With the 2026 school year about to begin, one in three children in New South Wales is entering school with preventable tooth decay, underscoring the urgent need for expanded, school-based dental prevention programs, the Australian Dental Association NSW (ADA NSW) says.Recent NSW Health oral health data show that around 40% of NSW children aged 5–6 have untreated or experienced dental disease by school age, with significantly higher rates among disadvantaged communities. Aboriginal children, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and families in regional and remote areas bear a disproportionate share of this largely preventable disease.“Tooth decay in early childhood isn’t just about cavities: it affects every part of a child’s life, from eating and sleeping to concentration and social confidence on their very first day of school,” said ADA NSW President Dr Mark Morrin.Despite being largely preventable, childhood dental caries remains a leading health issue across NSW. Many families face barriers to early dental care due to concerns around cost, long public dental waiting lists and limited access to preventive care, particularly outside metropolitan centres.“Right now, far too many NSW kids start school already behind because of tooth decay that could have been stopped early with simple, preventive care,” Dr Morrin said. “Investing in education backed with schools and families working together helps delivers equitable access to good oral health, particularly for children who most need support.”ADA NSW is calling on the NSW Government to strengthen preventive oral health measures in schools and early learning settings. Key recommendations include:Regular dental screenings and check-up reminders, including promoting the CDBS for eligible families to access government-funded dental careOral health education for children, parents and carersPromotion of water as the drink of choice and reduced access to and consumption of sugary drinks in canteens“Prevention works with improving oral health but only if children have access to early care where they spend much of their day,” Dr Morrin added.Some efforts are underway, which the ADA NSW has commended such as the NSW Health’s Primary Schools Mobile Dental Program which currently delivers free dental check-ups and preventive care to students across 11 Local Health Districts, helping reduce barriers to access. However, ADA NSW argues that prevention must go further and reach every child, in every community.Untreated tooth decay can lead to pain, infection and even hospitalisation. National reporting shows dental conditions remain among the leading causes of hospital admission for young children in Australia, costing families and the health system dearly.“Good oral health starts with building healthy habits and strong foundations before children even walk into the classroom.”

Since the February 28 2022, big flood, the Lismore Lions Club has been raising funds and distributing goods to those in need across the Lismore LGA.Nearly four years later, Lismore Lions Club President, Brian Johnson, has advised that the Club’s 2022 flood appeal funds have all been utilised and the fund has closed.In total, over $600,000 was donated to over 425 local households, mainly by purchases of household items such as fridges, bedding, washing machines and other essential items. Many gift cards were also purchased and provided to people for smaller items.The fund operated for such a long period, as requests for help were still being received recently from people still returning to their repaired or new home.Funds for the appeal came from local fundraising efforts and donations, other Lions Clubs and from the Australian Lions Foundation.The Club was assisted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Social Futures Recovery Connect in assessing the applications for help.Major retailers Betta Lismore, Bryant’s Beds & Mattresses, Instyle Sleepcentre and Bi-Rite Appliances also helped by supplying goods at agreed lower prices.President Brian Johnson said the Club would like to acknowledge the help of all concerned with the appeal and is proud to have been able to help all those who were in need, after such a devastating flood.Lismore Lions Club was formed in 1947 and was the first Lions Club in Australia. They are always looking for new members. If you are interested, you can phone the club on 0468 872 565.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Heatwave Warning for Lismore and the western parts of the Northern Rivers on Monday and Tuesday.Although today's temperatures are into the mid-30's, Lismore 34, Casino 37, and Kyogle 37 degrees, the Severe Heatwave Warning is for Monday when temperatures rise to 38 degrees for Lismore, and 41 degrees for Casino and Kyogle.(Orange highlights the Severe Heatwave Warning for Monday, with the Low Warning in yellow. Image from BoM website) The warnings are in place for Tuesday, although maximum temperatures will drop to 29 degrees for Lismore and 32 degrees for Casino and Kyogle.The coastal parts of the Northern Rivers have a Low Heatwave Warning from Monday to Wednesday. Ballina will reach 35 degrees on Sunday.NSW Ambulance Acting Chief Superintendent Bryce Picot, Associate Director Emergency Management, said people need to plan ahead and monitor conditions.   “With heatwave conditions expected to intensify early next week, it’s vital everyone makes cooling down and hydration a priority, as the real danger isn’t just one hot day, it’s the relentless heat over consecutive days,” Acting Chief Superintendent Bryce Picot said.  NSW Ambulance has issued Advice warnings for this severe heatwave. 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).  The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is warning that some common medicines can increase the risk of sunburn and heat-related illness.National President, Professor Trent Twomey, urged Australians to take extra precautions, review and store medicine according to recommendations, and speak to their community pharmacist if they have concerns. “Community pharmacists are always available to provide advice on the safe storage of medicines, checking if medicines increase heat or sun sensitivity and helping to manage dehydration, heat stress or sunburn”, Professor Twomey said. “Many people simply don’t know that some non-prescription medicines like painkillers and antihistamines can affect your reaction to the sun. Other medications, for example, some antidepressants or ADHD medicine, may reduce heat tolerance, increase dehydration, or slow down your body’s cooling process. “It’s important for people to continue using these medicines – but take additional precautions in the heat and sun. "Community pharmacists are here to help during this extreme heat. A quick conversation about your medicines could prevent a serious reaction. We encourage everyone to stay hydrated, stay sun‑safe, and seek advice early if you’re unsure.” For further information, updates and advice go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.  For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website, or you can view it through the Lismore App Weather & Travel.

