The SES has two initiatives to be aware of today.  The first is a meeting tonight that will provide information and consult the community on how Lismore should be labelled. The second concerns youth internships available in Lismore and Woodburn that high schoolers can get involved in starting next week.Scott McLennan, the local SES Incident Controller, will be joined tonight by Janet and Jo to discuss, “preparedness and going into detail of the warning system.”An important aspect of the meeting will be the naming of things, “There are some things that we'd like some collaboration on with the community - how to name our products better. One of those, “outside the levy in Lismore” is not the best name, but we need to pick a name for that particular part of the community.“We can also have a conversation more about the Youth Internship Program that begins next week.”That will take place tonight at the South Lismore Bowling Club from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.The SES Youth Internship program has run successfully in areas around Lismore, but this is the first time that it has been offered here and in Woodburn.The internship runs throughout the fourth term. Mr McLennan says, “Lismore and Woodburn will join the program along with six other units around the state. A total of 126 students are expected to participate from over 25 schools. “The Youth Internship Program is designed for 14 to 16-year-olds to help gain skills and knowledge of emergency services and experience a range of different skills to help build their knowledge and skills. “Some of those topics that we cover are teamwork, leadership, first aid, communications, land search, storm and flood awareness, tool safety and how to tie knots.“We also look at working with other professional organisations depending on where they are. We will work with New South Wales Police, the RFS, New South Wales Ambulance and Fire and Rescue.”The internship program began last year, and another program ran last term with 58 students from 15 schools.It will run for eight to ten weeks, depending on the place and schools affiliated. The program runs at the local SES shed - either Woodburn or Lismore. Contact the pertinent SES unit to sign up.  It starts next week, but this is something the SES units want to run regularly, so ask for more details in your area. Ballina and Casino have been running the program with success and are big advocates.The Woodburn SES holds its weekly meeting on Thursday nights, so if you would like more information on the program, you can attend tonight.  They are accepting Year 9 and 10 students, and the training will be between 4 and 6pm on Wednesday afternoons.Lismore City SES are accepting 14 to 16-year-olds, and their program will run on a Tuesday night from 6 to 8pm.Contact the Woodburn and Lismore City SES on their Facebook pages to enquire further or to sign up.

Lismore's LGA (local government area) is quite sizeable. It includes a lot of villages that can be the subject of debate in the council chambers; Nimbin and Dunoon are two that spring to mind. However, there are even smaller pockets of the LGA that many wouldn't know are part of Lismore. Places like East Coraki, Broadwater and Woodburn North have very small populations - often only a street or two. David & Carmel and Chrissie live on the banks of the Richmond River on the Lismore side of Woodburn. David has been a resident for over 60 years, and Chrissie moved into her place three weeks prior to the 2022 floods.As an almost forgotten part of the Lismore LGA, the Lismore App asked them about their experience over the last couple of years and what that means when a potential flood threatens once more.Their stories make it plain why so many people are still suffering so long after the flood waters of 2022 have subsided.Their home on Bank Street is pothole-laden, uncurbed, with signs askew and awash with debris. The verges are neatly mown, but it turns out that one of the locals does it “so you can see the snakes coming up from the river.” It gives them less places to hide."David has lived his entire life in the same house in Woodburn. He married his sweetheart, Carmel, in his early 20s, and they have lived there together for over 60 years. They have prepared for, seen and survived many floods in that time.Chrissie is a relatively new resident, moving into her new home at the beginning of 2022. When most people would be unpacking and decorating, Chrissie woke up unexpectedly around 3.40am one morning to find her new haven, waist-deep in water, rising swiftly.Chrissie, new to this lifestyle, called a friend who came to help her get out. Chrissie grabbed the bare essentials, not imagining the flood would get to the height it did - most of the way up the top level of the house.  Carmel recalls the big difference in the 2022 flood, “There was no real information before the flood. We generally get three days' notice when it floods. It floods in Lismore, and we know how high it's going to be here. And they kept telling us it was going to be the height of the '54 flood.“David lived here in the '54 flood, and we have lifted the house since the '74 flood. And so we packed up that high, never dreaming it would come in. And then we got over half a metre in the top story here, and it was just so terrifying. The speed of it, the rain and no real information about it.”David and Carmel were much better prepared than Chrissie. They moved their vehicle and caravan to safe ground (where over 100 vehicles were inundated), lifting things on the ground level and made sure they had enough supplies to wait out the high water.They stayed at the house through that Monday night as the rivers rose swiftly, keeping an eye on the river level and salvaging what they could—their two boats being tied to the back of their house as the rising waters threatened to take or destroy them.The SES came for a neighbour at about 2am, but the water was not sufficient to give them concern. By the morning, the situation had changed drastically, and with the water within half a metre of the top story, they left. Carmel had packed bags for both of them the night before, “I didn't bring much; I didn’t even think to get the jewellery. I think we were in a state of shock.”Both residents ended up in Evans Head to wait out the slow retreat of the water. Carmel said, “We were in Evan Head for a week before we could get home. We've never been blocked out as long as those two floods, in 2022, and I think that’s because of the highway.”Chrissie said, “I definitely agree; it caused a dam effect.”Carmel said, “The support we got from people, the ones that you least expect, it brought out the best. But the worst in some, too.” The assistance they have received has been a mixed affair. Neither house was fit to live in, and both lived in caravans for a period of time.Carmel recalls it was DCJ (Department of Communities and Justice) Housing that helped when they first got back to Woodburn and needed a place to stay.‘When we got our caravan, they paid for our rent at the caravan park (in Woodburn). For two weeks, it started with.”The couple was keen to get back into their home, so as soon as the shed was cleaned out, they moved into that. “They rang me in the morning to see if we needed to extend but we just wanted to get home.”With help from family members, their shed was cleaned out and power was restored within two weeks of the flood.DJC Housing provided a number if they changed their minds. Then followed up when another flood threatened. "Never dreaming we'd have to get out again. On the Monday morning, they rang to check on us, just for our welfare.”Carmel and David declined, hoping they would sit this one through, but no. They had to call them back and arrange alternate accommodation again. This was all done seamlessly for the pair by phone.  Again, they only needed two weeks before they could move back into their shed.DCJ Housing was so impressed with the capability of Carmel and David that they arranged to meet them, “Because you are an inspiration,” which made them feel really validated.Chrissie was provided with a caravan to stay on her property. “I got a caravan out the front for a while. I think that was the best option. But then I felt guilty. Because it sleeps five and there's only me and my dog. “So I just said, Look, give this to a family of five. I went back to Evans so that someone else could have the van.” Chrissie had access to a place where she could stay in Evans Head.Chrissie's house has only been rated liveable in the last four months. She has concentrated on the upper level - there are many things to be done to finish it off properly.Residents from Woodburn were eligible for the $20,000 given to the flood affected. Carmel says, “We got the money that Lismore ratepayers got from the Lismore Council. Chrissie adds, “But only if you applied for it. Somebody told me about it, so that’s why I got it.”Carmel mentions, “When I go for my walks in the morning, it’s so depressing to see some of the houses, isn't it?”Chrissie replies, “Absolutely. I've been lucky enough to have help from Resilient Lismore, but some of these guys are not getting any help whatsoever. Nothing from the council.” Carmel agrees.“Immediately, no, and not two and a half years later. I just feel that they don't want Bank Street.”Chrissie counts herself lucky that she has had assistance from community groups.  She couldn’t speak highly enough about the help she got from Natasha Shearer and the Rebuilding NR team, as well as Resilient Lismore, which has checked in with them and provided much-needed support for the area.“I wouldn’t have walls if it wasn't for Resilient Lismore,” Chrissie said.]]“Natasha was marvellous,” said Carmel. “She’s incredible,” added Chrissie.Chrissie applied to the RA as soon as the offer was made for a buyback, retrofit or lift. Carmel and David applied right before the cutoff. Neither have had much luck navigating this process, finding it difficult and cumbersome.Chrissie knew someone involved with the buybacks and hoped that it might help her get through the process. The only real help she got was some unfettered feedback, “ I was told, ‘I can't tell you anything more about it, but it looks to me like you're on the wrong side of the river.’“They've done a couple of buybacks. I'm really happy for them, but at the same stage, it divides a community, when you're living across from them or on the same street.”Both residents are still waiting on decisions from the RA.“Quite a few of us along here registered with the Reconstruction Authority for a lift or retrofit or buyback,” Carmel turns to Chrissie, “Have you heard back from them?” And Chrissie replies, “No.”“We did everything by the end of November,” says Carmel, “In the middle of January, we hadn't heard anything, so I rang them up. We'd hear by the end of January, they said.“One of their neighbours was sending emails every week and “not getting any reply.”Carmel chased them by phone, in person at Lismore, and went to meetings. Communication back in February/March seemed promising, “It was the business community, there were three from the Service New South Wales that were doing all this, the headmaster from the school, and Robert Hayes (Richmond Valley Council) were there.“Tony Carusi said the trouble is there's no communication.” The point was made that the buyback situation was killing Woodburn, and one of the people present at one meeting, “admitted that they'd done it wrong.”There were promises of calls and information to be provided, but nothing came through.  Mid-year, Carmel said, “I got a phone call to say that we may be eligible for lift or retrofit, not a buyback. Well, I thought it would be nice to get a retrofit or get some money back from what we'd spent.”Three weeks ago, Carmel called again, and was told, “We're still waiting on the flood height assessment but it’s 12 months since they said they were coming around to do them.”Carmel was told on the 23rd of September that they put her forward to start the process. Nothing has been said or done since.Chrissie received a bizarre communication while she was away: “They sent this email to me while I was in the desert, and it said, “Your application has been rejected. “That was it. “So I burst into tears because I was pinning my hopes that I would get a retrofit. “Then, about four hours later, I get another email from them saying, Please disregard the last email we said. Now that leaves me up in limbo, and I never heard back from them.”Both have had people come to their house to say they were doing flood height assessments, but apparently, these preliminary assessments did not go towards receiving help from the RA.  There have been mix-ups with reports - it has been a convoluted process.Speaking with the RA, they could not provide information for that area in particular. The RA recommended that if residents hadn’t heard back, they call to see where things were at. Chrissie rang at the end of last week and was told the same thing: " They are still doing flood level assessments.”As for the reason why it is taking so long, Chrissie was told: “It is a very long process because there are so many houses to do.” Chrissie was told to keep calling them.(The flood at the end of September, the river heights didn't register even a minor flood at Coraki, but East Coraki was like an inland sea.)Carmel and David have always been prepared for floods, but at their age, things get a little more complicated. Their level of concern rises with rain, and David’s health is starting to wane.Chrissie is having a hard time adjusting to the new reality. Since the floods, she has suffered from PTSD. She feels it when the F word is mentioned. Rain brings back all the memories. She says she can’t say how important it is for her peace of mind when people check in with her around weather events.  Last week, when the flood warnings came through, her reaction was “Not good. I was worried that my house is still gonna go under. I have a big feeling that it will happen again, maybe not quite that high, but I do believe we're in for another big year soon.“I ran away for the night because I didn't want to be here. I can pack my car in an hour and a half now. I've got it down to a fine art.”The media attention around the February 28 2022, big flood was centred around Lismore and, to a lesser extent, Ballina, Byron, Casino and Kyogle. Those living in the forgotten parts of the Lismore LGA, Woodburn and East Coraki, felt like they were on their own, and still do.In July 2022, Lismore City Council issued the final report of their flood study. In it, they reported that 1720 houses were flood-affected, 1399 suffered major damage. It is not clear whether this figure covers the whole LGA or just Lismore City; the bulk of the report seems to concentrate on the urban centre. Council has been contacted for information on Woodburn. However, their reply has not been received at this point.

