With the football and rugby finals upon us for another year, QUT researchers have created a powerful new tool that could predict when an athlete is at risk of suffering another injury when returning to play from a previous injury.It uses data from wearable sensors capturing how the athlete moves in training or gameplay, along with data about the preceding injury and contextual information to quantify the risk.The system was developed by Associate Professor Paul Wu, Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen and Yu Yi Yu from the QUT School of Mathematical Sciences and Centre for Data Science, alongside an interdisciplinary team comprising performance health researchers from the Australian Institute of Sport, statisticians from UNSW and informed potential users.Their hope is that it could help coaches, medical staff and athletes spot danger signs early, avoid costly injuries and keep players performing at their peak.Approximately 40 to 60 per cent of athletes sustain at least one injury in a given season, with 15 to 40 per cent sustaining a second.From a community perspective, Australians suffered some 3.47 million sports injuries in 2023 with 66,500 needing hospitalisation.“With the rapid rise of wearable and other sensing technologies, the time is ripe for building next-generation models to make sense of complex data and patterns, and support anticipative management and prevention of subsequent injuries,” Professor Wu said.“The idea is to integrate training and competition performance data with injury data to link changes in performance to early warning signs for elevated injury risk.”The team developed an approach to infer the internal state of the athlete, which was characterised as more or less susceptible to injury.This was linked to injury risk via variables, or features, obtained from wearable sensor, medical (injury) and contextual data.Importantly, Professor Wu said, the approach was able to capture changing injury dynamics and susceptibility over the course of a season.Using data from an AFL club across one season, the model explained injury occurrences correctly 77 per cent of the time with 90 per cent specificity.“Age emerged as the strongest factor influencing how an athlete might transition from a more susceptible to less susceptible state or vice versa, followed by context (for example, games carry higher risk than training), and the severity of the last injury,” Professor Wu said.“Self-rated exertion and running speed also proved to be key indicators of injury risk.”Professor Wu said the model could be particularly valuable in Return-To-Play situations, where a player is recovering from an injury and wants to minimise the chance of another.“We can run ‘what-if’ scenarios, such as adjusting training or match loads to see the potential impact on injury risk or estimate an athlete’s susceptibility right after a game or training session,” he said.“Our vision is to give athletes, coaches and support staff, whether in elite sport or the community, tools that help them make sense of complex data, to allow them to train and compete at their best while managing the risk of subsequent injury.”Read the full study, Next Generation Models for Subsequent Sports Injuries, published in Applied Stochastic Models in Business and Industry online.

The Federal Government has delivered $1 billion in new funding for low-interest loans used by farmers to manage through drought conditions across Australia.On Friday, the Albanese Government announced the funding would be delivered to the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) to enable loans to be written beyond June 2026, following calls from NSW Farmers to deliver long-term funding and certainty for the tool.NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said it was plain and clear the RIC must continue to operate as drought continued to persist across south and west NSW.“Thousands of farmers have used this tool to prepare, manage and recover through past droughts, so it’s good to see more investment in a service that we know works,” Mr Martin said. “It was positive to see funding to drive drought resilience delivered earlier this week, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle when we’ve got farmers in severe drought across NSW, and in other states, right now.“Farmers are the experts in dealing with all the risks our climate throws their way – and these low interest loans enable them to do what they need to do to manage through these tough times and beyond.” While additional funding for the service was welcome, NSW Farmers urged the Federal Government to respond to the independent review of the RIC as soon as possible.“We need to see real assurance that this service will be available in the long term, and real consultation with industry if there’s going to be a broader scope to these loans,” Mr Martin said. “There’s a difficult road ahead for farm businesses, and listening to what farmers had to say in the review of the RIC will be key to ensuring it remains a reliable tool to deal with risks now and into the future.” 

Richmond Police have charged a man with an outstanding warrant and have located multiple firearm parts at a property in Nimbin.Officers attached to Richmond Police District commenced an investigation following reports a man on a Nimbin property was illegally in possession of a firearm.Police attended the property on Thorburn Street, about 12.15pm Thursday (28 August 2025), and saw a man allegedly running away.During a search of the area, a 24-year-old man was allegedly found in a bathroom at a home on Silky Oak Drive.The man was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station, where he was charged with carry cutting weapon upon apprehension, as well as an outstanding warrant for the offence of drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.He was refused bail and appeared via AVL in Parramatta Local Court that day, before being further refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.Police later executed a search warrant at the Thornburn Street home, where they located and seized firearm parts and ammunition. Inquiries into these items are continuing.

