As the year comes to a close, the Lismore App looks back on the events and news stories that interested you in 2025.

TOP 10 NEWS STORIES 2025

No. 10: BoM long-term weather forecast says a wet winter

Weather, as you would expect, plays a big part in our Top 10 new stories. The start of the year was wetter than usual, and on May 20 we published the BoM's long-term forecast for June, July and August. Thankfully, the wetter than usual winter didn't eventuate and it proved to be the start of a dry spell for Lismore and the Northern Rivers.

No. 9: Premier declares he will demolish Pine Street houses after learning of illegal squatters

The illegal Pine Street squatters made headlines around Australia, not just in Lismore. Premier Chris Minns was in Lismore when ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred visited in March. On March 11, the Premier learned about the squatters and declared they would be moved out of the houses so the NSW Reconstruction Authority could get on with the job of assessing them for buybacks or demolition.

(Premier Chris Minns addresses the media during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March at the Lismore Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah)

No. 8: Sarah Morrow pleads guilty to supplying prohibited drugs

This story dates back to February 2024, when Strike Force McClelland arrested a number of people for supplying commercial quantities of prohibited drugs and firearm offences. Local business owner Sarah Morrow was one of the group. On May 29, she pled guilty to five charges of supplying, take part in supplying and deemed to supply a prohibited drug.

On August 28, Sarah was sentenced to a Community Correction Order for a period of 2 years in Lismore Local Court.

No. 7: NSW SES say potential for moderate flood

As ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred was off the coast and heading towards a crossing, SES Superintendent Scott McLennan asked residents to prepare for a moderate flood on March 3. That potential became a reality on March 8 when the flood gauge peaked at 9.31 metres, just under the 9.7 major flood mark.

No.6 : Hundreds line up at Lismore Square for free food vouchers

On April 9, the Lismore Square queue started at Coles supermarket and snaked down the escalators, through the carpark and onto Brewster Street. The reason? To receive a $100 or $200 Coles voucher, thanks to Australian billionaire Adrian Portelli. In total $70,000 was given to those in the community who need help.

(Adrian Portelli makes his way along the queue towards Coles in Lismore Square)

No. 5: Bureau issues initial flood watch

The Bureau of Meteorology issued its first flood watch on March 2 as Alfred prepared to cross the coastline. At that stage, it was for a moderate to major flood for the Wilsons and Richmond Rivers.

No. 4: Richmond River High School On Fire

March was the busiest month for news. Once Alfred's devastation had died down, the old Richmond River High School was on fire on March 28.

A large crowd gathered to watch a number of fire trucks try to contain the blaze that affected the historic part of the high school that started life as Lismore High in 1920, before it moved to Keen Street. Richmond River opened its doors to a group of new students in 1958.

(Richmond River High School on fire. Photo: Matt Arnett)

No. 3: Storm Rips Through Lismore, Casino, and Kyogle causing blackout

January 23 2025, was the date that a storm cell ripped through Lismore and the Northern Rivers, causing widespread damage and a blackout that affected over 25,600 households and businesses.

NSW SES Superintendent Scott McLennan said the storm began in Grafton and gradually made its way up along the ranges, striking Casino, Kyogle, Lismore, Nimbin, and Uki before hitting the Tweed Valley. Gusts of wind were being recorded between 70 and 80 kmh, but there were wind gusts of up to 102 kmh at Cape Byron.

196 incidents were reported across the region.

(Trees down on Kyogle Road earlier today. Photo: Annemarie Spicer)

No. 2: Darren buys a house for $50 while another goes for $125,000

As the Resilient Homes Program buyback auctions ramped up towards the end of this year, there were some bargains to be had. On November 18, Alex purchased a North Lismore house for $50, and Darren a 4-bedroom house for $320. The most expensive house on the night was sold for $125,000.

"I reckon I got the bargain of the night, actually," Darren said, "My wife and I are going to relocate it and we're going to live in it." Darren and his wife were planning to relocate their new house to Grafton.

No. 1: Supreme Court Rules Against Squatters as more buyback houses go up for sale

The most-read news story of 2025 was when the NSW Supreme Court ruled against the squatters occupying the Pine Street houses.

The squatters moved into NSW Reconstruction Authority-owned buyback houses at the start of 2024. They started as a few locals and many overseas tourists looking for a free place to stay before moving up the coast, before turning into a homeless housing movement.

Pine Street was cleared of squatters on 6 August when a team from the Sheriff's Office enforced the Supreme Court writs.

(Members of the Sheriff's Office move in to enforce the Supreme Court ruling)

Thank you for reading and supporting the Lismore App in 2025. We look forward to providing you with trusted, local news and sport in 2026.

Happy New Year!