Healthy North Coast has announced the third round of successful recipients of its Primary Care Impact Grants – innovative, locally designed projects that will support high-quality care for people living with chronic and complex diseases across the region. This included $75,000 to Lismore Musical Therapy.Following the successful first grant round announced in June 2025, and the second round announced in September 2025, 17 grants with a total value of $770,098 have been awarded in this third round, with funding going directly to general practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, allied health businesses and other local providers across the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW, to test and scale creative solutions to current health care challenges.Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the calibre of applications coming through the grant program continues to demonstrate the passion and innovation of local health providers:“We are consistently impressed by the quality of models of care emerging from our region. Every round of the Primary Care Impact Grants has shown how committed our providers are to tackling chronic disease and strengthening multidisciplinary care.“Chronic diseases remain the leading cause of death and disability in Australia, yet we know that almost 40% of this burden is preventable with earlier support and targeted action. The outstanding applications we are receiving show what’s possible when local expertise is backed with the resources to test, refine and scale practical solutions that help people stay healthier for longer.”The Primary Care Impact Grants are part of Healthy North Coast’s commitment to strengthening the region’s primary health care system through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network program.$3.4m in total funding has been made available until 30 June 2027. This includes $1.8m through the MyMedicare Multidisciplinary Teams initiative and $1.6m through Primary Health Network program funding to support the management of complex and chronic diseases in high-risk populations.Over $2.3 million has been awarded through 48 successful grants to date, with future grant rounds still to come.Chiron Weber, Director of Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre, was thrilled to be among the successful recipients in the third grant round:“We view Multi-Disciplinary Case Conferences as a continuous collaborative process. We aim to share knowledge and expertise to enhance communication, decision-making, and quality of care and outcomes for patients and providers. We strongly believe that case conferencing with this multi-disciplinary approach will result in a higher level of care for our patients and for the broader community, as all professionals involved learn and upskill as part of the process.“We are open to extending this service to outside GPs, and aim eventually to offer this to rural or remote GPs who are not as fortunate as we are here in the Byron Shire with access to experienced allied health practitioners.”The Primary Care Impact Grants are designed to support continuous quality improvement in primary care. The grant applications were reviewed using an evaluation rubric that assessed community need, health equity, efficiency and feasibility of each proposal, by a panel of health experts.Successful proposals had a data-informed and evidence-based approach to meeting the needs of their communities, with a focus on reporting outcomes to drive continuous quality improvement.“If you’re a local health provider with an innovative idea for chronic disease prevention and management in your community, I’d encourage you to register your interest for our future grant rounds,” added Ms Wheeler.Each grant recipient will provide valuable data back to Healthy North Coast to assist with evaluation of the program.More information on the Primary Care Impact Grants, including for local health professionals interested in applying for future rounds, is available on Healthy North Coast’s website. List of Round Three Primary Care Impact Grant recipientsMultidisciplinary Team Care Grants:All Together Therapy, Port Macquarie – Improving the early identification and intervention of developmental, behavioural, and health concerns in children aged 0–5 years across the Hastings region – $75,000Lismore Music Therapy, Lismore – Multidisciplinary therapy and support within early childhood education settings for children with developmental delays, disabilities, and neurodiversity – $75,000The Grange Family Medical Centre, Port Macquarie – Structured cardiovascular risk screening, care planning, and ongoing allied health support, with exercise physiology, nutrition, and nurse-led monitoring working alongside GPs – $45,800WorkforceIQ Holdings – Improving management