With just over three weeks until the third anniversary of the February 28 2022 big flood ripped through Lismore and the Northern Rivers, one annual event will continue and is open to any local business.The third "All In The Same Boat" Barefoot Bowls Challenge pits business against business in a fun game of barefoot lawn bowls at the Lismore City Bowling Club.The challenge happens over three Wednesdays:February 19February 26March 9This year, Sharon Pepper has made the event more inclusive, so it can involve any Northern Rivers business, not just those from Lismore."Everyone was affected by the 2022 flood in some way, even if they weren't directly involved, like those in Goonellabah, so we're inviting all businesses because it is a community event."Three Wednesdays from about 5:30, with kick-off about 6pm. It will run till about. 7:15."The beauty of the Barefoot Bowls Challenge is that you don't need any experience."If you can make a bowling action and want to have some fun with lots of other business owners, managers and employees, then you should register and come along. It's a really great three Wednesday afternoons, I reckon."If you can't make the three consecutive Wednesdays, you can register for one or two. The other benefit is that you get paired against another business randomly, so people can get to know each other at a time that has emotions running deep for most of the community."We are all tied in one respect to that 2022 flood. It's not that we're in there having a moan and groan about the flood. We're enjoying each other, and we survived it and have come out the other end."The cost is a very reasonable $20 per team, which includes a free sausage sizzle, weekly prizes and a $500 prize for the business that scores the most points over the three weeks.To register call Sharon Pepper on 0416 282 247 Bob Thomson on 0419 607 748.

A question often asked on the street and social media pages regarding the illegal squatters in Pine Street, North Lismore, is why the police and Lismore City Council are not aiding the NSW Reconstruction Authority in their removal so the houses can be assessed for relocation.The Lismore App asked specific questions to both organisations and received very evasive answers.Why don't NSW Police remove or arrest the squatters for trespassing?The NSW Police statement said:Officers from Richmond Police District are assisting the NSW Reconstruction Authority to liaise with those living in flood-affected homes, which were purchased by the NSW Government under the Resilient Homes program. Key issues include safety concerns and legalities around living in these homes.A key part of this strategy is connecting those living in flood-affected homes to the Department of Communities and Justice where options of safe accommodation can be explored.As we know from the NSWRA, the assistance offered to the few locals who are claiming to need a roof over their heads has been rejected.The land in front of each NSWRA-owned home, as is the case for any home, is owned by council. The question to Lismore City Council was what actions will they take for Pine Street being a campground as there are a large number of backpackers living in their vans on the side of the street.Lismore City GM Jon Gibbons said, "Media enquiries about squatters should continue to be referred to NSWRA, police or the NSW government. The Government owned the homes and the land through their buyback, and the issue of social housing and homelessness is not local government issues."The issues Mr Gibbons mentioned are not local government issues; however, camping on the roadside in an urban area does fall under council regulations.Under Illegal Camping on the NSW Planning website, it states:Roadside rest areasCamping in a roadside rest area may be permitted, unless a ‘no camping’ or ‘no overnight stays’ sign has been placed there by a council or the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) (or other relevant authority). Enquiries about the use of rest areas along roads administered by the RTA may be made to that agency.Pine Street cannot be considered a designated 'Roadside Rest Area'. Anyone who has driven along the M1 understands that definition. Imagine if any resident invited their family to live outside their house for two years. Would council allow this?Lismore City Council did allow people to live in temporary accommodation for two years following the February 2022 flood; however, that was for 'people who have been displaced as a result of the flood'.If a number of caravans, campervans or tents are camping, then this needs a Development Application, which requires the consent of council. This is the case for temporary camping grounds or caravan parks.Under the Local Government Regulation 2005:A temporary caravan park or camping ground operated for a period of 6 weeks or less, solely in connection with use of the land for a sporting, recreation or cultural event, does not have to be designed, constructed, maintained and operated in accordance with Subdivisions 1-8 of Division 3 of Part 3 of the Regulation. Squatting would not be considered a sporting, recreational or cultural event.Under 'Problems caused by illegal camping':Councils are encouraged to be proactive in preventing illegal camping. The reasons for this include:If inadequate facilities are provided or the standard of operation is unsatisfactory, the health and safety of campers will not be assured. This may be especially so in relation to fire safety;This point becomes very relevant when the water is permanently disconnected to the Pine Street houses. With no running water, sanitation is going to pose a considerable problem, and the safety of the houses and squatters because of a potential fire becomes a real risk.Both NSW Police and Lismore City Council have referred all potential solutions to the NSWRA, washing their hands of a delicate, controversial situation that Lismore, as a recovering city, does not need.

