Southern Cross University has partnered with the Lincoln Institute to endorse the veterinary education provider’s suite of professional development short courses as building continues on its new veterinary facilities..The new partnership will see the Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business’ leadership and non-clinical training programs formally recognised with micro-credentials from Southern Cross University, thereby acknowledging the academic and professional merit of the training.It comes as Southern Cross University prepares to launch its five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) degree in March 2026. The University’s three-year Bachelor of Veterinary Technology , which commenced earlier this year, has proved popular with veterinary nurses, school leavers and mature-aged students from around Australia.Construction of the new veterinary science facilities in U Block at the Lismore campus is well underway and expected to open by the end of 2025.(Professor Jon Hills at the construction site for the new Veterinary Laboratory and Veterinary Training Clinic at U-Block SCU. Photo: supplied)The collaboration between Southern Cross and the Lincoln Institute reflects a growing commitment to equipping veterinary professionals with the skills and recognition they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and demanding profession.“It’s a quality assurance mechanism. The credentials bring real value to both graduates of Lincoln’s short courses as well as employers,” said Professor Jon Hill, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University.“For Southern Cross University, this is a wonderful extension of our undergraduate programs into postgraduate and professional realms. As a veterinary school, we are committed to co-designing and co-delivering education with input from the profession.“Lincoln brings an established reputation, a proven curriculum, and deep industry relevance that helps us build a veterinary program that’s fit for modern veterinary practice.”The University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) is a reimagined veterinary medicine course that is student-centred and co-designed with the veterinary profession to produce practically and clinically skilled, resilient graduates.The Lincoln Institute contributed to the curriculum development for the professional and communication skills units in the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology and the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) degrees.(Professor Hill in the new veterinary sciences tech labs. Photo: supplied)“Leadership, communication, and resilience are as critical to veterinary success as clinical skill. By embedding Lincoln’s proven leadership content into our undergraduate offerings and recognising their external programs, we’re preparing students for the complexities of the veterinary profession,” said Professor Hill.Paul Ainsworth, Founder and Co-Director of the Lincoln Institute, said the partnership marked a major step forward for the profession.“This integration into Southern Cross University’s undergraduate program is designed to strengthen students’ professional competence in leadership, communication, and team effectiveness – areas identified as critical to long-term career sustainability in the veterinary profession,” said Mr Ainsworth.Mr Ainsworth said the expansion of the partnership directly into the veterinary profession through university-back credentials was testament to Lincoln Institute’s rigorous curriculum development over 15 years.“We’re proud to partner with Southern Cross University in raising the bar for professional development across the industry. This collaboration sets a new benchmark for industry-academic alignment and reflects a growing recognition of the need for non-clinical competencies in ensuring sustainable, successful veterinary careers.”

Lismore bookstore co-owner Sarah Morrow can put the trauma of the last 18 months behind her after being sentenced to a Community Correction Order for a period of 2 years yesterday in Lismore Local Court.The Community Correction Order was subject to two standard conditions:a) The offender is not to commit any offence while subject to this Community Correction Orderb) The offender must appear before the Court if called upon to do so at any time during the term of the Community Correction Order.The court heard how the floods of 2022 caused Ms Morrow to suffer mental health issues and PTSD, and the ongoing use of drugs affected her decision-making.The defence said that Ms Morrow's role when she was arrested as part of the February 2024 Strike Force McClelland operation was that of support. She had a driver's license and was driving her dealer.Ms Morrow pleaded guilty to five charges of supplying a prohibited drug, deemed stop supply a prohibited drug, two counts of take part to supplying a prohibitive drug in commercial quantities and possession of an unauthorised pistol at the end of May 2025.The defence said the pistol, which was found during the search of her home, was illegal but inoperable.In concluding its summary, the defence said that Ms Morrow has no prior criminal history, is now on top of her addiction and is drug-free. It also stated that Ms Morrow recognises she has fallen from her standing in the community and that the negative media attention has caused additional deep embarrassment.The police prosecution agreed that Sarah Morrow was remorseful and that the media coverage had an impact on her reputation.In his summation of the evidence, Magistrate J Linden acknowledged the period of time Ms Morrow was using herself and that she was assisting another person with the supply of drugs.He also mentioned a psychologist's report that deals with the misjudgement through drug addiction and the numerous references submitted as to her character that should be taken into account.Magistrate Linden finally announced the 2-year Community Correction Order to begin on 27 August 2025.As an understanding of what a Community Correction Order is, Corrective Services NSW says:Courts can use the Community Correction Order to punish offenders for crimes that do not warrant imprisonment or an ICO, but are too serious to be dealt with by a fine or lower-level penalty.The benefit of CCOs is that they are a flexible sentence that the court can tailor to reflect the nature of the offender and the offence. The court can select from the range of conditions, such as supervision by Community Corrections Officers, community service work (up to 500 hours) and curfews, to hold offenders to account and reduce their risk of reoffending. CCOs can be imposed for a period of up to three years.

