Benjamin Franklin once wrote, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes". We look at funeral homes as a business; however, finding the right company with the right staff to help you through an extremely emotional and traumatic time in your life can be difficult.In an industry dominated by national brands, one Lismore family transitioned from a building company founded in 1978 to manufacturing coffins around 1994 and has operated as a funeral home since 2016. This month, they celebrate 10 years of serving the community.Warwick Binney was part of the family building business, but when his father retired in 2015, he wanted to start Binney Family Funerals and take a new direction in a field he knew well."I guess, being involved with the funeral industry through the coffin manufacturing and the involvement with New South Wales Funeral Directors Association, Queensland Funeral Directors Association, Australian Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, etc, as an industry member, we were at all their meetings in support of selling our products."They used to have big trade conventions, and we'd be able to take product and display it to funeral directors across the different states, etc. Being on the road, an interest grew within me about the industry."That interest led to Warwick casually working for funeral homes out-of-the-area when the owners went away for a weekend."I'd started training for this prior to the closure, and then took a 12-month period in the establishment of locations, development applications and everything, to then open Binney Family Funerals. I did my first funeral on the 4th of February in 2016," Warwick shared with the Lismore App.(Binney Family Funerals on Magellan Street)As you would expect, being a funeral director is not your ordinary 9-to-5 job. It takes a special kind of person who is committed to the funeral industry."It's not a career choice. It's a life choice," Warwick explained. "It's something that you're there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even on Christmas day, someone else's family in need draws you away from your own family. Obviously, your own family's got to be understanding through those times. It really is a calling."When Warwick opened Binney Family Funerals on Magellan Street, most of the existing companies were national, though some private owners operated multiple funeral homes in certain locations. To that end, Warwick is the only "locally owned and operated funeral home in Lismore."This gave Warwick a point of difference in the Lismore and Northern Rivers funeral market."Lismore is just a big country town. People still want that personal attention from a person they have a connection with, and not like a number in a delicatessen sort of thing."Across any industry, there will be some changes in operations, and the funeral industry is no different. They are just quite subtle changes.In the 1930's, nearly all funeral services were held in a church and were religious-based with the same hymns and procedures. Now, they are more personalised."Today we're probably more experience-based," Warwick explained. "If you don't take something from an experience, it was pointless doing it. So each funeral service has really got to be tailored to the individual person and family, not just what the textbook says. It is encouraging the family to talk and share, and it is the start of a journey towards a new life without that person's presence, and starting to look through photo albums, and talk about experiences that you shared."It assists you on that journey. If it's mechanical, it was pointless."Live streaming of funerals came into vogue about 15 years ago and then saw a resurgence during COVID-19, when lockdowns and restrictions forced nearly all funerals to include it. Five years later, the number of families using live streaming has dropped, but not to pre-COVID numbers.In terms of what Warwick has learnt in the last 10 years, taking the time to stop and listen is at the top of the list."I think one thing that I've always been conscious of and learnt from an early stage in training is always stop and listen when the family are doing the eulogy. Because if something does turn left when it should have turned right, and something occurs, and you've got to pick up a service, that knowledge that you've picked up can help you in finishing off a service where it may be necessary."I think people underestimate when they're talking to their family about their funeral. They say, I don't want a eulogy, I don't want anything fancy. It doesn't have to be fancy, but your family need that journey. And I think what we can learn in a generational situation from something like great-grandfather was when he died, and what he achieved, that come out of those times, is just sometimes phenomenal."He was a person that you walked past in the street. He said, Hello, Warwick. You said, Hello, John. He was a businessman in town, or what have you. But to find out that person's journey through life and what they achieve. We've got some outstanding people in our community that we just don't realise until that time."When we asked Warwick about the low point since he began as a funeral director, the lack of respect for a funeral cortege."The lack of respect and impatience of vehicles on the road when someone is travelling on their last journey. It's just really frustrating, the disrespect sometimes of people that will cut off the family car immediately behind a hearse and things like that. When the Road Traffic Act says a funeral cortege of two or more cars has right of way on the road. That lack of understanding in the greater community, particularly in young drivers, is just sad.As Warwick mentioned, being a funeral director is a lifestyle, not a career, and Warwick and the team at Binney's embrace that choice."Starting here 10 years ago, it was just myself, mum and dad, with the assistance of my three sons at varying stages. We have grown to where we are employing staff and having Liz van Eck and Tony Maluta start with us, both from local families and the support network that they've offered us as well."I now have a niece and her partner that are involved as well, and while we're not all blood family, here we are the Binney Family Funerals family, and the support from everyone involved here has been great over the years."Through the respect and growth that we've got from families, repeat families that we've cared for has just been outstanding, and there obviously was a need for a local funeral director in our community and and I'm just proud that we've been able to serve those families and provide them with a journey that's helped them to find solace in their their new life without their loved one."

