Approximately two hundred protestors walked down Magellan Street this morning, chanting "What do we want? Fair Funding. When do we want it? Now" and "We teach, We care. We deserve to be paid fair."The protest ended at The Quad just after 9am to voice their frustration over the lack of NSW Government funding, which is seeing staff in Community Preschools being paid up to 35% less than their counterparts in Long Day Preschools with the same qualifications.(The first Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance protestors arrive at The Quad this morning)The protest was aligned with a larger protest in Sydney outside of Parliament House. President of the Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance, Bridget Isichei, said the pay gap had increased so much that hiring staff was now a serious issue."We're already seeing the collapse of some community preschools in NSW. I can think of many community free schools that don't have directors or that can't rehire because our educators and teachers can get the same job in another service, but for 35% more pay. Our teachers and educators have the same qualifications and registration, so we really are competing, and it's a battle that we can no longer win. "We're at crisis point. We have been bargaining with the NSW Government at Fair Work for 12 months, and in that 12 months, although the NSW government have been forced to attend the Fair Work, they've refused to participate or find any solutions to our challenges. And so that's what's brought us here today."Bridget explained that Community Preschools receive funding from the state government only, whereas Long Day Care services receive funding from the federal and state governments."They're able to double dip on their funding," Bridget exclaimed. "And when the federal government decided to increase wages for early childhood teachers and educators, which was great, it was only for those teachers and educators in the services that they fund, which is about 97% of our sector. It's all of the Long Day Care services. Our public preschool teachers are already getting 35% higher, so we were already competing, but when the long day care wages went up, it put us into an absolute crisis."That's why, almost immediately, we went to Fair Work and asked the New South Wales Government to at least match the wage increases for the rest of the sector, but they've refused to do so completely. They're saying that they're not in charge of our wages. They're not responsible, but they're our only funder. We really need them to listen at this point. The difference between a Community Preschool and Long Day Care is the hours of operation. Long Day Care operate from 6am to 6pm, 52 weeks of the year, in most cases, to cater for two working parents. Community Preschools operate in the same way as public schools, open during school terms and school hours. "We're able to create a consistent environment for children where we have the same educators and teachers there in the morning, when the parents drop off, that also pick up in the afternoon, they have the same educators and teachers across the week," Bridget said."Long Day Care, because of the structure, and also because they've also been underpaid for a long time, will have a variety of different educators working on different days, different people when the parents drop off, as to pick up. "Community Preschool has managed to create this consistency that allows children to thrive, and that's one of the reasons why we exceed the National Quality Standard. So, we're three times more likely to exceed the National Quality Standard. Community Preschools are absolutely thriving with their quality ratings because of our structure."Another key difference in the two systems is the amount that is paid on a daily basis. Bridget claimed Community Preschools are charging around $12 a day because of their structure, an affordable rate compared to Long Day Care of $100 to $150 a day, which is subsidised by the NSW Government's Start Strong for Long Day Care program. The Federal Government offers a Child Care Subsidy to all parents based on their individual circumstances.When asked why Community Preschools don't increase fees to help cover increased wages, Bridget replied, "That's what the New South Wales Government asked us to do. They asked us to increase fees."It is possible that some preschools in NSW may be able to increase fees depending on the area they live in, but for most preschools in NSW, most are in regional and remote communities, and that's because big for-profit Long Day Care's don't want to set up in those communities. There's no money to be made, so community preschools often run in those communities, and those communities don't have the extra money to pay those fees. "The risk is that the most vulnerable children in NSW will stay home and miss out on those opportunities, and we know that early childhood education is most important for vulnerable children, so our community preschool sector is not willing to risk those families and children missing out on preschool to respond to that request."In terms of staff shortages, it was explained that even three years ago, a vacant position would have 50 applicants, and a recent vacancy received no applications after running a job ad for four months.'When we did get a great application and went right through to the interview and reference process, the person turned down the job because we couldn't meet the salary expectations."Jackie has used the Community Preschool at Clunes for her three children. "I'm here today for the educators to support them the way they've supported us. They've given us a strong start for our children, the start that they've needed. Now, they need to be recognised, valued and paid fairly."Tracy McCarthy, a Director from Talgum Community Preschool, said her preschool has operated at a deficit for the past three years."Our reserves for maintenance and leave entitlements are running low. The safety net funding only increases by the CPI each year, and does not factor in wage increases, higher maintenance costs, paying for expensive internet and administration platforms that are now mandatory and expensive, and new license agreements with local councils that we've never had to pay before. "Reducing staff hours is not an option as we need to meet ratios, have lunch breaks and programming time and workplace health and safety guidelines to support the well-being of our educators. My role as a director would not be manageable with less hours. If anything, I need more. "Preschools are not sitting on mountains of gold. It is quite the opposite for many. Preschools require substantial funds for ongoing maintenance, upgrades and capital works and retain funds to cover leave entitlements. NSW community preschools are not a one-size-fits-all. All the operating costs are contextual and significant, regardless of whether we enrol 15 or 50 children."We need to protect the preschool model of care and education and shift the focus to what is best for children and their safety and well-being and what is best qualified, dedicated and well-supported teachers and educators that are paid what they are worth and funding that reflects the contextual needs of each service."It would appear that this, like the Nurses and Midwives wage issue, will not be going away anytime soon for the NSW Government.

As is tradition, the opening of the 2025 Elders Lismore Show is at 6 o'clock tonight, when the TURSA Art Prize will be awarded.TURSA has been involved with the Lismore Show since 1996, and has sponsored the TURSA Art Prize since 2003.There are eight categories from artists all over the East Coast of Australia."We've got people coming in from Queensland and right down the south of NSW, and of course, from around here," said North Coast National Life Member, Ian Mulligan."I think the first year we had about 60 odd entries. We used to borrow the frames to have the art set up. And then after a while, we got them from the Lismore Art Club, and then we got onto Trinity. Then in about, I think, 2016 we made our own. Since then, we've been autonomous."2025 will see between 120 and 130 pieces of art judged in the following categories:Still LifeTownscapeLandscapeWaterscapeCountry LifeIssues in Contemporary LivingDomestic Animals and WildlifePortraitureEach category winner will receive $300, and the artwork awarded the 2025 TURSA Art Prize will receive $1000.The Tursa Art Prize artwork is inside the Lismore Lapidary Club (Gemfest) at the top gate off Alexandra Parade, immediately to the right. Some of the artwork will be for sale.There is now an easier walk up to see the artwork, thanks to a $35,000 Tursa Community Grant, which allowed a new concrete surface to be created. At an unveiling today, the path will be called Tursa Way.(North Coast National Vice President Lyndal Gordon and Secretary Mark Sollom reveal the TURSA Way sign)For those interested, everyone is invited to attend tonight with free wine and nibbles starting at 6pm.In a special ceremony held tomorrow at 6:45pm (Thursday), the Cattle Ring will be named the Rodney Gibson Cattle Ring in his memory after he suddenly and sadly passed away on the first night of last year's Lismore Show.Rodney had long been a much-loved and respected member of the Lismore Show family and was Chief Beef/Cattle Steward for 15 years. His loss was felt throughout last year's Show by those who knew him.He left behind his wife, Jess, and three children, Faith, Jack and Adele.The gates open tomorrow morning at 8am for the 2025 Elders Lismore Show and close on Saturday, October 18 at the conclusion of the fireworks around 9pm.