The Federal and NSW Governments will jointly invest $43.2 million to support farmers to strengthen their drought resilience and climate adaptation, as drought continues to impact regional communities across NSW.Delivered through Phase 2 of the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP), the funding will support farmers to access subsidised learning and development opportunities that will help them to manage risk, build long-term operational resilience, and continue to remain productive.From personalised coaching, workshops, digital learning, and peer-to-peer case studies, the FBRP equips farmers with practical support to ensure they are better prepared before, during and after these challenging periods.Since its launch, the FBRP has supported the development of more than 2,500 new farm business plans, engaged nearly 28,000 participants across more than 2,000 events and helped more than 1,600 NSW businesses improve their operations through targeted workshops and events.Improved drought preparedness is expected to reduce economic losses in the agriculture sector and deliver broader benefits to rural communities, including increased employment and supply chain stability.The FBRP program is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government.For more information on the Farm Business Resilience Program, please visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/programs/fbrp. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, said, “Drought is always a case of when, not if, so being prepared is vital.“This is another way the Albanese Labor Government, in partnership with the Minns Government, is providing practical support to our farmers and regional communities.“Our government is committed to supporting our farmers build resilience to drought, which will support them to continue producing the products we all love and rely on.“We understand that many farmers are doing it tough with these harsh conditions, with today’s announcement building on the assistance we have available year-round, including concessional loans and free independent financial counselling.”NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “Farmers are the backbone of the New South Wales economy, and our state cannot meet its full potential if our regional communities are not able to thrive.“Over the past five years, farmers have shown monumental resilience in the face of drought, floods, bushfires and even for some a cyclone.“With drought conditions returning and continuing across the state, we remain committed to supporting them with the necessary tools and assistance to sustain this vital industry.“Supporting our farmers isn't just about today—it's about securing the future of agriculture in NSW for generations to come."NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said, “Drought and extreme climate events are becoming more frequent, intense and prolonged.“This investment will help regional communities and farming businesses better prepare for and respond to these challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic stability.”

Police investigators have released CCTV of an SUV after a man died following a fail-to-stop crash at Bangalow last month.About 3.30am on Sunday, 6 July 2025, emergency services responded to reports a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle on Raftons Road, Bangalow.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene. He has since been identified as 64-year-old Paul Campton from Bangalow.The vehicle left before police arrived.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.Following extensive investigations, police have released images of a black Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series seen being driven north along Granuaille Road immediately after the crash.Investigators hope the driver and/or occupants at the time may have information vital to the inquiry.Police believe the SUV is a 2008-2012 model, and there may have been damage to the front of the vehicle. (A car similar to the one being sought by police. Photo: supplied)Along with police asking for the driver or any passengers in the vehicle to come forward, anyone who may have knowledge of this vehicle – especially with front-end damage – is asked to contact Byron Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.As inquiries continue, anyone with relevant information, CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Lismore City Council has introduced new incentives to encourage the development of secondary dwellings, also known as granny flats, in urban areas across the city.Council will waive 100% of its developer contributions for secondary dwellings in sewer-connected areas until 30 June 2027. This means residents will no longer have to pay the additional levies normally charged on top of standard development application costs, making it significantly cheaper to add a granny flat to their property.Mayor Steve Krieg said the initiative is part of Council’s Affordable and Diverse Housing Incentives Policy, designed to respond to Lismore’s changing housing needs.“This is a practical step that will make it easier and more affordable for people to build a granny flat,” he said. “Whether it is to provide space for family or rental income, this policy helps residents invest in housing that supports both their household and our wider community.”Lismore’s Acting Head of Planning and Environment, Jamie van Iersel, said the policy aims to stimulate housing options that are in demand but not being delivered by the market.“Secondary dwellings are one of the most flexible and affordable ways to increase housing supply,” she said. “By removing developer contributions for the next two years, Council is lowering a key cost barrier and encouraging more residents to consider building.This supports the targets in our Affordable and Diverse Housing Strategy, which commits to ensuring 40% of new housing in Lismore is diverse or medium density by 2033.”Applicants who receive the 100% fee waiver of developer contributions can also combine the Council’s $15,000 Housing Grant Program incentive if eligible, which is helping residents, landowners and housing providers to build or relocate new homes within the Lismore Local Government Area. The grants cover six categories, including first-home buyers, landowners adding a second small dwelling, flood-affected relocations and developers delivering affordable rental housing.With nearly half of the $1.2 million funding pool already allocated, Council is encouraging eligible residents to apply as soon as possible.Residents considering a granny flat are also encouraged to take advantage of Council’s free duty planning service, available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The service offers a 30-minute session with a Development Assessment planner who can provide general planning advice in person or over the phone.If you live in an urban area and are considering building a granny flat, we encourage you to speak with a planner who can talk you through the steps, including the developer contribution discount and the housing grant.The policy and grant program form part of Council’s broader Affordable and Diverse Housing Strategy, which aims to make housing more accessible, sustainable and aligned with Lismore’s long-term community needs.For more information on the Affordable and Diverse Housing Incentive Policy on Council's website, click here.

