Restoration works are now rolling out across the Lismore Showground, marking the most significant upgrade the grounds have seen since they were first established. More than 20 buildings are being repaired, rebuilt or redesigned, with project teams moving across the site to fix the damage, and build back better.North Coast National Project Manager Mark Bailey and North Coast National President John Gibson spent time walking The Lismore App through the grounds, showing the progress that has already been made. (Mark Bailey and John Gibson standing in a completely guttered Fine Arts Pavilion)Standing inside the Fine Arts Pavilion, where floodwater reached just under a metre high, Mark gestured to timber stripped back to bone.“Once we took the weatherboards off, we uncovered some termite damage travelling right up into the ceiling,” he said. “That changed the entire scope. We weren’t just repairing flood damage anymore, we were rebuilding some of the structure.”The solution is a building designed to be flood-resilient and practical. Marine ply will line the walls up to 2.4 metres, allowing sections to be unscrewed and replaced quickly after a future flood. Above that, new gyprock will finish the room cleanly, and for the first time in decades, the interior will be functional beyond Lismore Show week.“A lot of the original stands were built in 1905. They had character, yes, but they weren’t compliant, they weren’t accessible, and people had to clamber up on awkward angles just to look at displays,” Mark said. “Now everything will be on wheels. Roller doors are going in. There’ll be storage built in. When the cabinets aren’t out, this will be a designated event space - weddings, dinners, community functions. It won’t sit empty 360 days a year like it used to.”John nodded, noting that future plans include bathrooms at each end of the building.“We won’t get there in this round, the money doesn’t stretch quite that far, but once we do, it’ll open this precinct right up,” he said. “It’ll feel like a venue, not just a pavilion.”From there, we went down to the Jim Muldoon Poultry Pavilion, one of the most historic structures on the grounds, and one of the largest poultry facilities in New South Wales. What was once a dairy cattle shed in the 1950s now hosts shows that draw competitors from across the country.“This is one of the oldest poultry clubs in Australia,” John said. “People travel long distances to be here. It’s well regarded, and it’s been that way for a long time. Our big winter shows bring 800 to 1200 birds. With new pens, we’ll be able to cater for 1,250 comfortably.”The flood left the pavilion underwater, and when the original timber pens were assessed, repairing them proved more expensive than replacing them.“We’ve ordered nearly $200,000 worth of new cages,” Mark said. “They’re better for the birds, easier to clean, healthier overall.Beyond cages, the pavilion will receive freshly painted timbers, mechanical ventilation, new epoxy flooring, new side walls, and weatherboards that still line the perimeter will remain as a visible link to its agricultural past.2026 marks the 125th anniversary of the Poultry Club, a milestone John says will be celebrated in full.“There’ll be special prizes, extra money, a dinner on the Saturday night, we’ll hold it here at the showground,” he said. “Norma’s Kitchen is right across the way, so catering and hospitality are already here. We’ve got things other show societies don’t.”The last stop was the woodchop arena, or what remains of it. The 1900s timber pavilion shifted during the 2022 flood, likely lifting off its piers and settling back down crooked, leaving it structurally unsalvageable.“The flood didn’t just rise, it came through with velocity,” Mark said. “Engineers ruled out repair, the cost was too high, the structure too far gone, so we’re replacing it entirely.”The new facility will be slab-based with a modern skillion roof, and shaded space for seating where grandstands can be rolled in during competition.“Next year’s show includes an Australian title and a couple of state championships,” Mark said. “We’re the only show outside the Royals - Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne - that hosts an Australian championship.”Across the grounds, timelines remain flexible. The original aim was to complete works by May, then June - but lead paint, DA approvals, engineered components and scope adjustments have pushed some completion dates toward July.“It’s an unusual and unique project, 20 buildings affected, some for the first time ever,” Mark said. “This showground has gone through many floods, but the scale and speed of the 2022 event changed everything. This rebuild dwarfs anything before it, not just in size, but in scale of investment. It’s the biggest renewal these grounds have seen.”

Parents are being warned to do their research and only buy legal e-bikes for their children this Christmas, as police crackdown on modified bikes and dangerous riding.Around 600,000 households in NSW now own an e-bike. That number is expected to jump after Christmas Day. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver has urged people to be aware of what type of e-bike they are buying and to check the rules to ensure they are purchasing a legal e-bike.“If you are considering buying an e-bike for Christmas, make sure it complies with NSW law,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.“Don’t get pressured by your children, peers or salespeople into buying the most powerful bike.“Police don’t want someone to make a mistake that costs them their life or causes them serious injury.“We don’t want a Christmas present to become the ultimate buyer’s regret.”Assistant Commissioner Driver said parents had a responsibility to ensure the bike was not modified and urged parents to make sure their child could ride the bike safely before they went onto the road or footpath.“We have seen more modified bikes and powerful motors fitted,” he said. “We need riders to understand the dangers of riding on one wheel, without a helmet or in the dark with no lights.“An e-bike is illegal if it has a greater power output than 500 watts, even if it is limited by software.“Parents must remain vigilant and be aware of how easy it can be to modify the bike.”The NSW Government said it will move to reduce the output power to 250 watts, bringing it in line with all other jurisdictions around Australia.The NSW Government is also reviewing the definition of an e-bike in road rules to close loopholes that allow motorcycle-level devices to be sold and ridden as though they are bicycles.These state changes complement national action. The Commonwealth Government has now committed to reinstating import requirements that ensure e-bikes sold in Australia meet the European safety and quality standard, EN 15194. This will help keep low-quality, easily modified and dangerous devices out of the country.The updated rules are expected to take effect within months and will be done in consultation with retailers and the community to ensure a fair transition.Parents buying an e-bike this Christmas are encouraged to look for:A clear EN 15194 sticker or certificationA motor output of no more than 250 wattsA reputable brand with proper safety documentationA model that has not been modified, “chipped,” or had its speed limiter removedE-bike rules- Rider must primarily propel the bike with the pedals.- Motors are intended to assist when riding uphill or into headwind, not as the primary source of propulsion.- An electrically power-assisted cycle can only have a maximum power output of 500 watts.- The electric motor must cut off when the bicycle reaches 25km/h.- The electric motor should not assist the rider when travelling more than 25km/h but does not prevent the rider travelling faster with their own pedalling or going downhill.- The motor can be used up to 6km/h before the rider must pedal.- Illegal e-bikes are not able to be registered in NSW and are therefore unregistered and uninsured motor vehicles.- All riders and passengers must wear approved helmets that are securely fitted and fastened.- Only children under 16 years of age or adults accompanying a child under 16 can ride on a footpath, unless there are signs prohibiting bicycle riding.- Riders need to keep to the left and give way to pedestrians on shared paths or footpaths.- Mobile phones must be hands free or secured in a commercially manufactured phone holder fixed to the bike.- It is illegal to text, make video phone calls, use social media, or take photos/videos while riding.- Visit Transport for NSW e-bike website for more information.Fines - $818 for illegal e-bike use.- $410 for not wearing an approved helmet.- $410 for holding a mobile phone.- Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to fines or imprisonment.- Penalties apply for negligent or dangerous riding.