UPDATE 11AM from NSW PoliceTwo buildings have been destroyed by fire in Lismore’s CBD this morning.Emergency services were called to Magellan Street shortly after 4am (Wednesday, 15 October 2025), after a building was seen alight.The fire spread to an adjoining building on Magellan Street, with Fire and Rescue NSW teams from Lismore, Goonellabah, Coraki, Alstonville and Mullumbimby attending the scene.The fire was extinguished about 6am but both buildings were destroyed.A crime scene has now been established on-site; once deemed safe, it will be examined by Scene of Crime officers and specialist fire investigators in an effort to determine the cause of the fire.ORIGINAL STORYFirefighters were called to the old Masonic Hall building on Magellan Street just after 4am this morning after receiving multiple 000 calls.Superintendent Gary White said firefighters commenced firefighting operations as soon as they arrived."Crews from around the area have been able to extinguish the fire and are now in the process of mopping up that fire."At this stage, we can see there has been damage done to the roof of the hall and also to the building at the rear of the hall."Parts of Magellan Street are closed to traffic; however, it was anticipated that it would be open to traffic again shortly.

World Menopause Day is this Saturday, October 18. Yesterday, community leaders, experts and advocates joined the NSW Minister for Women to discuss lived experience of menopause and perimenopause, and the importance of supportive workplaces. The discussion panel featured:renowned menopause advocate Em RuscianoDr Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s HealthProfessor Elizabeth Hill, Deputy Director, Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at WorkKaren Willis OAM, Gender Equity Officer, Unions NSWThe panel discussed lived experiences of menopause and perimenopause in all areas of life, including women who experience menopause earlier than the average age of 51 due to medicine or surgery.It covered the importance of addressing employee stigma, creating safe and inclusive workplaces, increasing manager awareness, as well as sharing initiatives on improving women’s overall health and wellbeing.With more than three-quarters of working women in Australia affected by perimenopause and menopause symptoms, this event is part of the NSW Government’s work to raise awareness around this important women’s health issue.The government provides several resources to support women and workplaces navigate the menopause transition, including the Menopause and Perimenopause Toolkit - a central resource containing information to support women, families, workplaces and health professionals.It is easily accessible, gives women and employees confidence, enhances their understanding of treatment, and supports their autonomy by offering practical strategies for everyday challenges and managing symptoms at work. It includes:A downloadable menopause symptoms checklist, translated into eight languages, easy read and tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.Menopause videos that explain the symptoms of menopause and how they impact day-to-day life. Translated videos are also available.Employment resources for managers and employees.A podcast series exploring common symptoms and experiences.Guides for partners and families.To learn more, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/menopause.For women experiencing severe and complex menopause symptoms, the NSW Government has set up four Menopause Hubs around the state, with a multi-disciplinary team of specialists to provide holistic support. The Hubs are networked to a number of referral sites across New South Wales, improving access to specialist care. To learn more about menopause services, go to: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/women/Pages/menopause.aspx. Minister for Women and Seniors, Jodie Harrison said, “Menopause is a natural part of life, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed health transitions.“This is despite the fact that most women - around 83 per cent - report at least one menopause symptom that affects their work. These symptoms can affect women’s lives, careers and retirement.“This World Menopause Day, we’re creating space for open conversations, practical support and recognition of the diverse ways menopause affects women across New South Wales, particularly within the workplace. “We need to continue the conversation about the impacts of menopause and make sure women are empowered to speak about it and access the appropriate supports.”Dr Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, said, “Jean Hailes' National Women's Health Survey found that 17 per cent of women aged 45 to 64 take an extended break from workforce participation due to illness. Menopause is a significant factor in this decision. We need to empower women with practical, evidence-based solutions so we don't lose the incredibly valuable skills, knowledge and experience that women in midlife bring to the workplace.” Em Rusciano, perimenopausal advocate and keynote speaker, said, “Perimenopause hit me in my late 30s - much earlier than I ever expected. I thought it was a ‘later in life’ problem, but instead it’s been a brutal, seismic shift I was utterly unprepared for. And that’s exactly why I’m talking about it now: because menopause has been buried under shame and silence for generations. Puberty and pregnancy are resourced and respected; menopause deserves the same. Saying it out loud is how we peel back the shame and push the systems to finally catch up.”