The likelihood of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announcing an interest rate cut at the next meeting in two weeks (Tuesday, February 18) is above 90% as underlying inflation sits at 2.7%, near the mid-point of the RBA's 2-3% range, and the big four banks confident of a positive result.In Lismore and the Northern Rivers, a 0.25 basis point reduction would mean an owner/occupier paying principal and interest on a $500,000 mortgage on the average variable rate of 6.33 per cent over 25 years would pay $77 less each month.While that amount looks small, it is more money in the pockets of families. That amount may double if further interest rate decreases occur in the next three months.Will that lead to our local businesses benefitting from an increase in-store visits and purchases?The Lismore App approached owners and managers across varied sectors to gauge their response.Alan Magnay from AJ Magnay's Building Materials and Hardware on Macaulay Street, North Lismore, joked, "Absolutely, they'll be swarming in here in droves," but then went on, "I don't think it's going to make that much difference at the end of the day until interest rates have considerable drops, or consecutive drops."Two, maybe three, will be needed so people feel safe and have more dollars in their pocket. Just about every industry I talked to is struggling at the moment, especially hospitality. They're really struggling to try and get people through the door."Me and Anna went out the other day, it was $100 for the pair of us, and we had two main meals, an entree and a drink each. That's 100 bucks. You might do that once a month or something."I can see where they're coming from with their prices. They've got to lift the prices because everything else has gone up. The wages have gone up, insurance has gone up and turnovers down. How else do you get enough money to keep going?"I think the interest rate decrease will put a bit of confidence back into the market."Ethan Lim from Uncle Lim's Chinese Restaurant on Keen Street told the Lismore App his business has not really been effected."We have had consistent customers in the last twelve months. Sure, we are not sold out every night, but we do have people dining with us or doing takeaway.""I don't think a drop in interest rates will affect our restaurant very much."Matthew Healy from Daleys Homewares & Monogramming shares Alan's opinion."I'm not sure that it will have a dramatic impact on people. People are stressed at the moment, so I'm actually expecting people to just be a little bit more relaxed about things. So it's more a sigh of relief rather than opening their wallets.I think it's incredibly unlikely there'll be a second one before May. Easter is in the road. That's not really likely in the schedule of the Reserve Bank meetings. So, it'd have to be a fairly dramatic change in the economy for the reserve to take something so out of character.Matt thinks the federal election, which has to happen before the middle of May, will have a negative impact on business until June."I think in the lead-up to a federal election, people are going to start shutting down again. People usually stop spending in the lead-up to an election. So assuming there's a rate cut in a couple of weeks' time, and assuming there's a clear outcome on the election, I think we won't have any sort of real recovery until probably June or even into the next financial year.Deb Ray from Music Bizarre on Magellan Street saw more of the same thinking."On my business, it's not really going to affect me. It's going to affect me on my home loan, but my mortgage on this building is to my mum, so she's not going to be changing her rates."I think (the rate drop) will be great. I mean, they've been talking we'll maybe get a rate cut, and it would be really fabulous to see it. I think that the Labor government have done a brilliant job of keeping inflation down, getting it to go down. I think they've done incredibly well with their cost of living strategies that they've used, and I think that has been a real and very significant change for people, particularly on lower incomes. So I hope to see that reflected in mortgages, house mortgages and rents and stuff like that too. It'd be nice to see them actually drop the rate.As for how many rate drops it would take to see an upturn in her business?"Oh, goodness knows. For a long time, I've thought that people don't have much money around here. You need to have things that are really reasonably priced. And then someone comes in with amazing vintage clothing for hundreds of dollars, and teenagers buy it without blinking. And I'm like, Oh, really. It's all perception. The perception of value in things and what people value."Obviously, the younger generations have grown up with all the chain stores having the same stuff. So if you've got something that's in good condition from the 70s or even the 90s, they call it vintage now, which is funny for an oldie like me, but they want that because it's different. It's completely unique. And so the value, and how much people will part with for various things, is always a bit of a mystery and a bit random to me."Elton Cummings, owner of Bi-Rite Home Appliances and Furniture Court Lismore, said the home appliance part of the business has been strong, while the furniture side could have performed better."If your washing machine breaks down or your TV stops working, people will replace it straight away. However, if it's a bed or a lounge, they are items that can be purchased later."I think a drop in interest rates will give people confidence, but it won't necessarily lead to people spending more money straight away. We would need two or three rate drops to see a change in spending habits. Plus, we have a federal election coming up, and that makes people uncertain."Mayumi Okamura from Paul Meccanico on Keen Street said she doesn't think an interest rate cut will make any difference to her store."The look of the CBD isn't good; it hasn't bounced back from the flood. Beautifying the CBD would lead to more foot traffic and more items being sold."While a reduction in interest rates of 0.25% will benefit households, the consensus was that will not flow through to the tills for Lismore retailers and hospitality.