BALLINA ROAD NOW OPWN 6:13PMA car accident on Ballina Road between Diadem Street and Rotary Drive has closed the highway in both directions.Live Traffic says Emergency Services are in attendance.Diversions are in place via Dawson Street, Uralba Street and Rotary Drive to travel to and from Goonellabah.This is suitable for B-Doubles.You can expect delays on Rotary Drive, so allow extra travel time.

The new Fernside Bridge is officially open, delivering safer, more reliable access for Fernside Road residents and marking the completion of Lismore City Council’s 11-bridge renewal program. The upgraded structure replaces the ageing 1961 timber bridge and stands more than a metre higher, offering greater flood resilience for a community that has lived with isolation during major weather events.At the opening, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the moment carried added significance because it represented the end of a long-running program to replace damaged and outdated bridges across the LGA.“Today’s a cause for celebration,” she said. “This is the 11th and final bridge Lismore City Council has led in this program, and when you open something that’s been built back better, it really is worth celebrating.”She said locals had already shared their gratitude: “The Mayor and I just walked up the road a bit and talked to one of the locals. She’s already thanked us. She said it was fantastic. She loved it.”The $1.6 million project was delivered by Council with support from the NSW Government, employing more than 30 local subcontractors and suppliers. Mayor Steve Krieg said the investment stayed where it mattered.“Using our local subcontractors and our local council staff keeps that money in the local economy,” he said. “It means that money doesn’t leave our LGA, it stays right here where we so desperately need it.”Cr Krieg said the new bridge offers a lifeline during emergencies, particularly for the rural residents who endured long periods cut off during the 2022 flood.“During the flood the water got right up to houses here,” he said. “The old bridge was a timber structure built 65 years ago and a lot lower. This will allow far greater access even in those high rainfall events. Nobody wants to be isolated, and these bridges are really critical.”Lismore City Council Bridge Engineer Steven Bennetts, who has overseen all 11 bridge upgrades, said the Fernside structure is designed to withstand significant weather events.“The bridge is approximately 1.2 metres higher than the old structure,” he said. “We’ve increased the waterway area too, so it allows more water to flow underneath and helps with flood height levels.”He explained that the new 26-metre single-span design removes the need for central piers, improving both strength and resilience. “There’s no pier lines underneath,” he said. “You’ve basically got abutments either side. That’s the longest span you can get with the type of plank we use.”Additional works included sealing the approaches and adding scour protection to prevent erosion. “We’ve done a lot more scour protection upstream and downstream,” Bennetts said. “It all helps make the bridge more resilient.”While Fernside Bridge is the final to open under the program, its completion ties together a much larger recovery effort that has stretched from Terania Creek to Nimbin and Rosebank. Cr Krieg said that sense of security is at the heart of why the project matters.“We met a gentleman today who’s still reliving the trauma of being isolated during the flood,” he said. “Having infrastructure that can withstand moderate to major floods is really important. It ensures people aren’t cut off when they most need connection.”For the residents who rely on this bridge every day - families, farmers, and the rural community - its opening is more than an engineering milestone. It’s a step forward in building back stronger.

Cancer survival rates in NSW are at an all-time high, with 73 per cent of people surviving at least 5 years after a cancer diagnosis, up from 71 per cent, according to a new report from the Cancer Institute NSW.The Cancer in NSW Report 2025 highlights the state’s collaborative, world-leading efforts to reduce cancer’s burden and how advancements in immunotherapy, genomics and diagnostics, as well as digital health and artificial intelligence, are transforming the way we prevent, detect and treat cancer.The report shows cancer incidence rates are stabilising and mortality rates are decreasing, with bowel and lung cancers having the greatest decrease in mortality rates over the past ten years.The report also outlines key efforts underway to reduce inequitable cancer outcomes, with Aboriginal people twice as likely to die from cancer than non-Aboriginal people, and people with the lowest socioeconomic status 50 per cent more likely to die from cancer than people with a high socioeconomic status.Initiatives to boost access to cancer clinical trials, including targeted grants for priority populations, are increasing participation. Nearly 3,300 people enrolled in a cancer clinical trial in 2024–25, up from 2,571 the previous year. The number of unique clinical trials also grew from 795 to 858.Other key initiatives highlighted in the report helping to improve cancer outcomes include:$21 million to support research in prevention and early detection, diagnosis, treatment and living well with and beyond cancer15 behaviour change campaigns on anti-vaping and anti-tobacco, breast, bowel and cervical screening and skin cancer preventionThe introduction of machine reading technology to support radiologists to interpret mammography images, as well as breast density reporting across BreastScreen NSW.Now in its sixth iteration, the NSW Cancer Plan 2022-2027 is helping guide the state’s cancer control efforts. As the state’s dedicated cancer control agency, the Cancer Institute NSW is working together with more than 80 organisations across government, non-government and community to reduce cancer’s impact and save more lives.The NSW Government invests around $180 million each year, through the Cancer Institute NSW, to improve cancer outcomes and lessen its impact for people across the state. Key insights from the report:The 5-year cancer survival rate is 73% (for 2017-21, up from 71% in the previous five year period)55,719 people in NSW are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 202516,241 people in NSW are expected to die from cancer in 20251 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85People living in regional and rural NSW have an 11% increased risk of receiving a cancer diagnosis, and an almost 20% increased risk of death from cancer than their city counterparts Aboriginal people are 1.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 2 times more likely to die from the disease than non-Aboriginal people The most socioeconomically disadvantaged people in NSW are 1.5 times more likely to die from cancer than the least socioeconomically disadvantagedThe 5 most common cancers expected to be diagnosed by the end of 2025 are prostate, breast, melanoma of the skin, bowel and lung cancerThe 5 most common causes of cancer death by the end of 2025 are expected to be lung, bowel, pancreatic, prostate and breast cancerOverall incidence rates of cancer in people under 50 years-old has risen slightly, with the incidence rate 6% higher in 2023 than in 2014269 children aged 0-14 years are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025392 adolescents and young adults (15-24 years) are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025.Health Minister Ryan Park said, “Cancer is a disease that doesn’t discriminate and has the power to change lives in an instant. While our state’s survival rates rank among the best in the world, collectively cancers remain the leading cause of premature disease related death.“Our growing and ageing population means the demands on cancer care will continue to rise, so it’s absolutely critical our efforts continue to rise and meet this.“There’s still a lot more to do, but we’re deeply committed to improving cancer outcomes and addressing the unique needs of our diverse communities, I’m proud to see this highlighted in the report.”NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM said, “While NSW is recognised as a global leader in cancer outcomes, very few people are untouched by this devastating disease, and we must continue with our efforts to tackle cancer and its profound burden on our community collectively.“At the heart of this report are the unique perspectives and experiences of people living with and beyond cancer and the world-leading teams of experts and community leaders working together to change the future of cancer.”