There was a great deal covered during yesterday's Lismore City Council October meeting. Too much for one news story, so the Lismore App will be writing and publishing a number of stories in the coming days to give you more detail and perspective on each item.In a unanimous vote, councillors voted to approve the 58-bed temporary accommodation DA on McKenzie Street, Lismore, just east of the Lismore Square.It was revealed that there were a number of community concerns from nearby residents and preschools; however, councillors were convinced that with the correct conditions in place, the community would see that their concerns would be allayed.Cr Gordon and Mayor Krieg visited a similar operation by Social Futures in Tweed Heads, both coming out impressed and confident that it would also work in Lismore.A staff member regaled a story from a staff member who was approached three months after opening the new facility, asking, When will it open?(The old Fromelles Manor site on McKenzie Street in July 2025)"And I think if Mackenzie Street can resemble or is run in exactly the same way, and I think it's proposed, that's exactly what's going to happen, then you will not know that this establishment is running." Cr Gordon said."This is a major step forward in housing. People that significantly need to be housed, but also looking after them. You can't just put people in a house or in a flat and say you're on your own. It doesn't work. It does not work. Councilor Rob will be able to tell you that. We've seen it a thousand times, but if you assist people, I genuinely believe that people want the best for them. They really do, but sometimes they just struggle with managing that ideal."If you put them in an environment where they are safe, they are separated from others, and you give them the opportunity to learn and perhaps get new skills, they become a far better person for it. And I think Lismore will be recognised for, I guess, the significant contribution we will make into making other people's lives far more manageable, and perhaps have some greater citizens come out of this operation."Mayor Krieg told a story about a 78-year-old couple who had their rent doubled by a new landlord after 35 years of living in that property. The result was they had to move out because they couldn't afford the rent. The new Tweed Heads Social Futures facility took them in for a week and found them a new affordable place to live permanently."This service is a wrap-around to aid people to find long-term accommodation under their own means. We don't know where each of us, or any of us, will be in three months, six months time. And I can't help but think this couple that was mentioned, the grandparents, their parents, they're the same age as my parents. They've worked hard their whole life, and they found themselves in this predicament, and a service like this was able to take them in and provide the support and the contacts to find them future, long-term accommodation."I'm not discounting for one second the community concerns in and around that this is complex. It's something that, as councillors, I'm sure we all struggle with, but we've got to think of our most vulnerable. They could be our parents, they could be our grandparents, they could be our neighbours. We don't know. And for that, I'm aware of the work that Social Futures does in our whole region, and they do great work. They do the work that no one puts their hand up to do."Cr Knight-Smith mentioned that council staff conditions that raised the fence height, thus better screening for the neighbours, and the 24 hour security."In Tweed, so far, there have been 60 people moved into long-term housing. What an amazing outcome. Some into social and some private, and some renewed, reunited with their families. There's no denying that this is something that our community will benefit from, and it is part of the mix of housing that we need to provide for our community."Cr Hall mentioned that 74 women were killed in Australia last year as a result of domestic violence."These rooms, apartments, facilities, are also going to house those people, and that's the angle I'm taking on it. We're protecting the youth of today, we're protecting the mums who don't have anywhere to go."As mentioned at the watery, this was a unanimous vote.Another unanimous vote was related to the Dunoon & District Sports & Recreation Club.The Sports & Rec Club wants to buy 100m2 from Lismore Council after its building has encroached onto council land. The question was asked by Cr Battista as to why it has been allowed to encroach across its boundary, but the question did not bring an answer.(The Dunoon Sports & Recreation Club is under financial strain)The motion was for Council to enter into a lease agreement with the club to a level to be negotiated by the GM to cover council costs and for the GM to negotiate a sale at a future date when the club is in a financial position to buy the land.The last point was added because the Dunoon Sports & Rec Club is in a very weak position, financially, which each councillor was aware of after reading the report.It was acknowledged that the club, like others in our villages, is more like a community centre rather than just a place to get a drink, and they do not have poker machines."It's a place where, as I said, in times of emergency, people are offered shelter, so basically an evacuation centre for that community. The Dunnon Club deck provides shelter if they're watching their children play soccer," said Cr Dalton-Earls.Cr Dalton-Earls wanted to put a $1 cost on purchasing the land, plus ask the club to fund the legal fees and stamp duty, estimated to be between $6,000 and $10,000. Cr Battista said the club should pay more than that as they are the ones who have encroached onto council land, even if it was a mistake when the building was constructed (which was not disclosed). The estimated land cost from council staff was $10,357.As stated above, there is ongoing concern for the future of the Dunoon Sport & Rec Club, so any amount is too much.Cr Battista said, "Once a club is in very dire straits, it takes a big effort from the community itself to turn it around. I don't believe the club will survive, to be honest, because once you're down this slippery slope. We heard they haven't got a chef, so what are they going to do? I don't think it's going to be a viable club unless there's a change in management and a change in organisational governance. That's up to the community to do that. They really need to step up and really do something about it."Cr Gordon said, I just don't feel as though we're in the business of winding up sports clubs or community facilities. We're here to help them and to manage them and to see their prosperity or to do the very least that we can to ensure their success."The vote was unanimous to wait until the Dunoon Spot & Rec Club is in a stronger financial position, which may take quite a few years.The Planning Proposal to apply additional uses on land in South Lismore alongside the Rail Trail was another unanimous vote. This could see new retail businesses, an information facility, or community facility in South Lismore.The rest of the meeting did not progress very smoothly. There will be more on trains in Lismore, illegal tobacco and vapes, crime and community safety and the Richmond River Historical Society.

Last week, the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) revealed it had a data breach in relation to the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program (RHP) when a former temporary employee uploaded data containing personal information to ChatGPT between 12 and 15 March 2025. This was not authorised by the RA.After working closely with Cyber Security NSW and engaging with forensic analysts, who undertook an investigation to understand the size and scale of the breach and the risks arising from it, the RA has confirmed that 2031 people had some information uploaded.The information disclosed includes general case information as well as:Name and contact detailsResidential/mailing addressDate of birthPersonal informationSensitive health informationLimited financial commentary, but not banking or financial detailsAt this stage, the RA has said there is no evidence that any of the uploaded data has been accessed by a third party and that it is now not publicly available online.An RA spokesperson said, "Importantly, we can confirm that no driver's licence numbers, Medicare numbers, passport numbers, or Tax File Numbers were disclosed in the breach."When asked if there is now a much lower risk that the personal data is shared from this point on, the RA's local Executive Director, Kristie Clarke, told the Lismore App, "I'm taking the advice of Cyber Security NSW. "They have been monitoring the internet and Dark Web for some months, and they will continue that monitoring for the foreseeable future. I think that it is low risk that information that has been shared as part of this data breach would now be publicly available."In a statement released yesterday, the RA has warned people to regularly check credit card and bank statements for unusual transactions. Why have the RA made that warning if no bank account details, driver's license numbers, passport numbers or tax file numbers were shared?"It's just a precautionary measure, to be honest," Mrs Clarke explained. "In the instance that information did become publicly available, I think it's good practice. We've been working closely with Cyber Security NSW, and they have provided the advice that people should always be vigilant with their personal data. "It's been well reported of a number of organisations recently who have had data breaches and information that has then been shared on the internet or to hackers in some instances. And I think our breach is much more contained, appears to be much lower risk."The RA said above that sensitive health information and limited financial commentary were uploaded. What sort of information does that involve?"As part of that Excel file that was uploaded to ChatGPT, it had 10,000 line items that generally included case notes or specific information about an applicant's name, contact details, and address, so in terms of medical information, we have a provision in the program to consider applications on the basis of individual and exceptional circumstances. Medical information that could have been shared as part of this data breach is generally related to case notes of details of historical medical conditions, disabilities, etc, that may have been provided in support of an applicant's application."Mrs Clarke said that since 1pm yesterday, RA staff have been calling the small number of people involved."It is a small number of the 2,000 that we are making those proactive calls. At this point, I haven't received an update. We have had some email notifications that have been issued, and I think there's been one telephone inquiry, but I'll have an update in terms of the questions and the sentiment of those in that more vulnerable cohort that have been contacted later this afternoon."Going forward, what has the RA put in place so that there is no further data breach?"Immediately, we implemented controls to the Resilient Homes Program, such as using a Salesforce system to prevent staff from being able to download information from the system of this nature, to prevent that from happening again. We've also implemented controls to other systems, as well as undertaken additional staff training, and introduced measures to prevent personal information from being uploaded to external AI platforms. "We've taken the breach really seriously. We've prioritised trying to get to the community as quickly as possible, once we understood the impact and scale and personal impacts for people across the community. I think the measures that we've implemented should give people confidence, but I can appreciate that trust may have been eroded from the RA."Mrs Clarke stressed that if there are people who have questions about whether they're impacted or not, they should contact the RA call centre that has been established in direct response to the data breach, and the number is (02) 9212 9212.What support is available?The RA is working with Social Futures to reach out to people who have been impacted and ID Support NSW, a government identity and cyber security support service, to assist anyone whose data may have been compromised.  ID Support NSW can help by providing personalised advice on how to protect or restore identity security and share options for additional support and counselling services.To access this free support, people should: Call ID Support on 1800 001 040 and provide the reference number included in their notification from us. The ID Support team is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. Interpreter services are available.Go online to https://portal.idsupport.nsw.gov.au/s/ to access the breach portal. Enter the reference number to enter the portal. What should people do?The RA said:If anyone impacted wants to discuss the exact types of their personal information that were involved in the data breach, they can contact RA on (02) 9212 9212. Staff are available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. We encourage anyone impacted to regularly check credit card and bank statements for unusual transactions. Anyone impacted can ask for a temporary ban on cards or accounts if they detect unusual activity and suspect fraud. Anyone impacted can cancel or suspend the card and request a new card if there are unauthorised transactions or transfers.We are also encouraging everyone to remain vigilant of scammers and to remain alert, especially with email, text messages or telephone calls and to use two-step authentication for personal email accounts and other online accounts.We are asking people not to share personal information over the phone unless they are certain about who they are sharing it with. And if they notice suspicious access to email accounts and other online accounts, they should reset passwords for their accounts.  We will continue to share updates and provide support to those who have been impacted.We understand the seriousness of this breach and are deeply sorry for the potential impact on people whose personal and sensitive information has been disclosed.We remain fully committed to protecting their privacy and restoring trust in the Resilient Homes Program and the NSW Reconstruction Authority. For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/RHPdatabreach.

