Already in mid-November, Christmas and the holiday season are rapidly approaching, which means gift buying, decorations, carols, and live theatre.The Lismore Theatre Company is bringing a different kind of dream to life at the Rochdale Theatre – one driven by the passion, dedication, and collaborative skills of a team of young people. “A Holiday Dream” isn't just a show; it's a statement of the power of the youth in our community.This production showcases the talents of Erika Dansie, 18, in the role of stage manager. Erika has stage-managed for "Robin Hood" and " Hall of the Mountain King". For Erika, "A Holiday Dream" has been a great experience for her to be involved with other stages of the production process as well, as she started her involvement during the audition process. Then there's Bree Thompson, 21, fresh off her acclaimed performance as Bob in "Blackadder." With barely a breath, Bree has jumped into the role of Producer, doing both Blackadder and A Holiday Dream back to back.(Photo: Elysha Mitchell)CiCi Poles, 18, as Assistant Director, is like the cast's dependable big sister, providing support and encouragement. The young actors love having her at rehearsals. Then there’s Jazz Stoltenberg, 16, who lent her choreographic skills to the show's final dance, while Phinn Bicchieri, 18, brought the main characters to life in the poster displayed outside the theatre.Guiding this team is Elysha, 29, directing for Lismore Theatre Company for the first time, who is enjoying the opportunity to nurture the talents of the children, youth, and young adults involved in "A Holiday Dream.""It's so beautiful to see so many young people working so effortlessly and collaboratively right now," says Elysha. "We've become one big family with so many inside jokes and stories. I'm sure these will be memories that will last a lifetime. I'll be celebrating my 30th with my entire cast and crew at the end of December. The amount of dedication & talent they each have is amazing!" "The cast and crew are excited for the community to see this show. We’ve got young cast members travelling from Lennox and Ballina twice a week for rehearsals as well as some local talent too. It’s an eclectic mix of young people who all love Christmas and are looking forward to getting you into the Christmas spirit. Come dressed up in something festive, bring the whole family and have some theatre fun this December." About the Show:Tim, a young boy with low self-esteem, avoids his family's holiday celebration and escapes into the world of his storybooks. Piper Pixie, a mischievous holiday elf, appears and encourages Tim to venture into Storybook Land to rescue Hansel and Gretel from the wicked witch, Little Red Riding Hood from the Big Bad Wolf, and Jack from the menacing giant. Through these daring rescues, Tim learns the power of courage and realizes that his fears are only figments of his imagination."A Holiday Dream" is an interactive and festive experience for the whole family, encouraging audience participation and even inviting everyone to dance along at the end.When you support "A Holiday Dream," you're not just buying a ticket; you're supporting the future of youth in our community.Event Details:• Dates: Dec 5th-7th and 12th-13th • Location: Rochdale Theatre, Lismore• Tickets: $20 or $15 for concession Purchase tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/DASHQ.

Australia Post is warning customers to be on high alert as scammers accelerate fake delivery messages and emails in the lead-up to Christmas.Scammers are taking advantage of the festive rush, targeting groups such as Facebook Marketplace users. They often pose as interested buyers and send links or QR codes via Messenger to fake ‘Australia Post courier service’ websites. These sites claim that payment will be processed online and that a courier will collect the item once payment is made, when, in reality, these fraudulent sites are designed to steal personal and financial information.This trend reflects a broader national issue with research from Australia Post¹ showing more than 90% of Australians have received a scam text or call, and nearly three-quarters reporting that scams most commonly impersonate shipping and parcel delivery services.Adam Cartwright, Australia Post Chief Information Security Officer, advised customers to track parcels through the official AusPost app and ignore any message requesting personal or payment information.“As the pre-Christmas sales ramp up and more Aussies are expecting deliveries, scammers are exploiting that anticipation and urgency to trick people into clicking fake links or handing over personal information.“If you receive a message asking for personal or payment details, you can be confident it’s not from us. In fact, the safest way to track your item is through the official AusPost app,” said Mr Cartwright.Key advice Download the official AusPost app and enable push notifications for parcel tracking. This is the most secure and reliable way to receive genuine delivery updates.Australia Post will never ask for personal or financial details via phone, text or email-including passwords, credit card, or bank details.Don’t click on suspicious links in text message or emails Australia Post is also seeing a resurgence of sophisticated phishing ahead of Christmas, including the global ‘Darcula’ operation, which rents scam toolkits to criminals that mimic trusted delivery brands. By sending messages via end-to-end encrypted channels such as iMessage and Rich Communication Services (RCS), Darcula can bypass traditional filters, making these scams harder to detect and block.To sign up for a free MyPost account, either visit https://auspost.com.au/receiving/mypost or download the AusPost app from the Apple Store or Google Play.For more tips on how to navigate parcel and delivery scams, visit the Australia Post website: https://auspost.com.au/ScamAlerts.

Lismore’s vibrant food and drink scene is set to ignite again as Norco Eat the Street makes its eagerly anticipated comeback tomorrow (Saturday, 15 November).The event will run from 12pm to 7pm along Keen Street and in The Quad precinct in the heart of Lismore’s CBD.As part of preparations, Keen Street (from Magellan Street to Woodlark Street) will be closed from midnight Friday, 14 November until midnight Saturday, 15 November to ensure a safe and festive environment.Pedestrian access will remain open throughout the setup and event, so you can still visit all the shops along the street. Keen Street is closed to vehicles, but not to people.Almost 40 food traders and 14 local drink suppliers will bring the very best of the Northern Rivers’ culinary scene to the event.You can expect a diverse mix of flavours, from gourmet BBQ and Asian street eats to Italian classics, vegetarian creations and decadent desserts.A dedicated “Quad Bar” area will feature craft beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and a reusable cup system in keeping with the festival’s sustainability goals.Interactive competitions and live entertainment will keep the crowd engaged and energised, including a pie-eating competition, a barista competition and live music. Check out more details on the Eat The Street 2025 button on the Lismore App or via the website. This event marks the return of Lismore’s signature food festival after a four-year hiatus, bringing together local producers, restaurants and the community to celebrate the city centre in style.It’s a great opportunity to walk the CBD, support local hospitality and enjoy a fun afternoon with friends and family.2025 EAT THE STREET DETAILS:When: Saturday, 15 November | 12pm-7pmWhere: Keen Street, Lismore (between Magellan Street and Woodlark Street) and the Quad precinct, Lismore.Street closure: From midnight Friday, 14 November until midnight Saturday, 15 November.More information: www.visitlismore.com.au/eatthestreet.

