Every 27 minutes, someone in Australia is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Best known for its tremors, movement and balance issues, it also brings another, often overlooked burden – persistent pain.Now, new research from the University of South Australia shows that many people with Parkinson’s are struggling to manage their pain, with researchers calling for more individualised, multidisciplinary and empathetic care. In two studies that assessed how people with Parkinson’s manage pain and their experiences of pain care services, researchers found notable gaps in support, with many people resorting to trial-and-error strategies due to a lack of tailored clinical care. In Australia, more than 65,000 people with Parkinson’s disease experience persistent pain. Lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate Anthony Mezzini says we need to improve quality pain care for people with Parkinson’s. “Pain is a prevalent and debilitating non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s. It’s one of the most troublesome issues in early-stage Parkinson’s and a leading cause of reduced quality of life,” Mezzini says. “People with Parkinson’s told us that they often rely on trial-and-error approaches to manage their pain – not because they want to, but because they don’t always have access to specialist pain support or tailored advice. “When pain care worked well, it was because healthcare professionals – especially allied health practitioners and Parkinson’s nurses – took the time to listen, understand their experience, and tailor care to their specific needs.” Researchers found that people’s experiences of pain care were shaped by five key features: empathy and understanding, listening to needs and concerns, clear explanations, Parkinson’s-specific knowledge, and individualised treatment. However, these qualities were inconsistent across the health care system, with people reporting mixed feedback about the support they received from general practitioners and neurologists, and significant access barriers in rural and regional areas. UniSA’s researcher and Parkinson’s Nurse, Dr Sue Sharrad, says improving pain management for people with Parkinson’s requires both greater access to multidisciplinary care and enhanced training for healthcare providers. “Embedding empathetic, individualised care into routine practice – and expanding access to Parkinson’s nurses and allied health professionals – could make a real difference,” Dr Sharrad says. “Parkinson’s specialist nurses and allied health professionals are often praised for their high level of care. We need to ensure that every person with Parkinson’s receives pain care that’s tailored, evidence-based, and delivered by professionals who understand the complex nature of Parkinson’s pain. “Pain is not just a symptom – it’s a major factor that affects quality of life. By making care more personalised, coordinated, and compassionate, we can help people with Parkinson’s live better, less painful lives.” The research forms part of UniSA’s ongoing work to improve quality of life for people living with neurological conditions. The multidisciplinary research team includes Anthony Mezzini, Prof Saravana Kumar, Dr Sue Sharrad, Dr Joanne Harmon, and Prof Marion Eckert. The research papers can be accessed here:Perceptions of the Provision of Pain Care Services from the Perspective of People with Parkinson's Disease: A Qualitative Descriptive StudyFactors Influencing Pain Management Practices in People With Parkinson's Disease: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

The NSW Government is taking another step to reduce plastic waste, announcing the next phase of single-use and problematic plastic phase-outs on the eve of National Recycling Week.Plastic remains one of NSW’s biggest environmental challenges. It makes up around 74 per cent of litter in our waterways, and less than 16 per cent of plastic waste is recycled in NSW, with the remainder taking up valuable space in landfill.The next stage of the NSW Plastics Plan will target unnecessary and hard-to-recycle plastic products. It gives business and industry time to transition while helping to reduce waste and landfill demand.The phase-in will be managed responsibly and in stages to allow business to adjust and find practical alternatives.The changes will also encourage new investment in recycling infrastructure and reusable products, with the Government working closely with industry to support the transition and minimise disruption.In an Australian first, the plan will also develop a ‘green’ and ‘red’ list of chemicals that are and are not allowed to be used in plastic items. This list will identify chemicals to phase out that are known to cause problems for human health and the environment, and which have safer alternatives already in use.The NSW Plastics Plan 2.0 actions include:phase out plastic bread tags and pizza savers from late 2027;phase out non-compostable plastic fruit and vegetable stickers by 2030;introduce tethered lids (meaning the cap or lid on a plastic bottle must remain attached to the bottle itself, even after it’s opened) for plastic bottles by 2030;require takeaway food service businesses to accept reusable cups by 2028 and large food service businesses to provide reusable cup options by 2030;phase out small condiment containers such as soy sauce fish bottles by 2030 and similar single-use packaging that cannot be recycled, in favour of recyclable options;require the redesign of takeaway food containers, such as plastic bowls with lids, bento boxes and sushi trays, to ensure they can be recycled safely;regulate harmful chemical additives in plastic food and beverage packaging to prevent toxins entering soil, water and the food chain;ban lighter-than-air (helium) balloon releases, in line with other states.The NSW Government’s approach builds on previous bans of lightweight plastic bags, straws, stirrers and single-use cutlery, and has been shaped through extensive consultation with industry, environment groups and the community.The Government will continue consultation with industry, small businesses, manufacturers, retailers and councils to support a smooth transition to safer, recyclable alternatives. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has already been consulting with industry in detail.Where possible, NSW will continue to align with other jurisdictions to give industry consistency and certainty.To read the NSW Plastics Plan 2.0, visit https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Plastics/plastics-plan-20.Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said, “Microplastics are entering our bodies and plastic is polluting our environment and oceans, killing our wildlife.“This plan moves NSW another step closer to phasing out these problematic items.“Our plan has carefully considered actions we need to take to protect the environment and human health, while also considering how we can support industry to transition to recyclable or reusable alternatives.“The great news is that industry is already moving this way – many businesses are leading the way in developing alternatives to single-use plastics.“We will continue to work with industry, small businesses, manufacturers, retailers and councils to support a smooth transition to safer, recyclable alternatives.”General Manager, Mars Food & Nutrition Australia, Bill Heague said, “At Mars, we’re working towards a world where no packaging becomes waste.“We welcome moves to phase out problematic plastic formats, which is why we’re trialling new innovations like our paper-based MasterFoods Squeeze-On Tomato Sauce packs, which are recyclable and could eliminate around 190 tonnes of plastic from our value chain if we fully transition our portfolio.“In order to adopt more sustainable packaging without impacting negatively on the consumer’s experience, businesses like ours need time to research, develop, test and scale up new packaging solutions.“We welcome the NSW’s Government’s recognition that an adjustment period for businesses will support a smooth transition, and we’re excited by the possibilities further innovations in this space may present.”

A critical investigation is underway regarding the response of police after a man’s body was located in Goonellabah early Friday morning.About 2.50am last Friday (7 November 2025), a 31-year-old man was taken to Lismore Base Hospital by unknown persons suffering serious head injuries.He was later airlifted to the Gold Coast University Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.About 6.20am that same day, emergency services were called to Fischer Street, Goonellabah, following reports that a body had been located.Officers established a crime scene after finding the body of a 25-year-old man on a nearby walking track.Initial inquiries indicate the men may have been involved in a brawl in Clifford Park, Goonellabah, early that same morning. It is believed that up to 15-20 persons may have been involved in the brawl.The investigation is being led by officers attached to Richmond Police District, assisted by the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad under Strike Force Pineshaw.As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with information about the incident, or was in the area at the time with any available dashcam/mobile phone footage, to contact Lismore Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.The critical incident investigation has been established to review the actions of police in responding to this incident and is being conducted by officers attached to the Mid North Coast Police District.The internal investigation will be the subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.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.

Lismore, you have three weeks to submit your nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, which, this year, feature two new categories: Academic Excellence and Contribution to Economic Excellence.The Awards are held annually to recognise people who give back to the community through volunteering, community work or who excel in sports or other endeavours.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the Awards were a chance to recognise our unsung heroes who put in many hours as volunteers to make our community an even better place to live, work and raise a family.“One thing that has always stood out to me is that our community is full of quiet unsung heroes,” he said.“The Australia Day Awards give us a chance every year to honour those passionate people who dedicate a large part of their lives to building a stronger, healthier community with no thought of personal gain.“This year, we have also added to new categories, Academic Excellence and Contribution to Economic Excellence.“If you have a friend who works hard for a volunteer group, know a student who is kicking goals in life or admire a person for their work for our community, please nominate them.“It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete an online nomination, so please get online before the deadline and nominate today.”Categories are:Citizen of the YearYoung Citizen of the YearServices in the Community (Individual)Services in the Community (Group)Sportsperson/Team (Junior)Sportsperson/Team (Senior)EnvironmentArts/CultureAcademic ExcellenceContribution to Economic ExcellenceTo make a nomination, go to www.lismore.nsw.gov.au. Nominations close on Sunday, 30 November 2025.

A new campaign has launched to help residents of Lismore and the Northern Rivers prepare for floods during the 2025/26 storm season.The 'Prepare Together, Stronger Than Ever' campaign was developed in partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and in consultation with local councils and the community.'Prepare Together, Stronger Than Ever' encourages people across Lismore and the Northern Rivers to take practical steps to prepare for floods - whether that’s getting to know their flood risk, understanding the warning levels, making a plan, or looking out for others in the community. The campaign comes as new research shows 80 per cent of Northern Rivers residents expect future floods, yet one in three still feel unprepared, and, worryingly, almost half have taken no action to prepare for a flood. The campaign uses local faces, volunteers and imagery across a range of channels, including press, radio, outdoor, social media and digital. You will see advertising on the Lismore App from tomorrow, and a front page button so you can easily find relevant information for where you live.The new Northern Rivers SES website is designed to help communities better understand and prepare for flooding. It features a suite of practical tools, including a flood risk assessment tool, a household planning tool and a series of catchment-specific videos that explain how floods behave in local areas.The campaign is supported by a suite of community engagement activities, including flood-ready events, a targeted program for communities living behind a levee in Maclean and Grafton, a schools partnership with Northern Rivers Performing Arts, a digital literacy program run through local libraries and local emergency information signs. (Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston at the launch of the Prepare Together, Stronger Than Ever campaign at Eggins Lane, Lismore, including local residents featured on the posters, Leanne, Sergio, Jenny and Laura.)Damien Johnston, the Deputy Commissioner of the SES, said the focus of this campaign is about empowering people with practical tools, trusted information, and supporting long-term local resilience preparedness."We know it saves lives, and together, we can make a real difference before the next flood arrives. Know your risk, know your warnings, have a plan and look after each other through this collaboration. The New South Wales State Emergency Service, Reconstruction Authority and our interagency partners are committed to building and reinforcing community engagement, strengthening partnerships and embedding flood imperative preparedness into everyday lives. And my final message is, now's the time to get ready for future floods."Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said the catch cry 'Prepared Together, Stronger Than Ever' resonates with our community."We do look after each other. We look out for each other, and we have to do this in preparedness. Most of us have been through a flood. One in three of us said we didn't feel prepared. So it's not something that we do once and then walk away. We have to do it over and over, and we have to remind ourselves to do it all the time."To have a Flood Ready Plan, Deputy Commissioner Johnston said, "People should be aware of their risks, where they would actually relocate to, as well, and making sure that they're aware of where their information comes from. So, the Hazards Near Me app, the Bureau of Meteorology app, and just local risk and awareness, as well, where you actually live."You should have an emergency kit. But more importantly, as well, knowing your local risks, where your residence is, where your business is, if you've got a business as well, you need to be ready to move or shift goods to higher ground as well, making sure you have a plan in place, knowing that you do that well in advance of any floods or any storm events as well.As for what you should have in your Emergency Kit?"You should have emergency numbers, you should have, if you're quick to grab, as well, that personal information, such as licenses, passports and the like, as well as any essential goods, and medications, so your essential medications that you need to take with you, that you might not be able to replenish for some time if you were to lose it as well, and also those evacuation areas where you might need to relocate to to be out of harm's way."Minister Saffin added, "I'd add a power bank and a battery."The research has shown that almost half of those surveyed had taken no action to prepare for a flood. Does this concern the Deputy Commissioner?"It does, and this awareness campaign is trying to make sure that there's action taken, and that people do. Thirty per cent of people actually don't know what to do yet. So, this is us helping the community to make sure that they are aware of what to do and how to prepare."If you would like to double-check your Flood Plan or create your first Flood Plan, go to the NSW SES website, and you will find an Emergency Planning Toolkit. You can enter your suburb, which will help tailor your risks for your local area, including your evacuation areas.The Prepare Together, Stronger Than Ever campaign is part of the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, funded by the Australian Government. It honours the lived experience of communities that have rebuilt and continues to invest in stronger, better-prepared neighbourhoods.The campaign will begin on Sunday, 9 November. For more information, visit ses.nsw.gov.au/northernrivers.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging local farmers and others with an interest in the state’s Cattle Tick Program to give their feedback on the program to the new Independent Biosecurity Commissioner. “The tick program has been running for more than 100 years in our region, to protect livestock in north-east NSW up to the Queensland border, where the tick is a well-known pest. “I have been working with farmers, veterinarians and farmers organisations to get attention for this program and am very pleased to see it is a priority for the new Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift. “I have had a good meeting with Dr Clift on the issue. “I thank the NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, for making this the first key job Dr Clift has been tasked with, to determine the most effective approach for the future management of cattle tick in NSW. “People can give their feedback at local cattle tick workshops next week, or through an online survey or written submission on the Commissioner’s website. The workshops are being held at Murwillumbah on November 11, Kyogle on November 12 and Lismore on November 13.  Information on registering for workshops, the consultation paper, survey and how to make a submission is available on the DPI website: dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/independent-biosecurity-commissioner/advice-on-the-nsw-cattle-tick-program.The survey and submissions are open until 5pm on 27 November 2025.  

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says applications are now open for the 2025–26 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, and she is encouraging eligible locals to apply.“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund provides valuable grants to maintain and upgrade our local reserves and community facilities on Crown Land.“This year, the Minns Government has increased the funding to $13.5 million, more than $2 million higher than last year.“And the Government has halved the minimum general grant amount to $50,000, making it easier for Crown land managers to apply for smaller, high-impact projects that make a big difference to their communities.“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund supports repairs, maintenance, and upgrades that enhance the cultural, sporting and recreational life of our communities,” Ms Saffin saidApplications for projects up to $1 million are open to Crown Land reserve managers, including local councils, community groups, and showgrounds. Applications close at 5:00 pm AEDT on 5 December 2025.Projects that best meet the relevant criteria will be recommended for funding and presented to the Minister for Lands and Property for approval before final allocation of funds is determined by a Crown Lands assessment committee in early to mid-2026.For more information, potential applicants can visit the Reserve Manager Website. Or contact the Department's funding team on 1300 886 235 (option 5) or via email at reservefunding@crownland.nsw.gov.au.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has announced the Goonellabah Football Club will benefit from $94,776 for new field lighting, under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program.Ms Saffin said the club will use the grant to install modern, environmentally sustainable LED lights to upgrade the lighting on the playing fields at Weston Park.”This is wonderful news for the club, which has hundreds of players in its Goonellabah Hornets teams ranging from the 6-year-olds up to the senior teams.Jeff Wingfield from Goonellabah FC said the club will be able to complete its lighting upgrade with four new lighting towers, which will give it six overall.“The improved lighting will ensure it easily meets the lux rating for night games, and is important for training too.“This is the third time the club has applied for this grant funding, and I’m hoping the club can get the lighting installed before the next season,” Mr Wingman said.The grants are made possible by the ClubGrants Category 3, which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects.The Minister for Racing and Gaming said the grants support local communities to create or improve facilities that boost community spirit and increase health and wellbeing through participation in sport and recreation, the arts, volunteering or preparing for natural disasters.“We received a large number of worthy projects for consideration, and I congratulate those who have been successful and look forward to seeing the work they can undertake to benefit communities.”Applications for the next round of ClubGrants category 3 open on 24 November.

The Federal Government is looking at lowering the default speed limit on regional roads from 100 to 70 kilometres per hour, with one of the reasons being to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Government’s Regulatory Impact Statement argues that slower speeds will reduce fuel consumption and therefore reduce carbon emissions from vehicles.Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, said Labor are trying to meet their reckless net zero 2050 targets, and it’s having real impacts on regional Australians.“Instead of actually fixing the roads that we rely on, Labor’s answer is to slow people down,” Mr Hogan said.“Families, farmers, freight operators and tradies in the bush are being punished to make Labor look good at a climate conference. They’re treating regional Australians as the easy target for their net zero experiments.”He said the plan would devastate productivity across regional industries.“This would be a 30 per cent cut in productivity for every farmer, truckie, tradie and small business that depends on these roads. It means longer trips, higher fuel bills and higher costs for every household,” Mr Hogan said.“It’s a bureaucratic quick fix that ignores the realities of regional life. Mums and dads driving kids to school, families heading to sport, freight operators moving our food and fibre. They’ll all pay the price.”

An investigation is underway after the body of a man was located, and a man was found seriously injured near Lismore this morning.About 2.50am (Friday, 7 November 2025), a 31-year-old man was taken to Lismore Base Hospital suffering serious head injuries.He was later airlifted to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.About 6.20am, emergency services were called to Fischer Street, Goonellabah, following reports a body had been located.Officers established a crime scene after finding the body of a 25-year-old man on a nearby walking track.Initial inquiries indicate the men might have been involved in a brawl in Clifford Park near Cassia Crescent early this morning.The investigation is being led by officers attached to Richmond Police District, assisted by the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.As inquiries continue, anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

There is no doubt that the Resilient Lands Program (RLP) has moved at a glacial pace; however, we may have to put those thoughts behind us and look at the exciting future that is now being created in Lismore.The 4,500 m2 Military Road site in East Lismore has started work on the building of 50 build-to-rent units, which was first announced in April 2024. The Southern Cross University land was sold to the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which has enabled Landcom to complete community consultation, create a master plan and artist impressions of the new project before breaking ground.The $30 million build-to-rent project has excavators, graders and diggers on site, as East Lismore locals around Military Road would know, preparing the site with drainage hydraulic work for stormwater diversion.The build-to-rent East Lismore project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, weather permitting, so we should see over 100 new rental residents move in by the end of next year or early in 2027.More good news is that local companies, such as O'Brien and RBC (civil contractors), with more on the way. The FKG Group is the company that has been awarded the contract. Kurt, who lives in Clunes, said there are tenders in the marketplace, and four local companies have submitted an application."The more local, the better," Kurt told the Lismore App.An excited trio of people, Minister for Recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin, Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg and Landcom Executive General Manager Tasha Burrell, were on site this afternoon to talk about the project and what it means for Lismore, as it truly enters the growth phase of flood recovery.(Tasha Burrell from Landcom, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg on site today talking about the project)"It's about having 50 more dwellings in Lismore, and we need every single one, plus some," said Ms Saffin."We made a very clear statement with our council documents to include diverse housing," Mayor Krieg said. "We're surrounded by the traditional quarter-acre blocks, four bed, two bath. Not everyone wants that anymore. We need the units, the smaller apartment style.""Today, it's all about this diverse housing and giving people a roof over their heads."Landcom's Tasha Burrell said, "The great thing about build-to-rent is it's a secure, longer-term tenure, so that means that's much more stability for tenants in rental housing. These apartments here, as the minister and the mayor said, will fill the gap in the housing market and provide people with alternatives to larger detached houses. There will be smaller apartments that can accommodate single-person families and smaller families. Our project will help to provide greater housing choice, affordability and a security to address these local needs."Ms Burrell said construction will be in a more traditional way, with some modular elements to fast-track completion. The make-up will be a mix of apartments."From studios right through one beds, two beds and three-bedroom apartments, so a good mix of size. And what we've done is a lot of research in this area. There's a lot of older tenants, a lot of single, lone households, and so we're accommodating to make sure that we have smaller apartments that will suit those family types."Of the 50 rental apartments, 20 per cent will still be affordable housing apartments for low to middle-income earners.How people are chosen to sign a lease agreement will be determined by a Community Housing Provider (CHP), who will manage the property. They are yet to be selected; however, Ms Burrell said that this should be determined in about six months' time. There will be some consideration given to essential workers for the broader rental inhabitants.The weekly rental price will be determined by checking the market, "And then the affordable housing will be discounted to market rent, and the market rent will probably be at the lower end."The rest of the 400 home sites on Crawford Road should also see some activity in 2026, as Landcom is also developing the rest of the project."They're happening concurrently. So, this is already at the point where it's starting construction today, and then we've got approvals to go through for the balance of the site. So when we get those approvers, we'll be moving quickly to get that underway as well.When you see the Military Road site, you can't help but feel that this is the start of a really positive housing construction phase for Lismore, Something we have been waiting nearly four years for. There is excitement in the air."This is a game changer for Lismore," Mayor Kris said. "It really does put Lismore on the map as that growth centre. That's our goal as a Council, to grow the population of Lismore and get us back to that real regional centre that Lismore should and deserves to be." "It's a really exciting project, and there are others in the pipeline through Landcom, we've got the Bristol Circuit, we've got Cynthia Wilson Drive, all catering to those different needs of the community, of those key workers and those people that might find themselves needing social housing."

While the weather forecast from the BoM is showing possible showers or a shower or two for the weekend, those showers are more likely to eventuate in the late afternoon or evening, leaving fine weather during the day. Good for those playing sport or looking to get outdoors.As is usual this time of year, there is the chance of a thunderstorm.The 2025 Lismore Cycling Festival hits the streets of Lismore tomorrow afternoon, with the Twilight Criterium Race in the CBD between 4pm and 7pm. Hopefully, the rain holds off for this event or there will be thills and spills rather fast and furious racing.Magellan Street will be closed between Dawson Street and Diadem Street. Traffic control will be in place from 3.30pm.Sunday is the day for longer Fondo rides. There are three types of Fondo Rides:The Gran Fondo (110km) heads out along the Nimbin Road, taking a right at Koonorigan Road heading into The Channon, then riding along The Channon Road, Dunoon Road to Repentance Creek Road (near Rosebank), south to Corndale, and north along Dorroughby Road. Part of the return is back along Dunoon Road, before turning onto Duncan Road, Numulgi Road, Woodlawn Road and finishing in the CBD.The scenic Medio Fondo (70km) (no map displayed), andThe more leisurely Piccolo Fondo (28km) takes riders along Woodlawn Road, turning left onto Numulgi Road, right onto Lockton Road, before making the return journey at the Corndale Road junction.Magellan Street will be closed between Dawson Street and Brewster Street from 6:30am to 12 midday. The Fondo Rides start at 7am.MARKETSThe Lismore Farmers Markets get underway at 7:30am at the Lismore Showgrounds, selling an array of products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, seedlings, homemade goods, coffee/tea and breakfast. It is the final live performance by market regular Malcolm Gladstone.The Channon Markets are on Sunday from 9am at Coronation Park in the Lismore hills, selling everything from delicious food to condiments, pickles, and handmade items like gifts and clothing as part of the 220 stalls.ARTSIt is the final weekend of the Bulaan Buruugaa Ngai exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery at 11 Rural Street, Lismore.Nine ancestral woven objects held in the Australian Museum Collection are on display. The historic pieces stand alongside ten newly commissioned works by contemporary Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, and Kamilaroi artists.You can visit between 10 and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.COMING UPThe return of the Eat The Street Food Festival is next Saturday, November 15, between 12pm and 7pm along Keen Street in the CBD, with live music in The Quad.LIVE MUSICHelio Ray Duo are performing at the Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore tonight (Friday) from 6:30, and Northern Rivers boy, Sam Handford, gets on stage on Saturday night from 7pm.Outtawak are playing at the Lismore Heights Sports Club in Lismore Heights from 6pm.Women Up North are holding their annual Spring Gala at the Lismore Workers Club on Saturday night from 6pm raising money for the charity who help women and children experiencing domestic violence. Tickets are $50, click here to book.Coming up:The Noughty Nineties Party featuring all your favourites like Blink 182, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Beyonce. Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 7:30pm at the Lismore Workers Club.The Ultimate Superstars of CountryFaulty Towers The Dining ExperienceThe Italian TenorsCHEAPEST FUEL PRICESFuel prices were steady across Lismore, Casino and Ballina, once again this week.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations:E10 is 176.9 at the EG on Diadem Street near Lismore Square and the Shell Reddy Express on Dawson Street, Lismore, 171.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 173.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 173.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 182.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore and the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent at 169 Canterbury Street in Casino, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 190.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 193.5 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 179.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore, 181.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street, the Casino Roadhouse and The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 187.5 at Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Yesterday's announcement of an extension to the Repair to Return program to approximately 80 flood-affected properties in Lismore and the Northern Rivers was a little light on detail early in the day.During a press conference at the offices of Resilient Lismore, more details were revealed to give a better understanding of what will be covered during the final phase of the program, which started as the Two Rooms Project soon after the 2022 floods.The amount of funding given to Resilient Lismore by the not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT, was not clarified by Head of Engagement Christina Spehr.Ms Spehr did say that $12.8 million worth of donated funds has been distributed across the region to assist with repairs."We're working closely with resilient Lismore and assessing those cases on a case-by-case basis. We're really committed to supporting the long-term recovery of people who were impacted by the floods, so we're here for the long haul, and we'll continue to assess that on a case-by-case basis. "It depends on the cases. So, a kitchen costs a different amount to a bathroom. For as long as we can support, we will continue to support."Resilient Lismore Executive Director Elly Bird said this funding signified the end of the Repair to Return program."We do know that people still need help, and we really encourage people out there in the community to come forward. Now, it's unlikely there'll be more on the other end of this. So, this is the end of our repair work. Please, do come forward and seek some assistance from us while you can."We've chosen 80 as a number because we think that's achievable within the timeframe that we've got ahead of us. We are trying to wrap this program up by June next year, and we are working in an environment where we have to work with the availability of trades, we have to work with the capacity of our team. And so we've chosen 80 as a goal. If we can do more, we absolutely will.""We cover the whole region, so we cover all seven LGAs of the Northern Rivers. Anyone that's been affected by the 22 disaster can seek help from us. We just want to make sure people are living safely and with dignity. It's been a while since the '22 disaster, so let's work together to make sure that we can get those homes as strong as we possibly can. As was stated, the Repair to Return Program has helped 359 homes since the February 28 2022, flood. Ms Bird is looking for those people who have not sought help, those who may not be using mainstream media."Our preference is to invite people who haven't had any assistance from us to come forward for further assistance. We do know that the best way for people to know about this program is word of mouth, because the folks that we are trying to reach at this stage of the recovery are people who probably aren't very well connected. They don't get email newsletters, they're not watching the TV that much. We know that the people that we want to reach aren't super connected, and probably not across all of the programs that are available. "So we really encourage people to use word of mouth in circumstances, exceptional circumstances, where we've just done the tiny bit of work in the early part of our program, we may go back into other homes, but our preference is to try to find people that still need our help and haven't had any yet."We're in Lismore. We're in heavily impacted downstream communities, like Coraki, Wardell, Woodburn, we're working up in Tweed. We know that many people have got those homes up and functional, but they might still be living with really damaged cabinetry in their kitchens. They might still be living with temporary fixes. They might still have plumbing and essential needs that don't work. Their staircases might still be quite unsafe, so it might be hard to access the home. "There's lots of things that people still need to fix. And we know from the flood zone survey that we did last year that people have just run out of money, so they're probably making do. We know that people have repaired their homes to a certain level, but there's probably still work to do. "It was a big event, many thousands of homes. So we're asking people to make sure that their friends, their neighbours, their families know about this program and come and seek some support from us."When asked what impact fixing kitchen cabinetry or making a staircase safer will have on the recipients, Ms Bird said, "I think sometimes people get used to living with where they've got their homes to, and so when our team come in and repair the kitchen or replace the kitchen with flood resilient materials, for example, people are surprised by what a difference it makes in their lives, because they have just gotten used to living with how things are."Lismore App readers can help with regard to finding the people who suffered damage in the 2022 floods, who have quietly gone about rebuilding their homes and their lives, but may not be aware that help is available to them. Through your social connections, if you know someone who fits the bill, contact Resilient Lismore by phone 0455 218 692 or email hello@resilientlismore.org.au.