Better protection of Australia’s cultural heritage in the resources sector is at the heart of a new training centre based at Flinders University, with two Southern Cross University (SCU) scientists set to play a leading role.SCU Professors Renaud Joannes-Boyau and Anja Scheffers have been named Chief Investigators in the newly established ARC Training Centre for Advancing Archaeology in the Resources Sector, a groundbreaking initiative to protect Indigenous cultural heritage in Australia’s resources sector.Recently awarded $5 million from the Australian Research Council’s Industrial Transformation Research Program, the Centre is a collaboration between Flinders University, The University of Queensland and Southern Cross University.It brings together Traditional Owners, major resource companies, archaeologists, and cultural heritage experts, as well as the peak body for mining professionals, AusIMM.Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau said the Centre would train a new generation of professionals who could operate in the complex intersection of mining and heritage protection.“This Centre represents an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships between Traditional Owners, archaeologists, and the resources sector. By training professionals who can navigate both cultural and industry perspectives, we can ensure future projects deliver positive outcomes for communities, heritage, and the industry alike,” he said.Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau is internationally known for his work in geoarchaeology and dating techniques, while Professor Anja Scheffers is an expert in coastal geomorphology and paleoclimatology. Both are based at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus.The Centre’s three Traditional Owner partners – the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation, Palyku-Jartayi Aboriginal Corporation and Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners – have been engaging with the resources industry for several decades and will be contributing extensive knowledge and guidance to the Centre’s activities, as well as the time of their Rangers, Elders and infrastructure in research projects.  The Centre will also develop flexible training opportunities, including short courses and standalone units, designed to equip both cultural heritage professionals and those in the resources sector with the skills to work collaboratively and sustainably.Southern Cross University Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Spongberg said it was both heartening and inspiring to see the Centre funded.“It gives me genuine hope for the preservation of Australia’s cultural heritage and this acknowledgement of our deep history.  “Southern Cross University is so proud to be part of this collaboration, actively setting new benchmarks for research, preservation, and engagement with our shared heritage. We look forward to working together with such an amazing collection of partners,” she said.

Free virtual health care is now available to every person in NSW for urgent conditions, following the completion of the rollout of NSW Health’s virtual urgent care service.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says this means people across the Lismore electorate can access urgent clinical care for injuries and illnesses from home, without needing to visit a hospital or GP.“Often people’s first thought for urgent conditions is to go to straight to the Emergency Department, because they can’t find a GP at the time. Our EDs are attended by many people without life-threatening conditions.“Now you can make a phone call to Healthdirect first to have your condition assessed.“A registered nurse will assess your condition over the phone and, if virtual care is appropriate, arrange a video-call appointment with a clinician, whether that’s a doctor, nurse or allied health professional.“You’ll receive expert advice on treatment options, prescriptions if needed, and referrals to follow-up care,” Ms Saffin said.Virtual care is available 7 days a week between 8am and 10pm by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.NSW virtual urgent care services are equipped to manage a wide range of health concerns, including coughs, colds, fevers and flu; treatment for vomiting, diarrhoea or mild infections, rashes and skin irritations; or minor injuries such as sprains and small cuts.This service builds on the NSW Government’s budget emergency department relief package, which includes:$100 million to back in our urgent care services to provide a pathway to care outside of our hospitals;$70 million to expand emergency department short-stay units$15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real-time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times;

'To honour the police officers who have served the people of Lismore and in memory of those officers who have lost their lives in the course of their duty'.Those words are written on the Lismore Police Memorial on Molesworth Street. Yesterday, the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise, representatives from Janelle Saffin and Kevin Hogan's office and Sergeant Ed Howarth from the Lismore Police Station laid flowers at the base of the memorial to pay respect to the two police officers who were killed in the line of duty in Porepunkah, Victoria.59-year-old Detective Neal Thompson and 35-year-old Senior Constable Vadim De Waart had travelled to the rural property, north-east of Melbourne, alongside eight colleagues to execute a search warrant. Another officer remains in hospital after being shot in the lower body.Police say the suspect, local man Desmond Freeman, 56, is heavily armed and still at large.Richmond Police District Commander, Superintendent David Roptell said, “Earlier today, officers attached to Richmond Police District attended a memorial in Lismore to pay respect to the officers in Victoria who lost their lives in the line of duty. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, policing colleagues and the wider community as they navigate this difficult time.”Rotary's Ken Arnett encouraged the rest of the community to lay flowers at the memorial in tribute to the two dead officers.POLICE MEMORIAL HISTORYThe Lismore Police Memorial was officially unveiled on 23 July 2003 by the Honourable John Watkins MP, NSW Minister for Police.Ken Arnett had noticed there was a memorial for the many soldiers who fought and died in all Australian wars, but nothing for our police officers who died in the line of duty."On the 29th of September in about 1998 or 1999, there was a bunch of coppers over here in the Memorial Gardens all standing around a Padre. I thought, what is going on over there? So I went over and had a listen, and found out that the 29th of September is their Memorial Day. And I looked around that park over there and saw a monument for the Boer War, World War Two, World War One, Vietnam, a whole lot more, but nothing for the coppers."It struck my mind that we should do something about this. So, the Reverend Graham Davis was working in council in those days, and I came up with this site to put up a memorial, and it took us two or three years to get it done."The memorial was paid for by the people of Lismore (half) and the state and federal governments.