Despite final touches still being made to the Lismore Library rebuild and refurbishment after the devastating 2022 floods, the beloved landmark on Magellan Street is now open to the public. This will result in the Lismore Pop-up Library on Molesworth Street and the Lismore Children’s Library in Lismore Central Shopping Centre permanently closing and relocating to their regular locations in this renowned building.The Lismore Library is currently undergoing an extensive upgrade to make it sturdier and more flood-resilient. Despite the continuing repair work, including the installation of a new lift, it was important to respond to public demand and open doors as soon as possible.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg is excited to see the building operational again, recalling the iconic images of the sodden pile of library books that circulated globally and signified the devastation of one of the worst natural disasters in Australian history.“Like many people, I vividly remember the disturbing picture of the large pile of water-soaked books outside the library reaching up to the second story. In total, 30,000 books were lost,” he said.“While we are not quite there in terms of the rebuild, the public is keen to return to their treasured library, as is the staff.” Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said having the library back home is wonderful.“I know how much the local community has been looking forward to Lismore Library returning to this site because they kept asking about it!” she said.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the reopening of Lismore Library is a powerful symbol of our community’s rebuild.“Almost three years on, and today we see not just a restoration of what was lost, but a transformation that ensures this space is stronger and better prepared for the future,” Mr Hogan said.For Michael Lewis, Lismore Area Librarian, who experienced the devastation first-hand and is leading the internal re-design, the move back into the space is an exciting milestone for his team and the community.“We know how important the library is to our community, which is why we decided to welcome them back despite the final works yet to be finalised.”“With the elevator still not operational, we have temporarily relocated a selection of services from the higher levels to the ground floor.”Once the rebuild and refurbishment have been completed, the Lismore Library will be officially opened to celebrate this major achievement. One of the key features being prepared for the official opening is a public art installation recognising the substantial contribution and support received by the Australian public.The $5.6 million flood-resilient restoration of the Lismore Library is being funded by significant investments, including:Flood Restoration funds shared between State and Federal Governments – $4.5 millionNSW Government’s 2022 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Arts and Cultural Priority Needs Program – $135,8212023 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – $494,400State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grants – $325,427Lismore City Council – $222,000.The Lismore Central Shopping Centre community book swap will continue to operate. 

A critical incident investigation has been declared as inquiries continue into an alleged pursuit and crash in the state's north late last month.Between 1am and 3.30am on Saturday, 25 January 2025, a unit on Barker Street, Casino, was allegedly broken into, and a Honda hatchback was taken from the home.About 4.10am on Saturday, 25 January 2025, police attempted to stop the hatchback in Casino.When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated and continued to West Street where the hatchback crashed into a motorhome.The driver – a 16-year-old boy – was taken to Lismore Base Hospital, while the passenger – a 13-year-old boy – was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.A crime scene was established, and an investigation into the incident commenced by Richmond Police District and the Crash Investigation Unit.The driver was charged and remains before the courts.On Friday, 31 January 2025, police received further details on the 13-year-old passenger’s condition and injuries, and as a result, a critical incident investigation was subsequently declared.A critical incident investigation team from Tweed/Byron Police District will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.The investigation is also subject to an independent review.

Thousands more children will now have a qualified teacher in front of them when school returns this year with new data released today showing teacher vacancies falling to a four-year low. There are now 1,294 vacancies in NSW public schools – a 40 per cent reduction since the same time in 2023, the lowest number of vacancies at the start of a school year since 2021. State Member for Lismore Janelle says reducing teacher vacancies is really important as our kids’ education is paramount, and if some things have to be tightened up by governments to achieve this, it is a small price to pay.“Education changes lives, or as some say, makes a life. It did for me,” Ms Saffin says.The NSW government admits there is more work to do to improve teacher retention and recruitment. It is continuing work to rebuild public education, which had 3,311 teacher vacancies in 2022. Pay and larger classroom sizes were attributed to the vacancy rate. The NSW Government says it has delivered: Delivering the largest pay rise in a generation to all of NSW’s public school teachers.Making over 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent.Expanding the Department’s Priority Recruitment Support model from 79 to 110 schools, giving them targeted support to fill vacancies. Banning mobile phones in all public schools, minimising classroom distractions.Addressing workload by allowing additional time to roll out a new curriculum, improving mandatory training and professional learning requirements, providing access to AI assistance, providing additional administrative support in schools. Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said, “It’s hard to measure the impact that public school teachers have, but I think almost everyone has a teacher they can point to as being an incredible, positive influence on their lives.  “We respect teachers, and we want them at the front of our classrooms doing what they do best. That is what we committed to before the election and that is what we are continuing work to deliver. “We know there’s more to do, but it’s brilliant that thousands more kids will return this year to a qualified teacher at the front of their classroom.” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, "“Labor was elected to rebuild essential services after a decade of neglect under the former Liberal National government and I am proud the Minns Labor Government is delivering. "We inherited a teacher shortage crisis from the former Liberal National Government that was leading to thousands of collapsed and merged classes every day. That's thousands of lost teaching hours every day. “The massive fall in teacher vacancies shows what you can achieve when you actually listen to our dedicated and hardworking teachers and value the life-changing work they do. “Having a qualified teacher at the front of every classroom is vital to delivering improved academic outcomes for our students. “These figures show that the uplift in teachers’ pay – opposed by the Liberal and National Parties – means so many more of our students now have a teacher in their classroom, which can only lead to better outcomes. “The drop in resignations and retirements shows teachers are hearing that we value their work and they feel supported to focus on the job of delivering quality teaching and learning.”

