Lismore CBD safety and its impact on the local business community have been hot topics of discussion for the last six months.

There has been a call to reestablish the PACER (Police Ambulance and Clinical Early Response) program, so those who need medical care can be diagnosed on the spot and taken to the appropriate facility.

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, has confirmed that the Northern NSW Local Health District is once again recruiting for the PACER Clinician position.

“PACER is a unique collaboration between Health, Police and Ambulance, placing a mental health clinician within the local police command to assist in responding to mental health emergencies,” Ms Saffin said. 

“This program plays a vital role in supporting police officers when they encounter individuals experiencing mental health crises. 

“The PACER Clinician is a Clinical Nurse Consultant Grade 2 attached to the Richmond Police Command at Lismore Police Station.

“This is something that I successfully lobbied to have in our region years ago, and the first PACER clinician started in July 2023.  

“Unfortunately, after the clinician left in December 2023, the Local Health District said it faced challenges in recruiting a suitable replacement. 

“The funding is there for the position.

“When I learned that active recruitment had been paused for some time, I pushed for the position to be advertised as a matter of urgency.

“This is a role that both the community and local police value highly. The clinician will work directly with police, providing expert assessment and intervention in mental health emergencies. It’s a demanding position, but for the right candidate, it offers a chance to make a meaningful impact.”

Applications for the position closed last week.