You would be forgiven for not knowing that the 2025 Lismore Cycling Festival is on this weekend, around the streets of Lismore's CBD and some rural roads. Its profile has been very low-key compared to 2024.The inaugural event generated around $80,000 for the local economy. 2025 is hoping to at least match, if not surpass, that amount as cyclists, pros to the casual riders, and their entourages converge on Lismore for a weekend of serious and not-so-serious cycling events.As a result, there will be a number of road closures you should be aware of.Saturday, 8 NovemberThere will be a Twilight Criterium Race in the CBD from 4pm to 7pm. These races are for the sprinters, so the action is fast and furious.Magellan Street will be closed between Dawson Street and Diadem Street. Traffic control will be in place from 3.30pm.Sunday, 9 NovemberSunday is for the longer rides, called Fondo Rides, that take various routes around the region. Magellan Street will be closed between Dawson Street and Brewster Street from 6:30am to 12 midday. The Fondo Rides start at 7am.There are three types of Fondo Rides: The Gran Fondo (110km) heads out along the Nimbin Road, taking a right at Koonorigan Road heading into The Channon, then riding along The Channon Road, Dunoon Road to Repentance Creek Road (near Rosebank), south to Corndale, and north along Dorroughby Road. Part of the return is back along Dunoon Road, before turning onto Duncan Road, Numulgi Road, Woodlawn Road and finishing in the CBD.The scenic Medio Fondo (70km) (no map displayed), and The more leisurely Piccolo Fondo (28km) takes riders along Woodlawn Road, turning left onto Numulgi Road, right onto Lockton Road, before making the return journey at the Corndale Road junction.(This year's Gran Fondo ride route)If you are out and about on Lismore LGA rural roads on Sunday, please take extra care and watch for cyclists over the weekend.

The NSW Government has announced an extension of the $5 million Repair to Return program, which completed property repair and plumbing works in 359 flood-damaged homes across Lismore and the Northern Rivers.The program provided critical recovery support following the 2022 floods and will now continue until June 2026.The successful program will extend with not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT, contributing funds from the 2022 NSW Storms and Flooding Appeal. This new partnership aims to deliver up to 80 additional projects, supported by GIVIT funds to complete essential repair work across the region.Resilient Lismore will operate the program, ensuring more Northern Rivers residents get the help they need to repair their homes. Both Resilient Lismore and GIVIT have played key roles in the region’s recovery since the 2022 disaster.Resilient Lismore began its housing repair work with funding from the Diocese of Lismore, the Winsome Soup Kitchen and the Reece Foundation, before receiving a $5 million election commitment from the NSW Government in 2023 that allowed the program to expand significantly.The program launched in October 2023, coordinating tradespeople, labourers and volunteers to help rebuild homes. They also provide outreach and referrals to community support services. Priority is given to vulnerable people and those who cannot afford to pay for repair work themselves.GIVIT is contracted by the NSW Government to manage monetary donations as well as essential goods and services to support people impacted by emergency events across the state, working with councils, outreach teams, charities and community groups to identify exactly what’s needed. Since 2022, GIVIT has facilitated more than $12,354,000 in donations and more than 800,000 goods and services to flood-affected households in northern NSW.  Under the extended program, home owner-occupiers from the seven Local Government Areas across the Northern Rivers, still needing essential home repairs, can apply directly through Resilient Lismore’s website, in person at the Lismore Hub, or via referral from Recovery Support Services or the NSW Reconstruction Authority.Once an application is received, Resilient Lismore will assess eligibility and coordinate the necessary repair works.Learn more and apply online at https://resilientlismore.org.au/services/repair-to-return/, call 0455 218 692, or visit Resilient Lismore at 215 Keen Street, Lismore.Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “The home repair work supported by local organisations and philanthropists has been one of the most heartening stories to emerge from the 2022 floods.“Resilient Lismore has achieved significant outcomes in restoring homes and supporting households across the Northern Rivers, reflecting just how important their work is to our city and country. “This new partnership between the NSW Reconstruction Authority, GIVIT and Resilient Lismore demonstrates the real impact that can be achieved when government, local community organisations and donors work together.”GIVIT Chief Executive Officer Chris Staines said, “We are pleased to enter this partnership with Resilient Lismore and the NSW Reconstruction Authority that will support people across the Northern Rivers who are living in homes that still require essential repairs.“We are committed to working with communities for as long as it takes for them to recover.”Resilient Lismore Executive Director Elly Bird said, “The damage to housing across our region in 2022 was widespread and the necessary repair required has been challenging for folks who don’t have the financial capacity to manage it on their own.”“We’re very grateful that we can continue this important work into 2026 with this additional support from GIVIT and from the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and we are thankful for the trust they have placed in us to continue to deliver this proven, on-the-ground approach to recovery.” 