The NSW Government will immediately reduce the cost to farmers of undertaking a Drought Ready and Resilient Fund loan by reducing its interest rate by 1 per cent, following a review of the loan to look at options for broadening its uptake by farmers.The $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund (DRRF) already offered low-interest loans up to $250,000 to assist primary producers prepare for, manage and recover from drought.The NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, called for the review after examining the uptake of the loan after nearly two years of operation and listening to feedback from farmers across the state, but especially in southern NSW.Normally the interest rates for the five-year and 10-year DRRF loans would today have been 4.98 per cent and 5.81 per cent respectively.However, to provide relief the loan rates will now be reduced by 1 per cent to 3.98 per cent for five-year DRRF loans and 4.81 per cent for the 10-year loans.The 1 per cent reduction will save a farmer around $7,000 over a five-year loan and $15,000 over a 10-year loan for the borrowed $250,000.Typically, commercial lenders in the market would offer rates of up to 10 per cent for similar-purpose loans.The interest rate that applies to a DRRF loan is set on the day the loan is drawn down and remains fixed for the life of the loan. For the DRRF loan, interest rates are indexed to NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) bond rates, which can vary from month to month.The Minns Government is reviewing the other aspects of the DRRF to improve what can be offered to farmers experiencing drought conditions or wanting to prepare for future drought settings, with a view to announcing further loan changes soon.The Fund is open to all farming businesses, including young farmers, new entrants to the industry, and those who have experienced increased off-farm income as a result of recent natural disasters.Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “Farmers have told me they don’t want a handout, they want a leg up, and reducing rates for this Fund will make sure these loans are more accessible for those farmers in need or planning to cover challenging times.“The Minns Government’s Drought Ready and Resilience Fund was set up to provide additional assistance to farmers and make available lower-rate loans than what people could get from other financial institutions. Following my review, we have seen how we can lower even further the interest rate.“We have listened and have reduced rates even further to ensure these loans are a better option for producers in drought-affected regions.“While rates may increase or hopefully decrease in the future due to underlying bond rate changes each month, the 1 per cent interest rate reduction for the Fund’s loans will remain in place.“The Drought Ready and Resilient Fund Loans now represent the most affordable loans of their kind on the market, delivering significant savings compared to any commercial lending alternative.

A community panel made up of a group of Lismore and Northern Rivers residents has been appointed to help shape the state’s first multi-hazard Disaster Adaptation Plan.  As most people know, the Northern Rivers is one of the most flood-prone regions in Australia, and also faces risks from bushfires, storms, heatwaves and coastal erosion. That’s why planning ahead, before disasters strike, is so important.The first Disaster Adaptation Plan for the region will outline a set of actions to reduce risks from these natural hazards and to help communities adapt where the change or impact is unavoidable. The community-centred plan will be developed through research, technical studies and an extensive community engagement program.Disaster Adaptation Plans were a key recommendation of the 2022 Independent Flood Inquiry, which called for effective and cross-government engagement to adapt to disaster risk across the state.Thirty-nine residents from Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore City, Richmond Valley and Tweed Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been selected for the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Community Reference Group following an expression of interest process that received more than 120 applications.The panel will meet at least four times over 12 months, with the first meeting set to take place on 18 November.The creation of the Disaster Adaptation Plan is being led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in collaboration with First Nations communities, community members, local councils, government agencies, industry and experts.It will build on lessons learnt, local knowledge and existing plans.Residents across the region can also contribute to the DAP via a range of online and in-person activities and events, including community workshops, public engagement drop-in sessions and online surveys.The NSW Reconstruction Authority will also work closely with Bundjalung, Yaegl and Northern Gumbaynggirr peoples to make sure cultural knowledge and practices, including traditional understandings of climate and resilience, are reflected in the Disaster Adaptation Plan.Disaster Adaptation Plans are a key feature of NSW’s first State Disaster Mitigation Plan. The state-wide plan is a long-term, ambitious plan that aims to shift funding and efforts from disaster response to proactive mitigation and adaptation, with the goal of creating safer and more resilient communities. For more information on events and how you can contribute to the Northern Rivers DAP Group go to https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/northern-rivers-dap. For more information on the State Disaster Mitigation Plan, go to State Disaster Mitigation Plan | NSW Government.Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “We know Northern Rivers communities are more at risk of future disasters, which is why community must be at the centre of how we plan for, mitigate and respond to disaster risk. “The appointment of the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Community Reference Group is another crucial step in the development of the state’s first DAP, which will not only assist us with how we plan for disasters, but how we can mitigate them in the future.“I thank everyone who applied to be part of the Northern Rivers DAP Community Panel and encourage residents of all ages, across the region, to get involved by sharing their thoughts and ideas, so the DAP is truly community centred and informed by local knowledge and experience – as no one knows the region and what it needs better than locals.”NSW Reconstruction Authority Head Adaptation Mitigation & Reconstruction Amanda Leck said, “The Northern Rivers has been through its share of challenges with floods and fires over the years, which is why it was chosen for the state’s first Disaster Adaptation Plan.”“While work continues on the development of the Northern Rivers DAP, the RA is committed to ongoing and inclusive engagement to ensure that it considers and reflects what matters most to communities.”

