There is no doubt that the Resilient Lands Program (RLP) has moved at a glacial pace; however, we may have to put those thoughts behind us and look at the exciting future that is now being created in Lismore.The 4,500 m2 Military Road site in East Lismore has started work on the building of 50 build-to-rent units, which was first announced in April 2024. The Southern Cross University land was sold to the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which has enabled Landcom to complete community consultation, create a master plan and artist impressions of the new project before breaking ground.The $30 million build-to-rent project has excavators, graders and diggers on site, as East Lismore locals around Military Road would know, preparing the site with drainage hydraulic work for stormwater diversion.The build-to-rent East Lismore project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, weather permitting, so we should see over 100 new rental residents move in by the end of next year or early in 2027.More good news is that local companies, such as O'Brien and RBC (civil contractors), with more on the way. The FKG Group is the company that has been awarded the contract. Kurt, who lives in Clunes, said there are tenders in the marketplace, and four local companies have submitted an application."The more local, the better," Kurt told the Lismore App.An excited trio of people, Minister for Recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin, Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg and Landcom Executive General Manager Tasha Burrell, were on site this afternoon to talk about the project and what it means for Lismore, as it truly enters the growth phase of flood recovery.(Tasha Burrell from Landcom, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg on site today talking about the project)"It's about having 50 more dwellings in Lismore, and we need every single one, plus some," said Ms Saffin."We made a very clear statement with our council documents to include diverse housing," Mayor Krieg said. "We're surrounded by the traditional quarter-acre blocks, four bed, two bath. Not everyone wants that anymore. We need the units, the smaller apartment style.""Today, it's all about this diverse housing and giving people a roof over their heads."Landcom's Tasha Burrell said, "The great thing about build-to-rent is it's a secure, longer-term tenure, so that means that's much more stability for tenants in rental housing. These apartments here, as the minister and the mayor said, will fill the gap in the housing market and provide people with alternatives to larger detached houses. There will be smaller apartments that can accommodate single-person families and smaller families. Our project will help to provide greater housing choice, affordability and a security to address these local needs."Ms Burrell said construction will be in a more traditional way, with some modular elements to fast-track completion. The make-up will be a mix of apartments."From studios right through one beds, two beds and three-bedroom apartments, so a good mix of size. And what we've done is a lot of research in this area. There's a lot of older tenants, a lot of single, lone households, and so we're accommodating to make sure that we have smaller apartments that will suit those family types."Of the 50 rental apartments, 20 per cent will still be affordable housing apartments for low to middle-income earners.How people are chosen to sign a lease agreement will be determined by a Community Housing Provider (CHP), who will manage the property. They are yet to be selected; however, Ms Burrell said that this should be determined in about six months' time. There will be some consideration given to essential workers for the broader rental inhabitants.The weekly rental price will be determined by checking the market, "And then the affordable housing will be discounted to market rent, and the market rent will probably be at the lower end."The rest of the 400 home sites on Crawford Road should also see some activity in 2026, as Landcom is also developing the rest of the project."They're happening concurrently. So, this is already at the point where it's starting construction today, and then we've got approvals to go through for the balance of the site. So when we get those approvers, we'll be moving quickly to get that underway as well.When you see the Military Road site, you can't help but feel that this is the start of a really positive housing construction phase for Lismore, Something we have been waiting nearly four years for. There is excitement in the air."This is a game changer for Lismore," Mayor Kris said. "It really does put Lismore on the map as that growth centre. That's our goal as a Council, to grow the population of Lismore and get us back to that real regional centre that Lismore should and deserves to be." "It's a really exciting project, and there are others in the pipeline through Landcom, we've got the Bristol Circuit, we've got Cynthia Wilson Drive, all catering to those different needs of the community, of those key workers and those people that might find themselves needing social housing."

