Maggie Walters is bravely tackling her complex PTSD trauma in a very public way. She is writing a probing memoir and exposing the truth of her mental health condition - Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D) or as it was previously known, Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). Her new novel, Split, is being released next week, and her experience is intriguing.Maggie is aware of around 40 “alters” who are collectively known as “the girls”, although not all of them identify as female. Annie is referred to often, and is the lead personality. They came about to handle the different situations she needed to endure in her young life. Maggie has given them pseudonyms in the book. She says, “To me, they are as real as you and I… and I need to respect their desire to be private, especially Annie, so that they feel understood.”Maggie developed MPD (Maggie prefers the term MPD, as that was the term used when she was diagnosed) at the age of 3 when she suffered traumatic abuse inflicted by her parents and their friends. “Annie took over and basically lived (my life) from three till my early 30s. She is the system administrator. It was her responsibility to manage these other girls, let other girls or children be created to handle the abuse that was going on.”The MPD diagnosis came when Maggie was in her late 20’s, and then as she started embarking on her life, Maggie met her future husband. “Annie fell in love straight away. She was pretty head over heels.”Maggie describes Annie as “extremely pragmatic.” Before they had even discussed marriage, Annie “made sure that he was aware of who she was and her history and background.”However, when the relationship succumbed to physical attraction, Annie felt she needed to protect Maggie once more and took over - for a period of 30 years, “I basically woke up after 30 odd years, sitting in the backseat of a car going Holy crap, what's going on?”Was that time a complete blank? “No, it's not," Maggie replied, "The original working title of my book was called “Postcards from Home” because I have these snippets of memories. It's like postcards and Annie or the girls will share them with me whether I like it or not.”  “It is my history and there are times I wish it wasn't, but whether I experienced it, or Annie or the girls, it's still my brain. So no, I don't have a linear memory. But I've got snippets of things.”Maggie has done a lot of soul-searching and is now firmly back in control. “It's been in the last eight years that I have had to learn how to manage my system.”It is estimated that about 1.5% of the global population suffer from MPD, but it is often misdiagnosed. “It's because people automatically assume that if you hear voices, you're schizophrenic or bipolar and they think medication will fix it. Medication does not fix MPD.”Maggie talks about how you develop MPD. “So you really can only develop MPD as a child. Your brain is malleable enough and not so hardwired that basically, as a kid, you have one way to escape from this and that is to disappear in your head. Most people who have MPD develop all their altars by the time they're probably 8 to 10, and then they live with them or they hide them away.”Describing what living with MPD is like, Maggie says, “It's different. I've got a dysfunctional family in my head. I have no other way to say it.” We laugh as I comment that she must get on well with people.Dealing with the girls, Maggie says, “There are layers. So I'm mostly in contact with Annie. She's the one who sits on my shoulder. She talks to me. Someone asked if it was like an inner child and I went, you know, your inner child, you can actually control. I have no control over her.” And at times, she didn’t, but now their relationship has become more stable.“There were a few things that I did in the course of trying to understand who I was as someone with MPD that really pissed her off. We have an unsettled, unhappy relationship at best. She loves the book. She's really glad she had her say in it, and she believes it's an accurate representation of who we are.”If an alter really doesn’t like something, they can play up, but not in the way that you think. Maggie has recently discovered another alter that doesn't like some of the themes in the book she is currently writing. “She actually hates Mother (one of the characters in the book), and she has caused me lots and lots of internal grief, that presents itself through anxiety - my jaw getting locked, my shingles acting up and all that sort of crap. They don't act out externally, but they certainly have their way with me”Has Maggie come to terms with the girls and if, over time, they have become a more happy family? At which Maggie laughed heartily and said, “Most definitely not!. They go, oh she knows nothing! She just needs to go read the damn book!”Maggie felt the need to write the book to provide hope for MPD survivors of trauma and to dispel mistruths expounded by Hollywood and the whodunnits that reveal some form of MPD alter ego as a perpetrator of a crime.“The book’s not even out yet, and I've had three people come to me and either talk to me and say they know someone who's got D.I.D, or they are D.I.D and they've been hiding it. It's so affirming for them, to know that somebody else is talking about it.”The first 50 pages of the book deal with the trauma that Maggie was subject to. She includes disclaimers in parts. Annie tells the story in this section, “Going off to Colorado because we were raised in Texas, going to school there. Things start falling apart, and then eventually she moved to Dallas where she saw a therapist who diagnosed her with MPD.”The girls get their say. “I had to figure out how to let them talk. So I sat out on the patio and then I thought, I'm just going to vacate and let them write and just be the fingers on the keyboard. And I got this big huge chapter called Working Girl.”Maggie talks about how exhausting writing this section was, “I was wasted when that was done because it's really emotionally full on. But I was really happy at the end of that because they've had their voice. Poetry is used throughout the book to illustrate points, “I just find poetry a great way to express myself. It gets the emotions out there.” Maggie sounded really pleased when she related, “One of the girls has written a poem”Maggie couldn't choose one favourite part of the book for herself, she chose one for Annie. “There's the chapters where I start therapy with shrink number two. And he unravels with Annie, her whole life as someone who's got MPD, and she comes out and that whole process of the system actually trusting him enough to come out.”Maggie's own favourite is Narrative Therapy, “It really outlines how writing has been healing for me so this is me writing that.” Maggie met a group of writers and while connecting with them, she shifted from writing fiction to a memoir. She started reading to them, excerpts from her book - this is the point in her life, about 4 years ago, when she started talking to other people about her condition.You are invited to the launch of Split on May 16th. It takes place at the Sherwood Hotel, 75 Molesworth Street, from 6pm. Her book will be available for sale at the launch, or from the Book Warehouse in Lismore or Maggie's website.Maggie Walters has always loved writing and is now a full time writer, and working on her second book on motherhood.

Composting’s role in the fight against climate change will be in focus during International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW), to be held from today (May 5) to Saturday, May 11 in Australia.Amid the increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as flooding, droughts or bushfires, composting offers a practical, hands-on response to climate change mitigation where every household can join the global effort.“As a community we can all contribute to a healthy planet by keeping food scraps away from landfill and one of the ways is through composting,” says Chris Rochfort, CEO of the Centre for Organic Research & Education (CORE).“Composting can help reduce landfill methane emissions and restoring soil health, which will help build resilience to climate change, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, and sequester carbon by removing it from the atmosphere.”Composting can benefit the climate in many ways:• Reduces the amount of organic waste that goes to landfill, which when disposed to landfill breaks down anaerobically and releases methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential around 28 times that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period.• Improves drainage and aeration in the soil.• Produces a nutrient-rich soil amendment.• Retains soil moisture and reduces plant diseases/pests.• Reduces heat island effect in urban areas.• Increase resilience to the effects of climate change such as drought and extreme weather.“By returning nutrients back to the soil through composting it improves plant health and promotes biodiversity. If we reduce and recycle waste, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions at landfills, promote uptake of carbon dioxide by vegetation, and make our environment more resilient to the effects of a changing climate,” Mr Rochfort said.He added: “Compost is one of nature’s essential building blocks that can solve so many of humanity’s current challenges from climate change, such as soil moisture loss and contaminated run-off and sediments entering our waterways.“This is on top of compost being a fantastic amendment to add to soils to assist plant growth, nutrient retention and storing carbon. There’s no other product that can fulfill as many functions as compost can.“Urban communities in particular generate massive amounts of food organics and garden organics (FOGO). As a community we need to participate in FOGO recovery systems where these wastes are processed into compost that adds valuable nutrients to the soil. This is good news for healthy food, future water supplies, environmental wellbeing, and human resilience.”ICAW is a week during which Australians are encouraged to promote the importance and benefits of composting in their local communities. CORE, a public charity, has been championing this international awareness campaign exclusively in Australia for the past 19 years. ICAW has contributed to reducing organic waste going to landfill and at the same time improving biodiversity in soils and building up resilience to extreme weather events.