Northern Rivers residents are being urged not to touch or handle flying foxes or microbats, regardless of how distressed or injured the animals may appear, to protect themselves from infection and viruses, including the deadly Australian bat lyssavirus.The warning follows reports of a high number of sick flying foxes being delivered to local wildlife hospitals in Northern NSW and Southern Queensland in recent weeks. Regional Director North Coast Population and Public Health, Dr Valerie Delpech, urged the community not to handle any bats, particularly those that appeared sick or unresponsive.“Although it may be difficult to ignore the plight of an injured, distressed or sick animal, we urge residents not to touch or attempt to cover any bat they might come across; rather, call your nearest wildlife rescue service to come to its aid,” Dr Delpech said.“If you see a dead flying fox in a public area, contact your local council and ask them to dispose of it.“Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a flying fox or microbat should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action (such as those outlined in the NSW lyssavirus factsheet) after washing.“Anyone who has had contact with a bat should also seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess whether they are at risk of infection and to access post-exposure treatment and vaccination if required.“Getting post-exposure treatment as soon as possible is crucial, as there is no effective treatment once the symptoms of Australian bat lyssavirus commence.“It is almost always fatal.”Dr Delpech said the warning was particularly timely with the warmer months of spring and summer approaching, when bats are usually more active.Lyssaviruses are a group of viruses that includes bat lyssavirus in Australia and rabies overseas.Australian bat lyssavirus can only be passed to humans from an infected flying fox or bat. Infection in humans can occur when bat saliva comes into contact with human tissue via an open wound or the eyes or mouth. Rabies is a closely related lyssavirus that can be carried by mammals such as dogs, cats, monkeys, and bats around the world, including in some of Australia’s closest neighbours, such as Bali and Thailand.If you see a bat in distress, injured or on the ground, do not try to rescue it and contact your nearest wildlife rescue service. Some local providers include WIRES on 1300 094 737, Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers on 02 6628 1866 and Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers on 02 6672 4789.For more information, contact North Coast Population and Public Health on 1300 066 055, or visit the NSW Health website.

The final weekend of winter is expected to be mostly sunny, with a windy Saturday, and cooler temperatures than the springlike 25 degrees we have experienced this week.Tomorrow (Saturday) is the day to secure any loose items, as the winds turn westerly and strengthen to 20 to 30 km/h in the morning, then tending southwesterly in the late afternoon. The winds are expected to be light on Sunday.The top temperatures being forecast by the BoM are 20 degrees, after a cool start, especially on Sunday, which is expected to be 6 degrees.There will be colder-than-normal conditions for the thousand or so participants in the 2025 Darrel Chapman Fun Run on Sunday morning.The 10km and Half Marathon runs get underway at 7am from Woodlark Street, just after the coldest part of the day, and the family-friendly 4km Walk/Run starting at 9am. Registrations are available on the day from 6am.Road closures will be in place on Sunday in the CBD and along Winterton Parade and Woodlawn Road.The run will begin on Woodlark Street, turn right into Molesworth Street and continue along Winterton Parade and Woodlawn Road, with runners looping back near the railway bridge on Numulgi Road.All roads adjoining the route will be closed to traffic between 5am and 12noon. Residents living along the route who have no alternative way to exit their properties are asked to speak with the on-site Traffic Control. They will assist with safely escorting vehicles within the closure area. However, where possible, residents are asked to stay off the road for the duration of the road closures (5am to 12noon).The other big event over the weekend is the Wardell River Festival. It is not within the Lismore LGA; however, the short 20km drive will see you in the middle of a celebration of music, community and river culture.The Wardell River Festival is a new one-day event by the Richmond River at the Richmond Street Community Greenspace (western end). It will showcase music, markets, food, art and activities between 1pm and 8pm.On Sunday, the monthly Lismore Rainforest Botanic Garden Butterfly Guided Walk will take place from 10am at 313 Wyrallah Road, Monaltrie (enter the Lismore Waste Facility and turn right).Linda will tell you about the mysterious habits of our beautiful local butterflies and the plants they depend on.Meet at the visitor's centre at 9:45am for an easy 1-hour walk. The cost is $5 for adults, with children free. Cash only.Email bookings are essential through publicity@friendslrbg.com.au.ARTSIt is the final weekend of the 2024 Archibald Prize exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery.That leaves six sessions to view the incredible portraits created by the 57 finalists. The cost is $15 for general admission, $10 for concession holders, and children under 16 are free. Click here to book your tickets.MARKETSVisitors to the Lismore Farmers Markets will appreciate the sunny weather tomorrow at the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore.Fresh fruit and veg, breakfast, tea & coffee, live music by Croaker & the Honeybee and a happy community spirit will take place between 7:30am and 11:30am.The Nimbin Markets are backing up because August is a five-Sunday month. So, head to Cullen Street for food, coffee, recycled inventions, innovative ideas, and unique artisan wares that can only be made in Nimbin between 9am and 3pm.FREE STUFFThere are plenty of free activities for the family to do over the weekend, including the Rail Trail at South Lismore, the new skatepark in the CBD, bush walks and Heritage Park on Molesworth Street in the CBD. Check out the Things To Do button in the Lismore App.COMING UPAlstonville Wollongbar Fun Run - Sunday, September 14, from 7:30amNimbin Show - Saturday and Sunday, September 20 & 212025 Lismore Workers Club Lismore Cup - Friday, September 26, from 12 noonLIVE MUSICThe Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore has Short Fuse performing Saturday night from 7.There are two major nights coming up at the Lismore Workers Club in September and October:Oh What A Night! - A musical tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: September 20 at 8pmThe Flying Forties - Penny Pavlakis, Greg Gould and friends celebrate the music of Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole and more with their 9-piece big band: October 4 at 8pm.CHEAPEST PETROL PRICESFuel prices were stable across the region this week. Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend, especially if you are there after 8pm, when prices tend to drop another 10 cents a litre.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 176.9 at the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the EG on Diadem Street near The Square in Lismore, 171.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 173.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 184.5 at Brad's Independent on Terania Street, North Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 192.9 at the Astron and Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 194.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 180.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street, and the two Liberty's on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at the Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