Woodlark Street could soon be getting another cafe if a development application (DA) is approved by Lismore City Council.The building is the old Southern Cross Credit Union, next to Toyworld.Workmen are in the process of creating a hole-in-the-wall type cafe, which will have Lark & Bean on the right-hand window with a bird standing on a coffee bean.The signage on the building will be called Lark Collective, and the cafe will be a very small offering on the front right-hand side of the building, with it's own entrance.The DA says the space leading to the raised area where the credit union counters were will be retail. There are no further details as to what type of retail.The Lark & Bean cafe will have a roller door, an espresso machine, two coffee grinders and a cold display cabinet facing Woodlark Street, with a contact toaster, microwave oven and wash basin at the back. Essentially, it will be a takeaway food and drink hole-in-the-wall cafe.Meanwhile, Lara and Seth Bell at Silt Studio on Bridge Street, North Lismore, are looking to expand their offering to the community by completing their 'creative industry'.The pottery workshop and boutique function space offers clay classes, studio memberships and private group events. The studio hosts a range of workshops such as clay & sip evenings, kids after-school and holiday classes, NDIS programs and short ceramics courses.The DA proposal is for an ancillary food and drink premises, bar and retail component which serves the dominant use of the land for a creative industry.

The stage is set for Lismore’s much-loved Darrel Chapman Fun Run for it to be the biggest in its 30-year history.This Sunday, 31 August, will see over 800 runners, walkers and families take part in either the 10km Run and the Lismore Masters Half Marathon or the family-friendly 4km Walk and Run. Before they take off, 50 volunteers will be setting up the start line, marquees for registration and bib pick-up, water stations on the course, and, of course, medical observers, like Dr Chris Ingall, will be cycling the course in case help is needed. St John's Ambulance will also be in attendance, as will physiotherapists waiting to massage exhausted athletes once they complete their runs.Importantly, Lismore City Council has completed some roadwork on Winterton Parade as you head out to the Lismore Turf Club, so there will be less potholes for runners to negotiate, plus DJ Deb will have motivational music playing at the 2km mark for the run out and the run back to Woodlark Street.Proudly sponsored by National Australia Bank Lismore, the event raises funds for children’s charity, Our Kids, and celebrates the spirit of the Lismore community.For those who have registered online, bibs can be collected on Friday, 29 August from 9.30am to 4.30pm at NAB in Woodlark Street. If you have not registered, you can still participate by registering from 6am at the registration tent on Woodlark Street on the day.Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, Rebekka Battista, is looking forward to the event, with the starting gun set to fire for the first race at 7am in Woodlark Street.“One fun element each year is the guess-the-shirt-colour tradition for the 10km and 21km competitors. It’s the best-kept secret and will be revealed on Friday,” Ms Battista said.“Sponsored this year by local company Bennett Constructions, the shirts are much loved and can be seen all over the Northern Rivers throughout the year.”The action begins at 7am with the Lord’s Taverners 10km Run and the Lismore Masters Half Marathon, followed by the family-friendly Terania Consulting 4km Walk and Run at 9am.All funds raised go to Our Kids, the charity that raises funds to help support children with special needs and chronic illness in the Northern Rivers.This year, Our Kids will put the funds towards purchasing a GlideScope CORE System for Byron Central Hospital’s Emergency Department – a vital airway visualisation system offering high-definition image quality for intubation.The paediatric blades provide a clear view of a child’s airway, enhancing treatment and supporting teaching techniques. This equipment will be an invaluable asset for babies and children in the Byron Shire who need urgent care.Participants will want to know about the weather for Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology are saying sunny and 19 degrees; however, it will be a very cold start to the 10km and Half Marathon events, with the mercury to drop to 3 degrees. The general rule is that the coldest part of the day is about 30 minutes after sunrise. At the moment, sunrise is at 6:06am, so 6:36am, just before the start, will be the coldest part of Sunday. For more information, visit https://www.darrelchapman.org/ or contact Rebekka Battista at Our Kids on 0438 417 085.