Earlier this week, the NSW Government said it was extending the waste levy waiver to another four areas to further support communities grappling with the aftermath of heavy rainfall and flooding in early April.Residents in an additional four Local Government Areas (LGAs) can now dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without incurring the waste levy fee.Lifting the fee aims to expedite the recovery process and ease financial burdens on impacted households and businesses.The Natural Disaster Waste Levy Exemption is being applied to the following LGAs:CampbelltownLismoreNorthern BeachesPort StephensThis assistance brings the total number of eligible areas to 26.The Blue Mountains, Camden, Liverpool, Penrith, Sutherland, Blacktown, Byron, Central Coast, Clarence Valley, Dungog, Hornsby, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Mid-Coast, The Hills, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, Hawkesbury, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, and Kiama have already received exemptions.Residents will not be charged until 30 June 2024, though local landfill gate fees may apply.The waiver covers waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, gardening debris and any other flood-related products.When asked what impact this will have on the Lismore City Council, a spokesperson said, "At present, Council is not required to pay the Waste Levy as our landfill was damaged in the 2022 natural disaster. Our gate fee has not changed as we are transferring all waste to Queensland."

Assistance from the Australian and NSW governments has supported Lismore-based blueberry grower Mountain Blue to transform its state-of-the-art packing facility into a flood-proof ‘fishbowl’ in a bid to increase the plant’s resilience to future flooding.Following the flood in February 2022, Managing Director of Mountain Blue, Andrew Bell, was faced with an expensive clean-up with mud and water destroying machines and packaging.“It was a very stressful time for us and our staff, many of whom were also dealing with the fallout of flooding at their own homes. There was also the uncertainty about the future - will it happen again? How will we deal with that if it does?”Mountain Blue employs up to 80 people on the packing room floor at the height of harvest, and a further 25 staff operate in offices upstairs.The February 2022 flood coincided with the off-season for blueberries, but with the June harvest fast approaching, it was all hands on deck to get the facility back to being operational.“A priority for us was reinstating our mechanised packing machines so that when our harvest started, we could get our staff back to work,” he said.“Using part of the $1.9 million grant from the Supply Chain Support Program, we were able clean the facility and get one of our high-tech packing machines operational by the start of season, which carried us until we could get the rest online.”Two years on from the disaster, the company has shifted its focus to flood mitigation and protecting the plant for the future.“We are working with a company out of the United States to flood-proof the main floor by installing large barriers around the walls, which can be locked off in a flood creating a fish tank which will hopefully keep most of the water out.“We found the process of working with the relevant Government agencies very positive and can’t thank them enough for their sympathetic approach to helping our recovery.” Mountain Blue is one of 12 businesses that has received funding through the Supply Chain Support Program.The Supply Chain Support Program is part of the $150 million Primary Industry Support Package, co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

As our Flood Readiness - Are We Better Prepared series comes to an end, we cover the remaining key organisations that play a vital role in pre-flood warnings and in the rescue & recovery after a major flood. We are asking those organisations to let us know how the 2022 floods and Flood Inquiry have changed their procedures and processes so people will experience better outcomes.So we know what to expect when the unexpected happens next.Today, we look at the NSW State Government including the NSW Reconstruction Authority.***One of the largest aspects of the flood in Lismore, besides the shocking height which the flood measured, is the recovery. From early on, the State Government were involved with the coordination and distribution of assets, and the formation of a lasting entity to see us through the long haul. We started with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) before more severe weather events across the state saw the birth of the NSW Reconstruction Authority. But neither was in existence when the initial February 28 2022 flood response played out.Let's face it, there was a lot of scrambling about what to do with a natural disaster the size of the 2022 floods. There was some input from the Federal Government with assistance from our Defence Forces, councils trying to lift loads way too heavy for them and a LOT of charity work from inside and outside the Northern Rivers to help keep the community spirit and strength to rebuild.Our NSW State Government has concentrated on two of the biggest challenges in regard to severe weather events that affect emergency situations;How can we mitigate issues prior to a severe weather event?What happens when the emergency abates? The aftermath.Both of these points really hit home when you think that since 2019, NSW has “endured 65 declared disasters, costing the government more than $6 billion, with more than 20,000 homes damaged in 2022 alone.” The RA is currently working with 8 areas in recovery. Predictions state that “New research shows the cost of disasters will hit $9.1 billion per year by 2060 in damages to homes and infrastructure if action is not taken.” Quotes taken from the State Disaster Mitigation Plan overview.The nine natural hazards being considered in our State Mitigation PlanWe asked the NSW State Government and the NSW Reconstruction Authority a little more about how things unfolded at their end and a spokesperson for the NSW Government provided us with the following:Flood Inquiry “In line with the findings and recommendations of the 2022 Independent Flood Inquiry, the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) was established in 2022 to take on responsibility for disaster preparedness and prevention, and for reconstruction and recovery following disasters and other emergencies. The NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 sets out the functions for the new Authority. “The RA released the nation’s first-ever State Disaster Mitigation Plan (SDMP) in late February and is now progressing Regional Disaster Adaptation Plans for the Northern Rivers, Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and the Central West regions. These regions were among the hardest hit by the 2022 floods.” Northern Rivers “The NSW Flood Inquiry also made a specific recommendation about relocating communities most at risk. That’s been a key priority for the $700m Resilient Homes Program and the $100m Resilient Lands Program in the Northern Rivers. “About 1,100 homes will be prioritised for a buyback under the Resilient Homes Program and 370 for a raising or retrofit. “As of April 26, 760 buyback offers had been approved and 607 buyback offers had been accepted. In addition, Home Assessments are being carried out for the home raising and retrofits stream, with four raising and retrofit offers approved and three raising and retrofit offers completed. More than 370 homeowners in the Northern Rivers are prioritised and are now receiving tailored assessments to make their homes more resilient against flooding. “Homeowners are already actively progressing work, with a number of DAs lodged through council. We’re ready to support these homeowners through the next steps of what is a highly technical process and like any construction project, this will take time to complete. In addition to those completed raises and retrofits, around 12 eligible homeowners have already completed their own raises or retrofits and we’re now working with these people to reimburse them. “Buyback recipients will be given priority to relocate off the floodplain under the Resilient Lands Program. Two sites have been identified so far under the Resilient Lands Program, 400 lots at East Lismore and up to 50 households at Mount Pleasant (in Goonellabah) with more sites expected to be announced in 2024. “The RA is also doing a great amount of work to implement one of the Flood Inquiry’s other recommendations - to minimise disruptions to essential services and floodplain infrastructure. This includes improvements to evacuation routes, upgrading and replacing flood pumps and improving drainage are among a list of 36 projects under the $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP). “Upgrading the East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant under the $145 million Northern Rivers Flood Recovery Repair Water and Wastewater Program is another example of the Government implementing this specific recommendation of the NSW Flood Inquiry.” Preparedness “The RA has a strong focus on recovery, but our experience tells us it’s not just how we respond, but how we prepare, that will make the difference. In 2023, the RA launched the Get Ready NSW website, which is helping households across NSW take the guesswork out of planning for natural disasters. “Get Ready NSW was designed in partnership between the NSW Reconstruction Authority and NSW Department of Customer Service, in consultation with emergency services, and covers a range of scenarios, including: Understanding bushfire riskPreparing homes for a bushfire seasonPreparing businesses for a bushfireManaging pets and livestockHow to find evacuation centresUnderstanding storm riskPreparing homes for a stormInformation on heatwavesFinding support if you are impacted by natural disasters. “Households will also find valuable evacuation advice on Get Ready NSW, including how to create a digital ‘grab bag’ to make accessing important information easier during the recovery process. “This year, the RA is planning to roll out a statewide Get Ready NSW campaign. “The RA is also establishing a dedicated Preparedness team, which will focus on delivering actions out of the SDMP, supporting and enabling communities to be better prepared, as well as facilitating collaboration and coordination between government agencies, local councils, service providers and communities to improve disaster preparedness.”If you would like more information about what the State Government is doing, read the full State Disaster Mitigation Plan and the NSW Recovery Plan.News Title ImageThe cover image is artwork from the NSW Recovery Plan called ‘Healing Together.’ The artist is Monique Rennie, a proud Kamillaroi woman living on Wonnarua country in the NSW Upper Hunter. It illustrates organisations and communities joining together to find the strength to recover and rebuild after a natural disaster or significant event. At the centre of the artwork sits our communities and organisations coming together to discuss ways to recover. The artwork features gum leaves branching in from the corners and embracing the communities, providing their healing and growing together.Around the artwork are lemon myrtle blooms healing the families in their centre and grass tree flowers representing the flourishing that can happen after hardship.Other stories in this series includes:Part 1: Essential Energy Part 2: Communications - Telstra and OptusPart 2: Communications - TPG Telecom and nbnPart 3: Police and Fire + RescuePart 4: Critical Flood InformationPart 5: AnimalsPart 6: Federal GovernmentPart 7: CharitiesPart 8: Local GovernmentPart 9: SES / RFS Part 10: Health