As Speech Pathology Week (24 – 30 August 2025) unfolds across Australia, two leading speech pathology experts say it's time to shine a light on one of the most under-recognised barriers to learning and inclusion in schools: communication disability.“Most people assume if a child isn’t paying attention or following instructions, they’re being defiant or distracted,” said Professor Natalie Munro, Professor of Speech Pathology at Southern Cross University.“But often, these are signs of a hidden communication difficulty, and we need teachers and parents to be empowered to see the difference.”A 2022 Australian study published in Communication Disorders Quarterly found that while more than 95% of people had heard of ADHD and autism, only 1 in 5 were familiar with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) – a condition that affects 6–8% of children, or around two in every classroom.“Language is invisible until it breaks down,” said Dr Anna Eva Hallin, Assistant Professor at Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet and Visiting Fellow at Southern Cross University.“A child might be mislabelled as ‘lazy’ or ‘naughty’ when really, they’re struggling to process spoken instructions, organise their ideas, or express themselves clearly.”DLD is one of the most prevalent – and least understood – developmental conditions. It can affect a child’s ability to listen, follow instructions, participate in group activities, comprehend what they read, and form friendships. Left unrecognised, it can lead to lower academic achievement, social isolation and reduced employment prospects later in life.“School is a communication-heavy environment. We need to work with teachers to recognise and respond to language challenges, otherwise we miss the opportunity to intervene early and support children to thrive,” said Professor Munro.While the shortage of speech pathologists in Australian schools is a major concern, both researchers argue that interprofessional collaboration is the most scaleable and sustainable way forward.“We’re not going to solve this with one profession alone,” said Dr Hallin.“We need educators, speech pathologists and psychologists to work together and we need to equip teachers with practical strategies they can use in the classroom every day.”Dr Hallin and Professor Munro are currently co-leading a global project called INCLUDE, which is trialling a digital coaching program designed to support teachers in enhancing the accessibility of their oral and written language in the classroom – without simplifying the curriculum. The program is being developed in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, and Uppsala University in Sweden, with pilot work underway at Southern Cross University funded by the Swedish Research Council.

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, is calling on communities across the electorate to nominate people and organisations for the 2026 Multicultural Awards.  Leaders, volunteers, change makers, innovators, artists, creatives, and sporting trailblazers are recognised through the program for their inspiring contributions to social cohesion and harmony in NSW. The medal nomination categories for 2026 include:Community Harmony MedalLifetime Community Service MedalArts and Culture MedalCommunity Languages Teacher MedalInterpreters and Translators MedalMulticultural Health MedalMulticultural Not for Profit MedalMulticultural Youth Support MedalRegional Unity MedalSports MedalBest Report in Multicultural MediaMulticultural Publication of the YearMulticultural Marketing Campaign of the YearThe Multicultural Honour Roll is a posthumous recognition commemorating the impact the recipient had during their life on influencing an inclusive harmonious society.Ms Saffin said this is the opportunity to nominate a local person or organisation that has made an important contribution to an inclusive and harmonious society. “I’d love to see our local heroes get the kudos they deserve.”    The awards will be presented at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner in March 2026 – one of the biggest multicultural events in Australia.Nominations close 11.59pm on Sunday, 28 September.For more information and to nominate, please visit: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/multicultural-community-medals/.