While the weather forecast from the BoM is showing possible showers or a shower or two for the weekend, those showers are more likely to eventuate in the late afternoon or evening, leaving fine weather during the day. Good for those playing sport or looking to get outdoors.As is usual this time of year, there is the chance of a thunderstorm.The 2025 Lismore Cycling Festival hits the streets of Lismore tomorrow afternoon, with the Twilight Criterium Race in the CBD between 4pm and 7pm. Hopefully, the rain holds off for this event or there will be thills and spills rather fast and furious racing.Magellan Street will be closed between Dawson Street and Diadem Street. Traffic control will be in place from 3.30pm.Sunday is the day for longer Fondo rides. There are three types of Fondo Rides:The Gran Fondo (110km) heads out along the Nimbin Road, taking a right at Koonorigan Road heading into The Channon, then riding along The Channon Road, Dunoon Road to Repentance Creek Road (near Rosebank), south to Corndale, and north along Dorroughby Road. Part of the return is back along Dunoon Road, before turning onto Duncan Road, Numulgi Road, Woodlawn Road and finishing in the CBD.The scenic Medio Fondo (70km) (no map displayed), andThe more leisurely Piccolo Fondo (28km) takes riders along Woodlawn Road, turning left onto Numulgi Road, right onto Lockton Road, before making the return journey at the Corndale Road junction.Magellan Street will be closed between Dawson Street and Brewster Street from 6:30am to 12 midday. The Fondo Rides start at 7am.MARKETSThe Lismore Farmers Markets get underway at 7:30am at the Lismore Showgrounds, selling an array of products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, seedlings, homemade goods, coffee/tea and breakfast. It is the final live performance by market regular Malcolm Gladstone.The Channon Markets are on Sunday from 9am at Coronation Park in the Lismore hills, selling everything from delicious food to condiments, pickles, and handmade items like gifts and clothing as part of the 220 stalls.ARTSIt is the final weekend of the Bulaan Buruugaa Ngai exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery at 11 Rural Street, Lismore.Nine ancestral woven objects held in the Australian Museum Collection are on display. The historic pieces stand alongside ten newly commissioned works by contemporary Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, and Kamilaroi artists.You can visit between 10 and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.COMING UPThe return of the Eat The Street Food Festival is next Saturday, November 15, between 12pm and 7pm along Keen Street in the CBD, with live music in The Quad.LIVE MUSICHelio Ray Duo are performing at the Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore tonight (Friday) from 6:30, and Northern Rivers boy, Sam Handford, gets on stage on Saturday night from 7pm.Outtawak are playing at the Lismore Heights Sports Club in Lismore Heights from 6pm.Women Up North are holding their annual Spring Gala at the Lismore Workers Club on Saturday night from 6pm raising money for the charity who help women and children experiencing domestic violence. Tickets are $50, click here to book.Coming up:The Noughty Nineties Party featuring all your favourites like Blink 182, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Beyonce. Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 7:30pm at the Lismore Workers Club.The Ultimate Superstars of CountryFaulty Towers The Dining ExperienceThe Italian TenorsCHEAPEST FUEL PRICESFuel prices were steady across Lismore, Casino and Ballina, once again this week.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations:E10 is 176.9 at the EG on Diadem Street near Lismore Square and the Shell Reddy Express on Dawson Street, Lismore, 171.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 173.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 173.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 182.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore and the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent at 169 Canterbury Street in Casino, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 190.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 193.5 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 179.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore, 181.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street, the Casino Roadhouse and The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 187.5 at Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Yesterday's announcement of an extension to the Repair to Return program to approximately 80 flood-affected properties in Lismore and the Northern Rivers was a little light on detail early in the day.During a press conference at the offices of Resilient Lismore, more details were revealed to give a better understanding of what will be covered during the final phase of the program, which started as the Two Rooms Project soon after the 2022 floods.The amount of funding given to Resilient Lismore by the not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT, was not clarified by Head of Engagement Christina Spehr.Ms Spehr did say that $12.8 million worth of donated funds has been distributed across the region to assist with repairs."We're working closely with resilient Lismore and assessing those cases on a case-by-case basis. We're really committed to supporting the long-term recovery of people who were impacted by the floods, so we're here for the long haul, and we'll continue to assess that on a case-by-case basis. "It depends on the cases. So, a kitchen costs a different amount to a bathroom. For as long as we can support, we will continue to support."Resilient Lismore Executive Director Elly Bird said this funding signified the end of the Repair to Return program."We do know that people still need help, and we really encourage people out there in the community to come forward. Now, it's unlikely there'll be more on the other end of this. So, this is the end of our repair work. Please, do come forward and seek some assistance from us while you can."We've chosen 80 as a number because we think that's achievable within the timeframe that we've got ahead of us. We are trying to wrap this program up by June next year, and we are working in an environment where we have to work with the availability of trades, we have to work with the capacity of our team. And so we've chosen 80 as a goal. If we can do more, we absolutely will.""We cover the whole region, so we cover all seven LGAs of the Northern Rivers. Anyone that's been affected by the 22 disaster can seek help from us. We just want to make sure people are living safely and with dignity. It's been a while since the '22 disaster, so let's work together to make sure that we can get those homes as strong as we possibly can. As was stated, the Repair to Return Program has helped 359 homes since the February 28 2022, flood. Ms Bird is looking for those people who have not sought help, those who may not be using mainstream media."Our preference is to invite people who haven't had any assistance from us to come forward for further assistance. We do know that the best way for people to know about this program is word of mouth, because the folks that we are trying to reach at this stage of the recovery are people who probably aren't very well connected. They don't get email newsletters, they're not watching the TV that much. We know that the people that we want to reach aren't super connected, and probably not across all of the programs that are available. "So we really encourage people to use word of mouth in circumstances, exceptional circumstances, where we've just done the tiny bit of work in the early part of our program, we may go back into other homes, but our preference is to try to find people that still need our help and haven't had any yet."We're in Lismore. We're in heavily impacted downstream communities, like Coraki, Wardell, Woodburn, we're working up in Tweed. We know that many people have got those homes up and functional, but they might still be living with really damaged cabinetry in their kitchens. They might still be living with temporary fixes. They might still have plumbing and essential needs that don't work. Their staircases might still be quite unsafe, so it might be hard to access the home. "There's lots of things that people still need to fix. And we know from the flood zone survey that we did last year that people have just run out of money, so they're probably making do. We know that people have repaired their homes to a certain level, but there's probably still work to do. "It was a big event, many thousands of homes. So we're asking people to make sure that their friends, their neighbours, their families know about this program and come and seek some support from us."When asked what impact fixing kitchen cabinetry or making a staircase safer will have on the recipients, Ms Bird said, "I think sometimes people get used to living with where they've got their homes to, and so when our team come in and repair the kitchen or replace the kitchen with flood resilient materials, for example, people are surprised by what a difference it makes in their lives, because they have just gotten used to living with how things are."Lismore App readers can help with regard to finding the people who suffered damage in the 2022 floods, who have quietly gone about rebuilding their homes and their lives, but may not be aware that help is available to them. Through your social connections, if you know someone who fits the bill, contact Resilient Lismore by phone 0455 218 692 or email hello@resilientlismore.org.au.

