Current and former students who have HELP or the old HECS debt will see their fees reduced by 20 per cent at the end of next week as the Federal Government honours an election commitment.Around the country, this will affect more than 3 million people, wiping almost $16 billion in total. Today alone, more than 1.5 million Australians will see their student debts cut by 20 per cent. That’s around half of all people with a student debt.For someone with the average HELP debt of $27,600 this will see around $5,520 wiped from their debt.Backdated to 1 June 2025 before the last indexation, it will reduce the burden for Australians with a student debt, including HELP, VET Student Loans, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans, Student Startup Loans, and other student loans.The federal government does charge a FEE-HELP loan fee of 20% on certain undergraduate FEE-HELP loans, applied to students in full-fee-paying places and calculated on each unit of study. So, in essence, that 20% is being dropped for those who are charged the fee. You do not need to do anything to receive the one-off reduction, it will happen automatically. In addition to cutting student debt by 20 per cent, the federal government has also raised the minimum amount people earn before they have to start making repayments from $54,435 to $67,000. They have also reduced minimum repayments.For someone earning $70,000 it has reduced the minimum repayments they have to make by $1,300 a year.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “This is another way my Government is continuing to deliver cost-of-living relief to Australians.“Our Government promised to cut student debt, it was the first thing we did after the election in Parliament, and now we’re rolling it out.“Getting an education shouldn't mean a lifetime of debt.“No matter where you live or how much your parents earn, my Government will work to ensure the doors of opportunity are open for you.”Minister for Education Jason Clare said, “We promised it, Australia voted for it, and now it’s happening.“This is the biggest cut to student debt in Australian history.“It means millions of young Australians will have thousands of dollars taken off their back.” Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said, “We want Australians to get the skills they want, for the jobs our country needs.“The student debt cut means students and apprentices will have more money in their pocket and less stress to pursue qualifications for their future.“Students and apprentices have told me time and time again about how big a difference this will make in their lives.”Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulinosaid, “The ATO is rolling out the biggest cut to student debt in Australia’s history.“It means billions wiped from the debts of young people when they need it.“This will make a big difference as they get started in their lives.”

Healthy North Coast hosted the 2025 Primary Care Excellence Awards on Tuesday at Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. The event brought together 175 primary health care professionals and sector partners to recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and teams delivering exemplary primary health care in our community. This was the first Awards ceremony held since 2017.The program received 57 nominations across nine categories, reflecting the depth of commitment and expertise within the North Coast primary care workforce. The event also included a tribute to the late Dr Michael Davis, a respected GP from Alstonville Clinic, acknowledging his significant contribution to general practice and community health.Locally, Tracey Harris from the Lismore Super Clinic was awarded Excellence in Practice Management, and Human nature Adventure Therapy in Ballina was awarded Excellence in Mental Health Delivery.Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the awards highlight the dedication of the local primary care workforce:“These awards recognise the exceptional care being delivered by GPs, nurses, pharmacists, mental health and allied health professionals every day across our region.“The nominees and recipients demonstrate the innovation, collaboration and commitment that underpin high-quality care on the North Coast. Healthy North Coast is proud to acknowledge their achievements and the positive impact they have on our communities.“By celebrating outstanding achievements, we also help to inspire and retain our talented workforce that is so essential to the future of our communities.”List of 2025 Award recipients:Emerging Leader: Dr Grace Gillon (GP Registrar), Bullinah AMS: Recognised for trauma-informed, culturally safe care and mentoring, enhancing outcomes and trust.Excellence in Practice Management: Tracey Harris, Lismore GP Super Clinic / Lismore Urgent Care Clinic: Established Lismore’s Urgent Care Clinic, integrated mental health, and introduced AI tools to improve efficiency and outcomes.Excellence in Allied Health Achievement: Trent Renshaw, Coffs Coast Sports Physiotherapy: Pioneered male-focused oncology rehab and pelvic health, reducing barriers and improving survivorship outcomes.Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Innovation in Pharmacy: James Yoo, Plunkett’s TerryWhite Chemmart Port Macquarie: Recognised for pioneering full scope pharmacy services on the North Coast, advancing clinical care and integrating pharmacy into collaborative, patient-centred health models.Excellence in Nursing Achievement (sponsored by Larter): Amanda Moss, Maclean Medical: Embedded nurse-led pathways and Advance Care Planning, enhancing access and team-based rural care.The Dr Michael Davis Award for Excellence in General Practice Leadership: Dr Monica Taylor, Bullinah AMS: Embedded CQI and cultural safety at Bullinah, improving chronic disease and maternal care outcomes.Excellence in Mental Health Delivery: Human Nature Adventure Therapy, Ballina: Provided nature-based care for adolescents, improving resilience and engagement among vulnerable groups.Excellence in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health: Nicole Dein, Bullinah AMS: Created a culturally responsive NDIS model, improving access and mentoring Aboriginal staff.Excellence in Innovation: Maclean Medical: Created nurse-led Access Health Clinic, delivering thousands of low-cost, same-day appointments. Dr Monica Taylor, who won the Dr Michael Davis Award for Excellence in General Practice Leadership, was quick to thank her team:“We’ve developed a CQI [continuous quality improvement] program, which is embedded into GP workflow, which has now become a standard of care. It helps us look at what we’re doing and how we can do it better.“I feel very lucky. I have an excellent team, so I feel like that makes my job very easy. And to be given an award named after Mike [Davis] is very, very humbling.”Haley Hodgson, owner of Maclean Medical, was also thrilled to accept the award for Excellence in Innovation:“We’ve created a space where the public can come in and have same-day access to care, at affordable prices. It’s something that’s sustainable, we can duplicate it, and we can change how the primary health system works in Australia.“This award amplifies what we’re doing and reinforces that we’re doing the right thing for the community. It’s very exciting for us.” A number of North Coast primary health professionals were also recognised for their service:Chris Clark – Registered Nurse, Evans Head Medical Centre – 20+ years of serviceJudi Bray – Psychologist, Grafton – 25+ years of serviceDr Jay Ruthnam – General Practitioner, Northside Health Centre – 40+ years of serviceDr Warwick Wickham – Founder Eastport Medical Centre – 40+ years of serviceFor more information on the awards, including the finalists and recipients, keep your eye on hnc.org.au/primary-health-care-excellence-awards-2025.

