This morning marks a significant shift for Lismore City Council when the first daytime council meeting (for some considerable time) gets underway at 10am.At last week's first council meeting since the September local council elections, a resolution was passed to move the monthly meetings (second Tuesday of each month) move from 6pm to 10am, this includes extraordinary meetings.Lismore was the only council in the Northern Rivers to hold its meetings at night, until today.As was expected, a rescission motion has been moved by Councillors Big Rob, Adam Guise and Jasmine Knight-Smith to try and return the meetings to 6pm.Last week's vote was 7/4, with Councillor (Cr) Harper Dalton-Earls voting with Crs Krieg, Hall, Gordon, Bing, Jensen and Battista, so it is unlikely the rescission motion will be successful.The two main items on the agenda at the Extraordinary Meeting are for councillors to view and adopt two areas of Lismore City Council's financial position as of 30 June 2024.In general, Council needs to submit an annual report as part of its Reserve Policy. This provides guidance on their 'internally restricted' funds. These are funds that council can use for any purpose, as opposed to 'externally restricted' funds, which have a specific purpose, government grants fall into this area. The policy categorised reserves as follows: held on behalf of other parties Special Rate Variation carry forward or revote works emergencies economic development and growth public infrastructure and building assets Council has identified $36.967 million in funding is required in internal reserves; however, as of 30 June 2024, Council did not have sufficient unrestricted cash to fund these reserves. The Acting Chief Financial Officer said this is a timing issue only. At the date of the reserve calculation, 30 June 2024, Council was owed $25 million for grant expenditure incurred and not reimbursed. So, when these grant funds are reimbursed, the funds are applied to fully fund the identified reserves of $36.967 million. In accordance with the Reserves Policy and reporting requirements Council can only recognise reserves that are held as cash, therefore the Internally Restricted Reserves held as cash was $14.026 million as at 30 June 2024. The second item on the agenda is for council to 'form an opinion' on the Audited Financial Statement for the year ended 30 June 2024.As you would expect, the February 2022 big flood is still impacting council's finances. However, the area of most concern is the long-term financial plan to move the Net Operating Results Before Grants Contributions Provided for Capital Purposes from the red into the black or at least break even.There have been some positive signs in this area, with an improvement of $5.3 million ($-13.4 to—$8.1 million), but Lismore City Council still needs to make further improvements over the next four years.

Earlier this year, Living Lab Northern Rivers asked the Lismore community about their vision for the town's future through Look Ahead: Ideas for a future Lismore, gathering ideas through meetings, small group chats, and many cups of tea. A common thread across these discussions was the desire for a future shaped by Indigenous knowledge and culture."Through our conversations with the Lismore community, a strong message has emerged: people want to explore a future grounded in Indigenous Knowledges and connection to Country”, said Dan Etheridge, Engagement Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers.Around the same time, the NSW Government committed to ensuring that all built environment projects in the state are developed with a Country-centred approach, guided by Aboriginal people, who know that if we care for Country, Country will care for us. As we continue this cultural shift, what does it really mean to work with Indigenous Knowledges? What do people mean by cultural land management? How can—and should—Indigenous custodianship integrate with European concepts of land ownership, planning, and management systems?(Red cedar tree. Photo: Tom Wolff)Tracing the Past, Shaping the Future explores these questions by examining how the physical environment has changed from pre-colonial times to the present day. It does this through the lens of plant communities, contrasting the environmental conditions shaped by the Country-centred worldview of the Bundjalung people with those shaped by the dominant Eurocentric, human-centred perspective of today.“Our ongoing collaboration with Jagun Alliance and Zion Engagement and Planning has been instrumental in shaping this exhibition”, said Dan Etheridge. ”With the added creative expertise of Agency in Design, we've incorporated community voices and cultural insights into an exhibition that delves into new ways of caring for and living with the land."Elle Davidson, Director, Zion Engagement and Planning agrees, viewing this exhibition as an invitation to unlearn and relearn some of the ways we’ve come to understand the land or Country. “It’s an opportunity to open ourselves to a different approach, guided by First Nations Knowledges, and to think about how we can build a future that honours Country in a way that benefits us all," Elle said.Join Dan and Elle at the Living Lab Northern Rivers shopfront for the opening of this exhibition;Date: Thursday 31 OctoberTime: 5.30—7.00pmAddress: 11 Woodlark Street, LismoreCost: Free. All are welcome.The Tracing the Past, Shaping the Future exhibition runs from 5 November 2024 to 6 February 2025, Tuesday to Thursday, between 1pm and 4pm. It will be closed for the summer holiday period from 20 Dec 2024 to 13 Jan 2025, reopening on Tue 14 Jan 2025.For more information visit https://www.llnr.com.au/tracing-the-past-shaping-the-future.About Living Lab Northern RiversLiving Lab Northern Rivers is a space where research and community come together to create the solutions that will allow the region to thrive in uncertainty. A collaboration between Southern Cross University, University of Technology Sydney and NSW Reconstruction Authority, Living Lab Northern Rivers brings a diversity of groups to the table to create new ways of doing things to help rebuild better and foster resilience for the future. 

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL for the Northern RiversWarm and moist surface conditions are combining with an upper trough to produce severe thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms may also develop further south as the afternoon progresses.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Ballina, Casino and Kyogle.5 cm hail was observed at Gulmarrad at approximately 2:20pm.The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.The next warning is due to be issued by 7:25 pm.