You would be forgiven for not knowing that the 2025 Lismore Cycling Festival is on this weekend, around the streets of Lismore's CBD and some rural roads. Its profile has been very low-key compared to 2024.The inaugural event generated around $80,000 for the local economy. 2025 is hoping to at least match, if not surpass, that amount as cyclists, pros to the casual riders, and their entourages converge on Lismore for a weekend of serious and not-so-serious cycling events.As a result, there will be a number of road closures you should be aware of.Saturday, 8 NovemberThere will be a Twilight Criterium Race in the CBD from 4pm to 7pm. These races are for the sprinters, so the action is fast and furious.Magellan Street will be closed between Dawson Street and Diadem Street. Traffic control will be in place from 3.30pm.Sunday, 9 NovemberSunday is for the longer rides, called Fondo Rides, that take various routes around the region. Magellan Street will be closed between Dawson Street and Brewster Street from 6:30am to 12 midday. The Fondo Rides start at 7am.There are three types of Fondo Rides: The Gran Fondo (110km) heads out along the Nimbin Road, taking a right at Koonorigan Road heading into The Channon, then riding along The Channon Road, Dunoon Road to Repentance Creek Road (near Rosebank), south to Corndale, and north along Dorroughby Road. Part of the return is back along Dunoon Road, before turning onto Duncan Road, Numulgi Road, Woodlawn Road and finishing in the CBD.The scenic Medio Fondo (70km) (no map displayed), and The more leisurely Piccolo Fondo (28km) takes riders along Woodlawn Road, turning left onto Numulgi Road, right onto Lockton Road, before making the return journey at the Corndale Road junction.(This year's Gran Fondo ride route)If you are out and about on Lismore LGA rural roads on Sunday, please take extra care and watch for cyclists over the weekend.

The NSW Government has announced an extension of the $5 million Repair to Return program, which completed property repair and plumbing works in 359 flood-damaged homes across Lismore and the Northern Rivers.The program provided critical recovery support following the 2022 floods and will now continue until June 2026.The successful program will extend with not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT, contributing funds from the 2022 NSW Storms and Flooding Appeal. This new partnership aims to deliver up to 80 additional projects, supported by GIVIT funds to complete essential repair work across the region.Resilient Lismore will operate the program, ensuring more Northern Rivers residents get the help they need to repair their homes. Both Resilient Lismore and GIVIT have played key roles in the region’s recovery since the 2022 disaster.Resilient Lismore began its housing repair work with funding from the Diocese of Lismore, the Winsome Soup Kitchen and the Reece Foundation, before receiving a $5 million election commitment from the NSW Government in 2023 that allowed the program to expand significantly.The program launched in October 2023, coordinating tradespeople, labourers and volunteers to help rebuild homes. They also provide outreach and referrals to community support services. Priority is given to vulnerable people and those who cannot afford to pay for repair work themselves.GIVIT is contracted by the NSW Government to manage monetary donations as well as essential goods and services to support people impacted by emergency events across the state, working with councils, outreach teams, charities and community groups to identify exactly what’s needed. Since 2022, GIVIT has facilitated more than $12,354,000 in donations and more than 800,000 goods and services to flood-affected households in northern NSW.  Under the extended program, home owner-occupiers from the seven Local Government Areas across the Northern Rivers, still needing essential home repairs, can apply directly through Resilient Lismore’s website, in person at the Lismore Hub, or via referral from Recovery Support Services or the NSW Reconstruction Authority.Once an application is received, Resilient Lismore will assess eligibility and coordinate the necessary repair works.Learn more and apply online at https://resilientlismore.org.au/services/repair-to-return/, call 0455 218 692, or visit Resilient Lismore at 215 Keen Street, Lismore.Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “The home repair work supported by local organisations and philanthropists has been one of the most heartening stories to emerge from the 2022 floods.“Resilient Lismore has achieved significant outcomes in restoring homes and supporting households across the Northern Rivers, reflecting just how important their work is to our city and country. “This new partnership between the NSW Reconstruction Authority, GIVIT and Resilient Lismore demonstrates the real impact that can be achieved when government, local community organisations and donors work together.”GIVIT Chief Executive Officer Chris Staines said, “We are pleased to enter this partnership with Resilient Lismore and the NSW Reconstruction Authority that will support people across the Northern Rivers who are living in homes that still require essential repairs.“We are committed to working with communities for as long as it takes for them to recover.”Resilient Lismore Executive Director Elly Bird said, “The damage to housing across our region in 2022 was widespread and the necessary repair required has been challenging for folks who don’t have the financial capacity to manage it on their own.”“We’re very grateful that we can continue this important work into 2026 with this additional support from GIVIT and from the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and we are thankful for the trust they have placed in us to continue to deliver this proven, on-the-ground approach to recovery.” 