The future of the East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant is still unclear, despite Ministerial meetings in Sydney and the issue being raised in Question Time last week during the final state parliamentary sitting week for the year. The sticking point is how much funding Lismore City Council will receive to fix the sewage treatment plant to make it operational, and within EPA guidelines, or rebuild it so it is out of danger of being damaged in the event of future 14-meter-plus flooding.Former Flood Recovery Minister Steph Cooke asked whether the State Government would fully fund and deliver the complete refurbishment and rebuild of the East Lismore plant. Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said the project “will be done”, but also said the original announcement was not intended to cover “betterment” or growth for increased population.She told Parliament that some councils had wanted to “build to betterment and projecting for numbers increasing in the area,” but that “when it was announced, it wasn’t announced for betterment or for population projection.” She also said she and the Mayor had “differing memories” about the commitment made in 2022.However, the original 2022 media release issued by the then State Government stated the exact opposite. It said the $145 million fund would “repair and upgrade critical water and sewerage infrastructure” and would include “upgrades that will help futureproof this critical infrastructure.” Lismore City Council’s allocation explicitly listed a “new East Lismore wastewater treatment plant” as part of the works.That point of difference is now adding more uncertainty to a project already delayed for more than three years. Mayor Steve Krieg says what happens next remains unclear.“It's still the great unknown. I watched the clip of that particular question get raised, and it was good to hear the Minister actually say that it will happen. Exactly what will happen is the great unknown,” he said.“Disaster recovery should never become a political football or used for any particular gain, but it's something that I will continue to fight for and advocate for because it was something that was promised and we're still years off the delivery of that project, even if the funding rolled out tomorrow.”Krieg said the treatment plant remains the only major piece of critical infrastructure still unfunded and untouched.“It's the last big piece of infrastructure that hasn't been funded and hasn't even been started with works there. Back in 2022, the instruction from all the state government agencies was to get it back to operational with the plan to rebuild that particular sewage treatment plant down the track.”He said the delay and confusion around funding is not something Council controls.“For whatever reason, and I can't answer that, it's something that the state and federal governments need to answer, but the original promise of rebuilding that, there is a sticking point around the funding and who's going to fund it and how much funding.”Last week, the Mayor travelled to Sydney to meet with Ministers again, but says the messages remain mixed.“There's mixed stories. To redo this project properly is expensive. You can't hide away from that, you're looking at around 90 to 100 million dollars to completely rebuild this treatment plant.”“As a council, we're always under the impression that that would be funded and we would be able to rebuild it so that it is flood resilient, to be able to withstand that 14.5 to 15 metre flood if we ever saw something like that again.”But he says the funding currently on offer falls short of the standard required by regulators.“What's on offer currently is funding to basically patch it up, and even with the money that they have, and they being the state government, have said is available for that project, it would not be up to the requirements of the EPA.”“So quite simply, the funding that they've set aside is not enough to get to where we need to go.”With the rebuild still not underway nearly four years after the floods, the biggest unanswered question remains the same: who will fund the full project, and when will it start?

Residents of NSW are moving into a new digital era with the NSW Government previewing the new Digital Birth Certificate ahead of its release next year.Planned for initial release to people aged 16 to 21, the Digital Birth Certificate is built to the international standard and will be available within the Service NSW app. The new digital document aims to make it easy to locate a birth certificate on your phone, whenever and wherever you need it, without having to dig through drawers and storage boxes for the paper version.A Digital Birth Certificate provides secure access to this vital identity document and will allow the user greater control over which information they share and who they share it with.In the first stage of the roll-out planned for March 2026, the Digital Birth Certificate will be made available to 16–21-year-olds born in NSW who hold a photo card or driver's licence. Service NSW and the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages are engaging industry leaders to ensure the document will be widely accepted in future by government, businesses, schools, clubs and sporting organisations, making it easier to register and apply for services people need.Young adults with a Digital Birth Certificate will initially be able to use it at Service NSW centres to apply for certain NSW Government transactions like the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) competency card.The Digital Birth Certificate will be optional for those who are eligible to participate. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said, “We are making it safer, simpler and faster to confirm your identity through the release of the Digital Birth Certificate.“Not only will it help you prove your identity, it will safeguard your information and give you more control of your personal data through better consent and privacy measures.“The Digital Birth Certificate means you will have access to this important document anytime, wherever you are, and removes the issue of where to safely keep a paper copy.“During natural disasters, we often help people whose birth certificates and other documents have been destroyed; a digital version provides a solution for those who need to verify their identity quickly to access services and apply for grants, rather than waiting for a replacement and delaying timely support.”Acting Secretary of the Department of Customer Service Greg Wells said, “The Digital Birth Certificate will be easily accessible in the Service NSW app.“A birth certificate is a vital part of a person’s legal identity.“The Digital Birth Certificate will help keep your identity protected by reducing the need to share a paper copy.”