As the weekend gets underway, a large portion of Lismore residents will be running, cycling or swimming whether it be part of organised team sport or just personal fitness.If that is you, and your exercise is regular, you’re well on track for a long and healthy life, as groundbreaking new research from the University of South Australia finds that an increased cardio fitness level will reduce your risk of death from any cause by 11-17%.Published in BJSM, the study found that for every 1-MET increase in cardiorespiratory fitness – the amount of energy used for quiet sitting – a person can reduce their risk of death by 11-17%, and specifically, their risk of heart disease by 18%. Comprising 26 systematic reviews with meta-analysis representing more than 20.9 million observations from 199 unique cohort studies, it is the first study to collate all the scientific evidence that looked at the prospective link between cardiorespiratory fitness and health outcomes among adults. Senior author, UniSA’s Professor Grant Tomkinson, says that cardiorespiratory fitness is probably the most important type of fitness for good health. “Cardiorespiratory fitness (or CRF) is your ability to perform physical activity for a long period of time like running, cycling, and swimming,” Prof Tomkinson says. “In this study, we found prolonged cardiorespiratory fitness is strongly and consistently associated with all types of premature death and incident disease – spanning heart failure, depression, diabetes, dementia and even cancer. “We summarised the evidence linking CRF to numerous health outcomes and found that those with low levels of CRF are far more likely to die early or develop chronic conditions like heart disease later in life. “Specifically, we found that every 1-MET increase in CRF, which is the amount of energy used when sitting quietly, reduced the risk of early death from any cause and heart failure by 11–17% and 18%, respectively. “For most people, a 1-MET increase in CRF can be achieved through a regular aerobic exercise program. “The message is quite simple: if you do a lot of “huff and puff” exercise, then your risk of dying early or developing diseases in the future is reduced. If you avoid exercise your health may suffer.”                                                                    Chronic health conditions are an ongoing cause of poor health, disability, and premature death. In Australia, an estimated 11.6 million people (47%) have a chronic and debilitating health conditions, which contributes to two-thirds of the burden of disease. Lead author from the Public Health Agency of Canada and Adjunct Professor at UniSA, Dr Justin Lang, says the study delivers a strong message for public health that cardiorespiratory fitness is an important marker of health status. “Clearly, cardiorespiratory fitness is as an important factor for good health. If you are already exercising, this is good news; but if you know you need to up your fitness and movement, then this is a timely reminder,” Dr Lang says. “People can make meaningful improvements through additional moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, at least 150 minutes a week. And as they improve their fitness, their risk of death and disease will decline. “But the onus for improvement should not just sit with the individual, it should also be routinely assessed in clinical and public health practice, so that we can support people to improve their health outcomes. “Through regular assessment, clinicians and exercise professionals could better identify adults at greater risk of early death and initiate exercise programs aimed at increasing CRF through regular physical activity.” This study was conducted in partnership with researchers from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the University of Granada, the University of Ottawa and University of Northern British Columbia.