Almost half (49%) of Australian pool owners are unsure if their pool gate would pass a safety inspection, with new research revealing widespread complacency as the peak drowning season approaches.The latest MagnaLatch® Pool Safety Report shows a worrying decline in vigilance, with close to three-quarters (70%) of pool owners admitting they hadn’t checked their pool gate in the past six months or more. 41% admitted they simply don’t think about it, while 21% are unsure what to look for and almost a quarter (24%) claim to not have the time.The data released in a partnership between D&D Technologies and Kids Alive as part of Check Your Pool Gate Month, reveals that almost half (45%) of pool owners would feel extremely worried and unsafe if they discovered their pool gate wasn’t protecting their family properly. Yet, close to a third (30%) of families have left their pool gate open when cleaning it.Laurie Lawrence, founder of Kids Alive and Check Your Pool Gate Month Ambassador, stresses that the findings show too many Australians are putting lives at risk through inaction and misplaced confidence.“This report is a real wake-up call,” says Laurie. “We’ve made significant progress in drowning prevention over the years, but we can’t afford to relax. Pool gates save lives yet too many people assume theirs is working fine without ever checking. That kind of complacency is dangerous.”The call comes as more than a third (33%) of pool owners do not remember when they had last gained a recent safety compliance certificate, with 13% admitting they hadn’t had one since the pool was first installed. Furthermore, 69% of Australians wouldn’t know how to fix or upgrade their pool gate or fence if it didn’t meet the safety standards and only 15% talk about pool safety regularly with family or friends.The leading reason for not checking or repairing gates was forgetfulness (41%), followed by lack of time (24%) and uncertainty about what to look for (21%). Australians are also underestimating the risk of minor faults or delays in fixing latches, with a third (36%) admitting they would rely on someone else to notice or fix the issue.“It only takes a moment for tragedy to strike,” continues Laurie. “A faulty gate can be just as dangerous as leaving a child unsupervised in the pool. It’s not just a gate, it’s a lifesaver.”Emma Lawrence, Operations Director of Kids Alive and Check Your Pool Gate Month Ambassador, says she feared pool owners were not aware of the immediate danger of leaving a pool gate propped open.“Although most families admitted they would feel very concerned if they discovered their gate wasn’t protecting their families; nearly a third are still propping it open when they are cleaning the pool, or most concerningly when a lot of people were using it,” says Emma.“We want people to understand there is never a time when it is okay to leave a pool gate open because it is the immediate first line of defence for protecting little ones from drowning. If they can’t get in, you diminish the risk.“The reality is most drownings occur in backyard pools, so we need to be most vigilant at home,” adds Emma.With summer around the corner, Check Your Pool Gate Month is reminding all Australians to take a few minutes to inspect their gates. Pool owners can provide the utmost safety for their families by upgrading the security of their gate hardware and ensuring they work properly.“One in three families believes pool owners should get an official safety inspection, and while we applaud and certainly encourage that sentiment, there are still things people can do themselves to make their pool gates safer. Checking the gate works properly only takes a few minutes, but it can mean the difference between life and death. Let’s make sure our kids are safe before they swim,” concludes Laurie.A comprehensive pool safety checklist is available at www.checkyourpoolgate.com.au, offering essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all.

Two significant points to come out of yesterday's Northern Rivers Economic Profile and Natural Hazard Impacts Report (yes, we do need to find a way to shorten the name) were collaboration and resilience.As we know, the governments spent 97% of their disaster funding on recovery and only 3% on preparedness. That is slowly changing, with some reports saying this is now 93% to 7%, while the Colvin report says it could be 87% to 13%. Whichever is correct, there is still a long way to go before we reach close to 50/50, where we spend as much on preparedness as we do on recovery.Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said a Climate Council table puts the Federal seat of Richmond (Tweed, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Byron and Ballina) as having the highest number of properties at high risk in the country, that is 31,564 or 28.88%. The Page electorate next door (Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Woodburn, Grafton) is at Number 5 nationally, with 16.93% or 18,636 properties. One would think that Page's percentage has been reduced due to the Resilient Homes Buyback Program.While the imbalance in disaster spending shifts slowly, there are many wonderful examples of businesses that are building resilience into their long-term flood plans, as they learn to adapt to a changing climate.For some in the CBD, it was lining the walls with villaboard, a product known to be more moisture resistant than plasterboard. For two South Lismore businesses, it was taking measures to a whole new level.The Lismore App revealed in September that Joel Jensen Construction built a new building on Elliot Road on a floating slab to counteract Lismore's famous pug soil, and that the first-floor walls were built with SipForm, a new foam product that is water-resistant, mould-resistant and fire-retardant."Basically, the way we've built this, when the water comes through, we'll open up the doors, open up the roller doors at the back, lift out our tables and chairs that we've got. Other than that, everything else is pretty flood-resistant. We'll just let the water go through, have a couple of stubbies, let it go down, hose it out, and play on," Joel said. He estimated his downtime to be a week at most.On the southern end of South Lismore at the Mountain Blue Packing Facility on Habib Drive, Managing Director Andrew Bell explained their new fish tank resilience measures, which he describes as "completely flood proof"."It's large panels made out of this sort of carbon fibre product. They're fairly light. We have them stored at the shed."We bring them out. They're bolted to the floor. They're reinforced. It takes about a day and a half to put them up. We've practised several times, the team's pretty good at it."We take a pretty conservative approach. If we think there's going to be an issue, we throw it up. It's about 16/17 feet high."Unfortunately, we can't test the product, but we're fairly confident. We've seen it in person in Florida, where it floods a lot, so we have a fair level of confidence."Both Joel and Andrew have said that buying and installing flood resilient measures is cheaper than the alternative, which is buying land out of flood in Goonellabah or Alstonville and building new premises.Taking the cost aside, both men have grown up in the area and want to remain in South Lismore."Lismore is part of our family and what we do. And so, if we can, we'd rather not leave. I think it's really important that people do stay and invest in the region.Another twist in the tail was finding available land, let alone the cost. The new report noted that the lack of suitable industrial land in the Northern Rivers was a barrier to business growth.The second part of the solution for Lismore and Northern Rivers growth is collaboration. Collaboration between LGAs and businesses.It has been something that has been attempted before, through the formation of the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation (NRJO), yet we have not seen a regional master plan or any evidence of a cohesive approach to increase the Gross Regional Product.There is work being done through Business NSW Northern Region with ProspER, which is a business-led initiative to build and unlock the full potential of our region. Deloitte noted in its report that a coordinated regional land-release and servicing strategy is needed to help deliver infrastructure where it is most needed. That can only be done by local council's working together for a greater good.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) yesterday released its landmark report revealing the scale of economic disruption experienced in Lismore and the Northern Rivers following three natural disasters over the past six years.The Northern Rivers Economic Profile and Natural Hazard Impacts Report, created by Deloitte Access Economics, examines the cumulative impact of the 2019–20 bushfires, the 2022 floods and ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in 2025 on the region. The report does not look at any one city/town in isolation, so although Lismore was the hardest hit in the 2022 floods, the impact is on a regional level.This landmark study is a first for regional Australia; it provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of how the disaster has affected the region’s people, infrastructure and future development. Insights from this report will directly inform the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan, the first region-wide plan to reduce disaster risk.A group of prominent businesspeople, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and local Mayors attended a breakfast at the Lismore Workers Club, where the report was presented. They discovered that the Northern Rivers Gross Regional Product (GRP) – the value of all goods and services produced for the Northern Rivers – took a cumulative $4 billion hit from these disasters over the past six years.The report also estimates that these disasters resulted in $6.9 billion of socio-economic costs, of which, $3.7 billion was associated with the 2022 floods.The economic recovery varied following each disaster, with the 2022 floods taking eight months and ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred taking one month.The costs include economic losses to businesses, homeowners and public assets, as well as indirect economic impacts from lost productivity and supply chain disruption. Plus, the social costs to health and mental well-being. And finally, the money spent by all levels of government in emergency response, recovery and government support.Encouragingly, despite these devastating economic impacts, the report found that the region’s GRP still grew by 17.9% in real terms since 2019, reaching $22.8 billion in 2024. This growth matches that of Regional NSW at 18% (for the same period), which has not experienced the same range of natural hazard disasters as the Northern Rivers.David Rumbens, a Partner at Deloitte Access Economics, said government spending has certainly contributed to the Northern Rivers recovery and the region's GRP, but there are underlying economic strengths of its own."The region has many strengths across agriculture, forestry, tourism, healthcare, construction. Part of the government effort is supporting the region, so it's contributing to the region's growth, but the region has its own underlying strengths."Key industries like agriculture and tourism were highly exposed to the impacts of natural hazards, while businesses identified the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure—power, transport, and telecommunications— as a major concern. Other challenges include high insurance costs, housing shortages, labour stress, and the cumulative impact of disasters on business viability and wellbeing.The report stated that insurance costs had risen 94% between 2021 and 2024.Report findings will help identify priority risks, shape targeted risk reduction actions and support the development of long-term adaptation pathways to deliver the greatest social and economic benefit for the region.As this next stage of adaptation and recovery planning begins, the RA is committed to working closely with local communities. Their insights and experience will be central to shaping an adaptation plan that reflects local priorities, shapes targeted risk reduction actions, strengthens resilience, and supports long-term regional renewal.To find out more about the Northern Rivers Adaptation Plan, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/disaster-adaptation-plans/northern-rivers-dap.NSW Reconstruction Authority A/Head, Adaptation, Mitigation & Reconstruction Kristie Clarke said, “We all know that economies take a hit every time disaster strikes. Now, for the first time, we have measured the true size of the hit to the Northern Rivers economy across three disasters.“We need to collaborate, innovate and work together, across industries and businesses, to champion resilience, invest in adaptation and shape an economically strong and disaster-resilient Northern Rivers.“Encouragingly, this report highlights that many businesses in the Northern Rivers are already taking the necessary steps towards that goal.”