As the new year begins, almost $300 million is sitting in the state’s unclaimed money pool – and the NSW Government wants to see it returned to its rightful owners.Unclaimed money is money that you are legally entitled to, but a business hasn’t been able to find you.Money typically becomes unclaimed when people forget to update their name or contact details with businesses, have lost paperwork, or when estates are unaware of funds belonging to deceased relatives. The North Coast has as many as 41,208 registered items worth $12,432,295 just waiting to be claimed by families and households. The unclaimed money register, managed by Revenue NSW, includes funds from overpayments, uncashed cheques, dividends, refunds, and other amounts owed to individuals.In total, more than 800,000 items of unclaimed money – ranging from a few dollars to millions of dollars – is sitting with Revenue NSW and registered to an NSW address.To find out if you have any unclaimed money, you can search the Revenue NSW website at www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/unclaimed-money. If you have any money owing, you fill in a form and provide your ID and your connection to the money. Claims are typically verified and processed by Revenue NSW within a month.Last year, the NSW Government upgraded systems to simplify and speed up the unclaimed money process. This includes additional integration with Service NSW to help identify you during the claims process. The Government also reduced the timeframe for businesses that are holding money from six years to two, ensuring that money is reported to Revenue NSW, and returned to its owners sooner.These reforms help put more money back into the hands of North Coast families.Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos, said, “Across the state, almost $300 million is sitting unclaimed, and we want to make sure as much of that as possible finds its way back to families.“Last financial year, Revenue NSW returned more than $21 million to its rightful owners. With these new reforms, we’re making it faster and easier for people to get what they’re owed.“While Revenue NSW regularly contacts potential owners, incomplete data means people are sometimes missed. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to check online – you might be surprised with what you find.”Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said, "There is over $12 million sitting in a vault that belongs right here in the North Coast community.“We want that money out of government accounts and back into your pockets where it can actually make a difference.“I encourage everyone on the North Coast to jump on to the Revenue NSW website today to check if they have anything to claim.”

We all dream of winning Lotto, and the multitude of ways that we would spend the money, but do we think about who we would tell and when? According to new research from The Lott, some players initially wouldn’t tell anyone about their major lottery win – not even their own partner or children. When the confetti bursts and the champagne pops after a win, more than half of players (54%) say they’d tell their beloved spouse or partner first before anyone else. Further down the list to first hear the life-changing news are family (15%), children (14%) and siblings (3%). But not everyone spills the beans…Surprisingly, about one in ten players (9%) said they wouldn’t tell anyone about their good fortune (including those with partners). And what are their reasons?“Worried about being hit up for cash” (49%) “Wanting time to plan before telling anyone” (27%) “Simply preferring to keep the win private” (20%).  To tell or not tell the kids?Only about 65% of parents said they’d tell their children about a division one win. For those that wouldn’t, the key reasons cited included:Wanting to surprise them later with gifts or support (20%) Concerns the children would expect money (9%) A desire to instil a healthy work ethic (8%).  However, the children’s ages matter. The younger the children, the more likely they’d be kept in the dark about the parents’ good fortune until they were older. Just under half (46%) of parents with children aged 1-10 years would tell their children soon after winning. For those parents with older children, this figure grows to:63% for parents with children aged 11-17 years 61% for parents with children aged 18-29 years 74% for parents with children aged 30-39 years 66% for parents with children aged 40 or more years.  Only 6% said their children were too young to understand, and a small number of respondents even admitted they’d tell one child but not the others! The Lott spokesperson Khat McIntyre said the findings painted a picture of Aussie winners’ focus on hearts, households and close-knit circles. “When we give winners the life-changing news over the phone, more often than not, the first thing they want to do is share the news with their significant other,” she said. “Sometimes their partner is there beside them, screaming in excitement, while other times the winner can’t wait to surprise their partner with a phone call or by showing them their winning ticket. “For most, it’s about connection and sharing the moment with the people who matter most. For others, it’s about creating a surprise that will be remembered forever. “And while most winners tell someone, there are a select few who tell no one, which begs the question, could your parents, a sibling or even a neighbour be a secret millionaire?”Now we all dream of having that experience.

Three males have been arrested in Coraki and charged following an extensive investigation under Operation Soteria into alleged property offences on the North Coast.In December 2025, police commenced an investigation into several break and enter offences across the Coffs/Clarence, Richmond and Tweed/Byron Police Districts, where vehicles were stolen.Inquiries suggested the incidents were linked, and the matters were referred to Operation Soteria for further investigation with the assistance of General Duties Police, Proactive Crime Teams, and Police Rescue.About 2.15am yesterday (Thursday, 22 January 2026), police attempted to stop an allegedly stolen vehicle at Sapphire Beach, near Coffs Harbour.As police approached the vehicle on foot, the driver allegedly drove towards an officer, who was forced to take evasive action.Police pursued the vehicle along the M1 Motorway before the pursuit was terminated due to the manner of driving. The vehicle was later located abandoned at Yamba.About 1pm yesterday, police attended an address at Coraki where three males – aged 13, 17 and 18 – were arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.The 13 and 18-year-old males were each charged with 14 offences;Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (four counts)Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner (four counts)Larceny (two counts)Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offenceEnter building/land with intent commit indictable offenceDestroy or damage property, andBe carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.The 13-year-old was refused bail to appear before a children's court today (Friday, 23 January 2026), where he was granted strict conditional bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.The 18-year-old was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 today (Friday, 23 January 2026), where he was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.The 17-year-old was charged with 16 offences;Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (four counts)Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner (four counts)Larceny (two counts)Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offenceEnter building/land with intent commit indictable offenceDestroy or damage propertyPolice pursuit - not stop - drive recklesslyNever licensed person drive vehicle on road, andUse etc offensive weapon to prevent police investigation.He was refused bail to appear before a children's court today (Friday, 23 January 2026), where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Friday, 30 January 2026.Since Thursday, 1 January 2026, a total of 26 individuals have been arrested under Operation Soteria on the NSW North Coast.The 26 individuals have been charged with a combined 133 offences. All remain before the courts.Inquiries under Operation Soteria are continuing.