Lismore and the Northern Rivers will be the epicentre for a new $3.8 million federal government grant for research at Southern Cross University to help heal those affected by the devastating 2022 floods through PTSD.In a world-first approach, the researchers will implement a stepped-care model to support over 200 people still living with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin represented Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler MP at today's launch. Ms Saffin lauded Lead Researcher Professor James Bennett-Levy: "James Bennett-Levy has an international reputation for innovative mental health approaches and a commitment to the well-being of rural Australians, particularly the residents of the Northern Rivers Region."SCU Vice-Chancellor and President Tyrone Carlin said Professor Bennett-Levy was an SCU alumnus and, in fact, many of the other people deeply connected to the research are also SCU alumni. The stepped-care model research is another example of SCU progressing towards its vision of becoming a leading Research and Education hub for Lismore.(Professor James Bennett-Levy, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, Vice-Chancellor and President SCU Professor Tyrone Carlin and other key Compassion Trial people at today's trial announcement)Professor Bennett-Levy completed his PhD at the Lismore campus and had already completed a research project on the 2017 floods while working for Sydney University at the University Centre of Rural Health. So, he has good data from which to begin this current research."We can expect high levels of PTSD, high levels of depression, anxiety in our community," Professor Bennett-Levy said, "So what we know, particularly from the '22 floods, are the thousands of people out there with PTSD. That their lives are severely affected through no fault of their own."Professor Bennett-Levy spoke about climate change and the impact it has had on the Northern Rivers, with three of the six largest floods in the last seven years, and that this research would help communities throughout Australia, not just the Northern Rivers.He explained that the aim of this research is to develop better ways to enable people to recover from the trauma of climate-induced disasters. A National Disaster Mental Health Wellbeing Framework was released in May 2023 just as Professor Bennett-Levy and his team were writing the grant application which recommended the stepped-care approach."So what we have here is a world-first trial of stepped-care in a post-disaster context. Stepped-care is, in a nutshell, a graded approach to treatment, starting off with what's called low-intensity interventions, which are much more population-based or community-based. And then, if people need individual treatment, then they get stepped up to a higher-intensity intervention.""What we have, at the first stage in the stepped-care, is a visual arts or nature-based compassion program. So what's compassion got to do with it? One of the things we found in the 2017 study, was that people who were hard on themselves, very self-critical, had worse outcomes. So, if you lacked self-compassion, you tended to have worse mental health outcomes. And there's lots of other research basically showing that facilitating self-compassion really enhances mental health for all of us.""Step two, if people still have PTSD, treatment-resistant PTSD, then they'll be stepped up to, if they're eligible, to MDMA-assisted therapy."While some people may find this slightly controversial, Professor Bennett-Levy said that the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) in February last year, rescheduled MDMA for clinical use by approved prescribers for PTSD quite specifically."So, this again will be a world-first trial of MDMA-assisted therapy in a post-disaster context. There is kind of a Step Three as well, which is actually a hidden component of this trial, which is that everything that we're doing is group-based. So, group-based art space, compassion, group-based nature-based compassion, and even the MDMA-assisted therapy with which the medicine sessions will be individual, but that will be surrounded, encompassed by groups of six people who will go through the whole process together pre and post, as it were.""Again, why are we doing that? Because, what we know from the 2017 research and from every other bit of research that's done on disasters, is that what predicts good outcome, best outcomes is social connection. And what happens, of course, in disasters, is you get this incredible social disconnection as people get displaced and communities are really impacted. So, social connection is really the sort of hidden third step as it were, that embraces the whole the whole project."Professor Bennett-Levy also explained what triggers PTSD for flood-affected people."The three things we found in 2017 research that predicted PTSD. Firstly, what's called the peri-traumatic experience. So, if you are trapped in your roof, and particularly if you are fearing for your life or fearing serious injury, or for your partners or children or relatives, or friends, fearing serious injury, then that was a key predictor of outcome.""A second predictor of outcome, which kind of goes with that, was inundation. So, if your home was inundated, your business in undated, then again, high predictor. And the third predictor, which is also incredibly relevant, especially after the 22 floods, is displacement. So, long-term displacement. So we found in 2017, that people who were displaced for more than six months had much worse outcomes. We've got thousands of people displaced in various ways we had probably fifteen or twenty thousand right at the start.""One of the difficulties after 2022, is it was so enormous that nobody has been able to collect accurate data as to how many people were displaced and where people have gone. A lot of people have left the region, how many we don't know, and of course, a lot of people are staying in various (accommodation), everything from housing pods, through friends, through to in their cars, and we just don't know those numbers at this point in time. And it'd be really helpful if we did, but we've always been playing catch up basically."Professor Bennett-Levy believes that the two-and-a-half-year lag time between the big flood and the trial will help the research project."One of the things you need to do effective psychological work is stability. Housing stability.....and that brings a certain amount of psychological stability. So, if you're still trying to work out where you're living and how you're going to feed yourself and your family and so forth, that's not great to do psychological work. So, actually, as it happens, this is really timely, this trial. It's sort of between two and five years. Also, the other thing we know from other research is that some of the major difficulties in communicative recovery are actually in the two to five year period. One of the reasons for this is because different people and groups get treated differently in various ways. So, who gets buybacks, who gets retrofits, who's in housing pods? This tends to happen in this, sort of, two to five-year period that people kind of get a sense of being treated unfairly."Professor Bennett-Levy is hoping that the publicity this trial will receive will also help those suffering PTSD to get help."One of the things that happens with PTSD is avoidance. Because having PTSD, your self-esteem goes down and the last thing you want to do is confront the very triggers for the trauma experience. So, avoidance is actually part and parcel of it. I think one of the things we would hope is that the publicity from this trial gradually enables people to have confidence to approach services because although we have no data on it, my belief is there are many more people out there with PTSD, who haven't accessed services at this point in time than have accessed services."The Compassion Trial is not ready to begin immediately. Professor Bennett-Levy and his team have to write everything down and submit that paper to the Ethics Committee to be reviewed. They will then make recommendations. This process will take four to five months while at the same time recruiting nature-based leaders. It is hoped that September or October will be the start date.People can register their interest in participating by emailing [email protected].

It looks as though we are in store for another wet weekend in Lismore and the Northern Rivers as the weather system from the south creates a high chance of showers.0 to 5mm is forecast for Saturday and 2 to 10mm on Sunday so there is the chance of some sun poking through the clouds throughout the two days.It is a similar forecast for most of next week as well.The potential for rain does mean that some planned events may be in doubt.The Boatharbour Field Day was set for tomorrow (Saturday) and has been postponed to a date to be determined and tomorrow's Trinity Catholic College Race Day at the Lismore Turf Club has been cancelled.The Lismore Farmers Markets run rain, hail or shine on Saturday mornings (7:30am to 11:30am) at the Lismore Showgrounds. With Mother's Day coming up you can find a unique gift, or buy some fresh sourdough bread, as well as fresh fruit and veg, hot breakfast, coffee/tea/juice and live music from Tapestry Road.The rain won't bother Nimbin Mardigrass goers over the weekend either. The annual event officially opens this afternoon with a full two-day schedule in place, which you can check out here. Look out for the Kombi Konvoy as it makes its way through Lismore to Nimbin tomorrow.Theatre lovers should check out Lexie Turns To Stone at the Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah.Opening night is tonight at 7:30pm followed by five further performances on Saturday, May 4 (7:30pm), Sunday, May 5 (2pm), Friday, May 10 (7:30pm), Saturday, May 11 (7:30pm) and Sunday, May 12 at 2pm.Tickets are $20-$25 and can be booked here.The annual Byron Coastal Charity Walk is tomorrow (Saturday). Participants will choose from three distances starting from Dening Park at Byron Bay: 12km from Byron Bay to Broken Head commencing at 8:30am, 24km from Byron Bay to Lennox Head commencing at 7:30am and 36km from Byron Bay to Ballina commencing at 6:30am.This is a major fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter with participants choosing to walk or run at their own pace. The event is fully supported with snacks, marshals on track, medical assistance and entertainment.The Australian Breastfeeding Association Lismore Group will celebrate its 60th birthday tomorrow at Wade Park, East Lismore between 10am and 1pm. If you have breastfed in the past 60 years, you are welcome to attend! Check out what other events are in May:Gemfest May 18 & 19Casino Beef Week May 18 to 25Primex May 16 to 18Round 5 of the NRRRL season kicks off at 2:45 on Sunday afternoon. Northern United will look to get back to winning ways after last week's defeat to Byron Bay when they take on Evans Head at Crozier Field while the Marist Brothers Rams hit the road for the trip to Tweed Heads.It is Round 4 for Football Far North Coast after last week's bye. Richmond Rovers travel south to Maclean for tonight's game while Saturday's matches include Bangalow v Ballina, Mullumbimby v Goonellabah and South Lismore v Alstonville. Sunday sees Byron Bay at home to Lennox Head.In the Women's Premier League, it is Lennox Head v Alstonville, Richmond Rovers v Byron Bay and Bangalow v Ballina with all matches on Sunday.There was no much price movement for fuel prices in the last week, although Diesel is now cheaper in Lismore than Ballina and Casino. It has been a long time since we can say that!Here are your cheapest locations to fill up over the weekend:E10 is 195.5 at the new 7-Eleven and the Ampol Foodary on Union Street in South Lismore and the Ampol Foodary on Woodlark Street, 199.9 at The United and the NightOwl Puma on Johnstone Street in Casino with the Metro on River Street, Ballina the cheapest at 193.9.Unleaded 91 is 197.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road, 201.9 at the North Casino Mini Mart (Queensland Road), the NightOwl Puma and The United in Casino and 196.9 across most servos in Ballina.U95 is 206.7 at the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, 208.9 at the Independent at 169 Canterbury Street, Casino and 206.9 at the Shell at 323 River Street in Ballina.U98 is 214.7 at the Liberty on Union Street, Lismore, 220.9 at the NightOwl Puma at 37 Johnston Street in Casino and 214.9 at the Shell at 323 River Street, Ballina.Diesel is 198.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 211.9 at the United, the NightOwl Puma, the Casino Roadhouse and the Ampol on Dyraaba Street in Casino and 203.9 at the Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!