A 20 per cent jump in fraudulent online account openings has prompted a warning from NGM Group cybercrime experts, as online criminals increasingly turn to social media to recruit individuals to facilitate money laundering.Known as ‘money muling’, the practice commonly sees criminals seek out bank accounts to buy or rent from others, which are then used to move stolen or illegal funds, often targeting vulnerable people through fake job ads, social media or online scams.This Scams Awareness Week, NGM Group Head of Financial Crime Operations Craig Hollingsworth said cyber criminals were increasingly using social media to find unsuspecting money mules with the promise of quick cash.“These criminals can be blatant, offering a few hundred dollars in payment to people who are willing to open an account on their behalf,” he said.“They are scammers who are very good at exploiting people who may be too scared to refuse or do not understand that what is being asked of them is not just serious, it’s illegal.”With more than 400 attempts made in July to open fraudulent Newcastle Permanent bank accounts, Mr Hollingsworth said that these criminals were relentless in their attempts to launder money.“We take our responsibilities to prevent money laundering very seriously, so we have extremely rigorous processes in place to stop these fraudsters in their tracks,” he said.“When these criminals realise they can’t get away with it through us, they will simply try with another financial institution, which is why public awareness of these tactics and their consequences is so important.”Red flags to look out for include:Being offered money just for opening a bank accountBeing offered money for someone to "borrow" your bank detailsGetting paid to move money that isn't yoursPressure to act fast, without asking questionsA job offer that doesn't seem to have a real business behind it.With money laundering funding often linked to serious criminal activity such as illegal gambling, terrorism, child exploitation and drug trafficking, the consequences for those involved can be severe, even if the money mule was unaware of the crime. These may include:A criminal record that affects future employment, travel, housing, and visa applicationsFrozen or closed bank accounts, including loss of access to legitimate fundsBanks declining or restricting future access to banking servicesDebt, if stolen money has been passed on or you have been tricked into spending itPolice charges and even prison time for repeat or knowing involvement.Mr Hollingsworth said that if it seems dodgy, it probably is.“Your bank account is your identity, it’s not a product to rent out or hand over,” he said.“If someone is offering you easy money to move funds or open accounts, there’s a good chance you’re being drawn into criminal activity, so the best thing to do is walk away.”Scams Awareness Week runs from 25-29 August. Learn more at scamwatch.gov.au/stop-check-protect.

Free virtual health care is now available to every person in NSW for urgent conditions, following the completion of the rollout of NSW Health’s virtual urgent care service. It now means everyone in NSW can access urgent clinical care for injuries and illnesses without needing to visit a hospital or GP.  Almost 16,000 patients accessed virtual care over the past financial year as the service incrementally expanded across metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW.  This is in addition to the over 216,000 attendances to NSW urgent care services or clinics over the 2024-25 fiscal year.  NSW virtual care services are available by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess your condition over the phone and, if virtual care is appropriate, arrange a video-call appointment with a clinician—whether that’s a doctor, nurse or allied health professional. You’ll receive expert advice on treatment options, prescriptions if needed, and referrals to follow-up care. Currently,  statewide virtual urgent care services have 80 full-time equivalent clinical and non-clinical staff, ensuring the service is running 7 days a week between the hours of 8am and 10pm. NSW virtual urgent care services are equipped to manage a wide range of health concerns. This includes the management of coughs, colds, fevers and flu; treatment for vomiting, diarrhoea or mild infections, rashes and skin irritations; or minor injuries such as sprains and small cuts.  Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “Access to GPs and primary care is the domain of the Commonwealth Government, but the Minns Labor Government is stepping up and into this space because too many people feel like they don’t have a choice but to go to a hospital emergency department, because they can’t find a GP.  “It’s often the case that our EDs are being attended by people with non-life-threatening conditions.  “That’s why I’m so pleased to announce the completion of our rollout of virtual urgent care services across Sydney and across NSW.  “This is complementing our urgent care services and clinics which are also providing an alternative pathway to care outside of the hospital.  “More pathways to care outside of the hospital; more staff; more hospitals; lower wait times – it’s as simple as that.”  

Are you looking for local seasonal work over spring? Australia Post is launching a nationwide recruitment drive to hire more than 3,500 seasonal team members as operations ramp up for what’s expected to be another record-breaking Christmas period.In NSW, the number of seasonal employees is 900, which includes the Northern Rivers region.With demand already building in the lead-up to major cyber sales events and the holiday season, Australia Post is looking to fill roles across a range of positions. Forklift operators, van and truck drivers, as well as parcel sorters, are needed to help keep parcels moving across the delivery network and delivered quickly to customers. Roles are open for applications now, with the highest demand in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.Australia Post Executive General Manager, People and Culture, Sue Davies, emphasised the vital role seasonal team members play in ensuring a successful holiday period and timely parcel deliveries for customers nationwide.“Last year, we delivered almost 103 million parcels in the lead up to Christmas, thanks to the help of our seasonal team members. Our ability to deliver parcels to customers quickly and reliably depends on the hard work and commitment of every individual we bring on board. That’s why we’re looking for enthusiastic team members to ensure we can meet the surge in demand and continue providing the trusted service Australians expect from Australia Post.“We’re particularly interested in hearing from people with a valid forklift or truck licence, as well as those interested in roles across parcel processing and deliveries – many of which require no previous experience. These roles offer a good opportunity to earn money in the holiday period and the chance to be part of a supportive and inclusive team where every contribution makes a difference.“Seasonal roles can also open the door to longer-term opportunities beyond the end of the year. Many of our team members began their journey with us during the Christmas period and have gone on to build lasting careers at Australia Post,” said Ms Davies.Those interested can apply by visiting auspost.com.au/seasonaljobs or the Australia Post careers website at jobs.auspost.com.au.Australia Post is proud to have one of Australia’s most diverse workforces made up of 143 different nationalities and employs people of all backgrounds and abilities to reflect the communities it serves around the country.