Lismore's Back Alley Gallery along Eggins Lane has been devoid of businesses for quite some time. Mostly, it is used as a service or loading lane for a number of Keen Street premises.In two weeks' time, that is about to change when the new Blah Bar opens at 25 Eggins Lane, opposite the drop-off point for the Salvos Carrington Street shop.The Blah Bar is the brainchild of two brothers, Pat and Eddie Stanton.The unusual name stuck when Pat was tired of talking about what he should name his new business."I was trying to come up with names, and every suggestion I had, you'd either have people that would like it or people that wouldn't like it. You can't make people happy, and I'm a bit of a people pleaser. Out of frustration, I was just sick of talking about it, actually, blah blah blah."I was going to go Blah Blah Bar, but then I was like, No, that's too much."This is Pat's first foray into opening up a business; his history is working in kitchens as a chef around the Northern Rivers. Pat wanted to get out of the kitchen and start something of his own with his brother."What we wanted to create was an eclectic spot, something that was like, you're still in the laneway when you come in here. Council put a lot of money into the laneway; they were quite pleased when I approached them with the idea of doing this, just because no one's opening businesses in the laneway."I was walking around town at the beginning of the year when I was planning on opening up like a restaurant or a cafe, and I thought, what's the point? There's quite a few of them, but there's nothing that actually brings people in to eat at these places. So I thought, I'll just open a little bar with a bit of food and maybe put on a little bit of live music. And slowly, people started catching word of it, and it sort of took on a life of its own.The Lismore community got in Pat's ear as he moved from his initial concept to the end business plan."My intention was to have a nice, quiet life and just put out a bit of good food, some cheap drinks, and just have a spot. But the people of Lismore are just creative people.""To be honest, all the musicians in town were desperate for a set spot to go play at. So, I started looking into it, and I said, All right, I'll make some adjustments to what I want to do. I don't have a choice now but to make it a live music venue, which wasn't my intention.The space is relaxed, low-key, with second-hand furniture, a pool table, and community art and graffiti adorning the walls. The stage is a small set-up that can be easily set up or taken down."We're not going to do a whole lot more to the place. We're going to have paint pens out so people can draw on the walls. We're going to get some local artists in to do murals, but people can draw and sticker stuff."We're not here to try and steal customers from somewhere else. The idea is to add to things, you know. People can come here for a bite to eat and a drink, and then go to another bar for a cocktail and a nice wine in a nicer environment. Or, if you want a beer on tap, there's pubs. Our idea is to fit in and create something that's not really here for people. Not everyone wants to sit in a flashy place and have cocktails. Some people just want to come to a grimy spot and have a good bit of finger food and drink a beer from a can and listen to music."Pat and Eddy plan on offering simple food, beer from a can, wine and cocktails."I'd like to potentially look at opening the kitchen up to have chefs come in and do like a kitchen takeover for the day, where they can do their own little thing as a function. They take their sales, and we'll take our sales and just sort of work by promoting others. We're interested in working with other businesses in the area."We're running just cans. We're not going to have kegs or anything like that. It's going to be a very simple, simple menu that is affordable. The Same with the drinks."The food will be more like a couple of substantial meals, like burgers, but not like burgers do, something nicer, and then probably a range of skewers. We're looking at maybe going with a Middle Eastern flair on it, because there's not a lot of Middle Eastern in town doing lamb skewers and sort of chicken shawarma and that sort of thing. And then make some falafel, and make our own fresh dips and things to go with it."So, all things like that, little finger food kind of stuff. And again, trying to keep it as low as possible.""We'll have wines, and we'll have cocktails. I've got a small distillery with a friend down in Orange, so we'll be doing a lot of brandy-based stuff. We've got a lot of brandy to move. We want to try and bring back the 70s brandy, which has a lot of nice brandy cocktails. So where we're going to aim to do that again, and that will keep the cost down. It means that we can sell affordable cocktails that won't break your bank every night."The doors will open for the first time on Saturday, November 21, and then will be open seven days a week from 2pm. Pat and Eddie do have neighbours, so they have soundproofed their room as best they can, passing soundproof tests, but want to be respectful of neighbouring businesses and upstairs tenants."When a lot of the food places close, we'll open, then we'll serve food from then. We're not really allowed to have loud music until about 6pm, when they're done upstairs most days by about four anyway, so we just keep in contact with them and then they let us know when they're done, and we can turn the music up."We want to try and operate when there's nothing happening in town. When you come in on Sunday or Monday, it's just dead, and I'm sure people want something to do, but there's just nothing to do to bring them in. So, we're going to start doing Sunday sessions, just start with bands and music on a Sunday."We have bands from Sweden, bands from America, and we've got bands from Japan interested in playing here. So, a few international acts want to play. Bands coming down from Brissie. We've been put in contact with a guy that runs a clubhouse. He's got an excess of bands that have nowhere to play between the Gold Coast and wherever they're travelling, so people are desperate for a venue."Pat and Eddie want to create a safe space for everyone, so there is one rule."Just don't be a dickhead, basically, or be a good dickhead. Good dickheads keep the bad dickheads out."The Blah Bar will open on Saturday, November 21, at 25 Eggins Lane, Lismore CBD, in the Back Alley Gallery. Check them out, and support another new business that is helping to grow the Lismore CBD.

The Australian government is considering lowering the default speed limit on country roads without signage from 100 km/h to as low as 70 km/h to reduce the national road toll. This proposal is part of a national road safety initiative that suggests the move could prevent thousands of deaths and injuries, according to government modelling.The move has drawn criticism from groups like the NRMA, the NSW Country Mayors Association and NSW Farmers. NSW Farmers told a Senate inquiry yesterday that better roads, not slower trucks, are what’s needed to reduce the surging road toll in the regions.Studies have shown farm workers are four times more likely to die on the nation’s roads than any other driver, with NSW’s local roads facing a $3.4 billion backlog in repairs. Serious investment in local road funding was long overdue, NSW Farmers’ Business Economics and Trade Committee Chair John Lowe said, with broader solutions to road repair still nowhere in sight. “Drivers have been forced to navigate dangerous potholes, uneven surfaces and other serious hazards on our roads for far too long, and we simply can’t continue with roads like this,” Mr Lowe said. “Serious and sustainable funding to fix our local roads, our truck rest stops, our overtaking lanes and our bridges is money well spent, because it could save lives.”Efficient and connected rail networks were also urgently needed to reduce the pressure trucks were placing on the state’s roads, NSW Farmers said, with better driver education and expanded mobile coverage also key to improve road safety.“Trucks are only adding to the wear and tear on our roads, and rail lines, in the right place, in the right condition, will really take the heat off,” Mr Lowe said. “Drivers also need to have the skills to drive to the conditions, and the ability to call for help when they need to, no matter where they are in the state.“We’ve got a long road ahead to improve our road safety – but it’s only by addressing the root causes of the problem, that we can keep our regional communities safe.”

