The next NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) buyback house auction is tonight at the Lismore Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah from 6pm.Ten more homes will go under the hammer with buyer expectations replicating the $1 price achieved at last week's Murwillumbah auctions $1 new record set at flood buyback house auction in Murwillumbah.From the start of the Resilient Homes Program (RHP), and especially when house demolitions were high-profile during the peak of the Pine Street squatters dispute, people have asked, "What is the criteria to relocate or demolish a buyback house?".There has been much community and political debate about the merits of the RHP itself. Its critics say it should never have been introduced, and that we should look at mitigation solutions and adaptability as a solution for future flooding. While others say the RHP is half pregnant. It removed half of the initial houses identified as at risk of major future flooding events due to funding.Critics also argue that every buyback house should be saved due to its hardwood construction, such as blackbutt and tallowwood.(An RA buyback house built in the 1970s or 1980s of hardwood timber)Sometimes, it is challenging to discern the truth from political rhetoric. The Lismore App set out to discover the criteria used by the RA so that the community would be aware of the decision-making process. We spent time with an RA assessor and a contracted building inspector to find the answers. The decision-making process involves builders and engineers, who are qualified professionals.Some of the criteria will surprise you.When a prospective buyer registers their interest in an RA auction, they can ask for a Property Condition Report. One is completed for all houses. The report includes a pre-inspection report (NSW Public Works), an Independent Assessment Report (builder), a valuation, a hazmat report (for asbestos and other contaminants) and an internal report from the RA.The simple first check of the property is, can it be moved for relocation?If a buyback property has a power pole in front of it, the simple answer is no, it cannot be moved. The cost of turning off the electricity supply to the area and removing the power pole, moving the house, and then replacing the power pole and reinstating the electricity supply is not cost-effective. In essence, it is a waste of taxpayers' money.Some houses can be relocated, but have electricity lines that are too low for the house to be moved. In this instance, it will be included in the Independent Assessment Report given to a potential buyer. It is up to the buyer to get the applicable costs from Essential Energy to have the power cut off and the lines lifted while the house is moved. The costs are borne by the new buyer.(An example of low electricity lines in an East Lismore buyback house being assessed for relocation)If a house has established trees at the front, so roadside, it is not considered for removal. Do you cut down trees to save the timber of a flooded house in a high-risk area? Younger, smaller trees will be considered based on other criteria.When houses are built close to each other, this poses another problem for relocation, especially if the house has to be cut in half. A metre or two of movement can threaten the house next door.(An example of a house that is very close to another building with established trees at the front of the property in North Lismore)Other criteria come into play. If the house is built on a concrete slab, it is not suitable for relocation. A more obvious demolition decision. Two and three-story homes are deemed non-relocatable for the RHP.Then there is the structural integrity of the house. As you can imagine, some houses moved off their foundations and suffered severe structural damage, such as twisted or warped weight-bearing support beams, and the house is not subsiding, revealing different floor levels that won't withstand the rigours of relocation.Another boils down to cost. A house may be able to be relocated; however, the cost to move it and then fully renovate it for habitation is more than the cost of a new build.Very few houses are small enough to be moved as they sit. Most need to be cut in half, or in some cases, three pieces, and transported to their new site, and put back together. Again, the relocation decision comes down to structural integrity and cost.Not everyone in the process agrees with each other. The mindset is to try to relocate every house, but as listed above, it is just not possible. The building assessment may recommend demolition; however, the RA assessor or, ultimately, the RA Director of Housing may question the decision and recommend relocation. The majority of the time, they are in sync, but there are exceptions. After all, it is good to have a difference of opinion.Some of the homes we walked through had warped walls and lifted floorboards. At first glance, you automatically think there is no way that this house can be relocated. However, upon a closer inspection, the assessors discover that the 'bones' of the house are straight and solid. The rest is cosmetic and can be easily repaired. Don't judge a book by its cover.A surprising revelation from the recent building assessments was the lack of mould in most of the houses. The assessors said they expected to find more in flood-affected houses that had sat empty for the last 12 months. Of course, anyone who had renovated their house had already dealt with the potential mould build-up in the house. More mould was found in the houses that were significantly damaged and sat vacant for two years.As you have read, approving a house for relocation is not a simple process. Structural integrity and the associated costs of relocating a house are two key factors in determining whether it will be relocated or demolished.

Without wanting to alarm any Lismore App readers, there are only five weeks until Christmas Day.You know that Christmas Day is closing quickly when the annual Lismore Anglican Christmas Pop Up shop opens its doors in the Lismore CBD.Already, the CBD has the Jingle Bell Xmas store with the big blow-up Santa in full swing, also on Woodlark Street, and more businesses are starting to add decorations on the windows or in-store for the festive season.At 9 o'clock this morning (17 November), in the old Lismore Cruise and Travel building on Woodlark Street, the same as last year, the doors will open for you to buy loads of Christmas gift ideas, such as cakes and puddings, homemade jams and pickles, local honey, fresh homemade cakes and biscuits, novelty craft items and an assorted array of inexpensive plants for the keen gardener.(The Anglican Christmas Pop-up shop volunteers from 2024)The motto for the Anglican Christmas Pop-up shop is “Home Sewn....Home Grown....Home Cooked”.Volunteers have been hard at work for a number of months baking, growing, making and bottling to create a shop full of delectable and useful Christmas gifts. You can definitely say that all goods have been made with love.Stephen Hall is the churchwarden for the Anglican Parish of Lismore. He told the Lismore App that the money goes to worthwhile causes throughout Australia."For example, Bush Church Aid supports ministry in remote Australia, and the Australian Board of Missions tends to be with indigenous people, and they also work overseas."The shop will stay open for 3 weeks, closing its doors on Friday, 5 December 2025.The Lismore Anglican Christmas Pop-up shop is open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm and Saturday 9am to 12noon.When the Christmas shop closes, the Anglican Church moves on to its Bethlehem Revisited story on the grounds of St Andrews Church at 10 Zadoc Street on the hill from 5:30pm.The Christmas Countdown is on......