It is nearly fourteen days since the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) issued the illegal squatters on Pine Street a Notice to Vacate.The notice was issued on January 21, giving the illegal squatters seven days to vacate, which was midday on January 28.When you drive into Pine Street in North Lismore, it is clear to see that the squatters have ignored the notice. Last Friday, there were approximately sixteen cars or vans parked along the street, with more in driveways. If anything, there looked to be more cars than a month ago, not less.The Lismore App understands that earlier last week, there were fourteen parked cars and vans on Pine Street. Of those fourteen, half (50%) were registered to international backpackers, five (5) to people from within the Northern Rivers, and two (2) had local registrations.Leaning against the hedge of the first house on the right is a 'Welcome to Pine Street. This is an intentional community in liberated space' sign, and another further along the frontage that says 'Housing is a human right'.As warned previously by the NSWRA, if the illegal squatters did not leave the property, they would proceed with plans to disconnect the water and initiate costly legal action.The NSWRA's Kristie Clarke has confirmed the wheels are in motion.If we take a step back to when the homes were first purchased by the NSWRA as part of the Resilient Homes Program, each house was fenced off, and wooden panels were put over the windows and doors to secure the properties. This was to make sure there was no public safety liability for NSWRA. At the same time, services like electricity, water and gas, if necessary, were disconnected."The illegal occupants who are now in these properties have broken through locked fences, disassembled fencing, reconnected water services that were previously disconnected and are living in these homes that aren't safe for occupation, that are in the highest flood risk areas and that are also living in unhygienic conditions. They have set up gas cookers and burners. They're lighting fires around the properties, and we don't see the conditions as suitable for ongoing occupation."The living conditions have been witnessed firsthand by people from the NSWRA and officers from the Richmond Police District, as well as pictures published on community Facebook pages."After visiting the area with local police, the majority of the residents are backpackers from out of the region and out of the country, and they're not flood-impacted residents who are residing in the properties.'I don't believe there to be any flood-affected residents based on my experience. We have had Homes New South Wales and Social Futures visit the properties several times over the last six months and offer housing support, all of which has been denied. Those residents are predominantly out of the area, which is why they're not eligible for assistance under the Homes of NSW flood housing programs."What we're trying to do is get access to the property so we can do an assessment to determine how they can be reused. But if we get access to them, and they're in such a poor condition, well, then we're not going to be able to reuse them."They're claiming that they're trying to support this cause of housing for the region, but their actions could actually remove this housing stock from our ability to reuse it. We are now going to have to get additional checks done on those properties now, and depending on the results, it could wipe out a property for reuse and relocation. That would be such a waste."The Lismore App spoke to one of the international squatters last Friday.Boris is a Frenchman trying to get residency in Australia. He said he has been in the country for seven years and has been living on Pine Street for seven months doing some seasonal work, including macadamias and lemon picking. He mentioned the positive for Lismore was the money being spent in the city.Boris said the group will find a way to react whenever they are communicated to by the NSWRA and the Police. He also said the group wants to work peacefully with the RA, including vacating the premises on the day so they can do the necessary assessments and take photos for the houses to be relocated.Boris said the group would vacate the properties peacefully towards the end of the house assessment and relocation period.This obviously does not suit the NSWRA, as they look to assess and relocate the homes that are permanently vacant.The next steps will involve disconnecting the water on a permanent basis and the start of legal action to remove the squatters from the nine (9) properties. The Lismore App story two weeks ago mentioned eight (8) houses occupied by squatters. A house in Mullumbimby has had illegal squatters break into a buyback house since then.The non-technical explanation for water disconnection is to drill down to the water pipes beneath the ground. The previous procedures were above the ground, which was easily reversed by the squatters."The issue that we've got is there's a remaining property in the street, so we need to ensure that there is still a water connection for that property," Kristie said."And because they haven't left voluntarily, we've been left with no option other than to go to the Supreme Court for a writ of possession to remove them from the properties.As previously reported, the cost to the NSWRA, and taxpayers, is approximately $40,000 per house. The extra $360,000 would be a huge cost to the Resilient Homes Program, and one that diverts resources away from true flood recovery support for the region.