Local musicians take note: you have the chance to have your original song professionally recorded, mixed and mastered, as well as receive airplay on the Byron Bay community radio station BayFM.'BaySounds' is a new song-writing competition aimed at showcasing the incredible emerging musical talent we have in Lismore and Northern Rivers. It is the brainchild of SAE Creative Media Institute and BayFM.The competition is open to musicians aged 16 and over, and invites musos to submit their original compositions on the SAE website by Sunday, 16 June 2024. In addition to the recording and airplay major prize for the winner, they will have the unique chance to perform at SAE's Open Day event on Saturday, 17 August, which will be played live simultaneously on BayFM. The competition is being judged by SAE Senior Lecturer Dirk Terrill, BayFM President and broadcaster Ange Kent, and BayFM broadcaster and musician Nathan Kaye. SAE General Manager, Dr Luke McMillan detailed the importance of the collaboration: “As leaders in creative media education, SAE is proud to have produced graduates who have made a name for themselves in the music industry like Sampa The Great, and studio experts who have won Grammy awards while working alongside iconic artists like Drake, Justin Bieber, and Hans Zimmer. BaySounds represents a shared commitment by SAE and BayFM to foster local talent and support the growth of the music industry in our community.” Dirk Terrill expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming competition: “It is exciting as it provides young up-and-coming artists exposure to community radio and a local university college like SAE, while giving artists an insight into a career in the music industry. It’s also an opportunity for our final-year students to work with a real-world client, and for the winning artist to obtain a quality recording from our talented student body who will utilise SAE’s world class facilities.” Ange Kent highlighted how the station is supporting local music throughout the competition period. “BayFM and SAE are both passionate about the music industry and our local community, and helping it grow. Throughout the competition we will be playing song submissions from local artists, with the top 10 songs played on a special show once the competition period is over. There is nothing better than live radio, so for the winner to have the opportunity to perform at SAE’s Open Day, and be broadcast live on BayFM, is very exciting.” Nathan Kaye said that he anticipates “incredible artists” from the competition: “I’m looking forward to hearing the plethora of talent that exists in our region. The BaySounds application process will guide artists with what they have to do in relation to festival and grant applications. Being able to communicate what you do to music industry professionals, media, and the wider community is an important skill to have at your disposal.” Entries for BaySounds are now open until Sunday, 16 June 2024. To enter visit sae.edu.au/baysounds .

The Lismore Regional Art Gallery is to receive a $1.675 million makeover as it is rebuilt after the February 2022 big flood.There is a DA (development application) in Lismore City Council's application tracker for alterations and additions to the Lismore Regional Art Gallery to create an open-plan reception and gallery shop area and a new artist studio, which includes toilet amenities. The DA seeks (in part) to convert the approved artist workshop at the western end of the building into the gallery café and provide a new artist studio on the northern side of the building. This will occur via the enclosure of an existing undercroft area. The diagram below illustrates the plan with the studio spaces shown in yellow and the café shown in pink.  The DA says the former workshop space (to be converted to the café) has an area of 43m2, while the new workshop area has a floor area of 74.5m2 (excluding additional toilets). This is a minor increase in floor area of 31.5m2. The Gross Floor Area (GFA) of the existing approved Gallery was 1206.1m2. Of this, the studio spaces comprised a total of 131.1m2 or 10.86% of the total floor area. The current proposal increases the total GFA to 1290.66m2, of which the studio space comprises 159.87m2. This equates to 12.38% of the total floor area.  The studio spaces are marginally larger than previously approved, but they remain a minor component of the overall development.  The artist's studio space serves the gallery land use by providing an area for artists to work, educate and create. As discussed above, the dominant activity on the site is an art gallery. The artist studios are an integral component of the gallery. They are managed by Gallery Staff and do not function as separate business entities.  Lismore City Council has acknowledged a conflict of interest in processing its own DA, and has outlined an approval process:The DA is classified as a ‘Standard DA’ to be assessed by statutory planning staff not involved in the preparation of the DA and then peer-reviewed by G Snow (Manager of Planning and Environment) and then determined by Eber Butron (Chief Community Officer). The Lismore Regional Art Gallery's ground floor is 8.8m, the second floor 12.35m, and the pitching point 15.75m.

The Flood Readiness - Are We Better Prepared series covers key organisations that play a vital role in pre-flood warnings and in the rescue & recovery after a major flood. We are asking those organisations to let us know how the 2022 floods and Flood Inquiry have changed their procedures and processes so people will experience better outcomes.So we know what to expect when the unexpected happens next. Let's face it, we know it will.Today, we look into Health and the role it plays during a disaster.***When it comes to our health, as long as it is intact, we don’t think twice about it. However, if you have a health concern, or one develops, or an accident occurs, which is more likely in situations of duress, we can feel completely helpless without professional assistance.  We approached the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) and asked a lot of questions about how our health system handled the 2022 floods and what they have done since to prepare for the unexpected. Maryanne Sewell, the Disaster Manager at NNSWLHD provided us with the following statement;“A number of health services and facilities were directly affected during the 2022 floods in the Northern Rivers. These included temporary closures of several community health centres as well as some oral health, liver clinics, sexual health, BreastScreen, COVID-19 vaccination clinics and testing services.“Health staff continue to care for patients in community settings through community nursing and hospital-in-the-home teams, and where possible, alternative service locations were established, and patients provided with phone support were clinically appropriate. “All hospitals and Emergency Departments remained open, and emergency surgery continued throughout the disaster. However, all non-urgent surgery was temporarily suspended, and patients were contacted to reschedule their procedures. Planned surgeries resumed in a staged approach at various sites from March 2022. “Ballina District Hospital was threatened by floodwaters and evacuated on March 1, with a makeshift hospital and emergency department established at Xavier Catholic College. With the assistance of emergency services, health staff moved 55 patients and hospital services over a four hour period. Services and patients were transferred back to Ballina District Hospital on March 3 when the flood risk had eased.”Health issues arising from the floods “In the initial two weeks after the first flood there were around 50% more presentations for open wound and skin problems across our Emergency Departments than is usual for the time of year.“Between March 28 to April 10, 2022, Lismore Base Hospital recorded 236 Emergency Department presentations which were reported as relating to the flood events, with the vast majority of these being recorded in the initial two weeks of the disaster, from February 28th to March 14. “Flood related presentations included people seeking treatment for wounds or injuries requiring medication or assistance with other care needs. “Public health messaging focused on raising awareness of the potential contaminants present in floodwater, the risks of gastroenteritis and skin infections, precautions around ensuring drinking water was safe and advice about how to clean up safely after the floods. There was also an increased risk of mosquito borne illness due to the stagnant water and humid weather in the weeks following the floods.”Community support and recovery “Northern New South Wales Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has well established disaster management protocols and conducts scenario and desk based exercises at regular intervals to prepare staff, hospitals and services for responding to an emergency or disaster situation. Since the flood all hospitals sites and services have reviewed their emergency management plans, focusing on preparedness for any future events.“In the 2022 floods, NNSWLHD established an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate our response as part of our standard disaster management protocol. The EOC included representatives from New South Wales Health, the state Preparedness and Response Unit and HealthShare. The health business unit is responsible for the resupply of health resources.“Through the EOC, NNSWLHD was responsible for coordinating the health support in Flood Evacuation Centres, which were coordinated by the Department of Community and Justice. “Additional staff from other areas of New South Wales came to work in our health facilities and in the community providing medical and nursing care and mental health disaster recovery support. “A team of specialised Disaster Recovery Clinicians provided ongoing mental health support at Emergency Departments and in the community, working closely with the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program. Coordinators and Farmgate counsellors to ensure people were linked to mental health and practical support as quickly as possible.”Post flood “NNSWLHD is working with health partners and emergency agencies in the region as part of a commitment to preparing for any future natural disasters. NNSWLHD is also working closely with Healthy North Coast to plan for future management of primary health care in the aftermath of a natural disaster. “NNSWLHD is represented on the Local Emergency Management Committee. This multi-agency committee is responsible for emergency management, governance and coordination across the district and promotes continuous improvement to the management of the disaster response in the region.”Other stories in this series includes:Part 1: Essential Energy Part 2: Communications - Telstra and OptusPart 2: Communications - TPG Telecom and nbnPart 3: Police and Fire + RescuePart 4: Critical Flood InformationPart 5: AnimalsPart 6: Federal GovernmentPart 7: CharitiesPart 8: Local GovernmentPart 9: SES / RFS