The NSW Government and the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) are investing $15.6 million to deliver life-changing opportunities for young people living in regional and remote NSW.This funding commitment will provide young people experiencing the pressures of societal challenges and disadvantage access to PCYC’s youth programs.PCYC currently delivers different programs in 22 locations, including Walgett, Kempsey, Bourke, Broken Hill, Moree and Lismore, based on community need, BOSCAR data, local police information, and experience from PCYC’s Youth Programs team.Over the four-year partnership, PCYC NSW will deliver 278 life-changing programs across regional NSW.The state government is contributing $10 million to the partnership, while PCYC will co-contribute $5.66 million.Flexibility will be built into this model, allowing PCYC’s Youth Programs to transition to alternative locations as circumstances change and needs are evaluated.The PCYC Youth Programs to be delivered under the partnership are:EmployabilityFit for Work, Stepping Up and Job Ready – to prepare young people experiencing disadvantage or disengagement, capacity building for long-term, meaningful employment.Wellbeing & LeadershipGrowth-mindset Resilience Intervention for Teenagers (GRIT) – designed to build in young people resilience, independent decision making, and confidence.Culture & CommunityU-Nites, Fit for Life, Nations of Origin, and Indigenous All-Stars Sporting Pathways – focused on bringing young people together and encouraging them to understand and embrace culture and community, and connect them with their community with a sense of belonging.The Government support ensures PCYC programs in regional areas can move from uncertain and short-term funding to continuous program engagement, providing consistent care, connection and guidance for young people across multiple years.This new funding builds on the $271,950 announced in February 2025 for the National Rugby League and PCYC partnership, which is already delivering a Youth Empowerment Program in regional NSW, building resilience, self-confidence and encouraging community engagement. Established in 1937, PCYC NSW is a trusted youth charity delivering life-changing youth programs to more than 13,000 young people each year, as well as providing community sports and recreation, outside-of-school-hours care (OOSH), and driver education programs.  Further announcements about the new youth program locations will be made soon.Today’s announcement builds on work already underway, including:$12 million to continue place-based responses in Moree and expand responses in Tamworth and Kempsey. This will fund community-driven prevent and diversion programs that work for specific communities – not a one-size-fits-all approach.$6.3 million to provide intensive bail supervision and support for young people – also adding five extra caseworkers in Moree, Tamworth and Kempsey to support young people on bail.$5 million for a new Community Safety Investment Fund to back tailored, community-led programs to give kids a positive alternative to crime.The NSW Police Force is working around the clock to tackle youth crime and keep communities safe.Since March, over 300 individuals have been charged with over 1800 offences under Operation Soteria – an ongoing policing operation that focuses on repeat offenders and targets offences such as aggravated break, enter and steal, stealing motor vehicles and post and boast offences across regional hotspots.Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, said, “Regional youth crime is something we are determined to tackle head-on, and we’re in it for the long haul, which is why we’re giving communities the tools they need to make real and lasting change.“PCYCs provide positive spaces where police and young people can build trust and respect, adding to the tireless work our officers already do to keep communities safe. These are the kinds of relationships that can change a young person’s future.“I want to thank every police officer for their ongoing work with young people. No one understands better than our police how challenging this job can be. Their commitment makes our communities safer every single day.”Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “This multi-year funding commitment will be a game changer for young people across regional NSW.“This exciting partnership means we aren’t just investing in a single program in a single town, we are delivering benefits right across the state to support the health and well-being of our young people.“The NSW Government is giving the PCYC a solid foundation to work from in planning programs that will run across multiple years with momentum and make a real difference in young people’s lives.“By facilitating pathways to education, training, and employment through the PCYC’s programs, we are helping to break cycles of disadvantage and contributing to safer, more cohesive communities.PCYC NSW CEO, Ben Hobby, said, “We know young people across NSW face increasing social challenges relating to educational disengagement, unemployment, community connection and poor mental health. These issues are often interconnected and can, in some cases, contribute to anti-social behaviour. “These challenges are particularly acute in regional and remote NSW, where data shows youth unemployment remains significantly above the national average, and school attendance and retention rates continue to decline for young people experiencing vulnerability or at-risk situations.“Increasing access to PCYC Youth Programs in regional NSW is an essential frontline resource for early intervention that fosters positive relationships with Police, strengthens skills and creates pathways to employment for the rising generation. “Without targeted support, many young people risk falling into cycles of disadvantage, causing long-term social and economic consequences to the individual and their broader community. PCYC is uniquely positioned to break this cycle by cultivating capability, advancing agency, and ultimately revitalising regions through youth empowerment.”

Lismore City Council is marking the end of National Recycling Week by showing where local recycling goes, what residents can do to cut contamination, and how services are improving. In Lismore, kerbside collections have delivered 3,562 tonnes of mixed recycling for processing, plus about 200 tonnes of cardboard locally since the closure of Lismore’s Materials Recovery Facility in 2024. That equals roughly 231,299 full 240-litre bins of material.Those figures mean the Lismore Local Government Area, on average, has recycled 6.8 million milk bottles, 5.9 million aluminium cans and 2 million glass bottles. That is the scale of what residents have already delivered since 2024.This shows the system is working and why clear sorting at home matters.Since the 2024 closure of Lismore’s Materials Recovery Facility, mixed recycling collected at the kerb is transferred to Re.Group’s Materials Recovery Facility at Chinderah for sorting, while cardboard is processed locally by Richmond Waste. Recoverable material is then sent on to reprocessors, for the items to be made into new products.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said it is a great opportunity to educate the community on how the system operates, and the positive recycling outcomes it delivers.“Our community takes recycling seriously and the results speak for themselves,” he said.“Lismore recycles at scale. We have collected 3,562 tonnes of mixed recycling and about 200 tonnes of cardboard. That is roughly 231,000 full yellow-lid bins. It shows households are doing the right thing and real material is being recovered.“Put simply, your effort shows up in the numbers. That haul is about 1,700 tonnes of paper and cardboard and 1,000 tonnes of glass, plus plastics, steel and aluminium. Cleaner sorting at home lowers costs and lifts recovery, and this week we are showing people how the system works from kerb to processor.”The good news continues for regular users of the Return and Earn bulk site at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre. It will close next week from Monday, 17 November to Saturday, 22 November for an upgrade, then reopen Monday, 24 November with a community BBQ. The works add a second singulator to create two service lines, plus clearer directions and better traffic flow so throughput lifts and queues fall. Acting Waste Operations Coordinator Kadijah Runge said National Recycling Week is about turning good intent into clear action and educating our community on how we recycle. “We are showing users of our waste system where Lismore’s recycling goes and giving residents simple steps that cut contamination and lift recovery,” she said.“This week, we are publishing via our social media channels myth busters, a what goes where tip, and a short explainer video from kerb to processor. The goal is fewer mistakes at the bin and more material back to work.“For tricky items, people can use Council’s A to Z guide and Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You. Those tools save residents guesswork, reduce costs and improve outcomes across the city.“Residents want proof that the system works. This week, we are laying out the pathway and the results so people can see the impact of their effort.”National Recycling Week is Planet Ark’s annual education campaign, established in 1996 and now in its 29th year. It focuses on practical actions so households and businesses reduce, reuse and recycle correctly.To keep up to date with recycling, or to download Council’s A to Z Recycling Guide, go to https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Households/Waste-and-recycling/Bin-guide-what-goes-in-which-bin.