For the first time in NSW history, more than 400,000 NSW Government workers in hospitals, schools, local councils and other public services can seek orders and damages from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to stop workplace bullying and sexual harassment.Remedies can include an order to prevent the bullying and harassment from continuing, damages of up to $100,000, ordering a public apology to a harassed or bullied worker, or ordering an employer to take specified actions to stop unlawful conduct.The jurisdiction also includes a penalty of up to $18,870 if an individual contravenes a bullying or harassment order made by the Commission or $93,900 for an employer.Significantly, the new NSW Anti-Bullying and Sexual Harassment jurisdiction is the first in the country to allow for the order of damages.It follows landmark reforms to Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety laws passed by parliament in June, which came into effect yesterday.The reforms complement the Government’s proposed change to workers compensation by making prevention of psychosocial risks in public sector workplaces central to the workplace safety system.Further changes include enshrining gender equality as an explicit object of the Industrial Relations Act, as well as improved wage theft laws and new powers for the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW, to deal with workplace disputes, including work, health & safety disputes.These reforms reinforce the NSW Government’s biggest investment in workplace mental health prevention in the state’s history, through its $344 million Workplace Mental Health package.Further information about the newly enacted provisions can be found at: https://irc.nsw.gov.au/announcements/commencement-of-workplace-protections-act-amendments.html.Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said, “This major reform focuses on gender equality as well as the elimination of workplace bullying and sexual harassment, which are new key objectives of the IR Act. “Achieving gender equity across workplaces is now a significant component of the NSW IR system. This is part of the Government’s commitment to pursuing gender equity in NSW.“Workplace bullying and harassment causes serious harm to worker health, and according to the Productivity Commission bullying costs organisations up to $36 billion annually in Australia.“The amendments establish a ‘one-stop shop’ for handling complaints through the IRC and enhance its powers to resolve disputes and support injured workers' return to work.“This legislation follows the passing of laws in 2023, which restored the independence of the industrial umpire, creating the structure needed to deliver meaningful improvements to the working lives of hundreds and thousands of workers in the state.“I would like to thank all those associated with this bill, including unions, business and the community, for their ongoing advocacy.”

The 2025 Elders Lismore Show starts in two days at the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore.The Thearle Electrical Community Stage at the southern end of the main arena always pulls a large crowd on Friday and Saturday night as live music pumps into the Lismore night.This year, the legendary Dave Graney 'n' The Coral Snakes will be on stage on Friday night from 8:30.Dave Graney is on a national tour to mark 30 years since the release of their iconic, 1995 Gold-selling album, The Soft 'n' Sexy Sound. This anniversary tour is a major moment for the band, who are celebrated for their stylish mix of art rock, pop, and lounge-inspired grooves. Originally recorded at Metropolis Audio in Melbourne and produced by Victor Van Vugt (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, P.J. Harvey, Sarah Blasko...), The Soft ‘n’ Sexy Sound highlights Graney’s sharp lyrical flair and genre-blending sound, which resulted in him picking up an ARIA Award for Best Male Artist back in ’96. Fast track 30 years, the upcoming Anniversary shows promise to bring the cool and collective sounds of DG & The Coral Snakes’ acclaimed album to life in full on the stage. The setlist will dive deep into The Soft 'n' Sexy Sound, with standout tracks such as “Rock'n'Roll is Where I Hide", "I'm Not Afraid to Be Heavy”, and "I'm Gonna Live in My Own Big World”, along with a second set of classics and fan favourites. (Dave Graney 'n' The Coral Snakes - Rock'n'Roll is Where I Hide)Featuring Dave Graney, and original Coral Snakes members Clare Moore, Rod Hayward, and Robin Casinader, the tour will be a nostalgic celebration full of energy and authenticity. Whether you're a longtime follower or discovering their music for the first time, this Friday night offers a rare chance to experience a band whose style and storytelling have stood the test of time. Dave Graney said, "It's great to be playing with guitar master Rod Hayward and Robin Casinader on keys again. Robin insists we play the album in order, so we are going to do just that. Then a set of classics from our corner of rock from before and after 1995. Count us in, Clare Moore, and see you at a show!”You can enjoy the music of Dave Graney 'n' The Coral Snakes at the 2025 Elders Lismore Show this Friday at 8:30pm on the Thearle Electrical Community Stage, which is at the southern end of the main arena.  

Lismore City Council staff and councillors get the October meeting underway at 10 o'clock this morning.The old Fromelles Manor building on McKenzie Street in Lismore's CBD is one of the first items on the agenda.The ex-RSL retirement complex was purchased by Social Futures last year, and with $768,862 in funds provided by the State Government, will be turned into a 58-bed housing complex for homeless people if it is approved by the majority of councillors today.The DA proposes temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness who are eligible for the particular pathway and service provision that Social Futures will offer. The site will be staffed by social workers and service providers offering wrap-around support, such as psycho-social support, specialist mental health, alcohol & drug support, legal advice and employment support.The rooms are mostly single rooms, with some family rooms provided. Each room has a private bathroom, some of which are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The facility also includes communal facilities, such as lounge rooms, play areas, a central outdoor courtyard, kitchens, laundry, etc.The new building will not house permanent residents, it will provide temporary accommodation with the intent to quickly provide permanent housing for its clients.While service providers, police and health are supportive of the DA, there has been some negative feedback from local residents and businesses. They included the potential for increased crime; anti-social behaviour; and impacts on neighbourhood amenity.In addressing these concerns, council staff said the short-term residents would be selected carefully, and would need to sign an occupancy agreement. There would be no walk-ins. The facility is also drug and alcohol free. Clients who breach the agreement due to poor behaviour or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be evicted from the facility.There is 24/7 on-site staffing proposed, and the facility will directly employ 10 employees (including staffing for The Buttery and Bunjalung Tribal Society). Lismore City Council staff have recommended that councillors approve the DA.Northern Rivers Rail TrailNow that the Rail Trail has been open for nearly 12 months, Lismore Council would like to make amendments to the LEP 2012 (Local Environment Plan) so that more local businesses, community facilities, entertainment facilities, information facilities, and the like, can line the rail trail and strengthen Lismore's visitor economy.In May, Council resolved to support the planning proposal and put it on public exhibition. If any objections were received, it was to come back to council for determination. There were fourteen submissions, some objections, so council will vote on the planning proposal today.Staff said that while the objections were noted, they did not raise significant concerns which would undermine the Proposal's merits, and alignment with legislative requirements and local strategic objectives remains. In other council matters today, the Dunoon & Districts Sport & Recreation Club is looking to buy 117m2 of council land, which its clubhouse encroaches on, Councillors (Cr) Rob, Battista and Gordon are looking to rescind last month's Crime Prevention Plan vote and Cr Knight-Smith wants council to write to the Federal Government about the number of illegal tobacco and vape shops in Lismore.The October Lismore City Council meeting gets underway at 10am.The Lismore App will have a full review on Wednesday morning.