Today marks four weeks until the 2025 Lismore Workers Lismore Cup raceday takes place at the Lismore Turf Club in North Lismore. So, get your glad rags ready, Lismore, book your package and mark your calendar.The sun is shining, and that is exactly what Secretary Manager Scott Jones and Operations Manager Daniel Kedraika are wishing for in 28 days.Lismore and the Northern Rivers' wet weather since March has meant that there have been no race meetings since February. However, conditions at the moment would see the Lismore Cup run and won if the rain stays away in the week leading up to the Cup."It's amazing what a couple of weeks straight of sun will do," Daniel told the Lismore App. "We're going, very good. We'd race today if we had to, and I just hope we can keep the sun."The Lismore Cup has had a chequered history over the last six years.About five thousand people enjoyed sunny and successful racedays in 2018 and 2019 before COVID hit in 2020, with a limited crowd allowed entry. 2021 was cancelled due to COVID restrictions, while 2022 was the year of the big mud, when a storm swept through after two races, which put a stop to racing for the rest of the day, including the Lismore Cup. This was run in Grafton later.The Lismore Cup in 2023 was run on a Thursday still, with no gazetted half-day public holiday, so crowds were down. The Lismore Cup was moved to a Friday for the first time in 2024, but the rains came down and the raceday was cancelled.Roll on the Lismore Cup in 2025.Warm sunny weather has seen the grass grow and dry to where the course is looking in good condition. A new rail from Racing NSW is being installed, and preparations are underway for what will hopefully be another five thousand-strong crowd enjoying a day at the races.As it coincides with the 2025 Masters Games this year, where each participant receives a ticket to Lismore's premier raceday, the turnout should meet all expectations."We're all set up and ready to go. We've got the VIP Marquee, Trackside Tables, and we'll have a luncheon upstairs. Everything is selling quickly. We're probably at two-thirds sold for the Trackside Tables, I'd say just a bit less than half for the VIP Marquee and we're just about sold out upstairs.For those who are worried about another washout. All tickets are fully refundable."Absolutely, worst case scenario, we wash out, then everyone will get a full refund," Daniel confirmed.You can check out the package options by clicking here.There is also the Fashion on the Fields event. Heats will take place at 1:10pm, following Race 2, with the finals to follow Race 3 at 1:50pm.The categories to be judged are:Best Dressed ManBest Dressed CoupleBest Dressed Lady (-40)Best Dressed Woman (+40)General admission to the 2025 Lismore Workers Lismore Cup is $20 for early bird tickets booked online, $25 on the day. For those wanting to attend the After The Last party with the Billy Gudgeon Band, the entry fee is $10, with entry after 4 pm.Viva Racing Calcutta Golf DayThe golf day is held on Thursday, 26 September, the day before the Lismore Cup."The golf day was a big success last year. We got that through before the rain started to drop, which was great. It was sold out. From memory, I think they might have had a cancellation the morning off, but because they sold out, we had some reserve teams standing by. We're probably two-thirds of the way through, selling it out this year as well," Daniel explained.(A camera records all shots on the $200,000 second hole at the Lismore Golf Course)The $200,000 hole-in-one competition is on again. There were certainly plenty of nerves from seasoned golfers trying to win the cash on the second hole at the Lismore Golf Course.The bonus this year is that there are more prizes for nearest the pin throughout the day."This year, there'll be a prize for nearest the pin on that hole, about $1,000 worth of TAB vouchers or something along those lines. And then on all the par threes, there'll be promotional giveaways for nearest the pins and stuff from the golf club. They're really getting behind it this year, which is really good. The golf day is a 4-person Ambrose with a 12pm shotgun start. The cost is $600 per group of four.When the golf is finished and the presentations have been handed out, the Calcutta begins.A Calcutta is when people buy raffle tickets for the Lismore Cup. A raffle ticket is drawn for each horse running in the cup. Those lucky people are then the 'owner' of the horse at that point. An auction is then held, with anybody present able to bid on any horse at the auction. The highest bidder buys the horse, with the raffle ticket owner usually receiving half of the money. The rest goes into a growing pool of money.When it is know who has run 1st, 2nd and 3rd, the pool is divided between the 3 owners. Daniel said last year's winner received around $12,500.Anyone can be part of the Calcutta, head to the Lismore Golf Club in East Lismore around 5pm.Scott and Daniel get a test run in two weeks when they hold a Rousillon Race Day on Thursday, September 11, weather permitting.It would be nice to see a full house at the Lismore Turf Club on Friday, September 26. Lismore loves a social event, and the 2025 Lismore Workers Lismore Cup deserves a change of fortune.

The Regional Accommodation Providers Group (RAPG) members, who are all not-for-profit organisations, led by Lismore's Our House, are headed to NSW Parliament next week to showcase how they offer a home-away-from-home for country patients needing medical treatment and their families. Lismore MP Janelle Saffin and Wagga Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr are co-hosting RAPG’s 11th annual conference on September 10-11, which will be attended by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park and another 16 Labor, Liberal, National and independent MPs. Ms Saffin thanked RAPG members for partnering with NSW Health to provide purpose-built accommodation for people accessing cancer care and other medical services in major regional centres across New South Wales. “When I was Federal Member for Page, I secured establishment funding for Our House near Lismore Base Hospital, and what a tremendous value-for-money investment that facility has been for the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands,”  “Dr McGirr and I, as Chair and Deputy Chair (former) of the Legislative Assembly’s Select Committee on Remote, Rural and Regional Health, appreciate how regional accommodation providers complement our health system by helping it run more smoothly. “On the human level, these facilities are staffed by experienced and empathetic locals who give patients a safe, affordable and comfortable place to stay, reducing trauma, stress and financial burdens for their guests. “Having this conference in Parliament House is about lifting the RAPG’s public profile and strengthening the relationship between its members and the policy makers, to meet the health care needs and demands of regional, remote and isolated communities,” Ms Saffin said. Lismore’s Our House founded the RAPG 12 years ago. Our House General Manager, Ruth Harrison, said RAPG members collectively offer 81,760 bed nights for patients and their families each year. “A total of 12,955 patients were supported in 2024-2025. “RAPG accommodation centres encourage patients to access specialist health care when it’s needed, not just when they can afford it. Regular motel accommodation is often unavailable or unaffordable for many patients. “Treatment centres run more efficiently when patients are co-located, and schedules can be adjusted as needed. “Our members work closely with IPTAAS (Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme) regional teams, preparing paperwork for patients and bulk-billing accommodation, further reducing stress for patients,” Ms Harrison said. RAPG member facilities represented in Sydney will include Lismore’s Our House, Albury’s Hilltop Fight Cancer Foundation; Dubbo’s Macquarie Home Stay; Griffith’s Cancer Therapy Accommodation; Maitland’s Health Stays; Orange’s Cancer Care Western NSW; Port Macquarie’s Rotary Lodge; Wagga Wagga’s Lilier Lodge (Can Assist); Mildura’s Health Stays; Waverly’s Elizabeth Hunter Lodge (Uniting Care); and Orange’s Ronald McDonald House. 