The Australia Day long weekend is a mixed bag for the weather. Saturday is the day for outdoor activities, as the weather kicks up a gear on Sunday and Monday.A heatwave warning has not been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology yet; however, with 35 and 37 degrees expected, it may be issued very soon.Tomorrow's (Saturday) forecast is cloudy with a top of 28 degrees. Easily the most pleasant of the next three days.There are quite a few activities across the long weekend, which include a Free Family Fun Day to celebrate Australia Day at the Lismore City Bowling Club between 10am and 2pm on Monday.The Rotary Club of Lismore Networking is putting on a free BBQ, music by the Cath Simes Band, Wild Rangers Animal Show. Thong Throwing, Barefoot Bowls and Face painting.MARKETSSome vendors will be making a return from the Christmas holidays at tomorrow's Lismore Farmers Markets at the Lismore Showgrounds.Fresh fruit and vegetables, breakfast, tea and coffee, and a variety of craft items for sale from 7:30am. Cheese 'n' Crackers will supply the live music.The Nimbin Markets are this week's Sunday Markets. Head up to the hills early to avoid the heat of the day and check out the variety of stalls that only Nimbin can offer, such as multicultural food, unique artisan wares, recycled inventions and spinning and crafty arts.Cullen Street will be in full swing between 9am and 3pm.WALKSThe Lismore Rainforest Botanic Garden monthly walk is on Sunday morning from 9:30 at 313 Wyrallah Road, Monaltrie. Head to the tip and turn right soon after you drive through the gates.This month, Richard will take you through the Megafauna and Microplastics Guided Walk, sharing big stories from the first plants on land can show about the future and addressing microplastics and other challenges of our lives today.Meet at the Visitor's Centre at 9.15am for a one-hour walk at 9:30am. The cost is $5 for adults, with children free.To explore other bush walks to tackle over the long weekend, click Walks, or click NRs Rail Trail to explore the rail trail.LIVE MUSICThe Noughty Nineties Party is on at the Lismore Workers Club on Saturday. Get ready to wind back the clock and relive the music of Blink 182, Beyoncè, Britney, The Killers, Backstreet Boys, Usher and more.Live Music DJ sets, and you are asked to dress retro to really set the mood, with tracksuits, butterfly clips, cargo pants etc.Tickets are $15 to $25, and can be purchased by clicking here.Coming up at the Lismore Workers Club:The Ultimate Superstars of Country Friday, 6 February 2026Faulty Towers The Dining Experience Friday, 6 March 2026Inxsive & Gold Chisel Tribute Show Saturday, 21 March 2026The Italian Tenors Sunday, 19 April 2026To book tickets to any of the above concerts, click here.CHEAPEST FUEL PRICESFuel prices have been stable in the Northern Rivers this week. Here is the list of the cheapest service stations for this week:E10 is 169.9 at the Ampol Foodary on Woodlark Street, Lismore CBD, the 7-Eleven and the Ampol Foodary on Union Street in South Lismore and the EG Ampol on Diadem Street, 173.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 169.5 at the Mobil and Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 170.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 175.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street, and the Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 171.5 at the Mobil and Metro on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 179.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore, the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore and the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, 195.9 at the EG Ampol at 130 Canterbury Street in Casino, and 183.5 at the Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 187.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore and the Liberty at 113 Union Street in South Lismore, 195.9 at the Liberty on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 191.5 at the Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 187.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 185.9 at the two Liberty's on Centre and Hare Street, the Casino Roadhouse and The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 186.5 at the Mobil and Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great long weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