NSW Farmers has presented the state government with a range of improvements that need to be made to firearms regulations. The sudden, sweeping changes to firearms laws made without consultation created adverse and unintended consequences, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said, and ongoing uncertainty caused big problems for food and fibre producers. But legislation was only part of the process in changing firearms rules in NSW, and Mr Martin said a set of regulations, which had only recently been reviewed, also needed to be changed. “At the moment I’m hearing from a lot of farmers who don’t know whether they’re breaking the law or not because there’s this cloud of uncertainty hanging over them,” Mr Martin said. “For farmers, these are vital tools – expensive tools – that are needed to do a job, and we’ve made it clear to the NSW Government that it needs to get the settings right around their new laws.” NSW Farmers called for several feasibility issues to be resolved, including:Buyback Scheme: While NSW Farmers did not support the firearms changes or need for a “gun buyback scheme”, if owners were to be required to surrender firearms to meet new state-based requirements then fair compensation needed to be available to avoid financial penalty. Importantly, this needed to include ammunition, accessories and parts associated with the surrendered firearms, with compensation based on fair market value prior to 14 December 2025.Gun club membership: Those involved in agriculture had to be exempted from the mandatory gun club membership requirement, which was considered severely impractical, especially in rural and remote areas where gun clubs and shooting ranges were sparse or oversubscribed. It was NSW Farmers’ view that this mandate would result greater movement of firearms off-farm, at odds with the primary production genuine reason.Firearms Caps:Farm operations varied significantly in size, commodity, operating environment and pest pressures. As a result, there would be farmers that had genuine use-cases requiring more than 10 firearms, and they needed a feasible and reliable pathway to apply to the Police Commissioner for approval of additional firearms based on primary production requirements.The limit of two Category C firearms had to be amended to account for the recategorisation of several firearms, and caps on the number per individual made cumulative based on the genuine reasons attached to the license – as was the case in Western Australia.Firearms registry resourcing / license terms: There was a high risk of processing delays due to increased frequency of license renewals/applications and additional background checks. NSW Farmers did not support the need to reduce license terms to two years and existing mechanisms to cancel licenses based on criminal behavior had to be enhanced in the first instance.License decisions: The merit review pathway to appeal licensing decisions through NCAT had to be restored to provide procedural fairness and avoid unintended consequences regarding false accusations.Recreational hunting licences: Many farm businesses relied on recreational hunters and the significant changes for this group had to be practical, including collaboration with other farmers on their properties. Timing: Amendments to the regulation and design of the gun buyback scheme needed to be informed by robust stakeholder engagement including primary producers. In addition, sufficient time and clarity for licence holders was needed to transition, especially in remote/rural contexts.  “We’re conscious that there are ways to improve practicality for farmers,” Mr Martin said. “The process to update the Firearms Regulation 2017 must not be rushed and it must provide adequate consultation opportunities with key stakeholders such as NSW Farmers to mitigate adverse and unintended consequences for food and fibre production, and the state’s biosecurity and landscape management. “We’re continuing to build engagement with government, opposition, crossbenchers and agencies to make the best out of this situation, so we can sort out the confusions, and let farmers get on with the important job of producing healthy plants and animals.”

Emergency services are on scene following a two-car crash on Ballina Road at Goonellabah this afternoon, with one westbound lane currently closed.The incident occurred just past Kadina Street around 5.30pm, right in the middle of the peak hour. The crash has impacted westbound traffic, with motorists urged to exercise caution as they pass through the area.Emergency services are attending, and traffic conditions may remain slow while the scene is managed and vehicles are cleared.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall for Lismore and parts of the Northern Rivers.A southerly change is moving through the northeast of the state this afternoon and evening, where a humid and unstable airmass is in place. Thunderstorms are possible ahead of and with this change, and some may be severe with damaging winds and heavy rainfall.The severe thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding for Lismore, Ballina, Evans Head, Yamba and Grafton.Separate Flood Watches are current BoM issues Minor Flood Watch for Wilsons and Richmond Rivers.Safety adviceThe State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. The next warning is due to be issued by 7:55 pm.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned that minor flooding is possible in Lismore and the Northern Rivers from Friday as two weather systems meet later tonight.A cold front and its associated trough is crossing much of the state today (Thursday), before lingering and deepening about the northeast from Friday and into the weekend.Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast from Thursday evening through into the weekend across the Northern Rivers catchments. Locally intense falls are also possible with thunderstorms from Thursday evening through to Friday morning.The forecast is for 15-70mm to fall on Friday, 10-45mm on Saturday and 10-70mm on Sunday.This rainfall may cause minor flooding in the Northern Rivers catchments from late Friday.The Northern Rivers catchments are relatively dry.The exact location and timing of the heaviest falls remain uncertain.Localised river level rises and flash flooding are possible within the areas of heaviest rainfall.Flood classes (minor, moderate and major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service.Catchments likely to be affected include:Tweed and Rous Rivers: Minor floodingBrunswick River and Marshalls Creek: Minor floodingWilsons River: Minor floodingRichmond River: Minor floodingFor the latest flood and weather warnings, see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts.For the latest rainfall and river level information, see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.Safety adviceDon't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.For local emergency management warnings and advice, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.The next Flood Watch will be issued by 01:00 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time on Friday, 13 February 2026. The next Flood Watch will be issued by 01:00 PM AEDT on Friday, 13 February 2026.

As we know, February and March are the peak storm season months for Lismore and the Northern Rivers, and so far, conditions have been mild.We are about to get our potential first taste of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms since October, which may lead to flash flooding for three consecutive days.To date, February has produced 21mm of rain, while January spat down a miserly 6mm at the Lismore airport.We have to go back to the 23rd of December 2025 for a one-day total of 51mm, and the 29th of October 2025, when 70mm fell.The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has forecast a wide range of rainfall totals as a cold front moves northeast and mixes with a humid air mass, which is making its way southeast.The result is approximately 29mm as the minimum scenario across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. However, if the thunderstorm activity does occur, it could bring localised heavy falls that could dump 180mm as a maximum potential at this stage over the three days.It is difficult to forecast the exact locations of the thunderstorms this far out, but they will become clearer as the two weather systems converge this evening.The NSW SES are asking residents to prepare for thunderstorm activity as a precaution by:Tying down loose items outside their homesClearing gutters and trim any overhanging branchesMove your car undercover or away from trees and powerlinesIf you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route. Steer clear of floodwater.If you require assistance in floods or storms, call 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).The Lismore App will update weather warnings if they are issued by the BoM, or you can download the Hazards Near Me app.