Southern Cross University has partnered with the Lincoln Institute to endorse the veterinary education provider’s suite of professional development short courses as building continues on its new veterinary facilities..The new partnership will see the Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business’ leadership and non-clinical training programs formally recognised with micro-credentials from Southern Cross University, thereby acknowledging the academic and professional merit of the training.It comes as Southern Cross University prepares to launch its five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) degree in March 2026. The University’s three-year Bachelor of Veterinary Technology , which commenced earlier this year, has proved popular with veterinary nurses, school leavers and mature-aged students from around Australia.Construction of the new veterinary science facilities in U Block at the Lismore campus is well underway and expected to open by the end of 2025.(Professor Jon Hills at the construction site for the new Veterinary Laboratory and Veterinary Training Clinic at U-Block SCU. Photo: supplied)The collaboration between Southern Cross and the Lincoln Institute reflects a growing commitment to equipping veterinary professionals with the skills and recognition they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and demanding profession.“It’s a quality assurance mechanism. The credentials bring real value to both graduates of Lincoln’s short courses as well as employers,” said Professor Jon Hill, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University.“For Southern Cross University, this is a wonderful extension of our undergraduate programs into postgraduate and professional realms. As a veterinary school, we are committed to co-designing and co-delivering education with input from the profession.“Lincoln brings an established reputation, a proven curriculum, and deep industry relevance that helps us build a veterinary program that’s fit for modern veterinary practice.”The University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) is a reimagined veterinary medicine course that is student-centred and co-designed with the veterinary profession to produce practically and clinically skilled, resilient graduates.The Lincoln Institute contributed to the curriculum development for the professional and communication skills units in the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology and the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) degrees.(Professor Hill in the new veterinary sciences tech labs. Photo: supplied)“Leadership, communication, and resilience are as critical to veterinary success as clinical skill. By embedding Lincoln’s proven leadership content into our undergraduate offerings and recognising their external programs, we’re preparing students for the complexities of the veterinary profession,” said Professor Hill.Paul Ainsworth, Founder and Co-Director of the Lincoln Institute, said the partnership marked a major step forward for the profession.“This integration into Southern Cross University’s undergraduate program is designed to strengthen students’ professional competence in leadership, communication, and team effectiveness – areas identified as critical to long-term career sustainability in the veterinary profession,” said Mr Ainsworth.Mr Ainsworth said the expansion of the partnership directly into the veterinary profession through university-back credentials was testament to Lincoln Institute’s rigorous curriculum development over 15 years.“We’re proud to partner with Southern Cross University in raising the bar for professional development across the industry. This collaboration sets a new benchmark for industry-academic alignment and reflects a growing recognition of the need for non-clinical competencies in ensuring sustainable, successful veterinary careers.”

Lismore bookstore co-owner Sarah Morrow can put the trauma of the last 18 months behind her after being sentenced to a Community Correction Order for a period of 2 years yesterday in Lismore Local Court.The Community Correction Order was subject to two standard conditions:a) The offender is not to commit any offence while subject to this Community Correction Orderb) The offender must appear before the Court if called upon to do so at any time during the term of the Community Correction Order.The court heard how the floods of 2022 caused Ms Morrow to suffer mental health issues and PTSD, and the ongoing use of drugs affected her decision-making.The defence said that Ms Morrow's role when she was arrested as part of the February 2024 Strike Force McClelland operation was that of support. She had a driver's license and was driving her dealer.Ms Morrow pleaded guilty to five charges of supplying a prohibited drug, deemed stop supply a prohibited drug, two counts of take part to supplying a prohibitive drug in commercial quantities and possession of an unauthorised pistol at the end of May 2025.The defence said the pistol, which was found during the search of her home, was illegal but inoperable.In concluding its summary, the defence said that Ms Morrow has no prior criminal history, is now on top of her addiction and is drug-free. It also stated that Ms Morrow recognises she has fallen from her standing in the community and that the negative media attention has caused additional deep embarrassment.The police prosecution agreed that Sarah Morrow was remorseful and that the media coverage had an impact on her reputation.In his summation of the evidence, Magistrate J Linden acknowledged the period of time Ms Morrow was using herself and that she was assisting another person with the supply of drugs.He also mentioned a psychologist's report that deals with the misjudgement through drug addiction and the numerous references submitted as to her character that should be taken into account.Magistrate Linden finally announced the 2-year Community Correction Order to begin on 27 August 2025.As an understanding of what a Community Correction Order is, Corrective Services NSW says:Courts can use the Community Correction Order to punish offenders for crimes that do not warrant imprisonment or an ICO, but are too serious to be dealt with by a fine or lower-level penalty.The benefit of CCOs is that they are a flexible sentence that the court can tailor to reflect the nature of the offender and the offence. The court can select from the range of conditions, such as supervision by Community Corrections Officers, community service work (up to 500 hours) and curfews, to hold offenders to account and reduce their risk of reoffending. CCOs can be imposed for a period of up to three years.