Today, public school teachers across New South Wales have voted to accept the Minns Labor Government’s three-year award agreement, formally completing last year’s four-year pay deal.This agreement will mean the state’s 95,000 public school teacher workforce will continue to have highly competitive salaries, receiving a three per cent pay increase annually for the next three years.  Further, this agreement offers improved workplace flexibility to improve attraction and retention in the profession. This will include opportunities for job-sharing, part-time employment as well as full-time and part-time leave without pay where requested.To maximise teaching time, regular after-school meetings will be capped at one hour a week and after-school events will need to be planned in consultation with teachers, with reasonable notice given.Teachers will also be provided with additional school development days for the duration of the three-year agreement to assist with rolling out the new curriculum with a focus on explicit teaching, while the Department continues to address ongoing staffing challenges.Today’s agreement follows the once-in-a-generation pay rise given to teachers last year which saw starting salaries lift from $75,791 to $85,000 and top of the scale teacher salaries increase from $113.042 to $122,100. These efforts have helped reduce teacher vacancies to a three-year-low of just more than 1,600, with NSW public schools reporting 24 per cent fewer vacancies at the start of Term 3, 2024 than at the same time last year. Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “Since coming to Government, we have been clear in our view that pay is a function of respect, and I am pleased to see teachers will continue to benefit from our once-in-a-generation pay agreement.“Teacher vacancies have fallen by 24 per cent year on year, and we are committed to continuing our work addressing the teacher shortage crisis we inherited from the former Government.“Having teachers in front of classrooms, providing high-quality learning to students is the key to improving learning outcomes in the state.“Offering better conditions and work-life balance will help us to attract new teachers and ensure those already teaching will stay on board.”Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said, “This three-year award agreement with our public-school teachers reaffirms the Minns Labor Government’s new industrial relations framework is working.“It recognises not only the important work our educators provide but acknowledges and rewards their efforts and at the same time, helps address the teacher shortage crisis.”

North Coast beaches have been given excellent grades in this year’s State of the Beaches Report, according to Lismore MP Janelle Saffin. “While we don’t have beaches in the Lismore Electorate they are still our beaches we swim in and have grown up with,” Ms Saffin says.“It’s good to see some of them receive top ratings.”Water quality assessment indicated that 100 per cent of monitored ocean beaches in Ballina Shire and Richmond Valley achieved a Good or Very Good grading. This means the swim sites were suitable for swimming most or almost all of the time.The best rated beaches in the region were Seven Mile Beach, Shelly Beach, Lighthouse Beach and Shark Bay.Overall, 53 per cent of the 19 monitored swim sites in the North Coast region performed well, with gradings of Good or Very Good. In Ballina, three of the seven estuarine swim spots were classed as Good while four sites – Shaws Bay North, East and West and Missingham Beach – received Poor grades. Shaws Bay East was downgraded from Good from the previous year. Only one of the four monitored lake/lagoon sites (Lake Ainsworth South) was graded as Good in 2023-24, with Lake Ainsworth North, East and West all graded as Poor, this was the same grade as previous year.  Two estuarine swim sites in Richmond Valley – Evans River and Elm Street Bridge North, were also graded as Poor, similar to the previous year’s results. The North Coast experienced above average rainfall in Spring 2023 due to heavy rainfall in October and November.Rainfall is the major driver of pollution in swim sites, with water quality impacted by stormwater runoff and sewage overflows.  State of the Beaches grades are compiled from water quality samples collected at NSW swim sites monitored under the Beachwatch and Beachwatch Partnership programs.   Daily Beachwatch pollution forecasts and weekly star ratings for beaches across NSW can be found at beachwatch.nsw.gov.auand on Twitter and Facebook.

Private health insurer HCF has agreed to resume paying the correct room rate when using the public system.Following ongoing dialogue, the not-for-profit fund has notified the NSW Government of its intention to recommence paying the gazetted single room rate.The decision from HCF leaves the nation’s three biggest for-profit private insurers, Bupa, NIB and Medibank, continuing to refuse repeated requests to pay their bills in full.Instead, these private funds are persisting with a public fear campaign threatening premium hikes as their profits rise.This campaign has been backed by the Liberal Party, which is arguing for ongoing taxpayer subsidy of the private health insurance sector even as people endure a cost-of-living crisis.In the last financial year, the single room rate in NSW was gazetted at $892:NIB only paid $491. This cost NSW Health $17.6 million per annum.Bupa only paid $501. This cost NSW Health $35.8 million per annum.Medibank only paid $515. This cost NSW Health $33.4 million per annum.The Minns Labor Government passed legislation last week that mirrors the approach taken by then-Treasurer Mike Baird when the Liberal Party confronted the same issue in 2013.The NSW Opposition refused to support the reintroduction of this bill, with the Member for Vaucluse instead signalling the Liberals support for private insurers to walk away from their bills with no recourse.The NSW Government remains open to further dialogue with for-profit private health insurers to resume paying the gazetted single room rate.Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “HCF has decided to do the right thing and return to paying its fair share in the public health system.“This is significant progress in our ongoing negotiations with the private health insurers.“However, the three big for-profit private health funds, backed by the Liberal party, are continuing to argue for taxpayer subsidies to their businesses during a cost-of-living crisis.“This is wrong - they should just pay their bills.”Health Minister Ryan Park said, "We commend HCF for doing the right thing and paying their fair share of their use of public hospital beds.“It should serve as an example to the large for-profit health insurers and the NSW Liberals who are holding out on the people of NSW.“It is inexplicable that these big health insurers are expecting NSW public hospitals to subsidise their record profits.”