If you see people lifting your red, yellow and green garbage bin lids, don't be alarmed, it is just Lismore City Council and North East Waste running an audit campaign to help our community reduce contamination and improve recycling across the Lismore area.The 'lifting the lid' exercise won't be a widespread task over the next two weeks, volunteers will be checking bins in selected streets to see how we’re sorting our waste. If you do receive an audit, you will receive quick, tailored feedback with red or green bin tags:Red tags if there’s contamination, with info on how to get it right next time.Green tags if you’ve nailed your waste sorting – and you’ll go in the draw to win a $150 Loving Local Gift Card!The goal is to make sure valuable resources are recycled, not sent to landfill.Even though Council's Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) closed in 2024, Lismore continues to separate and send recycling, FOGO and cardboard to specialist facilities to ensure nothing goes to waste.As the audits begin, you are reminded of a few common mistakes to watch out for:The green FOGO bin is now only for food scraps and garden waste; items like pizza boxes, tea bags, newspaper and fibre-based containers are no longer accepted.Batteries and aerosols should never go in kerbside bins; take them to a Community Recycling Centre such as the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre for safe disposal.And remember, keep recyclables loose in the yellow bin. Having them inside a box, paper bag, or soft plastic bag makes the recovery of these resources difficult during the sorting process.For more information, click here.

With students returning to the classroom tomorrow for Term 4, a new QUT-led study has revealed that one in five New South Wales public school students has been suspended or expelled at least once before finishing school, raising concerns about the long-term impacts of exclusionary discipline and the need for alternative behavioural support.The longitudinal study is the first to track individual students’ disciplinary exclusions over time using population data from more than 71,000 NSW public school students.It found that by Year 12, almost 20 per cent of students had experienced at least one suspension or expulsion, and two-thirds of those were excluded on multiple occasions.Around one in 20 children were first suspended in primary school, with the rate accelerating sharply during the early years of high school.First author Lauren Piltz from the QUT School of Psychology and Counselling said the study shows that exclusionary discipline is both common and cumulative.“Most children who are suspended once are likely to be suspended again,” Ms Piltz said.“For some students, exclusion becomes a pattern rather than a one-off consequence, and it often begins very early.”The most frequent reasons for suspension, she said, were “aggressive behaviour” and “continued disobedience”, while serious offences such as weapons or drug-related incidents were rare.The researchers also found strong inequities in who is most affected.Boys, students from disadvantaged families and those living in regional and remote areas were significantly more likely to be excluded, and to be excluded repeatedly.Children of unemployed parents were around 10 times more likely to experience 16 or more suspensions than their peers.Corresponding-author Professor Kristin Laurens from the QUT School of Psychology and Counselling and QUT Centre for Inclusive Education said the findings show that suspensions do not solve problem behaviour and risk entrenching disadvantage.“This research makes clear that exclusion is not an effective response,” Professor Laurens said.“It doesn’t improve behaviour, and it disproportionately affects the students who already face the greatest barriers.“Instead of removing children from school, we need to focus on inclusive, evidence-based strategies that teach social, emotional and behavioural skills from the early years.”Professor Linda Graham, co-author from the QUT School of Education and Director of the QUT Centre for Inclusive Education, said the study highlighted the need for early intervention and whole-school approaches to behaviour management.“Every suspension represents lost learning and lost connection with school,” Professor Graham said.“If we want to improve student engagement and wellbeing, keeping children connected to education has to be the goal.”The study was conducted as part of the NSW Child Development Study with support from the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, and Department of Health and Aged Care Medical Research Future Fund.Read the full paper, Students’ accumulation of disciplinary school exclusion experiences over time: Prevalence, patterns, and correlates in an Australian population cohort, published in the Children and Youth Services Review, online.

Grandparents, neighbours and anyone with spare time may be called on for babysitting duties on Wednesday, as over 40 non-profit preschools from the Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance around Lismore and the Northern Rivers close for a half or full day this Wednesday (October 15).There will also be some disruption to traffic as part of the 'Day of Action' when protesting teachers, educators, and families march from Spinks Park, down Magellan Street, to The Quad at 9am.The Day of Action is being taken to highlight an ongoing battle over funding with the NSW Government that has been running for twelve months. The Alliance says more funding is needed to attract and retain teachers and educators in the preschool system.There are more than 700 community preschools across NSW that provide a vital service to educate and care for children aged three to five years, and over 40 of these are in the Northern Rivers region.Bridget Isichei, director of Byron Bay Preschool and president of the Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance, said: “We’re experiencing a staffing crisis that is growing by the day, as experienced teachers and educators leave the sector and community preschools struggle to attract new staff. We cannot fund wages without government support, as the current funding is too low”.The Alliance stated that while local preschools have an excellent record of child safety and provision of high-quality education in the years before school, they are struggling to keep their highly qualified staff. Teachers in community preschools earn up to 35% less than their colleagues with the same qualifications and responsibilities in schools and up to 20% less than teachers in Commonwealth-funded long day care centres.Non-profit community preschools are the safest model of education and care for children, with many preschools rated by the Department of Education as exceeding the National Quality Standard, and very low rates of safety breaches.“Preschool is a flagship model and one that has children’s wellbeing and safety at its heart, so we must fight to retain it. We have been bargaining with the NSW government in the Fair Work Commission for over a year now, and they have refused to negotiate with us, rejecting our request for increased funding for wages for teachers and educators," Ms Isichei said.“Without an increase to NSW government funding to lift pay and conditions, many community preschools will be forced to turn away families.”“We’ve met with Lismore MP Janelle Saffin seeking support but are still awaiting a response, and the Education Minister has so far refused to talk to us.”The Lismore connected Ms Saffin, who said, "I value very much our community preschools and am working hard to support them to be able to better provide the services our children need and deserve. I am very aware of what their campaign asks of them and their union."On September 16, the state government announced a $100 million plan for community preschools to extend operating hours, longer than the current 9am to 3pm hours, open more days, and cater for children from birth through to school age.The NRs Preschool Alliance says the government declined to provide any funding for wages or staff costs within the $100 million announcement.They stated that local preschool teachers and directors are shocked that the NSW Government would ask already overstretched teachers and educators to work longer hours, for more days, and with more children, with no additional funds for wages, especially in the midst of a staffing and safety crisis.You can read more about the Day of Action at  https://www.ieu.asn.au/start-strong-pay-fair/.