Many Lismore residents have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the 2022 floods. Some have sought help from mental health experts, while others have put it aside and soldiered on.This story may be of use to those still suffering from PTSD or those who feel it is time to seek help.Southern Cross University is embarking on a clinical trial evaluating new ways to address climate-related PTSD and is now recruiting participants for its HEART (healing climate-related trauma) trial, a community-centric research model.Central to the success of the HEART trial is its relationship with the local community. The project has set up community advisory groups across the Northern Rivers. This will ensure that the research prioritises the voices and needs of those most affected.The Federal Government has funded Southern Cross University to undertake the world-first trial of a stepped-care model for treating mental health in response to natural disasters. Lismore and the Northern Rivers are central to the new model.Dr Janet Schloss, the University’s Principal Investigator of HEART, says the clinical trial is founded on contemporary evidence and understanding of PTSD in a post-disaster context."It's actually really exciting. It's what is called a stepped-care process. So, we have our first step, which is starting now, which is a compassion program. The compassion program takes people through either a nature-based or an arts-based compassion therapy. It goes for five weeks, and it's three hours each week.""The whole aim is actually building community resilience, because what we're after is people who have been traumatised, they will have PTSD from natural disasters. What we find is that community engagement and that connectiveness is really important, and which is why this has already been really community-based."If we can do the program to help these people through and build community resilience, we know that this is going to happen again, but now they have the resilience and ability to actually deal with it each time it occurs."Dr Schloss and her team are looking for people who have gone through he 2022 floods, but you could have gone through the 2017 floods, landslides or the 2019 bushfires. You do need to be 18 years and over, and can be diagnosed or undiagnosed. The trial is looking for 374 people across the Northern Rivers, starting with people in the Lismore and Byron LGAs.Dr Schloss explained what compassion-based therapy is."The beginning part is not only the actual therapy itself, so what they're doing through art to help with what triggers inside of them as a person or in nature that they actually have, and they get given skills throughout the whole session. We have very highly skilled arts-based and nature-based people who are involved in this, and being able to embed this into each of the different participants and the groups as they actually go through."NATURE-BASED PROGRAMEric Bremer is an Associate Professor (Assoc. Prof.) at Southern Cross University, who will be overseeing the nature-based research.Mr Bremer described the specific type of nature-based intervention that will be used during this trial in order to enhance health and well-being for participants."The idea behind that is, the way you've designed it is with a particular purpose of paying attention to and being part of the natural world, as well as the compassion element that goes with it."So, in terms of the broad notion of the work, there's a whole variety of possible benefits that people can get, and ways that they can get that, from the more extreme type of activities to the more mundane. And so some of the research suggests that by paying attention to actively using your body to pay attention to the natural world, to utilise your sense of smell, to utilise your vision, to pay attention to the colours and the shades, the nuances of whatever it is in the natural world. We call it attuning to information in the natural world, in the environment."Some of it is to do with using your auditory capacities to actively pick up and pay attention to sounds, etc. And that notion of paying attention seems to have a lot of benefits physically and mentally. Work done in the UK, for example, has utilised a program they called Three Good Things in Nature, which was getting people in an urban context to do that."They found, over a six-week period, enormous benefits from a mental health perspective, where people sort of changed significantly over a short period of time just by that attention."Mr Bremer explained that the theoretical framework is around the fact that we are embedded in nature."The evolution of human beings is the fact that we have evolved in relation to the natural world. And therefore, everything about us is connected to the natural world. Our eyes, our senses, etc, are much more at home in the natural world than they are in our current urban environment, where there's a more cognitive approach, which is about urban environments being stressful, overly exciting and overly active."The natural world allows us to settle down to become more relaxed and calmer, and it allows us to be a little bit more mindful as well."Then there's a sort of more emotional type of response, which is more about, again, being in the urban context, very heightened emotions, things going on, being in the natural world, as you can probably feel it now, just sort of settles down a little bit emotionally."And then there's the approach that we've been looking at for about 10 or so years, which is much more of an embodied approach, which is about the capacity to tune to information in the natural world. It's sort of partially evolutionary, but also much more, from an ecological psychology perspective, rather than cognitive or evolutionary."David Roland is a psychologist and the lead facilitator for the nature-based compassion group. David said the approach in this research is based on Shinrin-yoku, a practice developed in the 1980s in Japan."The government decided that they needed to help their workers to de-stress. So, they discovered that paying attention to the environment, and in the case of Japan, that was forests, bathing in the forest atmosphere actually had physiological as well as emotional benefits, and so it became a well-being practice. We've developed a protocol based on Shinrin-yoku or forest focus strategies."There's probably a few important differences about the nature-based approach that's different from, say, just taking a walk in nature. So, we're not going on a hike, we're not on a naturalist walk. We're not trying to identify the plants or animals. We're using our senses, and it seems that when we use our senses, and I'll be guiding people with activities to connect their senses to the environment, it seems to help us calm down."You can see that physiologically and at the end of the walk, people are usually beaming. Really, you can just see the difference in their faces. They're often feeling more energetic and soothing. We're looking for self-soothing practices."This means field trips into various parts of the Lismore LGA."We've identified several environments, and we're going to start with the Lismore local government area. We've got some sites which are safe and easy to get to and don't involve a long walk. So the safety aspect is paramount. People have got to feel safe in the environment. But we've also selected sites that have as much biodiversity as we can have in a safe environment. So it means bird song, different types of plants, trees, you know, earth, things to smell, things to hear. And the other aspect is that these sites are close to facilities like toilets and shelter.""The Lismore Botanic Gardens is one of the sites that we've chosen, and that has lovely biodiversity. It's got some shelter and toilets, and we can run a range of activities there, even if the weather is a bit wet."David also spoke about how trauma can change someone's life."What happens in trauma is it just completely breaks your worldview. You may have thought you're invincible, that you were able to see your life through, you had a plan for life, and then it totally upends that narrative life story that you've had. So trauma is not just the physiological trauma, it's not just the psychological trauma, it's also the social trauma."The community that you had is no longer there, or it's fractured. One of the things we're doing with this program is creating little families, little groups of people, that will create new communities. And it's been shown that after natural disasters, when people come together in self-help groups, that's really restorative and really empowering for them."David is looking for groups of about 12 people who will go through the group program together."They'll become like this little family, and that will be over five weeks. They have three-hour weekly sessions over five weeks. So it works out to be about 15 hours of time."ARTS-BASED PROGRAMSunita Bala is the arts-based program trainer. Sunita explained how the arts will play a role in the research."People get to spend time focusing on themselves, time for reflection, time for connection and community, and to be able to create art and use that as a tool to explore the concepts of compassion."We're going to try and keep a very open format. It's about engaging in your creativity, and the creativity is just a tool. So there will be some drawing and painting, some collaging, and we're open to exploring those different things that people want to do. Most people don't get the time to play and to explore creative tools, and that's what this time is about. It's about using that time for themselves,"Creativity is just the tool, but it's really about exploring the concepts of compassion, and how, through the concepts of compassion, people can start to create a blueprint about how to actually reconnect, have the confidence to actually then start making decisions that are kind and good for themselves and for their communities."RESILIENT LISMOREWell-known charity organisation Resilient Lismore is also playing a part in the HEART trial.Executive Director, Ellie Bird, said that Tropical Cyclone Alfred had stirred memories for flood-affected people in 2022."We saw what that experience was like for our community. People were feeling very fragile. It really brought up a lot of memories for them, and so this project is really about supporting people to be able to navigate those experiences."Some people still have trouble navigating their day-to-day because of their experiences. When it rains heavily, people have reactions, and the experience of trauma is wide-ranging and different for lots of folks, but we do know that it is prevalent in our community, and that's why we're really pleased to be a part of this project."I am one of the chief investigators on the project, so my role alongside some other community reps, is to make sure that the work that is done is grounded in community experience, and we provide advice and input into the shape of the project to ensure that it's being designed in a way that will meet the needs of our community."As the HEART trial is funded by the Federal Government, if successful, it can be rolled out nationally, so it can help any community suffering PTSD from any natural disaster.Heart is a two-step care program that will run over 2-3 years. Step 1 is the compassion-based projects outlined above, and Step 2 is for people who have gone through the compassion program and still feel a bit traumatised. Step 2 is MDMA assisted therapy, which basically means that they will be given MDMA, but they also have the therapy and the compassion component as part of the program.This much smaller trial will test whether MDMA-assisted therapy is effective for people who still have PTSD after completing Step 1. Step 2 is being planned for 2026 to 2027.Dr Schloss said the end goal for the HEART trial is to achieve community resilience."What we're really trying to do is build that whole community resilience and ability to go through and then have this program to be able to take it to different areas around Australia or the world that have related disasters and are traumatised."The trial will use a dedicated website, videos, and public talks to communicate with the community and stakeholders. This will ensure clarity, transparency, and engagement.How to take part in the studyYou may be able to take part in the HEART clinical trial if you:• Are an adult, 18 years or older.• Were directly impacted by a climate-related disaster (e.g. flood, bushfire or landslide) between 2017 and 2022.• Live in the Northern Rivers of NSW.• Have or think you may have PTSD.• Can understand and communicate in English.• Agree to take part in the study, including group sessions and follow-up activities.The trial runs for 5 weeks. Participants meet once a week for a 3-hour session. Before and after the program, participants will complete questionnaires on their mental health and well-being.To see if you’re eligible, visit the dedicated project website: heart.scu.edu.au.For more information about the project, email heart@scu.edu.au.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has congratulated two Lismore-based writers who are among 100 Seniors Card holders to have their short stories published in this year’s edition of Seniors’ Stories.Mary-Jane Gibson is featured for the third successive year with her story, ‘The Music of Fashion’ and Dr Ros Derrett OAM’s story, ‘Getting Her Messages Across’, is her third published work under the popular program.Ms Saffin said Seniors’ Stories Volume 11 elevates the voices of seniors to share their personal reflections on the theme of ‘Then and Now’.“It’s fantastic to have two talented creatives from Lismore represented in this collection,” Ms Saffin said.“Their written work is among more than 1100 personal stories of older authors which have been published since the NSW Government launched the initiative in 2013.”The program is open to all Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card holders. Authors from all backgrounds and languages are encouraged to submit their work.The Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW has led writing workshops to provide guidance and support for seniors seeking to share their stories.More information on Seniors’ Stories is available on the NSW Seniors Card website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/community-services/seniors-card/seniors-stories.A downloaded copy of Seniors’ Stories Volume 11 is attached. Ms Gibson’s story appears on Pages 180-181, and Dr Derrett’s story can be found on Pages 182-183.Black and white photo of Dr Ros Derrett OAM. Credit: Peter Derrett OAM. Colour photo of Mary-Jane Gibson.