More thunderstorms are sweeping across the state from the west, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a severe thunderstorm warning for damaging winds for the entire Northern Rivers, including Lismore, Casino, Ballina, Kyogle, Byron Bay.The BoM has shifted its warning in the last hour to include all of the Northern Rivers, after initially issuing a damaging wind warning for Casino and Yamba. The BoM say that a cold front moving through NSW is combining with an upper-level trough and an unstable airmass to produce further severe thunderstorms this evening.The thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging in the Northern Rivers warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Tenterfield, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah and Byron Bay.Examples of wind gusts that have been recorded earlier this afternoon are:98 km/h wind gust recorded at Merriwa at 6:04 pm.96 km/h wind gust recorded at Taree Airport at 4:08 pm.96 km/h wind gust recorded at Murrurundi Gap at 3:03 pm.119 km/h wind gust recorded at Nobby's Head at 2:12 pm.100 km/h wind gust recorded at Maitland Airport at 2:03 pm.3.5 cm hail reported at Denman at around 1:20 pm.109 km/h wind gust recorded at Dubbo at 12:25 pm.111 km/h wind gust recorded at Trangie at 12:01 pm.110 km/h wind gust recorded at Orange at 11:52 am.98 km/h wind gust recorded at Parkes at 11:02 am.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.* 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 by calling 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.The next warning is due to be issued by 10:40 pm.

With the four-year anniversary of the 2022 natural disaster only three months away, Lismore City Council wants residents to ask themselves, 'Am I bloody ready?'A recent survey of Lismore LGA residents found that while 82% were “very” or “somewhat” concerned about future floods, only 29% felt they were well prepared for a future flood event.“This is why Lismore City Council is joining with NSW Reconstruction Authority, SES and the Red Cross to hold a free Be Flood Ready event to provide residents with localised information to help people better understand their flood risk and take practical steps to prepare,” Mayor Krieg said.“Those attending the event at the Lismore Regional Library next Wednesday, 3 December, will get hands-on help downloading and learning how to use emergency apps and other emergency resources, including Council’s individual Property Flood Certificates for those living in urban and southern areas of the LGA, with northern rural areas to be included soon.”The certificates provide specific details for individual addresses, including natural ground levels and building floor levels, along with definitions for commonly used flood terms. Long-term residents who have been living in the flood plain for sometime, will know this, but new residents or those living on the fringe of the flood plain can get a realistic view of what size floods would affect their property.Lismore has a long history of experiencing floods, the Mayor said.“Understanding your flood risk is crucial for effective planning. Knowing how floods may affect your property helps you make informed decisions before, during and after a flood,” he said.“As well as a new SES video showing how the water flows through our catchment during a flood, there is also a special Storytime session for young children to help them understand floods and minimise trauma.”Council is also doing its part to support the community to prepare for floods.“We have taken on board the lessons identified in the 2022 disaster,” Mayor Krieg said.Since 2022, Council has installed solar-powered, digital advanced flood warning signs with monitoring cameras at key locations on Boat Harbour, Wyrallah and Nimbin roads, the lowest points. Photos will be uploaded onto Council’s website and updated every 15 minutes during a flood, so people can see if the road has water over it and when it has receded. These cameras will go live from next Wednesday, 3 December.This year, to improve flood intelligence across the catchment, five new river and rain gauges have also been installed, including at Nimbin, Keerong and South Lismore.Jessica Anderson, Lismore Council's Emergency Management Coordinator, explained that Council's 10 flood and rainfall gauges or flood warning infrastructure were transferred to the Bureau of Meteorology following a recommendation from the 2022 Flood Inquiry."That was done with a recommendation because of the lack of maintenance and the issues experienced in 2022, that gauges in New South Wales are transferred to the bureau with a significant budget for maintenance and upgrades in order to bring to their service level standard, which will link into the flood warning system in order to improve things from 2022."Jessica said that council has confidence that the rainfall gauges will perform under similar rainfall events, such as the February 2022 flood.In addition, the Browns Creek pump station overtopping digital display will be live on Council’s disaster dashboard, so that those who are interested can monitor future events in real time, safely from home. Below are the details for next week's in-person events:Event #1Go along to a fun story time hosted by the NSW SES for children aged 3-5. A variety of trauma-informed activities have been planned, including reading the children’s book Birdie and the Flood. Written and published by Children’s Health Queensland, the story is designed to help young children:learn what happens when it rains a lot and causes floodinglearn who can help in a floodwork through sad or scary feelingsunderstand they will feel safe and happy again Date: Wednesday, 3 DecemberLocation: Lismore Library, 110 Magellan Street, LismoreTime: 10.30-11.30amPresenters: NSW SES and Lismore Library staff Event # 2BE FLOOD READY: Feel more confident and prepared for future floodsGo along for a free, interactive flood preparedness community event at the Lismore Library to help you stay safe. You will:Learn about flood preparedness and emergency resourcesGet hands-on help downloading and using emergency appsUnderstand your property flood risk and how floods behave locallyHear about new local flood resilience initiativesEnjoy light refreshments It’s a relaxed, hands-on session with friendly faces from the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Red Cross, NSW State Emergency Services, Lismore City Council and Lismore Library staff.Register for the free community event by clicking here. Date: Wednesday, 3 DecemberLocation: Lismore Library, 110 Magellan Street, LismoreTime: 12-1pm: Flood preparedness presentation Presenters: NSW RA, Red Cross, NSW SES, Lismore City Council 

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, has stated that Labor is wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on a new review of the Far North Coast’s bulk water supply, accusing the state and federal government of deliberately excluding Dunoon Dam from the review, despite more than 10,000 locals signing a petition calling for it to be assessed.Mr Hogan, said the review cannot be taken seriously unless Dunoon Dam is put back on the table.“Labor’s refusal to consider Dunoon Dam undermines the credibility of the entire review. Their approach is ideological, not practical. This is millions of dollars being wasted on a study designed to ignore the very option that could actually fix our water security,” Mr Hogan said.“It is also extraordinary that the review will examine desalination, even though Rous County Council has already found it to be high-cost, complex and unsuitable for supplying inland communities. Rous’ own reports state the capital and operating costs for desalination are ‘extremely high’, and that water from a coastal plant cannot be easily or economically transferred inland.”Here is a link to the Rous Water Desalination Options Assessment Report (June 2024), which outlines the high cost and constraints of desalination: https://councilpapers.rous.nsw.gov.au/documents/s6350/Desalination%20Options%20Assessment%20Report.pdf. The NSW and Australian Governments have jointly committed $5 million to develop a preliminary business case. The Australian Government is contributing $2.5 million through the National Water Grid Fund.