Lismore's Back Alley Gallery along Eggins Lane has been devoid of businesses for quite some time. Mostly, it is used as a service or loading lane for a number of Keen Street premises.In two weeks' time, that is about to change when the new Blah Bar opens at 25 Eggins Lane, opposite the drop-off point for the Salvos Carrington Street shop.The Blah Bar is the brainchild of two brothers, Pat and Eddie Stanton.The unusual name stuck when Pat was tired of talking about what he should name his new business."I was trying to come up with names, and every suggestion I had, you'd either have people that would like it or people that wouldn't like it. You can't make people happy, and I'm a bit of a people pleaser. Out of frustration, I was just sick of talking about it, actually, blah blah blah."I was going to go Blah Blah Bar, but then I was like, No, that's too much."This is Pat's first foray into opening up a business; his history is working in kitchens as a chef around the Northern Rivers. Pat wanted to get out of the kitchen and start something of his own with his brother."What we wanted to create was an eclectic spot, something that was like, you're still in the laneway when you come in here. Council put a lot of money into the laneway; they were quite pleased when I approached them with the idea of doing this, just because no one's opening businesses in the laneway."I was walking around town at the beginning of the year when I was planning on opening up like a restaurant or a cafe, and I thought, what's the point? There's quite a few of them, but there's nothing that actually brings people in to eat at these places. So I thought, I'll just open a little bar with a bit of food and maybe put on a little bit of live music. And slowly, people started catching word of it, and it sort of took on a life of its own.The Lismore community got in Pat's ear as he moved from his initial concept to the end business plan."My intention was to have a nice, quiet life and just put out a bit of good food, some cheap drinks, and just have a spot. But the people of Lismore are just creative people.""To be honest, all the musicians in town were desperate for a set spot to go play at. So, I started looking into it, and I said, All right, I'll make some adjustments to what I want to do. I don't have a choice now but to make it a live music venue, which wasn't my intention.The space is relaxed, low-key, with second-hand furniture, a pool table, and community art and graffiti adorning the walls. The stage is a small set-up that can be easily set up or taken down."We're not going to do a whole lot more to the place. We're going to have paint pens out so people can draw on the walls. We're going to get some local artists in to do murals, but people can draw and sticker stuff."We're not here to try and steal customers from somewhere else. The idea is to add to things, you know. People can come here for a bite to eat and a drink, and then go to another bar for a cocktail and a nice wine in a nicer environment. Or, if you want a beer on tap, there's pubs. Our idea is to fit in and create something that's not really here for people. Not everyone wants to sit in a flashy place and have cocktails. Some people just want to come to a grimy spot and have a good bit of finger food and drink a beer from a can and listen to music."Pat and Eddy plan on offering simple food, beer from a can, wine and cocktails."I'd like to potentially look at opening the kitchen up to have chefs come in and do like a kitchen takeover for the day, where they can do their own little thing as a function. They take their sales, and we'll take our sales and just sort of work by promoting others. We're interested in working with other businesses in the area."We're running just cans. We're not going to have kegs or anything like that. It's going to be a very simple, simple menu that is affordable. The Same with the drinks."The food will be more like a couple of substantial meals, like burgers, but not like burgers do, something nicer, and then probably a range of skewers. We're looking at maybe going with a Middle Eastern flair on it, because there's not a lot of Middle Eastern in town doing lamb skewers and sort of chicken shawarma and that sort of thing. And then make some falafel, and make our own fresh dips and things to go with it."So, all things like that, little finger food kind of stuff. And again, trying to keep it as low as possible.""We'll have wines, and we'll have cocktails. I've got a small distillery with a friend down in Orange, so we'll be doing a lot of brandy-based stuff. We've got a lot of brandy to move. We want to try and bring back the 70s brandy, which has a lot of nice brandy cocktails. So where we're going to aim to do that again, and that will keep the cost down. It means that we can sell affordable cocktails that won't break your bank every night."The doors will open for the first time on Saturday, November 21, and then will be open seven days a week from 2pm. Pat and Eddie do have neighbours, so they have soundproofed their room as best they can, passing soundproof tests, but want to be respectful of neighbouring businesses and upstairs tenants."When a lot of the food places close, we'll open, then we'll serve food from then. We're not really allowed to have loud music until about 6pm, when they're done upstairs most days by about four anyway, so we just keep in contact with them and then they let us know when they're done, and we can turn the music up."We want to try and operate when there's nothing happening in town. When you come in on Sunday or Monday, it's just dead, and I'm sure people want something to do, but there's just nothing to do to bring them in. So, we're going to start doing Sunday sessions, just start with bands and music on a Sunday."We have bands from Sweden, bands from America, and we've got bands from Japan interested in playing here. So, a few international acts want to play. Bands coming down from Brissie. We've been put in contact with a guy that runs a clubhouse. He's got an excess of bands that have nowhere to play between the Gold Coast and wherever they're travelling, so people are desperate for a venue."Pat and Eddie want to create a safe space for everyone, so there is one rule."Just don't be a dickhead, basically, or be a good dickhead. Good dickheads keep the bad dickheads out."The Blah Bar will open on Saturday, November 21, at 25 Eggins Lane, Lismore CBD, in the Back Alley Gallery. Check them out, and support another new business that is helping to grow the Lismore CBD.