of chronic pain in general practice by delivering a structured, accessible, and evidence-based education and coaching program – $75,000Total Multidisciplinary Team Care Grants awarded: $270,800 Chronic Disease Prevention Grants:Ballina Health Centre, Ballina – Comprehensive cardiovascular disease prevention and management model for adults aged 45–75 in Ballina – $30,000Coffs Coast GP Super Clinic, Coffs Harbour – Integrated, multidisciplinary model of care for patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the Coffs Harbour region by embedding specialist and allied health expertise into general practice – $49,850First Light Active, Ballina – Preventative and early intervention wellbeing model that uses a multi-disciplinary, team-based approach involving GPs, exercise physiologists, dietitians, and physiotherapists, integrating diagnostics and VALD technology to track progress – $35,000Fletcher Street Cottage, Byron Bay – Trauma-informed, nurse-led drop-in clinic embedded in Fletcher Street Cottage to increase healthcare access for women experiencing or at risk of homelessness – $50,000Help Prevent Falls, Coffs Harbour – Reducing the risk of falls among people aged 65+ in the Coffs Harbour region by addressing physical, educational, nutritional, and social factors – $43,148Lifestyle Medicine Learning, Tweed Heads – The Sarcopenia Early Detection program seeks to identify, engage, and support adults aged 60–80 at risk of sarcopenia through early screening, targeted interventions, and ongoing evaluation – $40,000Lisa Strauss Health, Ocean Shores – Group-based, dietitian-led education sessions with a focus on the prevention and management of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes – $24,300Medical on William, Port Macquarie – Increasing the number of patients receiving comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessments by 25% within 12 months and improve long-term heart health outcomes for at-risk individuals – $25,000Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre, Mullumbimby – Development of a Multidisciplinary Case Conferencing service utilising staff from the Centre – $50,000Northern NSW LHD Health Promotion in collaboration with Bugalwena, Bullinah, and Rekindling the Spirit Aboriginal Medical Services – Supporting the delivery of smoking and vaping cessation activities in Aboriginal Medical Services – $32,000Pain Revolution – Delivering contemporary pain education and treatment by training health professionals to be Local Pain Educators – $50,000Parkinson’s NSW, Coffs Harbour – Improving the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease in four Residential Aged Care Facilities on the Mid North Coast – $50,000Tweed Banora Medical Centre, Tweed Heads – Expanding nursing capacity to improve early detection, prevention, and management of chronic conditions – $20,000.Total Chronic Disease Prevention Grants awarded: $499,298More information about each of the round three grant recipients can be found on Healthy North Coast’s website.

Australia Post is reminding customers to get their parcels in the post by this Friday to ensure gifts arrive in time for Christmas Day.For Parcel Post, the cut-off dates are Friday 19 December for interstate deliveries and Monday 22 December for same-state deliveries. Last-minute shoppers can send via Express Post by Tuesday, 23 December. People sending to or from Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania or regional locations should allow additional time to avoid delays.Christmas letters and cards should be sent by Thursday, 18 December, for same-state deliveries and Tuesday, 16 December, for interstate deliveries.Gary Starr, Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services said Australia Post is ready to deliver another record-breaking Christmas season, following the successful delivery of almost 103 million parcels across November and December last year.“Our team members are working tirelessly around the clock to make sure your parcels arrive on time for Christmas. To avoid disappointment, we strongly encourage customers to send their gifts as early as possible.“With extended trading hours across key facilities and Post Offices, thousands of additional seasonal team members, weekend delivery services and freighters operating at full capacity, we’re pulling out all the stops to keep gifts moving across the country,” Mr. Starr said.The Australia Post app offers customers a convenient way to manage deliveries during this busy time of year. It provides secure and accurate delivery updates and allows customers to choose their preferred collection point — including free and convenient Parcel Lockers available at more than 1,000 locations nationwide.For more information on last sending dates please visit auspost.com.au/Christmas.