Re-elected Lismore City Councillor Big Rob has taken the unusual step of taking the affirmation of office as a Lismore City Councillor for the next four years six days early.The normal procedure is for all eleven councillors to be sworn in an hour before next Tuesday's first official 6pm Lismore City Council meeting. The team then has a group photo taken, as per below from 2021.It remains to be seen whether Councillor (Cr) Rob decides to be in the photo. It could be that the Lismore City Councillor photo only has ten (10) people. Like many school photos, when a student was absent, there may be a sub-note saying; absent Councillor Big Rob.On his Facebook page, Big Rob said, "Since it has been made very clear what I am to expect going forward. I didn't feel like playing happy families and waiting to be sworn in next week with individuals who dislike me, so I decided to take the affirmation of office this morning."Councillor Rob also posted a copy of the document signed by a Justice of the Peace.The idea of taking the affirmation of office was initially completed by Andrew Thaler, who was recently elected to the Snowy Monaro Regional Council. Councillor Thaler was blocked from entering council's building (this was withdrawn yesterday before its first council meeting later today), so Cr Thaler sought an alternative method to be affirmed.Mayor Steve Krieg told the Lismore App that Cr Rob has not done anything illegal. Each councillor has to take an oath of affirmation."Cr Rob has his own reasons for doing what he does. I am not sitting in judgment one way or the other. If this is a comfortable process for Cr Rob, then it is fine. He has done nothing wrong; it is his choice.""As the mayor, I will work with all councillors for the betterment of the Lismore LGA. We won't agree on all outcomes that are put forward, and I hold no ill will for those who act differently to myself as long as it is acting according to the current legislation."Former councillor Darlene Cook was more critical of Cr Rob's actions yesterday. She wrote the following to the Lismore App:As a retiring Councillor, I was offered a chance to reflect on my time on Council at the final meeting in August. One point I raised was my belief that Lismore desperately needed a Council that could put aside its differences and work collaboratively as leaders of the community to help the city recover and rebuild after the 2022 floods.I expressed my disappointment that the Council, as a whole, had failed to take that step forward and that the disunity, the meeting disruptions and personality clashes continued to the detriment, I believe, of the Council’s ability to set a clear pathway for the future of the city. During the weeks of the election period candidates across the political spectrum spoke together about the issues Lismore and its villages face in planning for the future. There was consistent agreement that the Councillors must work together to bring any vision for the future to reality.The official declaration of Council election results on 1st October heralded in the new Lismore City Council team for the next four years, with a mix of experience and some new faces to add fresh insights to the debate. My hope has been that this new Council would start the new term with a genuine determination for greater unity and leadership.  So I am angry that today, before the Council has had a chance to meet formally, be officially sworn in and commence work, one Councillor has already set a different direction for himself.Councillor Rob has been a critic of council for many years. He has run extensive campaigns against council, individual council staff and Councillors on his many social media pages. His derogatory comments about some individuals continued during the election and in more recent weeks. Councillor Rob does not see himself as a team player. And, judging by the comments he made today, he does not see himself as part of any effort for this Council to work more cooperatively together for the future of Lismore. Sadly, it appears likely that the disturbances and clashes between Councillor Rob and other Councillors and staff will continue this term. If you were thinking that there might be more unity during the next council term of four years, it appears that thinking involved hope that has now been destroyed.Next Tuesday's first council meeting will certainly be an interesting, but not necessarily a must, watch.The Lismore App has been in contact with Cr Rob and did receive a statement. That statement included a paragraph with allegations aimed at councillors (no names). The Lismore App prides itself on balanced reporting, that is, both sides of the story. As this wasn't possible because the names were not provided and the offending paragraph could not be removed, we cannot print the statement.

The state government has announced $45 million is to be provided to council-nominated road safety projects to improve road safety in regional NSW. This comes from an additional $80 million investment into the Towards Zero Safer Roads program, following an additional $200 million recently announced for regional projects on state roads managed by Transport for NSW. To be provided over three years, this funding will allow for the delivery of 23 road safety projects and to progress the implementation of three 40 km/h High Pedestrian Activity Areas on roads maintained by local councils in regional NSW. The Towards Zero Safer Roads Program is a road safety infrastructure upgrade and speed management program aimed at delivering sustainable and long-term reductions in road trauma across the NSW road network by addressing high-risk locations. The program aligns with the Future Transport Strategy vision to achieve zero road trauma by 2050 and is a cornerstone of the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan, which aims to halve fatalities and reduce serious injuries by 30 per cent on NSW roads by 2030. Examples of the improvements this round of the program will provide to local communities in the regions, include the installation of pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, shoulder upgrades and road widening to help reduce the risk of crashes. The program builds on the success of the previous Safer Roads Program, which is estimated to save up to 1,550 serious injuries and lives over the lifetime of the program.Details of each funded project is available here.Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “Even though regional NSW only makes up a third of the NSW population, sadly two-thirds of deaths on our roads happen on country roads.“The Minns Labor Government has provided more than half of funding for these council projects to regional councils.“I am pleased to say 23 regional council-nominated projects have secured funding under this round of funding, which will result in much-needed infrastructure for regional NSW.“A highlight of the funding will be the delivery of three High Pedestrian Activity Areas to regional suburbs in the state’s north, including at Fingal Bay, Charlestown and Wollombi Village to protect pedestrians. "This investment will go a long way to ensure everyone gets home safely every time to their loved ones."

Today, (Wednesday, 9 October) is National headspace Day and this year’s theme, "Pause. Reflect. Reconnect.", encourages young people to find balance amidst life’s challenges by reconnecting to things that bring them joy.headspace Lismore is providing programs for 12 to 25-year-olds who like making music and film. Sim Balzer, headspace Senior Manager, says nowadays, mental health support can take many varied forms. “It can be creative or active, in groups with peers, or it can be one-on-one and from the comfort of your bedroom. The great thing is, we can connect young people with the support style that works for them,” Balzer said.The Level 3 Music Studio is delivered by headspace Group Facilitator, Vincent McManus, better known as Vinnie. Passionate about the therapeutic benefits of music, Vinnie supports more than 30 young people a year through his music studio.“Music not only allows young people to engage in creative expression, but it also helps them to define who they are and their place in the world and can bring about a wonderful sense of confidence and achievement”, Vinnie said. “I believe the creative process is a powerful therapeutic avenue for young people to explore. And if some young artists want to find a pathway into the music industry, I can help them along their way,” Vinnie said. (Vincent MacManus or Vinnie)Vinnie has assisted young musicians in entering national songwriting competitions, finding paid performing gigs, and recording their music. He has also helped young actors with showreels and understanding what it takes to work in the film industry through his other group, the filmmakers Media Hub. To connect with these groups, young people first need to sign up for headspace support and meet with a member of the intake and access team.    “Often what’s been happening is, people find out about Music Studio and how awesome it is, and then sign up to headspace so they can access it,” Vinnie said. “Before signing up many don’t realise they get access to a counsellor completely free. And they may not have considered doing those sessions before. It is this wrap-around support that can be so effective.”    “When you pull off a good song with someone who was feeling quite broken, and you create something so beautiful… it is wonderful. You watch them grow this confidence in themselves,” Vinnie said. (Mia French, Level 3 Music Studio Program)Local Lismore singer-songwriter, Mia French, has been part of the Level 3 Music Program and supported by headspace for several years. Mia says it is helpful to find someone to talk to and who listens and understands.“And then I found out there was a music studio program, which was crazy! And just perfect for me,” Mia said.  “I was able to record and produce my own original songs in a professional little studio, which was an amazing opportunity and something I had never had the chance to do before. “I got to collaborate with other musicians, make new friends and even perform live gigs. “I can honestly say that the support from the people and programs at headspace have really helped me find a stronger sense of what I can actually achieve,” Mia said. If music isn’t your thing, there are other activities and groups to access, including arts, games, Fresh Fruits LGBTIQSB+ group and of course, the film group, Media Hub. “With the Media Hub, what I love seeing is the peer support,” Vinnie says. “When someone comes in, and they're talking about their stuff, and someone else in the group says, ‘you know, I’ve been there, you should try this…this is what I've done’. “There's an incredible sharing of real information, and I love that. It is group members saying, “I’ve got you. I’ve got you.” Sam Baynham is a member of headspace Lismore's Young Peoples' Advisory Committee (YPAC) and says there are still multiple barriers to young people seeking support for their mental health, including transport access issues, stigmatisation, and cost of living pressures.  “The constant comparison where you are told there are people who are worse off - it’s a barrier to seeking support, it invalidates your experience. That stops a lot of people from seeking help; they think ‘there are people who need it more than me’, or ‘my issues aren’t enough,’” Sam said. “The cost of everything is a barrier also. Even just getting into a GP to get a care plan made up is difficult.”When asked about some of the key challenges facing young people, Sam said the impacts of the pandemic and flood are still lingering.  “They are still having a big ripple effect on young people’s mental health, and I think this will be around for quite a long time yet.”“Definitely, over the past couple of years, the main challenges have been cost of living, cost of housing, food security and climate change – the worry is a big weight. Especially after Covid and the floods – at some point, it all intertwines with one another.” “I think social media is a big issue also, especially stuff like Snapchat and TikTok. Cos’ you know, people just post little snippets of the good parts of their lives. And there’s a lot of comparing that goes on in social media. A lot of it is false stuff, it can be damaging.” “There’s no escape from social media. And if bullying is happening over Snapchat, it disappears, there is no trace of it.”Sam’s message to other young people is to connect into support, and it doesn't have to be when you are under pressure. “Even when things aren’t going on, it’s ok to have those conversations at any time. You don’t have to be in a bad space to seek out support.”Anytime is the right time for supportheadspace Senior Manager Sim Balzer says it is encouraging to see young people accessing various forms of support at headspace Lismore, whether it's counselling, seeing a GP or clinic nurse, attending groups, or producing film or music. “This integrated, multi-faceted approach to care places the young person’s interests and strengths at the heart of the support, which is what makes it so effective.”She also wants to stress that anytime is the right time to seek support. "There are pointy bits to life, that’s for sure. But you don’t need to wait until things get worse. There is no judgment on whether your problem is too big or too small - we’re here for anyone who needs to chat," Sim said. “Don’t be afraid to walk through the door.” headspace, Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, provides early intervention mental health services to 12 to 25-year-olds. If you or someone you know could benefit from mental health support, contact headspace Lismore at (02) 6625 0200 or email [email protected]. Check out how to Pause, Reflect & Reconnect, here

World Mental Health Day is this Thursday, October 10. Advocates from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are emphasising the need for parents and carers to support their children’s wellbeing along with their own, to help combat Australia’s growing mental health crisis. Carol Markie-Dadds, Triple P International Country Director, said that the mental health of kids and young people is worsening, with around 1 in 10 children aged between 4 and 11 experiencing a mental health disorder. Half of adult mental health issues emerge before the age of 14.  “A range of ongoing societal factors are resulting in a tidal wave of mental health concerns for a significant number of our children and are also impacting parental wellbeing, relationships, and general enjoyment of life,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.  “Parents and carers are facing unprecedented stress off the back of rising interest rates, cost-of-living, and housing instability. While they may try to protect their children from these pressures, the ongoing stress inevitably affects kids,” she said.  “The impact of social media and concerns around online safety is adding another layer of worry for families. The 2024 Triple P Parenting Survey of more than 8,000 families found that nearly 8 out of 10 parents (79%) are concerned about social media’s impact on their children’s mental health and wellbeing.” Ms Markie-Dadds also highlighted the ripple effect of poor parental well-being on a child’s mental health and the importance of parents and carers looking after themselves and seeking help for themself or their child if needed. “When parents and carers take care of their own mental outlook, it can have a positive impact on the overall health and happiness of their kids.” “Parents and carers are critical in safeguarding children's mental health, as they are often the first to notice shifts in mood or behaviour. However, many are unsure how to respond or where to seek help. This is where evidence-based parenting support is essential for equipping parents with the skills and confidence to spot early signs of distress in their children and have open conversations about mental health,” she said.  Triple P Online, a free support program for parents and carers of children experiencing anxiety, is one such tool that’s making a difference.   “The milestone of more than 80,000 families in Australia accessing Triple P’s evidence-based program for parents and carers of children experiencing anxiety, is a sign that the online program is needed,” said Carol. “It builds parental mental health literacy, empowers parents and carers to identify issues early, seek help without stigma, and provides strategies to support children’s emotional resilience.”  “By prioritising wellbeing and opening up to ask for support, whether it’s with a trusted friend, GP, health professional, talking to Lifeline, or getting parenting support, parents and carers can mitigate any negative or long-term impacts.” “Our children’s mental health is a societal concern and a shared responsibility. Investing in their mental health and wellbeing in the early years is part of building a healthier, more resilient community,” said Ms Markie-Dadds.  Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program. Parents and carers can access free, online parenting support 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au.About Triple P International: A Certified B Corporation® headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, Triple P International (TPI) aims at creating global positive social change by disseminating theTriple P – Positive Parenting Program® and putting evidence-based parenting in the hands of every parent. Triple P is ranked by the United Nations as the world’s most extensively researched parenting program in the world and is backed by four decades of ongoing research. Triple P has helped millions of children and their families, is used in more than 30 countries, and has been translated into 23 languages other than English. More than 108,000 practitioners have been trained in its delivery. The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program was created by Professor Matt Sanders and colleagues from The University of Queensland’s Parenting and Family Support Centre. Triple P is typically implemented by government bodies across regions/countries and is supported by Federal and State governments in Australia. For more information on TPI, visit triplep.net  .

Lismore residents, especially those who were flood-affected in 2022, have heard the term 'patience' a great deal in the last two and a half years. State legislation has had to be changed as funding agreements were written, the NRRC/NSWRA were established and the relevant Resilient Homes and Resilient Lands programs were announced.The housing crisis is nationwide, not just in Lismore and the Northern Rivers. However, it has been made worse by the removal of hundreds of rental homes in South, North and East Lismore and the CBD because of the big flood.The answer to providing the quickest solution to our housing crisis may lie with our rural landholders.Graham Snow, Lismore City Council's Head of Statutory Planning, said regional NSW has traditionally had a regressive land policy that limits the amount of housing density in rural areas."With rural zone land, you'll find in the local environmental plans for regional New South Wales councils that there's this notion of dwelling entitlements. Dwelling entitlements stem out of what were rateable properties back when local ordinances came in in the fifties and sixties. So, unless you have over 40 hectares (100 acres) lot size, then basically, you've got whatever the dwellings were at that time."We've done a rough analysis, and we've got over 5,500 lots in the Lismore LGA that are rural zones, and over half of them have a capacity to have a dwelling because they don't currently have a septic system or dwelling on them."We went and asked the state government if we could be allowed to be given an exemption where council officers could entertain looking at moving the buyback dwellings that the state has purchased, some 700 or so, from the 2022 floods and have them be able to be distributed on some of these vacant lots. "The state has written to us and agreed, and they've given us a two-year window within which people can make development applications to relocate the new RA (Reconstruction Authority) buyback dwellings to these rural zone lots.""I think it's safe to say we're the only regional LGA in New South Wales that's doing this."Basically, this is a call to rural landowners who have under 40 hectares and are wondering what to do with their property to consider putting a dwelling or two there because some rural landholdings consist of more than one lot."Our local environmental plan allows dual occupancies on rural zone lots. So, if you want to snag a house or two from the RA and relocate them to a rural piece of land, you've got the capacity to do that in Lismore."This may include macadamia farm owners who have a few thousand trees and are finding it difficult to make ends meet to put a couple of buyback houses on their property and rent them out for additional income as well as to increase the value of their land."This isn't about subdivision to create lot sizes or anything like that," Graham added, "Our analysis showed that we've got almost 3,000 lots that are basically just sitting there already created without any dwellings on them."The reason this opportunity can increase housing quickly is through Council's Fast Track process for relocating houses.(Buyback houses in Ewing Street in the CBD)"You are looking at roughly a week for approval through council to take one of these buyback dwellings and get it relocated. And obviously, if there are embellishments that you need to do like a septic system, which is a must, but then also maybe some clearing for bushfire or etcetera. Those are things that you'll have to do through the conditions of consent that you get from council."We've also waived all local government fees for relocating houses. So that was in the fees and charges that the councillors adopted back in June. So there's literally no charge from council for you doing this. And we've also got a pool of up to $1.2 million where we have $15,000 grants for people who are doing this to provide housing. So, once you get your occupation certificate, you put the house back together again, and it's all signed off to live in, you can also end up getting a grant from council from a limited pool of funds that we have available."Graham confirmed that this process could involve bringing in a buyback home from other LGAs."This a pretty simple solution. We looked at what was in existence in terms of land. It takes an inordinate amount of time to bring land to market to create new lots, and obviously, urban lots are sewered and all the rest of it. But for the rural land that's already been sitting there for the better part of the last 50 or 60 years and hasn't had a house on it. Now is the time to take a look at it again.If you are a rural landowner who satisfies the above criteria, you cannot sit and wait too long before making a decision."This is a two-year window for us to entertain accepting DAs. Once you get a DA, you've got a five year currency period to act on it. So, sooner is better because obviously the houses were flood-affected, and they're in flood areas. But also, we've got a limited pool of funds for that occupation certificate if you want to take advantage of that. Once that runs out, that runs out."

With the Terania Street rail bridge removed, the people of Lismore thought that was the last of the traffic problems for North Lismore. Apparently not.Last Wednesday, October 2, an over-height vehicle struck the disused rail bridge on Alexandra Parade, causing Transport for NSW to implement traffic control for light vehicles under the 3.5m span. The Lismore App understands the vehicle went under the 2.8m section, not the 3.5m section, as per the photo below.(From February 2024)A spokesperson for Transport for NSW said, "As a result, Alexandra Parade has had traffic control arrangements and is operating as single-lane traffic flow for light vehicles under the 3.5m span. Over height, vehicles will be directed to continue to use the detour across the rail level crossing."Repairs have been scheduled for Wednesday, 9 October (7am to 6pm), to ensure the road can be safely reopened to motorists."This will require the road to be closed to all traffic while repairs are carried out."The Lismore community would have a sense of Groundhog Day (after the famous 1993 Bill Murray movie) after the turmoils of the Terania Street rail bridge.Transport for NSW bridge inspectors carried out an inspection in February this year following a heavy vehicle strike. The inspection identified damage to the 3.5-metre-high structure, and the lane was closed with temporary traffic lights and traffic controllers on site to direct heavy vehicles to follow a detour.From Thursday, 10 October, Alexandra Parade will reopen under traffic control with single lane, alternating traffic flow in place for light vehicles under the 2.8 metre span.Single-lane restrictions will remain in place until work to upgrade the level crossing is complete. Over-height vehicles will continue to use the existing detour across the rail level crossing. The traffic flow control will cause interruptions to the 2024 Elders Lismore Show, which begins next Thursday, October 17.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said she has asked for the four other bridges, Union and Crane Streets and Winterton and Alexandra Parades, to be removed."I have asked the Lismore City Unit SES and LCC Infrastructure to comment on which ones (if any) should be removed.""I know that Union Street causes problems for SES in floods and did in 2022."

Staff from Northern NSW Local Health District have been named as finalists for the 2024 NSW Health Awards for their extraordinary efforts to improve the NSW public health system. Now in its 26th year, the awards acknowledge the personalised, sustainable, and digitally enabled programs that contribute to the wellbeing of patients and the community.The Rheumatic Heart Disease Project and the Rural Paediatric Complex Care Coordination Project are among 42 finalists from across the state competing for the Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award and Health Innovation Award, respectively.The Rheumatic Heart Disease Project aims to address the significant public health issue of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and RHD among Aboriginal communities in Northern NSW. Aboriginal Health Nurse Manager Emma-Jane Davies led the project, which was supported by Robin Auld, Sally Adams, and Daniel Ashton. Aboriginal Medical Service partners, particularly Scott Monaghan from Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation, provided valuable advice and advocacy.The Rural Paediatric Complex Care Coordination Project improves care coordination for children, reduces family costs and disruptions, and improves outcomes for families in regional NSW. This is a joint project with Northern NSW, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Western NSW local health districts, together with the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network.Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) also partnered with Justice Health, the Forensic Mental Health Network, NSW Health Pathology and NSW Health in the NSW Dried Blood Spot Validation Study, which has been named a finalist in the Health Innovation Award. This project is the first of its kind. It aims to make Dried Blood Spot testing a standard diagnostic tool and, if successful, change how testing is offered for people at risk of hepatitis C.NNSWLHD Chief Executive Tracey Maisey praised the achievements of local finalists who have been recognised for their passion and commitment.“I am thrilled to congratulate our NNSWLHD staff on having their outstanding contributions to our health system recognised,” Ms Maisey said.NSW Health SecretarySusan Pearce AM said it is really exciting to celebrate the people and teams who are enriching health in millions of ways everyday."These awards are a chance to recognise our incredible healthcare staff and volunteers, across the public health system," Ms Pearce said."I congratulate the finalists, but I also want to acknowledge the work being done across the system every day by our teams of doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health and support staff."NSW Health received 186 nominations across the 12 award categories.The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the NSW Health Awards ceremony, which will be held on Thursday24 October, at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. It will also be live streamed from 6pm.Further information on the 2024 NSW Health Awards, including a full list of finalists is available on the NSW Health website.

The population of the north end of Pine Street is one, officially. However, a group of people, mainly young, some transient, all questioning the life we lead, has set up a temporary base camp illegally in the NSWRA (Reconstruction Authority) houses.The squatters have been there for over a year and have grown in number. One local North Lismore business has said he observes 20 cars or more at times down Pine Street.Formal interference from the NSWRA and police has done little to change the situation, so the Lismore App investigated the situation a little further to better understand life from the squatter's point of view.Upon our visit, there were a group of around ten people who are currently calling seven houses in the area home. They are the regulars, but up to a total of 25 or 30 people can be comfortably accommodated in the houses.This core group includes people from Lismore who have found it hard to find and afford rental accommodation, travellers who are staying for a while as they enjoy their time in the area and one person from Israel who cannot return home and is hoping to get refugee status.Roisin, a woman who moved to the area over five years ago from Melbourne, explains how she came to be a Pine Street resident - one of the first to the Pine Street squat.“Lismore, post-flood was really upsetting. Heartbreaking. Exhausting. It really challenged people's connection to possession, connection to place, connection to safety.”Witnessing the aftermath of the flood took its toll on Roisin, as it did with many people. Questioning the "norm" and how things were done, and often badly, has affected the Pine Street occupant's perspective on what is acceptable and what is not. So they are doing what they believe is right, and look at empty housing as a waste of vital resources, especially when so many are finding it hard to get a place to live.After living and working on farms where drought, fires and floods affected her ability to continue work, Roisin moved to Lismore. "I moved to Lismore over a year ago into my friend's place that she bought after the flood. She wanted to create something to offer Lismore’s culture and art. She believed in Lismore and wanted to keep seeing it grow.“She invited me to come and stay. I fell in love with Lismore.”Roisin found herself in a situation of wanting to stay in Lismore. But the ability to stay with her friend was no longer an option. There was an empty house (buyback) adjacent to her friend's place, so she stayed there for a while. (Inside main house)“It's very difficult to find a house. It can be unaffordable or take you far away. And so there was an empty house behind her house, so I'm just gonna go put myself in a shelter. “I need somewhere to live. I can't afford to rent right now. And yeah, that was a bit stressful for some time, but it just made sense to utilise these empty houses. And then slowly, it made sense to more people.”Many of the people in Pine Street feel the government has failed them somehow, and at this particular time. What they can do is look after the piece of land that they have located themselves on and look after each other now that a community has developed.“Other people fell in love with it, and we decided that we wanted to take care of each other, take care of the landscape and take care of these houses until we know that something better is going to be done with them. “We have to find ways to collaborate because we're sharing the land equally. It's autonomous. There's no one person saying this is how it's going to be. And so we're practising our morals and our values without being oppressed by a higher opinion.”During our visit, it was clean-up day, where everyone pitched in and took care of chores and caring for the place.  Knowledge of the Pine Street squat is spread by word of mouth. Anyone is welcome to come and visit, and if there is space, stay. There are no rules as such. Instead, there is an expectation of respect for the way things have been arranged and to follow suit.They have a kitty, which people contribute to when they stay to take care of certain expenses.One of the seven houses is not for staying in, but has two dedicated areas - a creative space and an area for political debate. Meetings are held there regularly.(The spaces created around the main house have a vibe that you would have found decades ago in Byron Bay)“We have established something,” says Roisin, “And so we are getting people coming in who are locals, who are mothers, who can't afford rent, or don't want to be moved to a different suburb, needing a place to stay, or traditional renting doesn't suit them anymore, or they just can't do it.”Daniele, an Italian traveller, speaks of what he has found, “I’ve felt so lonely and unsafe in different moments of my life. What I didn't have - I was struggling with my rent, I was struggling with food bills. Personally, in terms of safety, I have never felt safe like now here in this community. Everyone supports each other.”Originally, Roisin wanted legitimacy when she decided to move to the Pine Street area. She emailed the RA, “When we first came, we wanted to be legit and create an agreement, so as part of our original proposal, it stated that we would be willing to pay for whatever it is that we use, whatever the rates are, that kind of thing.“I still want to stand by that for myself. It's a written agreement that shows why we're here. We're aware of it being flood-prone, and we will take care of ourselves. They have no responsibility for our lives.”(The kitchen in the main house)They never heard back from that communication but the RA have been down to Pine Street and offered them alternative accommodation. However, it was very temporary and involved going on wait lists that squatters believe are already stretched.A spokesperson for the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) said, “The RA is leading the Resilient Homes Program, which has involved offers and acceptance of buybacks for a large number of homes on the basis they were directly impacted or pose the greatest risk to life in most floods. “The RA has been working with Homes NSW, Social Futures, NSW Police and squatters to find alternative accommodation, with some squatters moving voluntarily.  “The unauthorised use of the properties without services, provides an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of those persons, including an increased risk from fire and sanitation issues as well as the impact of mould. “As part of the buyback process, services including power and water were disconnected and fencing erected at each premises to prevent unauthorised persons from entering the houses to reduce the risk of injury. “The RA is also working with NSW Police and within the appropriate legislation to have squatters removed where they do not leave voluntarily.”The squatters confirmed that the houses had power and water cut off when they became part of the buyback scheme. “As part of the buyback scheme, the government does significant damage to the houses, and part of that is cutting off services that water and sewage are easy to reconnect yourself. The electricity, not so much. So they all have no electricity, but some have some solar systems for either hot water or for charging stuff.”(The squatters arranged for garbage collection by asking nicely)Speaking about the flood risk, the inhabitants have plans and enacted them when the waters were rising two weeks ago. At a certain point, all vehicles were taken out of the risk area, and people had to take responsibility for their belongings. They know where the higher ground is.“We've had a lot of support from neighbours, people who still live there, who've been here for ages to help us be flood prepared. Someone dropped off a boat for us.”The one house on the street that has a legal owner is owned by Paul. Obviously, he is very flood-aware. Paul has worked with his new neighbours to ensure their safety. The squatters have been helpful to Paul, assisting him prepare when the waters were rising.Paul was offered a buyback but didn’t want to accept it, “It’s my property here, I have trees and everything I need here, so I’m not leaving!”Paul said it did feel a little isolated when neighbours who accepted buybacks moved out, “It's a bit lonely. I mean, you know, it's not just around me here on this street, but the whole of North Lismore is mostly gone.“My new neighbours, they're all really lovely people. Some of the nicest neighbours I've ever had.” Paul was working on a car with a couple of the squatters.(Paul working with a couple of his new neighbours)They exchange more than help and pleasantries; Paul allows them to use some of his power, and they top up the excess amount on his power bill using the contributions.The first house that was inhabited is called “Main House”. It is the last house on Pine Street to the left. It is the place where people meet up and first come to when they arrive. A kind of reception.  The squatters know their situation is temporary. Roisin, Ben, Emma, Daniele, Rio, Stella and others wish to extend an invitation to anyone curious to see what is happening in Pine Street to visit. Depending on your point of view, that may not be for everyone.

While many of our readers were enjoying the long weekend, the team at the Lismore App were working hard behind the scenes to make some changes to what we provide you on a daily basis.Often, we get feedback from our readers through the Contact The App button or on the website. Making the front page more simple was feedback received most often over the last twelve months. This was important to our website users, both through iPads and PCs and through their mobile phones, because it makes finding information more difficult.(The menu option on the left if you use the Lismore App website on your mobile, and the result on your right.)We have created a Business Directory button to help with this situation.Like the old Yellow Pages, all your local businesses can be found in one place: in the Business Directory. Trades & Construction, Services, Retail Shopping, Automotive, Eat/Drink/Stay, Farming/Agriculture and Weddings. If you are looking for a tradie, someone to fix your appliance or to tint your windows, this is the place you should go.The Lismore App thanks all of our business partners for their support. This is how we can bring you the best local news on a daily basis. These business fund local journalism.Another improvement for the summer of 2024/25 is the addition of National and International News as well as National Sport.Through an agreement with AAP (Australian Associated Press), the Lismore App can bring you a broader perspective on news from around the country and around the world. Don't worry; we will never lose our main focus, which is providing comprehensive news and sports coverage for Lismore and the Northern Rivers.You will notice the News and Sport buttons are now separate. This will allow us to provide you with the relevant news sections. So, your News button will automatically open to local news. You will then see a tab to the right, which says National and another International.This will be the same with the Sport button. It will open to local sports with a National tab to the right.The bottom of the Lismore App buttons provide easy access to popular information. For Jobs, Funerals and Notifications, there is no change. You will see the inclusion of a Notices button. This is for Community Notices, such as garage sales, a community group's annual meeting, announcing a local event or seeking volunteers. This is not for private businesses but for the community and volunteer organisations or charities.We wanted to create a safe space where locals can easily share information and support each other.You can add your own information by clicking on the 'List your notice here +' option at the top of the page. We will be notified when it is submitted to check the details before making it go live.Thank you for making the Lismore App your local digital newspaper. Google Analytics tells us that we have had over 60,000 readers in the last 30 days. This was beyond our expectations when we launched in November 2017. We are humbled by your trust in our journalism and reporting to bring you balanced and breaking news and sport.Remember, if you have a news story, email [email protected].