We are in the middle of National Recycling Week, and one of Lismore City Council’s most popular recycling options is about to get bigger and better.   Next week, Council will install a second processing machine, known as a singulator, at the Return and Earn bulk site at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre in Monaltrie. This will double the amount of recycling that can be processed and help to reduce wait times. Unfortunately, this means the site will need to be closed for a week while the machine is installed. It will reopen on Monday, 24 November, with a community BBQ to thank residents and launch the upgraded service. A singulator separates and feeds containers onto the line at a steady rate. With two units, staff can move more containers per hour with fewer stoppages.  Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the investment into doubling capacity demonstrates Council’s commitment to recycling. “Our community takes recycling seriously, and National Recycling Week is about making it easier for people to do the right thing,” he said.   “Community members turn up with crates, bags and trailers full of recyclables every week to use the Return and Earn bulk site. It is great for families, clubs and fundraisers, and this upgrade supports that effort with faster turnarounds and fewer delays.”  Acting Waste Operations Coordinator Kadijah Runge said the improvements mean better processing and traffic safety.  “The works include refined traffic flow on site for safer entry and exit, clearer site navigation, and system tuning so large bulk returns clear faster,” she said.  “It is a practical upgrade that sets the facility up for the summer surge when families, events and community groups bring in higher volumes.” The result is a faster and smoother experience for residents, better uptime for the depot and a functioning deposit scheme for our community.  During the brief shutdown, residents can keep recycling at Return and Earn machines at Southern Cross University and Woolworths Goonellabah.   Bring your containers to the reopening from 10am on Monday, 24 November, grab a sausage, and see the improved setup in action. 

An additional 21 NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) buyback houses have been released to the market in two auctions being held in Murwillumbah next week and Lismore on November 17.   To date, 106 flood-affected properties, bought by the Government through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, have been offered for sale to be relocated off the high-risk floodplain by the new owner. The next release of homes is part of the commitment to reuse and relocate as many flood-affected homes as possible.First National Real Estate Murwillumbah will auction 11 houses at the Murwillumbah RSL Club, starting at 6pm on November 11. This will be followed by a PRD Northern Rivers auction of 10 houses at the Lismore Workers Sports Club at Goonellabah on November 17 from 5.30pm.Among the Tweed homes being auctioned are several properties that had been renovated by their previous owners, retaining their period charm, including stained glass windows, timber flooring and high ceilings.There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia. Successful bidders will have 12 months to relocate the houses.As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the jointly funded Resilient Homes Program is creating safer communities by removing some flood-prone homes from the floodplain and helping other homeowners to undertake resilience works to protect and mitigate the impact on their properties from future flood events.Under the program, more than 930 offers have been made to buyback homes in the highest risk areas, with over 720 settled to date. A further 620 homeowners in the Northern Rivers have received tailored home assessments to improve their homes’ flood resilience. The target is to complete 1500 of these assessments by mid-2026.The program plays a critical role in reducing the number of people living in harm’s way by permanently moving families out of the most flood-prone areas. This not only protects lives and property but also supports the long-term sustainability of Northern Rivers towns by rebuilding in safer locations.A full list of the houses for auction is found below and more details on the November 11 auction, including photos can be found at: https://www.fnmurwillumbah.com.au/pages/real-estate/relocatable-homes. Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, "These auctions are a powerful sign of progress, proof that our region is rebuilding with heart and hope.“Every home that’s relocated represents a family starting fresh in a safer place and a piece of our community’s story being preserved for the future.“This program is not just about moving homes, it’s about honouring the past, supporting renewal, and building a stronger, safer Northern Rivers for generations to come.”NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said, “The strong turnout at these auctions shows how much the community values the chance to give these homes a second life.“We’re proud to continue this momentum and will keep releasing homes while community interest remains strong.”