Kate Hepburn was announced as the 2025 North Coast National Young Woman winner and Elsie Wilkinson as the Teen Showgirl winner at the annual presentation event at the Lismore Showground in North Lismore last night.Day 1 of the 2025 Elders Lismore Show starts this Thursday, with both young ladies playing a part. Kate will embark on a twelve-month journey of self-improvement as she aims to win and represent the Northern Coast National Zone 1 at the Sydney Royal Easter Sunday Show in early April 2026.To help with Kate's journey over the next year, her prizes included $1,000 cash from the Far North Coast Law Society, a Deportment Course in Dubbo valued at $600 from Mortgage Choice Lismore, a piece of jewellery from the Jewellery Design Centre and chocolates, perfumes and gifts from Warren Innes Contracting.As the winner of Teen Showgirl, Elsie walked away with $250 cash, chocolates, perfumes and gifts from Warren Innes Contracting.(North Coast National Young Woman winner Kate Hepburn (left) and Teen Showgirl winner Elsie Wilkinson)Vice President of the North Coast National, Lyndal Gordon, 2019 Showgirl Serena Perren and sponsor Warren Innes were the judges in the hot seat last night.The Young Woman and Teen Showgirl is the start of a journey to fund and support Lismore's future female leaders. Just by entering, the five young ladies displayed courage and leadership skills, experiencing the daunting world of public speaking to express their passions and how they can help and represent the community.Kate Hepburn ticked all the boxes for the judges, working as a livestock handler for the Casino Saleyards, a sales assistant for the Casino Steakbarn and as an assistant nurse for St Vincent's Hospital in Lismore, while in her second year at Southern Cross University to become a registered nurse, with an ambition to specialise in paediatric nursing.Kate also has a passion for the agricultural industry. She wants to expand her Speckled Park cattle stud and will compete against her brother in this year's Elders Lismore Show in the show ring, along with entrants from all over NSW and South East Queensland. North Coast National President John Gibson said there was a record number of entries in the cattle categories in 2025.Having a passion for rural NSW and the ag industry, Kate told a story about how she helped a terminally ill Lismore High School student who was terrified of animals."I do remember one girl in particular, I took her under my wing at school. Her grandmother came to the show and watched her lead an animal around the ring, and she burst into tears because she never thought she would see that. For a little 12-year-old girl who was very sick, it was an enjoyable experience, and I was pleased to be part of that."Teen Showgirl winner Elsie Wilkinson had a completely different story. The 15-year-old Kyogle student is transferring to St John's College Woodlawn to further her passion for rugby league. Starting in Murwillumbah Colts three year's ago, Elsie has progressed to being part of this year's Under 17 Marist Brothers tackle team that won the premiership undefeated, and was selected to be part of a NSW Regional Rugby League squad where she was mentored by Kylie Hilder, the NSW Rugby League Development Officer and former Australian player."This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and was so much fun," Elsie told the crowd.Elsie's ultimate goal is to play in the NSWRLW. On the way, she wants to be part of the development of women's rugby league, and has taken on refereeing duties this year, which has boosted her confidence and improved her own game.As you can read, the future leaders of Lismore and the Northern Rivers are in good hands. Congratulations to all five entrants, Kate Hepburn, Zahlie Walker, Elsie Wilkinson, Madeleine Donnelly and Ebony Micallef for putting their hands up for North Coast National Young Woman and Teen Showgirl in 2025.(From left: Ebony Micallef, Madeleine Donnelly, Kate Hepburn, Elsie Wilkinson and Zahlie Walker)With the 2025 Elders Lismore Show four days away, North Coast National President John Gibson was optimistic about another hugely successful three days with the return of the rodeo, four new rides from Melbourne is side-show alley, record entries in the cattle categories, full pavilions and the regular family attractions, such the Monster Trucks, FMX bikes, Water Jet Pack and fireworks to wrap up each night.Of particular interest to John was the weather. The BoM is forecasting mostly sunny skies, with temperatures in the mid-20s. There is a 50% chance of rain on Saturday, but only a maximum of 3mm is expected.Tickets are on sale now. You can pre-book your tickets here.See you at the Show!

The NSW Government is delivering a new plan to try to help reduce energy bills and add protections to ensure customers who are part of an embedded network have a fairer go. Embedded networks supply electricity to multiple premises from a single connection point to the main energy grid. They are often found in apartment buildings, retirement villages and shopping centres and can provide customers with electricity, gas, hot water, chilled water or air conditioning.  Customers in embedded networks can find it hard to shop around for the best deal, so the state government is stepping in to help consumers by introducing a price cap that will be broadly equivalent to competitive market offers. The price cap will be set at the median of the lowest offers in the market.  In addition to fairer pricing, there will be new consumer protections, including: access to free and independent dispute resolution through the NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman, access to national and NSW energy rebates and payment support programs for customers struggling to pay their energy bills, providing customers with information about embedded network arrangements before purchasing or leasing a property in an embedded network, preventing customers from being locked into lengthy energy supply contracts. It is estimated that there are more than 95,000 households in NSW with electricity embedded networks. Embedded networks can lower costs for residents through sharing infrastructure and facilitating the installation of consumer energy resources like solar panels and efficient shared heat pump hot water systems. The action plan, which delivers on action 26 of the NSW Consumer Energy Strategy, has been informed by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) review into the future of embedded networks in NSW. The NSW Government has supported and is actioning 36 out of 38 recommendations of the IPART review.  Implementation of the plan has commenced. The NSW Government will introduce legislation this year to enact key reforms, including the price cap. To view the plan, visit www.energy.nsw.gov.au/nsw-plans-and-progress/regulation-and-policy/nsw-embedded-network-action-plan. Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe, said, “The Minns Labor Government is delivering a reliable, affordable energy system that benefits communities, strengthens the economy and cuts climate pollution.  “This action plan is a decisive step to making sure every energy consumer in our state, regardless of where they live and work, can access a fair energy deal.” Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong, said, “For too long, people living in apartments, residential land lease communities and other properties with embedded networks have faced challenges that others don't, including a lack of competitive choice and at times, unclear pricing.  “These new measures will create a more sustainable and customer-focused embedded network market for the future.” 