Lismore City Council has had some financial nooses around its neck for quite some time. The Blakebrook Quarry, GSAC and the Lismore Airport have been the bane of council's budgetary process each year, each losing money that puts pressure on the budget to return to a breakeven position.The February 2022 big flood destroyed most of council's assets, including the Lismore Airport. The silver lining has been that council has been given time to rebuild the asset to its original condition, thanks to a government grant while thinking and planning its future.Rex Airlines was only flying into Lismore because of a federal government subsidy. When that expired, Rex announced they would stop flying into Lismore (via Grafton). Now, they are not an option moving forward.The Lismore Airport construction phase at the terminal is coming to an end. Brendan Logan, COO at Lismore City Council, Mark Davis, the Airport Manager and Scott Collis, Head of Open Space, gave the Lismore App access to the airport and provided some airport facts and a deeper understanding of how our airport functions and what it means to us, even without its use as a passenger terminal.The airport's future use has been open to public discussion on the Your Say council web page. Now, a different approach is being targeted.Brendan Logan explains, “I've just recruited Scott Collis to be Head of Fleet and Open Space here, and one of his KPIs is to determine the future of the airport and determine that in a reasonable space of time.“It's not just about coming up with what we might want to do and then trying to work out how we are going to fund it and invest in it - this needs to be analysed at the same time. “We need these decisions to be backed by genuine investment logic.“Economies are changing regionally. Industries are changing regionally. So we need to look at that in the context of the airport, and assess - What is the future of the airport with those economic and regional industry trends that are starting to emerge?”This will not be an extended exercise. “Through this investment logic work, the absolute minimum is cost neutrality. You can't carry an airport that is run at a loss just for general aviation. That does not make sense. That's why I want to get cost neutrality first, and get there quick.”Enquiries have been made as to who would be able to start a passenger flight service back into Lismore. There are not many regional flight services currently available. Brendan said, “We asked Qantas. And the answer was yes, but not without upsetting Ballina. “If Qantas locks all their efforts into Ballina, well, what's the future of our airport? Maybe it's not Qantas, maybe it's not passengers, maybe it's other things.”Almost ironically, the new name of the airport - the James Strong AO Terminal is named after James Strong, an ex-CEO of Qantas who was born and raised in Lismore. Mr Strong himself opened the airport terminal on December 9th, 2000.Mr Logan talks about the works that have been visible driving past the airport, “The airport terminal is nearly complete. That work has been done over the last 12 months, but it probably started about 18 months ago. “That's essentially the EPAR funding, the Essential Public Asset Restoration works that's part of our larger buildings program.”The next phase of works includes a range of other federal grants, almost $5 million, that will see works to the “airside” - the pavement, the tarmac and the outdoor works that will be completed progressively throughout 2025.(Interiors of the newly renovated terminal.)Post flood saw immediate works to its taxi areas and runways to become functional once more so the airport could be used to bring in supplies and in emergency situations. Mark Davis said the airport could be up and running within days of a flood ebbing, “In times of flood, once the water has receded, having a runway available to fly in supplies is critical. Post the water receding, the runway was operational within three or four days.”Mr Logan added, “Fuel, as we saw in the 2022 flood, became a real constraint to recovery in everyday life. The airport allows a source of that to be available in quicker times than road transport.”Although the airport isn’t functioning as a passenger terminal, it has been far from idle.Mark Davis reports, “The annual aircraft movements that the airport is currently experiencing are back to pre-flood and pre-Covid numbers - approximately 14,000 per year.”That is around 40 movements a day, or 20 flights in and out, or out and in, depending on the aircraft's origin.  (As we were discussing the airport use, a B58 Baron, fast aviation twin-engine training aeroplane, took off in the background.)Mark describes the process, “The way airports work is any pilot has the ability and the right to land at any certified aerodrome in Australia, and Lismore is no different. “So a pilot would simply launch a flight plan with Air Services Australia, which we aren't privy to, and then make the required radio calls amongst the fellow pilots utilising the airspace, and they just land.”The intention to use the airport is logged, and the aircraft is charged for the use of the facility.This includes flights for private use, the aero club (which includes training), the Royal Australian Airforce, National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the Royal Flying Doctors, and other medical emergencies.There are 19 separate, privately owned hangars that lease land from the airport.In the recent restructure of the aerospace in the Northern Rivers, which standardised the flight paths coming in and out of Ballina, Lismore ensured it was involved. Mark says, “We were definitely vocal in our opinions and ensured that Lismore was not left out.“There were a few things that we did raise that they have taken on board and will potentially implement, as far as radio communications being improved and also having a standard instrument departure out of Lismore.”The works to keep the airport in a well-maintained condition include inspections of the runway and surrounding facilities twice a week. Any variations in the runway and surrounding grassed areas can potentially be a hazard.  For example, the grass immediately surrounding the runway is strictly kept below 15cm. However, if there has been rain, the mowing equipment cannot use this area, and any wheel divots or bumps greater than 25mm constitute an unacceptable hazard.Pre-planning and maintenance of the other airport equipment are vital. The BOM’s weather instruments transmit the latest weather from the airport. Mark says, “Pilots can tune in to that frequency and get the current weather. “This allows them to reduce their visibility requirements in poor weather for instrument pilots, and that assists the Westpac Rescue chopper in getting here in marginal weather conditions.”(Mark checking the BOM instruments)We'll leave you with a little anecdote discussed during the interview, a flashback to the times when the airport was used as a passenger terminal nearly three years ago. The talk was about the Rex check-in person, who was also the Rex flight attendant.  His ability to recall people was uncanny, “and he had this thing of biscuits that had the Arnott's twin packs, which wasn't flash, but if you were on an early flight, it was great with a cup of tea.”It remains to be seen whether we return to those days or the Lismore Airport will move in a completely different direction. The goal is for the Lismore Airport not to cost ratepayers a cent.

Update:If you live in this area and your power hasn't gone out, there's a good reason.A spokesperson from Essential Energy told us there was no actual outage. It turns out that the power outage was actually a communication outage, so the outage was reported falsely.As you were, everyone!Original story:People west of Lismore city are waking up this morning to a large power outage.No reason has currently been given, and the cause is under investigation.9960 customers have been affected from 4.03am this morning.Either it will be resolved, or we will bring you more information on it.Minimise the use of your fridges and phones, and hopefully this wont be a long one!