Lismore City Council has voted to accept the former Lismore greyhound track site at 1 Molesworth Street as a gift from Greyhound Racing NSW, following Tuesday's council meeting.Greyhound Racing NSW has confirmed greyhound racing will no longer be conducted from the venue, and the site has not operated since the major flooding events of February and March 2022.At Tuesday's meeting, the vote was 10/1, with only Councillor (Cr) Adam Guise against as most saw the gift as a huge opportunity for Lismore. Cr Jeri Hall described the vote as "A no-brainer", while Cr Gordon said, "This is a great, great opportunity for our community".Cr Guise didn't have faith in council to do the right thing by the community. He expressed concerns about the land potentially being "sold off" and asked for "consultation of the local mob" given its Aboriginal heritage.To ensure transparency and keep options open, Council will now complete the usual property and risk checks, classify the land as Operational land under the Local Government Act, and run a 30-day Expression of Interest process.Council does not have an immediate use for the site, which is why an open Expression of Interest will be used to test realistic, flood-aware proposals.The process will invite submissions from organisations and businesses, including options such as leasing or licensing the site, partnering with Council, or other feasible arrangements.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the decision was about practical stewardship and open decision-making.“This is a chance to regain control of a flood-impacted site in a prominent location, but we're not announcing a pre-made plan,” he said. “We’ll do our due-diligence checks, invite credible ideas from the community and market, and bring the options back to Council for a decision in public.”Submissions will be assessed, and a report on viable options, including any financial risks identified through the checks, will be presented to Council for a decision at a future meeting.The Expression of Interest will be publicly advertised and will outline what information proponents need to provide.Further details, including timeframes and submission information, will be published once the preliminary checks are underway.Next steps:Complete property and risk checksClassify the land as Operational landOpen a 30-day Expression of InterestAssess submissions and report options to Council

NSWPF Drug and Firearms Squad detectives in partnership with the Queensland Police Service, have charged five men over an alleged $14 million drug supply syndicate accused of extracting cocaine concealed in timber.The timber was being stored in sheds on a property on Three Chain Road, South Lismore and on the Gold Coast.Strike Force Capulin was established in August 2025 by State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad to investigate the alleged large-scale supply of prohibited drugs in northern New South Wales.The investigation commenced after detectives received intelligence that inside four tonnes of timber planks was about 100 kilograms of cocaine, allegedly set to be extracted by the syndicate.On Friday, 2 January 2026, strike force detectives arrested a 33-year-old man in Kingsford, allegedly in possession of two kilograms of cocaine and $6,800 cash.He was taken to Maroubra Police Station and charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug commercial quantity, two counts of recklessly deal with proceeds of crime >$5000, supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug indictable & commercial quantity.The 33-year-old man was refused bail and appeared at Bail Division Local Court 7 on Saturday, 3 January 2026, where he was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, 26 February 2026.Investigators will allege in court that the man had flown from Ballina to Sydney for the alleged purpose of picking up prohibited drugs.Following inquiries, on Sunday, 4 January 2026, investigators searched a car parked at Ballina Airport, where they allegedly uncovered a duffle bag containing 723 grams of cocaine, 112 grams of ketamine and almost $400,000 in cash.(Photo: NSWPF)Detectives also searched a mobile phone, where they allegedly uncovered photos and videos of what appeared to be 100 kilograms of cocaine impregnated into wooden planks. The origin of the timber remains under investigation.Investigators established that the planks were being stored in sheds on the Gold Coast and in South Lismore.About 2.40pm Thursday, 22 January 2026, strike force detectives – with the assistance of Queensland Police – executed a crime scene warrant at a property in South Lismore, allegedly seizing six tonnes of wooden planks.(Photo: NSWPF)At the same time, investigators from the Queensland State Drug Squad, executed a search warrant in Moledinar, Queensland, where officers allegedly located a significant number of wooden planks inside a clandestine extraction lab.Four men – aged 42, 45, 46 and 55 years old – were arrested and charged with producing dangerous drugs (cocaine) and possession of relevant items, including a cocaine press.Following extensive inquiries, about 7.30am yesterday (Tuesday, 10 February 2026) strike force detectives from State Crime Command’s Drugs and Firearms Squad, attended a home at Ocean Shores.A 33-year-old man was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he was charged with supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity and knowingly direct activities of criminal group.He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Local Court 1 today (Wednesday, 11 February 2026).Detective Superintendent John Watson says the partnership between NSW Police and Queensland police was critical to this outcome.“Information flowed quickly, resources were shared, and the result is a major disruption to organised crime,” Det Supt John Watson said.“Cross-border crime requires cross-border policing. This operation is a strong example of how collaboration delivers real results.“Criminal groups continue to evolve their methods, and this attempt to conceal cocaine within timber products was highly calculated. Our teams were ready for it, and their action ensured drugs never made the streets”Acting Detective Superintendent Brad Phelps stated that effective collaboration between policing jurisdictions enabled timely tactical actions to be undertaken.“These actions resulted in disrupting this criminal activity and prevented a significant quantity of cocaine from making its way onto the streets and causing community harm” Act Det Supt Brad Phelps said.“This investigation highlights the lengths that organised criminal syndicates will go to in order to attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.”“This concealment methodology, of impregnating cocaine into timber planks, had not been detected in Queensland previously.”Anyone with information that may assist investigations into the supply of illicit drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis.The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

February marks an important milestone for Lismore, with vital $1.28 million upgrades to the Gasworks Creek pump station in East Lismore now complete, boosting the city’s flood resilience. The project involved raising pumps and electrical systems above the record 2022 flood level of 14.4 metres, installing mechanical trash screens to prevent blockages, and improving overall pumping efficiency. Minor site refinements will continue over the coming weeks. Works were undertaken by Northern Rivers-based contractors: Steady State Pty Ltd and Engineered Project Solutions Pty Ltd.  Lismore's pump stations are a critical part of the local flood mitigation system, designed to remove stormwater and localised flooding from within the levee walls and pump it into the Wilsons River.However, the old pumps have insufficient capacity to handle high-intensity rain events, leading to localised flooding downtown, even when the levee gates were closed. Vulnerabilities in their electrical systems and a reliance on manual operations also hampered their performance. Construction will begin at Browns Creek, Magellan Street and a brand-new pump station in South Lismore later this year, as part of a $29.8 million upgrade funded by the Australian Government through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority. The Browns Creek pump station is the centrepiece of the overhaul. It was built in the 1970s to pump stormwater from the low-lying Lismore basin into the Wilsons River. The new station will be built to modern standards and will significantly increase pumping capacity. Start dates for the remaining two projects will be revealed in the coming months.  The rollout of a new 10-kilometre fibre optic network last year will allow for the remote activation and control of Lismore’s flood pumps, once completed, during future weather eventsTogether, these enhancements will improve catchment response to rainfall when river levels rise.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said: “Flood recovery isn’t a quick fix – it’s a long-term commitment."“These projects are part of a bigger picture that will make Lismore better prepared for whatever nature throws at us.” Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said: “The pump stations in essence act as the lungs of the Lismore flood levee system, they are actively working to keep the city as dry as possible when the river rises during big rain events, with ongoing upgrades making them more powerful and intelligent they will help better protect Lismore during future floods."“They perform a vital role in extracting stormwater and localised flooding from behind the levee system and pump it back into the Wilsons River, minimising damage to homes and businesses downtown.” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said: “This upgrade reflects how investment through the NRRRP is delivering practical improvements to Lismore’s flood-mitigation network, strengthening the city’s ability to cope with increasingly severe weather events."“By modernising these ageing pump stations with more powerful, reliable and remotely operated systems, this program is supporting Lismore’s long-term efforts to reduce local flood impacts and protect homes, businesses and essential services during future storm events.” 

The first Lismore City Council meeting of the year included a deja vu experience yesterday when councillors debated motions and amendments that had already been decided in 2025.Moving council chambers to the Municipal building, changing council meeting times and the number of speakers during a meeting were raised, debated and voted on with the same outcome. You couldn't help but think that it was a waste of time.When voting to accept the new Draft Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor (Cr) Adam Guise put forward the first amendment that the reference to 165 Molesworth Street, the Municipal building, be removed.Cr Guise has supported that the Municipal building remain the home of the Lismore Historical Society, and once again reiterated that point. He also said that moving council staff and facilities back into the CBD was an "absolute bonkers idea", according to the community feedback he had received.Cr Gianpiero Battista said this was already a council resolution, to "Bring people down to the CBD, and improve the life of the CBD and provide more economic input into the life of the CBD."The rhetoric was basically the same, depending on which side of the political debate you sit.Crs Guise, Knight-Smith, Dalton-Earls and Waters didn't want to move staff back into the floodplain, with the Historical Society as an underlying point, while Mayor Krieg and Crs Hall, Battista, Gordon, Bing, and Jensen support the move as it will bring prosperity to the CBD businesses through lunches and personal purchases. Cr Rob voted against adopting the Code of Meeting Practice document in principle, but voted with the Krieg team against the amendment, which was defeated 7/4.Cr Guise then tabled another amendment to change Council meeting times to 6pm, as they were before a resolution in October 2024.The reasoning was based on the same arguments from 18 months ago: councillors having day jobs and the lack of opportunity for residents to speak during Public Access at 9am, before the meeting proper starts at 10am.The opposing argument centred on council staff safety: driving home late at night and starting early the next morning, and on staff accessibility being better during the workday.Public Access was also challenged. One side says daytime meetings don't provide the opportunity for people to have their say, and the other says the numbers were stronger now than when the meetings were held at 6pm, as were the streaming numbers. Cr Andrew Bing said, "We had seven people speaking on four different items."This amendment was defeated 8/3, with Cr Harper Dalton-Earls voting against, along with the Krieg team and Cr Rob.Amendment 3 from Cr Guise was changing the speakers from 2 for and against to 4 for and against.Cr Guise said it used to be an unlimited number of speakers, before moving to 4 and now 2, so 4 would be a good compromise. Mayor Krieg responded by saying that two is enough because "How often do we want to hear the same story said in a different way."Once again, the amendment was defeated 8/3. Councillors were then able to vote on the original draft Code of Meeting Conduct policy after 42 minutes, which was adopted 8/3.While the same old arguments came up during yesterday's meeting and were defeated again, a new theme emerged. Community feedback.In debates, the rhetoric often draws on community feedback. No one knows how large or small the community feedback is, but it is used as part of the argument.Cr Gordon struck a new chord yesterday by saying that the Krieg team was voted in with 65% of the vote, indicating strong community support. "They wanted a different category of representation, and they got it".This is a point that still does not sit well with other councillors, as yesterday proved.