Should Lismore Council be involved with crime prevention? This question was debated for 33 minutes during yesterday's Lismore City Council meeting. The two opposing points were council showing leadership versus crime prevention is a police issue.The events that led to a Goonellabah man's body being found near Clifford Park last Friday, and another man in a serious but stable condition at a Gold Coast hospital, plus recent complaints from business owners in the CBD, makes crime prevention a hot topic in the Lismore LGA. It led Councillor Dalton-Earls to put forward a motion, where Council:1. reinstate the Social Justice and Crime Prevention Committee to continue the work of this committee before it was disbanded 2. appoints a chair and alternate chairCr Rob seconded the motion because he wanted to make an amendment to the original motion. One that was very different to the first, but was accepted by Cr Dalton-Earls.'That council prepare a report looking at the pros and cons of establishing a Crime Prevention Advisory Group to be reported back to council for further consideration.""The reason I brought this is because we have significant issues in our community. They're undeniable. We've just had an indigenous man killed in a park that's now under investigation. We've got another one that's on life support in the Gold Coast hospital. One was left dead and wasn't found for hours after. We've got all these issues that are happening every day in the CBD that we've passed resolutions about ourselves."What I'm trying to clarify is it's not looking at the old report and the old recommendations and picking up where that was left off. This, in my view, should be seen as a new something that we can show leadership in. The community is crying out for the council and everybody to take leadership for the issues that are happening in our community right now. And this is one way that we can get people involved and start that process, and whether it leads to the crime prevention plan in the future or not, that should be up to the advisory group committee through that process."Interestingly, the last Social Justice and Crime Prevention Committee was discontinued by council in February 2022, following three years of inaction by the committee. They had not met since August 2019.The original committee was set up because of the passion of one councillor, and when that councillor did not seek reelection, the committee stopped operating. You have to ask the question whether this will have the same result?Cr Dalton-Earls said, "We need to liaise with our community leaders, indigenous leaders, our youth leaders, our health, our police officers, everyone at the same table. And I think that if Council passes this, it's showing leadership in that space, and it's getting the ball rolling. So that's why I believe this motion is worthy of being supported."Cr Knight-Smith spoke against the motion. She said she supported the original group and the passion it displayed, but didn't want it to be "symbolic rather impactful"."Today, we are still in the midst of significant organisational and community recovery. Our staff are stretched. Our resources are limited, and our strategic priorities are now under review, reinstating a committee of this scope and complexity, without a clear plan for its governance, resourcing integration into our broader strategic framework and community risks repeating the challenges that led to it led to its discontinuation.""I do not want this to be the end of the conversation. Quite the opposite. I believe we should commit to revisiting this proposal in the future, perhaps as part of a community strategic plan review or in conjunction with the development of a broader community safety and wellbeing strategy. Let's take the time to get this right. Let's be guided by staff who understand the capacity in this space. Let's consult with our community partners, assess our internal capability and check the appetite of stakeholders.""We do not need to duplicate work that they're already doing. We need to ensure that if we do bring this committee back, it is with structure, leadership and the support that it will need to succeed, because it will need a lot of support. I don't want to introduce something to just fail. So while I support the motion in principle, I cannot support its implementation at this time, so I respectfully suggest that we defer this matter until we are better placed to deliver on what it aims to achieve."It was here that Cr Rob introduced the amendment that changed the motion for council staff to create a report that may lead to establishing an advisory group."That's because it should be an advisory group, and we've got that policy now. I think there's only two committees at the moment, everything else is an advisory group. So if we do it as a committee, it's going to be complicated and difficult. If it's an Advisor Group, it's be more flexible and easier to maintain and manage."If the staff can find a way, I would hope that it comes back with a lot of pros and not many cons. And I hope there's a way that we can do this. And hopefully, by early in the next year, I don't think we'll get it done this year, but maybe by February or March next year, we might be able to look at getting this going with some community input, and get some business owners and community members, some social groups, everything involved in an advisory group."Cr Hall said she absolutely supported a motion like this."Obviously, our community is struggling, and we need to do something, but we need the right people to drive it, and we need to make sure that it's followed up and followed through completely, you know, bringing a resolution to council that we create this group or that group and then some and then being all excited about it doesn't actually have any follow through."I hope we can get it off the ground. I hope it can go well, but I hope it's not just something that comes up at a committee meeting. We all clap and say, yeah, we've done this, and then nothing fruitful actually comes from it. You know what I mean? And that's the risk. You know, we have advisory groups that the community aren't even attending. We have advisory groups that people don't have any interest in, and I know this is very on the money right now, but we need to make sure we've got buy-in from the right people to make it successful."Cr Battista took the non-populist side, thinking the advisory group would be a staff waste of time, as he cannot see anyone strongly passionate about driving the agenda."All I see is another cost for council in staff time, having to prepare a report that's going to come to us in a briefing, all right, where no one wants to get involved, or there's no real groundwork and the willingness to do anything about it. You'll end up seeing another report sitting on the shelf."And that's the reason why I'm going to vote against. Not because I don't want something to happen, but I want something meaningful to happen."On the other hand, Cr Waters was looking at receiving options from the staff report."Our community is crying out. Our community is hurting, and we need to start looking at ways how we can support that. It can be through advocacy, it can be through going for grants, but we need to start working on it, and we need to be working on it with all of our other stakeholders in the community. So I actually will appreciate a report coming back, and I understand that it will cost us money, and that's not ideal, but I think that we just need to look at, we need changes happening in our community, and we need to support our community through lots of different ways."Cr Gordon was another that felt the supporters had well-meaning intentions, but ultimately it is the responsibility of NSW police."I totally get the idea of a Crime Prevention Advisory Group. I do. I do, and I applaud anybody that thinks that they can make a significant contribution into helping what's going on in Lismore right now. But I tell you what, next time, if someone's bashing my door in, am I going to be ringing the coppers, or referring to our Prevention Advisory report? I'll be ringing the coppers."I think the population is generally sick and tired of council thinking they can be something to everybody and getting involved, and perhaps, in a token way, lead the community down the path of crime prevention. I've worked at the coalface. I know exactly how it works. Every single one of you, when something goes wrong, you will ring the police, and we don't have enough staff. Lismore is known, it's well known to be what they call a disadvantaged station, and we simply are not resourced."The police force in Lismore should be twice the size it is. It should easily be twice the size it is. The area these guys and girls have to service is just enormous. And I think a bunch of well-intentioned people, and I get they are well intentioned, sitting around formulating a plan and then relying on the police to enact that plan is probably just a reach too far."When it came to the vote, the motion was carried 7/4, with Crs Guise, Dalton-Earls, Jensen, Waters, Rob, Knight-Smith and Hall voting for and Crs Gordon, Bing, Krieg and Battista voting against.We now await the staff report in the December or February 2026 meeting before the councillors vote on whether they form a Social Justice and Crime Prevention Advisory Group.

The illegal cigarettes and vapes versus the high federal government tobacco excise debate entered another round yesterday when the NSW Government introduced the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Landlord Offences) Bill 2025 into parliament.The new legislation will create an offence for commercial landlords who knowingly permit premises to be used by tenants to sell illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.The new offence will carry a maximum penalty of 1 year imprisonment, a fine of $165,000 or both.Australia's former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nick Coastsworth, said on X, "Surely the Albanese government can’t ignore this any more. Australian smokers are being forced by tax policy into funding organised crime. And all the while, cheap cigarettes are available to a now growing group of smokers. Disastrous public health policy."Sydney 2GB radio host Ben Fordham said he obtained documents that normally only tobacco companies see. He painted a picture over four years and forecasts more growth of illegal tobacco sales in 2026:2022: Legal Tobacco Sales = 11 billion and Illegal Tobacco Sales = 3.1 billion2023: Legal Tobacco Sales = 8.9 billion and Illegal Tobacco Sales = 3.5 billion2024: Legal Tobacco Sales = 6.5 billion and Illegal Tobacco Sales = 4.3 billion2025: Legal Tobacco Sales = 3.5 billion and Illegal Tobacco Sales = 6.6 billion2026: Legal Tobacco Sales = 1.9 billion and Illegal Tobacco Sales = 8 billion (predicted)Rather than look at the tobacco excise, both the federal and state governments are still trying to win the battle against organised crime by increasing the fines and prison sentences through legislation changes.The new offence in NSW, will target landlords who are aware of tenants conducting illicit tobacco and vaping goods businesses from the premises and, instead of notifying the appropriate authorities or taking steps to evict the tenant, knowingly permitting this illicit activity to continue.This proposed legislation was informed by engagement with key stakeholders, including three roundtables with landlord representatives, retailers, and health advocates, consultation with partner government agencies, and a public ‘Have Your Say’ survey. It comes as NSW Health and NSW Police have begun closing down illicit tobacco and vaping stores this month under the NSW Government’s tough new laws.From 1 Jan 2025 to 27 October 2025, NSW Health Inspectors conducted around 1,260 retailer inspections and seized more than 11.8 million cigarettes, over 2,000kg of other illicit tobacco products and around 170,000 illegal vaping goods with a combined estimated street value of around $18.9 million.In the period 1 January to 27 October 2025, the NSW Ministry of Health has finalised 17 prosecutions with the courts imposing a total of $597,200 in fines related to e-cigarette and tobacco offences. There are currently 27 prosecutions, inclusive of the District Court appeal, before the Courts.The legislation builds on recent reforms that target the illicit tobacco and illegal vaping market, including:a new offence for the possession of a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years' imprisonment, or bothnew penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years' imprisonment, or boththe introduction of short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a licence new offences and penalties for anyone who breaches these closure orders, including for entering closed premises or selling products from closed premisesnew lease termination powers for landlords where a closure order is in placenew nation-leading offences for falsely claiming to be licensed, resisting seizure, and attempting to retake seized products.Minister for Health Ryan Park said, "This bill recognises and reinforces the important role that landlords need to play against the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.“This measure will further minimise the opportunities for illegal tobacco and vape sales to flourish.“We know that the vast majority of landlords do the right thing – but those bad actors out there not only undermine legitimate business, they also expose communities to criminal activity.“These penalties are the result of extensive consultation and will strike a fair and reasonable balance that ensures we target landlords who are knowingly permitting illegal activity.”The big question is who will win this battle: the government or organised crime?