Driving around South Lismore, you may have noticed that the Post Office has had a bit of TLC - the roof is now a bright, glossy red!  And just inside, plans for Christmas are brewing, with an exciting makeover for the South Lismore Post Office and some help for area businesses.The South Lismore Post office has been nominated as a tier two business. That means the postmaster, Tracy Ward, has been bestowed the ability to help large and small businesses with a boost to mail-oriented services.“It doesn't matter whether you're packaging tea bags or you're making and selling art. If you've got an online presence or a presence in town and you need to get information out to people, I have been granted the capacity, through Australia Post, to offer businesses significantly reduced rates on postage.“Whether it be parcels, letters, bulk mail outs or unaddressed mail. There's so many cool tools and toys that we've got within this program.”Coming up to Christmas, Tracy is hoping to help all those niche businesses around the area get an advantage. Pop in and ask her how she can help you.Tracy is super excited about another venture that will also help businesses grow, “We've been asked by Australia Post to operate on Saturdays. Saturdays are golden for small business, especially in those last few weeks leading up to Christmas.”(You can send Santa mail from South Lismore Post Office)Tracy and her team have come up with a community solution for the weeks coming up to Christmas.“I was nutting it over with my staff members and thinking, we've got this beautiful, big piece of land behind us that's sitting there vacant. “If I've got to be out of bed and open I may as well open up the backyard and give it to other small businesses that would like a shot at showcasing their wares in the busiest period right up to Christmas.”Tracy is holding a Christmas Market, which she is thinking of calling the “Rainbow Bazaar”. It will start on November 30th and run for at least 3 Saturdays“It is completely free. My land is open. My gate is open. All I'm asking of people is that they drop in store and they see us.”Space is currently limited to around 60 stall holders (each space fits a polytable to show their wares), and there is a process to follow to be included. The post office needs your details to be included, and you will need to come and claim your space at a certain time.  “If you're a face painter, you're an entertainer, if you sell old records, if you make arts and crafts and bags, or if you just read someone's palms, whatever it is that you would like to show the community.“Lots of plans are being hatched. There may be some circus entertainment for children and perhaps a puppet show. We are hoping to have a sausage sizzle, the cafe next door may also be open, and there is the bakery down the road.“It is a Christmas market, so we will be encouraging stall holders to wear something festive, and they'll be given an opportunity to get on board with other campaigns that we're running. “One little campaign is we're going to be adopting families who can't afford to bring Christmas to their children.  “Starting next week, our Christmas stocking fillers will be out on the floor. There'll also be some stockings available. (Stocking stuffer collection)“Customers have got a number of options. One is that they can do nothing at all, and their service will be exactly as it always is. Two is that they can drop a coin in our kid's drive campaign box if they'd like to support it. “And three, they can actually purchase one of the stocking stuffers or toys or gifts in the shop and drop it in those stockings, and they will be distributed. We will be matching item for item in those stockings.”The next part of the Christmas plan involves the first step in the upgrades to the post office.  “I was so excited when the roof turned red. It's not just shiny paint. A large portion of the tin and the valleys had to be removed and replaced, because you could stand beneath it and see straight through to the heavens.“We're very excited because a bright, shiny red roof really raises that profile of South Lismore and helps to remind people that we are rebuilding. We are restoring, and there is that joy and beauty that can be found around this part of town.“There's been a lot of excitement and a lot of inquisition about the next step - the colour of the building. So we're seeing what people will guess it will be. “There's nothing other than the honour of being correct at stake here, but certainly come along, have a look and tell us what you think we are going to paint it.”Tracy is one of those people who weaves a wonderful story about whatever the topic is - magic in the telling - and you feel wiser having spent some time under her spell. The quaint and friendly South Lismore Post Office is becoming a place to visit.She has not been in this position for six months yet, but news of the work she is doing is spreading. One of her projects is “Santa’s List.” By doing good deeds, you add your name to Santa's List and help spread joy in the community.  Many children have signed up and are actively writing letters or painting pictures for elderly people - to show kindness. By these acts, the children are also helping turn “Ettie”, the post office, into a gingerbread house for Christmas!“We have had so many wonderful visitors dropping in, and they're not actually children anymore because once they come and see us, they become honorary elves. “I am excited to say that we had the great privilege of having our first two honorary elves who came all the way down from Queensland to put their name on Santa's nice list at the South Lismore Post Office. “These travellers are doing their good deeds all around Australia, and they took a handful of postcards with them, which they are sending back for us to send on to the older persons in our community to bring them joy. “We also had our very first international travellers who came in to ring the bell and put their name on Santa's good deeds list. (The official stamp that has come from the North Pole - a magnificent gingerbread house)“We have got so many names on our list, but there is heaps of room for more. “So we want to see elves of all shapes and sizes, big elves and little elves, granny elves and children elves and even little bitty baby elves come in store to shake our hand and sign Santa's contract and get out in the community and bring some joy.”Ettie's transformation into a Gingerbread House will be ready on Friday, November 29th, for the official light-up - the night before the Rainbow Bazaar, Christmas markets begin.Check out the work done on the Australia Post Office Roof by the Bearded Roofers at their facebook page.