The NSW Government is committing more than $3 million over the next two years to partner with sporting organisations to deliver programs that address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence.The Game on for Change – Preventing Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Through Sport Grant Program is the result of $38 million funding delivered under the 2024/25 Budget to roll out primary prevention activities across the state.Last year, the government launched the State’s first standalone Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2028, which aims to address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence by working with communities, schools, workplaces, sporting clubs and local organisations.The government is taking a whole of community approach to addressing domestic, family and sexual violence. Sport reaches and influences many people in our community – as sponsors, players, volunteers, fans and families. Through the Game on for Change grants, the government is seeking innovative ideas using sport to address gendered violence and promote equality.It is part of the broader work the NSW Government is doing to respond to domestic, family and sexual violence, which includes crisis response, strengthening protections, holding perpetrators to account, earlier intervention and primary prevention. Grants from $15,000-$450,000 are available to professional sporting organisations, State Sporting Organisations, community sports clubs, not-for-profit community-based organisations with prevention expertise and higher education institutions. The Game on for Change Program features multiple streams with applications closing 18 February 2026 and 4 March 2026. Further information on the Program is available at: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/game-on-for-change.NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “Sport is part of the fabric of NSW, and with our sporting organisations, we’re sending a clear message that there is no place for domestic, family or sexual violence.“The Game On for Change Program uses the power of sport to shift attitudes, drive cultural change, and build a safer NSW for women and children.”NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “Sport has incredible influence and reach in our community and can be a way to promote positive and healthy behaviours and attitudes.“The Game on for Change Program is an important initiative of our primary prevention strategy to address the drivers of violence against women where people play and socialise.“We aim to engage players, coaches, administrators, spectators, communities, and other key stakeholders to change community attitudes that condone or tolerate violence in our community.“The NSW Government is creating a safer state and stopping the violence before it starts is how we work towards eliminating domestic, family and sexual violence.”NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin and Chair of the Multi-Sport Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence said, “Sport has a huge impact on Australian society. It helps shape community attitudes, values and behaviour, which is why sporting organisations can play a powerful role in preventing domestic, family and sexual violence. “The Game on For Change program will give NSW sporting organisations the opportunity to apply for grants to deliver their own initiatives to prevent gendered violence. As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, I urge sporting organisations to consider how they can use their unique influence to help create a safer community. By stepping up to challenge the drivers of gendered violence, sporting organisations have the opportunity to help deliver real, lasting change.”

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is urging residents to take precautions against tick bites, following three recent cases of tick-related anaphylaxis in local hospitals.Tick anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur immediately after being bitten by an adult tick. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, dizziness and fainting. Immediate treatment with an adrenaline autoinjector (such as an EpiPen) and calling Triple Zero (000) is critical.People who know they are allergic to ticks should always carry an adrenaline autoinjector and have an anaphylaxis action plan. While most tick bites are harmless, they can occasionally lead to mammalian meat allergy and some rare bacterial illnesses.Robin Auld, Associate Director of North Coast Population and Public Health said preventing tick bites and knowing how to remove ticks safely were key to prevent illness.  “Protect yourself when outdoors by applying insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially in bushland or areas with tall grass,” Mr Auld said.“Check your body for ticks after outdoor activities, particularly your scalp, underarms and groin, and avoid sitting or lying in long grass or leaf litter.“If you are bitten by a tick, leave it in place and do not disturb. Freeze the tick using ether-containing sprays such as Medi Freeze before removing. Ticks should be removed as soon as possible to prevent allergic reaction.“For smaller ticks, a permethrin-based cream like Lyclear can be applied. Both are available over the counter at pharmacies.”For more information on tick bite prevention, management, and recognising allergic reactions, visit: Tick bite diseases and symptoms attributed to tick bites | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Temperatures will once again be in the mid-thirties for the next four days, so the Bureau of Meteorology has extended its Severe Heatwave Warning to Friday, November 25.Overnight minimum temperatures will be in the early twenties, with a peak of 23 on Thursday morning.Western parts of the Northern Rivers, including Lismore, will move from a Low to a Severe Heatwave Warning on the Severity Map today (Wednesday). On Thursday, that will extend to all of the Northern Rivers and include Ballina and Byron Bay. Towns just north of Evans Head, like Wardell and west of Yamba, like Maclean, will move to an Extreme Heatwave Warning.Safety Advice:Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.For further safety information before, during and after heatwaves, visit https://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/in-the-community/warningsThe high temperatures are playing their part in creating more thunderstorm activity on Wednesday. The BoM says the thunderstorms are being driven by areas of low pressure across eastern Australia that are tapping into moisture from areas further north and dragging it down into storm areas, which is combining with the very warm conditions. The troughs are acting as a trigger for thunderstorms.(The BoM Thunderstorm Outlook map for Wednesday)Check out this thunderstorm photo from last night, sent in by Lismore App reader Kyle. It is taken from a drone in Goonellabah looking south.As for when conditions will cool somewhat? Saturday is another hot day, with a maximum temperature of 35 degrees, before Sunday drops to 31 degrees.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued another Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Ballina and Byron Bay.The BoM is warning of damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall over the next several hours.The thunderstorms are being driven by areas of low pressure across eastern Australia that are tapping into moisture from areas further north and dragging it down into storm areas, which are combining with very warm conditions. The troughs are acting as a trigger for thunderstorms.The troughs are likely to play a further part in germinating more thunderstorms into Wednesday as well.There were 125km/h wind gust was recorded at Tamworth Airport runway anemometer at 3:49 pm and 106km/h wind gust was recorded at Tamworth AWS at 3:48 pm.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.