Three men and a woman have been charged following an operation targetting domestic violence offenders in the NRs.Yesterday (Wednesday, 1 May 2024), Coffs Harbour High Risk Domestic Violence (DV) Offender Team - assisted by the Richmond DV Team, Proactive Crime Team, Crime Prevention Unit and Dog Unit - held a joint operation targeting alleged domestic violence offenders wanted on warrants within the Richmond Police District.As a result of the operation, investigators located and arrested four people wanted on outstanding warrants.About 9.55am yesterday, police attended a home on Muli Muli Crescent, Muli Muli, where they arrested a man following a foot pursuit. The 35-year-old man was taken to Casino Police Station, where two warrants were executed and he was charged with three counts of contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO, common assault, intentionally choke etc person without consent, and cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent.About 12pm yesterday, police attended a home on Jubullum Street, Tabulam, where they arrested a 31-year-old man; he was taken to Casino Police Station where four warrants were executed and he was charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.About 1.55pm yesterday, police arrested a 25-year-old woman in Casino. She was taken to Casino Police Station where a warrant was executed and she was charged with two counts of fail to appear in accordance with bail acknowledgment, contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO, and attempt stalk/intimidate intend fear of harm.All three were refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Thursday, 2 May 2024).Following further inquiries, police attended a home on Brampton Avenue, West Ballina, about 9.15am today (Thursday, 2 May 2024). A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene before being taken to Ballina Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, enter prescribed premises of any person without lawful excuse, and possess prohibited drug.He was refused bail to appear before Ballina Local Court today (Thursday 2 May 2024).Operations targeting outstanding offenders will continue across the district.

Lismore will host some of the best female Baseball players in the world next week alongside emerging Australian talent in double header events to be held at the recently upgraded Albert Park Baseball and Softball complex next week, May 9-12.  The Australian Women’s Baseball Showcase and Australian Little League Girls Division Championships will feature the Adelaide Giants, Brisbane Bandits and Victorian Aces in a four-day professional tournament thanks to support from the NSW Government.  Emeralds stars, emerging Australian talent, and World Cup players from Canada, Japan and the United States will all converge on Lismore to take part in the four-day tournament.  Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said hosting the championships was a coup for the city and further proof that Lismore was recovering and looking to the future.  “I have attended numerous state and national championships at Albert Park, and the consistent feedback I receive from players and visitors is pure amazement at the calibre of our sporting facilities,” he said.  “The investments we have made to deliver high standard sporting infrastructure not only advantages our local clubs and the community but also attracts national and international events and competitions with incredible economic benefit for local businesses.  “I welcome all players, support staff, families and visitors to Lismore, recently ranked in the top 11 coolest places to visit in the world.  “I encourage you to discover the great things our community has to offer, from wonderful restaurants to bespoke boutiques, pop-up gallery and art trails and trendy pubs.”  Council estimates that the four-day event will generate, $435,172 for the Lismore economy, supporting local jobs and livelihoods.  The Women’s Showcase will run alongside the Australian Little League Girls Division Championships with little league games (13U) played in the morning, followed by world-class baseball in the evening.  Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams said the event continues to push the calibre of women’s baseball forward.  “As we celebrate the third Australian Women’s Showcase, the thrill of witnessing some of the world’s best female players competing against Australia’s finest will be another great spectacle,” he said.  “It’s an exciting event which we hope will inspire baseball players around Australia and across the globe. We are thankful to the New South Wales Government for their support of this event – it will be great to see the Aces, Bandits and Giants battle it out in front our baseball future.”  Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Australian Women’s Baseball Showcase will bring great benefits to the Northern Rivers.  “Professional sporting events in regional NSW bring people and fans of all ages together to stay active, connect with friends and fan some fun,” she said.  “The NSW Government is committed to supporting events that encourage female participation in sport like the Women’s Baseball Showcase.”  State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said hosting the Showcase represents yet another major sporting coup for the city and would be embraced by sports-loving residents across the region.   “Albert Park Baseball Complex Lismore has always been a great nursery for producing top baseballers and houses the best grounds that allow for competition at national and international level,” she said.  “I’m sure the girls’ little league games will be just as fiercely contested as the elite tournament, so the national championships auger well for the future of baseball is rural and regional Australia.”  The 2024 event builds off the 2020 (Adelaide) and 2022 (Geelong) editions of the Women’s Showcase, while spreading it across the country.  All games will be broadcast around the world via Baseball+. The event was made possible by an investment from the NSW Government.

Live Traffic is reporting a two car accident on the Bruxner Highway near Sneaths Road.The accident happened around 8:30am with Emergency Services and a Two Truck in attendance.The Bruxner Highway is open, however, both lanes affected, so there will be traffic delays.Live Traffic asks you to reduce speed and exercise caution.

Last Saturday, the Lismore App published a story about five sporting clubs that were successful in attaining a NSW Government grant for its Local Sport Defibrillator Program.The successful clubs were:Lismore Old Boys Rugby League Football ClubLismore City Bowling and Recreation ClubSouth Lismore Bowling and Recreation ClubLismore Tennis Club andMarist Brothers Junior Rugby League ClubAlso, last week, local volunteer Ken Arnett contacted us to let us know about the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise's 'Defibrillator Project'.The club is investigating the need for cardiac defibrillators in the commercial, industrial, and sporting complexes in the Lismore Local Government Area (LLGA)."The starting point for such a project is to audit the defibrillator assets, machines and trained operators, already available and to register and signpost those existing capabilities and identify any areas of deficiency," Ken said."To this end, we would ask businesses, organisations, and facilities with these capabilities to respond to the questionnaire below and return it to any of the addresses below."Organisation Name:Address:Operating Hours / Days:Defibrillator Location:Contact Name:Email:Telephone:"Are you happy to have your defibrillator capability registered and advertised on a website?," Ken has asked.Once you have completed the details above, you can mail your response to Secretary Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise Inc, PO Box 7220, Lismore Heights, NSW, 2480 or email: [email protected] bit of investigation revealed that there is no existing defibrillator list in Lismore. Any club or business that has obtained one, has celebrated the equipment but not registered its location because no one has coordinated a list.The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise want to change that. Their goal is to have as many defibrillators across the Lismore LGA as possible. Having a defibrillator close by when someone has a heart attack can save a life, so please take the time to complete the details above and send to the Rotary Club.