Live music venues in NSW will gain extra protection against threats to their survival under new measures introduced by the NSW Government.As part of the second tranche of Vibrancy Reforms, which passed Parliament on Thursday, the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy is empowered to intervene if a significant music venue is at risk of closing its doors.These are world-first legislative protections designed to ensure the health of the NSW live music scene and prevent closures that took away venues like the Annandale Hotel and The Basement and threatened the survival of venues like the Eltham Hotel.The first ever census of live music in NSW, the State of the Scene report issued by Sound NSW in June, found there were 795 live venues across the state, with 55 considered “dedicated live music venues”.A framework will allow venues to opt-in to a range of supports that can be deployed if a significant venue’s survival is under threat for reasons that can include noise complaints, vexatious neighbours or hostile landlords.A significant live music venue is defined as one which hosts live, predominantly original, music as the key function of its business and is essential to the touring and live, local music scene in NSW.The Minister will be able to deploy co-ordinated support from Sound NSW, the 24 Hour Commissioner, the Hospitality Concierge and the Business Bureau as a response to threatened venues that require assistance. The Vibrancy Reforms legislation also provides for the Minister to request mediation between a venue and another party to resolve a matter before it progresses further. At that point, a venue may agree that the public and its music fans be alerted that it is under threat.The first tranche of the Labor Government’s made it impossible for a single neighbour noise complaint to shut down a pub or licensed venue.It also increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music.The second tranche of reforms, which passed Parliament with unanimous support, has torn up baffling restrictions on licensed venues that include “no entertainment” clauses or dictate what genre of music or even how many musicians can play.Property buyers will in future be notified they are moving into an existing entertainment zone to protect the intent of Special Entertainment Precincts and reduce the friction between venues and their neighbours.Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said, “The music-loving community has been forced to say Rest In Peace too many times to the foundational live venues that were the incubators of Australian music. We are not going to sit by and watch another Annandale Hotel unplug the music and dismantle the stage.“In a cost of living crisis, we need a strong local music scene where people can enjoy live music without shelling out the hundreds of dollars it can cost to see the big touring international acts.“Protecting our time-honoured venues is also about supporting the night-time economy. The NSW music census found live music provides 25,000 jobs and contributes $5.5 billion in economic output to NSW. We want to amplify that contribution to the economy.“A state significant music venues framework is part of the rebalance, and it’s long overdue.”

Premier Chris Minns banned mobile phones in public schools a year ago. This week, he and the NSW Labor Party celebrated its success.  However, The Rivers Secondary Colleges saw the need and implemented a system way before the recommendation was handed down, and the results put the students out in front.The state government reported that “The decision to ban mobile phones in all NSW public schools has improved student learning, concentration, and encouraged young people to socialise more," according to a new survey by the NSW Department of Education.95% of schools implemented the ban, which has resulted in a finding that many expected: “Removing the unnecessary distraction has improved students’ focus and reduced social isolation.”Locally, Lismore High Campus led the way by introducing lockable phone pouches in 2019.  Kadina High Campus and Richmond River High Campus adopted phone pouches in 2021. These pouches ensured phone use was a thing of the past during school hours.Bree Harvey-Bice, the Relieving Executive Principal at The Rivers Secondary College, says the results seen were swift and obvious. “As soon as phones were locked away for the day, we saw immediate improvements in student engagement in class, socialisation with each other and in levels of physical activity. “Our playgrounds became much more active places when students were not being drawn back to their screens and students demonstrated greater engagement in their classes.”The ban by the state government added weight to their decision, lending it further legitimacy.“The NSW government ban on phones in schools has been supportive of what we already had in place.“It gave weight to what we had been telling our college community about the detrimental effects of phone use and helped students to feel as if we were all in it together.” Other aspects of tech use and social media, namely age restrictions and mature use, are currently under scrutiny by government departments.“As a principal I particularly look forward to seeing the outcomes from the recent Social Media Summit, as we know this can be a difficult space for many of our young people.”

The NSW Government is injecting $35.3 million into an arsenal of water efficiency programs across NSW, to save billions of litres and aiming to arm regional and metro towns with the tools they need for a sustainable water future.  This funding injection will kickstart water efficiency initiatives that aim to save 5 billion litres of water in regional NSW over the next two years, improving long-term water security and contributing towards the Greater Sydney Water Strategy’s water-saving target of 38 billion litres by 2030. The investment includes funding for the successful Regional Leakage Reduction Program, which has found more than 3,000 leaks across 60 Local Water Utilities since 2022. The program has saved a whopping 7,500 megalitres of water each year, or enough to meet the annual water needs of around 37,500 NSW households.A range of new projects will focus on residential, government, commercial and industrial water savings as well as network leakage, research and innovation, education and capacity building.The funding will deliver:·       A boost to the Regional Leakage Reduction Program – aiming to save an additional 4,500 megalitres of water per year over the next two years·       Another round of the Washing Machine Replacement Program – helping thousands more low-income households upgrade to a more efficient washing machine, saving water and easing cost-of-living pressures·       Continuing the School Water Efficiency Program – launching an online portal to help K-12 students understand the importance of being water-wise and track their school’s water use and identify leaks ·       Expanding the Regional Water Loss Management Hub pilot to other regional areas, leveraging local expertise to save another 500 megalitres of water per year·       A new industry drought preparedness program, helping businesses conduct water audits, access water savings resources and train and upskill workers in the sector·       Further water efficiency research into home water consumption using metering and AI technology, helping local water utilities boost water efficiency and streamline their services·       Continued work to deliver the water savings targets in the Greater Sydney Water Strategy and the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan, which aim to save over 40 billion litres per year·       Finding ways to better integrate water efficiency policy and strategy into planning and development.More details on these programs will become available as projects start to roll out over the next two to five years.For more information on NSW’s water efficiency programs, visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/projects-and-programs/water-efficiencyMinister for Water Rose Jackson said, “This major investment will help NSW level up on water efficiency, saving billions of litres of water and ensuring our cities, country towns and communities are ready to face any future challenges, including a drying climate.“As NSW grows and thrives, we face increasing demands on our resources, so we are sending the message that it’s more important than ever to be water wise.“While water storages are currently healthy, we know the next drought could be around the corner, so it’s vital that we accelerate action now. “This National Water Week, we’re reminding everyone that using less water saves money while also helping us adapt to climate change and boosting our drought resilience. “That’s why we’re charging forward with this critical work, pulling on every lever at our disposal to reduce water use and become smarter with the water we do have – in homes, schools, businesses and through services provided by local water utilities.” 