Social Futures is pleased to share that the Resilient Kids program has received the national Resilient Australia Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing.This recognition reflects the extraordinary resilience of children and young people across the Northern Rivers who helped shape the program through their lived experience post the 2022 floods.Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said, “The award acknowledges the deep collaboration that underpins Resilient Kids and the shared commitment to supporting young people after disaster.”The Resilient Kids program was conceived by Primary Health Network, Healthy North Coast, through close consultation with community to address the unique needs of young people aged 8-18.Funded by Healthy North Coast via the Australian Government’s $10 million grant through the National Emergency Management Agency – Lead agency Social Futures along with consortium partners The Family Centre and Human Nature Adventure Therapy brought the Resilient Kids vision to life, in parallel to Lives Lived Well.Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said, “This award is a testament to the honesty, strength and vision of the children and young people of the Northern Rivers who opened up about their experiences and aspirations after the 2022 floods. “It’s inspiring to see how their voices have shaped how our region prepares for and recovers from disasters. We’re delighted that Resilient Kids has been being acknowledged as a leading model and that one of our service delivery partners, Social Futures, has been recognised for their exemplary leadership in delivering this innovative program.”All of the organisations and individuals involved have been integral to delivering a model that empowers young people to build confidence, connection and practical coping skills post-disaster.Since launching in 2023, the Resilient Kids program, delivered by Social Futures, has engaged 5,924 young people from across the Northern Rivers, tailoring services to each young person’s unique needs.Support has been delivered through a diverse range of engaging and creative formats, including up to nine months of one-on-one counselling, art therapy, adventure therapy, group work, family supports, community connection activities, sports and games.Social Futures senior manager Specialist Disaster Resilience, Shoshannah Oks, said, “This level of positive impact and recognition reinforces the value of investing in community-led solutions.”The national recognition caps off an exceptional year for the program, which received the state Resilient Australia Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing on 16 September.Resilient Kids was additionally honoured at the Wayahead Mental Health Matters Awards in Sydney on 26 September, where the team accepted the Mental Health Matters Youth Award, highlighting the impact of the program’s trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.Social Futures provides a range of support services for communities impacted by natural disasters. Visit https://socialfutures.org.au/disaster-recovery or call 1800 719 625.