Richmond Riverkeeper, Kristin den Exter, has been recognised at the 2025 NSW Coastal Conference Awards, receiving honours in the Local Hero category for her outstanding contribution to river health, community collaboration, and coastal care.The annual NSW Coastal Conference, held this year in Ballina, celebrates the people and projects working to protect and restore the state’s coasts, estuaries, and river systems. The award acknowledges Kristin’s leadership through Richmond Riverkeeper and the Richmond RiverFest — a month-long celebration of culture, community and Country that connects people from the sea to the source.Associate Professor in History at Southern Cross University and fellow Richmond Riverkeeper, Adele Wessell, said “Kristin often asks, ‘If the river had a voice, what would it say?”. She has been listening to what the river is telling us her whole life, listening to the knowledge of Custodians and First Peoples and committing herself to a lifetime of working with the river with integrity and love in a way that inspires everyone around her.”“This award recognises the incredible collective effort of our community,” said Kristin den Exter. “From Elders and artists to scientists and volunteers, we’re all working together so that the rivers of the Richmond catchment can one day be drinkable, swimmable and fishable again.”Under Kristin’s guidance, Richmond Riverkeeper has become a leading voice for catchment-wide action, promoting education, citizen science, cultural renewal and environmental restoration across Bundjalung Country.Her work brings people together around shared care for Mamaang Balun – the Richmond River, inspiring both local and regional partnerships to heal Country and strengthen community resilience.The Richmond Riverkeeper initiative is supported by partners across the Richmond River catchment.

Residents in the Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle shires are being encouraged by NSW Health to visit their GP or local pharmacy to be vaccinated against the Japanese encephalitis virus before summer starts.NSW Health has said the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus has been detected in Western, Northern and Southern NSW. Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle were added to the free vaccination list in April this year.JE is a serious illness spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. In NSW this year, five people have acquired JE, one from Northern NSW, and sadly, two of these people have died.In NSW, the JE virus vaccine is available for free for people aged two months or older who live or work (including volunteer deployments) in any of the defined high-risk Local Government Areas and are at risk of mosquito bites.A JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services and pharmacists. People should make an appointment and let the provider know it is for the JE vaccine, as they may require a few days' notice to order the vaccine. Once vaccinated, protection can take up to two weeks to develop.There is no specific treatment for JE. In some cases, JE can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions, reduced consciousness and death.A NSW Health email said, "It is strongly recommended that everyone who lives or works in areas where there’s a high risk of catching Japanese encephalitis get vaccinated against the virus. "If you work with pigs, mosquitoes or in a laboratory where you could be exposed to the virus, you are in the highest risk category. "The Japanese encephalitis vaccine has been proven to be both safe and effective. The vaccine is available for free to everyone aged 2 months and older who lives or works in high-risk areas of NSW. Some providers may charge a fee for consultation or administration of the vaccine."Be ready before summer    "It can take 2 to 4 weeks for your body to develop a protective immune response to the virus once fully vaccinated, so we encourage you to get vaccinated as soon as possible."Have you already been vaccinated? Check with your GP or pharmacist if you require a booster dose. "Book an appointment with your GP, pharmacist or the Aboriginal Medical Service to discuss vaccination and to support others in your community to do the same." As many people will enjoy the great outdoors this summer and over the school holiday period, here are some simple actions you can take to protect yourself from mosquitoes:Apply repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times.Re-apply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply SPF 50+ sunscreen first before applying repellent.Use repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions.Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk.Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas).Cover windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.Remove items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.Protect infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.

Today is the return of Lismore's signature Eat the Street food festival for the first time in four years. Another popular local event that has been on hiatus for the last seven years will make a return in 2026.Lismore & Villages Relay For Life is a bi-annual event, and it is back to raise money for the Cancer Council next year, the first time the physical event has been held since 2018. COVID-19 and the 2022 floods led to the much-loved charity event being placed on hold.In 2020, there was a virtual relay, and thanks to the generosity of locals, it raised nearly $99,000 for the fight against cancer.Registrations are now open for the 2026 Lismore & Villages Relay For Life. It will take place at Southern Cross University, East Lismore, on Saturday, 21 March 2026. Organised by passionate local volunteers, Lismore & Villages Relay For Life gives the community a chance to join forces in support of everyone affected by cancer, have fun at a community festival, and raise vital funds for Cancer Council’s world-class research, prevention, advocacy and support services. Relay For Life welcomes locals of all ages to partake in a fun-filled experience. Teams of friends, families, community groups and colleagues raise money in the lead up to Relay For Life, where team members take turns walking around a track to signify that cancer never rests, so neither do we.“For our first year back in Lismore since the floods and COVID, we are hoping to raise $60,000 for local Cancer Council initiatives such as our free Transport to Treatment program, supporting cancer patients across Lismore and surrounding communities, as well as legal and financial assistance to support local residents affected by cancer,” added Victoria Armstrong, Community Fundraising Specialist for Cancer Council NSW.(Relay For Life in 2018)Join the Relay For Life movement and register today at www.relayforlife.org.au/event/lismore-2026.

The Federal Government's proposed 80km/h unmarked default speed is being met with pushback from most regional bodies, and now the NSW Government.The state government's lack of support was welcomed by NSW Farmers. President Xavier Martin called it a common-sense response. Mr Martin said the proposal to cut speed limits on country roads to 80km/h was a “straw man” solution for road safety, and serious investment in regional roads and bridges was needed to solve the problem. “Band aid solutions won’t fix the problem of crumbling roads and bridges, or deal with the growing road toll here in the regions,” Mr Martin said. “Fixing the real driver of road trauma – that is, our ruined roads – is what will make a real difference. We need to get people home safely each day, and farmers need to be able to get their food and fibre to market safely as well.”This week, NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison made it “very, very clear... (that) the NSW Government does not support blanket speed zone reviews across NSW.”Mr Martin said safe, properly maintained roads were critical to safety, but so too were efficient, connected rail networks to take pressure off rural and regional roads. “Slowing us all down is simply a straw man solution, and if they’re going to ignore the real problems at play, we’ll never reduce our road toll,” Mr Martin said. “If you look down the track, we’ll all be crawling along while fresh food rots in the truck, all because governments no longer prioritise proper road repair and maintenance.“It’s not the speed limits that are the problem – they’ve been set for decades – it’s the fact that our roads aren’t as safe as they used to be.”