Kate Fitzgerald has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, following a competitive recruitment process.With an extensive career spanning the full emergency management spectrum, including senior executive and CEO positions in both the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, Ms Fitzgerald returns to her home state almost 25 years after first joining the NSW SES as a volunteer.As CEO, Ms Fitzgerald will lead disaster recovery and preparedness efforts across New South Wales, ensuring communities are better supported to rebuild and become more resilient in the face of future events.Ms Fitzgerald’s appointment follows Kate Meagher, who led the NSW Reconstruction Authority as interim CEO while recruitment was underway. The role was made vacant after Mal Lanyon became the state’s 24th Police Commissioner. Ms Fitzgerald will start in the role on 9 February 2026Established in December 2022, the NSW Reconstruction Authority works proactively to reduce the impact of floods, fires and other major disasters, while coordinating recovery efforts to ensure communities can rebuild stronger.More information about the NSW Reconstruction Authority and its preparedness and recovery programs is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority.Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said, “Kate’s passion, commitment and extensive experience in disaster management and community safety equip her well to lead the NSW Reconstruction Authority.“Just like the thousands of people around our state, who don uniforms out of a sense of duty to their community, Kate started on the frontline as a NSW SES volunteer.“From these humble beginnings, she has built a remarkable career which has taken her into some of the most senior leadership positions in the country.“Her leadership will be invaluable as NSW continues long-term recovery efforts and strengthens preparedness for the increasing frequency and severity of disasters.“I want to thank Mal Lanyon for his leadership in supporting communities to recover from the Northern Rivers floods and other disasters over the last two years. Kate is the perfect person to carry this legacy forward.”“I also acknowledge and thank all NSW Reconstruction Authority staff for their dedication to supporting communities in preparedness and recovery right across our state.”Incoming CEO, Kate Fitzgerald said, “Starting out as an SES volunteer in this state taught me the foundations of public service – community, commitment and stepping up when it matters most.  “To return now and lead the NSW Reconstruction Authority with all that I have learned is truly an honour. “I am looking forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, partners and the communities we serve.“Together, we can build on our agency’s strengths and continue to grow the resilience of our state – ensuring that every community is better prepared, better supported and better connected for the challenges ahead.”

As mentioned early this morning, Lismore City Council has unveiled its 2025 Community Christmas Tree, marking ten years since staff first began building large-scale trees in the CBD. Interestingly, upcycled is the term used in 2025, where it has been recycled in the previous 9 years.The tree went up this morning on the corner of Keen and Magellan streets, much to the delight of locals who now make a sport of viewing, judging, critiquing and enjoying the design each year. Lismore CouncilThis year’s tree features more than 150 upcycled kerbside bin lids, mostly yellow, wrapped in fairy lights and decorated with recycled toys from the Revolve Shop, as a bright reminder to the community to keep recycling and to signal that the city is open for business.Since 2015, Council staff have turned everything from old bikes and tyres to road signs, umbrellas, potted plants, recycled drums and hundreds of PET bottles into Christmas trees in their own time, each one built from materials recovered through local waste and recycling services. Lismore City Council General Manager Eber Butron said the project has been a rare mix of creativity, engineering and civic pride. “This tree began as a simple idea, staff volunteering to give something back to the community, and it has grown into a decade-long showcase of what a circular economy looks like when you take it seriously,” he said. “Thank you to the 2025 team of staff who, in their own time, put this together and join other staff members over the years who have welded, painted, wired or dragged materials out of the recycling stream to make Christmas in Lismore unique.”Council’s Infrastructure Project Manager Martin Soutar, who led this year’s team, said this year’s multi-coloured bin lid design is a deliberate full circle moment. (The 2025 Christmas tree features soft toys and Santa on each side)“We wanted the tenth tree to be a fun yet blunt reminder that what goes in your kerbside recycling bin matters,” he said. “We need to limit what goes into the red bin and maximise what we recycle into the green and yellow bins”“We hope the community enjoys the design, has a fantastic festive season and makes sure Christmas and holiday season packaging ends up in the right bin.”Around the rest of the CBD over the coming days, Council will install more traditional decorations, including the much-loved Santa holding up the iconic bent pine Christmas tree, with decorations hanging from trees, wrapped around bollards and scattered through key streets and centres to bring Lismore to life with Christmas cheer.Also adding to the Christmas cheer, Council is rolling out a Christmas in Lismore program that includes Carols in the Heart this Saturday (6 December) featuring Lismore’s own Rachael Beck with Rhydian and the Residuals, Bunny Racket, Hillbilly Skank, Isabella A Capella, Luke Vasella and a visit from Santa, Santa’s Wonderland at Lismore Regional Gallery from 5 to 21 December, an Elf Hunt in CBD shop windows throughout December and Pawtraits at the Lismore Quad on 6, 13 and 20 December. For more information on Christmas festivities in Lismore, visit www.xmasinlismore.com.