The NSW Government introduced a Bill to Parliament yesterday to make the demerit point reward program permanent. Once passed, the reform will make the Demerit Point Reward Program a permanent feature of the state’s demerit point system, allowing eligible unrestricted licence holders to have one demerit point removed after remaining offence-free for a continuous 12-month period.The reform builds on a successful trial delivered as an election commitment and reflects the Government’s clear view that lasting road safety comes from changing behaviour – not just punishing people after something has gone wrong.Since the trial began in 2023, more than two million NSW demerit points have been removed, proving motorists can drive safely over time, with thousands more eligible drivers from the final year of the trial to have points returned later this year.The reform is not a replacement for enforcement.Penalties, fines, licence suspensions and police action remain firmly in place for dangerous and repeat offenders. This reform works alongside those measures by giving drivers a clear incentive to slow down, follow the rules and stick to safer habits.Only unrestricted licence holders are eligible. Learner and provisional drivers remain excluded under the Graduated Licensing Scheme, reflecting their higher risk profile and lower demerit thresholds.Drivers must also maintain an active licence and remain free of relevant offences for the full 12-month reduction period for a demerit point to be removed.Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said, “For too long, road safety has relied almost entirely on penalties and enforcement, and while those tools remain absolutely essential, on their own they don’t always change behaviour for the long term.“We believe the best approach is a clear carrot and stick – strong penalties for dangerous behaviour, combined with a real incentive for drivers who do the right thing and stay offence-free.“This reform reflects a fair, practical approach to road safety that works with drivers while still holding people accountable. “Let’s not forget, road safety isn’t about choosing between enforcement or education – we need both.“We’re investing a record $2.8 billion over four years in road safety – safer roads, better infrastructure, stronger enforcement and education – and we will rule nothing out when it comes to saving lives. “Most drivers want to do the right thing. This program gives people who’ve made mistakes in the past a real reason to change their behaviour and keep doing better.“If you break the rules, the penalties apply – fines, points and suspensions are still there.“But if you slow down, follow the rules and drive safely over time, that effort is recognised, and we think that balance gives us the best chance of changing behaviour and saving lives.”

Lismore City Council will advocate to the State and Federal governments for a review of proposed restrictions on “buyback” land in Lismore that mean all buildings must be removed and not replaced.Mayor Steve Krieg told today's Council’s Ordinary Meeting that under current Federal Government policy, enforcing the removal of all structures and not allowing new buildings, prevents change of use and the ability for Lismore to retain valuable assets and opportunities.“This policy in its current form will see several hundred vacant blocks where many residents still live, and businesses still operate,” he said.“A review of this policy needs to allow council to utilise this land for best future use possible, focusing on commercial and industrial possibilities where suitable.”Following a resolution at today's Ordinary Council meeting, Council will also write to the NSW Reconstruction Authority requesting “buyback” properties on Elliott Road, South Lismore, be gifted to Council so the land can be used for industrial/commercial purposes, providing a model as to how effective building design can be integrated to ensure highest and best use of the land.Mayor Krieg said: “Lismore floods and that reality has forced us to become smarter, faster and more innovative than most cities. The question now is whether policy allows us to apply that capability, or leaves land vacant in places where safe, productive re-use is possible.”“Leaving land vacant because it once flooded ignores the reality that smarter design and use can unlock economic value while managing risk.“If Council can activate inexpensive industrial and commercial land in great locations to attract business investment, we can help to create jobs and ensure a vibrant and world-leading Lismore into the future.”Mayor Krieg said that local builder Joel Jensen and the Bell Family, of Mountain Blue fame, have a desire to build and showcase the type of building that can be constructed on a floodplain."Joel Jensen and Andrew Bell want to showcase what can be done with this land in a really flood resilient way. And I think it's a great opportunity for us to partner with some of our local people, our tradies, to actually showcase what we can do. How we can come back."Council will also request that a total of 14 buyback properties on Alexandra Parade, Bridge Street, Slater Street and Flick Street be gifted to the North Coast Agricultural & Industrial Society for additional carparking during major events.“The Showgrounds is currently undergoing a $4.77 million upgrade to its facilities and is attracting more frequent and larger events, including the very popular Primex Field Days, which are attracting tens of thousands of people to Lismore. It simply needs more off-street parking,” Mayor Krieg said.Council’s Strategic Planning Coordinator Jamie van Iersel said the Resilient Homes Program has had a significant impact on Lismore’s urban fabric and our communities and businesses.“To date, there have been 655 approved buybacks within Lismore, representing around 40 fragmented hectares of what could become grass under this policy,” she said.“The scale of buybacks in Lismore is distinct, and that requires distinct consideration and individualised policy response from the government. Policies that have served other areas in the past regarding the future of buyback land aren’t directly suitable for Lismore.“While residential uses in these areas are no longer supported, there are some suitable areas in which commercial, industrial and/or community uses could be safely provided.“Lismore City Council, together with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and our local community, under a structured Precinct Planning process, are capable and best placed to determine the future use of all buyback land within our own LGA.“Together, we have started this process and will be engaging skilled consultants to assist in determining the best future use for all buyback properties, balancing risk with community and economic need and aspiration.”Mayor Krieg's motion passed 6/4, with councillors Guise, Dalton-Earls, Waters and Knight-Smith voting against. Councillor Hall had left the meeting.