It looks like it's going to be a wet weekend for Lismore and the Northern Rivers, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).The good news for those wanting to be part of the Eat the Street food festival on Keen Street and The Quad tomorrow (Saturday) is that the highest chance of rainfall is forecast for the evening, that is, after 6pm.On Sunday, the potential rainfall is in the morning and afternoon, so it could affect outdoor sports and activities. However, the range still involves a '0', so we may not receive any or very little rain.There is the chance of thunderstorms, possibly severe, tonight and across the weekend, mainly in the afternoon and evening. If they are severe, the Lismore App will send out a notification.This weekend is all about the return of Norco Eat the Street, after a four-year absence.Apart from some fabulous food flavours from all over the world and live music creating a vibrant atmosphere, there are a number of events you may be interested in seeing.The Pie Eating Competition gets underway at 12:30pm with the Mini Munchers Round. There are two divisions, the Kids Heat (Under 12) and the Teens Heat (13 to 17). Then at 1pm, there will be two rounds of the Great Pie Face-Off for Adults (18+).The Champion Chomp-Off will take place at 3:30pm with 1st prize of $300, 2nd prize $150 and 3rd prize $50, thanks to Annie's Country Bakery at Modanville.The other competition is the Barista Smackdown at the Benchtop Cafe. There will be five elimination rounds from 3pm, with the winner taking home $1000.For more details, check out the Eat The Street 2025 button on the front page of the Lismore App or via the website by clicking here. There you will find all the information you need at your fingertips.A reminder that Keen Street will be closed for 24 hours from midnight tonight to midnight on Saturday night.MARKETSThe Lismore Farmers Markets will get underway at 7:30 tomorrow morning. As well as the usual fresh fruit and veg, breakfast and tea & coffee, the CWA Evening Branch selling their famous Christmas cake, along with other homemade Christmas goods. Live music will be provided by the popular Luke Vassella.The Sunday markets are back at the Bowlo (Lismore City Bowling Club) at 171A Molesworth Street, Lismore CBD from 9am to 1pm. There are over 30 stalls selling an array of products from bric-a-brac to books, honey and ceramics.Also, on Sunday is the Lismore Free Market at 50 Brewster Street between 9am and 11am. Every item really is for free. There is no trading, bartering or selling of any products.LIVE MUSICIt's three days of live music at the Northern Rivers Hotel on Bridge Street, North Lismore this weekend.Dan Grace hits the stage tonight at 7pm, Saturday night will see Wear the Fox Hat play and the Sunday Session is by Ghostown from 3pm.Coming Up at the Lismore Workers ClubLismore Symphony Orchestra 29 NovemberThe 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 2026CHEAPEST FUEL PRICESFuel prices were steady across Lismore and Casino, but there have been some significant price increases in Ballina this week. For the first time in a year, Lismore is similar or cheaper than Ballina across the fuel range.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations:E10 is 176.9 at the Shell Reddy Express on Dawson Street, Lismore, 169.9 at the NightOwl Puma at 37 Johnston Street in Casino, and 174.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 173.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 173.9 at The United and NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 176.5 at the Metro on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 182.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore and the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent at 169 Canterbury Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 190.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 196.4 at the NightOwl Puma at 37 Johnston Street, Casino, and 196.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 182.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore, 185.9 at The United and the Ampol Casino on Dyraaba Street in Casino, and 189.5 at Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Already in mid-November, Christmas and the holiday season are rapidly approaching, which means gift buying, decorations, carols, and live theatre.The Lismore Theatre Company is bringing a different kind of dream to life at the Rochdale Theatre – one driven by the passion, dedication, and collaborative skills of a team of young people. “A Holiday Dream” isn't just a show; it's a statement of the power of the youth in our community.This production showcases the talents of Erika Dansie, 18, in the role of stage manager. Erika has stage-managed for "Robin Hood" and " Hall of the Mountain King". For Erika, "A Holiday Dream" has been a great experience for her to be involved with other stages of the production process as well, as she started her involvement during the audition process. Then there's Bree Thompson, 21, fresh off her acclaimed performance as Bob in "Blackadder." With barely a breath, Bree has jumped into the role of Producer, doing both Blackadder and A Holiday Dream back to back.(Photo: Elysha Mitchell)CiCi Poles, 18, as Assistant Director, is like the cast's dependable big sister, providing support and encouragement. The young actors love having her at rehearsals. Then there’s Jazz Stoltenberg, 16, who lent her choreographic skills to the show's final dance, while Phinn Bicchieri, 18, brought the main characters to life in the poster displayed outside the theatre.Guiding this team is Elysha, 29, directing for Lismore Theatre Company for the first time, who is enjoying the opportunity to nurture the talents of the children, youth, and young adults involved in "A Holiday Dream.""It's so beautiful to see so many young people working so effortlessly and collaboratively right now," says Elysha. "We've become one big family with so many inside jokes and stories. I'm sure these will be memories that will last a lifetime. I'll be celebrating my 30th with my entire cast and crew at the end of December. The amount of dedication & talent they each have is amazing!" "The cast and crew are excited for the community to see this show. We’ve got young cast members travelling from Lennox and Ballina twice a week for rehearsals as well as some local talent too. It’s an eclectic mix of young people who all love Christmas and are looking forward to getting you into the Christmas spirit. Come dressed up in something festive, bring the whole family and have some theatre fun this December." About the Show:Tim, a young boy with low self-esteem, avoids his family's holiday celebration and escapes into the world of his storybooks. Piper Pixie, a mischievous holiday elf, appears and encourages Tim to venture into Storybook Land to rescue Hansel and Gretel from the wicked witch, Little Red Riding Hood from the Big Bad Wolf, and Jack from the menacing giant. Through these daring rescues, Tim learns the power of courage and realizes that his fears are only figments of his imagination."A Holiday Dream" is an interactive and festive experience for the whole family, encouraging audience participation and even inviting everyone to dance along at the end.When you support "A Holiday Dream," you're not just buying a ticket; you're supporting the future of youth in our community.Event Details:• Dates: Dec 5th-7th and 12th-13th • Location: Rochdale Theatre, Lismore• Tickets: $20 or $15 for concession Purchase tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/DASHQ.

Australia Post is warning customers to be on high alert as scammers accelerate fake delivery messages and emails in the lead-up to Christmas.Scammers are taking advantage of the festive rush, targeting groups such as Facebook Marketplace users. They often pose as interested buyers and send links or QR codes via Messenger to fake ‘Australia Post courier service’ websites. These sites claim that payment will be processed online and that a courier will collect the item once payment is made, when, in reality, these fraudulent sites are designed to steal personal and financial information.This trend reflects a broader national issue with research from Australia Post¹ showing more than 90% of Australians have received a scam text or call, and nearly three-quarters reporting that scams most commonly impersonate shipping and parcel delivery services.Adam Cartwright, Australia Post Chief Information Security Officer, advised customers to track parcels through the official AusPost app and ignore any message requesting personal or payment information.“As the pre-Christmas sales ramp up and more Aussies are expecting deliveries, scammers are exploiting that anticipation and urgency to trick people into clicking fake links or handing over personal information.“If you receive a message asking for personal or payment details, you can be confident it’s not from us. In fact, the safest way to track your item is through the official AusPost app,” said Mr Cartwright.Key advice Download the official AusPost app and enable push notifications for parcel tracking. This is the most secure and reliable way to receive genuine delivery updates.Australia Post will never ask for personal or financial details via phone, text or email-including passwords, credit card, or bank details.Don’t click on suspicious links in text message or emails Australia Post is also seeing a resurgence of sophisticated phishing ahead of Christmas, including the global ‘Darcula’ operation, which rents scam toolkits to criminals that mimic trusted delivery brands. By sending messages via end-to-end encrypted channels such as iMessage and Rich Communication Services (RCS), Darcula can bypass traditional filters, making these scams harder to detect and block.To sign up for a free MyPost account, either visit https://auspost.com.au/receiving/mypost or download the AusPost app from the Apple Store or Google Play.For more tips on how to navigate parcel and delivery scams, visit the Australia Post website: https://auspost.com.au/ScamAlerts.