With global teacher shortages at an all-time high, retaining and recruiting teachers to the education sector is critical. Yet with fragmented support and inconsistent induction processes, nearly a fifth of early-career teachers choose to leave within five years.Education experts at the University of South Australia say that to address teacher shortages, Australia must develop stronger government policies focused on the retention and career development of early-career teachers, particularly those in casual and short-term contract roles. In a new study – conducted in partnership with Western Sydney University, Griffith University, RMIT, and Monash University – researchers examined education induction policies for casual and contract early career teachers from 2016 and 2023, finding that while progress had been made, significant gaps and inequities remained. Chief researcher and member of the UniSA’s Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion, Professor Anna Sullivan, says government policy makers and schools must improve induction procedures for all teacher cohorts. “Casual and contract teachers are essential to the teacher workforce. They cover everything from teacher absenteeism to professional learning and administrative duties, and without them, schools would struggle to deliver effective teaching and learning,” Prof Sullivan says. “Yet the current policy responses do little to recognise or support casual relief or short-term contract teachers. “Our study shows that current teacher induction guidelines mainly cater for teachers with secure employment, creating systemic inequities for those in casual or contract roles. “The irony is that more than half of early career teachers are employed in casual or on short-term contracts. If we don’t appropriately support new teachers entering the profession, retention issues will continue.” UNESCO reports an urgent need for 44 million primary and secondary teachers worldwide by 2030. To safeguard the quality and sustainability of the education workforce, policymakers must urgently introduce and prioritise mandated induction support structures, targeted development pathways, and systemic human resource reform for substitute and temporary teachers. UniSA PhD researcher, Emily Rowe, says the education system must provide support and professional learning for all early career teachers, not just permanent staff. “Effective induction relies on teachers having long-term, continuous employment at one school where they can access regular mentoring, establish relationships, and gain support to develop professional practices,” Rowe says. “Yet the reality is that only 45% of casual relief teachers receive a formal induction. Many early-career teachers experience alienation, culture shock, and a lack of systemic support. “Current induction guidelines place responsibility on teachers to manage their own career progression by building networks and collecting evidence for their portfolios. This puts the onus on new teachers to guide their own induction, rather than receive structured support from schools when they need it most. “Education systems need to nurture talent to keep it. This is vital for attracting and retaining teachers and ensuring that they have fulfilling and long-term careers.”

Government spending on public health activities in Australia is returning to previous levels after surging during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report published today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The report, Government expenditure on public health activities in Australia 2023–24, presents a new decade-long view of funding by the Australian Government and state and territory governments between 2013–14 and 2023–24.Public health expenditure is a component of Australia’s broader health spending that focuses on preventing disease, promoting health and protecting populations, rather than treating individuals. Total government expenditure on public health activities in Australia was $5.4 billion in 2023–24, a 30% or $2.3 billion decrease from 2022–23. This equates to $201 per person. The proportion of government public health expenditure to total government health expenditure was 2.9% in 2023–24, similar to pre-pandemic levels, and below the 5% target envisaged in the National Preventive Health Strategy. ‘Public health spending grew modestly during the pre-pandemic period, rising 2.5% each year on average,’ said AIHW spokesperson Geoff Callaghan. ‘This growth accelerated significantly during COVID-19, peaking in 2020–21, before returning to pre-pandemic levels.’ Of the $5.4 billion spent in 2023–24, the Australian government funded $3.4 billion, and state and territory governments contributed $2.0 billion. In 2023–24, organised immunisation and communicable disease control continued to account for the highest levels of expenditure, at $2.4 billion and $0.9 billion. Over the 10-year period, the fastest growth rate occurred in communicable disease control in 2020–21, which rose by about 280% in real terms from 2019–20, mainly driven by government spending on the COVID-19 response. ‘This report is a new and important resource for tracking how governments respond financially to emerging public health threats and how that spending evolves over time,’ Mr Callaghan said.The AIHW has recently published the following health expenditure reports: Health expenditure Australia 2023–24Health system spending on disease and injury in Australia 2023–24Health system spending per case of disease and for certain risk factors

As most readers may know, the Nationals made an announcement on Sunday that it will formally abandon a commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The Nats say they are putting Australians first, announcing a plan for cheaper electricity, secure jobs and lower emissions. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said it would deliver the lowest possible electricity prices for Australian households and businesses, while maintaining reliability and lowering emissions.“Labor’s ‘net zero’ policy means everyone is paying more for power in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,” Mr Hogan said.“Families are paying too much. Jobs are being lost. Forests and farmland are being destroyed. Labor’s net zero has failed.“That’s why we will abandon a Net Zero commitment, and have adopted a cheaper, better and fairer energy and climate plan.“Our plan is cheaper because we will lower energy prices first, use all of our resources and abandon the commitment to net zero.“Our plan is better because we will protect our forests and farmland that are being destroyed by the reckless renewable rollout.“Our plan is fairer because we will reduce emissions in line with comparable nations, not ahead of them. We will ensure that costs are distributed fairly, not concentrated on regional Australia.“Australian families and businesses deserve a reliable energy system that keeps costs down and supports local jobs, especially in our regional communities.”You can read more details about the National's Powering Australia First plan by clicking: https://powering.au/.