The Lismore App has entered a new stage of growth, with Premium content rolling out to give readers deeper local coverage, stronger storytelling, and more of the news that matters to our community. Apple was the first to launch on November 27, with developers working on Android and the Website. We are pleased to announce that from today, Android phone owners (like Samsung and Google Pixel) can now subscribe to read Premium Content stories from $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year.Thank you so much to the people who have already subscribed, either monthly or yearly. Your payments have already made an impact, increasing the number of local news stories published by the Lismore App.To help make this possible for the long term, we welcome Dylan Butcher to the team. Dylan will be working to expand the App’s reporting and bring even more Lismore stories to life.Premium content readers would have seen that he has already hit the ground running. Stories like the walkthrough of the Lismore Showground restoration, a project reshaping one of our city’s most historic spaces. Telling the story of Glenn Weir, reflecting on the legacy of long-running family businesses, and the controversial Free Palestine messaging that added to the Tinnie Army mural in Larkin Lane.Dylan joins the App at a time when Lismore’s stories feel more important than ever, and the need for strong local storytelling continues to grow.“I’m really looking forward to getting out into the community and helping tell more of the stories that make Lismore what it is,” Dylan said. “People want their stories told properly, and they deserve that.”Premium content allows the team to spend more time on the stories that need it. Longer interviews, investigations, and features that go beyond the headline. Dylan’s role will help make this possible by increasing the App’s capacity to research, write and refine stories so readers receive timely, accurate and meaningful local news.“Lismore is full of people doing extraordinary things,” he said. “If I can help bring some of those stories forward, then I feel like I’m doing something valuable for the community.”The Lismore App has always been owned and run by people who live here, and with more resources, and another storyteller on board, the team is excited to bring readers even closer to the heart of what’s happening across the city.If you spot Dylan out and about, don’t hesitate to stop for a chat. After all, the next story could very well start with you!If you know of a story that would interest the community, email content@lismoreapp.com.au.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg took the Lismore App on a tour of the flood-renovated Municipal Building on Molesworth Street, and then recorded a Talking Lismore podcast where talked about moving back into the Lismore CBD, the Property Strategy, water security, staff redundancies, and how Council fared in 2025.The historic building was first occupied in 1928, before Council voted to build the current Lismore City Council building in Goonellabah following the 1974 flood.While the move to the CBD will happen in 2026, the timing of that move is an operational decision, so it lies with General Manager Eber Butron and his executive team. You can easily tell that Mayor Krieg is enamoured by the old building and what it means to Lismore."Just walking around the building, you can feel the history here. This is the building that basically grew Lismore, the decisions that were made here, and the old marble plaques in the foyer as you walk in. It's just spectacular. And even in the timber on the walls in the council chambers, it's just an inspiring place to be."Other than that, there's natural light in every room. You're in the heart of the city, which is where I personally want to be. I want to make the point that this was not a unilateral decision made by myself. It is a resolution of council to move our staff and our council chambers back to the CBD, and the staff that I've spoken to are really excited about getting down here. This building is just conducive of everything that you want to see, the history of it, but also the growth and the potential of it as well."We're already seeing people investing money into Lismore and big money into Lismore and into the CBD. And as a council, we've got to back our business community. We've got to back our residents who either didn't accept a buyback for whatever reason, or maybe were not even offered a buyback. There's still a lot of residents down in Lismore."We've got South Lismore Primary School getting rebuilt. We've got Richmond River High School, which will be a brand new school, we've got work going around the showgrounds, which is really exciting. Lismore has got such a bright and exciting future."And I know the doomsdayers will say, well, when it floods, and all of this sort of stuff, this building that we're sitting in has survived over 100 floods, and it's not gone anywhere. We will have an extensive evacuation plan. We'll have models set up for council staff to be able to assist our residents and assist our businesses, like we always have. Those things are certainly not taken away from this move. They're probably added to in a lot of ways, because Council will have that skin in the game."We will be front and centre of any future potential flooding, but we also need to really strongly advocate for that flood mitigation piece as well. If we get that right in the next four to five years, Lismore will be an unstoppable force, as far as growth and prosperity goes. And that's something that we really need to aim for."Property StrategyThe Municipal Building is one of 390 properties that Lismore City Council owns after the release of the Property Strategy report, which was basically an inventory of what council owned and what condition it was in."I love my sport. 