A man has died following a unit fire in the Lismore area yesterday.About 1am yesterday (Sunday 6 October 2024), emergency services were called to a unit on Anstey Street, Girards Hill, following reports of a house fire.Officers attached to Richmond Police District arrived and found a unit well alight.Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze before recovering the body of a man and a dog from inside the home.The man is yet to be formally identified.There were no other reports of injuries.Police have established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam vision to contact police or 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.

A man has been charged with domestic violence and knife offences following a pursuit in Casino last night.About 6.45pm on Saturday, 5 October 2024, officers attached to Richmond Police District were patrolling Centre Street, Casino, when they attempted to stop a Kia sedan.When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated before being terminated due to safety reasons.A short time later, the vehicle was located on Churchill Crescent.The male driver of the car allegedly approached officers armed with a knife. Officers deployed a Taser, and the man was arrested.The 35-year-old man was taken to hospital for assessment under police guard.On release from hospital yesterday (Sunday, 6 October 2024), he was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with the following offences:- contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic)- stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic)- hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty - two counts- use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention - two counts- escape police custody- police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously- intimidate police officer in execution of duty- custody of knife in public placeHe was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Monday, 7 October 2024), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Grafton Local Court tomorrow (8 October 2024).

Lismore City Council through Lismore Regional Gallery and the Quadrangle are proud to present a new First Nations-led creative wellbeing program launching with multi-sensory exhibition ‘Grounded’ this October.  GROUNDED explores native bush plants endemic to the Northern Rivers in an innovative exhibition featuring the works of Widjabul-Wiabul/Yaegl sound and performance artist Mitch King and socially engaged artist and filmmaker Karenza Ebejer.  The exhibition brings together film, sound installations and interactive artworks created in collaboration with Bundjalung community Elders. King’s sound installation features recordings of native species integral to a regenerative ecology project led by Namabunda farm, while Ebejer’s film “Ecosphere” meditates on the interconnection of life forms, inspired by local native plants. The exhibition is a continuation of King and Ebejer’s 2022/23 collaborative project, “Our Place, Our Species”, which celebrates Bundjalung cultural knowledge and connection to Country.  Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said: “Lismore City Council is committed to investing in native bushland restoration and regeneration projects through our Rural Landholder Initiatives and Urban Landcare programs. This increasingly involves working with traditional owners to bring culturally informed restoration.” Through the voices of Elders and Custodians, the exhibition offers audiences a unique opportunity to engage deeply with Bundjalung stories and the regenerative power of native bush plants. "Through this work, we are creating space for conversations about the interconnection between people and place, and the deep cultural knowledge that informs our understanding of these relationships," King explains. “We want to highlight how these plants are more than just flora; they are integral to our community’s identity and wellbeing.” Ebejer adds: “Our work is about honouring the wisdom of Elders and sharing these stories in a way that fosters awareness and hope for a future where native bush plants are revitalised, and connection to Country is celebrated.” GROUNDED will feature a series of interactive workshops designed to deepen public understanding of the importance of connecting with nature. These workshops will include hands-on experiences with native bush plants and discussions on ecological regeneration, inspired by the cultural knowledge shared through the exhibition. WHAT’S ON:  Exhibition Opening: Wednesday, 9 October 2024 Location: Event Space, Lismore Regional Gallery Thursday, 10 October:  3-6pm: Weaving with the Healing Hub in the Quad 5pm: Welcome to Country, Official Exhibition Opening  Saturday, 12 October:  11-1pm: Nature Photography Workshop with Karenza Ebejer and Dr Jenny Fraser A creative workshop for young women between the ages of 14-18 years to explore native bush foods and plants in the local area.  Thursday, 17 October:  3-6pm: Weaving with the Healing Hub in the Quad  Saturday, 19 October:  11-1pm: Jeticaco Art Workshop with Jenny Smith Come along to an all-ages session of creativity, where we can explore nature through the use of water colours, on paper.  2-4pm: Grounded Movement with Mitch King Immerse yourself in a workshop that will look at how we can acknowledge the beauty and power of nature while also becoming more grounded through our own movement and mindfulness. About GroundedGROUNDED is the first step in a broader First Nations-led creative wellbeing program aimed at strengthening community cohesion and wellbeing through a series of small-scale creative placemaking events. Led by an appointed First Nations Project Officer, the program will engage First Nations and youth communities throughout 2025, fostering resilience and a sense of belonging by connecting people to place. This program will be delivered in partnership with Southern Cross University and funded by the Foundation of Regional and Rural Renewal. This collaboration leverages SCU's strong focus on environmental science and Indigenous knowledge to enhance the exhibition’s educational impact. Through research, workshops, and community engagement, the partnership aims to deepen public understanding of the ecological and cultural significance of native bush plants. "Southern Cross University is committed to advancing community wellbeing and ecological sustainability through education and research," said the University’s Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mary Spongberg. "Partnering with Lismore City Council through the Lismore Quadrangle aligns with our mission to support cultural and environmental stewardship in the Northern Rivers." 

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin is inviting local teachers and academics with a passion for our democracy, to apply to for the NSW Parliament’s first Education Advisory Group.“The Education Advisory Group will provide feedback and guidance to the Parliament of NSW on its civics and citizenship education programs and resources.“This is an opportunity for local teachers and academics to shape the civics education programs delivered by the Parliament and make sure they are of the highest standards and relevant to today’s classrooms.“The selected members will have the opportunity to contribute their insights to make sure the Parliament’s civics programs are of the highest quality and relevant to today’s classrooms.“Parliament’s Education and Engagement team is particularly encouraging applications from:Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educatorsEducators from regional, rural and remote areasPrimary school teachersThose with experience teaching students with a language background other than English“The advisory group will convene once a term, with meetings held virtually during school term and in person at NSW Parliament House during school holidays.“Being an Advisory Group member is not a paid role, however sitting fees are offered for each meeting attended and travel allowances will be available for regional members attending in-person meetings.” For more information and to apply, please visit the I Work for NSW website.Applications close at 11:59 PM Sunday 27 October 2024.