The Richmond Police District had seven new probationary constables start work yesterday, after graduating from the NSW Police Academy at Goulburn last Friday.The seven 'newbies', as they are affectionately known, will be distributed throughout the region."The majority of them will be here at Lismore, but also a couple will be at Ballina and Casino," Commander Dave Roptell told the Lismore App."They will be married up with a buddy, so to speak. For four weeks, they work with a training officer, and then for a further four weeks after that, they will be with someone else, but that could also be with an experienced officer as a field training officer, and they learn from that person in the initial period."Under the new NSW Police recruiting system, newbies can nominate where they would like to be posted. Commander (Cdr) Roptell said four of them were locals wanting to be posted back home, while the other three asked to be posted to the Northern Rivers."We've got two people who live in the Penrith area, and they requested to come to Lismore, which is great to see."CBD safety has gained significant attention across various media networks and social media platforms. The return of the PACER (Police, Ambulance, Clinical, Early, Response) program is high on the agenda."At the moment, it's something that we're looking at reintroducing. We're working with all other government agencies as we speak, and we've had initial communication. The PACER program is headed by health (NSW Health). However, we are advocating to see what avenue we can go down to get it back."Cdr Roptell said he is not sure how long the process will take. He has not worked with the PACER program before, but has heard it has had some success.Anyone walking around the CBD block last week would have noticed that many new convenience stores had the shutters down during working hours.Following the NSW Government's decision to drastically increase the fines and jail terms for selling illegal or unlicensed tobacco products, $1.5 million and 7 years' imprisonment for individuals and higher for corporations, the Richmond Police District play the law enforcement role for NSW Health."We work closely with health on this. We are proactively visiting tobacconists, and we aim to continue to work with health to address the problem."The Lismore understands that a warning visit by police last week informed owners and managers that future raids would be conducted if it is reported or known that they sell illegal or unlicensed tobacco products.Cdr Roptell said his team are monitoring the situation."We monitor this off our own bat, mainly from the community and other areas that are reporting it to us.""We still have to work on the strategy going forward. We need to speak to health, who are the main combat agency for that."With the cost of housing and general living still very high, people all around Australia, not just in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, are turning to illegal tobacco products. Apparently, you can purchase a packet of illegal cigarettes for $10 to $15. If you purchase a legal brand, it will cost between $45 to $50. If you smoke two packs a week, that is a saving of $70 a week.The federal government tax on a stick of cigarettes is currently $1.40, which adjusts with inflation. For a packet of 20 cigarettes, this means $28 per packet goes to the government.The price of tobacco has increased significantly in the past 50 years. In 1973, a pack of cigarettes sold for 49 cents, and in 2025, it sells for an average $48.10. Between 2010 and 2021, the price increase was 260% due to a tax hike and eight annual 12.5% tax increases.It is easy to see why the black market has grown, as has its customer base.However, the number of people smoking has more than halved from 1991 (24%) to 2022-2023 (8.3%). This has kept more people out of the hospital system with smoking-related issues.Whatever view you take, it is difficult to see this situation ending anytime soon.

