE ATM / EFTPOS & RESTAURANT Group Bookings, Parties, Functions COURTESY BUS AVAILABLE Become a member for great discounts.

TUESDAY NIGHT – Mini Pizza Day/Night WEDNESDAY NIGHT Members’ Draw & Schnitzel/Parmi Night THURSDAY NIGHT - Rump Steak Night FRIDAY NIGHT – Local Charity Raffles up to 10 prizes - Joker Wild Card Draw LIVE Music.

SATURDAY NIGHT – Burger Night / Live music for November/December.

Bus can be available with two days’ notice on other days/nights.

CHANNON GENERAL STORE OPEN 7 days – 02 6688 6240 Trading hours: Monday to Saturday 7am - 6:30pm, Sunday 8am - 5:30pm.

Public Holidays 8am – 2pm.

CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY.