Private health insurers paid private hospitals a record $12.3 billion for Australians’ health care in the year to March, data released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority shows.Insurance payouts for private hospital treatment were up 7.7% compared to the previous year to March 2024. This reflects an increasing number of hospital services and rising payments to hospitals to cover their costs, including staff wages. CEO of Private Healthcare Australia, Dr Rachel David, said the data showed private hospitals are slowly recovering from a difficult period due to the pandemic and other complex changes affecting demand for services, including workforce shortages and high fees to see specialist doctors. “A 7.7% increase year on year is a good result for private hospitals that have had a hard time due to the pandemic and inflation. It shows Australians continue to value rapid medical treatment in a private hospital with a doctor of their choice, particularly when the public hospital system is so stretched,” she said.  “Several trends have been dampening demand for private hospital care, including the high cost to see a specialist doctor in the community. Surveys show up to 20% of people are not going to specialist doctors when they have a GP referral due to cost. Health insurers can’t cover consultations with specialist doctors, so we’re concerned a lot of people are not getting access to private hospital care because they can’t afford to pay for the first step in the process. “Technology and changing clinical practice are also leading to shorter hospital stays and home-based care for mental health treatment, rehabilitation, chemotherapy and palliative care. This is reducing demand for overnight hospital stays, so private hospitals are having to adapt their business models and services to these trends.” Dr David said more than 81,000 people signed up for hospital cover in the first three months of this year, joining 15 million other Australians with health insurance. Most of these new health fund members were people aged in their 40s. “We know a lot of people start to value health insurance and fast access to private health care in their 40s, especially people with children who want a safety net for them and their family members if they fall ill. Everyone receives value from health insurance at some point in their life.” The figures show:45% of Australians have hospital cover so they can access private hospital services if they need them.55% of Australians have general treatment insurance to budget for out-of-hospital care such as dental care, physiotherapy, and optical services.People with health insurance claimed for more than 5.13 million episodes of care in the year ending March 2025 – the highest number on record.For every dollar paid in premiums, consumers are receiving 85 cents back for their healthcare in the year to March 2025. This is close to the 20-year average of 86%.  Despite concerns about the private hospital sector, Dr David said ongoing demand from our ageing population with more chronic disease meant hospital closures continue to be offset by more new facilities opening in Australia. For every hospital that shuts down, more than another one has been established during the past decade. Over the past 10 years to the end of 2024, federal government data shows 143 private hospital licenses have been revoked when private hospitals closed, and 165 hospital licenses have been granted. Ramsay Health Care, the largest provider in Australia, reported a healthy profit of nearly $900 million last year and is continuing to expand. We are also seeing new innovative hospitals open this year, such as Adeney Private in Melbourne – Australia’s first no-gap fee hospital co-owned by doctors and Amplar Health. The hospital is offering no out-of-pocket costs for surgery, with suitable patients receiving ‘pre-hab’ and rehab at home which reduces costs for the hospital and patients. Following Healthscope hospitals entering receivership this week, Dr David said she was optimistic our private health system would be better off without Brookfield, a North American private equity firm. “We have a good supply of private hospital services across most parts of the country, so we are confident people with hospital cover will retain access to high-quality services near their homes.”

NE Waste and its seven Northern Rivers member councils have been awarded $254,550 in funding from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for an innovative project to shift local businesses away from reliance on single-use items. Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, says the project, ‘Transitioning regional NSW to reusables one plate at a time’, has been awarded the funding under the EPA’s Local Government Waste Solutions Fund, which is about delivering local waste and recycling solutions to support the state’s transition to a circular economy.  “We are on the cusp of a waste crisis and need to be looking for new ways to minimise waste and keep valuable resources out of landfill. “NE Waste does great work in education, research and program delivery around the way we manage waste in our region. Their research shows that consumers and businesses are confused about recycling when it comes to things like certified ‘compostable’ items,” Ms Saffin said. Linda Tohver, the Education coordinator at NE Waste, says certified ‘compostable’ single-use containers including burger boxes, bamboo plates and coffee cups aren’t accepted at our commercial compost facilities due to chemical coatings. And once they’ve had food in them, they also can’t be recycled. "The good news is that more than 50% of event waste can be diverted from landfill with the introduction of reusable plates, bowls and drink containers. The CO2 savings from reusables far outweigh the convenience of single-use as well. No, that 'compostable' coffee cup can't compost in landfill. "Through this funding, we will have the opportunity to collaborate with business, community and schools, trial and showcase successful reusable systems, improve infrastructure, share learnings across regional NSW and build on work currently being done in Byron Shire Council," Ms Tohver said. Round four of the LGWS fund is planned to open in September 2025.  Individual councils, a group of councils, or regional waste groups in the waste levy paying area are eligible to apply. Individual councils can apply for up to $200,000 in funding, and groups of two or more councils can apply for up to $400,000 in funding.   For more information on Round 3 grantees and to learn how to apply for Round 4 visit: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/councils/local-government-waste-solutions-fund .

After a brief spell of blue skies and sunshine, the wet weather has returned to Lismore and the Northern Rivers to ruin yet another weekend.The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting Saturday to be the worst of the two days, with 'rain' the main word and a 90% chance of 3mm to 25mm falling as winds come from the south.Sunday's probability of 'showers' drops to 80%, with 0mm to 10mm forecast. We should a sunny day again on Wednesday.Temperatures will remain cool, with maximums of 19 and 21 degrees, and lows of 13 degrees.Tomorrow (Saturday, May 31) is the biggest day on the 2025 Casino Beef Week calendar, with the Super Saturday Street Festival from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.On the list is a Stud Show, Craft Market, Orchid Show, Jillaroo and Jackaroo Competition, Wood Chopping Competition, Airtime FMX Motorbike Displays, Whip Cracking Competition, Street parade, Rodeo, Mr Beef Competition and more.(Casino Beef Week Street Parade. Photo: supplied)As we know, the Lismore Farmers Markets happen in rain, hail or sunshine. The gates open at 7:30 tomorrow morning for you to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, hot coffee and tea, hot breakfast and plenty of other items for sale.One of the over 40 stallholders at the Lismore Showgrounds will be the CWA Evening Branch. They will be brimming with homemade cakes, cookies, preserves, gardening aprons, warm cosy coats for your fur kid and the ever-popular CWA Cookbook – filled with generations of wisdom and delicious, foolproof recipes.The Lismore Jazz Club is back in action on Sunday at the Lismore City Bowling Club. NOW2NOW will be performing between 2pm and 5pm at a cost of $15 for members and students, and $20 for nonmembers. It is cash at the door.Other live music across the weekend, includes the Who's Bad - Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Show at the Lismore Workers Club tonight from 7:30pm.Sabotage is at the Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore tomorrow night from 7pm.Coming up in June and July: Kevin Bloody Wilson is at the Workers Club on Wednesday the 25th and Dororthy the Dinosaur appears for two shows on Sunday, July 27. The 10am show is sold out; however, there are tickets available for the 12 midday show. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.The major events to write on your calendar or put into your mobile are:Lismore Lantern Parade: Saturday, June 21, andLisAmore! 2025: Saturday and Sunday, July 5 & 6.Lismore residents can rejoice after fuel prices dropped about 8 cents a litre for most fuels (except diesel). That makes Casino the most expensive place to buy fuel, followed by Lismore, leaving Ballina as the cheapest option to fill the petrol tank.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 167.9 across Lismore, 172.4 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 157.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 169.9 across Lismore, 174.4 at The United and the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 161.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 175.5 at the Independent (Sharon) at 78 Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, and 173.9 at The Shell at 273 River Street, Ballina.U98 is 185.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 193.4 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 182.5 at The Mobil and Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 175.5 at The United and the two Liberty's on Hare and Centre streets in Casino, and 182.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

An estimated 3,000 eligible home buyers across NSW will soon be able to participate in the Australian Government’s Help to Buy program each year, after the NSW Parliament passed enabling legislation.Help to Buy will assist eligible low to middle-income earners to purchase a home with a contribution from the Australian Government of up to 40 per cent of the purchase price for new homes and 30 per cent for existing homes.Help to Buy will help to bring the dream of owning a home within reach for thousands of people earning an annual income of $100,000 or less for individuals, or up to $160,000 for couples and single parents.Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, “We want to give more people more pathways to get into their own home, and this program will help thousands in NSW do just that.“Help to Buy can take years off the time it takes to save for a deposit, and that’s meaningful relief for families.“Around a third of the 10,000 places available every year will be right here in NSW.”Eligible NSW Help to Buy participants will be able to purchase property for up to $1.3 million in Sydney and regional centres and up to $800,000 in the rest of the state, with a requirement that the home is the principal place of residence.10,000 places a year will be allocated across the country, with about one-third available to buyers in NSW.Help to Buy can shrink the deposit required to buy a home to a minimum of two per cent and avoids the cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance. The program will be funded by the Australian Government and administered by Housing Australia and is expected to commence later in 2025.The Help to Buy program will provide another lever as the state government works to build a better NSW.Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “As the Minns Government continues to speed up the delivery of homes and tackle our supply challenges, the Help to Buy program will support people to buy those homes."In supporting this initiative, the Minns Government is helping to make housing more accessible, more affordable, and more attainable for the people who need it most.”Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said, “The Minns Labor Government understands the real barriers facing families across NSW when it comes to entering the housing market.“We welcome this important initiative from the Albanese Labor Government to support first home buyers."The Minns Labor Government inherited a flawed shared equity system from the previous government. The policy settings of the Albanese Government's scheme have much better prospects for success."Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said, “Help to Buy is about fairness. It’s about making the dream of owning a home achievable again for thousands of people who’ve been let down by a broken housing system.“Home ownership has felt completely out of reach for working people. Help to Buy will make it possible for people to own a home of their own, with a smaller deposit and no mortgage insurance.“Alongside the biggest planning reforms in a generation, our landmark Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program – which delivers more housing near train stations and public transport – and the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, Help to Buy is one more way we’re building a better NSW where everyone has a fair shot at secure, affordable housing.”

Lismore loves a market, as does the rest of the Northern Rivers.We have been without the popular Lismore Car Boot Market since November 2022. Despite strong community calls for it to make a return to its home base in the undercover car park at Lismore Square, nothing has eventuated.Following the February 2022 big flood, Harold Fredericks car park was trialled as a temporary venue; however, the weather was an issue. The last post on the Car Boot Market's Facebook page was on January 8 2023, saying they were on an extended break and as soon as there was a reboot date, it would be announced.Feeling the community's disappointment over the last two and a bit years, Simon Sarkis and Sharon Pepper from the Lismore City Bowling Club have stepped forward to provide an alternative market starting on the weekend of June 28 and 29.(Lismore City Bowling Club's Sharon Pepper and Simon Sarkis)Simon approached Sharon and posed the idea of having 15 to 20 stalls inside the Bowlo."But as soon as we advertised it, we had this massive influx of people. There's really nothing happening in Lismore at the moment. We've got the car boot markets, but it's pretty quiet," Simon told the Lismore App.Sharon said the conversation in the Bowling Club has been about the loss of the car boot markets."I've had so many people come to me and say the same thing, I used to love the car boot markets. It was a Sunday thing. Once a month, you'd come in and go for a walk around and look at the stalls. Plus, it was a social thing. You would meet up with family or friends, walk around, spend your hard-earned, and have fun.Simon jumped in, "I used to go too. The thing was, a lot of the stalls there were different. There wasn't one particular genre; it was all different stuff. It was such a great vibe."Those early discussions, followed by stallholder interest, led to a 40-stall Sunday market day at the Lismore City Bowling Club. The stalls will be inside the Bowlo and spill out to the bowling green on the left side of the club.Simon and Sharon will be supplying tables and chairs with umbrellas for those who want to sit and have something to eat or drink.The launch will be held over the weekend of June 28 & 29. Saturday, June 28, will be from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, June 29, from 10am to 2pm.Simon said the stallholders who have made contact will be selling bric-a-brac, arts and crafts, cookies and cakes, second-hand clothing, antiques, slushies for the kids and a coffee cart for the older visitors. Local identity, Billy Smith, will be playing live music, as will DJ Magnus.Following the first Bowlo Markets, the plan is to make it a regular event every third Sunday of each month between 8am and 4pm, which is to be confirmed.That would bring Lismore back to three markets a month: The Channon on the second Sunday, Lismore City Bowling Club on the third Sunday and Nimbin on the fourth, and sometimes fifth, Sunday.While the first markets will have 40 stallholders, the following Sunday market days could well increase to 50 or more, depending on what Simon and Sharon learn from the first."We want to do this slowly rather than rush into it and get it wrong, giving people a bad experience. We'll get together after the first and talk about how we can grow it slowly so people can still have a great time."

This Saturday night, 250 guests will party the night away at one of Lismore's iconic social nights of the year: the Our Kids Winter Ball.The event is held at the start of winter each year with the goal of raising enough money to purchase life-saving equipment for the region's seriously ill children.Last year's record fundraising total of over $33,000 will be difficult to beat, but Fundraising Coordinator Rebekka Battista is confident the generosity of those attending can raise the fundraising bar once again.There are two equipment options for this year's Winter Ball. If $32,000 is raised, a humidicrib will be purchased, and if more than $32,000 is raised, the money will go towards a $55,000 ventilator.The 2024/25 fundraising years have been a huge success for Our Kids. A Retcam was the most expensive piece of medical equipment that Our Kids founder, Dr Chris Ingall, desired to change the lives of extremely premature babies and their parents.The $150,000 Retcam could check the growth of blood vessels in a premature baby's eyes. If they grow over the back of the eyes, the baby could go blind. Previously, the baby had to be transferred to Brisbane, causing it and the parents more stress. But thanks to funds raised at the Our Kids Samson Challenge, Golf Day, Daryl Chapman Fun Run and more, the Retcam was successfully purchased.As ticketholders eagerly await the start time on Saturday night, the hard work of creating a spectacular ballroom with an amazing sparkling entry got underway on Monday when Greg and the team from We Hire began building the two massive marquees. A third marquee will be built today. This will probably be the most frequented marquee as it is the location of the bar.The team from O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing were setting up the fairy lights for the entrance. "I think we're going to end up with something like 600 metres of fairy lights, which is pretty cool," Rebekka said."We do have an amazing event committee. We've got Michelle Gosling out here; she's been incredible. Carmen Kennedy-Beaumont has been amazing. Sam Gordon, who works for Our Kids. They're all working on the incredible setup. And tomorrow, we've probably got 15 to 20 people turning up to set 25 tables and set the scene. And then Deborah Marks, who has been extraordinary by donating all her goodies, is helping us bring colour to the day. I can't give the colours away, because that's a surprise."The generosity of everyone is just extraordinary. The Garden Forest Peta Wells gives the flowers at cost price. The Cath Simes Band is going to keep everyone going well into the night, but also, she's donated her band to play at a private function to the highest bidder. Last year, it went for $4,000. Daniel Jackson is the guy lighting up all our trees because we have clear marquee roofs to make the grounds look spectacular."Daniel has been treated by Dr Chris Ingall in the Our Kids ward all his life, so now Daniel is giving back by helping to create an incredible ambience.Rebekka also wanted to thank Daniel and Scott at the Lismore Turf Club, Secret Chef, for supplying dinner and dessert, Katrina Beohm, Joel Jensen, Richmond Sand and Gravel, Mountain Blue, Bush To Beach Legal, Herefords, Southern Cross University, Connect Business Solutions, North Coast Petroleum and SEE Civil."Because these sponsors lean in financially, it just helps the costs to stay down for our functions, which then means the prices are attainable, and then it allows us to raise the funds we need."Tickets are closed for the 2025 Our Kids Winter Ball; however, you can still donate to Our Kids directly via their website or through the Silent Auction bidding, which is open to everyone. The auction items include $500 worth of Rib Cube Roll, an autographed Craig Johnston signed soccer ball, an Akubra hat, and tickets to a Gold Coast Titans home game.One volunteer, Rebekka, wanted to highlight her dad and her mum."I just want to make a big shout out to my parents because, you know, with family, they are not volunteering, they're voluntolding. So, even my dad has played a massive part. He's always thought about how to do the fairy lights different, and he's spent weeks creating a fairy light chandelier for the outdoor space. So, just under his guidance, the place looks amazing. And then, of course, my mum keeps us all fed. It is a family effort."They say it takes a city to put on an Our Kids function, and I'm so appreciative."

Five people will face court as an additional 27 people were infringed during Operation Rapina targeting anti-social and criminal behaviour in the Lismore and Goonellabah areas, including the CBD.In recent months, officers attached to Richmond Police District increased high-visibility patrols in areas including local shopping centres, public spaces, and public transport hubs to enhance community safety.On Tuesday and Wednesday this week (27 and 28 May 2025), uniformed and plain-clothes police held a joint operation with Loss Prevention Officers and Compliance Officers from the local council to detect and disrupt crime in the Lismore and Goonellabah areas.As a result of the operation:A total of five people were charged for alleged shoplifting and drug offences,27 criminal infringement notices were issued for shoplifting,77 persons were scanned with hand-held devices under knife scanning powers,three youth cautions were conducted for shoplifting offences,18 move-on directions were issued.Incidents of note include:About 1pm on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, police were alerted by Loss Prevention Officers of a woman allegedly shoplifting at a supermarket in Lismore. Following inquiries, police will allege that the woman paid for several items; however, had left with more than $720 of unpaid items. Officers issued the 67-year-old woman with a Court Attendance Notice for shoplifting. She will appear before Lismore Local Court on Monday, 14 July 2025.About 12.40pm on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, police were patrolling an automotive shop at Lismore when they stopped and spoke with a 47-year-old man outside the shop. Following inquiries, police allegedly located a stolen bottle of engine cleaner worth $37.99 on the man. He was issued an infringement notice for shoplifting and was moved on from the location.Richmond Police District Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Steve Hoffman, said these operations will continue to ensure the safety of the community."This operation underscores our dedication to maintaining a visible presence in the community, disrupting criminal activities, and ensuring offenders are held accountable."Police actively investigate reports of theft and disruptive behaviour using CCTV and other methods. Those who commit crimes are likely to be identified and face prosecution."Ensuring the safety of our community is our top priority. We are dedicated to creating a secure environment where residents can feel safe and protected in their daily lives."Similar operations will continue across the Richmond Police District.

In news that will shock the Lismore and Northern Rivers business community, The Book Warehouse co-owner, Sarah Morrow, pleaded guilty to five charges of supplying, take part in supplying and deemed to supply a prohibited drug in Lismore Local Court yesterday.The two 'take part in supply of a prohibited drug' charges involved commercial quantities.Ms Morrow will be sentenced on Wednesday, July 16.The incident dates back to February 2024 when Strike Force McClelland was established by officers attached to the Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad (NRRES) to investigate the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs in the Tweed Heads, Byron Bay and Evans Head areas.As part of ongoing investigations, officers attached to the NRRES, assisted by the Tactical Operations Unit, stopped a vehicle at a service station in Chinderah on Wednesday, 31 July 2024. Three people in the vehicle, a 37-year-old woman, and two men aged 28 and 51, were arrested at the scene.On the same day, officers attached to Northern Operations, Tweed/Byron and Richmond Police District executed three search warrants simultaneously in Evans Head and Tweed Heads, while officers from the Queensland Police Service executed three search warrants on the Gold Coast on behalf of NSW Police.Among the items located and seized were seven pistols, one shotgun, one rifle, nine gel blasters, three electronic stun devices, knuckle dusters, flick knives, batons, handcuffs, cocaine, more than a litre of GBL, steroids, almost 1.5kg of methamphetamine, fireworks, and almost $40,000 in cash.Police then laid charges against the three people arrested at Chinderah, with an additional two men and a woman subsequently arrested and charged. One of which was Sarah Morrow.Not guilty pleas were entered in August 2024.In September 2024, Ms Morrow was granted conditional bail after being charged with 15 offences relating to the supply and possession of a prohibited drug and the possession of an unauthorised firearm and ammunition.The bail conditions included;Reporting to the Lismore Police Station three times a weekNot to go within 5km of the Evans Head Post OfficeMust stay each night at a Lismore LGA addressMust not drink alcohol or take drugs not prescribed by a doctorSurrender passportSarah Morrow put up $20,000 bail security to comply with the acknowledgement, while another 'acceptable' person has put up $10,000.Bail was varied in December 2024 to live in the 2473 post code, report to the Evans Head police three times a week, and not to enter any international airport or other departure point from Australia.Over the next eight months, there have been a number of committal hearings in Balina Local Court, initially, and more recently, Lismore Local Court.In March 2025, eight charges were withdrawn, leaving eight charges to be determined.In Lismore Local Court yesterday, Sarah Morrow pleaded guilty to:Seq 1 - Actual offence - Supply prohibited drug >indictable Seq 10 - Actual offence - Possess unauthorised pistol-T2 / 81638957   Seq 12 - Actual offence - Take part supply prohib drug > indictable & < comm qty-T1 / 81638957  Seq 13 - Actual offence - Take part supply prohib drug > indictable & < comm qty-T1 / 81638957Seq 16 - Deemed supply prohibited drug - Supply prohibited drug >indictable   Over the next seven weeks, Magistrate Dakin will review all the evidence and sentence Sarah Morrow on July 16. The sentence is at Magistrate Dakin's discretion. It may involve other penalties that do not involve incarceration, or it could involve a custodial sentence.Sarah Morrow's bail conditions were not changed at yesterday's court appearance.

The Coalition is back on after the Federal Liberal Party and the Federal National Party kissed and made up following a one-week break.Nationals Leader David Littleproud announced last Tuesday that his party would be ending the Coalition Agreement with the Liberals over four policy issues the party demanded be kept. This was the first Coalition split since 1987.It appears as if those key policy issues have now been resolved.Liberal leader Sussan Ley thanked David Littleproud for the "respectful and productive way" the two parties had negotiated their reunification. The pair also announced its new shadow cabinet made up of members from both parties.All six Shadow Ministry positions held by the Nats pre-split continue in their roles. That means Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan is once again the Shadown minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism.In a statement released yesterday, Mr Hogan said, "I look forward to continuing as Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism."Trade and tourism are the economic drivers for Australia’s economy. Trade itself accounts for 1 in 4 jobs in Australia, and is an enormous contributor to our economy, paying for our way of life"This is also particularly important for rural and regional communities. Australia exported $650 billion worth of goods and services last year, with two thirds of this coming from the regions. "I'll keep working to support our tourism industry, grow export opportunities, and make sure Australia stays competitive on the world stage. That means holding the government to account, backing our industries, and pushing for smart, future-focused policies."When it comes to creating policies that the Coalition will take to the next election in three years' time, Sussan Ley told the media, "We have to get this right. We have to play our part. But we have to make sure we don't do it at any cost."

New information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was released yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), following its National Health Measures Survey (NHMS) 2022–24, which was a voluntary survey where blood and urine samples were tested for biomarkers of chronic disease, nutrient levels and 11 types of PFAS chemicals.PFAS are defined as fluorinated substances that contain at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom.James Eynstone-Hinkins, ABS head of health statistics, said: ‘This data will help to create a national baseline for levels of PFAS in the Australian population. The dataset will enable future monitoring and support further research into PFAS and the potential impacts of these chemicals on human health,’ 11 types of PFAS were tested for people aged 12 years and over in the National Health Measures Survey. Three types of PFAS were detected in the blood of over 85 per cent of the population, while six types were detected in less than 10 per cent of people. The remaining 2 types of PFAS had detection rates between 15% and 45%. ‘PFAS levels varied, but in general, people who were older had higher PFAS levels. This was in line with expectations as there have been changes in the population’s exposure to PFAS over time,’ Mr. Eynstone-Hinkins said.‘PFAS levels were also generally higher for males than for females.’Proportion of people aged 12 years and over(a) with a detectable level of selected PFAS by sex, 2022–24The levels for the three most prevalent PFAS analysed (PFOS. PFHxS, PFOA) are lower in Australia than those reported from previous studies in the United States, Canada and Europe. The timeframe for each of these studies varied, potentially impacting the comparability of recorded PFAS levels.PFAS have many commercial uses. They are known for their resistance to heat, stains, grease, and water. These properties have made them useful in various applications, including stain and water protection for carpets, fabric, furniture and apparel, paper coating, metal plating, photographic materials, aviation hydraulic fluid, cosmetics and sunscreen, and medical devices.However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact and potential health risks of PFAS. These chemicals are highly mobile in water, meaning they can travel long distances from their source. They also persist in the environment and are toxic to various animals.The Australian Government aims to reduce the presence of PFAS in the environment and protect human health. These include restrictions on the use of PFAS in firefighting foam and other products, as well as a commitment to clean up contaminated sites.The government has acknowledged that historical use of PFAS in firefighting foams has led to elevated levels of these chemicals at airports, defence bases, and other sites where firefighting training has occurred. They have also been found in areas near industrial areas, effluent outfalls, and landfill sites. While the full extent of the human health impacts of long-term PFAS exposure remains unclear, the government is taking a precautionary approach, citing global concerns about the persistence and mobility of these chemicals. The government has stated that it has been working to reduce the use of certain PFAS since 2002.PFAS levels in the Australian population, as announced by the ABS's National Health Measures Survey, now have a base for new surveys to compare.

One of Lismore's iconic events, MardiGrass, was held at the beginning of May. Since 1993, its ultimate goal has been to get Cannabis Law Reform in NSW and to advocate for the rights of those who use it for medicinal or recreational purposes.If The Greens get support from either Labor or the Coalition, those goals would be a step closer this week.The Greens will introduce a bill to Parliament today (Wednesday) that will provide an exemption for medicinal cannabis patients if they test positive to THC during a roadside drug test, if they are unimpaired, hold a prescription for medicinal cannabis and are using it as prescribed.The Road Transport Amendment Bill (Medicinal Cannabis - Exemptions from Offences) Bill 2025 will be introduced in the NSW Upper House by Greens MP and drug law reform and harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann.The law as it stands in NSW means medicinal cannabis patients risk testing positive for THC and losing their licence for 3 months, even if they are not impaired at the time of driving. In comparison, drivers who use other prescription drugs such as morphine are provided a medical defence against testing positive while driving under section 111 of the Road Transport Act 2013. A key recommendation arising from the Drug Summit in the area of law reform was for a medical defence to be provided for medicinal cannabis patients who are driving. That’s what this bill does.“I call on all sides of politics to support this important reform, which simply updates our road laws to recognise that medicinal cannabis is a legally prescribed medication which is growing in popularity to treat a range of conditions,” said Cate Faehrmann.“The reason that this issue needs addressing is that THC can stay in a person’s system for quite a few hours after use, sometimes even days, even though any effect has long worn off. “Medicinal cannabis is proven to provide relief to those living with depression, insomnia, chronic pain, epilepsy and much more. It’s time our road laws caught up and stopped treating people who are doing nothing wrong like criminals.“My Bill seeks to remove the discrimination on medicinal cannabis that forces patients to live in fear of losing their licence or to have to forgo life-changing medicine so they can keep driving.“Victoria moved to allow a defence in March of this year, Tasmania already allows it, while other countries like New Zealand, the UK and Germany also provide a defence for medicinal cannabis users.“It really is ridiculous that our road laws discriminate against a legal drug when the potential driving risks that many other legal drugs like opioids and alcohol pose are managed,” said Cate Faehrmann. 

Australian nurses have responded to hundreds of disaster events over the last six years, but new research led by Charles Darwin University (CDU) suggests they still aren’t ready for the impact of catastrophe.Almost one disaster event every 10 days has occurred in Australia since 2019.A disaster is considered to be an event that disrupts human populations through natural or man-made disasters, or communicable disease outbreaks.Study lead author Angela Sheedy, who is the Health Science Course Coordinator at CDU, said it became clear during the pandemic that nurses were a reactive workforce during that public health emergency, rather than proactive, despite being the largest cohort of healthcare professionals to deal with the aftermath of disaster.Ms Sheedy pointed to the Hunter Valley bus crash, Bondi Junction shopping centre stabbing, and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) contamination as other examples of recent disasters.“Australian-trained nurses are amongst the best in the world, but we are experiencing disaster events more frequently, and this directly impacts nurses working in the acute care and emergency setting,” Ms Sheedy said.“Better-prepared nurses mean better outcomes for communities in disaster responses.”But the diversity of modern disaster events thanks to climate change, radicalisation and terrorism, and public health challenges makes being prepared for anything a complicated undertaking.Ms Sheedy said disaster response training was not currently mandatory for bachelor-level nurses and said this was leaving graduates without the resilience to adapt to many real-world scenarios.“The inclusion of disaster responses with an all-hazards approach needs to be included in the Australian curriculum, but this takes time,” she said.“We need to start thinking and planning realistic strategies to prepare our health workforce for disaster responses. “Providing our nurses with access to all-hazards education and training aligns with the world today.”

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of newly diagnosed cancer and the second most deadliest in Australia, according to Bowel Cancer Australia.The latest Australian researchⁱ revealed 28,265 cases of aggressive types of early-onset (those aged between 20 and 49) bowel cancer over the past 30 years. That included an estimated 4,347 additional early-onset bowel cancer cases attributable to the rising rates of the disease.An early release of findings (published in medRxiv) from a study conducted by University of Melbourne researchers examined bowel cancer rates among those aged 20 to 49 and over, across a thirty-year period (1990-2020).It found that rising early-onset colon cancer rates resulted in 2,398 excess cases, or a 26% increase in observed cases compared to expected numbers if the increase did not occur. Similarly, rising early-onset rectal cancer rates resulted in 1,949 excess cases or a 20% increase.Author Professor Mark Jenkins, University of Melbourne, said, “Our inability to halt the rising burden of early-onset bowel cancer over the last thirty years has resulted in over 4,300 excess cases being diagnosed among young Australians.”“Notably, we found bowel cancer incidence was 2 to 3-fold higher among Australians born in the 1990s versus 1950s, suggesting increasing prevalence or earlier exposure to risk factors. The increase is occurring even for the most aggressive forms of the disease. However, the underlying causes remain unknown,” lead author Aaron Meyers, University of Melbourne, added.The Australian research further supports international research published in The Lancetⁱ, which reveals Australia now has the highest rates of early-onset bowel cancer in the world, with a faster increase found in women than in men.The international research compared bowel cancer rates in those aged under and over 50 in 50 countries worldwide. It found early-onset bowel cancer increased in 27 of the 50 countries in the last decade until 2017, a rise no longer confined to high-income western countries.Bowel Cancer Australia CEO, Julien Wiggins, said, “The research showed the rising incidence of early-onset bowel cancer had continued at 2 to 4% annually until 2017. However, bowel cancer rates among those over 50 were falling in many of the countries studied, including Australia.”“In 2024, it is estimated to be the deadliest cancer for men and the second deadliest cancer for women under 50,” he added.“This risk of being diagnosed before age 40 has more than doubled since 2000, and 1-in-9 new bowel cancer cases now occur in people under age 50.”“As screening is not routinely offered to people at average risk under 45, we need to improve awareness among GPs and the public about the red flag signs and symptoms of early-onset bowel cancer,” Mr Wiggins said.“This remains the primary opportunity for early detection, provided young people receive prompt colonoscopy referral to rule out bowel cancer as an underlying cause of their symptoms.”

Now the wet weather has paused for Lismore, Lismore City Council can get on with the job of patching and fixing the road network.Council has said they will carry out night works on Conway Street (between Dawson Street and Keen Street) from 6pm to 6am this Wednesday, 28 and Thursday, 29 May, weather permitting.At this stage, the likelihood of the roadworks going ahead is strong, with the BOM forecasting a mostly sunny day for Wednesday and a partly cloudy day for Thursday.The works include asphalt heavy patching to repair damaged road travel lanes.Conway Street will be closed to through traffic during works. Please follow detour signage and directions from traffic controllers. Minor delays may occur.Council is asking people to avoid parking on Conway Street during the works. You may be asked to move your vehicle to allow works to proceed safely and efficiently.

The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) local mapping tool was released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, outlining opinions on alcohol, smoking, cannabis and illicit drugs in the Richmond/Tweed area for those 14 and over..The NDSHS is a national study conducted every 3 years on behalf of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The survey is part of the National Drug Strategy 2016–2027, which aims to reduce and prevent harms of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.Findings from the survey are used by a range of stakeholders, including policymakers and researchers to shape and regulate reform measures. While these latest results are from 2022/23, the next survey will be in the field in the coming weeks, starting on 16 June.The summary of national report findings between 2019 and 2022/23 was:TobaccoThe proportion of people in Australia who smoked tobacco daily decreased to a historic low of 8.3%.Support increased for some policies aimed at reducing the problems associated with tobacco use, with the biggest increases occurring for policies aimed at premises that sell tobacco and banning additives in cigarettes to make them less attractive to young people.E-cigarette useE-cigarette use increased between 2019 and 2022–2023, particularly among young people.Support for all policy options addressing problems associated with vaping increased substantially.Alcohol39% of people believed that alcohol was responsible for the most deaths in Australia in 2022–2023, up from 34% in 2019.31% of people believed excessive drinking of alcohol was the drug of most serious concern for the community, up from 26% in 2019.From today's interactive mapping release, we can learn about local attitudes and perceptions about tobacco smoking, alcohol, cannabis and other illicit drugs for the 2022/23 survey. The data collected was from the Richmond/Tweed area, which includes Tweed Heads in the north to just past Evans Heads in the south and west to Tabulam and up to Woodenbong near the Queensland border. So, Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Casino, Kyogle and Mullumbimby are all included.(The Richmond/Tweed area for the NDSHS mapping tool)ALCOHOLWhen asked what measures should be taken to reduce excessive alcohol consumption, 72% of people supported stricter enforcement of the law against supplying alcohol to minors. Forty-seven per cent (47%) of people opposed increasing the price of alcohol. This was the most opposed measure.The biggest difference in support was related to restrictions on where zero alcohol products with an alcohol brand can be displayed and sold in stores. Australia rated that measure 35%, NSW 36%, while Richmond/Tweed was 26%.The largest change in support over the last 12-13 years was reducing the trading hours for pubs and clubs. This fell from 58% in 2010 to 22% in 2022/23.If people were given $100 to reduce alcohol use, they would spend it on:Education $39Treatment $37Law Enforcement $24TOBACCO SMOKINGWhen it came to measures to reduce tobacco use, 80% of people supported prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes/vapes, including those with nicotine, to people under the age of 18.The measure with the most opposition was increasing the tax on tobacco products to discourage smoking, which was 23%. Seventy-two per cent (72%) of people approved of restricting the use of e-cigarettes in public places.The biggest difference in opinion related to banning the sale of tobacco products is where people are consuming alcohol. Fifty-three per cent (53%) of Australians thought it was a good idea, 54% of NSW people and 41% in Richmond/Tweed.In terms of attitude towards a regular tobacco user in 2022/23, 59% disapproved, 11% approved, and 30% were indifferent.The largest change in support over the last twelve years was increasing the tax on tobacco products to discourage smoking. In 2010 68% of people favoured that measure, that dropped to 50% in 2022/23.CANNABISUnsurprisingly, 86% of people in Richmond/Tweed believe personal possession of cannabis should not be a criminal offence. That compares to 78% in NSW and 80% in Australia.When asked if cannabis should be legalised for personal use, 56% were in support, compared to 44% in NSW and 45% in Australia.When it came to someone being caught in possession of cannabis, 73% said nothing should happen or a warning given. Sixteen per cent said they should be referred to a treatment or education program.If cannabis were legal, 13% would try it, 21% would use it about as much as they do now, while 63% would not use it.Over the past dozen years, attitudes towards cannabis have definitely shifted.ILLICIT DRUGSWhen it comes to illicit drugs, 66% supported checking for drugs. If given $100 to spend on reducing the harm of illicit drugs, people would spend it on Education $39, Treatment $34 and Law Enforcement $26.If people were found in possession of ecstasy, hallucinogens, heroin, methamphetamine/amphetamine, how many thought referral to a treatment or an education program was the best action:Ecstasy 37%Hallucinogens 41%Heroin 55%Methamphetamine/amphetamine 55%In terms of people's attitudes towards ecstasy, 66% opposed legalising the drug, while in 2010 the percentage was 81.In summary, the Richmond/Tweed participants have a more relaxed attitude to cannabis than the rest of the population in NSW and Australia, yet they also believe strongly that selling alcohol, e-cigarettes and tobacco to minors should be protected and that increasing the price of tobacco and cigarettes is not the preferred deterrent to discourage use.The results of the 2025 survey will be very interesting.

In Mayor Steve Krieg's Talking Lismore podcast he spoke about Lismore's vision. "We actually, as a community, have to embrace people that want to have a go and support them in their journey to succeed," the mayor said.Enter Luke and Jessica Palmer, two young people who have set up a new business in Woodlark Street, in the CBD, to have a go at establishing themselves in the business community.Luke and Jessica opened Lismore Second Hand Furniture at 123 Woodlark Street, next to the Converge store and the tyre company.As well as secondhand furniture, they also sell collectables, mid-century antiques, bric-a-brac and records.Luke isn't new to the furniture game; he told the Lismore App he has been involved in it for all of his life."My grandfather owns Summerland Antiques in Ballina. So I've just grown up around the whole industry. I don't go for antiques as much, but we do a wide range of everything, really, and we particularly like the retro stuff."Luke has run his own business for about ten years, but mostly online sales. "It's smaller collectibles and that kind of stuff," he said.Why the change from online to a bricks-and-mortar business?"We have a passion for it, I guess. And I think there's a demand for it, for good quality second-hand furniture. We want to support Lismore too."The items that are on sale in store come from people who have made contact with Luke and Jessica, people wanting to downsize, or we items they pick up from auctions."We go from up to the Sunshine Coast, down to the Bathurst sort of area, so we travel a bit. But yeah, we're definitely getting a lot of people locally just ringing us who want to downsize. So, we try to help them out as much as we can."As all locals know, that end of Woodlark Street can flood easily, not just from a minor flood but from stormwater. Being local, Luke and Jessica know what they are getting into."Look, we have a plan. We've got a company that will help us with trucks if we have to. We've got the mezzanine, which most floods won't get up there. Only one flood has got up there, the '22 flood."People are saying, what if it floods? But it may not flood for a good five years or so, and there's more. Autobahn had a 10-year lease here before we were in here, so they must have been fairly confident."With the help of family and friends, Luke and Jessica could move out and up in five or six hours."Look, some things will get left behind because there's just nothing you can do about it. But the majority we'll get out, especially the special pieces. They will be the first to go."Pop in and check out what Luke and Jessica have for sale at Lismore Second Hand Furniture. You will find them at 123 Woodlark Street, Lismore CBD.They are open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday's 10am to 2pm.Their website will be active very soon, but in the meantime, have a look at their Facebook page.

UPDATE MAY 28 10AM41-year-old Nicholas Cantwell has been located.ORIGINAL STORYPolice are appealing for public assistance to locate a man reported missing from Lismore.Nicholas Cantwell, aged 41, was last seen on Uralba Street, Lismore, about 1pm on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Richmond Police District were notified and have continued to make inquiries into his whereabouts.There are concerns for his welfare as he requires medication.Nicholas is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of medium build, with blond hair above the shoulder and blue eyes.He was last seen wearing navy blue track pants, a dark blue and white check long sleeved button up shirt and no shoes.He is known to frequent the Lismore, Nimbin and Byron Bay areas.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis.The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

More than 7,000 Year 1 students across 165 NSW public schools will take part in a new Number Screening Check over the next two weeks, as part of a trial to screen students’ grasp of numbers and provide teachers with the opportunity for early intervention.  The screening check is part of the NSW Government’s plan to lift numeracy outcomes, and is also a key component of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement signed with the Commonwealth in March, which delivered full funding for NSW public schools.NSW is developing its own number screening check and will be sharing its resources with other states once the trial is completed.The teacher-led check takes 10-15 minutes to complete for each student and assesses core foundational learning skills key to later success in maths and numeracy.Teachers will use the results to provide students with targeted assistance in areas such as counting, ordering numbers, addition and subtraction.The check tracks student progress and examines their understanding in three main areas:Numbers - knowledge of whole numbers, for example being shown the numeral 13, recognising it and saying ‘thirteen’.Number relations - knowledge of relations between whole numbers, for example, 5 comes before 6, which comes before 7.Number operations - knowledge of how numbers can be taken apart and put back together, for example, adding 2 and 4 makes 6.An earlier pilot tested the content, structure and mechanics of the screener across 19 schools, with initial feedback showing participating schools are already using insights from the number check to plan for targeted teaching.The expanded trial will help further refine and validate the check ahead of its rollout to all public schools in NSW.The Year 1 Number Screening Check supports the existing Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, providing teachers with an early view of an individual student’s capabilities.Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “The Minns Labor Government is determined to lift outcomes for students after the Liberals presided over years of declining results amid a teacher shortage crisis they denied and ignored.“The Year 1 Number Screening Check will be a key resource for teachers, enabling them to assess essential numeracy skills and intervene early to help lift education outcomes for our young learners.“By identifying at-risk students early, we can ensure that they receive the necessary support in time to get them back on track and reach their full potential.”Stanmore Public School principal Ben Heinecke said, “We know students who develop strong maths and numeracy skills early are better equipped to achieve success throughout school and into later life. “These checks are a great way to help us identify students who require support in time for our teachers to make a difference.”

The NSW Government will make it cheaper and easier for people to access life-changing treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by allowing general practitioners (GPs) to treat and diagnose people with ADHD. Currently, most people seeking a diagnosis, management and ongoing prescription medication for ADHD must see a specialist. This is often extremely expensive, and many patients wait months or years to get a diagnosis, or can’t access treatment at all.The state government will enable GPs to provide ongoing ADHD prescriptions for children and adults on stable doses of medication without a formal arrangement.  A smaller number of GPs will be enabled to diagnose and initiate medication where appropriate.Once fully implemented, these reforms will save patients both months of waiting as well as significant costs in accessing treatment. Premier Chris Minns said, “By safely training more GPs to treat and diagnose ADHD, we are hoping to break the cycle of people having to wait years for, what can be, a life-altering diagnosis.“Not getting diagnosed and not being able to access treatment can have a particularly big impact on a child getting the most out of their life, whether that’s academically or socially. “These reforms help tilt the scales in favour of fairness, reducing the cost of getting treatment by hundreds of dollars, removing red tape for thousands of families and young people, and giving people the support they need to live happier, healthier lives.”In both instances, GPs will be required to undertake accredited training and will receive support. Expressions of interest for GPs to undertake additional education and training requirements will be sought in coming months. Interested GPs will be able to choose between two tiers of accredited training or registration, with each providing differing levels of capacity to diagnose, treat, prescribe or manage ADHD. Up to 1000 GPs will be supported to complete additional training to allow continuation of prescriptions once a patient has been stabilised.Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “We’re making it easier for children and adults to receive a diagnosis as well as prescription medication for ADHD by allowing GPs to manage this condition.“We know that people endure long wait times as well as significant expenses just to see a specialist to receive a diagnosis.“We’re not going to stand idly by while people struggle to access life-changing treatment.“The option to see a GP to manage ADHD will provide a timely, safe and appropriate pathway to care, while relieving pressure on in-demand specialists.”NSW Health will fund these training packages, mentorship, and access to resources to implement the reforms.These reforms will be implemented in a staged approach, with an initial focus on prescriptions for children.This is because a delay in diagnosis can have a significant impact on a child’s development, such as poorer academic progress, employment opportunities and mental health.Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said, “For families who’ve been waiting, worrying, and paying too much, this is the much-needed relief they’ve been hoping for. Now families won’t need to reach for their credit cards to get the help they need.“This is about fairness — saving families hundreds of dollars and giving them quicker access to the help they need, without the long, expensive wait for a specialist.“Too many families are stuck waiting, paying, and struggling to access basic ADHD support, especially in the regions. That’s not just frustrating, it’s fundamentally unfair.“For kids and families dealing with ADHD, the difference between getting help now and waiting years can be life-changing.“This is what a fairer mental health system looks like — more choice, less red tape, and support that meets people where they are.”NSW is the third state to implement reforms to make it easier for people to access treatment for ADHD. In Queensland, GPs can prescribe certain ADHD medications for children without a prescribing approval, and Western Australia has proposed to allow patients to receive a diagnosis and treatment from specialist GPs with specific skills and additional training in ADHD diagnosis and management.GP training will commence in the coming months, and the ability for GPs to provide ongoing prescriptions for children is expected to open up in early 2026.RACGP NSW & ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said, “As I travel across New South Wales, I hear from my colleagues about families in rural areas who travel more than seven hours to see a paediatrician, and of families in Sydney spending more than $5,000 on assessments and diagnosis for ADHD.  “This announcement will have life-changing impacts when it comes to accessing timely and affordable ADHD care for families across the state.“We know when it comes to ADHD that early intervention is vital, and being able to access appropriate therapy and medications from a young age helps kids thrive at school and at home. So, enabling GPs with specific skills to initiate prescriptions for ADHD medications will stop many children from languishing on outpatient waiting lists.  “GPs in many parts of Australia, and around the world, are already diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications. Our colleagues in Queensland, for example, have been safely prescribing ADHD medications since 2017.  “We thank the Minns Labor Government and our non-GP specialist colleagues for working with us to deliver safe, accessible, affordable care for children with ADHD. In the years ahead, we look forward to working constructively with the Government to go even further and train up more GPs to diagnose and initiate medication so that all families can access the care and treatment they need.”