The Australian government is considering lowering the default speed limit on country roads without signage from 100 km/h to as low as 70 km/h to reduce the national road toll. This proposal is part of a national road safety initiative that suggests the move could prevent thousands of deaths and injuries, according to government modelling.The move has drawn criticism from groups like the NRMA, the NSW Country Mayors Association and NSW Farmers. NSW Farmers told a Senate inquiry yesterday that better roads, not slower trucks, are what’s needed to reduce the surging road toll in the regions.Studies have shown farm workers are four times more likely to die on the nation’s roads than any other driver, with NSW’s local roads facing a $3.4 billion backlog in repairs. Serious investment in local road funding was long overdue, NSW Farmers’ Business Economics and Trade Committee Chair John Lowe said, with broader solutions to road repair still nowhere in sight. “Drivers have been forced to navigate dangerous potholes, uneven surfaces and other serious hazards on our roads for far too long, and we simply can’t continue with roads like this,” Mr Lowe said. “Serious and sustainable funding to fix our local roads, our truck rest stops, our overtaking lanes and our bridges is money well spent, because it could save lives.”Efficient and connected rail networks were also urgently needed to reduce the pressure trucks were placing on the state’s roads, NSW Farmers said, with better driver education and expanded mobile coverage also key to improve road safety.“Trucks are only adding to the wear and tear on our roads, and rail lines, in the right place, in the right condition, will really take the heat off,” Mr Lowe said. “Drivers also need to have the skills to drive to the conditions, and the ability to call for help when they need to, no matter where they are in the state.“We’ve got a long road ahead to improve our road safety – but it’s only by addressing the root causes of the problem, that we can keep our regional communities safe.”

With global teacher shortages at an all-time high, retaining and recruiting teachers to the education sector is critical. Yet with fragmented support and inconsistent induction processes, nearly a fifth of early-career teachers choose to leave within five years.Education experts at the University of South Australia say that to address teacher shortages, Australia must develop stronger government policies focused on the retention and career development of early-career teachers, particularly those in casual and short-term contract roles. In a new study – conducted in partnership with Western Sydney University, Griffith University, RMIT, and Monash University – researchers examined education induction policies for casual and contract early career teachers from 2016 and 2023, finding that while progress had been made, significant gaps and inequities remained. Chief researcher and member of the UniSA’s Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion, Professor Anna Sullivan, says government policy makers and schools must improve induction procedures for all teacher cohorts. “Casual and contract teachers are essential to the teacher workforce. They cover everything from teacher absenteeism to professional learning and administrative duties, and without them, schools would struggle to deliver effective teaching and learning,” Prof Sullivan says. “Yet the current policy responses do little to recognise or support casual relief or short-term contract teachers. “Our study shows that current teacher induction guidelines mainly cater for teachers with secure employment, creating systemic inequities for those in casual or contract roles. “The irony is that more than half of early career teachers are employed in casual or on short-term contracts. If we don’t appropriately support new teachers entering the profession, retention issues will continue.” UNESCO reports an urgent need for 44 million primary and secondary teachers worldwide by 2030. To safeguard the quality and sustainability of the education workforce, policymakers must urgently introduce and prioritise mandated induction support structures, targeted development pathways, and systemic human resource reform for substitute and temporary teachers. UniSA PhD researcher, Emily Rowe, says the education system must provide support and professional learning for all early career teachers, not just permanent staff. “Effective induction relies on teachers having long-term, continuous employment at one school where they can access regular mentoring, establish relationships, and gain support to develop professional practices,” Rowe says. “Yet the reality is that only 45% of casual relief teachers receive a formal induction. Many early-career teachers experience alienation, culture shock, and a lack of systemic support. “Current induction guidelines place responsibility on teachers to manage their own career progression by building networks and collecting evidence for their portfolios. This puts the onus on new teachers to guide their own induction, rather than receive structured support from schools when they need it most. “Education systems need to nurture talent to keep it. This is vital for attracting and retaining teachers and ensuring that they have fulfilling and long-term careers.”

Government spending on public health activities in Australia is returning to previous levels after surging during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report published today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The report, Government expenditure on public health activities in Australia 2023–24, presents a new decade-long view of funding by the Australian Government and state and territory governments between 2013–14 and 2023–24.Public health expenditure is a component of Australia’s broader health spending that focuses on preventing disease, promoting health and protecting populations, rather than treating individuals. Total government expenditure on public health activities in Australia was $5.4 billion in 2023–24, a 30% or $2.3 billion decrease from 2022–23. This equates to $201 per person. The proportion of government public health expenditure to total government health expenditure was 2.9% in 2023–24, similar to pre-pandemic levels, and below the 5% target envisaged in the National Preventive Health Strategy. ‘Public health spending grew modestly during the pre-pandemic period, rising 2.5% each year on average,’ said AIHW spokesperson Geoff Callaghan. ‘This growth accelerated significantly during COVID-19, peaking in 2020–21, before returning to pre-pandemic levels.’ Of the $5.4 billion spent in 2023–24, the Australian government funded $3.4 billion, and state and territory governments contributed $2.0 billion. In 2023–24, organised immunisation and communicable disease control continued to account for the highest levels of expenditure, at $2.4 billion and $0.9 billion. Over the 10-year period, the fastest growth rate occurred in communicable disease control in 2020–21, which rose by about 280% in real terms from 2019–20, mainly driven by government spending on the COVID-19 response. ‘This report is a new and important resource for tracking how governments respond financially to emerging public health threats and how that spending evolves over time,’ Mr Callaghan said.The AIHW has recently published the following health expenditure reports: Health expenditure Australia 2023–24Health system spending on disease and injury in Australia 2023–24Health system spending per case of disease and for certain risk factors