The iconic Richmond Hotel has been part of the Lismore CBD landscape for around 156 years. From its early days as the 'cottage hotel' on Woodlark Street in the 1870's to its evolution into the Richmond Hotel in 1937, which was decimated by the 28 February 2022 big flood, when the rear deck was tenuously holding together.(The Richmond Hotel on 6 March 2022)The Richmond has changed hands three times in the last four years, for various reasons: flood restoration affordability, gaming licenses and restoring a hotel as a commercial entity.Enter Dan and Kiera Clynes, the new lessees of the Richmond Hotel.(Kiera and Dan Clynes; ready to inject their personality into the Lismore community)Dan and Kiera's vision it to build a multi-facet hospitality venue that will not involve gambling."There will be no TAB, and it will not return back to an everyday pub," Dan told the Lismore App as preparations were being made to open the old Miss Lizzie's Cafe, now called the Reasonable Doubt Society, this Saturday.Dan and Kiera explained what the finished product will look like when the renovations are complete for the Richmond Hotel. Like many of the larger businesses in Lismore, the work will be done in stages."The venue itself will have three dining rooms. We've got a wine bar cafe at the front of the venue, (Reasonable Doubt Society), we'll have a bar and grill set up, so big steaks, and a big emphasis on seafood."The plan is to have a public bar element, but it'll be a cocktail lounge, so both seating all the way through. We'll have an arcade at the back for families, so kid-friendly, and then a speakeasy bar."The speakeasy bar has its history around prohibition times in the U.S. Entry was often password-protected to avoid detection. For Dan and Kiera, the speakeasy will be downstairs where the current poolrooms are situated."It will have a dedicated trap door built into the venue that leads down to the speakeasy. If you think about the old days, it will be like a cigar bar, that type of space."Also in the plans is a deck over the side alley that will close the walkway off to the public, al fresco dining undercover at the front of the building and open deck dining at on the deck at the back of the building.As for the food, it could well become one of Lismore's premier dining venues, like The Loft was prior to the 2022 floods."During our years in Sydney, I trained with Neil Perry and Tetsuya in fine dining restaurants. So, the Rock Pool. I was with the Rock Pool group for eight years. I've been cooking 24 years now, a long time, pretty much my whole life."I've worked a lot with East 33, and they pick and choose the best oysters, Sydney rock oysters, in particular, from north to south, so they take their pick of estuaries. I've done a lot of work with them, and hope to have a roaming oyster bar out on that back deck at least once a week."When I came up here, I worked over at the Charcoal. I came up here for Beef Week and did some work with Jack's Creek. Jacks Creek, out of Tamworth, and slaughtered in Casino, is the world's best steak. They have a grade, I think it's a grade six to seven, full-blood wagyu that is known as the world's best steak. It's won the award two years in a row, and it will win again this year."That part of Dan and Kiera's plan is expected to open in 10 to 12 weeks because Dan want's to open the kitchen so people can see the chef's cooking their food. This involves removing part of a wall and reversing the kitchen layout, so will take some time to complete.Dan is indigenous, born on the other side of Dubbo."So Wiradjuri, and now cooking on Bundjalung land. We are really excited to get open. I think it will just become a big restaurant with multifaceted eateries, good little hubs for people to catch up with friends and family and stuff with amazing food on the back balcony."This is super exciting...super, super exciting."As we mentioned, Stage 1 of Dan and Kiera's plan is to open the Reasonable Doubt Society tomorrow. So, pop into the Richmond Hotel on Woodlark Street, say hi and order a coffee and a pastry.2026 is the year of construction and growth for Lismore, and the Richmond Hotel is going to play its part.

Rugby League and Gold Coast Titans fans are in for a treat on Saturday, February 7, when new head coach Josh Hannay takes his NRL squad on the road, stopping at Crozier Field for a training session and fan day.Lismore and the Northern Rivers are a passionate Titans region with a strong link to the club through local talent who are now playing in the NRL, like Josh Patston, who played with the Marist Brothers Rams, Jaylan De Groot, who played with Cudgen and Zane Harrison with the Tweed Seagulls.The free, family-friendly event will give fans the opportunity to get up close with the Titans’ NRL squad and coaching staff in one of the side's final training sessions before the club's first trial against the Dolphins, with player signings, activations and community engagement activities planned throughout the day.Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said bringing the NRL squad to Lismore was an important part of the focus to continue strengthening the club's connection with its community."The Northern Rivers has always been a vital part of the Titans’ community, and our entire organisation is proud to be returning to Lismore to immerse ourselves with one of our most passionate regions," he said."Our club has deep ties to this region - from grassroots participation to diehard fans who have been with us in solidarity since the beginning in 2007 - events like this allow us to say thank you and build even stronger connections heading into the season."I know how passionate Josh is with initiatives such as this, and we want this to be a community celebration of rugby league."Fans will be welcome to watch training and then meet the players, grab a photo or autograph and be part of the Titans' journey as we prepare for an exciting new season.”Lismore City Council Mayor Cr Steve Krieg is excited to welcome the Titans for their upcoming Fan Day."Lismore is grateful to the Gold Coast Titans for the generosity of bringing a genuine NRL fan experience to our region," he said."This is more than a quick visit. They are training at Crozier Field and making time for a public signing session."Having training and interactive sessions like this inspires our kids and strengthens community sport."I encourage everyone to come along to Crozier Field on Saturday, February 7; watch the sessions, take part in the activities on the day and enjoy meeting the players."The NRL squad will kickstart their trip to Lismore with school visits across the Northern Rivers to deliver the new Titans Try Time Tales program, ahead of a Friday night function at the Northern Rivers Hotel - owned by former Gold Coast Giant, Seagull and Chargers forward Tony Durheim."This is fantastic for Lismore that an NRL side would come here to have a training session and for the club to expand their fan base," Tony told the Lismore App. "Also, for the players to see the devastation that the 2022 flood has caused a community in their backyard."Saturday’s fan day will commence with training against Hostplus Cup affiliates Tweed Seagulls at 9.30am, followed by a signing session at 11.30am - register to attend via titans.com.au/fanday.