The state of the Lismore Lake and Lismore Lake Pool in South Lismore have been a topic of conversation for the last two decades.The Lismore Lake was discussed at yesterday's Lismore City Council Meeting when Councillor (Cr) Big Rob put forward a motion that Council include a Lismore Lake Precinct Water Licence in the budget at zero cost, look to identify funding opportunities to acquire an 'appropriate amount of water to fill and maintain the lake', and advise State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Federal Member for page Kevin Hogan that funding is being sought to purchase water licence capacity for the lake precinct.In his opening remarks, Cr Rob said he has been "getting a lot of flack" about the Lismore Lake."There's been a bit of work done there. It's been slow because I'm busy with a new business, and I'm under supervision until that ends, and I've got to follow the rules and the guidelines. But, there's been work done by Rous, there's been work done by Lismore Lake Incorporated with a National Tree Day event. There's been work done by a paid bush regenerator that we need to seek out this year's funding for to pay for this year's work.""The biggest problem out there, and why it looks so ugly, is because there's no water in the lake."Cr Rob pointed out that as you drive past the site, the lack of water is what makes it look ugly. The lawns are being mowed, the koala trees managed, and now there is a new toilet block that will be reopened to the public."This is one way to get that thing going, and to make sure it will keep going, is to get that water in that lake. Once that water's in that lake, not only does it look nice, it looks amazing. All the birds come back in, thousands of them, they're everywhere. Every time there's a major flood, and that lake fills up within two days after the mud clears a bit, it's just prolific with bird life; it's amazing.Cr Rob's vision is to get the Lismore Lake like Centennial Park in Sydney. Getting a council resolution was the best way to apply for funding, hence the motion. Council staff had said the indicative costs were in the region of $150,000 for the water licence, which would need to be confirmed. Cr Rob added that a smaller annual maintenance fee would be needed, which would be included in the funding. He also mentioned that he was still chasing funding for the Lismore Lake Pool, after a $2 million grant was turned down in 2019 by the then Council.There was some opposition to Cr Rob's proposal. It wasn't that other councillors were against it; they were seeking more information.Cr Waters made the point that this is a wetland restoration area that lives and breathes with its natural environment. "Which is like when we have big wets, and it dries out sometimes, but it always has birds there, despite what we're talking about.""This is a functioning wetland ecosystem with deep importance for Biodiversity and Climate Resilience. Wetlands are then recognised internationally, especially this one, because it's a critical habitat for the East Asian Australasian Flyway. This is a great migratory pathway of birds travelling from Siberia and Japan right down to Australia."They stop in on our wetlands to rest and recover."Due to the site's importance for an abundance of bird wildlife, Cr Waters wanted to confirm the expert's advice and update the Plan of Management before a council resolution was passed."I think it's a shared goal of all of us for genuine ecological restoration of the lake as a sanctuary. I know that it has problems in terms of like how it looks at the moment, and that there needs to be more work done on that, and there is work being done on that, probably not as quick as most of us would like, but it is a beautiful place, and we actually already have so many birds in that area, so I think that we needed but to be guided by the correct ecologist for this before we make this type of decision."The amount of water needed to fill the lake has been adjusted, with Cr Rob saying the early 5 megalitre advice received was wrong. It now appears to be greater than 100 megalitres, in fact, by Cr Rob's calculations, it would be 225 megalitres to fill the lake, but to start to build his vision, around 100 megalitres would suffice for an initial fill, before a much lower amount is needed for maintenance each year. After all, it is a man-made lake.The exact amount of water needed initially, and for subsequent years, will be determined by an expert in the field and included in the updated Plan of Management document.Cr Knight-Smith said that since 2013, there have been 163 different species of birds sighted at the Lismore Lake, and in 2025 alone, there have been 86 different species of birds sighted."I think that this is a way of supporting a community organisation, and maybe with Council's input, of creating a beautiful space for our community to enjoy and a natural habitat to thrive."Cr Dalton-Earls was another councillor questioning the timing. "We're talking about applying for grants for potentially 100 million gigalitres of water to fill the lake, which, as councillor Waters has pointed out, goes up and down with the seasons. We live in the highest rainfall area in Australia. It doesn't seem like a priority for us to pursue at this time."However, I do think there is a priority to clean and work with the land there, and I know that there are groups involved, such as Landcare, that do that. But I also understand there are time frames that sometimes push out or things happen, that's what I would be more inclined to look at, rather than making a resolution that then forces Council's focus in this area, which at this time, I don't think that should be our priority."Cr Gordon pointed out that the hole was originally dug up to bring the industrial estate across the Bruxner Highway up to the 1974 level."In principle, I do support this because I think it's a great first step in maintaining either what we have or to create a new environment, should that work be recognised as being beneficial."Cr Jensen put forward a foreshadowed motion that councillors go to a workshop with the relevant Council environmental staff to get a clear picture of what the consequences would be from filling the lake."I'm not a great supporter of this in its current form, maybe a workshop, including the environment section, to discuss this management plan a little bit more," Cr Jensen said.In his right of reply, Cr Rob reiterated that the water licence will be at no cost to the council, as it will be achieved through grant funding."It's not something that we need to be worried about. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, but if it does, imagine what we could have out there, a beautiful lake, free recreation space for everyone. There's also cultural heritage plans in place for gathering, or healing or yarning circle on the eastern side, over near the boat ramp. There's also dog park discussions there with staff."There's amazing plans for there, but we just need to try and get it moving. The best way to do that? Fill the lake."The motion passed 7/4, with Crs Gordon, Rob, Battista, Knight-Smith, Hall and Krieg for and Crs Guise, Dalton-Earls, Jensen and Waters against.Cr Rob's vision for the Lismore Lake is a long way off being completed, but it just may have taken its next step. Is there a chance that it could once again be a hugely popular recreation area for the residents of Lismore?