Weather events, such as last weekend's 200mm and 5.97m minor flood, trigger a wide range of actions behind the scenes to ensure our safety and security.After speaking with some of the key organisations who are involved in weather warnings and response, we get a unique glimpse of what this means and what is important to understand, especially now that another storm season is upon us.As soon as a weather event has been identified, the SES works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to fully understand the potential for the situation unfolding and prepare accordingly.NSW SES Incident Controller Scott McLennan said, “I need to understand where the footprint of the next weather event is going to go.”On the basis of this predictive information and the situation unfolding on the ground, as in actual rainfall and river heights, warnings are issued. Scott said, “One of the struggles that we had on the weekend, we knew it was going to be a short, sharp storm event, and it's sometimes better to err on the side of caution and warn a community because community lives matters.“I want to ensure that the community are alert, not alarmed. Community are warned and making those really good decisions in a timely manner. “We start here by pre-positioning different assets.”The SES coordinate all manner of safety and security measures for the community.“Sometimes that includes a COW (Cells on Wheels used as an emergency communication device), sometimes satellite dishes, rescue techs and vehicles."These assets can be brought here from different regions around the state or set up ready to be used as soon as needed.Last weekend, Scott said he positioned a helicopter based at Coffs Harbour “Because of the winds, I knew they couldn't necessarily fly. But it's trying to work out where the footprint was and it became onshore and stayed.”A flood study is done around every five years to assess the flood height levels used to measure what a minor, moderate, or major flood looks like. However, these levels are based on historical data and rarely change. Moreso, they give the people looking at the data a clearer understanding of the current and potential situation to assist in determining if and when warnings should be issued.“A flood study looks at vegetation changes, any new infrastructure that could impact the way the water flows,” says Scott.  “It looks at heights, and it always looks at worst-case scenarios. All the flood plans across New South Wales are available online. You can see them on your council website.“There is one flood level called a PMF, and that's the Probable Maximum Flood. That's the highest the data shows that a flood could possibly get to, and in 2022, we weren't at that point.”Community groups have become a vital resource for flood response and recovery.  Scott says, “Community led recovery is really at the forefront of having a strong, vibrant, connected community, not just in times of war, but in times of peace.“This whole event that communities actually respond and recover from are far greater and become more adaptable in time, if they do it themselves with the right support.”Communication capabilities were a large concern in the bushfires and 2022 floods. Since then, the technology on the ground has been increasing.The NSW Telco Authority (NSWTA) are making COW acquisitions to add them to the network of resources available to us.  A spokesperson for the Telco Authority said, “NSWTA is acquiring four broadband COWs which will be deployed to provide wi-fi during emergencies when communities experience a carrier outage. They can be activated during or after a disaster to assist in recovery efforts. “NSWTA will work with Emergency Services Organisations (ESOs) and other NSW Government agencies to deploy these COWs during emergencies to support impacted communities. “Deployment decisions are based on intelligence from NSWTA, telecommunications carriers, ESOs and other operational requirements. “Each asset can provide wi-fi coverage up to 500 metres away, while units can be linked to cover an even wider area.“The COWs will be strategically positioned to support communities in need, such as at evacuation and recovery centres, where on-the-ground teams will conduct outreach and guide people on how to access the service.”The finance from the STAND program for the bushfire funding in 2022 went towards outfitting low-orbit satellite dishes to certain locations to provide people with connectivity in an emergency.These went to a variety of organisations, Scott said, “Some were on evacuation centres, some were at RFS sheds, and some were in SES sheds and other different types of locations. “About 160 or 170 were distributed across New South Wales, and that included the Northern Rivers.”More recently, some LGAs (local government areas) have provided other community groups with similar low-orbit satellite dishes. The bottom line is that it is worth knowing who and where your local community group is for times when you need communication assistance.Resilient Lismore, the Red Cross, and CWA are a few organisations that you can contact and become more familiar with to help with your personal preparation for emergency situations.

Early last week, the NSW Electoral Commission officially declared Steve Krieg as the new Mayor of Lismore for the next four years. The day after, they declared the other ten councillors who will make up Lismore City Council for the next four years.They are Jeri Hall, Andrew Gordon, Electra Jensen, Andrew Bing, Gianpiero Battista, Adam Guise, Virginia Waters, Harper Dalton-Earls, Jasmine Knight-Smith and Big Rob.Split into ticket results: Steve Krieg = 6, The Greens = 2, Labor = 2 and Big Rob.Talking Lismore, the Lismore App podcast series (Podcasts), sat down with Mayor Krieg to discuss what the priorities are for the next four years. Water security, flood mitigation, housing and growth.Despite having six members on his ticket in council, and thus having control of council if they wish to use numbers, Mayor Krieg says he wants to get the viewpoint of every councillor."I know there's a lot of speculation and an innuendo about us controlling Council. It's not about us controlling or driving our personal agendas. Quite the contrary. We want to get the viewpoints of every councilor and make the best and most informed decision based on the information provided to us."Obviously, there are things that we want to see progress over the next four years as a group, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. We hope that the other councillors who are elected will jump on board with that, just as we will be happy to jump on board with any ideas or suggestions that they may have to progress Lismore and make Lismore the great city it deserves to be.""Every councillor has the mandate to vote the way that they choose to, given the information provided to them. Clearly, there are different viewpoints in the chamber and different ideologies in the chamber, but that's democracy. Every strong democracy has different viewpoints driving it. The key to it is finding middle ground, possibly finding a compromised solution."The beauty of our group is that we are independent. We do come from a diverse background, and so if a particular person who ran on my ticket disagrees with myself or the majority, then they have every right to vote the way they feel. We saw that last term, and there's no doubt we'll probably see it again this term."As far as the big ticket items that I think the overall community want to see, we will be very much united in driving the prosperity and the future growth of Lismore forward."As for what the big ticket items are?"The biggest one, no doubt, is in and around our water security and also flood mitigation, probably the most topical and controversial if you like, discussion that you can have, not only in the Lismore LGA but over the broader Northern Rivers region."It'll be interesting to see the makeup of the Rous County Council, who ultimately control water security and flood mitigation to a certain extent. But for us, we want to see number one flood mitigation."For Lismore to grow and thrive, we need a level of protection. We also need some certainty in and around insurance, which is a major issue in this city at the moment. Securing some level of affordable insurance is all tied to flood mitigation."We have to be able to protect our residents, protect our businesses, and I know we are all waiting anxiously for poor old Dr Vaze and his report to come out in June (2025), and poor Jai Vaze is under the most pressure out of anyone. But I trust the science, and I will certainly trust the report that he produces and fight as hard as I can to ensure that every possible outcome out of that report is funded and built."Is insurance hindering investment in Lismore now?"Not necessarily. I don't think they have to wait. I mean, those sorts of developments traditionally take a little while to get through all the different hoops and hurdles they've got to go through. But I know of two pretty significant developments that are out of flood but close to the CBD that are already in the planning stages, which is really exciting."I know of some other major businesses that are having a strong look at Lismore to relocate to, but none of these things will pop up overnight or spring into action straight away. So I think if you time you run properly, and you start your preliminary thought processes and planning now, by the time that flood mitigation work sort of rolls around, there's a fair chance that that will tie in."The final Rous Council meeting before the September elections voted on exploring two water security options, the Dunoon Dam and Aquifers. Expensive and high energy usage Desalination Plants and Recycled Water were taken off the table. What do you support?"We live in the highest rainfall area in the state, and we can't provide water for our population for longer than nine months. You know, we're very fortunate in a lot of ways that we have the rainfall that we do to keep our very small dam filled, to be able to keep us in fresh water. And as citizens, we're probably all guilty of taking it for granted. We turn the tap on, and water comes out every single time. It's not until you've lived in a low rainfall area that you really treasure how important water and fresh, clean water is."Now, again, I'm going to back the science, and I'm going to back the experts to recommend the best way forward. Living in a high rainfall area like this, if you have to rely on recycled water, to me personally, that's an issue. We shouldn't be building these mega plants to turn wastewater into fresh water when we get enough. We just saw on the weekend (last weekend), we had 300 mils of rain. Now, why aren't we harvesting that?"First and foremost, it's as clean as you can get. You know exactly where it's come from. It makes sense to harvest rainwater, rather than building these mega plants to try and recycle water or desalinate water. It just doesn't make sense. Given our topography and geography, there have got to be better options."What else is on the agenda for the next four years?"We're going to focus very much on the civic pride of Lismore, making sure that our CBD is well presented. I know everyone's hammering us at the moment that we've done nothing with roads, and I get that, but we've rolled out the biggest pothole funding in Lismore's history over the last couple of years."Now, again, I'm not making excuses, but the facts are, 300 mils of rain in two days has a dramatic effect on already crumbling road surfaces, so that's something that we're going to have to deal with and live with. But what I will say is that we're just about to roll out the biggest road repair program that Lismore has ever seen. It's scheduled to take us right through to probably 2030 before that is completed."So you won't just see roads patched. You'll see roads actually rebuilt to a better standard than they've ever been before, and if you want to see an example of that, go down Richmond Hill Road. Now, Council's spent the best part of a year rebuilding Richmond Hill Road, and that's best practice, and that road should hold up for many decades to come.We've got the funding now and the capability to roll that out, as I said, over the next six years to rebuild a lot of our flood and water-damaged roads. It's really exciting."What about housing? It's at crisis point, not just in Lismore but the Northern Rivers and NSW. I know there are a lot of variables, such as the NSWRA, NSW Government and planning approvals for land release etc, can you see houses being built in the next four years?"Council can't build the houses for people, but we can make the land available, and we've done that. Only last week, we opened the $7 million sewage pump station up off Pineapple Road in Gonellabah. Now that's freed up up to 600 potential blocks of land up on that plateau. Now it's up to the developers to utilise that piece of infrastructure. There are already blocks that have been pegged out up there to be able to begin that development."Now, I know the RA has their Resilient Lands program, but I think we've got to look at that as a separate package to the general needs of housing for our residents."Again, in an Australian first, I believe, being able to get the Lismore LGA able to subdivide RU1 land, rural land, so our hobby farmers, our maca farmers, our dairy farmers, can actually cut off one block. Now, that's only one block, but that's what the legislation says. That will open up a potential 3000 new home sites across our LGA. So people that have family or friends with a bit of acreage can negotiate with them and get a house site on their land."And there's the potential there for those bought back homes, those beautiful bought back homes down in North and South Lismore, to be relocated at a pretty affordable price. You know, through the Lismore Council's lobbying of the state government to be able to do that has taken the best part of the year. The planning minister has just signed off on that. That, again, is a first, and it's a bit of lateral thinking by this council."I can't praise our staff enough the work that they do behind the scenes to make these sorts of things happen, but that is literally 3000 brand new home sites. For me, housing has to incorporate a diversity of housing to fit in with the diversity of our population. We've got high-level executive people here that might want a couple of acres of rural residential, with the big farm shed or whatever the case may be. We've also got young single nurses who might want a two or three-bedroom apartment or a townhouse. We need to be able to cater for everyone."If Lismore is to grow and thrive, we don't want our 18 to 22-year-old young people leaving Lismore because they've got nowhere to live, or they don't want to live with mum and dad anymore, sadly. But you know, we also want to attract young families who want the quarter-acre block and room for the swing set and the sandpit for the little ones. We want that progression, and we want to be able to provide that diversity of housing. And so it's about getting the mix right."We also do need an element of social housing, there's no doubt about that. Where that fits and how that works is, again, up to our council planners and strategic planners, but it's a core to an effective housing strategy."Due to housing being a priority, do you have a population goal in mind?"I've been playing around with figures in my head for months, and what actually triggered me was a visit to another local government area not far from Lismore. They had a goal of, I won't name the city, but it was 100,000 by 2030. That was their little slogan. And I sort of got to thinking, we're sitting at about 44,000 people at the moment."You want to be able to control the growth, to be able to provide the infrastructure, to a certain extent, you can't have exponential growth without being able to provide schools and adequate medical facilities and all of those key components of enjoyable living. We've seen fast growth have an impact on those services in Western Sydney, for example, where there are more kids than school spaces available and the like. So, you need to be able to monitor and make sure that your community's growing with the population."I'd like to think that we can get to 60,000 by 2040. So, my little slogan is Lismore, 60/40, which lives in my weird little head. But I think that's achievable. I think it's a good target to have, and again, we've got to get the balance right. We want to be able to attract young families, to get those people here. We need good jobs, so we need a strong economy. It all sort of flows and fits in together."I'd like to think that we can hit 60,000 by 2040, and that will help everyone who is currently here. It'll take a lot of pressure off our current ratepayers. With a greater rate base you don't have to put your fees and charges up so much because you've got a bigger pool who are spreading the load."It's something that we're very passionate about, growing Lismore and seeing our economy and our population grow and thrive and really become the heart and soul of the Northern Rivers."To listen to the full Talking Lismore Podcasts, click on the front page of the Lismore App, near jobs and funerals or click here for the website.