Families will have more low-cost entertainment options in their local communities as the NSW Government brings main streets to life for free festivals, markets, food and cultural events.After the success of last year’s 135 events, attended by over one million people, the NSW Government is extending the Open Streets program to support free-entry street events across three years from 2025 to 2028.Lismore City Council has created two significant street events in the last ten years that have attracted large crowds to the CBD.The first Eat The Street food festival was in 2015, and the Music From The Heart flood anniversary concert had four stages on each of the CBD block streets in 2023. Events like these will now have longer-term funding certainty, allowing the event organisers to build momentum with audiences and find cost and planning efficiencies.(Music From The Heart on Molesworth Street March 2023)The new $14.65 million Open Streets round will offer successful councils up to $350,000 in funding over three years to deliver at least one free street-based event each year.The expansion of the program comes after an evaluation of the 2024 events showed significant economic and cultural benefits for local communities. The evaluation found an estimated:1200 local businesses extended their trading hoursOver one million people attended the free street eventsLocal businesses reported an average 70 per cent increase in sales during the eventsOver 240 streets were temporarily pedestrianised, transforming over 750,000m2 of roads into community spaceMore than 12,000 workers were engaged, including over 5,000 from the creative sector.The Open Streets program is part of the Government’s wider agenda to deal with the cost of living and build better, more vibrant communities across NSW.Applications for the competitive grants open on 7 February and close 14 March 2025.Click here for more information on Open Streets. Chris Minns, Premier of NSW, said, “We want New South Wales to be an exciting, vibrant place that attracts people to live, work and play. “We know families across the state are doing it tough, but that shouldn’t mean people can’t go out into their communities and enjoy themselves.“I’ve seen these events in action in my own community with the Hurstville Lunar New Year celebrations attracting over 50,000 people each year and injecting a huge amount of colour and fun into the main street. “Not only do these events bring people together for some low-cost fun, they also boost hundreds of local businesses, stimulating local economics and supporting jobs.”Jenny Aitchison, Acting Minister for Roads, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads said, “Our main streets are about so much more than transport, they are vital public spaces for business, connection communities and fun. Open Streets is about encouraging the full activation of these important public spaces. “It's important for our communities to come together and feel united right across NSW. We’re proud to support and continue to invest in vibrant and welcoming streets that foster safety, inclusivity, connection, culture and joy.“Great streets can improve mental and physical wellbeing, foster public life and equity, support local jobs and small businesses, showcase local content and local supply chains, and allow us to connect with others and our environment.”

UPDATE 2:20pmNimbin Road openLive Traffic and the Nimbin Hook Ups Facebook page are showing an accident on Nimbin Road, near Bishops Creek turn-off, north of Coffee Camp.According to Live Traffic, the accident has closed both lanes at this stage.More to come.(Photo: Charlotte Watterson)

The Lismore Theatre Company (LTC) has announced the development of an innovative theatre project that merges text, movement and storytelling to captivate and inspire creative locals to perform on stage.Highly qualified and internationally experienced choreographer, director and teacher, Deborah Mills (MAHons in Dance-Theatre) is teaming up with the LTC to offer this exciting and innovative project. Ms. Mills is calling all interested creative people wanting to learn new skills and have the opportunity to perform on stage. This is the first time LTC (local, not-for-profit, community theatre) is investing in the creation and development of an original theatre work from the ground up: from script-writing to stage. This ground-breaking project consists of 12 months of workshops culminating in an original production in February 2026 at Rochdale Theatre. Sharon Brodie, President of LTC, says “This adventure into the realm of dance-theatre is new and risk-taking for us since movement is the primary focus.”  Ms. Mills calls this process Embodied Theatre. When asked to explain her term, she says, “My process places the human body at the heart of the narrative. I train the performers to use their bodies to express their emotions, so the spoken text is fully embodied. My hope is that participants will take to the stage this time next year!”.Adults of all levels of experience with an interest in improvisation, movement exploration, experimentation with props, script development and performance, are most welcome to join the workshops and share in the fun of theatre-making. Workshops will be held at Rochdale Theatre, Goonellabah on Tuesdays 6-9pm (starting 18th February) and every third Sunday of the month 10am - 4pm (starting 16th February). Cost: $75 per semester ($50 for LTC members).