The Federal and NSW Governments will jointly invest $43.2 million to support farmers to strengthen their drought resilience and climate adaptation, as drought continues to impact regional communities across NSW.Delivered through Phase 2 of the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP), the funding will support farmers to access subsidised learning and development opportunities that will help them to manage risk, build long-term operational resilience, and continue to remain productive.From personalised coaching, workshops, digital learning, and peer-to-peer case studies, the FBRP equips farmers with practical support to ensure they are better prepared before, during and after these challenging periods.Since its launch, the FBRP has supported the development of more than 2,500 new farm business plans, engaged nearly 28,000 participants across more than 2,000 events and helped more than 1,600 NSW businesses improve their operations through targeted workshops and events.Improved drought preparedness is expected to reduce economic losses in the agriculture sector and deliver broader benefits to rural communities, including increased employment and supply chain stability.The FBRP program is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government.For more information on the Farm Business Resilience Program, please visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/programs/fbrp. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, said, “Drought is always a case of when, not if, so being prepared is vital.“This is another way the Albanese Labor Government, in partnership with the Minns Government, is providing practical support to our farmers and regional communities.“Our government is committed to supporting our farmers build resilience to drought, which will support them to continue producing the products we all love and rely on.“We understand that many farmers are doing it tough with these harsh conditions, with today’s announcement building on the assistance we have available year-round, including concessional loans and free independent financial counselling.”NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “Farmers are the backbone of the New South Wales economy, and our state cannot meet its full potential if our regional communities are not able to thrive.“Over the past five years, farmers have shown monumental resilience in the face of drought, floods, bushfires and even for some a cyclone.“With drought conditions returning and continuing across the state, we remain committed to supporting them with the necessary tools and assistance to sustain this vital industry.“Supporting our farmers isn't just about today—it's about securing the future of agriculture in NSW for generations to come."NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said, “Drought and extreme climate events are becoming more frequent, intense and prolonged.“This investment will help regional communities and farming businesses better prepare for and respond to these challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic stability.”

Police investigators have released CCTV of an SUV after a man died following a fail-to-stop crash at Bangalow last month.About 3.30am on Sunday, 6 July 2025, emergency services responded to reports a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle on Raftons Road, Bangalow.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene. He has since been identified as 64-year-old Paul Campton from Bangalow.The vehicle left before police arrived.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.Following extensive investigations, police have released images of a black Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series seen being driven north along Granuaille Road immediately after the crash.Investigators hope the driver and/or occupants at the time may have information vital to the inquiry.Police believe the SUV is a 2008-2012 model, and there may have been damage to the front of the vehicle. (A car similar to the one being sought by police. Photo: supplied)Along with police asking for the driver or any passengers in the vehicle to come forward, anyone who may have knowledge of this vehicle – especially with front-end damage – is asked to contact Byron Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.As inquiries continue, anyone with relevant information, CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Lismore City Council has introduced new incentives to encourage the development of secondary dwellings, also known as granny flats, in urban areas across the city.Council will waive 100% of its developer contributions for secondary dwellings in sewer-connected areas until 30 June 2027. This means residents will no longer have to pay the additional levies normally charged on top of standard development application costs, making it significantly cheaper to add a granny flat to their property.Mayor Steve Krieg said the initiative is part of Council’s Affordable and Diverse Housing Incentives Policy, designed to respond to Lismore’s changing housing needs.“This is a practical step that will make it easier and more affordable for people to build a granny flat,” he said. “Whether it is to provide space for family or rental income, this policy helps residents invest in housing that supports both their household and our wider community.”Lismore’s Acting Head of Planning and Environment, Jamie van Iersel, said the policy aims to stimulate housing options that are in demand but not being delivered by the market.“Secondary dwellings are one of the most flexible and affordable ways to increase housing supply,” she said. “By removing developer contributions for the next two years, Council is lowering a key cost barrier and encouraging more residents to consider building.This supports the targets in our Affordable and Diverse Housing Strategy, which commits to ensuring 40% of new housing in Lismore is diverse or medium density by 2033.”Applicants who receive the 100% fee waiver of developer contributions can also combine the Council’s $15,000 Housing Grant Program incentive if eligible, which is helping residents, landowners and housing providers to build or relocate new homes within the Lismore Local Government Area. The grants cover six categories, including first-home buyers, landowners adding a second small dwelling, flood-affected relocations and developers delivering affordable rental housing.With nearly half of the $1.2 million funding pool already allocated, Council is encouraging eligible residents to apply as soon as possible.Residents considering a granny flat are also encouraged to take advantage of Council’s free duty planning service, available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The service offers a 30-minute session with a Development Assessment planner who can provide general planning advice in person or over the phone.If you live in an urban area and are considering building a granny flat, we encourage you to speak with a planner who can talk you through the steps, including the developer contribution discount and the housing grant.The policy and grant program form part of Council’s broader Affordable and Diverse Housing Strategy, which aims to make housing more accessible, sustainable and aligned with Lismore’s long-term community needs.For more information on the Affordable and Diverse Housing Incentive Policy on Council's website, click here.