Consumers are being reminded to take a moment to stop, check, and protect themselves when transacting or interacting online as Scams Awareness Week returns from 25-29 August 2025. Australians have already lost more than $147 million to scams in 2025, with NSW residents alone reporting more than $48 million in losses, and more than 25,000 scams to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s National Anti-Scam Centre – Scamwatch.  Phishing scams, where people are tricked into clicking links or entering details on fake websites that impersonate trusted organisations like banks, governments, or other services, are still the most common scams in NSW, with nearly 9,000 reports, followed by identity theft, online shopping scams, and false billing. Those aged 65 and over continue to be disproportionately affected, with older Aussies lodging more than 6,100 reports in the last year alone.  In the past year, more than 40 per cent of scam reports received by NSW Fair Trading were related to phishing attempts involving impersonation scams on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and WhatsApp.  Around 27 per cent involved tele fraud, false billing, or itinerant trader scams, while others concerned fake fundraising, trade promotions, and community gaming – reflecting the diverse ways scammers target consumers. But it is not just online and digital scams, which can cause harm; consumers are also being warned to be vigilant when shopping online. Often based overseas, fake, or temporary online shops can seemingly pop up overnight and employ ‘bait’ advertising like urgent calls to action which aim to rush shoppers into securing a purchase before authenticity is verified. While Australian Consumer Law applies to online purchases made in Australia, purchases from overseas-based scammers are difficult to resolve. Shoppers are urged to stay vigilant, research the seller, use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal for buyer protection, and always beware of deals which may look too good to be true. People who have been scammed from bogus shops should keep receipts and screenshots of correspondence to assist with lodging a complaint with NSW Fair Trading. Everyone can also join ID Support NSW’s free 30-minute webinar on 27 August for Scams Awareness Week 2025 to learn how to spot, avoid, and report scams – register for the webinar here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/events-hub/events/scams-awareness-week-2025-webinar.  To help people shop safely online, ID Support NSW also offers a free online shopping module which explains how to spot fake websites, avoid scams, and know what to do if something goes wrong: https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/learn/learning-modules/online-shopping. Clear advice on spotting scam messages, managing privacy settings, securing devices, and monitoring financial information, including how to request a temporary credit ban if needed, is available at www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/be-prepared. NSW Fair Trading encourages consumers dissatisfied with a business's services to lodge a complaint online here: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/online-tools/make-a-complaint or on 13 32 20.  Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said, “It’s worth taking the time to be sure you are not being scammed, and we want everyone to take a moment to stop, check, and protect themselves and their loved ones against scams. “Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, targeting people through social media, messaging apps and impersonating trusted organisations.  “Phishing scams are still the most reported in NSW, and they’re becoming harder to spot, so if something feels off, trust your instincts and don’t engage.”  Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Consumer protection is one of the Minns Labor Government’s top priorities.  “When a business is based in Australia and a consumer has been misled or scammed, NSW Fair Trading can step in to help resolve the issue where appropriate. “Buying from private sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace can carry real risks, so if a deal seems too good to be true, it often is, and consumers should take extra care and trust their instincts. “NSW Fair Trading encourages people to buy from reputable retailers and to be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar online sellers.  “If someone believes they’ve been scammed, they should report it to the ACCC via the Scamwatch website, which helps protect others and contributes to national efforts to disrupt scam activity.” 

Finding a qualified builder in Lismore and the Northern Rivers is to quote on a job, let alone, start and complete one in a timely fashion, has been a problem since the 2022 big flood, and has been made worse by the housing crisis that has not only gripped the region but the nation.To try and help solve the issues around meeting its National Housing Accord targets, the NSW Government is injecting $9.2 million across four years into initiatives aimed at increasing the number of building certifiers and speeding up the licensing of building tradespeople.The critical funding will boost the certifier workforce by reducing red tape and speeding up home building licence application approvals to help fill skills gaps in the building industry. There are around 1,300 building certifiers across different registration types in NSW working in both private industry and local government, who, as public officials, play an important role in conducting critical inspections required to finalise residential building approvals.To ensure the state has enough certifiers to help meet demand as the state pushes towards building 377,000 new homes by 2029, the NSW Government will inject $4.72 million over four years into measures to make it easier for existing certifiers to stay in, and new certifiers to enter, the industry.Under the changes, new flexible certifier registration options will be introduced, providing pro-rata registration fees for part-time certifiers, and a pause on registration fees for those on extended leave to ensure fees do not disincentivise them from practicing part-time or returning to the profession.Building Commission NSW will also increase its capacity to process new certifier applications and renewals to facilitate faster entry into the sector.A free continuing professional development course to support certifiers returning to work after a career break will also encourage those who have been away from the industry to get back into the profession.Additionally, “Inspecting Up” provisions, which allow restricted building surveyors to conduct critical stage inspections under supervision, will be supported to boost capacity in the industry.To accommodate the expected increase in the number of trades hoping to enter, re-enter or gain a new licence in the industry, a further $4.48 million across four years will create additional capacity to process home building licence applications.This will ensure the required rigorous relevant checks and balances are completed at pace when assessing licence and certificate applications, as well as renewals.Building Commission NSW assessed almost 24,000 new home building-related licencing applications in the 2024-25 financial year.Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Building homes for the people of NSW is a top priority for the state government.“Certifiers and tradespeople are the backbone of our construction sector, and with this investment, we are shifting roadblocks standing in the way of getting more of these vital certifiers and trades on the tools, faster.“With an average entry age of 49 and exit age of 55, there is a short practising window for unrestricted certifiers, who are some of the most qualified and experienced professionals in the building industry. “These reforms will help us attract new certifiers, whose numbers have remained static for years, while also overcoming our retention barriers by making it easier to be a part-time certifier.“The additional funds to boost the licensing team will also help the Building Commission NSW prioritise applications, so new trades can fill the skills gaps the construction sector is facing.”NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said, “Building certifiers play a critical role in checking the compliance of proposed developments with planning, building and other legislative requirements.“While we need certifiers to enter or return to the industry to meet housing targets, Building Commission NSW will not let speed get in the way of quality, safety, and compliance.“Building Commission NSW has a strong regulatory regime in place for certifiers and will ensure there is proper oversight as more enter the profession and land on sites across NSW.”CEO of Association of Australian Certifiers Jill Brookfield said, “This funding boost will go a long way to ensure we attract the additional certifiers needed to complete the houses we need to build, and to boost consumer confidence.“This package provides the right incentives to retain the hardworking independent certifiers we currently have in the industry, by supporting upskilling, embracing work life balance and flexibility, and professional development.We have been working closely with the Minister on the reforms to building certifier registration and practice and welcome the funding as part of the move to more and better quality homes being delivered.”