NSW Police will be focusing on preventing and detecting speeding and alcohol-affected drivers during the Australia Day long weekend.Police will be out in force during the Operation Australia Day from Friday, 23 January to Monday, 26 January 2026, targeting dangerous and high-risk driver behaviour.A double demerit period is in place for the same period for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.The high-visibility police operation involves officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with the assistance of general duties and specialist police from all police commands and districts across the state.Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Paul Scully said too many families had their lives shattered by dangerous driving.“This long weekend, police will be out in force to keep people safe on our roads. Double demerits are in place, and enforcement will be highly visible. Speeding, drink or drug driving, using your phone or not wearing a seatbelt are choices that can cost lives.“If you’re travelling this long weekend, plan ahead, be patient, drive to the conditions and don’t drive fatigued.”“The goal of this operation is simple. We want everyone to get where they’re going safely and return home to their loved ones.”Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said police would target speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, and restraint offences.“Our message is that if you are travelling on our roads this weekend, then we want everyone to reach their destination safely,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.“Too many lives are lost on our roads because of poor decisions.“If you plan on drinking, then have a Plan B and don’t drive. Even speeding a couple of kilometres over the speed limit increases the risk of crashing so don’t do it.“This operation is about preventing tragedy. One moment of inattention can have lifelong consequences.”Transport for NSW Executive Director for Transport Safety, Chadi Chalhoub, said every person on the road has a role to play in keeping themselves and others safe.“NSW ended 2025 with an unacceptably high 355 lives lost on our roads, most on regional roads, with speed a key factor in fatal crashes,” Mr Chalhoub said.“With people travelling at the end of the summer break and ahead of the school term, drivers and riders are urged to slow down and drive to the conditions.“As families prepare for the school year, drivers are reminded that school zones return from 27 January and to be alert for children, even on pupil-free days.“The safest journeys are the ones where everyone makes it home.”Plan your trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com, calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Today, we come together in a National Day of Mourning to honour the 15 innocent people killed in the antisemitic Bondi Beach terrorist attack in December last year.We stand with those whose lives were changed forever.The theme of this day is: “Light will win – a gathering of unity and remembrance”.It was chosen by the Chabad community in Bondi, and it is a message of hope.After the enormity of this tragedy, this attack on their community, their message is “Light will win.”It is a reference to the Jewish festival of lights.Today Buildings all over the country are being illuminated. My office too has sparkling lights today.Tonight, there will be light beams projected into the sky at 15 locations around Australia, one for each of the victims killed in the Bondi Beach attack.This is a gathering of unity and remembrance. Just as this horrific attack united us in disbelief and horror across the country, today we can be united in mourning and honouring the lives lost. At 7.01pm wherever we are, we can observe the minute’s silence together.It is in coming together in times of tragedy that we show that light will win. It is what we do. Support each other in the hardest of times.Tonight we stand with the Jewish community, and we stand against terrorism.Together we can pledge that Light Will Win.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has resigned from the Coalition’s Shadow Ministry, saying he could not support what he describes as rushed legislation with potential impacts on free speech.Mr Hogan posted the statement on social media late last night, confirming he had stepped down from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s Shadow Ministry alongside other National Party colleagues, following the resignation of three Nationals senators earlier in the day.“Today as a matter of principle I have resigned from Sussan Ley’s Shadow Ministry,” Mr Hogan wrote. “My Senate team of Senator Bridget McKenzie, Senator Susan McDonald and Senator Ross Cadell were forced to resign for taking a principled party room position. My National Shadow Ministry colleagues have resigned as well.”The resignations come amid a widening rift within the Coalition after Nationals senators voted against Labor’s post-Bondi attack legislation targeting hate groups and extremist preachers, triggering a breakdown in the long-standing Liberal–National partnership at a federal level.During an interview on local ABC North Coast this morning, Mr Hogan said the Nationals supported outlawing violent extremist organisations, but had serious concerns about how parts of the legislation were drafted.“We certainly want these really bad groups like the neo-Nazis and Hizb ut-Tahrir to be outlawed, and we supported legislation that would do that,” he said. “But when you get into this type of legal speak, you start getting into territory around what people can or can’t say, and that’s where our concerns were.”Mr Hogan said Nationals MPs and senators had worked to improve the legislation, proposing amendments they believed would tighten the laws and confine them clearly to inciting or encouraging violence.“We were happy that no one can ever incite or encourage violence… that’s easy to legislate against,” he said. “But the bill started to include terms like ‘psychological harm’. When you get into that type of language, it’s the judiciary that interprets it, and we thought there were grey areas where free speech for normal Australians could be impinged.”He said those concerns ultimately led the party to oppose the bill when amendments failed to pass.In his public statement, Mr Hogan said the decision came at a personal cost but reflected what he believes voters expect from their representatives.“I am a proud National,” he said. “The rushed legislation could have untold impacts on free speech and this is not in the best interest of our country.”“I will always stand up for our country, even if the personal cost is great. It’s what people have asked me to do and what you deserve from your Nats team.”For Lismore and the wider Page electorate, Mr Hogan’s stance reinforces his long-held position that principle should come before party politics.“Principle should triumph over politics every time,” he said.