A new opportunity for the Northern Rivers’ emerging leaders to connect, learn and grow will launch this week with the establishment of the Northern Rivers Young Professionals Network - a Business NSW Regional Leaders initiative created to empower the region’s next generation of talent.A free event will be held at Ballina RSL this Wednesday, 3 December from 3.30pm to 6.00pm, featuring inspiring speakers followed by relaxed networking drinks and nibbles.Business NSW Regional Director Jane Laverty said the initiative comes at a critical time for the region as its young workforce grows and diversifies.“We have a growing number of young people staying in the region and others who grew up here returning sooner than ever before. I think it’s important they see the grass is just as green here as in the cities - and that starts with creating meaningful opportunities for them to connect with each other,” Ms Laverty said.The Network is open to 20–39-year-olds who live and work in the Northern Rivers and are looking to build their careers, deepen local connections and strengthen their leadership capability. Participants will be able to engage with peers from across industries, hear from local leaders and contribute their ideas on the future of the region.“This initiative is about building a strong pipeline of future leaders who see the Northern Rivers as a place where they can thrive, make an impact and be part of shaping what comes next for our region,” Ms Laverty said.Business NSW encourages young professionals across the Northern Rivers, from early career starters to emerging managers and entrepreneurs, to register now via Humanitx or by emailing eryn.berryman@businessnsw.comEVENT DETAILSWhat: Northern Rivers Young Professionals Network – Launch EventWhen: 3.30pm–6.00pm, Wednesday 3 DecemberWhere: Ballina RSLCost: FreeWho: Young professionals aged 20–39Inclusions: Professional development speakers, networking drinks and nibblesRegistration: Essential – https://events.humanitix.com/northern-rivers-young-professionals.“I am keen to meet our emerging leaders and hear their insights on what we need to do to ensure this region continues to retain and attract the best talent and this will directly influence the ProspER Northern Rivers – Regional Economic Development Plan 2040 recommendations. They are integral to our future prosperity and sustainability as a region.” Mrs Laverty said.

Lismore will be a hive of activity in the flood recovery building space in 2026. The Resilient Lands Program has been in the planning and negotiation stage for many years, and very soon, according to Member for Lismore and Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, it will finally be time to build.In the latest Talking Lismore podcast, Ms Saffin also discussed the new Northern Rivers Economic Profile and Natural Hazard Impacts Report put together by the highly respected international firm, Deloitte at the request of the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).More will be said about the report in the coming days as it is being presented to 80-plus business owners and managers at breakfast meeting today at the Lismore Workers Club.The report looks at the socio-economic impact of three natural disasters: the 2019 Bushfires, the 2022 Floods and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March this year. The 2022 Floods obviously had the highest socio-economic cost, $3.7 billion, compared to $2 billion for Alfred and $1.2 billion for the bushfires.One of the takeaways from the report that impressed Ms Saffin, was the strength and resilience of our regional economy."In some areas, we started better off than other regions, and we've continued that. Part of it was our diverse economy as well. Yes, we took a hit with the floods, and that's measurable, and we can see it, but even with that, we've sustained that strength and resilience. So that was a pleasant surprise to me."That diversity is the different types of industries that keep our city ticking over. In Lismore, it is service-led industries, like Health Care and Social Assistance, Education & Training, and Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing, to name the top three."It has sustained us throughout all the shocks we've had from COVID, or bushfires, or floods, you know, disasters. Some people clearly took a battering, but it has sustained us. And it was a pleasant surprise to read it. We know it locally, because we live here in Lismore, but in the region, we're quite strong."But also, we don't really have a regional economic strategy, and it would be good if we could come together to develop that. Now, two things are underway: Business NSW Regional Northern, with Jane Laverty, is doing some really groundbreaking work on PROSPER. I was able to get them $250,000, a very small investment to do this work. They're looking at the big picture in the region and asking what more can we do? All the businesses have been engaged in it. So there's some great work going on there."PROSPER involves local councils; however, it is business-led, so Ms Saffin has more confidence in its success when looking at future growth industries for the Northern Rivers than with the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation (NRJO)."I would hope that they could lead in some of that work. And also, quite a few years ago, I did get some funding put aside to do the vision work and the scoping work for a Regional Economic Master Plan, and that hasn't seen the light of day yet."Over the years, it's been a real challenge to lead something at a regional scale through forerunners to the NRJO. They did agree that we should have a master plan, but it's still limping along. That is the kindest way I can say it. I did get money. It was put aside. And then, of course, it disappeared, because two years down the track, it wasn't used. And I said, It becomes very difficult to keep hanging on to government money."RESILIENT LANDS PROGRAMThe progress being made on the 50 Build to Rent properties in East Lismore is impressive. Of course, it took quite some time to get to this point because of the negotiated sale of the land from Southern Cross University to the RA, and the planning and approval process that is involved."Landcom are doing it, and Landcom are experienced. They're experienced developers. So it's absolutely great to have them charging ahead. I felt the same. I announced it over a year and a half ago, talked about it, looked at it, but it's going."And now, within a week or so, we'll also be out there with the other part of the development, up to 400 sites. So we're cracking on with that. That will be soon."And then North Lismore. That land is now owned by the government under the Resilient Lands Program. Signed the contract, done deal. That will be with Homes New South Wales. So, that's another one you'll hear about more soon, but they're getting ready to go."Richmond River High School, that's signed off too. I actually signed it as Minister for Recovery that Section 68. So let's crack on."South Lismore Public School has started preparatory work for its build as another sign of recovery, and when we spoke about the progress being made at Mt Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah, we could take about the scaffolding around the houses."Words fail me as to the glacial pace, that's all I'll say. I'll leave it there," Ms Saffin lamented.THE PACER PROGRAMFinally, we have someone employed to be the PACER (Police Ambulance Clinical Early Response) person to help keep the CBD safe. The PACER program is a collaboration between NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and the Northern NSW Local Health District, in this case."Someone wants the job, and it's like hallelujah. She's been on the ground a couple of weeks and out and about with the police. That was the whole purpose of PACER working hand in glove with police, and Acting Superintendent Susie Johnston has welcomed her."Police get called out a lot, and as we know, and quite often, it's because of disturbances by people with mental health, and the PACER person can work with them. The police are law enforcers, that's what they do, and they do it well, but having someone with them who is a trained clinician practitioner can help de-escalate or defuse a situation. They can help if they need to be taken into some care, get that to happen or work all of that out. It just diffuses situations and can be safer as well for police and the people."EAST LISMORE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTThe East Lismore Treatment Plant has been in a stalemate for some time, so it was time to ask Ms Saffin, as Minister for Recovery, for an update. Lismore City Council want over $80 million to rebuild the plant and put it out of future floods. Mayor Krieg has said they have been offered $36 million."First of all, as the Member for Lismore, I live in Lismore. If we could build it so that it was much better than what it was, because it was pretty ordinary, it wasn't in good shape, and if we could build it back better and it was out of flood, that's fantastic. That's what I want as a local person. "But the $145 million that was announced. I was at the announcement. I saw the language in the media release. And I've always cautioned ministers about being careful, under promise and over deliver, because I've been in so many disasters. I see the language. So, I was there, and that was Minister Kevin Anderson in Premier Perrottet's government that announced it. At the time, I was told it was for immediate repairs to water and wastewater networks, emergency works, then longer term, permanent repairs, and in some cases, there could be increased flood resilience that were feasible within the $145 million allocation. "I think reading it, we might think it's just for Lismore, it's not, it was for the Northern Rivers region, and it was announced for the Northern Rivers region. It was announced for seven local government areas, Clarence, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Tweed and Rous County Council. So, everyone had to share in it. Lismore would get the lion's share, understandably, so, up to $80 million, up to the waste and the water, and everyone else had to share in that. "The first time I heard about it was when the mayor was going to meet with the premier about it, and I said, show me what was said and done, what was promised, because I had stuff from NRRC and Reconstruction Authority and Public Works. I said, show me where it said that, and I don't have anything that shows me that. "I do understand that the then General Manager, just after the floods, had said it would be over $100 million he wanted. I remember that, but I haven't seen anything in writing. What I do have in writing contradicts that."I'm not saying I don't want it. I do. I'm a Lismore resident. But also, I did say, prosecute it outside of this. This was locked in ages ago, the $145 mill, and it was for all the councils. So, put your argument forward separately."It sounds like Lismore City Council, Mayor Steve Krieg and General Manager Eber Butron need to sit down with Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, and finalise a path forward.The full Talking Lismore podcast can be heard by clicking the link, or for Lismore App website readers, click here.