For those who travel to the Gold Coast regularly, Transport for NSW want to advise you that the Tugun Bypass Tunnel on the Pacific Motorway will be temporarily closed on multiple nights during October for essential maintenance.To minimise the impacts on motorists, work will be carried out at night, from 7pm to 5am on Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15, and Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 October.During the night closures, detours suitable for all vehicle types are available.Northbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway via the Kennedy Drive exit, take Sugarwood Drive to Gold Coast Highway, then take Tugun Currumbin Road and rejoin the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Stewart Road on-ramp.Southbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway at Tugun Currumbin Road (Exit 95) and follow to the Gold Coast Highway, then Cordyline Drive to re-join the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Kennedy Drive on-ramp.You are advised to allow up to five minutes of additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.For more information on this work visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/233663, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701.To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Tugun Bypass Tunnel’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

At Friday's delivery of Lismore City Council's new garbage truck, the conversation moved to apprenticeships and the state government's $252 million Fresh Start Program.Mayor Steve Krieg said that the council has applied for 60 traineeships and apprenticeships and to date has filled only 13 over two intakes."There's a third round that we're looking to fill, and we've got a real focus on that outdoor and trade. We do have a couple of trainees in the finance sector as well, but our real focus at a council level, is our outdoor workforce and our trades area. This is another USU initiative through the state government to fund this, so it's something, that as Lismore City Council, we hope this funding continues, because we want to grow our outdoor workforce and become that self-sufficient council that we don't have to outsource anything. We want the mechanics, we want the electricians, we want the plumbers, all in-house to look after ourselves.Mayor Krieg said the problem for Lismore Council lies within recruitment. They simply cannot find enough young people in the LGA who want to take up the traineeship/apprenticeship positions."At 13, I think we've still got two positions available. We have taken a step back and we're trying to fill positions as needed, but as this funding continues, we're hoping to grow and expand that workforce."Council is a great career path. It really is. And I'm only new to this, four years in, but you can see the progression. If you have the drive to move up, or if you love what you do, the opportunity is there to make this a vocation and a profession for the rest of your working life."Council's Acting Chief Operating and Financial Officer, Matt Potter, is a great example of forging a career starting as an apprentice."I am the apprentice that started in the 1990s, and I have worked through to be a director, as of last night," Mr Potter said. Looking to his left, he then said to two avid garbage truck followers, "We need to talk guys."The two guys Mr Potter was referring to were Luca Siefken, 17, and Ryder Hollingsworth, 14.Both young men are obsessed with garbage trucks. and would gladly take up an apprenticeship with Lismore City Council."I can't get a truck license just yet. I think in about three years, I can get a heavy rigid, which is the license needed to drive these trucks," Luca explained. "It's always been my dream job, and I would love to work as a garbo one day."Back in 2022, my dad and I bought a second-hand truck, which is, in fact, a Bucher truck. It's a 2007 model; unfortunately, it's got lots of rust on it. I guess it just sort of proves how much I really do love garbage."Ryder was born in Lismore, who is as obsessed as his friend Luca. He knows current drivers and former drivers by name, and would love an apprenticeship in the future."I'd love to, as long as I'm with the truck and working as a garbo or Bucher, I'd be really happy."Luca and Ryder then hopped into the new Volvo garbage truck and began operating the bin pickup system after a quick lesson.For those finishing Year 10 or about to graduate Year 12, Lismore City Council has the Employment Acceleration Pathways (LEAP) program, which offers a range of apprenticeships, traineeships (including school-based) and cadetships across Council, which are a great way to LEAP into a career at Council, with combined formal learning and on-the-job experience.Council says to "Keep an eye out on our current vacancies page and register to our job alerts to stay up to date with any opportunities that open." You can do that by clicking here. 

Police are urging the community to stay vigilant after counterfeit $50 and $100 notes have been detected circulating, mainly in the Lismore and Ballina areas.Officers from Richmond Police District are investigating incidents where fake notes were handed to local businesses. These counterfeit notes can be very convincing, so it’s crucial to know what to look for.How to spot a fake note:Feel the note – Genuine notes are printed on polymer and are hard to tear.Hold to the light – Look for the Australian Coat of Arms near the clear window.Raised print – Real notes have slightly raised ink on the main design.Seven-pointed star – Visible inside a circle when held up.Clear window – $50 notes show the Southern Cross, $100 notes show a lyrebird.Background printing – Should be sharp and well-defined.UV check – Serial numbers glow under ultraviolet light.They may have the fake serial number - BB203212002 or EJ182155730.If you suspect a counterfeit note or have information, reach out to your local police station or report it to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or online at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/. All reports are confidential.For more information: https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/counterfeit-detection/.

Intoxicated people on a night out are less likely to be assaulted on the streets because venues will no longer be required to immediately remove them from their premises.This is a key measure of the NSW Government’s third tranche of vibrancy reforms that will be introduced to parliament next week.In its first two years, the government passed two tranches of vibrancy legislation aimed at rebuilding the state’s night-time economy by removing unnecessary restrictions on hospitality operators.The new tranche of legislation will increase safety for patrons and workers, including a change in the Liquor Act relating to the treatment of intoxicated patrons.Currently, venues are required to immediately remove intoxicated patrons in order to maintain a safe and responsible service of alcohol. Venues have reported this can have the unintended consequence of pushing vulnerable people onto the streets, increasing the risk of violence, sexual assault and getting hit by a vehicle.Under the changes, venues can keep an intoxicated patron on the premises and actively monitor them while transport or medical assistance arrives, rather than requiring them to leave immediately.Other rules apply to the management of intoxicated patrons, including restrictions on entering gaming rooms or being served more alcohol.Individual processes to support this proposed change will vary from venue to venue, but the harm minimisation measures will remain the same for all licensees – they are now able to use their discretion to prioritise patron safety and wellbeing over the immediate removal of intoxicated patrons.Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) will work with the hospitality industry to ensure appropriate measures are in place and will support venues to provide advice and guidance to staff and management.Other measures in the third tranche of vibrancy reforms include:Making extended trading hours incentives more accessible for regional venues.Streamlining the process for venues to have outdated license conditions removed, so they can more easily program live music and entertainment.Encouraging the ‘weekend away’ and supporting tourism by allowing Special Event Extended Trading for up to 24 hours prior to an event.Diversifying night-time offerings by allowing venues that provide entertainment such as pool tables, jukeboxes and amusement machines to apply for an on-premises liquor licence.Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said, “This is a practical step because often the most dangerous place an intoxicated person can be is out on the street late at night. Inside the venue is often much safer and this common-sense change will give operators the ability to look after them until transport or medical attention arrives.“There’s no vibrancy without safety. So, as we increase vibrancy, it’s imperative we also improve safety, and this measure will protect people when they’re at their most vulnerable.“We’ve had venues pleading with us to change this law so they can keep their patrons safe. This will allow venues to establish their own measures to help intoxicated patrons get home or medical help. Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said, “Licensees have long been forced to choose between avoiding liability and keeping their patrons safe, and that is not an acceptable position to put them in.“These commonsense reforms - along with the other measures we have introduced, such as beefed-up sexual harassment and assault training for hospitality workers - make it easier for venue operators to keep people safe. “These measures will be complemented by education and resources to give venues the feel confidence to choose to keep patrons on site and provide the necessary care.Director of Liquor and Policing at AHA NSW, John Green, said, “This change makes sense – it means we can look after people at risk of harm until transport or medical care can be arranged. The current laws make venues remove patrons from the premises when they are most vulnerable. “Pubs across NSW are safe, well-run venues that take the safety of their patrons seriously. We have long advocated providing hotels and other licensed premises the option of managing patrons who are at risk of harm on their premises until transport or other assistance is provided, and the Government should be applauded for this reform”.Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) CEO Michael Gibb said, “Creating a safe and inclusive night-time economy starts with protecting both the people who work in it and those who enjoy it. These reforms reflect a practical, people-first approach that prioritises care and accountability. "Allowing staff to monitor and assist patrons in need is exactly the kind of approach the NTIA has been calling for. One that empowers venues to act responsibly and keep people safe, rather than forcing them onto the street. "We welcome the NSW Government’s continued focus on safety as the foundation for a thriving, modern nightlife.”ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant said, “As community hubs, clubs have always prided themselves on providing patrons with the safest hospitality venues within which to enjoy themselves.“Clubs have also long served as havens for at-risk people during times of crisis, including natural disasters.“These reforms will ensure clubs continue to protect people when they are at their most vulnerable, without any risk to their license.