The NSW Government is streamlining and accelerating the roll-out of essential equipment - including temporary shelters, generators and clean water systems – to support communities in their recovery when disaster strikes.A Disaster Recovery Standing Panel will be created to list trusted suppliers who can rapidly deliver essential goods and services to local communities in the aftermath of floods, bushfires, storms and other weather events.The Panel will help speed up and coordinate the procurement of resources, assisting communities in their recovery by ensuring critical equipment is ready wherever needed.The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) from capable suppliers to join the Disaster Recovery Standing Panel. Local small businesses are encouraged to put forward applications.The first phase is focused on equipment hire, including temporary shelters, fencing, generators, lighting, portable bathrooms and water purification equipment.Businesses successful in joining the Disaster Recovery Standing Panel will have the opportunity to be part of a network that is ready to help when communities need support most.To apply, businesses must have a valid ABN and be registered as a supplier on the buy.nsw platform.Applications for the EOI opened on 29 October and close on 21 November and can be submitted directly via the Opportunities Hub on buy.nsw.gov.au.Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “Disasters can strike without warning – but the Disaster Recovery Standing Panel will help make sure we’re a step ahead.“We have learned from past disasters that getting critical resources on the ground quickly is essential for communities to begin their recovery.“This initiative offers businesses, including local small businesses, a meaningful opportunity to play a key role in disaster recovery and contribute to creating more resilient communities across NSW.” NSW Reconstruction Acting Head of Preparedness and Recovery Ashlee Abbott said, “Every minute counts when disaster strikes. This proactive approach means we’ll no longer be chasing suppliers after the fact – the equipment and capability will already be ready to go.“This approach connects trusted suppliers directly with the communities that need them most. “It ensures we can tap into local capability quickly, while giving businesses the chance to be part of the recovery effort.”

The Lismore CBD is set to gain its first large-format discount pharmacy when a new look Brand's Pharmacy opens in late January 2026, following recent approval from the Pharmacy Council of NSW.The site is in the Quickstop buildings off Ballina Road, at the Dawson Street roundabout. A site that used to be home to Subway, Domino's, Asian Takeaway, and the Grill Shack before the 2022 big flood wiped out all retail, except for Zambrero's, which is not the only shop open.Brand's was always going to move from its Molesworth Street premises, as the building has been up for sale since February this year.New owner, Kyle Wood, Managing Partner and Pharmacist at Southside Chempro, told the Lismore App that the new site will be about 700 m2 once the internal walls are knocked out.'It's a big site. The retail area will be about 500 square metres, so it's by far our biggest pharmacy in the area. I think it'll be one of the biggest pharmacies within the group (Chempro). We've got almost 200 pharmacies in the group, and it will be, by size, one of the biggest pharmacies in the area."(The entire length of the Quickstop precinct building will be the new Brand's Pharmacy)The reason for the move from Moelsworth Street and the large style format was to be different from other CBD pharmacies."Brand's Pharmacy is well known in the community, but when Greg wanted to sell it, we were obviously very interested in that. But the current site has several limitations, including access for customers, parking, and also just the limitations on stock and the stuff that we can keep on site for the business. So moving it to a new site gives a lot better parking, a lot better access for people, and it allows us to just to expand our range in what we want to do."We have a couple of pharmacies in the area, and each pharmacy has its own unique offerings. Places like this are very centred around extra service provision and all those other unique things. But we recognise that there is a lot of competition in that sort of discount pharmacy space. So, what we want to do is still provide the great level of service that place is renowned for, but we would like to provide an offering for people that are very, very price sensitive.""So we'll be leveraging the purchasing power and the back end of the Chempro operation to help make that possible."As was mentioned earlier, the retail space is 500 m2 of retail space, which is on the ground floor. That leaves 200 m2 on the top floor for storage and a flood plan."Upstairs won't be available to the public, but we'll be using that as a flood protection sort of thing. We'll be using that as storage if we need to put things upstairs, we will have an office up there for bits and pieces, and that is also part of our flood plan. We're also looking at other ways that we can use that space productively.There is still a lot of work to be done for the new Brand's Pharmacy to open by late January 2026"There's significant amounts of work to happen there, but I'm hoping to use the tradies that we've got good relationships with. We'll hopefully get our final approval, and we're tentatively locking in an inspection date with the regulators for mid-January. We have to do that before we can load it up with stock and actually move over there."Hopefully, it will look like a pharmacy without stock by mid-January, and then as soon as they do that, it'll be a race to get it full and get trading."The new, large-format Brand's Pharmacy is another example of Lismore entering a period of growth.

As the Northern Rivers prepares to mark the annual global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25 to December 10), the Lismore and Northern Rivers community is invited to come together for a powerful evening of celebration and purpose at the annual Women Up North Gala, to be held this Saturday (8th of November) at the Lismore Workers Club. Hosted by Women Up North Housing Inc. (WUNH), the gala will raise critical funds for women, young people, and children experiencing and at risk of Domestic Violence and the Bugalma Bihyn Aboriginal Women’s Refuge, a culturally safe and trauma-informed space for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.The 2024 Gala raised a very generous $70,000, so there are high expectations again in 2025.The event comes at a time when domestic violence rates in regional NSW are rising at alarming levels. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, domestic violence-related assaults have increased by up to 24% in some regional areas, with Northern NSW among the hardest hit. In the 12 months to June 2025, 11 children were killed in domestic violence incidents—the highest number in a decade [bocsar.nsw.gov.au].“This is not just a gala—it’s a call to action,” said Jillian Knight-Smith, Executive Officer of Women Up North. “We are seeing more women and children in crisis than ever before. The community’s support is vital to ensure we can continue to provide safe housing and support services.”The gala will feature live entertainment, guest speakers, dinner, raffles, and auctions—all in support of WUNH’s mission to provide safety, dignity, and hope to women across the region.Event Details:Date: Saturday, 8th November 2025Venue: Lismore Workers ClubTime: From 6:00 PMTickets: Available by clicking here or by calling 02 6621 7730Dress Code: Formal / GlamorousTheme: Empowerment & ResilienceThe gala also serves as a lead-in to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign running from 25 November to 10 December, which calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. In NSW, the campaign is supported by local councils and organisations through events, education, and community engagement. “By attending the gala, you’re not only supporting a local cause—you’re joining a global movement,” Knight-Smith added. “Together, we can create a future where every woman and child is safe, respected, and free.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall for Kyogle, Casino and other western parts of the Northern Rivers.It has not put out a warning for Lismore and the coast; however, it would not be surprising if that changes in the next hour or so as troughs move across the state from the northwest.The highly unstable weather environment is likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Safety adviceThe State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.The next warning is due to be issued by 9:30 pm.