Lismore’s vibrant food and drink scene is set to ignite again as Norco Eat the Street makes its eagerly anticipated comeback tomorrow (Saturday, 15 November).The event will run from 12pm to 7pm along Keen Street and in The Quad precinct in the heart of Lismore’s CBD.As part of preparations, Keen Street (from Magellan Street to Woodlark Street) will be closed from midnight Friday, 14 November until midnight Saturday, 15 November to ensure a safe and festive environment.Pedestrian access will remain open throughout the setup and event, so you can still visit all the shops along the street. Keen Street is closed to vehicles, but not to people.Almost 40 food traders and 14 local drink suppliers will bring the very best of the Northern Rivers’ culinary scene to the event.You can expect a diverse mix of flavours, from gourmet BBQ and Asian street eats to Italian classics, vegetarian creations and decadent desserts.A dedicated “Quad Bar” area will feature craft beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and a reusable cup system in keeping with the festival’s sustainability goals.Interactive competitions and live entertainment will keep the crowd engaged and energised, including a pie-eating competition, a barista competition and live music. Check out more details on the Eat The Street 2025 button on the Lismore App or via the website. This event marks the return of Lismore’s signature food festival after a four-year hiatus, bringing together local producers, restaurants and the community to celebrate the city centre in style.It’s a great opportunity to walk the CBD, support local hospitality and enjoy a fun afternoon with friends and family.2025 EAT THE STREET DETAILS:When: Saturday, 15 November | 12pm-7pmWhere: Keen Street, Lismore (between Magellan Street and Woodlark Street) and the Quad precinct, Lismore.Street closure: From midnight Friday, 14 November until midnight Saturday, 15 November.More information: www.visitlismore.com.au/eatthestreet.

The NSW Government will immediately reduce the cost to farmers of undertaking a Drought Ready and Resilient Fund loan by reducing its interest rate by 1 per cent, following a review of the loan to look at options for broadening its uptake by farmers.The $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund (DRRF) already offered low-interest loans up to $250,000 to assist primary producers prepare for, manage and recover from drought.The NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, called for the review after examining the uptake of the loan after nearly two years of operation and listening to feedback from farmers across the state, but especially in southern NSW.Normally the interest rates for the five-year and 10-year DRRF loans would today have been 4.98 per cent and 5.81 per cent respectively.However, to provide relief the loan rates will now be reduced by 1 per cent to 3.98 per cent for five-year DRRF loans and 4.81 per cent for the 10-year loans.The 1 per cent reduction will save a farmer around $7,000 over a five-year loan and $15,000 over a 10-year loan for the borrowed $250,000.Typically, commercial lenders in the market would offer rates of up to 10 per cent for similar-purpose loans.The interest rate that applies to a DRRF loan is set on the day the loan is drawn down and remains fixed for the life of the loan. For the DRRF loan, interest rates are indexed to NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) bond rates, which can vary from month to month.The Minns Government is reviewing the other aspects of the DRRF to improve what can be offered to farmers experiencing drought conditions or wanting to prepare for future drought settings, with a view to announcing further loan changes soon.The Fund is open to all farming businesses, including young farmers, new entrants to the industry, and those who have experienced increased off-farm income as a result of recent natural disasters.Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “Farmers have told me they don’t want a handout, they want a leg up, and reducing rates for this Fund will make sure these loans are more accessible for those farmers in need or planning to cover challenging times.“The Minns Government’s Drought Ready and Resilience Fund was set up to provide additional assistance to farmers and make available lower-rate loans than what people could get from other financial institutions. Following my review, we have seen how we can lower even further the interest rate.“We have listened and have reduced rates even further to ensure these loans are a better option for producers in drought-affected regions.“While rates may increase or hopefully decrease in the future due to underlying bond rate changes each month, the 1 per cent interest rate reduction for the Fund’s loans will remain in place.“The Drought Ready and Resilient Fund Loans now represent the most affordable loans of their kind on the market, delivering significant savings compared to any commercial lending alternative.

A community panel made up of a group of Lismore and Northern Rivers residents has been appointed to help shape the state’s first multi-hazard Disaster Adaptation Plan.  As most people know, the Northern Rivers is one of the most flood-prone regions in Australia, and also faces risks from bushfires, storms, heatwaves and coastal erosion. That’s why planning ahead, before disasters strike, is so important.The first Disaster Adaptation Plan for the region will outline a set of actions to reduce risks from these natural hazards and to help communities adapt where the change or impact is unavoidable. The community-centred plan will be developed through research, technical studies and an extensive community engagement program.Disaster Adaptation Plans were a key recommendation of the 2022 Independent Flood Inquiry, which called for effective and cross-government engagement to adapt to disaster risk across the state.Thirty-nine residents from Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore City, Richmond Valley and Tweed Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been selected for the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Community Reference Group following an expression of interest process that received more than 120 applications.The panel will meet at least four times over 12 months, with the first meeting set to take place on 18 November.The creation of the Disaster Adaptation Plan is being led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in collaboration with First Nations communities, community members, local councils, government agencies, industry and experts.It will build on lessons learnt, local knowledge and existing plans.Residents across the region can also contribute to the DAP via a range of online and in-person activities and events, including community workshops, public engagement drop-in sessions and online surveys.The NSW Reconstruction Authority will also work closely with Bundjalung, Yaegl and Northern Gumbaynggirr peoples to make sure cultural knowledge and practices, including traditional understandings of climate and resilience, are reflected in the Disaster Adaptation Plan.Disaster Adaptation Plans are a key feature of NSW’s first State Disaster Mitigation Plan. The state-wide plan is a long-term, ambitious plan that aims to shift funding and efforts from disaster response to proactive mitigation and adaptation, with the goal of creating safer and more resilient communities. For more information on events and how you can contribute to the Northern Rivers DAP Group go to https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/northern-rivers-dap. For more information on the State Disaster Mitigation Plan, go to State Disaster Mitigation Plan | NSW Government.Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “We know Northern Rivers communities are more at risk of future disasters, which is why community must be at the centre of how we plan for, mitigate and respond to disaster risk. “The appointment of the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Community Reference Group is another crucial step in the development of the state’s first DAP, which will not only assist us with how we plan for disasters, but how we can mitigate them in the future.“I thank everyone who applied to be part of the Northern Rivers DAP Community Panel and encourage residents of all ages, across the region, to get involved by sharing their thoughts and ideas, so the DAP is truly community centred and informed by local knowledge and experience – as no one knows the region and what it needs better than locals.”NSW Reconstruction Authority Head Adaptation Mitigation & Reconstruction Amanda Leck said, “The Northern Rivers has been through its share of challenges with floods and fires over the years, which is why it was chosen for the state’s first Disaster Adaptation Plan.”“While work continues on the development of the Northern Rivers DAP, the RA is committed to ongoing and inclusive engagement to ensure that it considers and reflects what matters most to communities.”

Many Lismore residents have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the 2022 floods. Some have sought help from mental health experts, while others have put it aside and soldiered on.This story may be of use to those still suffering from PTSD or those who feel it is time to seek help.Southern Cross University is embarking on a clinical trial evaluating new ways to address climate-related PTSD and is now recruiting participants for its HEART (healing climate-related trauma) trial, a community-centric research model.Central to the success of the HEART trial is its relationship with the local community. The project has set up community advisory groups across the Northern Rivers. This will ensure that the research prioritises the voices and needs of those most affected.The Federal Government has funded Southern Cross University to undertake the world-first trial of a stepped-care model for treating mental health in response to natural disasters. Lismore and the Northern Rivers are central to the new model.Dr Janet Schloss, the University’s Principal Investigator of HEART, says the clinical trial is founded on contemporary evidence and understanding of PTSD in a post-disaster context."It's actually really exciting. It's what is called a stepped-care process. So, we have our first step, which is starting now, which is a compassion program. The compassion program takes people through either a nature-based or an arts-based compassion therapy. It goes for five weeks, and it's three hours each week.""The whole aim is actually building community resilience, because what we're after is people who have been traumatised, they will have PTSD from natural disasters. What we find is that community engagement and that connectiveness is really important, and which is why this has already been really community-based."If we can do the program to help these people through and build community resilience, we know that this is going to happen again, but now they have the resilience and ability to actually deal with it each time it occurs."Dr Schloss and her team are looking for people who have gone through he 2022 floods, but you could have gone through the 2017 floods, landslides or the 2019 bushfires. You do need to be 18 years and over, and can be diagnosed or undiagnosed. The trial is looking for 374 people across the Northern Rivers, starting with people in the Lismore and Byron LGAs.Dr Schloss explained what compassion-based therapy is."The beginning part is not only the actual therapy itself, so what they're doing through art to help with what triggers inside of them as a person or in nature that they actually have, and they get given skills throughout the whole session. We have very highly skilled arts-based and nature-based people who are involved in this, and being able to embed this into each of the different participants and the groups as they actually go through."NATURE-BASED PROGRAMEric Bremer is an Associate Professor (Assoc. Prof.) at Southern Cross University, who will be overseeing the nature-based research.Mr Bremer described the specific type of nature-based intervention that will be used during this trial in order to enhance health and well-being for participants."The idea behind that is, the way you've designed it is with a particular purpose of paying attention to and being part of the natural world, as well as the compassion element that goes with it."So, in terms of the broad notion of the work, there's a whole variety of possible benefits that people can get, and ways that they can get that, from the more extreme type of activities to the more mundane. And so some of the research suggests that by paying attention to actively using your body to pay attention to the natural world, to utilise your sense of smell, to utilise your vision, to pay attention to the colours and the shades, the nuances of whatever it is in the natural world. We call it attuning to information in the natural world, in the environment."Some of it is to do with using your auditory capacities to actively pick up and pay attention to sounds, etc. And that notion of paying attention seems to have a lot of benefits physically and mentally. Work done in the UK, for example, has utilised a program they called Three Good Things in Nature, which was getting people in an urban context to do that."They found, over a six-week period, enormous benefits from a mental health perspective, where people sort of changed significantly over a short period of time just by that attention."Mr Bremer explained that the theoretical framework is around the fact that we are embedded in nature."The evolution of human beings is the fact that we have evolved in relation to the natural world. And therefore, everything about us is connected to the natural world. Our eyes, our senses, etc, are much more at home in the natural world than they are in our current urban environment, where there's a more cognitive approach, which is about urban environments being stressful, overly exciting and overly active."The natural world allows us to settle down to become more relaxed and calmer, and it allows us to be a little bit more mindful as well."Then there's a sort of more emotional type of response, which is more about, again, being in the urban context, very heightened emotions, things going on, being in the natural world, as you can probably feel it now, just sort of settles down a little bit emotionally."And then there's the approach that we've been looking at for about 10 or so years, which is much more of an embodied approach, which is about the capacity to tune to information in the natural world. It's sort of partially evolutionary, but also much more, from an ecological psychology perspective, rather than cognitive or evolutionary."David Roland is a psychologist and the lead facilitator for the nature-based compassion group. David said the approach in this research is based on Shinrin-yoku, a practice developed in the 1980s in Japan."The government decided that they needed to help their workers to de-stress. So, they discovered that paying attention to the environment, and in the case of Japan, that was forests, bathing in the forest atmosphere actually had physiological as well as emotional benefits, and so it became a well-being practice. We've developed a protocol based on Shinrin-yoku or forest focus strategies."There's probably a few important differences about the nature-based approach that's different from, say, just taking a walk in nature. So, we're not going on a hike, we're not on a naturalist walk. We're not trying to identify the plants or animals. We're using our senses, and it seems that when we use our senses, and I'll be guiding people with activities to connect their senses to the environment, it seems to help us calm down."You can see that physiologically and at the end of the walk, people are usually beaming. Really, you can just see the difference in their faces. They're often feeling more energetic and soothing. We're looking for self-soothing practices."This means field trips into various parts of the Lismore LGA."We've identified several environments, and we're going to start with the Lismore local government area. We've got some sites which are safe and easy to get to and don't involve a long walk. So the safety aspect is paramount. People have got to feel safe in the environment. But we've also selected sites that have as much biodiversity as we can have in a safe environment. So it means bird song, different types of plants, trees, you know, earth, things to smell, things to hear. And the other aspect is that these sites are close to facilities like toilets and shelter.""The Lismore Botanic Gardens is one of the sites that we've chosen, and that has lovely biodiversity. It's got some shelter and toilets, and we can run a range of activities there, even if the weather is a bit wet."David also spoke about how trauma can change someone's life."What happens in trauma is it just completely breaks your worldview. You may have thought you're invincible, that you were able to see your life through, you had a plan for life, and then it totally upends that narrative life story that you've had. So trauma is not just the physiological trauma, it's not just the psychological trauma, it's also the social trauma."The community that you had is no longer there, or it's fractured. One of the things we're doing with this program is creating little families, little groups of people, that will create new communities. And it's been shown that after natural disasters, when people come together in self-help groups, that's really restorative and really empowering for them."David is looking for groups of about 12 people who will go through the group program together."They'll become like this little family, and that will be over five weeks. They have three-hour weekly sessions over five weeks. So it works out to be about 15 hours of time."ARTS-BASED PROGRAMSunita Bala is the arts-based program trainer. Sunita explained how the arts will play a role in the research."People get to spend time focusing on themselves, time for reflection, time for connection and community, and to be able to create art and use that as a tool to explore the concepts of compassion."We're going to try and keep a very open format. It's about engaging in your creativity, and the creativity is just a tool. So there will be some drawing and painting, some collaging, and we're open to exploring those different things that people want to do. Most people don't get the time to play and to explore creative tools, and that's what this time is about. It's about using that time for themselves,"Creativity is just the tool, but it's really about exploring the concepts of compassion, and how, through the concepts of compassion, people can start to create a blueprint about how to actually reconnect, have the confidence to actually then start making decisions that are kind and good for themselves and for their communities."RESILIENT LISMOREWell-known charity organisation Resilient Lismore is also playing a part in the HEART trial.Executive Director, Ellie Bird, said that Tropical Cyclone Alfred had stirred memories for flood-affected people in 2022."We saw what that experience was like for our community. People were feeling very fragile. It really brought up a lot of memories for them, and so this project is really about supporting people to be able to navigate those experiences."Some people still have trouble navigating their day-to-day because of their experiences. When it rains heavily, people have reactions, and the experience of trauma is wide-ranging and different for lots of folks, but we do know that it is prevalent in our community, and that's why we're really pleased to be a part of this project."I am one of the chief investigators on the project, so my role alongside some other community reps, is to make sure that the work that is done is grounded in community experience, and we provide advice and input into the shape of the project to ensure that it's being designed in a way that will meet the needs of our community."As the HEART trial is funded by the Federal Government, if successful, it can be rolled out nationally, so it can help any community suffering PTSD from any natural disaster.Heart is a two-step care program that will run over 2-3 years. Step 1 is the compassion-based projects outlined above, and Step 2 is for people who have gone through the compassion program and still feel a bit traumatised. Step 2 is MDMA assisted therapy, which basically means that they will be given MDMA, but they also have the therapy and the compassion component as part of the program.This much smaller trial will test whether MDMA-assisted therapy is effective for people who still have PTSD after completing Step 1. Step 2 is being planned for 2026 to 2027.Dr Schloss said the end goal for the HEART trial is to achieve community resilience."What we're really trying to do is build that whole community resilience and ability to go through and then have this program to be able to take it to different areas around Australia or the world that have related disasters and are traumatised."The trial will use a dedicated website, videos, and public talks to communicate with the community and stakeholders. This will ensure clarity, transparency, and engagement.How to take part in the studyYou may be able to take part in the HEART clinical trial if you:• Are an adult, 18 years or older.• Were directly impacted by a climate-related disaster (e.g. flood, bushfire or landslide) between 2017 and 2022.• Live in the Northern Rivers of NSW.• Have or think you may have PTSD.• Can understand and communicate in English.• Agree to take part in the study, including group sessions and follow-up activities.The trial runs for 5 weeks. Participants meet once a week for a 3-hour session. Before and after the program, participants will complete questionnaires on their mental health and well-being.To see if you’re eligible, visit the dedicated project website: heart.scu.edu.au.For more information about the project, email heart@scu.edu.au.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has congratulated two Lismore-based writers who are among 100 Seniors Card holders to have their short stories published in this year’s edition of Seniors’ Stories.Mary-Jane Gibson is featured for the third successive year with her story, ‘The Music of Fashion’ and Dr Ros Derrett OAM’s story, ‘Getting Her Messages Across’, is her third published work under the popular program.Ms Saffin said Seniors’ Stories Volume 11 elevates the voices of seniors to share their personal reflections on the theme of ‘Then and Now’.“It’s fantastic to have two talented creatives from Lismore represented in this collection,” Ms Saffin said.“Their written work is among more than 1100 personal stories of older authors which have been published since the NSW Government launched the initiative in 2013.”The program is open to all Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card holders. Authors from all backgrounds and languages are encouraged to submit their work.The Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW has led writing workshops to provide guidance and support for seniors seeking to share their stories.More information on Seniors’ Stories is available on the NSW Seniors Card website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/community-services/seniors-card/seniors-stories.A downloaded copy of Seniors’ Stories Volume 11 is attached. Ms Gibson’s story appears on Pages 180-181, and Dr Derrett’s story can be found on Pages 182-183.Black and white photo of Dr Ros Derrett OAM. Credit: Peter Derrett OAM. Colour photo of Mary-Jane Gibson.