The NSW Government has announced that up to 18 students from across NSW have the opportunity to be selected to participate in a study tour visiting historic sites in Greece and Crete relating to Australia’s military service during the Second World War.The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship (PAMS) is a wonderful opportunity for high school history students to deepen their understanding of Australians at war and gain a richer appreciation of the courage and sacrifice of the nation’s servicemen and servicewomen over the generations.Locations in Greece include the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Phaleron, the Hellenic War Museum, and the battlefields of Thermopylae and Thebes. In Crete, the tour will visit sites such as the 6th Australian Division Memorial at Stavromenos, the battlefields of Rethymno, the Melame Memorial and the Souda Bay War Cemetery. Two PAMS 2025 recipients reflected on their tour to the Republic of Korea and Singapore last year, which they said was life-changing.Scarlett Sheridan from Green Point Christian College reflected that the tour was one of the greatest honours of her life, opening her eyes to the sacrifices made by veterans around the world.Flynn Greenow from Narrabeen Sports High School said he felt a profound sense of connection while standing on the historic battlefields visited during the tour.The 2026 tour will take place in the Term 3 school holidays, departing on Saturday, 26 September and returning to Sydney on Thursday, 8 October. An important change has been introduced to the application process this year, requiring eligible students to submit a five-minute multimedia presentation as part of their online application, along with a letter of recommendation from their school and a parent consent form.Applications close on Monday, 9 March 2026. For more information and to apply visit: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship/. Minister for Veterans David Harris said, “The PAMS tour presents a unique opportunity for students from all over New South Wales, and I highly recommend that History and Modern History students in Year 10 and Year 11 consider applying.“Through this scholarship, recipients will have the opportunity to visit historic sites across Greece and Crete that experienced the conflict firsthand - walking in the footsteps of the Australians who served and honouring their legacy at the very battlefields where their bravery was defined.“More than 17,000 Australians served in the Greece and Crete campaigns of 1941, standing in defence against advancing German forces. Close to 600 made the ultimate sacrifice, with many more wounded and thousands taken as prisoners of war.“Their courage and resilience remain an enduring part of our national story, and a lasting bond between Australia and Greece.“The Minns Labor Government is proud to continue to support this fantastic program and the extraordinary legacy of veterans.”Scarlett Sheridan, PAMS 2025 Scholar from Green Point Christian College said, “Finding out I’d received a PAMS scholarship was one of the greatest honours I’ve ever received. It opened my mind to the sacrifices veterans around the world have made.“Being a PAMS scholar has deepened my understanding of the sacrifice veterans make and the importance of keeping their stories alive. Hearing a Korean veteran thank us for our country’s service will stay with me forever and I am committed to playing my part in honouring all those who have served.“I was blessed to make lifelong friends and mentored by incredible teachers. Every day offered a new experience.”Flynn Greenow, PAMS 2025 Scholar from Narrabeen Sports High School said, “There is a surreal sense of deep connection found amongst the battlefields on which Australians fought and died to protect, which I would struggle to grasp without PAMS.“Making new friends while experiencing new cultures and learning about Australian military history, which is often overlooked in curriculum discussions, is an experience I will remember and treasure for the rest of my life.”

A push by the NSW Greens to introduce tighter regulations on the blueberry industry is being met with concern from growers in the Northern Rivers, who say the campaign risks unfairly targeting farmers and overlooking the sector’s importance to regional jobs, food production and the local economy.Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann has given notice of a bill aimed at regulating intensive horticulture, with a particular focus on large-scale blueberry farms. The campaign describes the industry as “out of control” and “largely unregulated”, raising concerns about pesticide use, water pollution and environmental damage across the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers.But one of the region’s largest blueberry producers, Mountain Blue, says the portrayal does not reflect the reality of modern farming or the level of regulation already in place. Mountain Blue managing director Andrew Bell says the business is one of the largest private employers in the area, with farms spread across Alstonville, Lindendale, near Casino and Tabulum, as well as a major packing shed based in Lismore. “We’d have to be one of the largest private employers in the area,” Mr Bell said. Ridley Bell, founder of Mountain Blue, with his son, managing director Andrew Bell (Image supplied)That footprint alone represents a significant long-term investment in the Northern Rivers, supporting hundreds of local jobs both directly and indirectly through transport, logistics and supply chains. The Greens’ campaign has used language describing “toxic blueberries”, something Mr Bell says is both disappointing and misleading. “The toxic thing’s pretty disappointing,” he said. “We eat a lot of berries at home, my kids love them, I take the kids to the farms They’re healthy and they’re safe to eat. We put a lot into it and we want people to experience them in the same way that we do.” Mr Bell strongly rejected suggestions the industry operates without oversight, saying blueberry farming is already subject to extensive regulation. “There’s a whole series of regulations and legislation and codes of practice that we comply with,” he said. “We go above and beyond to look after the environment, protect the waterways, capture water and recycle.” He said environmental management is not an optional extra for growers, but a core part of operating responsibly in rural areas. The proposed Greens bill would introduce additional planning requirements for intensive horticulture, including mandatory buffer zones and greater scrutiny of farm expansion. While Mr Bell acknowledged the broader challenge of farming alongside growing populations, he said the political framing misses the mark. “I don’t think it’s unfair. I think it’s misguided,” he said. “We farm in rural areas that are designated as such so people can farm, whether it’s macadamias or blueberries or cattle. That’s what we’re supposed to be doing in these areas.”Independent economic analysis also highlights the scale and significance of the industry in the region. A Deloitte Access Economics report released late last year found the North Coast produces 87 per cent of Australia’s blueberries, largely due to our region’s extended growing season.The same report identified agriculture as one of the Northern Rivers’ most important and fastest-growing industries, contributing more than $1.5 billion annually to the regional economy and ranking among the top three sectors in LGAs including Lismore.As the bill moves through Parliament, blueberry producers are calling for a more balanced conversation, one that reflects the reality of farming on the Northern Rivers, rather than reducing it to political slogans.