Woodlark Street could soon be getting another cafe if a development application (DA) is approved by Lismore City Council.The building is the old Southern Cross Credit Union, next to Toyworld.Workmen are in the process of creating a hole-in-the-wall type cafe, which will have Lark & Bean on the right-hand window with a bird standing on a coffee bean.The signage on the building will be called Lark Collective, and the cafe will be a very small offering on the front right-hand side of the building, with it's own entrance.The DA says the space leading to the raised area where the credit union counters were will be retail. There are no further details as to what type of retail.The Lark & Bean cafe will have a roller door, an espresso machine, two coffee grinders and a cold display cabinet facing Woodlark Street, with a contact toaster, microwave oven and wash basin at the back. Essentially, it will be a takeaway food and drink hole-in-the-wall cafe.Meanwhile, Lara and Seth Bell at Silt Studio on Bridge Street, North Lismore, are looking to expand their offering to the community by completing their 'creative industry'.The pottery workshop and boutique function space offers clay classes, studio memberships and private group events. The studio hosts a range of workshops such as clay & sip evenings, kids after-school and holiday classes, NDIS programs and short ceramics courses.The DA proposal is for an ancillary food and drink premises, bar and retail component which serves the dominant use of the land for a creative industry.

The stage is set for Lismore’s much-loved Darrel Chapman Fun Run for it to be the biggest in its 30-year history.This Sunday, 31 August, will see over 800 runners, walkers and families take part in either the 10km Run and the Lismore Masters Half Marathon or the family-friendly 4km Walk and Run. Before they take off, 50 volunteers will be setting up the start line, marquees for registration and bib pick-up, water stations on the course, and, of course, medical observers, like Dr Chris Ingall, will be cycling the course in case help is needed. St John's Ambulance will also be in attendance, as will physiotherapists waiting to massage exhausted athletes once they complete their runs.Importantly, Lismore City Council has completed some roadwork on Winterton Parade as you head out to the Lismore Turf Club, so there will be less potholes for runners to negotiate, plus DJ Deb will have motivational music playing at the 2km mark for the run out and the run back to Woodlark Street.Proudly sponsored by National Australia Bank Lismore, the event raises funds for children’s charity, Our Kids, and celebrates the spirit of the Lismore community.For those who have registered online, bibs can be collected on Friday, 29 August from 9.30am to 4.30pm at NAB in Woodlark Street. If you have not registered, you can still participate by registering from 6am at the registration tent on Woodlark Street on the day.Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, Rebekka Battista, is looking forward to the event, with the starting gun set to fire for the first race at 7am in Woodlark Street.“One fun element each year is the guess-the-shirt-colour tradition for the 10km and 21km competitors. It’s the best-kept secret and will be revealed on Friday,” Ms Battista said.“Sponsored this year by local company Bennett Constructions, the shirts are much loved and can be seen all over the Northern Rivers throughout the year.”The action begins at 7am with the Lord’s Taverners 10km Run and the Lismore Masters Half Marathon, followed by the family-friendly Terania Consulting 4km Walk and Run at 9am.All funds raised go to Our Kids, the charity that raises funds to help support children with special needs and chronic illness in the Northern Rivers.This year, Our Kids will put the funds towards purchasing a GlideScope CORE System for Byron Central Hospital’s Emergency Department – a vital airway visualisation system offering high-definition image quality for intubation.The paediatric blades provide a clear view of a child’s airway, enhancing treatment and supporting teaching techniques. This equipment will be an invaluable asset for babies and children in the Byron Shire who need urgent care.Participants will want to know about the weather for Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology are saying sunny and 19 degrees; however, it will be a very cold start to the 10km and Half Marathon events, with the mercury to drop to 3 degrees. The general rule is that the coldest part of the day is about 30 minutes after sunrise. At the moment, sunrise is at 6:06am, so 6:36am, just before the start, will be the coldest part of Sunday. For more information, visit https://www.darrelchapman.org/ or contact Rebekka Battista at Our Kids on 0438 417 085.