Hundreds of sick kids in Lismore and the Northern Rivers will be given a dose of superhero strength through specially designed medical garments disguised as superhero costumes.The Supertee is the brainchild of former tradie Jason Sotiris who saw the need for a more user-friendly medical garment for kids when his own daughter was in hospital with a rare form of cancer.“When my daughter Angela was sick with cancer I felt helpless not being able to do the simple task of putting clean clothes on her with IV drips, chest monitor cables and central lines making it impossible. I knew there had to be a better way,” he said.The medical garments open under the arms for easy thermometer access, have evenly placed press studs that can be opened around tubes and lines, meaning they can be taken off and changed without becoming tangled and are PET scan and MRI friendly.(A delivery of Supertees arrives at Lismore Base Hospital. Photo: supplied)“We all know that feeling we get when we dress nice, we’re trying to give sick children that feeling when they are facing serious health battles and hopefully boost their morale and encourage some imaginative play at the same time.“With everything that sick kids have to go through in hospital, let’s give them something that they can be proud of wearing, that can help put a smile on their faceThanks to the generosity of Cherry Street Sports Club in Ballina, 400 Supertees have recently been donated to Lismore and Ballina hospitals.Mr Sotiris thanked the generosity of those involved in making the first ever delivery to the Northern Rivers possible.“The biggest thing that I am proud of is when you see organisations like Cherry Street Sports come together to support their community. I am so grateful for the club’s support and the involvement of employees who volunteered their time to pack hundreds of Supertees into care packages, ready to be given free of charge to children who need them.”Supertee has donated medical garments to tens of thousands of children in hospitals across Australia and the charity is relying on the generosity of the community to help reach its goal of donating 16,000 Supertee care packs this year. Donations can be made at supertee.org.au/donate.(Volunteers at Cherry Street Sports Club packing hundreds of Supertees in boxes for delivery to Lismore and Ballina hospitals. Photo: supplied)

The Lismore App's Flood Readiness - Are We Better Prepared? series covers key organisations that play a vital role in pre-flood warnings and in the rescue & recovery after a major flood. We are asking those organisations to let us know how the 2022 floods and Flood Inquiry have changed their procedures and processes so people will experience better outcomes.So we know what to expect when the unexpected happens next.Today, we speak to an organisation that plays a vital role during disaster rescue and recovery, the NSW SES.***As we draw closer to the end of the Flood Readiness series, we speak to the agencies that have the most direct impact on us in emergency situations. Today we look at both the State Emergency Service (SES) and the Rural Fire Service (RFS).  The NSW State Emergency Service (SES), being the nominated lead combat agency in an emergency, plays the primary role in coordinating a response in a crisis. Take the enormity of that responsibility in for a moment. Not only do they respond with their own obligations, but directing and mobilising many organisations - distributing responsibility and duties in a time-critical manner that will ensure people are kept safe, lives are protected as well as managing impacts for hand over to support a smooth transition to post emergency recovery. Let’s have a look at how they have prepared. The SES reports, “The NSW State Emergency Service adheres to the State Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN), which provides a coordinated and comprehensive approach to emergency management in NSW.”“The NSW SES works with other emergency service partners, as well as other government departments, local councils and community groups at a state, regional and local level during emergencies.” The RFS’s main duty is to assist the SES, as a spokesperson for the RFS states, “The NSW SES is the lead combat agency for flood and storm response, while the RFS support their efforts, ensuring swift and coordinated response to flood emergencies across New South Wales.“It's crucial to highlight that in numerous remote rural areas across the state, the NSW RFS stands as the sole emergency service nearby and could be the initial responders in flood-related incidents. The RFS is prepared to offer immediate assistance in accordance with our available capabilities.”(The SES unit in Goonellabah during a briefing session in 2022)The influence of the Flood Inquiry has made a large impact on the structure and obligations of the SES. The SES report said that “In June 2022, the NSW Government announced a $132.7M investment into NSW SES facilities, resources and staffing. As part of this funding, the NSW SES split its Northern and Western Zones, effectively creating two additional zones to service regional communities.“The establishment of the North Eastern Zone, which covers Tweed Heads in the north to Urunga (south of Coffs Harbour) in the south, created more local jobs for local people, allowing NSW SES to support the community while also harnessing the local knowledge of those who are familiar with the area.“Through this zone enhancement, NSW SES has effectively restructured its operations in Northern Rivers to better support and service the community. There has been a substantial increase in the number of paid regional staff, including additional roles based in Goonellabah near Lismore. The Northern Rivers Capability Unit, based in Goonellabah, provides specialised support to all local units, including those units that were physically affected by flooding in 2022.”To support the new structure, additional training has been provided, “There has been a significant increase in training to support the influx of new volunteers. Additional courses have been scheduled to support Northern Rivers units and ensure any new members are ‘job ready’ as soon as possible.“At NSW SES headquarters, more than 100 additional incident management personnel have been trained and the surge capacity for call taking during emergencies has increased.“A new dedicated senior decision support hydrologist has been embedded within the SES, providing the ability to run modelling on any catchment at any time.”The RFS works alongside all emergency response crews, “During flood-based emergencies, the RFS communicates with the Police, or, where a Flood Rescue Area of Operations is declared, the Incident Management team appointed, along with other agencies including the VRA, SES, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance, and Marine Rescue.”The RFS’s roles are varied and critical to the emergency response, “In larger and longer flooding events, like in Lismore during 2022, the RFS supports the public and government agencies with personnel, aviation assets, communications, logistics, transport, heavy plant, base camps and incident management expertise. Crews assist the SES with rescue, recovery and clean up.”The RFS has also been increasing its member “numbers, “This year, the RFS will be establishing a number of brigades with members qualified in land- based, on-water or in-water rescue skills. These brigades will be equipped with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and rescue equipment to respond to flood rescues when required.“The RFS operates several aircraft equipped with dedicated rescue personnel. Between 2022 and 2023, these teams executed over 250 flood rescue operations, often navigating through challenging circumstances. The organisation remains committed to enhancing its proficiency in this domain, evident through the implementation of night aviation rescue capabilities.“Over the last two years, we have equipped our fire trucks with 4,000 basic rescue kits and provided further training to our members to help them assist members of the community escape floodwaters where required.”The SES has also acquired new equipment to assist their duties, “Additional vessels and vehicles and light storm trucks have been delivered across our North Eastern Zone, as well as a Unimog high clearance vehicle which is permanently based at Lismore.”“At a local unit level, contingencies have been put in place to ensure that units can still operate effectively if local communication and electricity networks are down, including the use of battery-operated satellite connections. NSW SES North Eastern Zone units, including those in the Northern Rivers, operate on a cluster-based response, providing around the clock support to local communities.”The SES has been responsive to making updates to their operations post 2022 floods, “The Hazard Watch platform was launched in September 2022, and provides more accurate and timely information to the community. This has automated processes to prepare evacuation and warnings, resulting in advice being issued earlier. “This platform also includes the implementation of the Australian Warning System (AWS), which provides clearer and simpler messages for the community to be prepared and take action where required.“NSW SES, in partnership with Queensland University of Technology, completed detailed community research to improve the design and content of warnings and evacuation products. This significant social research project ensures the messaging is inclusive – along with the colours, iconography and action statements. This ensures our warnings provide critical information to the public in a way that is clear and easy to understand. HazardWatch has gone through rigorous accessibility testing to ensure it is usable by people with different types of disabilities.“NSW SES staff and units have undertaken significant work to socialise the new SES Warnings system among key stakeholders – specifically in Lismore the Local Emergency Management Committee was briefed, as were key community group leaders. Targeted outreach work in the Northern Rivers area has been focussed on groups with higher risk and/or higher needs - such as caravan parks, aged care and independent living centres.”Image: An example of the new warnings released by the SESIn keeping with improving information and communication channels, “NSW SES employed additional Community Capability Officers in August 2022 in anticipation of continued higher than average flood and storm risk across the state.“These staff are focused on pre, during and post-incident communications with at-risk communities, to increase the amount of communication and outreach work undertaken relevant to specific weather events and enable greater community preparedness.”“The NSW SES also consult with the NSW Reconstruction Authority on the State Disaster Mitigation Plan.” Concern for “more frequent and extreme weather cycles” has motivated action now for a safer future.NSW SES has doubled the number of trained 132 500 call takers since February 2022, “Since February 2022, NSW SES has run 14 courses for 132 500 call takers, referred to as ‘flood storm call operators’.” At the end of 2023, the number of trained flood storm call operators exceeded 100. “The number of flood storm call operators working at any given time will vary depending on operational activity and predicted weather.One of the noted body of rescuers assisting the SES during the 2022 floods were “spontaneous volunteers” - community members that recognised the increased need for rescuers and were in a position to help.“The NSW SES is committed to ensuring that if members of the community wish to assist with flood response, they have the appropriate skills to do so. Engaging spontaneous volunteers has been the focus of a major project currently embedded within the NSW SES.“The NSW SES understands the dangers, risks and capability required to perform effective and safe flood rescues and will work with the NSW Government to play a significant role in developing community capability in at-risk areas.“Any members of the community who are interested in joining the NSW SES are encouraged to apply via their local unit.”In future emergency situations, the outreach methods of the SES will vary depending on the situation, “The NSW SES uses a range of techniques to warn the public during incidents. Official warnings are displayed on our website and the Hazards Near Me App.Image: Taken from the minor weather event in early April, 2024“Door knocking also remains a valuable tool we use however in some situations may not be possible or appropriate. Geo tagged messages can also be distributed via our Emergency Alert system which can SMS mobile phones and call landlines. What specific method we use to warn residents all depends on the situation, the number of people needing to evacuate and how much time they have.”The SES & RFS remind us that, “the 132 500 number is used for non-life-threatening calls only. During heightened periods of operational activity, callers are advised via a pre-recorded message that if their matter is life-threatening, they should hang up and dial Triple Zero (000).“The NSW SES will engage with the communities via a number of platforms, including social media. However, the best location for current warnings and information is the Hazards Near Me App or the NSW SES website.”Other stories in this series includes:Part 1: Essential Energy Part 2: Communications - Telstra and OptusPart 2: Communications - TPG Telecom and nbnPart 3: Police and Fire + RescuePart 4: Critical Flood InformationPart 5: AnimalsPart 6: Federal GovernmentPart 7: CharitiesPart 8: Local Government

