The joy of school holidays will feel more like a wet blanket this week for some families who are still recovering from half a term of homeschooling and now holidays in lockdown.

There is still some fun to be had though if you need some new tricks to give yourself and the family some respite from the labour of lockdown.

The hot new mountain bike track at Nesbitt Park, South Lismore, is open and ready for action. Adults will still need to comply with mask wearing and social distance requirements.

The newly refurbished track opened last week after a fruitful design collaboration between council and World Trails which designs and constructs mountain bike facilities across Australia and around the world.

Mayor Vanessa Ekins with Parks Officer Anton Nguyen at the new Mountain Bike Skills Course, Nesbitt Park, South Lismore

Read more from the Lismore App about this new South Lismore gem.

Lismore App was assured by council this morning that all our favourite parks are open for play during lockdown, with of course the reminder that adults must comply with public health orders.

This includes Heritage Park downtown, Kadina Park in Goonelllabah and Nesbitt Park in South Lismore. Play equipment is also accessible.

Locals are reminded that Rotary Park remains closed for maintenance and is only open to bats and birds.

Council’s Feel Blue Touch Green brochure is a comprehensive resource which provides maps and descriptions of all our beautiful local walks and parklands. These walking tracks are currently open and offer a natural sanctuary of connection at this time of isolation.

Our local libraries in Lismore and Goonellabah are both closed but resources are available through their click and collect service.

This service is free and can be easily accessed on the library’s website.

Click and Collect service allows members to reserve and safely collect library items by following the steps online: reserve items – wait for notification – book collection time – wear a mask, bring your library card and bag, check in – collect items.

Visit the library service here.

Our Regional Gallery has doors closed for now but they offer some great online resources and activities to engage kids at home.

Edna Jane McKenzie, Arrival of the Circus, Oil on Canvas, 1988

An artwork from the gallery's permanent collection

Links to a range of creative and mindful activities designed for kids and adults alike are available at the Gallery website. These offer an innovative way to connect to some of the current exhibitions which are waiting to welcome us all back when the Gallery doors reopen.

Visit the learning resources page to see what you and the kids can make and do at home when the family fun factor needs a creative boost.