Once again, our Northern Rivers communities have been let down by a less-than-transparent “consultation” process. In August, we were asked by the CSIRO/NEMA to rank which of a predetermined, limited but vague list of hard engineering flood mitigation measures for the Richmond catchment we would like to be modelled, without clear and detailed information to make an informed decision. The measures now selected by the CSIRO include many new names and locations that no one could have specifically voted for. Bundle 1 includes Upper Nimbin, Rocky Valley, Corndale, Fawcetts and Barlings detention basins, and bundle 2, in addition, includes Collins Valley, Booyong, Bentley, and ominously,  Dunoon. Along with the “Tuckombil upgrade”, none of these particular locations were listed in the original fifteen options presented. After multiple attendees being consistently told at drop-in sessions that there would be no dams, only gated detention basins to hold back water “temporarily” during floods, flood model lead scientist Jai Vaze later admitted that there could, in fact, be dams after all. Jai mentioned that a detention basin could serve a dual purpose, so it becomes part dam...So normally it will only hold 50% of the capacity. When the flood comes, the gates close, and they will hold another 50%.”(Lismore App, 29/9/25). Given “Dunoon” snuck into the second bundle of measures, I suspect the excuse of flood mitigation (in this case, only a few per cent of total flows into Lismore) might be used by some to try and resurrect the enfeebled case for the Dunoon Dam zombie. Yet we otherwise still don't know exactly where all these dams/detention basins would go. To make any substantial impact on flood heights in a 2022 scenario, it has been estimated they will need a combined holding capacity of 400-500 gigalitres. It would require 28 to 35 basins the size of Rocky Creek Dam (14 gigalitres) to hold that much water back! If it really wanted community consultation and social licence for the mitigation measures it chose to model, NEMA/CSIRO should have clearly stated the specific dam/basin locations and sizes up front, clear to all, so people could give proper informed feedback on them. These specifics need to be decided before the model takes its many months to run, so why not tell us beforehand? Have these organisations been directed to keep potentially controversial details from the public, or at least make them very difficult to obtain?Whose homes and farms, which forests or cultural sites will be endangered during construction and floods? How long will forests and farm vegetation remain inundated – what are the kill-zones? Where will the earth come from for construction? How will all this affect landslip risk? How much will these multiple large, basins/dams with gates cost to build, operate and maintain?  The CSIRO has spent millions of taxpayers' dollars developing this flood model, and it is so complex that scenarios take many months to run on their supercomputers. It is a waste of valuable modelling time and money to include measures that would likely never be granted the social licence, let alone the many billions of dollars of government funding required, if the details of their costs and impacts were known.However, when it comes to Nature Based Solutions (NBS), we see a double standard applied. Despite NBS not being included as an option to vote for in August, they were nonetheless demonstrated to have deep community support through comments on feedback forms. Yet the CSIRO responded that “no details have been provided for these proposed interventions... Therefore, we are not in a position to implement any of these at this time”. This is disingenuous. Few details were provided for the hard engineering measures, yet we were given a tiny box on the paper forms and only 255 characters online to provide their “detail” for NBS. If the NEMA/CSIRO were serious about this consultation, they should have proactively sought to delineate and model NBS, alongside other mitigation measures, with community support, from the start. To ensure the flood model incorporated the multiple, specific parameters needed to look at NBS, and to use data from NEMA-funded small-scale NBS trials run by Richmond Landcare and associated universities to then model NBS at a catchment scale.Our rivers used to be pristine and full of life – deep, clean water that was drinkable, swimmable and fishable. But with the clearing of 99% of Big Scrub rainforest, the draining of wetlands and inappropriate agricultural practices, they now have some of the worst river health ratings in this state. Further hard engineering measures, such as massive dams and interfering with natural wetlands, are likely to only make this worse. In contrast, NBS, such as restoration of rainforest, riparian zones and wetlands, in addition to helping mitigate small-medium floods, could have multiple other benefits, including erosion prevention, decreasing sediment loads and restoring water quality in our rivers, restoring vital habitats and native fish stocks, and sequestering carbon. And yes, “beautification” of our degraded landscapes and rivers too, with all the added benefits that brings for our mental and physical health, and for recreation and tourism.Ultimately, however, for major and catastrophic floods like 2022, no mitigation measures are likely to stop them. As reported in his recent Lismore App interview (29/9/25), lead scientist “Jai reinforced that nothing could hold back the impacts of a February 28 2022, 14.4m flood.” So what would be the point of spending billions of dollars on infrastructure that won't prevent another flood like 2022? Are we expected to cross our fingers and hope it doesn't happen again? I doubt this will be good enough for the insurance companies, let alone taxpayers paying for wasted infrastructure and especially those still sitting in harm's way on the floodplains.Indeed, the only guaranteed way to keep people and property safe is to get them off the floodplains. The NSW government's attempts to do this so far have been grossly inadequate - patchy, glacially slow, and again, with poor community consultation. A relocation and house raising program – based on 2022 flood levels (at least) – done once and properly is likely to be far cheaper than building, maintaining and compensating landowners for the large-scale, widespread and invasive hard engineering measures proposed. Our community wants to be protected from the impact of flooding. We do value the role of good science in helping achieve this. But we expect to be consulted properly, and not corralled into meekly accepting a mutating list of expensive and destructive hard engineering measures that do not have the social licence claimed. It is not too late for the CSIRO/NEMA and government to finally listen and serve our community.Dr Luke RobinsonUpper Richmond catchment resident & spokesperson for Lismore Greens