If you will be driving north on the Pacific Motorway after 7pm this week, you will come across a change in traffic conditions at the St Helena Tunnel as essential maintenance is carried out.To reduce the impact, work will be carried out at night. The tunnel will be closed to all traffic from 7pm to 5am each night from Monday, 25 to Wednesday, 27 August, reopening at 5am Thursday, 28 August, weather permitting.Northbound traffic will be diverted onto the Hinterland Way at Byron Bay Road (Bangalow exit), rejoining the motorway at Ewingsdale. Southbound traffic will be diverted onto Hinterland Way at Ewingsdale Road (Byron Bay exit), rejoining the motorway at Bangalow.Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes of additional travel time for the diversions, which are suitable for all vehicles. Motorists are also advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control. Routine maintenance of the St Helena Tunnel is carried out every three months and involves a range of measures, such as inspecting the various operating and safety systems.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For more information on this work, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/234631, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘McLeods Shoot’ in your Live Traffic NSW app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

Since March, 1,242.4mm of rain has fallen at Lismore Airport in a little under six months. This is just under the long-term annual average of 1,343mm.The wet weather and the consistently saturated ground have created major road headaches for Lismore City Council. One reason is that the wet weather prevents road crews from patching the numerous potholes that form daily. Another reason is that water seeping into existing potholes loosens the road fill, and with increased car traffic, the pothole reappears gradually.A Lismore App reader has emailed regarding the increasing potholes on Rotary Drive. One in particular was deep enough to puncture a tyre and damage a rim, which has since been patched.Another section of road that has caused local drivers a great deal of concern is the Dunoon Road, Tweed Street, Alexander Parade corridor in North Lismore.It has long been acknowledged as an area that is not kind to car tyres, rims and suspensions.However, the area will be home to the new Richmond River High School Campus in 2027; therefore, it will be a very important part of Lismore's traffic network, with parents and buses increasing its usage. Of course, it is still used daily by residents' bus companies to the north, such as Dunoon, Modanville, Dorroughby, Rosebank and The Channon.It is also listed as a 'last road out' during a major flood event.Lismore City Council is asking for community feedback through its Your Say website page."These upgrades will significantly improve road access and safety in the area, as well as support a range of important community assets and future developments. As part of this application, Council will undertake community engagement to gather supportive feedback for the application."Help provide your feedback by completing a 5-minute survey."Council has started assessments and preliminary scoping on sections of Dunoon Road, Tweed Street and Alexandra Parade, North Lismore. In order to complete the mentioned upgrades, funding must be sought, most likely from the state government.."Council is committed to applying for applicable grants for State and Federal funding to assist with the construction costs of the identified roads. At present, these road upgrades are eligible under the ‘Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP)’ grant."We ask for assistance from the community to complete a 5-10 minute survey, with the feedback providing essential information to support the grant applications."Council classifies what the proposed upgrades are.The proposed project will upgrade Tweed Street from Terania Street intersection through to the second roundabout as part of the North Lismore Plateau development. Specifically, Tweed Street and Terania Street intersection to be upgraded; new shared path along Tweed Street; Tweed Street to be widened and upgraded; Lake Street entrance to be upgraded and sealed; Alexandra Parade/Tweed Street/Dunoon Road intersection to be upgraded with a roundabout; provisions for a future carpark on the south-west corner of Tweed Street / Alexandra Parade to be designed; Alexandra Parade to the viaduct upgrade – eastern side; Alexandra Parade to end of cattle sale yards to be upgraded and sealed; Dunoon Road to the second roundabout to be upgraded; Dunoon Road second roundabout and shared path along Dunoon Road.The survey will be open until 4.30pm Friday, 12 September 2025.