Long-term water security for the Far North Coast has been a hot topic of discussion for the last four years, especially when you throw in the controversial Dunoon Dam into the mix.Not many, if any, Lismore App readers would know that this week the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, otherwise known as DCCEEW, is holding community drop-in sessions seeking your feedback on long-term water security measures for the Northern Rivers.The first session was in the Tweed yesterday, with Murwillumbah and Byron Bay today, Mullumbimby and Ballina on Wednesday and Lismore and Casino on Thursday. More details at the end of the story.The NSW and Australian Governments have jointly committed $5 million to develop a preliminary business case. The Australian Government is contributing $2.5 million through the National Water Grid Fund.The NSW Government is preparing the preliminary business case to test the case for investment and narrow down options to a shortlist.DCCEEW says that climate change, population growth, and challenges to water access are increasing pressure on regional water security in the Far North Coast. The preliminary business case will complement existing water security projects that are being progressed by local government and county councils.At the moment, the project is in the early planning stage to see which, if any, options stack up. The department’s Water Group is leading the options investigation aligned with the Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy.The options being considered include:connecting the Tweed Shire and Rous County Council bulk water systemsregional desalination plants - large-scale or modularintegrating independent town water supplies into the bulk networkusing Toonumbar Dam to support town supplies, especially Casinolinking to the Southeast Queensland Water Grid.Apart from connecting pipelines between water sources, what is interesting about the above options is that Rous County Council (RCC) has already concluded a high-level study into desalination plants on the Northern Rivers, both permanent and temporary, and ruled them out as options. That report was released in August 2024.Andrew Logan, Group Manager Planning and Delivery for RCC, told the Lismore App that the study revealed prohibitive environmental and cost issues, looking at temporary and permanent desalination plants at a number of locations close to the coast."What we were looking at was what we call Stage Three projects under our Future Water Strategy, so the long-term options to get us out beyond 2060. They were the two options we looked at."I guess with the drought side of things, or bringing something in as an emergency drought source, it became clear during the work that it wasn't feasible. We needed two or three years basically to get a temporary desalination plant up and running, and obviously we don't have two or three years of notice before a drought is coming or enough storage in our water supply to manage through that period of time, so that is not a viable option from a drought side of things."In terms of a permanent plant, the real issues were around the Marine Park. This is a significant constraint along the coast from Byron, and we had to basically avoid that area and avoid any impact on that. Obviously, with a desal, you have to be able to get the water in from the ocean and into the treatment plant, but then you also have to discharge the brine, which is the salty water that comes out after the desalination process. So, we really couldn't have an impact on the Marine Park as a result of that. It made things like the pipelines and the tunnels to get the water to and from the desalination plant to be quite long and quite expensive."In terms of cost, Andrew said they were looking at $300 to $450 million for a permanent desalination plant that could produce 10 to 25 mega litres, which is a million litres per day.The locations identified were at Suffolk Park/Tallows Beach and Newrybar/Ross Lane for the permanent sites, and New Brighton Sports Field, Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour, Lighthouse Beach area, and Suffolk Park and Newrybar for the emergency sites.If desalination plants are not an option for the Northern Rivers, according to RCC, what other options are being explored?"We're continuing to investigate the Dunoon Dam. This is currently the work that our council has directed us to do is around the biodiversity of investigations from a preliminary side of things for the Dunoon Dam site and also the cultural heritage studies in consultation with the Aboriginal community around those. So, that's currently one of the options that we're looking at."We're looking at groundwater on the Alstonville Plateau, and that's both looking at the shallower basalt aquifer that is used up there, but also we have investigated a deeper source, which is known as the Clarence Morton Basin, and that's a couple of hundred metres below ground level up on the plateau."That's a decision that the council made, so that when we do use that water, it's not connected to that shallower aquifer, so the impact on the existing users in that shallow aquifer is nil. We're doing some of that work at the moment to get some of those deeper bores up and running."We've also taken on the ownership of the Marom Creek Water Treatment Plant and weir, which used to be owned by Ballina council. That exchange happened towards the middle of this year. Basically, what we're looking at is bringing the groundwater together from our bore holes and Ballina's old bore holes together with the surface water from the Marom Creek Weir, and that will be combined and treated in a new water treatment plant in the Russellton industrial estate at Wollongbar." The reservoir, only 50 metres away, will supply water to Alstonville, Wollongbar and Wardell. Andrew said that most of the time, the water supply for Alstonville, Wollongbar and Wardell will come from Rocky Creek Dam until the dam level reaches 95%, when the water treatment plant will be turned on. This is also the case at Emigrant Creek Water Treatment Plant near Ballina and Wilsons River source near Howards Grass.The Russellton Water Treatment Plant should be ready by about 2033. Another option for Rous is down at Woodburn."We've got some groundwater investigations on the way down there, so we've had some groundwater bores in place for decades, and we're now increasing the number of groundwater wells down there and looking at options as to how we might be able to utilise that water in the future. We don't have a treatment plant down there at the moment, but we're looking at options for that in the future that would service Evans, Woodburn, Riley's Hill and Broadwater. At the moment, those towns take their water from Rocky Creek Dam, like Alstonville, Wollongbar and Wardell.Rous County Council don't want to put all their eggs in one water basket. Having ruled out desalination plants, they are exploring how much water is in local bores and potentially building water treatment plants that can supply water to three or four towns during times of drought.The lowest level of Rocky Creek Dam was in 2003 when it dropped just below 20% triggering severe water restrictions. Rous's Future Water Project 2060 is looking at options to survive another severe drought period.Andrew concluded by saying, "We continue to look at opportunities as they come up."In the meantime, DCCEEW's drop-in sessions will be discussing desalination plants, and at this stage of its Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy, will not explore any dam options, not even in the wettest part of NSW.If you wish to attend the drop-in sessions, there is no need to book; just turn up. The drop-in sessions are:Tuesday 25 November 10 am – 12 pm at Murwillumbah Community Centre, 113 Wollumbin Street, MurwillumbahTuesday 25 November 4 pm – 6 pm at Byron Community Centre, 69 Jonson Street, Byron BayWednesday 26 November 10 am – 12 pm at Mullumbimby CWA Hall, Cnr Gordon and Tincogan Street, MullumbimbyWednesday 26 November 4 pm – 6 pm at Ballina Surf Club, 65 Lighthouse Parade, BallinaThursday 27 November 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at Lismore Library, 110 Magellan Street, LismoreThursday 27 November 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm at Casino Community and Cultural Centre, 35 Walker Street, Casino

A reflective and informative workshop is coming to Lismore this Friday to support local autistic adults to explore concepts around self-advocacy and self-compassion.“The Northern Rivers Autism Association (NRAA) is running “Fostering Autistic Wellbeing: Through Self-Advocacy & Self-Compassion” in Lismore this November. It will be an interactive and reflective session that creates a space to talk through what self-advocacy looks like in our everyday lives and how we can be kinder to ourselves on a day-to-day basis.The workshop is for Autistic adults and will be run on this Friday, the 28th of November, from 10am to 1pm at Southern Cross University in Room A1.15, A Block. Morning tea and light refreshments will be provided at no cost.“It’s a chance for Autistic adults to engage with each other, have some fun, talk about what self-advocacy looks like, what self-compassion means and practical tools for meeting their own needs, setting boundaries and feeling proud to be Autistic without having to apologise for being themselves,” said Micheal Lynch, Presenter, Founder & Chair of the Northern Rivers Autism Association.The workshop was born from wanting to do something meaningful for Autistic people as a way to connect with the Autistic community locally and those beyond.“It’s about creating a space for Autistic people to be with themselves, to be supported and to feel seen and empowered,” Micheal said.Autism-related workshops of this kind are an important part of a growing effort to approach wellbeing from a neurodiversity-affirming and self-advocacy perspective.As many of us become more familiar with Autism and as our community continues to learn and develop greater understandings and supports for Autistic people, workshops like this one will be vital in ensuring our community is more inclusive and compassionate.”To register your attendance, you can just click on the link: https://events.humanitix.com/fostering-autistic-wellbeing-through-self-advocacy-and-self-compassion.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for LARGE HAILSTONES, DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL for Lismore, Casino, Kyogle and other western parts of the Northern Rivers.The BoM says that a warm and humid airmass is combining with a southerly wind change and a low-pressure trough to trigger severe thunderstorms across northeast of the state this afternoon.The severe thunderstorms are expected to develop rapidly over the next 60 to 90 minutes.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Nimbin, Casino, Kyogle, Grafton and Tabulam.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 3:45 pm.