For Sonny Campbell, a Year 6 student and school captain at Wyrallah Road Public School, the journey to a major statewide musical began with a burst of excitement shared with some of his friends.After submitting his initial audition for the Combined Schools Musical, Sonny found out he’d been selected for a call back while he was still at school, news he couldn’t keep to himself.“When I found out I’d got the call back, I ran back to my friends and told them all because I’d been practising with them at school,” Sonny said.That moment would prove to be an big step in what followed. After another round of auditions, including learning several scenes and songs in a short space of time, Sonny has been officially cast as Michael Banks in Mary Poppins - one of the central child roles in the production.The Combined Schools Musical is a new initiative run by The Arts Unit, bringing together selected students from across regional New South Wales to perform in a fully staged, professional-level musical. For Sonny, being chosen from such a wide pool of performers is a huge achievement.“I’m playing Michael Banks in Mary Poppins,” he said. “It’s really exciting.”Sonny’s love of performance has been part of his life since he first started primary school. Acting and singing, he says, are where he feels most comfortable and creative.“I enjoy how it’s really creative and it’s what I like to do,” he said. “I want to keep doing all this creative stuff as I go to high school and when I grow up.”It also helps that Mary Poppins is a story close to his heart. “When I was a little kid, I had a big obsession with Mary Poppins,” Sonny said. “So it’s pretty cool.”The audition process itself was a big job, particularly for a regional student. Sonny completed his auditions by video, recording them here rather than travelling to Sydney. As part of the call back, he had just a few days to learn three scenes and three songs before submitting his final audition.With the role now confirmed, Sonny is preparing for an intensive rehearsal schedule leading into the August 2026 performances at Murwillumbah High School. Rehearsals will include full-day sessions on weekends, followed by weeks of daily rehearsals closer to the show.While the role is exciting, it also represents a significant personal achievement for Sonny, who openly speaks about living with autism and ADHD. Learning scripts can be challenging, and he has developed his own ways of working around that.“I don’t know how to read, so if I need to memorise something, I really have to listen to it over and over again,” he said. “If I’m writing something down, I have to draw pictures to remind me.”Despite those challenges, performance is where Sonny thrives. Acting and music allow him to focus, express himself and build confidence, something that has been encouraged both at home and at school.At Wyrallah Road Public School, Sonny is involved in music and leadership. He is part of the school choir and band, plays drums and guitar outside of school, and recently took on a lead role in the school play. He says the school’s music program and the support of teachers played a key role in helping him even learn about the opportunity.“If Mrs Hart didn’t work at the school, we probably wouldn’t have known about it,” Sonny said. “Our school has a great music program, which I’m very lucky to be part of.”As rehearsals approach, Sonny is already doing what he knows best, listening, practising and memorising, one step at a time.

Lismore's popular Jingle Bell Christmas shop at the bottom end of Woodlark Street has changed a great deal in four weeks, and there is more change to come.Just before Christmas Day last year, Jingle Bell Christmas was heaving with an array of Christmas decorations that would transform any house into a festive wonderland.Fast forward to January 22, and the shop is bare as owner Sue Cramp prepares to move into her new location at the Casino Aerodrome.The reason? Semi-retirement and not being in a flood location, which is one of Lismore's most vulnerable areas for a local business."My husband and I are trying to semi-retire. So by doing the Christmas shop, I can get away with Christmas from July through to December," Sue told the Lismore App."And also with the Christmas shop, obviously, I packed it up several times for floods that have happened, and it is such hard work because it's got so much stock in it, and I'm just getting tired."Being in retail in the CBD, under the threat of regular flooding, can take a toll, especially if you are looking for a better balance between work and leisure time.The good news for people who love all things Christmas is that Sue is moving into an airport hangar, which means more room for more trees and decorations."It will probably be twice the size of this space, so it'll be a lot better. I'll have it as a destination point, where there'll be a little coffee shop in there, so people can drive over, have a look and have a coffee."It will still be the real niche Jingle Bell Christmas, the way I do it. It's not going to be just a regimental warehouse sort of look. It'll be very what I do, but I won't have the stress of the floods."Sue won't be leaving the space empty following the move to Casino. Woodlark Street will see some shop-shuffling activity over the next few months.Punt & Crick is an eclectic, vintage & recycled furniture and clothing store next door to Jingle Bell Christmas. Punt & Crick will move into the bigger space.Then, the current Punt & Crick shop will have the Animal House, also situated on Woodlark Street, moving in after Easter. But before that happens, Sue will run a little Easter pop-up shop in that location, thanks to already-ordered Easter stock.Christmas is a real passion for Sue, and Lismore Christmas fans will still get their Christmas hit in the second half of 2026; they just need to drive the short 30 minutes along the Bruxner Highway.

New research reveals that more than 9.7 million Australians (44%) will start 2026 in debt, and almost nine in ten (89%) feel the same or more stressed about their finances than last year. The Salvos are urging the nation to uncover a resource that could transform their financial well-being: Moneycare, the organisation’s free and confidential financial counselling service.Most Australians have never heard of Moneycare, and The Salvation Army says that needs to change. Moneycare has been described as “one of Australia’s best‑kept secrets”, despite providing more than 48,000 sessions of care last financial year alone. The service supports people to get on top of debt, create realistic budgets, navigate financial stress and build long‑term stability — all at no cost. Kristen Hartnett, The Salvation Army’s Head of Moneycare, says the research shows Australians are carrying heavy financial burdens, often in silence. “This Moneycare Week, we want people across the country to do a financial reset. The New Year is the perfect moment to take control of your financial situation, and Moneycare is here to help you do that. Financial counselling is free, confidential and incredibly effective — but many people don’t realise it exists.” The Salvos’ national survey of 2,005 people found:45% feel pressure to spend more than they can afford. Of those, 43% say embarrassment about their financial situation drives that pressure and 31% cite cultural or societal expectations24% find it difficult to create a budget20% struggle to prepare a tax returnAmong those starting 2026 in debt, 52% have credit card debt, and 26% have Buy Now, Pay Later debt23% never speak to family or friends about their financial situation32% feel uncomfortable discussing money at all with their family or friends One community member supported by Moneycare said the service changed their life: “The help you've given me has given me a reason to get out of bed and get moving. The financial side of things is no longer in the forefront of my mind and I can't thank you enough for that.” Hartnett says this is exactly why Moneycare exists. “Whether you need help creating a budget, support getting out of debt, or someone to talk to about realistic money plans, Moneycare is here for you. You are not alone, and there is no shame in reaching out.” If you or someone you know needs support from The Salvation Army’s Moneycare, please visit salvationarmy.org.au/moneycare or call 1800 722 363.