The Lismore community's generosity knows no bounds as another charity raises a huge amount of money for a very worthwhile cause.The Women Up North Spring Gala was held last Saturday night (October 19) at the Lismore Turf Club with $70,000 raised to support women and children experiencing Domestic and Sexual Violence in the Northern Rivers.Jillian Knight-Smith CEO Women Up North said, "On behalf of Women Up North (WUN), I want to thank the Lismore community for coming together to the Women Up North SPRING GALA on Saturday night 19th October. The Northern Rivers came together to create a highly successful fund-raising evening for women and children experiencing Domestic Family and Sexual Violence in the Northern Rivers.(Jillian Knight- Smith CEO of Women Up North, and Nick Hamilton, CEO of Challenger Major Sponsor Domestic Family and Sexual Violence. Photo: supplied) "It was a memorable evening. Jenny Smith gave us an inspiring and humbling Welcome to Country, followed by a performance by the talented Ninhi Nari Gali Bundjalung dance group."It is such a huge relief for all of us at WUN to know that we are able to support women and children in dire need, to help put food on their tables, fix cars, assist children to go to and participate at school with dignity, support families to find and keep housing and access emergency accommodation and transport, and be safe and leaving violence behind."On Saturday night, our community came out, looked fabulous and danced with us to the amazing Lisa Hunt. Women Up North is giving a huge shoutout to our community, volunteers, students, workers, Board, donors, sponsors, raffle donors, supporters and auction participants … you supported us to engage in our community and business world, it has been a privilege to get to know you and work with you, dance with you and make a difference in the lives of women and children experiencing Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. "Together we make a difference; together we say No to violence."The $70,000 raised from the Spring Gala will be spent on emergency accommodation, rent and bonds, security systems, food and specialist medical needs assisting children to attend and maintain schooling.. and women to return to work and education, household packs, food phone and utility expenses, white goods, linen, furniture and immediate needs. Through the Women Up North Spring Gala, Our Kids Winter Ball, The Met Gala and various charity golf days over the last three months, Lismore has, once again, generously helped those who need it.

The Westpac Helicopter Op Shop is looking around for new premises in the Lismore CBD and needs volunteers.Flying out of Lismore Airport almost every day, the service provides a vital resource for rescue operations on the Far North Coast.Op shops and support groups, such as the one in Tenterfield who recently donated $150,000 through their fundraising efforts, are integral to support the service they provide.Steve Adams is the Volunteers and Retail Manager for the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service and coordinates the three regions in Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore.Steve describes what the volunteer's work means to the service: “Right now, you've got the helicopter and staff on standby. “We have pilots and crew members; New South Wales Health provides the doctor and paramedic. “These helicopters contain millions of dollars worth of equipment. They're an ICU unit with helicopter blades that are, quite literally, an hour away from our furthest point.“The staff do a 12-hour shift - 12 hours on, 12 hours off, and they do those a couple of days a week. “They're trained up extensively for the role that they do. So they might do a one month turnaround. And they're based out at our helicopter base. “There's accommodation upstairs, if they're asleep and the alarm goes off within a very short space of time, they are to be kitted up operation ready.”There are seven Op Shops between Coffs Harbour and Ballina and out to Tenterfield.“Op Shops have been our marketing tool here in the northern region for a long, long time."This is along with barbecues like the one held outside Furniture Court on Thursday to help celebrate their opening.“Back in 2022, we lost the Lismore store in the flood. We decided that we would like to come back into Lismore and we were looking high up the hill at Goonellabah.”However, over time, attitudes have changed. “Lismore CBD is growing again. People are moving back into the area. So we're finding we're getting a reasonably good response into coming back into town itself.”The shop's plans are coming together. Steve has looked at a couple of potential locations. Now, it’s about filling positions.“We try to get a very good volunteer base. We need at least 40 people to put their name up for volunteering.”Volunteers can work half or a full day. Training is provided, and there are different roles.  “Sometimes people come from Centrelink, and sometimes we have some of the disabled people through the various agencies come in and work with us as well.“We know sometimes parents and grandparents have to go and pick up the kids and drop them off, and we're very accommodating and work the roster out as best we can. “We appoint a coordinator that is somebody who is responsible for opening the doors and closing the doors, doing the banking of the day, making sure the team's doing what they need to do. “We're very fortunate that four of our previous members have agreed to come back, and all four were coordinators. “We've got very good people with a good heart.”If you are interested, contact Steve Adams on (02) 6623 7300 or email enquiries@rescuehelicopter.com.au. Or you can check out the website for more information

The percentage of people who can’t afford to visit a GP in the Richmond - Tweed region has increased more than 175% over the past four years, according to damning new research.The report titled Access Denied: Australians Locked Out of Quality Healthcare was commissioned by peak social services body NCOSS and conducted by the University of Canberra.NCOSS chief executive Cara Varian said the report found that patient experiences with vital health services including GPs, specialists and dentists in NSW had gone backwards since its 2020 report and that regional areas were more heavily impacted than metropolitan areas.“This report illustrates that the health system is broken,” Ms Varian said. “When people can’t afford the most fundamental medical care it leads to bad health outcomes and puts pressure on hospitals,” she said.“These statistics are particularly alarming in regional areas and are a wake-up call for the NSW and Commonwealth Governments to improve affordability and out-of-pocket costs for all Australians.” The key statistics for the Richmond - Tweed region include:The number of people who feel their dentist did not spend enough time with them increased almost 350% since 2020, the highest increase across all NSW regionsOne in three (33%) visit the ED because their GP was unavailable, significantly higher than NSW overall (23%)More than a quarter (26%) feel their GP could have provided care for their most recent GP visit, significantly higher than NSW overall (16%)Significantly lower ownership of private health insurance compared to NSW overall (45% v 58%)“This report shows that people in regional NSW are copping the brunt of a stretched health system and that financial pressures have put healthcare out of reach for too many people,” Ms Varian said.“Whether it’s visiting your doctor or your dentist, we need to make healthcare more accessible for people outside of metropolitan areas.”  NCOSS’s research reveals that NSW and Commonwealth Governments should take the following steps:Improve affordability and reduce out-of-pocket costs, particularly for vulnerable populationsEnhance healthcare access and availability in regional areasProvide targeted support to groups experiencing the most significant declines in healthcare experiencesAddress the growing pressure on health services, including wait times and time spent with patientsThe report draws on the 2023 patient experience survey (PES) component of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Multipurpose Household Survey (MPHS) and original data estimations produced by the University of Canberra for NCOSS.NCOSS has developed an Online Mapping Tool which provides a geographic breakdown of the report data by SA2 level. To use the Online Mapping Tool and to read the report, click here.