The NSW Government is investing $3.5 million to better support healthy behaviours in men and boys, as the government releases new research into domestic, family and sexual violence. The NSW Man Box 2025 report sheds light on how male attitudes towards masculinity influence domestic, family and sexual violence. The ‘Man Box’ refers to a set of social ‘rules’ that pressure men to behave according to rigid masculine norms, such as being dominant or emotionally closed off.  Most NSW men reject dangerous stereotypes – with more work to do The NSW Government funded a state-specific analysis of the Jesuit Social Services Man Box research, which found most men and boys in NSW reject traditional male stereotypes such as appearing tough and in control. But the report shows men who strongly agree with these ‘rules’ are more likely to perpetrate sexual harassment and intimate partner violence.  Among more than 1,200 New South Wales men surveyed: Over one-third of men reported sexually harassing a woman in the past month, with 18% admitting to frequent harassment.Almost one third of respondents aged 18-30 indicated that they had perpetrated physical or sexual violence against a current or former partner, reinforcing that NSW has a significant problem with intimate partner violence. Violent pornography use was widespread, particularly, among those who strongly endorsed rigid masculine norms. Almost half (48%) of men reported feeling societal pressure to “act strong” even when scared or nervous. One in four agreed or strongly agreed that “men should use violence to get respect if necessary.” Approximately half of the men surveyed reported feeling social pressure to conform to the Man Box.  A quarter personally endorsed these rigid social norms. Men who most strongly endorsed Man Box beliefs were 7.5 times more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence and 10 times more likely to commit sexual violence against an intimate partner than men who rejected the Man Box beliefs. Those same men reported poorer mental health, and higher rates of problem gambling and risky drinking. The report also shows that small shifts in attitudes towards healthier masculinities are associated with lower perpetration of intimate partner violence and sexual harassment. This may be a key factor in reducing intimate partner violence. The NSW Government’s Pathways to Prevention Strategy invests in community-led prevention, respectful relationships education, and support for men, boys, parents and families to address the underlying beliefs and cultures that condone violence against women and children. $3.5 million in additional funding, including helping parents talk to their kids about pornography To support young men to challenge harmful attitudes and develop healthy identities, the NSW Government is announcing:  $2.0 million for the innovative Connect IRL Grants Program to support vulnerable young people build healthy relationships offline, address mental health risks, feelings of isolation and loneliness, to strengthen their sense of belonging. The grant seeks ideas on breaking down barriers to social connectedness and promoting the development of positive attitudes.  $1.5 million to develop comprehensive education and awareness resources for parents and carers to have meaningful conversations with their kids about the use of pornography and its impact on their understanding of sexuality, gender stereotypes and norms, and how to navigate pornography's depictions of relationships. Part of this funding will also be invested in regional and rural programs for men and boys focused on the prevention of gender-based violence by addressing poor mental health, trauma, social and economic hardship, drug and alcohol use and engagement in the community.  Primary Prevention Strategy – Pathways to Prevention The NSW Government will use this report to support the effective implementation of the state’s first standalone Primary Prevention Strategy. The government launched the $38 million strategy last year, which is about stopping violence before it starts. Some of this work under the primary prevention strategy already includes:  ·       Working with sporting clubs through the Multisport Coalition for Primary Prevention ·       Grants to community organisations such as Consent Labs and Top Blokes to work with young people on respectful relationships, consent and gender equality.  In September, the state government passed legislation strengthening protections against image-based abuse by outlawing the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfakes. Apply for the Connect IRL Grants Program here – https://premiers.smartygrants.com.au/ConnectIRL.Minister for Youth and Mental Health Rose Jackson said, “Harmful stereotypes about what it means ‘to be a man’ don’t just drive violence, they also drive loneliness and despair in young men. “This report is confronting, but it’s also hopeful. It shows that most men reject those outdated stereotypes, and that even small shifts in attitudes can make a huge difference. "The Office for Youth is expanding our support of the Connect IRL grants program and cutting red tape to make it easier for young people to access in-person mentoring and social events.“We’re backing programs that help young people step outside the online echo chambers and give them the tools to build a stronger sense of self and better relationships in the real world.” Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “Preventing violence starts with the values and beliefs we teach our children about respect, equality and empathy. “The data released today is a reminder that exposure to violent and degrading content is shaping how too many young people, particularly young men, see relationships and sex. If we don’t step in early, those harmful attitudes can lead to behaviours that cause real harm. “It’s critical we include men and boys across our state in our work in primary prevention, support them to develop healthy attitudes towards masculinity and gender equality, and recognise their role in building safer communities free from violence.” NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr Hannah Tonkin, said, “It is vital that we have a robust understanding of community attitudes if we are to address gendered violence in NSW.  “While the majority of men surveyed do not agree with the outdated gender norms that are often associated with gendered violence, many men still feel pressured to behave in ways that conform to traditional and dominant stereotypes of masculinity.  “It is also vital for men to step up and lead on this by modelling respectful relationships and holding space for open and non-judgmental discussions about respect for women and what it means to be a man.”  Executive Director - The Men's Project at Jesuit Social Services Matt Tyler said, “This report shows us that men in NSW who most strongly believe in restrictive rules about what it means to be a man, are far more likely to be doing harm to others, and not doing too well themselves. This is consistent with findings across the country. “What is promising though is that most men don’t actually support these restrictive Man Box rules. These stereotypes don’t reflect who most of us want to be. “If we can intervene earlier, in schools, sports clubs, workplaces and other environments where men and boys are feeling these pressures, then we can demonstrate a range of healthy forms of masculinity and help men flourish, free from the restrictions of the Man Box. We can support men and boys to live fulfilling lives free from violence.” Support: For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.  If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN. 