We are in the middle of National Recycling Week, and one of Lismore City Council’s most popular recycling options is about to get bigger and better.   Next week, Council will install a second processing machine, known as a singulator, at the Return and Earn bulk site at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre in Monaltrie. This will double the amount of recycling that can be processed and help to reduce wait times. Unfortunately, this means the site will need to be closed for a week while the machine is installed. It will reopen on Monday, 24 November, with a community BBQ to thank residents and launch the upgraded service. A singulator separates and feeds containers onto the line at a steady rate. With two units, staff can move more containers per hour with fewer stoppages.  Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the investment into doubling capacity demonstrates Council’s commitment to recycling. “Our community takes recycling seriously, and National Recycling Week is about making it easier for people to do the right thing,” he said.   “Community members turn up with crates, bags and trailers full of recyclables every week to use the Return and Earn bulk site. It is great for families, clubs and fundraisers, and this upgrade supports that effort with faster turnarounds and fewer delays.”  Acting Waste Operations Coordinator Kadijah Runge said the improvements mean better processing and traffic safety.  “The works include refined traffic flow on site for safer entry and exit, clearer site navigation, and system tuning so large bulk returns clear faster,” she said.  “It is a practical upgrade that sets the facility up for the summer surge when families, events and community groups bring in higher volumes.” The result is a faster and smoother experience for residents, better uptime for the depot and a functioning deposit scheme for our community.  During the brief shutdown, residents can keep recycling at Return and Earn machines at Southern Cross University and Woolworths Goonellabah.   Bring your containers to the reopening from 10am on Monday, 24 November, grab a sausage, and see the improved setup in action. 

An additional 21 NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) buyback houses have been released to the market in two auctions being held in Murwillumbah next week and Lismore on November 17.   To date, 106 flood-affected properties, bought by the Government through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, have been offered for sale to be relocated off the high-risk floodplain by the new owner. The next release of homes is part of the commitment to reuse and relocate as many flood-affected homes as possible.First National Real Estate Murwillumbah will auction 11 houses at the Murwillumbah RSL Club, starting at 6pm on November 11. This will be followed by a PRD Northern Rivers auction of 10 houses at the Lismore Workers Sports Club at Goonellabah on November 17 from 5.30pm.Among the Tweed homes being auctioned are several properties that had been renovated by their previous owners, retaining their period charm, including stained glass windows, timber flooring and high ceilings.There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia. Successful bidders will have 12 months to relocate the houses.As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the jointly funded Resilient Homes Program is creating safer communities by removing some flood-prone homes from the floodplain and helping other homeowners to undertake resilience works to protect and mitigate the impact on their properties from future flood events.Under the program, more than 930 offers have been made to buyback homes in the highest risk areas, with over 720 settled to date. A further 620 homeowners in the Northern Rivers have received tailored home assessments to improve their homes’ flood resilience. The target is to complete 1500 of these assessments by mid-2026.The program plays a critical role in reducing the number of people living in harm’s way by permanently moving families out of the most flood-prone areas. This not only protects lives and property but also supports the long-term sustainability of Northern Rivers towns by rebuilding in safer locations.A full list of the houses for auction is found below and more details on the November 11 auction, including photos can be found at: https://www.fnmurwillumbah.com.au/pages/real-estate/relocatable-homes. Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, "These auctions are a powerful sign of progress, proof that our region is rebuilding with heart and hope.“Every home that’s relocated represents a family starting fresh in a safer place and a piece of our community’s story being preserved for the future.“This program is not just about moving homes, it’s about honouring the past, supporting renewal, and building a stronger, safer Northern Rivers for generations to come.”NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said, “The strong turnout at these auctions shows how much the community values the chance to give these homes a second life.“We’re proud to continue this momentum and will keep releasing homes while community interest remains strong.”