Condolence motions following the Bondi attack have now been debated in both State and Federal Parliament. Both of Lismore’s representatives delivered speeches shaped by loss and solidarity. Speaking in Federal Parliament yesterday, Kevin Hogan addressed the motion acknowledging the trauma felt by families, survivors and communities across the country.“I rise to commend this motion. Obviously, a lot of very heartfelt speeches have been made today. There's been a lot of grief and trauma in this chamber today. We've had survivors and families of the victims here, and we respect and pay our acknowledgements to them,” he said.Mr Hogan described the events of 14 December as a moment that has permanently altered the national psyche.“We literally had evil, in its worst form, walking on the soil of Bondi… Australia has changed forever. Bondi has changed everything, and I'm sure a lot of us agree on that,” he said.He spoke at length about the randomness and brutality of the violence, the symbolism of Bondi as a location, and the fear and hatred directed at people because of their faith.“There are lots of forms of evil, but there's a form of evil in our country called Islamic extremism,” Mr Hogan said. “Islamic extremists hate people of a certain different religion. We have to acknowledge that. In acknowledging that, we can arm ourselves to do what we need to do to combat it.”Mr Hogan also reflected on visiting Bondi shortly after the attack.“You could feel the grief. You could feel an emotion in the air, almost coming from the clouds. It was oppressive,” he said. “It was very traumatic just being there.”Despite the horror, he noted moments of unity, including spontaneous singing of the national anthem and Waltzing Matilda, before closing with words of support.“I commend this motion and give my love and wishes to the Jewish community in our country,” he said.Those sentiments closely echoed words spoken late last year in State Parliament by Janelle Saffin, when Parliament was recalled early to address the same tragedy.“I rise today to speak in support of this condolence motion, and I do so with a heavy heart,” Ms Saffin told the chamber. “We honour the memory of the fifteen innocent people who were killed. Each of these wonderful people mattered. Each person was cherished. Each person leaves behind family, friends and communities forever changed.”Ms Saffin extended condolences on behalf of the state, saying, “I hope you know that the Parliament of New South Wales, the people of NSW, and the NSW Government led by our Premier Chris Minns stand with you. That your grief is shared. That your loved ones will be remembered.”She spoke directly about the impact on the Jewish community and the enduring nature of trauma.“The trauma experienced by witnesses, first responders, by everyone there cannot be overestimated, by our Jewish community most of all - who have once again been forced to confront fear and insecurity simply for practising their faith,” she said.Grounding her speech in her home community, Ms Saffin shared what she had heard locally.“In Lismore, where I live and serve, members of our Jewish community have told me of their shock, their sadness, and their concern for their children and families,” she said.She described attending vigils in both Sydney and Lismore.“In Lismore, people gathered to lay flowers at the Rotary Peace Pole in Lismore's Riverside Park. There we stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with our Jewish community – our community.”As Minister for Recovery, Ms Saffin drew on her experience supporting communities through disaster.“Healing requires more than resources. It requires listening. It requires presence. It requires trust. It requires a sense that you are not alone. And above all, it requires action,” she said.“This motion is a collective declaration of who we are and what we stand for.”Across two parliaments, the messages from Lismore’s representatives have been consistent: grief shared, hatred rejected, and community upheld.

Regular readers of the Lismore App would know that St Vincent's Private Hospital in East Lismore has undergone renovations since late 2024.The renovations began when then-CEO Alan Cooper decided not to sell the hospital, Australia's only private hospital owned by a diocese. Instead, it was decided to set St Vincent's on a new and groundbreaking path. That journey started with an aesthetic refresh that included patient ward rooms and bathrooms, lifts, public bathrooms and a complete paint job.The renovations look impressive and have certainly enhanced the visual appeal for its patients and their loved ones.What is more impressive is St Vincent's move into the world of robotic surgery to improve patient care.St Vincent's became the first private hospital in Australia, and only the second hospital nationally, to introduce the Medbot TOUMAI® Surgical Robotic System. According to its Facebook page, doctors have been training in China to master the game-changing technology.(St Vincent's doctors training on the new robotic surgery equipment. Photo: St Vincent's Private Hospital)The Lismore App understands that St Vincent's will launch the robotic system in early to mid-February. Details of what surgeries will be performed in Lismore and how that benefits patients will be revealed at the launch.The renovations and the robotic surgery are part of what St Vincent's calls 'Best Care. Right Here.' That is their new slogan as they aim to provide a leading standard in patient experience.Another step in the process is the appointment of a new hospital Career Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Andrew Pearson. Dr Pearson comes from the Wesley Hospital, a 500+ bed private facility in Brisbane, bringing extensive experience in Cardio-Thoracic Intensive Care, General Intensive Care, Coronary Care and Hospital Medicine. His addition will increase hospital services for higher-acuity patients - those with severe, unstable or complex health conditions - and drive the upgrade of hospital services, including High Dependency patient services, broader specialist cover, and specialist general medicine.Dr Pearson has implemented weekly advanced training for nurses, which bolsters their current nurse education program.Importantly, he has also moved the hospital to a 24/7, on-site Hospital Medical Officer (HMO) model. He has recruited an HMO team that will follow an ‘on-call’ roster around the clock to attend to patients where necessary.The benefit here could be to the Lismore and Northern Rivers community by diverting some private health insurance patients needing urgent medical attention away from Lismore Base Hospital. This can be done directly through GPs and specialists across the region.In order to streamline direct admissions from GPs, St Vincent’s has also created a ‘Clinical Care Manager’ role.Jenni Prosser, a senior nurse manager, now takes calls directly from a GP and specialist network in order to facilitate admissions for urgent (non-critical) private patients. Essentially, a one-stop phone call to cut through unnecessary wait times.Patients who meet certain criteria can be taken directly into care, eliminating the need to wait in a crowded emergency department. The Clinical Care Manager does the legwork for bed checks, fund checks, patient condition, and works with Dr Pearson to have the patient admitted to St Vincent’s under the appropriate doctor for urgent care.“St Vincent’s Lismore has always provided the community with the excellent health service it deserves here in Lismore. In 2026, we aim to be the hospital of choice for private patients from Coffs Harbour to the Tweed, and with an exciting addition soon to come online in our operating theatres, we are looking forward to game-changing outcomes for surgical patients this year,” St Vincent's CEO, Peter Fahey, said.The journey St Vincent's Private Hospital has been on since the sale was taken off the table has been extensive. The new focus is nearly complete, and the future of healthcare in our region is exciting for private health insurance patients.