Police have said that this afternoon's motorcycle crash north of Kyogle was a fatality.About 2pm (Sunday 24 August 2025), emergency services were called to Summerland Way at The Risk, north of Kyogle, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Richmond Police District arrived to find a motorcycle had crashed into a guardrail.The rider – a man believed to be aged in his 40s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.He is yet to be formerly identified.Police have established a crime scene, and an investigation into the incident has commenced.Summerland Way was closed in both directions for around two hours.A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A motorcycle crash on Bangalow Road has caused traffic delays since 5:24 this evening.The incident occurred just north of Binna Burra, near Friday Hut Road.Emergency Service crews, Transport for NSW and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter are in attendance.Live Traffic says Bangalow Road is open, but the accident will cause delays.Earlier this afternoon, another motorcycle accident occurred on Summerland Way north of Kyogle, which closed the road in both directions for two hours.It is believed a man in his 40s was treated for chest injuries before being flown to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.For the latest information about these incidents, check out the Live Traffic website or app.

This World Suicide Prevention Day (Wednesday 10 September), Lifeline Northern NSW is encouraging the local community to walk 9km to honour the nine lives lost to suicide every day in Australia.The Out of the Shadows Walk is all about honouring and remembering those who died by suicide and show support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or mental illness.Luke Lindsay, Lifeline Direct CEO, said bringing conversations about suicide into the light can play a crucial role in breaking down stigma.“Suicide does not discriminate - it can affect anybody, at any time. Behind every statistic is a person, and there are many loved ones left behind learning to navigate life without them”, said Luke.“When we talk openly and non-judgementally about mental health and suicide, it really stimulates a sense of belonging and connectedness”.All funds raised from Out of the Shadows Walks ensure Lifeline can be there 24/7 for anyone who needs help and support, in the ways that suit them best.A donation of $39 can fund one life-saving phone call with a Lifeline Crisis Supporter,$50 can cover two life-saving text conversations, and $100 can support a one-hour virtual face-to-face session with a trained Lifeline Counsellor.In addition to the 9km walk, this year participants can pledge to walk 63km between 10- 16 September to remember and honour the 63 Australians lost to suicide every week.If you, or someone you know, is feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to connect with Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable.You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, chat to Lifeline online or access the Support Toolkit to self-manage what you’re going through at toolkit.lifeline.org.auFind out more about Out of the Shadows Walks here.

Recruitment is well underway for additional nurses in regional and rural NSW as the state government continues delivering on its promise to roll out a major healthcare staffing reform.27 hospitals across rural and regional NSW, including Lismore Base Hospital (LBH), are introducing Safe Staffing Levels in emergency departments, with a number of facilities already completed recruitment. This brings the total number of hospitals commencing the roll-out of Safe Staffing Levels to more than 40 across the state.The implementation of the reform aims to support the experience of patients, with over 570 FTE nurses already recruited in Emergency Departments (ED) across the state.The Safe Staffing Levels initiative involves rostering minimum staffing levels on every shift, which will result in more nurses employed in hospitals right across the state..The staffing boost enables the rostering of a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied ED resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts.Although increasing nursing staff will improve patient care outcomes, it doesn't address the persistent long-term patient waiting times that LBH has experienced over the past five years. The lack of available hospital beds has led to an increase in ED waiting times, with LBH the worst in the Northern NSW Local Health District, and below state averages.The 27 regional and rural hospitals rolling out Safe Staffing Levels in EDs include:Port MacquarieLismoreCoffs HarbourJohn HunterWollongongTamworthGosfordWagga WaggaOrangeTweed ValleyDubboGriffithManningMaitlandSouth East RegionalShoalhavenMacksvilleLeetonYoungBathurstBallinaGraftonArmidaleCessnockMoruyaKempseyShellharbourThe Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce was established to oversee the rollout of the Government’s commitment of 2,480 FTE over four years. It includes key leaders from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), NSW Health, and local health districts.Phase one of Safe Staffing Levels commenced in the level five and six emergency departments, which treat the most critically ill patients, and is being implemented progressively across other key areas in a phased approach.Implementing Safe Staffing Levels is just one of a range of measures that the NSW Government is embracing to build a more supported health workforce, including:funding the equivalent of 1,112 FTE nurse and midwife positions on an ongoing basisabolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workers500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.The state government’s introduction of Safe Staffing Levels forms one part of a comprehensive plan to build a better health system across NSW.After 12 years of neglect and a lack of investment in our health system, the NSW Government is rebuilding this essential service we all rely on.Health Minister Ryan Park said, “Safe Staffing Levels are about delivering safer, better care for patients, while making sure our nurses have the support they need on every shift.“For too long, hospitals across regional and rural NSW have been left behind, but this reform is changing that – with hundreds of additional nurses already recruited and more on the way.“This is about building a stronger health system for patients, families, and staff, no matter where you live.”