Should Lismore Council be involved with crime prevention? This question was debated for 33 minutes during yesterday's Lismore City Council meeting. The two opposing points were council showing leadership versus crime prevention is a police issue.The events that led to a Goonellabah man's body being found near Clifford Park last Friday, and another man in a serious but stable condition at a Gold Coast hospital, plus recent complaints from business owners in the CBD, makes crime prevention a hot topic in the Lismore LGA. It led Councillor Dalton-Earls to put forward a motion, where Council:1. reinstate the Social Justice and Crime Prevention Committee to continue the work of this committee before it was disbanded 2. appoints a chair and alternate chairCr Rob seconded the motion because he wanted to make an amendment to the original motion. One that was very different to the first, but was accepted by Cr Dalton-Earls.'That council prepare a report looking at the pros and cons of establishing a Crime Prevention Advisory Group to be reported back to council for further consideration.""The reason I brought this is because we have significant issues in our community. They're undeniable. We've just had an indigenous man killed in a park that's now under investigation. We've got another one that's on life support in the Gold Coast hospital. One was left dead and wasn't found for hours after. We've got all these issues that are happening every day in the CBD that we've passed resolutions about ourselves."What I'm trying to clarify is it's not looking at the old report and the old recommendations and picking up where that was left off. This, in my view, should be seen as a new something that we can show leadership in. The community is crying out for the council and everybody to take leadership for the issues that are happening in our community right now. And this is one way that we can get people involved and start that process, and whether it leads to the crime prevention plan in the future or not, that should be up to the advisory group committee through that process."Interestingly, the last Social Justice and Crime Prevention Committee was discontinued by council in February 2022, following three years of inaction by the committee. They had not met since August 2019.The original committee was set up because of the passion of one councillor, and when that councillor did not seek reelection, the committee stopped operating. You have to ask the question whether this will have the same result?Cr Dalton-Earls said, "We need to liaise with our community leaders, indigenous leaders, our youth leaders, our health, our police officers, everyone at the same table. And I think that if Council passes this, it's showing leadership in that space, and it's getting the ball rolling. So that's why I believe this motion is worthy of being supported."Cr Knight-Smith spoke against the motion. She said she supported the original group and the passion it displayed, but didn't want it to be "symbolic rather impactful"."Today, we are still in the midst of significant organisational and community recovery. Our staff are stretched. Our resources are limited, and our strategic priorities are now under review, reinstating a committee of this scope and complexity, without a clear plan for its governance, resourcing integration into our broader strategic framework and community risks repeating the challenges that led to it led to its discontinuation.""I do not want this to be the end of the conversation. Quite the opposite. I believe we should commit to revisiting this proposal in the future, perhaps as part of a community strategic plan review or in conjunction with the development of a broader community safety and wellbeing strategy. Let's take the time to get this right. Let's be guided by staff who understand the capacity in this space. Let's consult with our community partners, assess our internal capability and check the appetite of stakeholders.""We do not need to duplicate work that they're already doing. We need to ensure that if we do bring this committee back, it is with structure, leadership and the support that it will need to succeed, because it will need a lot of support. I don't want to introduce something to just fail. So while I support the motion in principle, I cannot support its implementation at this time, so I respectfully suggest that we defer this matter until we are better placed to deliver on what it aims to achieve."It was here that Cr Rob introduced the amendment that changed the motion for council staff to create a report that may lead to establishing an advisory group."That's because it should be an advisory group, and we've got that policy now. I think there's only two committees at the moment, everything else is an advisory group. So if we do it as a committee, it's going to be complicated and difficult. If it's an Advisor Group, it's be more flexible and easier to maintain and manage."If the staff can find a way, I would hope that it comes back with a lot of pros and not many cons. And I hope there's a way that we can do this. And hopefully, by early in the next year, I don't think we'll get it done this year, but maybe by February or March next year, we might be able to look at getting this going with some community input, and get some business owners and community members, some social groups, everything involved in an advisory group."Cr Hall said she absolutely supported a motion like this."Obviously, our community is struggling, and we need to do something, but we need the right people to drive it, and we need to make sure that it's followed up and followed through completely, you know, bringing a resolution to council that we create this group or that group and then some and then being all excited about it doesn't actually have any follow through."I hope we can get it off the ground. I hope it can go well, but I hope it's not just something that comes up at a committee meeting. We all clap and say, yeah, we've done this, and then nothing fruitful actually comes from it. You know what I mean? And that's the risk. You know, we have advisory groups that the community aren't even attending. We have advisory groups that people don't have any interest in, and I know this is very on the money right now, but we need to make sure we've got buy-in from the right people to make it successful."Cr Battista took the non-populist side, thinking the advisory group would be a staff waste of time, as he cannot see anyone strongly passionate about driving the agenda."All I see is another cost for council in staff time, having to prepare a report that's going to come to us in a briefing, all right, where no one wants to get involved, or there's no real groundwork and the willingness to do anything about it. You'll end up seeing another report sitting on the shelf."And that's the reason why I'm going to vote against. Not because I don't want something to happen, but I want something meaningful to happen."On the other hand, Cr Waters was looking at receiving options from the staff report."Our community is crying out. Our community is hurting, and we need to start looking at ways how we can support that. It can be through advocacy, it can be through going for grants, but we need to start working on it, and we need to be working on it with all of our other stakeholders in the community. So I actually will appreciate a report coming back, and I understand that it will cost us money, and that's not ideal, but I think that we just need to look at, we need changes happening in our community, and we need to support our community through lots of different ways."Cr Gordon was another that felt the supporters had well-meaning intentions, but ultimately it is the responsibility of NSW police."I totally get the idea of a Crime Prevention Advisory Group. I do. I do, and I applaud anybody that thinks that they can make a significant contribution into helping what's going on in Lismore right now. But I tell you what, next time, if someone's bashing my door in, am I going to be ringing the coppers, or referring to our Prevention Advisory report? I'll be ringing the coppers."I think the population is generally sick and tired of council thinking they can be something to everybody and getting involved, and perhaps, in a token way, lead the community down the path of crime prevention. I've worked at the coalface. I know exactly how it works. Every single one of you, when something goes wrong, you will ring the police, and we don't have enough staff. Lismore is known, it's well known to be what they call a disadvantaged station, and we simply are not resourced."The police force in Lismore should be twice the size it is. It should easily be twice the size it is. The area these guys and girls have to service is just enormous. And I think a bunch of well-intentioned people, and I get they are well intentioned, sitting around formulating a plan and then relying on the police to enact that plan is probably just a reach too far."When it came to the vote, the motion was carried 7/4, with Crs Guise, Dalton-Earls, Jensen, Waters, Rob, Knight-Smith and Hall voting for and Crs Gordon, Bing, Krieg and Battista voting against.We now await the staff report in the December or February 2026 meeting before the councillors vote on whether they form a Social Justice and Crime Prevention Advisory Group.