Under clear blue skies, locals gathered across Lismore this morning to mark Remembrance Day, honouring the Australians who have served and sacrificed in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions over more than a century.Large crowds attended both the city’s main service at the Lismore Memorial Baths and the community-led service at North Lismore. Representatives from schools, the SES, Fire Brigade, Red Cross and other local organisations joined veterans and their families to honour those who served and sacrificed for Australia.City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch President Ken Arnett said it was heartening to see so many people taking time to remember.“Remembrance Day is about pausing and reflecting on the sacrifices those people made for us, so that we can stand here today in a free world,” he said. “The service only takes about 15 minutes - that’s not too much to ask. I’m delighted with the turnout today. Every family in Australia was affected back then, and it’s good that the nation still stops and thinks about what happened.”Ken also shared the story of one young soldier who died just days after the guns fell silent in 1918 - a reminder, he said, of how fragile the peace was.“You think about a 19-year-old boy who got that far through the war, and then died when the shooting had already stopped,” he said. “My parents remembered the dancing in the streets here in Lismore when the Armistice was announced. Sixty thousand Australians were killed out of a population of just four and a half million. Nearly one in ten served, and so many carried their physical and mental scars for life.”Across town, the North Lismore Remembrance Service once again showcased the next generation’s role in keeping the tradition alive.Ken Jolley with students from Kadina, Richmond River, and Lismore High SchoolLocal legend Ken Jolley, a former City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch President, said it was now proudly run by students from all three Rivers Secondary College campuses.“It is so encouraging to see the younger generation carrying on the tradition. Thank you so much - I’ve just realised this service is in great hands,” he said. “Anything we ask these students, they do it. I won’t be here forever, but the kids know what they’re doing, and I really do appreciate it.” “This memorial is really special, it’s where they left from for the first war. They camped at the showground before boarding trains at the North Lismore Railway Station to take them to Army training camps. It’s now one of Lismore’s icons.”Both services were well attended, with many staying on afterward to chat and reflect. The sunshine, combined with the turnout of young and old alike, made for a touching reminder that Lismore continues to remember and honour its past.Lest we forget.

Yesterday afternoon's Resilient Homes Expo put on by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) was a success, with a solid turnout of flood-affected people looking for information on house relocation, raising and retrofits.Tables were filled with representatives from the RA, Lismore City Council, engineers, and house removers to answer questions about planning approvals, relocating a home, flood resilient building options and what is involved in raising a house. There was a constant hum of chatter.The RA presented information about the process, allowing those new to the Resilient Homes Program or lacking prior knowledge to increase their understanding.There were people from all over the Richmond River Catchment who were affected by the 2022 big flood, such as Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle and Broadwater. Some people only received approval from the RA for either a retrofit or a house raising last week. Two groups said they were knocked back twice in the past, proving how the level of funding determines who receives grants and who doesn't.The Lismore App spoke to half a dozen people as they left the Expo. They ranged from a couple looking to relocate a house gifted to them, two house raisings and a retrofit.Everyone was satisfied with what was on offer, but some left feeling confused, while others were pleased with what they had learned.One couple were looking to relocate, not just their own gifted house, but three others for their family on a substantial piece of land. They turned up to dot the i's and cross the t's, and to discover if there was any further information they needed and what the next steps were.A lady living on her own in Kyogle wanted to find information about her house raising. She left the Expo confused about her options and the procedure, but did sign up with an engineering company to project manage the process.While her neighbours were seeking information about their retrofit, they left with the thought that the retrofit would cost more than the $50,000 grant, so they would do the retrofit themselves to save money.A Broadwater couple travelled to the Expo for house-raising information after they lived in a caravan for 19 months. The 2022 flood caused 1.8 metres of water to flow into their house.They found the session very informative. Their goal is to try to keep the cost of the house raising to below the $100,000 grant mark, as they had already spent money on renovating their house to make it livable.The Resilient Homes Program will cease in June 2027, so there is a great deal of work to be done to complete all relocations, raising and retrofits by that date.

Last Friday morning's incident, where a 31-year-old male was taken to Lismore hospital with serious head injuries, and the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered near Clifford Park, is still under critical police investigation under Strike Force Pineshaw.Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner (AC) David Waddell APM, yesterday was asking for any witnesses to come forward."It appears there was an affray, some type of a brawl in the vicinity of Clifford Park, and those matters are still under investigation. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, anyone that may have any dash cam, CCTV footage or may have any information in relation to that homicide and report it to Crimestoppers or the Lismore Police Station."As a result of information over the weekend, on Sunday, I declared a critical incident investigation just to look at the police response, and to look into that investigation and initial incident."AC Waddell said they believe up to 20 people were involved in the brawl and that they were known to each other. "But the motives in relation to the investigation are still ongoing.""Look, we've interviewed plenty of witnesses and residents. We've done a lot of canvassing. We've obviously processed all the crime scene, so a fairly substantive investigation by regional detectives and the homicide squad, as well as other specialist units. And that investigation will be ongoing.As for the man airlifted to Gold Coast Hospital, he is still in a serious but stable condition. Police will be questioning him. "Once he's in a medical condition to speak with us, we will be speaking to him, trying to establish more facts as to what occurred."AC Waddell wouldn't be drawn into the cause of death, saying it was the subject of a post-mortem.Police have been concerned about retribution and keeping the peace around the Goonellabah area."Firstly, we are very engaged with the families of the deceased parties, so we've made contact with them. We are engaged with the community. We have Aboriginal Community Liaisons deployed as well as additional police resources, just to make sure there's not any community unrest or concerns around public order."We are worried about potential retribution. We won't ask people who are involved to just let us do our job. We will take action and arrest those that are responsible.If anyone has any concerns for their safety, report it to police, and they will take action.AC Wadell confirmed that the investigation includes the original response of police, "And the appropriateness and timeliness of that response. There have been no charges at this stage. The investigation is still in its early phase stages."At this early stage of the investigation, police are still trying to identify the people involved in the brawl, but they do expect to take action where they identify offences.

Communities across the region will come together tomorrow, Tuesday 11 November, to honour those who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions - and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.Remembrance Day marks the end of fighting on the Western Front in 1918 and has become a time for Australians to stop and reflect on the courage of those who have served our country. For many in Lismore, that reflection is deeply personal.City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch Secretary Wilson McClelland said this year’s theme, Remember to Remember, sums up what the day is all about.“I think ‘Remember to Remember’ is basically what tomorrow is all about,” Mr McClelland said. “When you read the names on the World War One memorials down there, it really brings home what it’s all about. I’ve got two great uncles on it, so it has significance for me - and I think nearly every family in Lismore and the surrounds had someone in the First World War.”Mr McClelland said while Anzac Day often draws the biggest crowds, Remembrance Day still means a lot to many people.“It’s a quieter day than Anzac Day, but no less powerful,” he said. “You can feel the emotion when the names are read, it really drives home the meaning of remembrance.”He said it was encouraging to see local schools helping keep the tradition alive.“We invite the high schools and their captains and principals to attend our service each year,” he said. “And the service over at North Lismore, which Ken Jolly has run for many years, is now virtually being organised by students from The Rivers Secondary College - Kadina, Richmond River and Lismore High. They basically do the whole service now.”Younger students are also learning about remembrance through the Draw to Remember program, which sees children create artwork and learn about Australia’s wartime history.“The kids do drawings and research, and we visit their schools to see their work and hold a small service,” Mr McClelland said. “The schools really are the future of Remembrance Day and Anzac Day, they’ll carry it forward.”The RSL’s annual poppy appeal has also had strong support across the community in the lead-up to the day.“We started last Wednesday and we’re winding up today,” Mr McClelland said. “It’s been very successful, and on behalf of our branch members and the ex-service community, I’d like to thank the public for their support each year.”Services will be held across the region tomorrow at:North Lismore – 10:00 amLismore – 10:40 amNimbin – 10:45 amLocals are encouraged to attend or take a moment during the morning to reflect and remember all those who have served, and those who continue to serve, in Australia’s Defence Forces.