If you will be travelling along the Bruxner Highway between Lismore and Ballina after 6pm over the next two days, plan for some delays as road works take place.Transport for NSW has advised they will carry out road surface repairs between Lindendale and Sneaths roads on the Bruxner Highway at Wollongbar.To reduce the impact on motorists, work starting on Sunday, 2 February, will be carried out over two nights from 6pm to 5am, and is expected to be complete by 5am on Tuesday, 4 February, weather permitting.Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours for the safety of motorists and workers.Motorists are advised to allow up to ten minutes extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Offices from the Richmond Police District, the Police Rescue vehicle and a fire truck attended an incident on Keen Street around 11:30 this morning.Lismore App reader Francis said Keen Street was closed between Bernstein and Junction streets during the incident.Social Media was rife with the usual rumours as the cause of the incident, such as a raid on a drug lab.Police have said the incident is related to mental health.Keen Street has reopened to traffic.

Farmers are questioning why fruit and vegetable prices haven’t come down in line with new inflation figures. On Wednesday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that while inflation had dropped to a three-year low, fruit and vegetable prices went up by 6.3 per cent in 2024 alone.   NSW Farmers’ Horticulture Committee Chair Jo Brighenti-Barnard said the big supermarkets have been quick to blame inflation for rising costs over the last couple of years, but slow to bring prices down now that inflation has dropped to its lowest point in years. “The data shows that consumers are still paying through the nose to put food on the table, while most farmers aren’t receiving any greater returns for what they’re growing,” Ms Brighenti-Barnard said.  “Without price transparency, the major supermarkets are still likely to use their profit push practices, and we remain concerned they’re taking advantage of their market power – as well as other factors like shortages and seasonality of products – to extract huge profits from farmers and families alike." As the nation’s consumer watchdog prepares to hand down the results of its inquiry into the major supermarkets next month, Ms Brighenti-Barnard warned comprehensive reform of the nation’s competition landscape remained vital for households across the country.  “Cost-of-living has been the catchcry of many politicians, but we need to see real change if we want to ease the pressure on farmers and families that just want to put food on the table,” Ms Brighenti-Barnard said.  “This change must include solutions to increase price transparency and give us clear visibility of prices at the farmgate and the checkout, so we can see when profits are being sucked unfairly out of the middle. “Expanded powers and funding for our consumer watchdog are also much-needed, alongside an economy-wide prohibition on unfair trading practices and new divestiture powers to bust apart duopolies if and when necessary, so farmers and families can get a fair go.” 

Pregnancy vaccination coverage in New South Wales (NSW) has declined since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study led by National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) experts has confirmed. The research found a decrease of nearly 10 percentage points in pregnancy vaccination coverage for influenza (from 58.8% in 2020 to 49.1% in 2022), and 1.4 percentage points for pertussis (from 79.0% in 2020 to 77.6% in 2022) reported to the NSW Perinatal Data Collection (PDC). This study represents the first post-pandemic assessment of pregnancy vaccination coverage using Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and NSW PDC linked data sources.Professor Bette Liu, Associate Director, Population Health at NCIRS, emphasised that the ‘stalling pregnancy vaccine uptake that has been seen not just in NSW but also in other jurisdictions is a clear call to action’.  ‘Every year influenza, pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] cause a significant number of hospitalisations and occasionally death among infants. ‘Vaccination against these diseases during pregnancy is strongly recommended to protect infants in their first months of life, when they are most vulnerable.’ A new National Immunisation Program (NIP)-funded RSV pregnancy vaccination program was recently announced, meaning three vaccines (influenza, pertussis and RSV) will now be routinely available for pregnant women. In this retrospective, population-based cohort study, 555,553 pregnancies were assessed for vaccination coverage between 2017 and 2022. ‘Linkage of AIR and NSW PDC data sources gives us a unique and more complete picture of pregnancy vaccination practice in NSW – including the vaccination date, pregnancy stage, provider type and the specific vaccines administered,’ said Nicole Sonneveld, Senior Research Officer at NCIRS. ‘We’d like to see these kinds of linkages become routine and conducted nationally.’ The study also identified significant under-reporting of pregnancy vaccinations to the AIR compared with the perinatal dataset – despite the Australian Government mandate to report all NIP-funded vaccines that started on 1 July 2021. ‘Ensuring we maximise the impact of the RSV pregnancy vaccination program in Australia also relies on accurate reporting to the AIR,’ noted Professor Liu. ‘There’s never been a more important time to ensure our national and jurisdictional data systems are able to collect, link and enable analysis of vaccination coverage data – as this is critical to effectively evaluate and improve our immunisation strategies, particularly for pregnant women and their infants,’ Sonneveld concluded. 