December 1; yes, it's the first day of summer, but more importantly, it is a day when Christmas spirit kicks in around Lismore.This morning, Lismore City Council constructed and revealed its 2025 Christmas tree in the Magellan/Keen Street roundabout island. It is always a topic of conversation around town.The South Lismore Post Office has completed its renovation (South Lismore PO receives historic timbers from Pine Street for Christmas), and is now decorated. Tracy and her family are ready to flick the Christmas Lights switch tonight.The Lismore App Christmas button has also launched today on the front page, just look for the tree.As usual, we have a list of Christmas fun and activities for you to peruse, such as:CarolsEvents and MarketsCharity Pop-ups and gift wrappingWe have also introduced something new this year: Lismore App Christmas Music.When the Christmas Lights list goes live, we want you to be able to play Christmas music in the car with the push of a button. There is nothing better than families singing along to Jingle Bells or All I Want For Christmas Is You loudly while doing the annual Christmas Light drive.The Christmas Lights button will be switched on soon. We are giving households another week to finish their Christmas decorations.If you have a Christmas light display, don't hesitate to get in touch, so we can add your house to the list displayed on the Lismore App. Or, if you know of an event or markets we haven't covered, email simon@lismoreapp.com.au.Santa visits, Church Services and Christmas Messages will be added to the Christmas button in the coming weeks.We are definitely on the downhill run towards Christmas and the end of the year. Students finish the school year on Friday, December 19, and Christmas Day is just over three weeks away.Remember to shop local.

As we roll into December, Christmas isn't the only event on Lismore residents' minds. The reopening of Lismore Cinemas on Wednesday, December 17, is a close second.As the rebuild takes shape, owner Luke Mackey has outlined what cinematic experience moviegoers will receive when they walk through the doors over the festive season. We feel you will be excited.The completely rebuilt 4-screen cinema complex combines world-class cinematic technology, handcrafted interiors, and a deep local spirit — positioning it as one of Australia’s most advanced regional cinemas.The revitalised complex features four state-of-the-art auditoriums, including “The BIG Screen” and “The Wilson,” each delivering a distinct experience that celebrates the art and emotion of cinema.The BIG Screen – When Size MattersThe crown jewel of the venue, The BIG Screen, is a premium-format auditorium anchored by a massive 16-metre-wide screen, a Barco 4K laser projection system, high-contrast lenses, and an enveloping KRIX 7.1 sound array.Designed for cinematic spectacle, it delivers pin-sharp visuals and thunderous, perfectly tuned audio that wraps audiences in every moment.Paired with luxury recliners, daybeds, and deep-comfort seating, The BIG Screen offers the kind of sensory experience once reserved for capital-city multiplexes — now reborn in the heart of the Northern Rivers.(Artist Impression: The BIG Screen auditorium. Photo: supplied)The Wilson – Boutique Brilliance and Atmos ImmersionAt the other end of the spectrum sits The Wilson, an intimate, boutique cinema blending art-deco warmth with cutting-edge technology. It features a 44-channel Dolby Atmos sound system, woven acoustic screen, and bespoke high-contrast optics that bring both blockbusters and arthouse films to life in breathtaking detail.What makes The Wilson truly unique, however, is its dual purpose. Designed in collaboration with sound engineers and film professionals, it is the first Australian cinema that can double as a sound-editing and mixing suite. This groundbreaking capability gives creatives access to the exact environment where audiences will ultimately hear their work — a true cinema-grade mixing space that bridges artistry and audience.Filmmakers and post-production teams will be able to book The Wilson for private sessions, guiding their sound mix in full Atmos on theatrical-grade speakers and projection systems. It’s a major step forward for regional creative industries — positioning Lismore as a genuine hub for production as well as exhibition.(Artist Impression: The Wilson – boutique cinema with Dolby Atmos and sound-editing capability. Photo: supplied)Beyond the Screens – Food, Drink, and CultureInside, the Candy Bar has been completely reimagined as a sleek, modern hospitality space — blending retro cinema charm with fresh, local flavours. It features specialty coffee, locally sourced sweets, premium popcorn, and a curated drinks menu that turns a night at the movies into a full experience.(Artist Impression: The reimagined Candy Bar, where local flavour meets cinema nostalgia. Photo: supplied)The cinema’s “Cinema Culture Club” invites everyone — from students and families to cinephiles — to join a new kind of community loyalty program. Members will enjoy special access to screenings, exclusive events, and themed nights celebrating cinema Culture. “Cinema should be for everyone,” says Luke Mackey, owner of Lismore Cinemas and Director of Entertainment Australia. “Our goal was to bring the best technology in the world to a regional city — not just to wow audiences, but to reignite a passion for the big-screen experience. Lismore deserves that. The people here have heart, and this cinema is built to match it.”Leading day-to-day operations is Tammi Sloane, the newly appointed General Manager and a proud Lismore local. “For me, it’s deeply personal,” Sloane says. “I grew up coming to this cinema. To help reopen it and welcome our community back — with incredible hospitality and local jobs — means everything. We want people to feel looked after the moment they step through the doors.”(Artist Impression: Cinema 2 – 3D screen, high comfort, modern projection, and sound. Photo: supplied)It won't just be inside the theatre that receives an overhaul. As seen previously, the exterior will feature an Art Deco facade where every detail of Lismore Cinemas has been designed to evoke pride and wonder. The venue combines local heritage with the highest standards of global exhibition technology — proof that regional audiences deserve nothing less than world-class.(Artist Impression: The art-deco façade of Lismore Cinemas – a regional icon reborn. Photo: supplied)Mark it in your calendars, Lismore, Wednesday, December 17, less than three weeks away.

After almost four decades as a family-led Stock & Station agency, Ian Weir & Son Pty Ltd has been sold to George & Fuhrmann, marking the next chapter for one of Lismore’s most enduring rural businesses.The company began on 1 July 1986 when Ian Weir, his son Glenn, Kevin Cocciola and Neil Short purchased the long-established Keith McLeay Pty Ltd. Since then, the business has grown steadily, purchasing Gil Crawford & Co in 1991 and Walker Gordon in 2003, building a reputation for reliability, continuity and long-standing client relationships.Speaking with the Lismore App, Glenn said the decision to sell was reached only after months of reflection and discussion.“It was yes one day and no the next,” he said, acknowledging the significance of parting with a business that has shaped both his working life and the experience of many local farmers.“It was a big thing to think about. But Dad always used to say you never knock back a good offer because you never know when the next one might come along.”What ultimately gave the founders confidence in the transition was George & Fuhrmann’s commitment to maintaining the existing staff and the way the business operates. Glenn said this was a non-negotiable element from the outset.“We wouldn’t have considered selling if they weren’t going to employ our young blokes or keep the team together,” he said. “They told us everything would stay the same, and that was very important to us.”The partnership between the two companies has developed naturally in recent years, with George & Fuhrmann already working alongside the Weir team on cattle sales and building a strong understanding of the business’s strengths.“They could really see the benefits in how we do things here,” he said. “They respected what we’ve built.”Although ownership is changing, the name Ian Weir & Son will continue to be used at the saleyards, maintaining the long-standing identity that producers recognise.“The saleyards are known as Ian Weir & Son Lismore Saleyards. That will remain,” Glenn said. “We’ll operate as George & Fuhrmann, incorporating Ian Weir. People can identify with that name. It still means something.”With George & Fuhrmann’s broader regional presence, including Casino, Warwick, Bangalow and Murwillumbah, Glenn said the transition offers added stability and opportunity for clients while preserving the trust the business has built since 1986.“It’s good to know the business is in strong hands,” he said. “The staff are staying, the way we operate is staying, and everything will continue on.”For a deeper look at the full history of Ian Weir & Son - from the early days in 1986 through to today - don’t miss the Lismore App’s detailed Sunday Profile with Glenn Weir in the coming weeks.

The NSW Government has established a new, independent early learning regulator, the NSW Early Learning Commission.From Monday, the commission will provide greater transparency for families and issue tougher penalties for providers who breach standards.The state government will invest a further $55 million to fund more than 60 additional frontline staff to conduct compliance checks, the majority of which will continue to be unannounced.In late October, the NSW Parliament passed nation-leading laws to improve transparency for families, better protect children, and increase penalties for poor quality providers.More than 30 nation-leading reforms were introduced under the amended Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010, with services and staff now legally required to prioritise children’s safety and wellbeing above all other considerations.Since the legislation took effect, more than 550 services have been inspected to ensure their short-form compliance and quality ratings histories are clearly displayed for families.Only three of the services inspected did not meet requirements, and the Commission has taken compliance action to ensure these issues were immediately addressed.The Commission will continue to conduct unannounced checks on services to confirm they adhere to the new requirements and will act if services fail to display their information.In the most serious cases, providers who fail to comply face prosecution and a maximum court-imposed penalty of $51,600, or $154,800 in the case of a large provider.The Commission will also take immediate compliance action against educators or services who fail to comply with the ban on personal digital devices inside early learning services, which came into effect with the new laws. Other elements of the new laws, include:Making it an offence for people providing or working in early childhood education and care to subject a child to inappropriate conduct – an ‘anti-grooming’ offence.Increasing maximum penalties for large providers by up to 900 per cent, and up to 300 per cent for all other providers.Allowing the Commission to suspend or revoke quality ratings during or after investigations.Allowing the Commission to suspend or impose supervision orders on individual educators.Strengthening whistleblower protections.Extending the prosecution period for offences - NSW will now measure the limitation period from when the Commission is notified, rather than the date of the offence.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, “The Minns Labor Government’s nation-leading reforms ensure the new Early Learning Commission is independent, empowered, and focused solely on protecting children—with effective tools to fight dodgy operators. “Parents deserve to know that when they leave their children at an early learning centre, their child will be cared for, respected, and nurtured.“Our government delivered the biggest early learning safety reforms in 15 years, after an independent review commissioned by the Deputy Premier Prue Car, and it’s continuing to work with the sector to rebuild parent’s confidence.“If educators or operators break the rules and violate the trust of families, the public has a right to know.”

This week's release of the annual Rental Affordability Index (RAI) report, proves that nothing has changed in the last twelve months. It is still unaffordable for the average wage earner to rent a house in Lismore and the coastal areas of the Northern Rivers.We all know how expensive Byron Bay real estate is, but now it is one of the most unaffordable locations in the entire country. That mantle normally sits with Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, such as Vaucluse, or Melbourne's inner eastern suburbs, like Toorak.As for Lismore, to achieve an acceptable affordability index for a 3-bedroom house, the household income would need to be $130,000 per year. As you move east, the situation becomes more unaffordable.Alstonville is moderately unaffordable, Ballina and Brunswick Heads are unaffordable, and Byron Bay is severely unaffordable.If you head west, Kyogle is the place to move to, as it is deemed affordable, while Casino is acceptable.To give you some perspective, a Rental Index Score of 100 means that a person or household is paying 30% of their income in rent, which is commonly understood to be the threshold that is affordable depending on your income level, along with paying other cost-of-living expenses. Any more, and it tips people into what is termed rental stress.The scales used in the index are:40 or less indicates critically unaffordable rents40-60 indicates extremely unaffordable rents60-80 indicates severely unaffordable rents80-100 indicates unaffordable rents100-120 indicates moderately unaffordable rents120-150 indicates acceptable rents150 -200 indicates affordable rents200 or above is very affordable rents.Data from the 2021 Census had the average Lismore area wage at $1202 per week (the Lismore region was $879 per week), which equates to $62,504 per year. In Lismore, you need two people earning average incomes to make the rent acceptable.A 4-bedroom home moves you into the moderately unaffordable index in Lismore, unaffordable for Alstonville, severely unaffordable in Ballina and extremely unaffordable in Byron and Kingscliffe.Let's take a look at what the rental position is for one person earning the average income of $62,504 per year.A 3-bedroom house is out of the question, even Kyogle is marked as unaffordable.When you move to a 2-bedroom house or unit, Lismore is still unaffordable, with the rest severely or extremely unaffordable. Casino and Kyogle don't have enough 2-bedroom houses to be included in the index.When it comes to 1-bedroom properties, Lismore is moderately unaffordable, Ballina and Mullumbimby are unaffordable, and Byron and Brunswick Heads are severely unaffordable.Lismore also has a problem housing essential workers, such as police, nurses and paramedics. The average wage for entry-level essential workers is around the $80,000 mark.A 1-bedroom unit is acceptable in Lismore, moderately unaffordable in Ballina and Murwillumbah and severely unaffordable in Byron and Kingscliff.When you start adding more bedrooms, it becomes even less affordable, even when Casino and Kyogle come into play at 3+ bedrooms.The bottom line is that Lismore and the Northern Rivers do not have enough housing or housing diversity. The days of every house being a 3-4-bedroom home on 600-800-square-metre blocks have gone. We need more 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and townhouses to house people earning the average wage.This shows why experts say the government alone cannot solve the housing shortage. The current housing shortage is bigger than that. The solution needs to be in partnership with private developers.Some are saying this is no longer just a social issue but an economic and productivity issue. Worse still, the solution is 15 to 20 years away due to a lack of government foresight and action.What we need is a bipartisan approach from all levels of government to get the wheels continuously turning.

