Temperatures will once again be in the mid-thirties for the next four days, so the Bureau of Meteorology has extended its Severe Heatwave Warning to Friday, November 25.Overnight minimum temperatures will be in the early twenties, with a peak of 23 on Thursday morning.Western parts of the Northern Rivers, including Lismore, will move from a Low to a Severe Heatwave Warning on the Severity Map today (Wednesday). On Thursday, that will extend to all of the Northern Rivers and include Ballina and Byron Bay. Towns just north of Evans Head, like Wardell and west of Yamba, like Maclean, will move to an Extreme Heatwave Warning.Safety Advice:Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.For further safety information before, during and after heatwaves, visit https://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/in-the-community/warningsThe high temperatures are playing their part in creating more thunderstorm activity on Wednesday. The BoM says the thunderstorms are being driven by areas of low pressure across eastern Australia that are tapping into moisture from areas further north and dragging it down into storm areas, which is combining with the very warm conditions. The troughs are acting as a trigger for thunderstorms.(The BoM Thunderstorm Outlook map for Wednesday)Check out this thunderstorm photo from last night, sent in by Lismore App reader Kyle. It is taken from a drone in Goonellabah looking south.As for when conditions will cool somewhat? Saturday is another hot day, with a maximum temperature of 35 degrees, before Sunday drops to 31 degrees.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued another Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Ballina and Byron Bay.The BoM is warning of damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall over the next several hours.The thunderstorms are being driven by areas of low pressure across eastern Australia that are tapping into moisture from areas further north and dragging it down into storm areas, which are combining with very warm conditions. The troughs are acting as a trigger for thunderstorms.The troughs are likely to play a further part in germinating more thunderstorms into Wednesday as well.There were 125km/h wind gust was recorded at Tamworth Airport runway anemometer at 3:49 pm and 106km/h wind gust was recorded at Tamworth AWS at 3:48 pm.Safety adviceThe State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Social Futures is pleased to share that the Resilient Kids program has received the national Resilient Australia Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing.This recognition reflects the extraordinary resilience of children and young people across the Northern Rivers who helped shape the program through their lived experience post the 2022 floods.Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said, “The award acknowledges the deep collaboration that underpins Resilient Kids and the shared commitment to supporting young people after disaster.”The Resilient Kids program was conceived by Primary Health Network, Healthy North Coast, through close consultation with community to address the unique needs of young people aged 8-18.Funded by Healthy North Coast via the Australian Government’s $10 million grant through the National Emergency Management Agency – Lead agency Social Futures along with consortium partners The Family Centre and Human Nature Adventure Therapy brought the Resilient Kids vision to life, in parallel to Lives Lived Well.Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said, “This award is a testament to the honesty, strength and vision of the children and young people of the Northern Rivers who opened up about their experiences and aspirations after the 2022 floods. “It’s inspiring to see how their voices have shaped how our region prepares for and recovers from disasters. We’re delighted that Resilient Kids has been being acknowledged as a leading model and that one of our service delivery partners, Social Futures, has been recognised for their exemplary leadership in delivering this innovative program.”All of the organisations and individuals involved have been integral to delivering a model that empowers young people to build confidence, connection and practical coping skills post-disaster.Since launching in 2023, the Resilient Kids program, delivered by Social Futures, has engaged 5,924 young people from across the Northern Rivers, tailoring services to each young person’s unique needs.Support has been delivered through a diverse range of engaging and creative formats, including up to nine months of one-on-one counselling, art therapy, adventure therapy, group work, family supports, community connection activities, sports and games.Social Futures senior manager Specialist Disaster Resilience, Shoshannah Oks, said, “This level of positive impact and recognition reinforces the value of investing in community-led solutions.”The national recognition caps off an exceptional year for the program, which received the state Resilient Australia Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing on 16 September.Resilient Kids was additionally honoured at the Wayahead Mental Health Matters Awards in Sydney on 26 September, where the team accepted the Mental Health Matters Youth Award, highlighting the impact of the program’s trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.Social Futures provides a range of support services for communities impacted by natural disasters. Visit https://socialfutures.org.au/disaster-recovery or call 1800 719 625.

Long-term water security for the Far North Coast has been a hot topic of discussion for the last four years, especially when you throw in the controversial Dunoon Dam into the mix.Not many, if any, Lismore App readers would know that this week the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, otherwise known as DCCEEW, is holding community drop-in sessions seeking your feedback on long-term water security measures for the Northern Rivers.The first session was in the Tweed yesterday, with Murwillumbah and Byron Bay today, Mullumbimby and Ballina on Wednesday and Lismore and Casino on Thursday. More details at the end of the story.The NSW and Australian Governments have jointly committed $5 million to develop a preliminary business case. The Australian Government is contributing $2.5 million through the National Water Grid Fund.The NSW Government is preparing the preliminary business case to test the case for investment and narrow down options to a shortlist.DCCEEW says that climate change, population growth, and challenges to water access are increasing pressure on regional water security in the Far North Coast. The preliminary business case will complement existing water security projects that are being progressed by local government and county councils.At the moment, the project is in the early planning stage to see which, if any, options stack up. The department’s Water Group is leading the options investigation aligned with the Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy.The options being considered include:connecting the Tweed Shire and Rous County Council bulk water systemsregional desalination plants - large-scale or modularintegrating independent town water supplies into the bulk networkusing Toonumbar Dam to support town supplies, especially Casinolinking to the Southeast Queensland Water Grid.Apart from connecting pipelines between water sources, what is interesting about the above options is that Rous County Council (RCC) has already concluded a high-level study into desalination plants on the Northern Rivers, both permanent and temporary, and ruled them out as options. That report was released in August 2024.Andrew Logan, Group Manager Planning and Delivery for RCC, told the Lismore App that the study revealed prohibitive environmental and cost issues, looking at temporary and permanent desalination plants at a number of locations close to the coast."What we were looking at was what we call Stage Three projects under our Future Water Strategy, so the long-term options to get us out beyond 2060. They were the two options we looked at."I guess with the drought side of things, or bringing something in as an emergency drought source, it became clear during the work that it wasn't feasible. We needed two or three years basically to get a temporary desalination plant up and running, and obviously we don't have two or three years of notice before a drought is coming or enough storage in our water supply to manage through that period of time, so that is not a viable option from a drought side of things."In terms of a permanent plant, the real issues were around the Marine Park. This is a significant constraint along the coast from Byron, and we had to basically avoid that area and avoid any impact on that. Obviously, with a desal, you have to be able to get the water in from the ocean and into the treatment plant, but then you also have to discharge the brine, which is the salty water that comes out after the desalination process. So, we really couldn't have an impact on the Marine Park as a result of that. It made things like the pipelines and the tunnels to get the water to and from the desalination plant to be quite long and quite expensive."In terms of cost, Andrew said they were looking at $300 to $450 million for a permanent desalination plant that could produce 10 to 25 mega litres, which is a million litres per day.The locations identified were at Suffolk Park/Tallows Beach and Newrybar/Ross Lane for the permanent sites, and New Brighton Sports Field, Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour, Lighthouse Beach area, and Suffolk Park and Newrybar for the emergency sites.If desalination plants are not an option for the Northern Rivers, according to RCC, what other options are being explored?"We're continuing to investigate the Dunoon Dam. This is currently the work that our council has directed us to do is around the biodiversity of investigations from a preliminary side of things for the Dunoon Dam site and also the cultural heritage studies in consultation with the Aboriginal community around those. So, that's currently one of the options that we're looking at."We're looking at groundwater on the Alstonville Plateau, and that's both looking at the shallower basalt aquifer that is used up there, but also we have investigated a deeper source, which is known as the Clarence Morton Basin, and that's a couple of hundred metres below ground level up on the plateau."That's a decision that the council made, so that when we do use that water, it's not connected to that shallower aquifer, so the impact on the existing users in that shallow aquifer is nil. We're doing some of that work at the moment to get some of those deeper bores up and running."We've also taken on the ownership of the Marom Creek Water Treatment Plant and weir, which used to be owned by Ballina council. That exchange happened towards the middle of this year. Basically, what we're looking at is bringing the groundwater together from our bore holes and Ballina's old bore holes together with the surface water from the Marom Creek Weir, and that will be combined and treated in a new water treatment plant in the Russellton industrial estate at Wollongbar." The reservoir, only 50 metres away, will supply water to Alstonville, Wollongbar and Wardell. Andrew said that most of the time, the water supply for Alstonville, Wollongbar and Wardell will come from Rocky Creek Dam until the dam level reaches 95%, when the water treatment plant will be turned on. This is also the case at Emigrant Creek Water Treatment Plant near Ballina and Wilsons River source near Howards Grass.The Russellton Water Treatment Plant should be ready by about 2033. Another option for Rous is down at Woodburn."We've got some groundwater investigations on the way down there, so we've had some groundwater bores in place for decades, and we're now increasing the number of groundwater wells down there and looking at options as to how we might be able to utilise that water in the future. We don't have a treatment plant down there at the moment, but we're looking at options for that in the future that would service Evans, Woodburn, Riley's Hill and Broadwater. At the moment, those towns take their water from Rocky Creek Dam, like Alstonville, Wollongbar and Wardell.Rous County Council don't want to put all their eggs in one water basket. Having ruled out desalination plants, they are exploring how much water is in local bores and potentially building water treatment plants that can supply water to three or four towns during times of drought.The lowest level of Rocky Creek Dam was in 2003 when it dropped just below 20% triggering severe water restrictions. Rous's Future Water Project 2060 is looking at options to survive another severe drought period.Andrew concluded by saying, "We continue to look at opportunities as they come up."In the meantime, DCCEEW's drop-in sessions will be discussing desalination plants, and at this stage of its Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy, will not explore any dam options, not even in the wettest part of NSW.If you wish to attend the drop-in sessions, there is no need to book; just turn up. The drop-in sessions are:Tuesday 25 November 10 am – 12 pm at Murwillumbah Community Centre, 113 Wollumbin Street, MurwillumbahTuesday 25 November 4 pm – 6 pm at Byron Community Centre, 69 Jonson Street, Byron BayWednesday 26 November 10 am – 12 pm at Mullumbimby CWA Hall, Cnr Gordon and Tincogan Street, MullumbimbyWednesday 26 November 4 pm – 6 pm at Ballina Surf Club, 65 Lighthouse Parade, BallinaThursday 27 November 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at Lismore Library, 110 Magellan Street, LismoreThursday 27 November 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm at Casino Community and Cultural Centre, 35 Walker Street, Casino

A reflective and informative workshop is coming to Lismore this Friday to support local autistic adults to explore concepts around self-advocacy and self-compassion.“The Northern Rivers Autism Association (NRAA) is running “Fostering Autistic Wellbeing: Through Self-Advocacy & Self-Compassion” in Lismore this November. It will be an interactive and reflective session that creates a space to talk through what self-advocacy looks like in our everyday lives and how we can be kinder to ourselves on a day-to-day basis.The workshop is for Autistic adults and will be run on this Friday, the 28th of November, from 10am to 1pm at Southern Cross University in Room A1.15, A Block. Morning tea and light refreshments will be provided at no cost.“It’s a chance for Autistic adults to engage with each other, have some fun, talk about what self-advocacy looks like, what self-compassion means and practical tools for meeting their own needs, setting boundaries and feeling proud to be Autistic without having to apologise for being themselves,” said Micheal Lynch, Presenter, Founder & Chair of the Northern Rivers Autism Association.The workshop was born from wanting to do something meaningful for Autistic people as a way to connect with the Autistic community locally and those beyond.“It’s about creating a space for Autistic people to be with themselves, to be supported and to feel seen and empowered,” Micheal said.Autism-related workshops of this kind are an important part of a growing effort to approach wellbeing from a neurodiversity-affirming and self-advocacy perspective.As many of us become more familiar with Autism and as our community continues to learn and develop greater understandings and supports for Autistic people, workshops like this one will be vital in ensuring our community is more inclusive and compassionate.”To register your attendance, you can just click on the link: https://events.humanitix.com/fostering-autistic-wellbeing-through-self-advocacy-and-self-compassion.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for LARGE HAILSTONES, DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL for Lismore, Casino, Kyogle and other western parts of the Northern Rivers.The BoM says that a warm and humid airmass is combining with a southerly wind change and a low-pressure trough to trigger severe thunderstorms across northeast of the state this afternoon.The severe thunderstorms are expected to develop rapidly over the next 60 to 90 minutes.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Nimbin, Casino, Kyogle, Grafton and Tabulam.Safety adviceThe State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.The next warning is due to be issued by 3:45 pm.

The NSW Government is investing $3.5 million to better support healthy behaviours in men and boys, as the government releases new research into domestic, family and sexual violence. The NSW Man Box 2025 report sheds light on how male attitudes towards masculinity influence domestic, family and sexual violence. The ‘Man Box’ refers to a set of social ‘rules’ that pressure men to behave according to rigid masculine norms, such as being dominant or emotionally closed off.  Most NSW men reject dangerous stereotypes – with more work to do The NSW Government funded a state-specific analysis of the Jesuit Social Services Man Box research, which found most men and boys in NSW reject traditional male stereotypes such as appearing tough and in control. But the report shows men who strongly agree with these ‘rules’ are more likely to perpetrate sexual harassment and intimate partner violence.  Among more than 1,200 New South Wales men surveyed: Over one-third of men reported sexually harassing a woman in the past month, with 18% admitting to frequent harassment.Almost one third of respondents aged 18-30 indicated that they had perpetrated physical or sexual violence against a current or former partner, reinforcing that NSW has a significant problem with intimate partner violence. Violent pornography use was widespread, particularly, among those who strongly endorsed rigid masculine norms. Almost half (48%) of men reported feeling societal pressure to “act strong” even when scared or nervous. One in four agreed or strongly agreed that “men should use violence to get respect if necessary.” Approximately half of the men surveyed reported feeling social pressure to conform to the Man Box.  A quarter personally endorsed these rigid social norms. Men who most strongly endorsed Man Box beliefs were 7.5 times more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence and 10 times more likely to commit sexual violence against an intimate partner than men who rejected the Man Box beliefs. Those same men reported poorer mental health, and higher rates of problem gambling and risky drinking. The report also shows that small shifts in attitudes towards healthier masculinities are associated with lower perpetration of intimate partner violence and sexual harassment. This may be a key factor in reducing intimate partner violence. The NSW Government’s Pathways to Prevention Strategy invests in community-led prevention, respectful relationships education, and support for men, boys, parents and families to address the underlying beliefs and cultures that condone violence against women and children. $3.5 million in additional funding, including helping parents talk to their kids about pornography To support young men to challenge harmful attitudes and develop healthy identities, the NSW Government is announcing:  $2.0 million for the innovative Connect IRL Grants Program to support vulnerable young people build healthy relationships offline, address mental health risks, feelings of isolation and loneliness, to strengthen their sense of belonging. The grant seeks ideas on breaking down barriers to social connectedness and promoting the development of positive attitudes.  $1.5 million to develop comprehensive education and awareness resources for parents and carers to have meaningful conversations with their kids about the use of pornography and its impact on their understanding of sexuality, gender stereotypes and norms, and how to navigate pornography's depictions of relationships. Part of this funding will also be invested in regional and rural programs for men and boys focused on the prevention of gender-based violence by addressing poor mental health, trauma, social and economic hardship, drug and alcohol use and engagement in the community.  Primary Prevention Strategy – Pathways to Prevention The NSW Government will use this report to support the effective implementation of the state’s first standalone Primary Prevention Strategy. The government launched the $38 million strategy last year, which is about stopping violence before it starts. Some of this work under the primary prevention strategy already includes:  ·       Working with sporting clubs through the Multisport Coalition for Primary Prevention ·       Grants to community organisations such as Consent Labs and Top Blokes to work with young people on respectful relationships, consent and gender equality.  In September, the state government passed legislation strengthening protections against image-based abuse by outlawing the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfakes. Apply for the Connect IRL Grants Program here – https://premiers.smartygrants.com.au/ConnectIRL.Minister for Youth and Mental Health Rose Jackson said, “Harmful stereotypes about what it means ‘to be a man’ don’t just drive violence, they also drive loneliness and despair in young men. “This report is confronting, but it’s also hopeful. It shows that most men reject those outdated stereotypes, and that even small shifts in attitudes can make a huge difference. "The Office for Youth is expanding our support of the Connect IRL grants program and cutting red tape to make it easier for young people to access in-person mentoring and social events.“We’re backing programs that help young people step outside the online echo chambers and give them the tools to build a stronger sense of self and better relationships in the real world.” Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “Preventing violence starts with the values and beliefs we teach our children about respect, equality and empathy. “The data released today is a reminder that exposure to violent and degrading content is shaping how too many young people, particularly young men, see relationships and sex. If we don’t step in early, those harmful attitudes can lead to behaviours that cause real harm. “It’s critical we include men and boys across our state in our work in primary prevention, support them to develop healthy attitudes towards masculinity and gender equality, and recognise their role in building safer communities free from violence.” NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr Hannah Tonkin, said, “It is vital that we have a robust understanding of community attitudes if we are to address gendered violence in NSW.  “While the majority of men surveyed do not agree with the outdated gender norms that are often associated with gendered violence, many men still feel pressured to behave in ways that conform to traditional and dominant stereotypes of masculinity.  “It is also vital for men to step up and lead on this by modelling respectful relationships and holding space for open and non-judgmental discussions about respect for women and what it means to be a man.”  Executive Director - The Men's Project at Jesuit Social Services Matt Tyler said, “This report shows us that men in NSW who most strongly believe in restrictive rules about what it means to be a man, are far more likely to be doing harm to others, and not doing too well themselves. This is consistent with findings across the country. “What is promising though is that most men don’t actually support these restrictive Man Box rules. These stereotypes don’t reflect who most of us want to be. “If we can intervene earlier, in schools, sports clubs, workplaces and other environments where men and boys are feeling these pressures, then we can demonstrate a range of healthy forms of masculinity and help men flourish, free from the restrictions of the Man Box. We can support men and boys to live fulfilling lives free from violence.” Support: For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.  If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN. 

If you were thinking of driving along the M1 over the next two nights, you need to be aware that Transport for NSW will be closing the St Helena Tunnel for two nights, weather permitting, for maintenance. To reduce the impact on motorists, the work will be carried out at night. The tunnel will be closed to all traffic from 7pm to 5am each night from Monday, 24 to Wednesday, 26 November, reopening at 5am Thursday, 27 November, weather permitting.Northbound traffic will be diverted onto Hinterland Way at Byron Bay Road (Bangalow exit), rejoining the motorway at Ewingsdale. Southbound traffic will be diverted onto Hinterland Way at Ewingsdale Road (Byron Bay exit), rejoining the motorway at Bangalow.The diversions are suitable for all vehicles, and motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes of additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.Routine maintenance of the St Helena Tunnel is carried out every three months and involves a range of measures, such as inspecting the various operating and safety systems.For more information on this work, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/234631, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘McLeods Shoot’ in your Live Traffic NSW app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

As more and more Christmas lights appear on houses across Lismore and the Northern Rivers, one of Lismore's spectacular business light displays is battling to flick the switch for Monday, December 1.Tracy Ward took over the South Lismore Post Office in 2024, and last year she created a Christmas light display that drew many people to make a special trip to South Lismore to enjoy the amazing spectacle.(South Lismore Post Office with its 2024 Christmas decorations. The front weatherboards had to be replaced.)Tracy is under the pump this year because the front weatherboards suffered wood rot from the 2022 floods, which had deteriorated so much that something had to be done."You can't put a display on walls that are falling apart. It was becoming a hazard to the health and occupational safety of the community."It was all flood damage from the amount of water that we received from the last couple of floods, but particularly '22 left us with wood rot so severe that, anywhere along, it was the paint holding the building together. And where the paint was coming away, there were holes through the building, and that put us in a very precarious position.""There's still a lot of damage that needs to be restored. It's just not the front wall; the side wall is now in the same situation. We get to that next"That precarious position left Tracy scrambling for timbers that could match those of the building, originally built in the 1880s and has been operating as a Post Office since 1936, to keep with its heritage.Enter Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, and the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).Yesterday, Minister Saffin said Tracy reached out to ask where such heritage timbers could be found. Ms Saffin referred the problem to Kristie Clarke at the RA, who found some new/old weatherboards that matched Tracy's brief."There was a big gaping hole that I'd seen when I was out walking, and they (the RA) were able to source the timbers, and the timbers are really old timbers. Tracy will talk about that, but they actually come from one of the houses that had to be demolished in Pine Street, North Lismore."As you can see from the photo, the walls are built and in the process of being bogged and sanded. They then need to be painted so that the Christmas decorations can be added next weekend with the help of staff from the Comm Bank."We're going to clean her. We're going to undercoat her. I've got till the end of this week to have her painted enough so that I can get Christmas up. I've just got to get the paint on, because we've got this wonderful promise from Comm Bank locally. It was really mind-blowing to have them come in and say, Right, that's it, how many people do you need? We're going to lend these people to you. So, next weekend, we've probably got a big team landing. We'll get this thing up."And now, at least I can breathe a bit easier knowing that if we do run into trouble this storm season, we're not going to have a huge hole through the front of the building."Tracy is a single mother of four, so she knows how difficult it is not to keep a promise to children."The lights have to be running on December 1 because we've made a promise. You can't break a promise to children. So yes, I am running on no sleep, but that's okay, and I will be working 14 hours a day, like I always do in Post. I'll be up at 530, I'll be in the shop just after six. I'll be leaving at six, and after work, I will be putting up the Christmas display. But that's okay, because, like I said, we pay very, very heartily here."Minister Saffin added, "The Christmas display and the associated activities, and what it does, how it includes all the children, and includes the community. That alone is enough to say, Yep, we've got to help."If you would like to help Tracy achieve her goal of getting her daughter, Heidi, to switch on the Christmas Lights on December 1, pop in to 73 Union Street, South Lismore and ask what needs to be done and when she needs the most help.Your support will help ensure the post office is repaired and ready for its much-loved Christmas decorations - a long-standing local tradition and symbol of community spirit in South Lismore.For Tracy, that spirit is driven by Heidi's story, the Christmas after the 2022 flood. "Heidi is my little girl, and after the flood, she asked Santa, two years running, for the same thing, and it was heartbreaking. She asked him for a toilet and a bed, and Santa didn't have the capacity to provide that. So I made a promise to myself that when Santa was able to provide that for my children, that I would make sure no other child missed out on Christmas, and that was what sparked this last year. "So, it was a little girl who asked for something that you shouldn't have to ask for in a first-world country, and wasn't able to have that fulfilled. So last year, when the lights turned on, Heidi came to Santa Claus, and she had a sack on her shoulder, and she proudly marched up the stairs, and she flicked that light. She doesn't know yet, but she's going to have that same opportunity this year to come and to turn on those lights. We will have a light-turning-on ceremony again. "We will make this happen. And, yeah, Merry Christmas.

With the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasting a week of 33 to 36 degree days, NSW Ambulance is urging people to monitor conditions.NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director Emergency Management, said people need to plan ahead and monitor conditions as heatwave conditions develop across the north of the state, with temperatures forecasted to reach the mid to high thirties.“Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for some people, especially the elderly, babies, children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and people who are unwell or have medical conditions,” Chief Superintendent Vaughan said.NSW Ambulance has issued an Advice warning for these severe-intensity heatwaves. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.Stay hydrated - make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.Keep cool - seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics. Avoid the heat - schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.Check in on vulnerable people - hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle - leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes.Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.  People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000). For further information, updates and advice, go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook and Instagram.For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings, go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.The NSW Rural Fire Service has kept its Fire Danger Ratings at Moderate at this stage.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Lismore and parts of the Northern Rivers.Moist unstable weather conditions are pushing weather cells up from the southwest.The severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Casino, Kyogle and Byron Bay.2cm hail has been observed near Glen Innes around 5pm.Safety adviceThe State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.The next warning is due to be issued by 8:35 pm.

NORPA has concluded its 2025 Dinner Party at the End of the World development series, a season of artist-led exploration, community engagement, and cross-disciplinary creative investment that has brought together some of the Northern Rivers’ most exciting storytellers. Guided by the belief that creativity can help communities adapt and thrive in a changing climate, the series of short works is part of a larger project, Dinner Party at the End of the World, set to premiere in 2027, honouring the courage, generosity, and ingenuity that defined the Northern Rivers community in the wake of the 2022 floods.  Over the past few months, NORPA has supported 41 artists working across theatre, dance, circus, First Nations storytelling, poetry and hybrid forms, delivering labs, workshops and school programs, and engaging with 241 participants across the region. The development series concluded on Saturday, November 15, with a unique community sharing showcase between 160 of the artists, participants and project stakeholders. 46 artists shared their creative responses in a pop-up stage at its new home, The Joinery, which is undergoing repairs and restoration. (Dinner Party at the End of the World was performed at The Joinery, NORPA's new home. Photo: Tajette O'Halloran)NORPA said it was wonderful to see the space overrun with artists, alive with new ideas, bold experiments and the strong sense of community. At the sharing Sprung!! Ensemble explored movement and music through disability led processes and included an incredible spoken word from Tallula Bourne. Bunuba man Fred Copperwaite led a local theatre chorus surrounding community impact and strength. Javanese Australian choreographer Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal explored a riverscape inspired dance, and Proud Yaegl and Widjabul Wia-bul artist Mitch King created inspiring theatre, movement and sound inspired by the Dundurimba swamp lands. The season also strengthened NORPA’s connection with young people through Noa Rotem’s Future Feast program, which engaged 184 students, who explored the impact of catastrophe and the healing of art across in young people in a moving video piece shown at the sharing event, through a partnership with the Catholic Schools Office and the NSW Reconstruction Authority. “We caught a glimpse of these artists’ brave new works — beautiful, thought-provoking, and brimming with creativity. The creative conversations and collaborations unfolding here highlight the vibrant artistic ecology of the Northern Rivers that inspires so much of what we do. "A huge thank you to all the incredible artists and performers involved in this ambitious project. We’re now developing a suite of short films inspired by the works, to be released in the new year”. Julian Louis, Artistic Director On the development series and sharing event, a number of involved artists and community members commented on the success of the showing and their first experience inside The Joinery. Artist Mitch King said, “Saturday was amazing to see everyone's work, and to get a chance to perform in the new space was also incredible. I'm looking forward to continuing to develop and shaping this new work and see where it goes.   Kimberly McIntyre, artist, said, “It was really special on so many levels, not just the work that was shared. I loved seeing what everyone else has been invested in over the last months. NORPA pushed us all into that shell of a building and started the future. Deborah Mills, an audience member, said, “It was exciting to be inside The Joinery and see it functioning as a new arts precinct.”For More information: www.norpa.org.au/events/dinner-party-creative-development/.

Lismore City Council reached an important milestone recently when it completed its 120th flood restoration project following the 2022 natural disasters, with many more to come in the final stages.  Some of the recently completed projects include:  Reopening of Woodlawn Road – reconnecting residents and businesses Restoration of Cabbage Tree Creek Bridge on Hutchinson Road – supporting community access  Refurbishment of Upper Hollingworth Creek flood gate – boosting flood resilience Construction of ten new public amenities buildings, including Lismore Railway Station With essential flood pump upgrades underway and major landslip repairs ongoing in the hills around Nimbin, we can expect to see even more progress over the next 12 months.  “These achievements wouldn’t be possible without the support and encouragement of our community and government partners,” Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said.  “Together, we’re delivering projects that protect homes, connect communities and strengthen our city – with benefits that will be felt for years to come.”  These works are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.  For more information on ongoing projects and updates, visit: www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Business/Flood-Restoration-Portfolio.

Social media companies will soon be forced to do what many of them have long avoided: confirm how old their users really are. Age-gating, the digital version of “No ID, no entry”, has existed in a loose form for years. Most adult-oriented websites, such as alcohol or gambling sites, rely on users ticking a box or entering a birth date to verify their age. Now, Australian regulators are demanding more. From 10 December, new rules introduced by the eSafety Commissioner will require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent anyone under 16 from holding an account. The restrictions aim to reduce the risks young people face online and will apply to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Messaging, educational, and gaming services such as Google Classroom, WhatsApp, Messenger, Discord and Roblox are exempt. Platforms aren’t required to verify every user, but must detect, deactivate and remove underage accounts and avoid relying solely on self-declaration – or risk fines of up to $49.5 million. But while the move is designed to protect children, it raises new questions about privacy and how age can be safely verified online. How will platforms verify age? Under the new framework, social media companies may request government-issued identification but cannot make it mandatory to access the platform. Other measures could include reviewing a user’s search history or using facial-recognition technology. Yet, a government trial earlier this year found that face-scanning technology could estimate a user’s age only within an 18-month range in 85 per cent of cases. Instagram has announced it will use artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate the ages of Australian users. Early testing suggests nine out of 10 teen accounts would remain active under the new system. UNSW security and privacy expert Dr Rahat Masood, from School of Computer Science and Engineering, says major technology companies already use AI to learn more about their users. “Big tech companies don’t need traditional age-gating mechanisms to figure out how old their users are,” she says. “They already know a lot from patterns of behaviour – when someone logs on, who they interact with, what they search for, or whether their geolocation matches a school during the day.” Dr Masood says many under-16s also don’t have government-issued ID, so companies will likely rely on AI systems to verify age. But she warns these models are far from perfect – often experiencing hallucinations and biases. “AI can misjudge age, especially across different demographic groups,” she says. “And how does it tell the difference between someone who’s 15 years 364 days or 16 years and 1 day? The signals are almost identical.” A safer alternative: zero-knowledge proofs Whatever technology is used, the large-scale data collection could expose users to new risks if sensitive information is stored or shared. UNSW cybersecurity expert, Dr Hammond Pearce also from School of Computer Science and Engineering, says while no method is perfect, zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology could offer a privacy-first solution. “ZKP is a cryptographic process that lets one party prove a statement – like being over 16 – without revealing any other personal information,” Dr Pearce says. “We could have a system where the government issues digital tokens confirming a person’s age. “Websites would consume the token to verify the user is over 16 but wouldn’t learn anything else – and the government wouldn’t track which sites use them as well. “It’s a much safer way to verify sensitive information online.” While some European countries have already started to introduce secure digital identity apps, they’re also backed by stronger data-protection laws – an area Australia lags in, says Dr Pearce. “The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation sets some of the world’s toughest data-privacy standards,” he says. “There are very harsh fines against those who violate their standards. “Australia needs to follow suit – so companies take online privacy more seriously.” Not a ban, but a delay Dr Pearce says the new rules won’t ban young people from using social media, but aims to slow down how quickly they join the platforms. “Around 60 to 80 per cent of teenagers would need to stop using social media for the ‘network effect’ to take hold,” he says. “The network effect is typically a positive feedback system, so users derive more value from a product or service as more users join the network. “If their friends can’t access a platform, there’s less incentive to use it. You don’t need to verify every user for the policy to have an impact.” Still, Dr Pearce says achieving complete accuracy would require uploading ID – which could create the kind of privacy risk regulators are trying to avoid. “The only way to be 100 per cent sure is to upload a passport or government-issued ID – and that’s not what we want.” Balancing safety and privacy With just weeks until the new rules come into effect, both experts say the challenge is finding the right balance. “There’s still a lack of clarity on how the government plan to audit social media companies on whether they’ve complied the guidelines,” says Dr Masood. “Protecting children online is crucial but we also need to ensure the solutions don’t create bigger risks in the process.”

The NSW Government has launched its landmark Renewable Fuel Strategy to accelerate the production and use of renewable fuels in NSW to drive down emissions and underpin industrial activity in NSW. The state government says that renewable fuels will help NSW meet its emissions reduction targets, decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, drive economic development and jobs in regional NSW, and improve domestic fuel supply. Renewable fuels are low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels, such as biomethane, sustainable aviation fuel, green hydrogen, biodiesel and renewable diesel. A strong renewable fuels sector will accelerate NSW’s transition away from fossil fuels because these alternatives offer low-carbon solutions for hard-to-electrify sectors like mining, manufacturing, aviation and heavy transport. The Strategy outlines 20 actions to scale up the state's renewable fuel industry, including: Expanding the Renewable Fuel Scheme to include biomethane.Up to $170 million in funding for renewable fuel and biomethane production in NSW.Funding research and innovation to improve industry capability, including crop research and development trials to test and demonstrate biomass production opportunities in partnership with primary producers.Supporting the expansion of GreenPower certification to additional renewable fuels and co-products.The Strategy was developed in collaboration with government and industry stakeholders and informed by feedback gathered from the 2024 discussion paper. It invites collaboration across industry, researchers, investors, and communities to make renewable fuels a core part of NSW’s clean energy future. The Renewable Fuel Strategy is available at www.energy.nsw.gov.au/nsw-renewable-fuel-strategy. Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said, “This is a win-win-win opportunity: a win for jobs, a win for fuel security and a win for the planet. “The Minns Labor Government is boosting local production of renewable fuels to diversify the economy and deliver new jobs, growth and enhanced energy security for our state. “This Strategy shows our commitment to building a robust and resilient renewable fuels industry right here in NSW.”

Lismore has been recognised as one of the clean-air standouts in a major global study by UK-based air-quality researchers HouseFresh.When thinking of clean air, you usually picture the rolling green mountain towns of New Zealand as being at the top of the list. Far from it, eight out of the worst towns or cities for air quality were in New Zealand. Wood-fired heating is the main blame of those results.Lismore placed eighth in Oceania for having some of the cleanest and healthiest air to breathe. The study looked at the tiny particles in the air that affect how clean and healthy it is to breathe, comparing more than a thousand cities and towns worldwide.Lismore recorded 2.8 micrograms per cubic metre, equal to the Gold Coast. The city or town with the best air quality will surprise you; Broken Hill has 1.7 micrograms per cubic metre.Southern Cross University environmental scientist Dr Douglas Tait says the ranking reflects a combination of natural advantages and community choices.“There’s not one single factor that contributes to this,” he said. “It’s a mix of where we’re located in the landscape, the amount of vegetation we have, high rainfall that washes pollutants from the air, and even those sea breezes we still get despite being inland.”Dr Tait noted that clean air plays a significant role in the health and lifestyle of the community, especially for children, older residents, and people with respiratory conditions.“If we think back to the bushfire days, we remember how hard it was to breathe,” he said. “Air quality affects asthma, cardiovascular disease and respiratory illness, particularly as we age. Cleaner air means people don’t have to deal with those impacts as often.”He adds that good air quality encourages people to spend more time outdoors, which further supports wellbeing.“In areas that are more polluted, getting out and walking or biking is a lot less attractive,” he said. “Here, clean air means we can be outside more, which improves health and wellbeing. There are economic benefits too, with fewer sick days, lower healthcare costs, and it’s good for tourism and local businesses.”Dr Tait says the region’s natural assets, from its rainforest hinterland to the new Northern Rivers Rail Trail, all benefit from, and help reinforce the area’s clean-air identity.“This is something we can hang our hat on, the clean and green reputation,” he said. “A ranking like this increases the region’s profile for the right reasons.”He encourages local residents to help protect this advantage by making use of the very thing the region has been recognised for.“Take advantage of the clean air, leave the car at home when you can and get out and walk or bike,” he said. “Not only do we benefit from it, but we help keep it that way as well.”Southern Cross University researchers study how land use, farming, industry and human activity affect the air we breathe.“We work from the land into the air, looking at pollution, farm practices, agricultural practices and industry, and how we can keep the air as clean as it is,” Dr Tait said.He says it’s refreshing to see a positive story about Lismore gaining global recognition.“It is a good news story,” he said. “Hopefully when people Google Lismore, they can start seeing ‘clean air’ instead of ‘flood’.”

NSW firefighters who are battling skin, lung and other cancers will be better supported after the NSW Government passed landmark laws to expand their medical and income support.The ‘presumptive cancers’ legislation, which passed through Parliament yesterday, makes NSW the first jurisdiction in Australia to include two female reproductive cancers as presumptive cancers.The presumption means firefighters lodging a claim no longer have to prove their cancer was caused by work, which can be difficult due to the nature of how these cancers are contracted and the nature of firefighting work.Under the changes, firefighters’ presumptive access to compensation has been expanded to cover ten additional cancers: primary site lung, pancreatic, thyroid and skin cancers, and female and male reproductive cancers, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulval and penile.The inclusion of two female reproductive cancers (vulval and vaginal) as presumptive cancers is a national first and demonstrates the NSW Government’s ongoing efforts to provide equity for male and female first responders.Under the Workers Compensation Act 1987, there are already 12 primary site cancers that are presumed to be work-related for qualifying firefighters, including leukemia, brain, bladder and kidney cancer, as well as breast, testicular and prostate cancer. The list of existing presumptive cancers also covers non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, oesophageal, colorectal and ureter cancer.The laws enhance access to workers compensation for firefighters employed by Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Forestry Corporation and other NSW agencies, as well as volunteer firefighters.All firefighters must serve qualifying periods to be entitled to the presumption. Under the changes, an expert panel will be established to review volunteers’ claims for the additional cancers against a requirement for the firefighter to have regularly engaged in frontline firefighting activity. Under the changes, firefighters diagnosed with one of the ten primary site cancers from 6 August 2025 will have the benefit of the presumption.Firefighters who previously lodged a workers compensation claim that was denied will also be able to lodge a further claim with the benefit of the presumption.Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said, “Today is a special day and I am proud of our government’s demonstrable commitment to support firefighters during the most challenging time they will face.“Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to keep us all safe. This reform is an important step in making sure they are better supported when they need it most.“We know a cancer diagnosis is life-changing and can be devastating for firefighters and the people who care about them. These changes mean they will be able to access entitlements with far less stress, so they can focus on their health and their families.“We are pleased NSW is the first state to recognise two female reproductive cancers as presumptive cancers for firefighters.“The strong partnership we have with the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (FBEU), the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) and Australian Workers Union (AWU) has helped bring about this change and we thank their members and families for their ongoing strong advocacy.”Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis said, “The Minns Labor Government has worked tirelessly to deliver this important reform. It ensures the firefighters who protect our community can access compensation and support through the presumptive cancer provisions.“It’s a good time to become a firefighter or a volunteer safe in the knowledge that those who protect the community will in turn be looked after."This legislation goes further than other states and territories by including reproductive cancers. “By expanding the list of presumptive cancers, we’re recognising the real risks firefighters face on the job and the long latency periods that come with certain cancers.“I would like to thank the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (FBEU), the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) and the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) for their ongoing advocacy.”Secretary of the FBEU, Leighton Drury said, “This result reflects the hard work of professional firefighters who have worked tirelessly with their local members to bring awareness to this issue.“We are pleased with the broad support for which this bill has achieved.“The bill goes a long way to acknowledging the inherent risks of the firefighting profession.”Scott Campbell AFSM, President of the RFSA said, “Volunteer firefighters work at the frontline to keep the community safe from a range of incidents, from bushfire to vehicle and structure fires. RFS volunteers provide fire cover for 95% of NSW, and we thank the government for recognising the value volunteers provide. “We know that bushfire smoke is a threat to the health of volunteer firefighters. These new laws mean volunteers who unfortunately suffer cancer as a result of their service will be properly covered, including those with claims that were previously declined.“We thank the government for delivering new laws that improve the protections for volunteer firefighters, and in particular for providing nation-leading coverage for female reproductive cancers.”

A shower or two is the weather forecast for the weekend, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.The chance of receiving the 3-6mm on both days is low, and there is the possibility of a thunderstorm.As usual, this time of year, it will be warm with 27 and 32 degrees predicted for Saturday and Sunday.Is it me, or are the Christmas Markets occurring earlier this year?The Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary are holding their annual Christmas Craft Market this weekend, over both days:Saturday 22nd November 8:30am - 3:00pmSunday 23rd November 9:00 - 1:00pmAll stalls will be undercover in the William Smith Pavilion at the Lismore Showgrounds. The Auxiliary will have a large range of home-baked goodies, pickles and jams, along with beautifully hand-crafted children’s clothing as well as crocheted, knitted and quilted items.There will be over 30 local and visiting stallholders displaying and selling a wide variety of quality handcrafted products.Lismore Lions Club will hold a BBQ, and Tuc will be there in his van to supply delicious coffee and food.(The 2024 Christmas Craft Market. Photo: supplied)The volunteers of Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary provide services for patients and raise money to purchase equipment for the Lismore Base Hospital, which benefits everyone in the community.The volunteers are men and women from all walks of life contributing in all sorts of ways - eg sewing, baking, knitting, fundraising BBQs, selling raffle tickets and operating the Auxiliary Gift Shop in the Base Hospital foyer. MARKETSWhile on markets, the Lismore Farmers Markets get underway at 7:30 tomorrow morning, selling fresh fruit and veg, Christmas gifts, and even Christmas Trees (or Daintree Pines). Croaker & the Honeybee will be providing the live musicThe Nimbin Markets are on Sunday between 9am and 3pm on Cullen Street. If you are looking for a Christmas gift that is quirky or different, it may pay to head to the hills this weekend.LIVE MUSICKatie Brooke is at the Northern Rivers Hotel on Bridge Street, North Lismore tonight from 7pm, and Chris Fisher - Soul Fish, is performing on Saturday night, also from 7pm.Coming Up at the Lismore Workers Club:Lismore Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, 29 November at 7:30pm and Sunday, 30 November at 3pm. Tickets are $35.The Noughty Nineties Party featuring all your favourites like Blink 182, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Beyonce. Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 7:30pmThe Ultimate Superstars of Country Friday, 6 February 2026Faulty Towers The Dining Experience Friday, 6 March 2026The Italian Tenors Sunday, 19 April 2026To book tickets to any of the above concerts, click here.CHEAPEST FUEL PRICESFuel prices were steady across Lismore, increased in price in Casino, and dropped 2 cents a litre in Ballina over the last seven days.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations:E10 is 176.9 at the Shell Reddy Express on Dawson Street, Lismore, 175.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 172.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 173.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 177.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street, and the Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 174.5 at the Mobil and 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 185.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 190.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 197.9 at the Liberty on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 194.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 185.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 185.9 at The United and the Ampol Casino on Dyraaba Street in Casino, and 189.5 at the Mobil and Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Norco has marked two years since its Lismore ice cream factory reopened after the 2022 floods. The celebration was held today out the front of the iconic Union Street site, with locals lining up for free Cape Byron ice cream, face painting and games for the kids. The event also fell on National Agriculture Day, giving Norco a chance to thank farmers, workers and families across the Northern Rivers. Norco CEO Michael Hampson said the anniversary is a proud moment for the co-operative and for the local community.“We’ve been able to inject around $50 million into the local economy through wages, local jobs and local suppliers,” he said. “It shows the value of the investment that helped us rebuild, and we’ve now been able to repay that through what we’ve delivered for the community.”The Lismore factory has been part of the city for more than a century. It was one of the hardest-hit industrial sites during the 2022 floods, suffering around $100 million in damage. Norco received $34 million in support to rebuild the plant. Hampson said it was the only reason the site could reopen and keep its 130 workers employed.“We have multi-generation families who’ve worked here,” he said. “Rebuilding meant rebuilding jobs. When you put $50 million into the local economy, that money goes around and helps with recovery. It’s been a big lift for Lismore.”Since restarting operations in late 2023, the factory has produced more than 34 million litres of ice cream for supermarkets across the country. Cape Byron, Norco’s premium brand, was relaunched after the floods and is now on shelves nationwide. Hampson said bringing it back was a way to honour the region.“Cape Byron celebrates our local area,” he said. “We’re proud of what we make here, and today we’re giving it away as our thank-you to the community.”Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the Norco story represents the wider recovery of the city and the Northern Rivers.“It’s amazing to stand here less than four years after this site was 14 metres underwater,” he said. “It’s a great recovery story for Norco, for Lismore and for the whole Northern Rivers.”He said Norco’s presence on one of Lismore’s busiest intersections is a reminder that industry has returned and confidence is growing again.“The region is growing and thriving,” he said. “Jobs are everything for a regional city. Keeping those 130 jobs here is critical. Norco is a major employer and a big supporter of our agriculture sector and local events.”The factory grounds were busy throughout the day as families stopped by for ice creams and kids’ activities. Workers mingled with locals, and many long-term employees brought relatives along to celebrate the milestone.Hampson said today was about showing appreciation.“We just wanted to say thank you,” he said. “This community stood with us after the flood. Today is our way of giving something back.”The celebration wrapped up with hundreds of ice creams handed out, a steady crowd of visitors and a strong sense that the factory’s recovery is now firmly part of Lismore’s story.