A "shower or two" and "showers" is the word on the weather from the Bureau of Meteorology for the last weekend of the school holidays.There is a 70% chance of rain on Saturday with a 0 - 7mm range, while Sunday increases to 80% with a 0 - 9mm range. The winds will become quite strong (15-20 or 25km/h) on both days.The first weekend of February and the last of summer is very quiet, with the Lismore Farmers Markets the only event on the schedule.From 7:30am to 11:30am, the Farmers Markets is a good place for a cuppa, breakfast or brunch, fresh homegrown grown fruit and veg and live music from Tapestry Road.There are plenty of options to amuse the kids before they go back to school for 2025, such as the Rail Trail, Walks, Heritage Park and Rollerworld.Live music over the weekend includes Katie Brooke at the Northern Rivers Hotel tonight (Friday) from 7pm and Chris Fisher Duo for the Sunday Session between 3 and 6pm.It is not long until the entertainment for 2025 kicks off at the Lismore Workers Club. Forever Olivia - A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John hits the stage on Saturday, February 15, Reputation - the Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute Show on Friday, February 21 and the Fab Four - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Show on Friday, March 7.Check out all the live music in 2025 at the Lismore Workers Club website.February will be a busy month for events with:Legends of Cricket on Saturday, February 15 at Oakes Oval. To find out more information about the weekend and to book tickets, click here.Country Championships at the Lismore Turf Club featuring Lismore's richest race on Saturday, February 22.Samson Fitness Challenge starts on Friday, February 28, at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah.Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:E10 is 178.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, 175.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street and The United on Johnston Street in Casino, with The Metro and the Mobil on River Street in Ballina cheapest at 170.5.Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, Lismore, 177.9 at the NightOwl Puma, and 172.5 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 188.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino and 185.5 at the Metro and Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 196.9 at the Liberty Foodmart on Ballina Road and the Liberty at 113 Union Street, South Lismore, 198.9 at the two Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and The United on Johnston Street, and 193.5 at the Metro and Mobil in Ballina.Diesel is 189.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the Caltex on Leycester Street, Lismore, 192.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino and 192.5 at The Mobil and Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Here are the Friday Funnies.....

Have you seen the following men?They are wanted by police on outstanding arrest warrants.Treece McLennan, aged 21. He is known to frequent the Goonellabah area.Wesley Dickson, aged 19. He is also known to frequent the Goonellabah area.Mitchell Carter, aged 43. He is known to frequent the Casino area.Steven Neilson, aged 49. He is known to frequent the Woodenbong area.Anyone with information about the whereabouts of any of the above is urged to contact Lismore Police Station, 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.All information is treated in strict confidence.

The first lot of relocatable homes that are being sold to the public through an expression of interest moves into the second week of property viewings on Monday.PRD Northern Rivers Principal and Licensee Rob Horder said the first week of viewings saw quite a few people at each location, depending on the condition of the house."Frank Street was popular. We had 18 people through there. Most of the properties, we've had four to six," Rob explained."The Murwillumbah properties were popular as well. We had probably 8 to 10, with 12 the biggest group through there. Other than that, they were sort of five and six as well.As for who is turning up at the Open Homes, Rob said there are a few people who turned up at every inspection, looking for the right house to purchase, and then there are those who have viewed the houses on the PRD website, who are very specific about what they want."Some are looking for a fully renovated house, of which there are some, while others are looking for a smaller house."Rob explained that a smaller house doesn't mean cheaper moving costs."The biggest cost is the truck. So you've got to split them. Most of them have got to be split in two. So, whether it's a three-bedroom with a sleep-out or two-bedroom, you're going to need two trucks anyway."Of course, the bigger the house, the more stumps, so there is variation. People need to do that research with the house removal companies to get quotes and, basically, look at the access to remove them and the access to where they're taking them to."We have a client that I previously sold a block of land to. They've got a young family, and they're looking to move a house to the block they're purchasing. We've had a lot of people looking to move to rural or rural/residential blocks, so I guess the availability is there if people have those blocks already, and you can move one of these homes onto those blocks."A lot of blocks in the new residential estates have covenants, so you can't move a second-hand home onto them. There are some developments where I believe they're starting to relax those covenants."Rob said he hasn't spoken to any flood-affected people looking to purchase a house and relocate, but that did not mean they weren't part of the viewing groups."There may be some that have gone through that I haven't had the opportunity to talk to in more detail with. But mostly, I'm seeing local buyers looking to move houses locally, which is a good thing.""There are a few investors who I have spoken to looking to move the home onto a block and then rent them out, but mostly, I think they're looking at more owner-occupiers at this point."One gentleman at the Magellan Street house was looking to relocate a house to his piece of land in Nimbin. Something made possible through Lismore City Council's new planning laws around relocatable homes.All 31 listed relocatable homes will be open for inspection next week. You can check out the state of the homes via the PRD website.The Open Home schedule is listed below:

School zones will be back in force across most of NSW from today (Friday, 31 January) as students prepare to start Term 1 after the summer holidays.  Transport for NSW Executive Director Transport Safety Chadi Chalhoub, said although some schools have School Development Days between Friday, 31 January and Wednesday, 5 February (inclusive), other schools do not and will have children returning during that time, so it’s important that motorists are aware school zones will be in place.“After six weeks of school holidays, school zones are back tomorrow to ensure students attending school in those four days are safe and to prepare drivers for when all students are back to school across most of the state on Thursday, 6 February.“For students in the Western Division of the state, the school term will start a week later – and school zones will be in place from Friday 7 February. “Children are some of our most vulnerable road users and can be unpredictable on the road, so please look out for them when they are crossing, waiting to cross or as they get on or off buses or in and out of vehicles,” Mr Chalhoub said. Mr Chalhoub said, sadly, two school-aged pedestrians were seriously injured in an active school zone in the first half of 2024. “Speeding, even just a couple of kilometres over the limit, could be the difference between being able to stop in time or not at all and in a school zone; this could mean hurting a child.“I urge parents, guardians and all drivers to be patient and slow down around schools to ensure children remain safe on their journeys to and from school. “The start of the new term is also a good opportunity for parents and guardians to start teaching children early about road safety and remind them to Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time before they cross the road,” Mr Chalhoub said. Transport for NSW Executive Director Active Transport, Anna Bradley, said, “Families are also encouraged to walk, ride or scoot to school when possible, as it provides a great opportunity for exercise, quality time, independence and mental health benefits while reducing traffic congestion during peak periods and improving environmental outcomes. “The NSW Government remains committed to making these journeys safer and more accessible across NSW through the Get Kids Active Program,” Ms Bradley said. School zones generally apply from 8 to 9.30am and from 2.30 to 4pm on school days, and motorists who don’t obey the rules face heavy fines and demerits. Some schools have non-standard school zone times in NSW. You can identify these by the red or orange school zone signs, which have the school zone times on them.   For more information, please visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/community/schools/school-zones.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan is making sure that 34 young Northern Rivers Sporting Champions are given every opportunity to follow their dreams.At a Local Sporting Champions Award event yesterday, Mr Hogan presented the local teenagers with a certificate in recognition of their achievements and confirmed their grants from the Local Sporting Champions program.“Those who received the Awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the national and state stage,” Mr Hogan said.“The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport.”“The Northern Rivers has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent.” “Unfortunately succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents also often have to put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions. I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants.”“Sport is important in the development of young people: it teaches them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy.”“I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office or checking out the website ausport.gov.au.”Our latest Northern Rivers Sporting Champions are:Lachlan Barnes from Alstonville, CricketAmber Bryant from Blakebrook, AthleticsJames McCullagh from Bonalbo, AthleticsConnor McCarthy from Caniaba, BaseballCrystal Gill from Casino, AthleticsBryce Byrne from Casino, Touch FootballAllora Gould from Casino, NetballMatilda Austin from Chilcotts Grass, NetballSkye Skillen from Corndale, AthleticsPadraig Heffernan from Dunoon, Cross CountryMacy Field from East Lismore, Rugby UnionElla Morgan-Spooner from East Lismore, NetballXavier Dann from Eltham, AthleticsWillow Dann from Eltham, AthleticsTyler Packham from Goonellabah, AthleticsSophie Powell from Goonellabah, NetballMaya Mcnamara from Goonellabah, NetballMax Venables from Goonellabah, HockeyMax Alcorn from Goonellabah, FutsalJack Elphick from Goonellabah, Touch FootballCaitlyn Halliday from Goonellabah, HockeyMatilda Green from Green Pigeon, NetballTalis Walker from Jiggi, AthleticsTennille Owen from Kyogle, AthleticsPippa Kennedy from Kyogle, AthleticsMorgan Selesele from Kyogle, AthleticsJed Mulcahy from Kyogle, CricketIsabella McPherson from Lismore, AthleticsZoe Silver from Lynwood, Water PoloHadley Dowton from McLeans Ridges, AthleticsAmity Dzendolet from Modanville, AthleticsShakyia Gambrill from North Woodburn, AthleticsIsabelle Slater from Wollongbar, Touch FootballJada Kliewer from Geneva, Athletics