With the end of the year fast approaching, the Australian Dental Association NSW (ADA NSW) is urging patients with private health insurance (PHI) to book their dental appointments now, before most dental benefits expire on 31 December 2025. During the June 2025 quarter, private health insurers paid $1.695 billion in general treatment (ancillary) benefits, a 4.6% decrease from the previous quarter (source: APRA). Dental care made up the largest portion of this spend at $950.93 million. Despite this demand, the average benefit paid per dental service fell to $68, a 3.6% decline from March 2025. ADA NSW warns this shows many patients still aren’t maximising the preventive care they’re entitled to each year. “It’s a busy time of year but it’s also when dental check-ups matter most,” said ADA NSW President Dr Mark Morrin. “Patients who have private health insurance have already paid for their benefits. If they don't use them before December 31, they simply disappear.” Preventive dental care is not only more affordable than emergency treatment, but it can also help identify broader health conditions early, including gum disease and oral infections. Most PHI funds operate under a “use it or lose it” system, where dental extras do not roll over to the new year. “Many people forget they have unused benefits available, or delay treatment until issues worsen,” Dr Morrin said. “We strongly encourage patients to check their policy and book any necessary treatment now, while appointments are still available.” ADA NSW also reminds families that eligible children can use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) before year-end. The CDBS provides up to $1132 in Medicare-funded dental treatment over two calendar years for children aged 0–17, yet only around one in three eligible children currently access it. Families can check CDBS eligibility and remaining balance via their Medicare online account at www.my.gov.au. “Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among Australian kids. Around one in four children aged five to 10 has untreated decay, which can lead to serious health problems later. If you have private health insurance, make sure you book your check up in the next few weeks,” Dr Morrin added.

Last week, the Lismore App wrote about the new Blah Bar in Eggins Lane, and the Living School renovations in the Brown & Jolly building and parts of Eggins Lane and Larkin Lane.It was then that we discovered 10 County Lane, which is operated by Gemma Hall.Gemma Hall was looking for a studio for her art business 'Art With Wings' when she was told about the building at 10 County Lane."I came and had a look, and I just fell in love because of the location, the possibilities of how I could support community. It's just right in the heart of town, so it's a fabulous venue.""Part of what I wanted to do here was contribute to the life of the CBD by bringing creatives in and sharing our skills and our knowledge and inviting the community to use this as a venue. So, the Living School's ideas and vision really support what I'm doing, and I'd really like to support what they're doing, just in terms of bringing people into the CBD, activating this space again and bringing life in.What started as a studio space has evolved into a thriving business. Gemma rents out the building to local businesses looking to host workshops or run presentations. "It's absolutely a wanted space. We have Casper doing a four and a half day training, we've had the Living School do a community Q&A, and then tonight, they're having their middle school dance here. (The Living School's founder John Stewart talks through his CBD plans to interested members of the community last week at 10 County Lane)"We also have three regular dance classes, a singing circle, over-65s group, we've got an art group for people with disabilities. I'm really opening up the space for anybody that wants to hire it. It's really a blank canvas for anyone to come in and gather."Gemma's original idea to create a space for Art With Wings has taken a back burner, as other opportunities presented themselves; however, she is rebooting her business again."I'm starting with a group of ladies with disabilities for art, but I'm also encouraging other artists to use the space for workshops. So, we've got a mural workshop coming up and a Paint & Sip coming up. I hope, in time, that I will be able to offer more art classes to the community through Art With Wings."The beauty of Gemma's business is that it aligns with her flood plan. Everything is lean and clean with minimal items to move when the next flood tops the levee wall. There is a sprung dance floor and a large TV projector and pull-down screen as the most expensive items move.If you are looking for a space to hold a workshop or presentation, email Gemma at 10countylane@gmail.com.

Every 27 minutes, someone in Australia is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Best known for its tremors, movement and balance issues, it also brings another, often overlooked burden – persistent pain.Now, new research from the University of South Australia shows that many people with Parkinson’s are struggling to manage their pain, with researchers calling for more individualised, multidisciplinary and empathetic care. In two studies that assessed how people with Parkinson’s manage pain and their experiences of pain care services, researchers found notable gaps in support, with many people resorting to trial-and-error strategies due to a lack of tailored clinical care. In Australia, more than 65,000 people with Parkinson’s disease experience persistent pain. Lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate Anthony Mezzini says we need to improve quality pain care for people with Parkinson’s. “Pain is a prevalent and debilitating non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s. It’s one of the most troublesome issues in early-stage Parkinson’s and a leading cause of reduced quality of life,” Mezzini says. “People with Parkinson’s told us that they often rely on trial-and-error approaches to manage their pain – not because they want to, but because they don’t always have access to specialist pain support or tailored advice. “When pain care worked well, it was because healthcare professionals – especially allied health practitioners and Parkinson’s nurses – took the time to listen, understand their experience, and tailor care to their specific needs.” Researchers found that people’s experiences of pain care were shaped by five key features: empathy and understanding, listening to needs and concerns, clear explanations, Parkinson’s-specific knowledge, and individualised treatment. However, these qualities were inconsistent across the health care system, with people reporting mixed feedback about the support they received from general practitioners and neurologists, and significant access barriers in rural and regional areas. UniSA’s researcher and Parkinson’s Nurse, Dr Sue Sharrad, says improving pain management for people with Parkinson’s requires both greater access to multidisciplinary care and enhanced training for healthcare providers. “Embedding empathetic, individualised care into routine practice – and expanding access to Parkinson’s nurses and allied health professionals – could make a real difference,” Dr Sharrad says. “Parkinson’s specialist nurses and allied health professionals are often praised for their high level of care. We need to ensure that every person with Parkinson’s receives pain care that’s tailored, evidence-based, and delivered by professionals who understand the complex nature of Parkinson’s pain. “Pain is not just a symptom – it’s a major factor that affects quality of life. By making care more personalised, coordinated, and compassionate, we can help people with Parkinson’s live better, less painful lives.” The research forms part of UniSA’s ongoing work to improve quality of life for people living with neurological conditions. The multidisciplinary research team includes Anthony Mezzini, Prof Saravana Kumar, Dr Sue Sharrad, Dr Joanne Harmon, and Prof Marion Eckert. The research papers can be accessed here:Perceptions of the Provision of Pain Care Services from the Perspective of People with Parkinson's Disease: A Qualitative Descriptive StudyFactors Influencing Pain Management Practices in People With Parkinson's Disease: A Qualitative Descriptive Study