Christmas Santa Mail is back for another magical year, and children across Australia are once again invited to hand-deliver their Christmas wish lists at their local Post Office.From today, young Santa fans can drop off their letters in store and receive a special reply from the North Pole, plus a festive Pip the Koala Christmas ornament to take home and hang proudly on the tree.Australia Post is encouraging families to join in the much-loved tradition by helping little ones write a letter to Santa, seal it in an envelope (no stamp or return address required), and deliver it to a participating Post Office.To make sure replies arrive before Santa takes flight on Christmas Eve, here’s how it works:Write your letter: Kids can tell Santa what’s on their wish list and share something they’re proud of this year.Drop it off: Head to your local Post Office and hand over the letter.Receive the magic: Each child will receive a reply from Santa along with a Pip the Koala ornament to keep as a special Christmas memento. If your child has already posted their letter to Santa, they can still drop by a Post Office to collect their reply and keepsake.Josh Bannister, Executive General Manager Retail, Brand and Marketing at Australia Post, said the excitement of Santa Mail continues to delight Australians of all ages.“Santa Mail is a treasured tradition for families and something our team looks forward to every year. Seeing children’s faces light up when they hand over their letters is what makes Christmas so magical. We’re proud to help Santa spread a little magic across Australia once again,” said Mr Bannister.Australia Post has also released two new Christmas stamp ranges to help customers share festive cheer.Australia Post’s secular Christmas stamp series features colourful designs that show Santa arriving at dusk as Little Penguins don festive hats and add gifts to a growing pile of presents, while pelicans carry baubles to join in the celebration. The range includes two 65c stamps (‘Santa’ and ‘Presents’) and a $3 international stamp, with a separate religious set also available.

It has been five years since founder John Stewart opened the first Living School in Lismore on Conway Street, opposite the NSW TAFE site.John's goal was to have three sites operational: Conway Street for Years 1, 2, 3 and 4, the Lismore CBD for Years 5, 6, 7 and 8, with The Academy, Years 9, 10, 11 and 12, moving into a purpose-built building at Southern Cross University at Block E.Stages 1 and 2 have been completed. Block E has only recently completed renovations, with students on campus utilising the new learning space.The CBD premises ran into some delays since John purchased the Brown & Jolly building on Woodlark Street in 2021. COVID, the 2022 floods and planning delays have meant his dream of integrating the Living School into the community in Lismore's CBD needed to be pushed back.That is all about to change, as John recently received approval from the Regional Planning Committee. Construction can now begin, not only on the Brown & Jolly building, but also on the buildings in the laneways behind it.Now that the DA has been approved, John wants the community to understand his concept and plans for the Living School's middle-year students, so he is holding a community meeting this Wednesday (5 November) at 10 County Lane, Lismore CBD from 5:30pm. One of the buildings that will be part of the new Living School Middle School campus.The invitation says, "We’d love for you to join us at our open Q&A event — an evening to see the vision, share your thoughts, and connect with neighbours and local businesses as we discuss how the school intends to support the wider Lismore community."John told the Lismore App that the planning has taken years, but now there is excitement within the team."The focus and the scope was to ensure that we meet all the right requirements and regulations, and it's now activated, and we're ready to move."As you would expect, there are a lot of conditions that go with a school moving into Lismore's CBD."We're dealing with Years 5 to 8, so it's not young children. But how do we manage traffic, the pedestrian approach, flood? We've had a really thorough understanding of how we manage floods. And as we always said, you can be in the centre of town if you know how to manage floods properly and appropriately and build with that conscience. And that's what we're doing."One of the community's concerns is that the CBD will see a multitude of cars on Woodlark Street as parents drop off and pick up their children from school."We don't want cars in the middle of town. In fact, the place where we're in is the Back Lane Gallery, so imagine the learning as you're walking through that space."We want to push this understanding that to be a community, you've got to have people in a community in that central business district, and so we have to familiarise children with walking along footpaths again, we have to familiarise children that they can ride to work, ride to school, and that the cycleways around Lismore are safe, and we have to make sure that they can explore their public facilities and amenities not from the window of a car.""So, the Living School is about this intentionally designed pedagogy around kids connecting with community."This Wednesday evening community meeting is so John can impart his vision and to answer any community concerns."We're talking about what the Brown & Jolly activation means and what we're looking to achieve. People will always have concerns. We listen, but we're navigating that to make sure that people understand that the whole purpose and the intention of Living School is to be embedded in the heart of a town."The whole intention of Living School is to connect kids with community. I mean, we cannot improve our future communities without kids being active participants in that community, and the elders of a community seeing kids not as a pack, but as a group of children who want to learn and share their learning with the community. It's logical."John spoke about the history of schools in the CBD of Lismore and many other towns, and the economic and social benefits it will bring to Lismore."My focus is to ensure that our town is a regional centre. And if you look at what the council's plans were through to 2036, it's a city of learning. Everything we're doing is around the strategic goals of not just John Stewart, strategic goals of our council and our state government."Lismore is uniquely different to our ribbon development at the coast. Lismore is a CBD that is a grid pattern. It's got arcades, it's got this amazing facility of people being able to access the diversity of shops, restaurants, facilities and services. It's a central piece that means you walk around a square."I just see it as intentionally designed around bringing a community back together again. And I tell you, we need it. We've got people who do not go out. We've got people who can Uber food in, they can play Fortnite or games for longer than they can be at school. If that's the world we want, we've got detachment. If we want a community, you have to have connection and you've got to have understanding and support."If you have any concerns, questions or just want to learn more about the Living School and how the students will be part of the CBD community, get yourself along to 10 County Lane on Wednesday at 5:30pm. Food and refreshments will be supplied, so click here to register yourself.Event detailsLiving School's Brown & Jolly Development Q&AWhen: Wednesday 5th NovemberWhere: 10 County LaneFood and refreshments providedPlease RSVP using this Eventbrite link.