If you were thinking of driving along the M1 over the next two nights, you need to be aware that Transport for NSW will be closing the St Helena Tunnel for two nights, weather permitting, for maintenance. To reduce the impact on motorists, the work will be carried out at night. The tunnel will be closed to all traffic from 7pm to 5am each night from Monday, 24 to Wednesday, 26 November, reopening at 5am Thursday, 27 November, weather permitting.Northbound traffic will be diverted onto Hinterland Way at Byron Bay Road (Bangalow exit), rejoining the motorway at Ewingsdale. Southbound traffic will be diverted onto Hinterland Way at Ewingsdale Road (Byron Bay exit), rejoining the motorway at Bangalow.The diversions are suitable for all vehicles, and motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes of additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.Routine maintenance of the St Helena Tunnel is carried out every three months and involves a range of measures, such as inspecting the various operating and safety systems.For more information on this work, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/234631, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘McLeods Shoot’ in your Live Traffic NSW app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

As more and more Christmas lights appear on houses across Lismore and the Northern Rivers, one of Lismore's spectacular business light displays is battling to flick the switch for Monday, December 1.Tracy Ward took over the South Lismore Post Office in 2024, and last year she created a Christmas light display that drew many people to make a special trip to South Lismore to enjoy the amazing spectacle.(South Lismore Post Office with its 2024 Christmas decorations. The front weatherboards had to be replaced.)Tracy is under the pump this year because the front weatherboards suffered wood rot from the 2022 floods, which had deteriorated so much that something had to be done."You can't put a display on walls that are falling apart. It was becoming a hazard to the health and occupational safety of the community."It was all flood damage from the amount of water that we received from the last couple of floods, but particularly '22 left us with wood rot so severe that, anywhere along, it was the paint holding the building together. And where the paint was coming away, there were holes through the building, and that put us in a very precarious position.""There's still a lot of damage that needs to be restored. It's just not the front wall; the side wall is now in the same situation. We get to that next"That precarious position left Tracy scrambling for timbers that could match those of the building, originally built in the 1880s and has been operating as a Post Office since 1936, to keep with its heritage.Enter Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, and the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).Yesterday, Minister Saffin said Tracy reached out to ask where such heritage timbers could be found. Ms Saffin referred the problem to Kristie Clarke at the RA, who found some new/old weatherboards that matched Tracy's brief."There was a big gaping hole that I'd seen when I was out walking, and they (the RA) were able to source the timbers, and the timbers are really old timbers. Tracy will talk about that, but they actually come from one of the houses that had to be demolished in Pine Street, North Lismore."As you can see from the photo, the walls are built and in the process of being bogged and sanded. They then need to be painted so that the Christmas decorations can be added next weekend with the help of staff from the Comm Bank."We're going to clean her. We're going to undercoat her. I've got till the end of this week to have her painted enough so that I can get Christmas up. I've just got to get the paint on, because we've got this wonderful promise from Comm Bank locally. It was really mind-blowing to have them come in and say, Right, that's it, how many people do you need? We're going to lend these people to you. So, next weekend, we've probably got a big team landing. We'll get this thing up."And now, at least I can breathe a bit easier knowing that if we do run into trouble this storm season, we're not going to have a huge hole through the front of the building."Tracy is a single mother of four, so she knows how difficult it is not to keep a promise to children."The lights have to be running on December 1 because we've made a promise. You can't break a promise to children. So yes, I am running on no sleep, but that's okay, and I will be working 14 hours a day, like I always do in Post. I'll be up at 530, I'll be in the shop just after six. I'll be leaving at six, and after work, I will be putting up the Christmas display. But that's okay, because, like I said, we pay very, very heartily here."Minister Saffin added, "The Christmas display and the associated activities, and what it does, how it includes all the children, and includes the community. That alone is enough to say, Yep, we've got to help."If you would like to help Tracy achieve her goal of getting her daughter, Heidi, to switch on the Christmas Lights on December 1, pop in to 73 Union Street, South Lismore and ask what needs to be done and when she needs the most help.Your support will help ensure the post office is repaired and ready for its much-loved Christmas decorations - a long-standing local tradition and symbol of community spirit in South Lismore.For Tracy, that spirit is driven by Heidi's story, the Christmas after the 2022 flood. "Heidi is my little girl, and after the flood, she asked Santa, two years running, for the same thing, and it was heartbreaking. She asked him for a toilet and a bed, and Santa didn't have the capacity to provide that. So I made a promise to myself that when Santa was able to provide that for my children, that I would make sure no other child missed out on Christmas, and that was what sparked this last year. "So, it was a little girl who asked for something that you shouldn't have to ask for in a first-world country, and wasn't able to have that fulfilled. So last year, when the lights turned on, Heidi came to Santa Claus, and she had a sack on her shoulder, and she proudly marched up the stairs, and she flicked that light. She doesn't know yet, but she's going to have that same opportunity this year to come and to turn on those lights. We will have a light-turning-on ceremony again. "We will make this happen. And, yeah, Merry Christmas.

With the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasting a week of 33 to 36 degree days, NSW Ambulance is urging people to monitor conditions.NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director Emergency Management, said people need to plan ahead and monitor conditions as heatwave conditions develop across the north of the state, with temperatures forecasted to reach the mid to high thirties.“Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for some people, especially the elderly, babies, children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and people who are unwell or have medical conditions,” Chief Superintendent Vaughan said.NSW Ambulance has issued an Advice warning for these severe-intensity heatwaves. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.Stay hydrated - make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.Keep cool - seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics. Avoid the heat - schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.Check in on vulnerable people - hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle - leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes.Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.  People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000). For further information, updates and advice, go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook and Instagram.For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings, go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.The NSW Rural Fire Service has kept its Fire Danger Ratings at Moderate at this stage.