The Northern RiversConservatorium is pleased to host Women Of Song in its Concert Room on Saturday 26th of October at 7pm.Women of Song is an authentic show of conversations and songs, articulating First Nations cultural practice in the here and now, live on stage.It's an innovative new show, developed by the acclaimed Jessie Lloyd (of Mission Songs Project), which includes themes of intergenerational practices, singing on and from country, commitment to community, and preserving knowledge in song. It’s an intimate celebration of the ‘here and now’ of Indigenous culture, a rare mix of spontaneous conversation and songs, exploring the modern-day practice and living heart of the ‘world’s oldest living culture’.The audience listens in as three First Nations singers have a conversation. Someone’s story may remind someone else of a song, or a favourite popular song might start a discussion among them all. Each conversation and each performance will be unique as the women explore live on stage how their songs preserve the social, cultural, or environmental shifts of a community and deepen connections to country, genealogy, and custom.Creative producer Jessie Lloyd brings together the artists for each tour, uniquely shaping the performance to the location: some will be well-known, others are exciting new talent. Preparation includes extensive cultural consultation undertaken by Jessie across 2022. Women of Song is an amazing opportunity to experience First Nations cultural practices in music from the women who practise them: this culture exists in contemporary music, and these First Nations women are leading it.About Jessie Lloyd, Creative ProducerA composer, performer and creative entrepreneur, Jessie Lloyd is a songkeeper of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and is dedicated to the continuation of song traditions through the presentation of stories and songs.Jessie’s work continues the song lines of Indigenous Australia, a body of cultural songs that carries the 60,000-year history of the world’s oldest living culture. With this connection, she engages her audiences through intimate storytelling, moving harmonies and historical insights. Jessie has travelled Australia consulting with elders, collaborating with peers and nurturing Indigenous songs that reflect present a 21st-century Indigenous narrative.Hailing from a musical family, Jessie’s fatherJoe Geia is a pioneer of Aboriginal protest songs and composed the Aboriginal anthem ‘Yil Lull’. Her grandfather Albie Geia was conductor of the Palm Island Brass Band and leader of the historic 1957 Palm Island Strike.TICKETS: hgps://events.humaniHx.com/wos-lismoreEVENTS: hgps://events.nrcac.edu.au ENQUIRIES: [email protected]

A high-tech geo-mapping tool and emergency hub is being used to assist NSW Government responses to emergencies like bush fires, floods, earthquakes, utility failures, cyber-attacks, and major incidents. As many locals remember from February 28, 2022, the NSW Government's response was ad hoc, with poor outcomes for residents in Lismore and the Northern Rivers.Developed by Transport for NSW, the geospatial tool layers around 200 live and 300 static data sources onto a map to generate a comprehensive, visual decision-making aid. It provides Transport and response agencies with an instant snapshot of the scale of an incident in real time.The TransportOne dashboard can zoom into a location and identify the number of transport assets like traffic lights, bridges, train stations and roads impacted by a disaster or disruption, as well as other government assets such as utility hubs, schools or hospitals. The tool can also identify the real-time location of crews, including Maritime vessels.It then goes a step further, helping to predict and plan for future impacts on transport infrastructure by modelling the forecasts and warnings of partner agencies such as the Bureau of Meteorology, Rural Fire Service (RFS), and State Emergency Service (SES) onto the map.The dashboard covers the whole state and can be instantly shared with internal Transport teams and combat agencies, including the RFS, NSW Police, and State Emergency Service.Having a comprehensive, shared, real-time understanding of emergencies helps Transport for NSW resources be positioned where they are needed most in a crisis. It also informs decisions about when and where to open support services and determines how to re-establish transport links quicker.Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said, “We manage more than 28,000 public transport stops, train stations, wharves, and bridges, and around 21,000km of roads across New South Wales. Understanding which of these are impacted by an emergency or disruption helps us quickly access alternate transport options around the area and later re-establish crucial links faster.“The mapping tool can use Bureau of Meteorology forecasts, information from the RFS, SES, plus Transport data to predict the potential impact of extreme weather systems before they hit. “It's a fantastic use of innovation to help keep our people safe, our communities connected, and our supply chains open during emergency situations.”NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie said, “Bush fire season is officially underway in NSW and following a number of very wet years, there is a real risk of bush and grass fires across the state.“As the RFS and its partner agencies undertake their preparations, it’s important families and landowners take the time to prepare as well.”NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said, “The tool has been a game changer when we’ve been out supporting the State Emergency Service during their flood responses, and as part of our day-to-day management of waterways across the state.“Before an event we can identify navigation aids and other Maritime infrastructure that are likely to be impacted before flooding occurs to help waterways recover faster. During an event it helps us see critical, up to date information including road closures, weather warnings and impacted assets instantly with a single search.“During the Hawkesbury floods earlier this year we used the forecast rain and flooding information to help plan our operations. Teams on the ground and in our State Marine Incident Coordination Centre used Transport One for visibility on the locations of each crew in the context of what was happening in the flood zone.