Lismore roads are having more work done than Joan Rivers had plastic surgery. The difference being, Lismore roads need the work to be completed.Transport for NSW has advised that the final road surface seal work on the Lismore Bangalow Road will start this evening, causing changed traffic conditions.From this evening (Monday, 3 November), work will be carried out on the Lismore Bangalow Road between the Binna Burra Flood Immunity and Hilltop Flood Immunity project areas, Binna Burra. Work will be carried out from 6pm to 5am and is expected to be completed in two nights, weather permitting.Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 60km/h will be in place during and after work hours for the safety of motorists and workers.Motorists should allow up to ten minutes’ extra travel time.Motorists are advised to drive according to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.For more information on this work, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/253949, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Binna Burra’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

On 15 November, the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital will host its inaugural Call of the Wild – Live Charity Auction, giving the community a chance to bid on the lifesaving work the hospital does every day.From funding an overnight stay for a patient to supporting a week’s worth of food and care, locals can help make this critical work possible.Hosted by much-loved Australian broadcaster Angela Catterns, the evening will be led by Sotheby’s auctioneer Denzil Lloyd and will combine spirited bidding with art, music and storytelling, all in support of the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital, a community-funded, purpose-built hospital located on beautiful crown land at the heart of seven local government areas (Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed).Spring has brought an overwhelming number of sick, injured and orphaned animals through the hospital’s doors, and the need for community support has never been greater.The Call of the Wild auction is an opportunity to raise vital funds to continue providing life-saving care for native wildlife across the Northern Rivers.General Manager Bronte Potts says the event comes at a crucial time.“Spring has always been trauma season for wildlife, but this year we are really being pushed. Our hospital has been overflowing with patients, and our team has worked tirelessly to provide the best possible care."What makes this night so special is that people can not only bid on beautiful artworks and experiences in our silent auction but also take part in a Sotheby’s live auction where every bid will fund lifesaving work at the hospital, like feeding a patient for a week, sponsoring an overnight stay, or supporting a vet for a month."It means every dollar raised goes straight back to caring for wildlife. Our wildlife can’t ask for help, but we can give it, and stepping up to protect them also safeguards the biodiversity of our region.”She added: “I’d love to see as many of our neighbours, rescuers, carers and community members as possible join us on the night. It’s not just a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of what we can achieve together for our local wildlife.”Every ticket, every bid, and every donation helps fund the treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife across the region.Event Details: Call of the WildSaturday 15 November, 6.00 - 9.00pm Marvell Hall, 37 Marvell St, Byron Bay. Tickets are $35.Learn more about the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital by clicking here.

There has been a bit of news in Lismore and the NRs surrounding counterfeit money that has been circulating in our local economy. What you may not be aware of is that counterfeit postage stamps are also in use, and Australia Post is looking to stop the practice by implementing a Counterfeit Detection Tool designed to authenticate stamps, stamped satchels, and prepaid satchels sold online.The tool automatically identifies counterfeit Australia Post postage, supporting near real-time analytics of counterfeit products. To date, the tool has detected hundreds of counterfeit products, removing several million dollars’ worth of counterfeit items from online marketplaces.Australia Post General Manager Group Security, Kevin Zuccato, said the quantity of counterfeit postage in circulation is deeply concerning and those who knowingly produce, sell, or use counterfeit postage risk prosecution.“Counterfeit postal products aren’t new, but we are seeing a significant increase in their circulation. Our new tool allows us to efficiently identify and promptly remove fraudulent products online. Not only are we scanning for counterfeit stamps, but we’re also watching for fraudulent stamped satchels and prepaid satchels.“The message is simple, use fraudulent postage products and it’s unlikely your parcel or letter will reach its final destination. The safest way to avoid buying counterfeit products is to purchase stamps and satchels directly from any Post Office across Australia or via the Australia Post Online Shop.“The Australia Post network is made up of over 4,000 Post Offices of which 2,700 are Licensed Post Offices who operate as their own small business. They rely on Australians buying stamps and satchels from their Post Office so they can continue to deliver for their communities. Buying counterfeit stamps and satchels is a risk to their viability and livelihood so we’d encourage everyone to support your local Post Office by purchasing directly,” Mr Zuccato said.Australia Post’s two-pronged approach to counterfeit detection includes working closely with Australian Border Force to detect and intercept Australia Post counterfeit goods entering the country, disrupting illegal activity before it reaches consumers. Once intercepted, counterfeit product is taken to a dedicated Australia Post facility that analyses differences in quality and verifies the presence of security features like watermarks.