Last night's thunderstorm, and the one in the early hours of the morning, caused 17.8mm to fall at the Lismore Airport.The good news is the weather forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology is a shower or two for both Saturday and Sunday, a 50-60% chance of rain and only 0-2mm expected.The Lismore Farmers Markets is back on tomorrow (Saturday) morning from 7:30 at the Lismore Showgrounds following a week off because of another successful Lismore Show.Homegrown fruit and veg, coffee/tea & breakfast options, plus meats, plants, seedlings and much more. John Trapp is providing the live music between 8am and 11am.It is the fourth Sunday of the month, which means the Nimbin Markets will be happening between 9am and 3pm on Cullen Street next to the school. It's always a good day out in the hills.The Wilson Park School (230 Wyrallah Road, East Lismore) for specific purposes is having a big market day, with trash and treasure, plants, books, bakes and craft stalls tomorrow (Saturday October 26) between 9am and 2pm.There will be bacon and egg rolls, the Coffee Addictions Van and a sausage sizzle.The P&C are holding this exciting inaugural event to raise money for the refurbishing of the food technology room. The food technology rooms are an integral part of our children’s education, teaching future job skills and daily living independence.There are three (3) places left in the Lords Taverner's Golf Day on Sunday. It's a four-person ambrose with a 12pm shotgun start.The cost is $40 per person with money helping the young and disadvantaged in their sporting field.Call Warren to book your team before 4pm tomorrow (Saturday) on 0414 607 404.There is some fantastic live music to get along to over the weekend.At the Northern Rivers Hotel, Hello Ray Duo is tonight between 7pm and 10pm, tomorrow (Saturday) Dan Hannaford is on stage from 6:30pm and the Sunday Session between 4pm and 7pm is the record launch of Soul Fish.We are two weeks away from the Boney M Experience rocking the Lismore Workers Club on Saturday, November 9.That is followed by Marina Prior and Michael Cormick's 'Centrestage' on Saturday, November 16 and The Italian Tenors singing 'The Classics' on Friday November 22.You can book your tickets here.Lismore retains its reputation as the most expensive fuel in the Northern Rivers by 13 to 17 cents a litre, with the exception of diesel, where it is the cheapest.Some fuels had price drops in Casino and Ballina, but Lismore remained steady.Here are the cheapest fuel prices in each town:E10 is 178.9 across those that serve E10 across Lismore, 165.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, with The Metro and the Mobil on River Street in Ballina cheapest at 161.9.Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road in the CBD and the Shell on Ballina Road in Goonellabah, 167.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino and 163.9 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 188.9 at the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, Northside Liberty and Bakers Corner at North Lismore and the Liberty on Ballina Road, 183.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino and 174.9 at The Metro and the Mobil in Ballina.U98 is 196.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road and at 113 Union Street, South Lismore, 187.9 at the two Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and 183.9 at The Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.Diesel is 173.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road and the Ampol on Union Street, South Lismore, 176.9 at the NightOwl Puma and The United on Johnston Street and the Liberty's on Hare and Centre Street in Casino and 182.5 at The Metro and the Mobil in Ballina.Have a great weekend!