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin announced that five clubs are set to share $50,000 in the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program for 2023-2024, three of the five are in the Lismore LGA. Ms Saffin said the Local Sport Grant Program, administered by the NSW Office of Sport, continued to be popular among sporting organisations keen to upgrade facilities and equipment, or stage events and/or training. “This funding will help our local clubs and their volunteers to provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation,” Ms Saffin said. “I congratulate the funding recipients and look forward to seeing their priority projects delivered.” This year’s recipients include: Lismore Old Boys Rugby League Incorporated (Marist Brothers Rams Rugby League Football Club established in 1912) – creating pathways and a safe, inclusive culture that encourages girls and women to play and/or participate in rugby league through a coaching course, website and promotion -- $20,000.Dunoon United Football Club – towards building a chained backstop fence that will run behind two fields at Balzer Park to stop balls going into a dangerously overgrown and steep area. Club’s co-contribution to match funding. -- $15,956.Kyogle Boxing Club Incorporated – ‘Heat for Health Heart Healing and Recovery’ project, purchasing a four-person infrared sauna to complement other sports recovery methods such as hydrotherapy and massage -- $7,729.Goonellabah Football Club – ‘More boots on the field’ project involves two ‘come and try’ muster days leading into the 2024 season aimed at attracting more juniors, senior females and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players -- $4,103.Sporting Shooters Association of Australia NSW Urbenville-Woodenbong branch –purchasing wireless remotes and receivers for clay target throwers to improve safety at the range and allow more time for competition -- $2,212.Electorate-wide total -- $50,000. NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said that a total of 579 local projects across the state had shared in $4.4 million in NSW Government funding under this year’s program. “This year we have doubled the funding for individual projects, meaning grassroots community sports clubs and associations can provide more programs and equipment to support their participants,” Minister Kamper said. For further information visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

Today is National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.NORWAC (Northern Rivers Women & Children's Services) is holding a Candlelight Vigil to honour the victims of domestic violence will be held today starting at 5:30pm at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium at 152 Keen Street in the Lismore CBD.Edda Lampis will be the Mistress of Ceremony, Aunty Jenny Smith will be there to Welcome us to Country and other speakers include Mandy Nolan and Emily Finch.The Ceremonial part of the event will be lead by Alice White, NORWACS Domestic Violence Specialist, where she will read out the names of women killed in 2024 by their intimate partners or family members.If you could wear purple or black that would be great. Also a reminder to bring a candle and/or a flower. If you would like to bring a placard please do.NORWACs support workers will be available from 6:30pm to 6:45pm should extra support be required after the event.Meanwhile, the Albanese Labor Government said it will invest $925.2 million over five years to permanently establis the Leaving Violence Progam, so those escaping violence can receive financial supprt, safety assessments and referrals to support pathways.The federal government acknowledged this is a national crisis and they want women to know if they need to leave, they can afford to go. "We understand the insidious links between financial insecurity and stress and vulnerability to family and domestic violence. Too often, financial insecurity can be a barrier to escaping violence," the government said. "Those eligible will be able to access up to $5,000 in financial support along with referral services, risk assessments and safety planning." Further, the Albanese Government has expanded eligibility for parenting payment single – helping 82,000 more single parents remain on higher payment rates until their youngest child turns 14; legislated ten days paid family and domestic violence leave; increased rent assistance with the largest increase in 30 years; and invested in crisis accommodation and affordable housing for women and children escaping violence.  Intimate partner violence is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia, with a quarter of all Australian women having experienced it in their lifetime.  The Leaving Violence Program will support victim-survivors of intimate partner violence to make informed choices about leaving violent relationships and receive the vital support they need. The Leaving Violence Program is a key initiative in the upcoming May Budget to help support the aims of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32 to end violence in one generation. The program will contribute to improved safety, economic security, and independence for victim-survivors. This makes permanent the Escaping Violence Program trial. More than 45,000 Australians have accessed the EVP payment since 2021. A total of 80 per cent of those accessing the support were self-referrals meaning without this program they may have fallen through the cracks of the support system. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “The heartbreaking reality is that there is no overnight solution to violence against women and children. “My Government is absolutely committed to making progress to end family, domestic and sexual violence in one generation through our National Plan. “Today’s announcement builds on our efforts to ensure fewer women feel trapped in a violent relationship because they don’t know if they can afford to leave.” Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said, “Violence against women is a national shame. Every time a woman loses her life at the hands of a man, it is a death that is one too many and we know this is an issue that warrants our focused and serious attention. “Research has shown us that financial barriers can be a huge impediment to victim-survivors breaking free of a violent relationship and we are determined to reduce those barriers along with providing other supports to assist those fleeing violence. “We need persistent, consistent and unified action on this issue in order to create real change and this investment will mean there is a permanent lifeline for those people experiencing intimate partner violence.” The Leaving Violence Program will provide eligible victim-survivors with an individualised financial support package of up to $1,500 in cash and up to $3,500 in goods and services, as well as safety planning, risk assessment and referrals to other essential services for up to 12 weeks. The payment amount will be indexed annually to keep in pace with the rising cost of living, ensuring recipients are given the best support when leaving violent relationships. The program will commence in mid-2025, following the procurement of an appropriate service provider with family, domestic and sexual violence experience, and the transition of the existing pilots into the program. Both the Escaping Violence Payment trial and the Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot will be extended to 30 June 2025. For information about both trials visit the DSS website. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732. If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au. Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.