The famous Our Kids 2026 Calendar is out and on shelves at select businesses in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, following the official launch on Thursday evening at La Barraca in the CBD.The launch is when the families and next year's featured children will see their photos for the first time.The Lismore App caught up with Melissa, Brandan and four-year-old Annabelle while they were studying her photo. Annabelle is featured in December.Melissa said that Annabelle was first diagnosed in July 2024, when they noticed a bump on her head."We just kept going from place to place. What is this? What is this? And then finally got redirected up to Queensland Children's Hospital, and they said, Well, this is leukemia. It's been shocking, but we're getting there, getting there slowly."She lost her hair twice. She's on chemo every day at the moment."Annabelle wants to grow her hair long when she gets the chance, which looks likely to be towards the end of 2026."The prognosis is really good, and the B cells are good, we have a good prognosis on that. September 20 next year will be her last day, and then she can get her port removed about three months later, and then she's just a normal kid again."As you can imagine, the journey has been extremely difficult for the entire family. Annabelle spent the first four months at Ronald McDonald House in Brisbane due to the protocols for the start of her treatment. It meant the family were living apart for that period of time because Brandan had to continue working to pay the bills."The world doesn't stop spinning," Brandan explained. "I still had to pay the bills, so I'd work, and then the second I finished on a Friday, I was out the door driving up to Brisbane, and drive back Sunday night, back to work on Monday."It wasn't all bad, though, as Annabelle got to eat her favourite food, mashed potato, and met a new best friend. Indy is the same age and has the same cancer.Following the first four months, Annabelle has spent quite a bit of time at Lismore Base Hospital, where her framed photo will now be displayed for the next twelve months.The Our Kids Calendar has celebrated children who have spent time in the Children’s Ward and Special Care Nursery at Lismore Base Hospital since the inaugural calendar in 2001. For the past 24 years, local photographer Jacklyn Wagner has generously donated her time and talent to photograph each child, capturing their strength and spirit.“The calendar project is an extraordinary body of work. It’s such a privilege to photograph the children each year and to have been part of this project and team for so long,” said Jacklyn.The Our Kids Calendar team has remained unchanged for these past two decades, and in that time, more than 320 local families have been photographed and celebrated by Our Kids.Alongside Jacklyn, the project is brought to life each year by local graphic designer Soren Hjorth from Graphiti Design, who creates the calendar’s layout and design; Shaun McGuiness from Lismore City Printery, who ensures each page is printed to perfection; and Sheila Turner from Picture Framing, who frames one special edition of the calendar.(Jacklyn Wagner, Dr Chris Ingall, Rebekka Battista and Soren Hjorth at Thursday's Our Kids Calendar launch)The twelve framed special edition photos are displayed in the foyer of Lismore Base Hospital for twelve months before being gifted to the featured child’s family at the following year’s launch, along with a handmade quilt from Quilts for Kids.Under the guidance of Dr Chris Ingall and Rebekka Battista from Our Kids, this dedicated team continues to produce a beautiful keepsake each year. Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, all proceeds from calendar sales go directly to Our Kids to help fund paediatric equipment for hospitals across the Northern Rivers.This year’s sponsors are: Be Seen Eyewear, Goonellabah Medical Centre, McDonald’s, North Coast Radiology, Richmond Waste, Southern Cross University, WCA Accountants, Westpac Bank, Richmond Sand and Gravel, Hurford Hardwood, Graphiti Design, and North Coast Petroleum.(Rosie checks out her handmade quilt from Quilt for Kids at Thursday evening's launch)The 2026 Our Kids Calendar is available for purchase for $25, with all proceeds supporting local children’s health services. Dr Chris Ingall said this year's proceeds will be put towards a new ventilator."It's a Dräger, and it's a step up on the one we have now, which is a few years old," Dr Ingall explained. "They're both very modern ventilator machines, mostly used for newborn babies. We've had a couple of sets of twins born very early in the last couple of months, and we've used our Dräger, plus an older Bear Cub ventilator, which is good, but it doesn't give the babies just the right amount of pressure that we'd like."All of your generosity and time, and allowing your children to be photographed for the calendar, means that we'll more quickly get to that second ventilator. And then, of course, if one goes wrong, we'll always have the backup. It puts children in this neck of the woods in a much stronger position if they are delivered here, rather than, say, the Gold Coast or QCH."You can play your part by purchasing the 2026 Our Kids Calendar for your home or as a gift for family and friends by clicking here or by visiting one of the following business across the region:LISMORE: Book Warehouse, McDonald’s, Angus & Coote, Westpac Bank, Lismore Base Hospital, KidsnestCASINO: McDonald PharmacyKYOGLE: Kyogle Pharmacy, Kym Malwakin DentistBALLINA: Be Seen Eyewear, East Ballina Foodworks, Book Warehouse.Thank you for helping Our Kids build better health services for our children across the Northern Rivers.

The final weekend of spring may see a return of some thunderstorm activity in Lismore and the Northern Rivers. It does look like it will be hit-or-miss, just like the storms on Thursday evening.Saturday's forecast is for up to 2mm of rainfall and a warm 33 degrees, with strong northwesterly winds of 20-30 km/h. The fire danger will remain moderate.The good news is that the rain and thunderstorms will have a break as a high-pressure system makes its way across the state over the Great Australian Bight. From Sunday on, there will be plenty of blue sky, with temperatures dropping into the mid to high thirties by Tuesday.December and the run to Christmas starts on Monday, but the CASPA Lismore Christmas Carnival kicks off family celebrations at the Lismore Turf Club (Woodlawn Road, North Lismore) on Saturday between 11am and 5pm.CASPA's first-ever Christmas Carnival will feature a Christmas Market, rides for all ages, delicious food trucks, live entertainment and a visit from Santa, of course.The North Coast Road Riders hit the road from Ballina to Lismore on Sunday for the annual Our Kids Toy Run.A large group of Christmas-decorated motorbikes will leave the Ballina Skatepark at 10am and ride to Alstonville, Goonellabah and end up at Browns car park between 11 and 11:15am. There will be a sausage sizzle and drinks in Lismore, and most importantly, riders will be donating hundreds of new Christmas toys to Our Kids that will put huge smiles on the faces of children in hospital over the festive season.MARKETSThe Lismore Farmers Markets have cherries for sale tomorrow (Saturday) morning, a true sign of Christmas, as well as other gift ideas and fresh fruit and veg between 7:30am and 11:30am. Bruce Worrall will providing the live music this week.If you are looking for a different Christmas gift, then the Nimbin Markets is the perfect place to visit on Sunday on Cullen Street. Normally on the fourth week of a month, when a fifth Sunday comes around, the markets swing into action two Sunday's in a row between 9am and 3pm.LIVE MUSICThe Hillbilly Skank will be on stage at the Northern Rivers Hotel on Bridge Street, North Lismore, tonight from 7pm.The Lismore Symphony Orchestra is performing at the Lismore Workers Club on Saturday, 29 November at 7:30pm and Sunday, 30 November at 3pm. Tickets are $35.The concert features a vibrant collection of works, including:The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra - Benjamin BrittenHorn Concerto No.1 in E-flat major - Richard StraussL'Arlesienne Suite No.1 & No. 2 - George BizetMambo from West Side Story - Leonard BernsteinComing Up at the Lismore Workers Club: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 over the last week, except for diesel. Diesel rose 2 to 3 cents a litre.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 189.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 187.9 at The United and the Ampol Casino on Dyraaba Street in Casino, and 193.5 at the Mobil and Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....