Animal lovers and pet owners will applaud the Bill introduced to Parliament yesterday by the Labor Government. The aim is to strengthen puppy and dog welfare across the state by establishing clear guardrails and standards for dog breeders.Committed to during the election, this legislation has been developed through close consultation with experts, industry and animal welfare advocates to ensure community expectations are reflected in New South Wales laws. The Bill targets key risks to animal health and welfare associated with dog breeding practices that have been of concern for some time. Changes under this Bill include:Mandating that breeders must, for the first time, obtain a Breeder Identification Number through the NSW pet registry, enabling transparency of the sector and assisting people acquiring a puppy. Setting a lifetime litter limit for fertile female adult dogs (those over 6 months old) to five natural litters or up to three caesarean litters, whichever occurs first.Establishing a care standard of one staff carer for every 20 adult dogs, ensuring sufficient care, food and water are provided.Establishing a maximum cap of 20 fertile female dogs (over the age of six months) at any breeding premise.A maximum penalty for individuals of $110,000, two years imprisonment or both and $550,000 for organisations will apply for breaches of this cap.This bill seeks to stop puppy farming by providing a robust and modernised regulatory system for all breeders to deliver good animal welfare without imposing undue regulatory burden on legitimate breeders.The Government is therefore enabling within the Bill that breeders with more than 20 fertile dogs will be able to apply for a limited exemption from this cap. This exemption will apply for ten years, giving breeders significant time to appropriately scale down their operations.Currently in New South Wales there has been no compulsory registration scheme for breeders and no restrictions on the number of breeding female dogs that a person or business can have, or the number of litters a female dog can produce in their lifetimes. Without these safeguards, animal welfare has been jeopardised by unethical breeders, in some instances, establishing facilities of dozens or hundreds of dogs without providing essential care. The majority of the changes will come into effect from December 2025, allowing time for the Government to rollout an education campaign for breeders, dog owners and those considering acquiring a puppy.NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said, “With half of all households having a dog at home, there is significant community concern about the welfare of these dogs as puppies and about the practice of puppy farms.“Most breeders do the right thing, but there is a clear message from the community that large-scale, unregulated breeding practices are not acceptable, and breeders should be registered.“We came to Government with a commitment to clean up the sector and to enhance animal welfare because it means a lot to everyone in our community and for our dogs.“Our Bill ensures transparency, accountability, and appropriate animal welfare standards in all breeding operations across NSW.“This Bill is about stopping the bad apples of this industry while supporting good and professional people who prioritise the health and welfare of their animals.“These changes will be easy to understand for industry and will allow people to distinguish ethical breeders who promote responsible breeding practices from dodgy puppy farmers.Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said, “People expect that any dog purchased from a breeder has been treated well and has not been exploited by dishonest puppy farmers to turn a profit.  “This Bill applies a strict regulatory framework to provide the government with greater oversight to ensure all breeders are complying with animal welfare standards and community expectations.“All industry and animal welfare stakeholders agree that there is a need to clean out the bad actors and for better animal and customer protection against those few unethical breeders. That is what this Bill delivers.” Animal Welfare League NSW CEO Stephen Albin said, “The Animal Welfare League NSW strongly supports the Bill as it will crack down on breeders who are doing the wrong thing and improve animal welfare.“It also sets a new regulatory framework that will deliver higher standards in the breeding industry and give established breeders time to meet those standards.“We have seen a huge spike in breeding since COVID-19, with a big increase in dogs coming into the shelter, blowing out our waiting lists and making it extremely challenging to find new, loving homes for dogs, who are often just puppies.“Sadly, too many dogs are not finding a new home.“This Bill will help ease the pressure on our shelters and allow us to rehome dogs that have been surrendered or abandoned.”

The annual North Coast Road Riders Christmas Toy Run is asking the community to put the date in your calendar to get as many people involved as possible, and is asking for any motorcycle owners to be part of the annual ride from Ballina to Lismore.The 2024 Toy Run will be held on Sunday, December 1st. Riders will leave the Ballina Maritime Museum at 9:15am and arrive at Browns car park in Lismore between 10am and 10:15am with a detour through Alstonville.Approximately 55 to 80 motorcycle riders will hit the streets of Ballina, the Bruxner Highway, Alstonville and the Lismore CBD decked out in Christmas decorations and carrying toys Our Kids."We are trying to encourage loads of attendance this year from the community, especially at the end stop at Lismore, said member and organiser Jillian Challinor."Times are tough, and our greatest desire is to spread a little joy.""Riders are encouraged to check out each other's decorated rides and have a laugh. Gold coin donations go to a local children's charity of choice, which will be decided by Knights SMC (Social Motorcycle Club). If you know of a worthy CHILDREN'S charity deserving of funds, please contact Jace Rea from Knights SMC on 0432 601 638 to nominate a charity."All toys donated to 'Our Kids' for children in local hospitals, and will be delivered to Rebekka Battista at the Lismore stop."Please- if you bring along some treats to share with children along the way- remember to pull over to the kids, as we don't want kids running onto the road."Have fun, make lots of noise, and be proud knowing you are adding something to a community Christmas! "Summerland Sunrise Rotary Club will be holding a sausage sizzle at Browns car park Lismore from 10:45am. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the sizzle and check out the bikes. There will also be balloons and face painting for children.

A new shop with a vibrant mix of clothes, antiques and handcrafted wares is the passion of a newcomer to the city, embracing the opportunity that Lismore has provided.As you walk into Cedar and Lime Studios, the fabrics and decorations are reminiscent of the mystic Orient, with carpets and statues and décor that beckons.The proprietor, Lisa Souter, moved to Lismore and opened up her shop a couple of months ago on Woodlark Street.An artistic maker whose works include clothing made from antique fabrics, blending Mish Mash soaps and felted millinery, she has been living in the Tweed for 20 years and selling her wares at markets. Lisa’s soaps are a delight to the senses, “The base is cacao, mango and shea butter, and I've tried to go as environmentally friendly which includes biodegradable cellophane wrapping.“The colours are all-natural, so the green is Indigo and saffron mixed together. No two soaps ever look alike.”Lisa’s works change with the seasons. Felting is done in winter. But for now, “It's summer. I have to concentrate on soap. It is time for soap; no one picks up soap in winter.”There is a range of hand-picked second-hand clothes and a range of new ones made by Lisa, “My mum and two aunties passed away, and I inherited a lot of beautiful, incredible cotton and a lot of Japanese fabrics.”Lisa’s eclectic blend of wares comes from a history of travel that includes spending 6 years in Japan, where an appreciation for the Kimono and the East developed.Rain that has cancelled markets and the rising costs of living in the Tweed have seen her relocate to Lismore to be able to have her very own shop and studio that she can work from.Moving to Lismore came with the knowledge of potential flood risk. Lisa speaks of her plan, “I know it was a bit risky in the flood zone, but my plan is just to take everything out if I need to.”Lisa still operates at markets and is very adept at packing up her shop quickly to relocate her stock on market days. The warning of flood will see her using those packing skills for an alternative motive.Lisa understands she is on a street with less walk-past traffic. She says, “Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. I know this is a quieter spot, but I love the space I have here; it suits my needs really well.”You will find Lisa at 40 Woodlark Street. Google may tell you it’s on the corner, but Cedar and Lime Studios is on the other side of the alleyway beside the Richmond Hotel. Lisa has yet to get a street frontage sign up, so look for the sign on the shop door.Pop in and welcome Lisa to Lismore.