Lismore City Councillors return to work today as the first Council meeting takes place since early December 2025.Mayor Steve Krieg was hoping for the 2026 year to start at the renovated Municipal building on Molesworth Street; however, works have not been completed in time, so the meeting will take place in the Goonellabah office.Apart from the Lismore Greyhound track wanting to be gifted to Lismore City Council by Greyhound Racing NSW (Former Greyhound track could be repurposed, as Council considers its future), other items being discussed and voted on are the Clunes Village Masterplan, the concrete pathway at The Channon Public School and future land use of buyback properties.The Clunes Masterplan has been in play since an initial briefing in November 2024. There was a second briefing in June 2025, and a third in December, and in between was a community consultation from 18 August to 15 September last year.The community feedback showed concerns about overdevelopment, environmental protection & biodiversity, roads, traffic & safety, community infrastructure & amenities, sewerage infrastructure & costs, village character & identity, transparency during the consultation process, affordable & diverse housing, developer contributions and the importance of planning for flood, bushfire & emergency access.In response, council staff have made changes to the draft policy that 'Provides clearer growth pathways, strengthened environmental protections, enhanced village safety and amenity, and deliver greater certainty around implementation. The changes directly address community feedback by focusing on the scale and pacing of growth, environmental priorities, and infrastructure clarity.' The Channon Public School concrete pathway was approved 10/1 during the December meeting. However, there has been significant local noise from The Channon Public School P&C and residents, who state that the new path will make walking to and from school more dangerous for students, not safer.A rescission motion has been submitted by Councillor (Cr) Knight-Smith, Waters and Guise.One of the questions posed by residents in the Lismore LGA over the last 2 years concerns the use of the land left by the relocated or demolished Resilient Homes Program houses.Mayor Krieg wants to write to the relevant ministers and agencies to request a meeting to discuss restrictions on certain buyback land.The ultimate goal is for council to be gifted 39, 41, 43 and 45 Elliot Road, South Lismore (between the Shell service station and Lickiss Fabrications), so it can be used for commercial or industrial purposes. The business paper says, 'providing a model as to how effective building design can be integrated to ensure highest and best use of the land'. The houses on Alexandra Parade, opposite the North Lismore War Memorial and down towards the rail bridge, and behind on Slater Street, are planned to provide additional parking spaces for major events at the Lismore Showgrounds. Perfect for Gemfest, the debut of Primex in May and the Lismore Show in October.The first Lismore City Council meeting for 2026 starts at 9am with Public Access, followed by the meeting proper from 10am.The Lismore App will have a full report on Wednesday morning.

UPDATE: 4.04PMAccident cleared. Traffic is expected to return to normal flow soon.ORIGINAL STORYA two-car crash on the Bruxner Highway at Sneaths Road at Wollongbar is causing traffic delays.The accident happened at about 2:52pm.Emergency vehicles are in attendance, and traffic is affected in both directions.

Last week was a busier week than officers from the Richmond Police District would have liked. Between 29 January and 4 February 2026, 50 people were charged with 111 offences. 59.3% of the offences were domestic violence-related.The Top 5 Offence categories for the week were:1. Contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic) – 14 (12.6%)2. Common assault (DV) – 11 (9.9%)3. Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (Domestic) – 10 (9.0%)4. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) – 7 (6.3%)5. Trespass – 5 offences – 5 (4.5%)The most significant arrests, included:1. At 1:17am on 29 January 2026, police responded to a Triple Zero call from a male reporting he was allegedly being chased and strangled by a female known to him. Police located the male victim distressed on Ballina Road, Lismore, with the 25-year-old female accused following him. The victim reported that during an alcohol fuelled argument at his residence, the accused forcibly grabbed him, ripped a necklace from his neck, and strangled him, causing difficulty breathing, before threatening to harm him. He also disclosed a separate assault causing bodily harm in November 2025. The accused was arrested and charged in relation to 2 x DV assault, malicious damage, intentionally choke DV, and intimidation, to appear before Lismore Local Court 9th of February 2026.2. Police have charged three women aged 28, 30 and 37, following an alleged home invasion and serious assault at a Goonellabah residence on 27 January 2026. Police allege the group forced entry into a bedroom where a woman was hiding before repeatedly assaulting her, including with a metal bar, causing a significant head laceration. They have all been charged with Aggravated enter dwelling w/i-in company-not steal, and Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (abh) in company of other(s) (DV), to appear before the Lismore Local Court on the 24th of March 2026.3. On 31 January 2026 Police charged a 24-year-old man after an alleged domestic-related incident at a Casino home on 24 January 2026. It’s alleged the man armed himself with a makeshift weapon before threatening and pushing a 50yr old man, causing him to fear for his safety. The man was charged with Armed w/i commit indictable offence; Common assault (DV); Contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic) and Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic). He is to appear before the Casino Local Court on the 16th of June 2026.4. A 23-year-old man has been charged after an alleged armed robbery at a Lismore convenience store on 30 January 2026, followed by an alleged armed carjacking, theft of another vehicle, and a police pursuit the next day. Police allege the man threatened a female employee with a screwdriver before taking cash, then later threatened a male driver with an imitation pistol and stole his vehicle, along with personal belongings. In the early hours of 2 February, the man allegedly committed a second carjacking before failing to stop for police, leading to a pursuit through Dunoon and Modanville at high speed. The vehicle was disabled with a tyre deflation device, and the man was arrested, with an imitation firearm and stolen property recovered. The man was charged with Agg take/drive m/v with person in/on it-armed with weapon, Learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester; Police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed - 1st off; Possess unauthorised pistol; Robbery armed with offensive weapon and Take/detain person in company w/i obtain advantage. He has been bail refused and is to appear before the Lismore Local Court on the 15th of April 20265. On 2 February 2026, police charged a 43-year-old man after he allegedly returned to a Lismore supermarket multiple times despite being formally banned from the premises due to repeat shoplifting offences. Across 1–2 February 2026, the man is accused of entering the store on multiple occasions and allegedly stealing a bottle of rum from an adjoining liquor store. Police later located the man nearby, where he made admissions before being arrested and charged with Trespass and Shoplifting. He is due to appear before Lismore Local Court on the 9th of February 2026.6. On 3 February 2026, a 66-year-old man from Casino was charged after Rural Crime Investigators attached to Richmond Police District served a Firearms Prohibition Order at a home on 30 January 2026. At this time, police located a firearm, firearm pars and several items classified as explosives, including rifle powder and primers - all possessed without the required licences. The man is now facing multiple charges under the Firearms Act 1996 and the Explosives Act 2003. He is due to appear before the Casino Local Court on the 9 April 2026.7. On 4 February 2026 a 34yr old man has been charged following a series of violent incidents across Ballina, Lismore and Alstonville between 2-4 February 2026, beginning with threats involving a knife toward family members before allegedly assaulting a woman, stealing multiple vehicles while armed, injuring a pregnant woman during one of the thefts, and leading police on several dangerous driving episodes. The man, who has never held a driver’s licence, was later seen discarding a stolen vehicle before being located in Cumbalum armed with a large knife. He was arrested and charged, facing numerous serious domestic violence, armed robbery, vehicle theft, dangerous driving, and weapons-related offences. He is due to appear before the Lismore Local Court on the 4th of March 2026.