After more than 20 years as a trusted destination for cooks and chefs across the Northern Rivers, The Kitchen Shelf has entered a new chapter, with Patricia and Daryl Hellyar taking over the business.The couple officially took ownership just before Christmas, and have spent the time building up stock, before reopening the doors this week. Patricia says the response from the community has already been encouraging.“Since we took over on the 19th of December, it’s actually been not too bad so far,” she said. “People are starting to get to know that we are open again.”Known as a comprehensive store for professional chefs and serious home cooks, The Kitchen Shelf stocks everything from specialist kitchen equipment and cookware to dinnerware, drinkware and cooking accessories.Under Patricia and Daryl, that offering is expanding, while staying true to what locals already know and love. One of the biggest additions is a stronger focus on Weber, with a larger range of barbecues and accessories now coming in.“We’re bringing in a bigger range of the Weber barbecues and accessories,” Patricia said. “And we’re getting back more into a bit of the café supplies as well.”They’re also introducing new brands, including Seed and Sprout, aimed at health-conscious customers looking for glass containers, lunch boxes and sustainable kitchen solutions.Behind the scenes, the change marks a significant shift for the Hellyars, who spent decades in the transport industry before making the leap into retail.“Daryl’s been a driver for over 30 years,” Patricia said. “He started driving for his father, who had started the business over 35 years ago. But with the changes in the transport industry over the last few years, we felt it was time to step back and try something different.”That “something different” came about unexpectedly - during the store’s retirement sale.“Daryl actually came in to buy a pan,” Patricia said. “And he pretty much decided on the business there and then on the spot.”They were drawn not just to the opportunity, but to the strong foundations laid by previous owners Terry and Kay.“They had a really good business here,” Patricia said. “It’s been here for over 20 years, and it was just too good a business for Lismore to lose.”With floods an ever-present reality in the CBD, the new owners have also made practical changes, setting the store up to be as flood-ready as possible.“We’ve tried to make it easy to clean out and easy to move stock and fixtures if we need to,” Patricia said. “That was always in the back of our minds when setting the shop back up.”The Kitchen Shelf continues to serve cafés, schools and commercial customers, but Patricia says everyday home cooks are just as important.“We get a lot of general public customers, and they’ve been fantastic,” she said. “Even while we’re waiting on more stock, they’re happy to come back and check again.”As they settle into their new role, Patricia says the support they’ve received has meant everything.“We’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the support of family, friends and the community,” she said. “It’s been really encouraging.”For Lismore locals, The Kitchen Shelf’s reopening is another sign of confidence in the town - and for Patricia and Darryl, it’s just the beginning.“Onwards and upwards,” Patricia said.

Community safety, especially in the CBD and Goonellabah, has been a social media discussion point for most of 2025.We know that a new PACER (Police, Ambulance, Clinical Early Response) person has been employed by Northern NSW Health and is attached to Richmond Police District on Zadoc Street. The new person is only getting their feet under the desk in January 2026, so we can't expect miracles in the next two weeks.For those who are still concerned about safety, there will be an open Community Safety Forum that will bring together community members, Federal and State MPs, Police, Ambulance and Health representatives, local businesses and key stakeholders to openly discuss local safety and crime concerns. The forum will focus on what’s currently happening, what’s working and where improvements can be made, with time set aside for questions and community input.Facilitated by Ben Roche, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Southern Cross University, this session follows a Council resolution to hold an open public consultation to consider and identify practical, community-led solutions to safety issues and to ensure the right agencies are working together to address them. It’s an opportunity to hear directly from those involved, share your perspective and learn how reporting and data play a role in improving outcomes for the whole community.The Details:When: Tuesday, 17 February, between 5pm–7.30pmWhere: J Block, Southern Cross University on Military Road. J Block is The Campus Grind cafe, opposite Goodman Plaza (up from the gym and pool).For more information and to register, click here.Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.