Our story about the opening of a new large-format discount chemist on Ballina Road has taken a twist in the last seven days.The business was to be called Brands Lismore Pharmacy, but due to regulatory hurdles being approved much faster than expected, the new name will be Chemist Outlet Lismore when it launches on Tuesday, February 17.Managing Partner Dan Troy said it was always the intention to use the Chemist Outlet brand from the start of the venture; however, their legal advice was that the regulatory process would take up to six months, meaning they had to launch with the existing Brands name until approved."It's always, always been our intention to align with Chemist Outlet. However, we thought we would be bound to the Brands name for at least another six months, upon new legal advice. We've now realised there are certain ways for us to get around these hurdles, and therefore brand as a Chemist Outlet from day one."These past nine months of planning, in terms of putting together this move, as you can imagine, there's a lot of moving parts. PBS approvals and change of location rules that in themselves can present challenges and hoops to jump through. Chemist Outlet allows us to pass on great discounts to our customers."The new store has been a hive of activity inside and out, with the yellow and blue painting nearly finished, and the signage due to be erected this Friday, ready for Tuesday week's opening.Staff have been hard at work stocking the shelves, ready for ticketing next week."Friday the 13th of February is the date we actually close at the old site on Molesworth Street," Dan said. "Will be reopening on the 17th of February at the new site on Ballina Road. So, look out for the bold, bright yellow building on Ballina Road."It's a personal privilege to have the opportunity to breathe some life into a location that has not seen much love in these past few years. I'd also like to take the opportunity to speak out to local allied health professionals. We have flexible leasing opportunities available in and around the site, and it would be really pleasing one day to build something of a health hub in such a central location here on Ballina Road."

Opening an Indian restaurant in the Lismore CBD is always going to be a tough task, given the number in close proximity.That challenge was taken on by Rami Singh on February 9, 2016, when he opened the doors of Flavour of India for the first time. Today, he and his family celebrate 10 years in their Keen Street location.Over a decade ago, Rami had built a passion for cooking and moved to Lismore to be a chef in another Lismore Indian restaurant, when the idea was floated with a business partner to open their own restaurant. The partner pulled out and Rami was left with a decision to take a risk on his own or keep cooking for someone else."Amazingly, my wife got her visa from India, and she came over. And that's when we started. We thought, okay, let's do it ourselves, rather than falling onto someone else's shoulder," Rami explained.Initially, the plan was to stay in Lismore for three years, the end of the term of the first lease, but that turned into one extension, and then another."Sometimes the job that you love, you like to just keep it going. After three years, we started settling in Lismore, and we started looking for a house by the time the lease was up. By the end of the lease, we found a house in Goonellabah that we bought. That was in 2022."A new three-year lease was signed in February, the big flood occurred on the 28th, and Rami and Preet discovered they were going to be parents. 2022 turned out to be an eventful year. As Rami, said, "The universe wanted us to be in Lismore."When you think about what Rami and Preet have been through in the last 10 years, that is the 2017 flood, COVID-19, and the 2022 floods, the business cycle has been anything but a smooth ride. Surprisingly, starting a business was Rami's toughest period in the last decade."When I started in Lismore, there were multiple Indian restaurants, and being at the history of working for someone in Lismore didn't help at all. It was a struggle. People talking to your face, stopping you on the street, saying bad things and whatnot."Rami says it is because of his farming background in India. His family still own farming land in his homeland. When he came to Australia and discovered his love of cooking, he studied in Brisbane to gain a Bachelor's in Hospitality and became a certified chef.During COVID-19, Flavour of India ended up thriving, thanks to the fact that 75% of the business is deliveries. When restrictions came into force and hospitality venues were closed due to the lockdowns, takeaway became a key source of income. This ended as a strong period for Rami and Preet."From the second lockdown onward, that was probably the best time for us," Rami said, "Thanks to the locals."The 2022 flood had Rami thinking that this was the end of his dream. As the CBD was wiped out and the income stopped, he found a job at a supermarket to pay the mortgage and feed the family.Fortuitously, in 2022, Rami had a large delivery of restaurant ingredients to his Keen Street address. He decided to keep a third of it in his garage in Goonellabah, so when the group of six Sikh Melbourne volunteers drove into Lismore, Rami had food and chef skills to contribute to feed many of our community who had absolutely nothing in early March.This period of time also provided him with one of his highlights in the last 10 years."One day, I came in to get some stuff from here, and someone left a note with a red marker on the door: ' We love your food, and we would love to see you come back. I took a photo, and took it home to speak with my wife, and we decided to open again. As I said before, the universe works in its own ways."(Rami, Preet, Ekam and the Flavour of India staff)The beauty of owning a business for a long time is the connections you make with your customers. They are valued by Rami and Preet."I've seen people coming to my shop for their first date, then having a marriage, and then having kids.""Thank you to the Lismore community. Sticking together through the thick of things and accepting us in Lismore. I can call myself a proud Lismore guy. It's been almost fifteen years now, when the initial plan was to stay two or three."Rami and Preet will have special offers over the next few weeks to celebrate their 10th anniversary at 106 Keen Street, Lismore CBD. Call (02) 6621 7799 to make a reservation or check out their Facebook page.