129 sporting facilities, parks, recreation, and open spaces. 129 in our LGA, population size of 45,000. We've got to do better. And it's one of those things where, for whatever reason, we acquire these properties, we acquire these buildings, we own three homes now that are earning $6,000 each a year, literally."It's not a problem owning the properties, but they've got to be offering some sort of a return. I'm never going to turn my back on community groups. We sit here today, near the City Bowlo and the Croquet Club. Council owns that Croquet Club's land. It's formulated and worked with that croquet club. We maintain it. Our staff know that and keep that pristine for them."We're not turning our backs on our community groups. There's some nearly 50, I think it's 47 community groups we support through those 390-odd properties. We're not ever going to turn our back on those community groups. But there's also commercial properties that are getting a really, really good deal, and so if there's an opportunity there for us to capitalise on the potential sale of some of these properties that are surplus to our needs, we need to be able to generate some form of income that is in the best interest of our ratepayers."So, everything that we will do as a council will be in the best interest of our ratepayers overall. But I can assure those people that question the future of the Croquet Club, for example, that council has no plans to remove the Croquet Club or to turn that into a car park or whatever the silly little rumour was last week. We're here to support our community and support our community groups, and that has long been what councils do. And we're certainly not going to turn our back on that."The mayor did say that before any council property can be sold or divested, it needs to come before a council meeting and be passed as a resolution.The Property Strategy is one area Lismore Council is looking at to make savings or generate income to improve its historically poor financial position. Staff redundancies are another."I know there's been a lot of rumour and innuendo around redundancies and different things. We have, with the appointment of Eber Butron as the General Manager, had our first round of workplace reform, and that was at the senior level, and there were efficiencies to be made there, and full credit to Eber for driving those efficiencies."No other redundancies have been forthcoming as part of the agreements and the awards; you have to go to consultation with staff. We've doubled the length of consultation so that all staff can have 60 days to have their say. So, consultation finishes at the end of January. But as a business, and regardless of what people aspire council to be like, we have to remain financially sustainable. So you have to have a business mentality. As a business, there are efficiencies to be made in all aspects of council operations, and so we're looking at every business model."I know that there was a bit of an uproar when we had a look at the waste and reformed a bit of our waste service. But that's gone from losing about a million and a half a year to breaking even in the first 12 months and actually turning a bit of a profit."It's not about necessarily making money, but it's about being financially sustainable and leaving a really positive legacy for not only our generation, we're all getting a little bit older and greyer, but our kids' generation as well. I want my kids to be able to afford to buy a house in Lismore and raise their family. I want people to move to Lismore and find it affordable. So we want to be able to leave them a really positive legacy, and one of those is a financially responsible and sustainable Council."Water SecurityWater security has been an ongoing debate for many years in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, with no decisions made. Recently, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) held community meetings across the region, Lismore City Council and the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation (NRJO) reaffirmed their positions on water security. What is going on?"I read all the Facebook comments and the different Council watch pages blowing up, saying that this is bringing back the Dunoon dam. This is providing the best case water security at the most affordable option, regardless of what it is."Now, if the science backs desalination, then I'm 100% supportive of it. If it backs bore water, if it backs recycled water, if it backs building a storage facility, otherwise known as a dam, whatever the science backs, then let's get it for our community. Let's support it. Let's lobby for it, and let's get it built."It's not just about Lismore, it's about the whole region. If we want our region to grow and thrive and prosper, the core ingredient behind that is water. We've got everything else. We've got the land, we've got the resource, we've got the infrastructure. We need the water to see us grow and thrive, and we didn't make it about the Dunoon dam. Other councillors got up and made that impassioned speech first, and brought it up as this is an underhanded way to bring back the dam. It's not about the dam. It's about having every option on the table, and if we can't have a mature and responsible conversation about every single option, then we're not doing water security justice.2025 In Review"I think it's been a massive year. There's been lots of really positive outcomes: some 6,300 trees planted across the LGA, through different agencies and different Landcare groups, but councils directly supported nearly six and a half thousand tree plantings."We've cleared eight kilometres of urban drains, which is really exciting. It's not sexy, but some of these drains have not been touched for 30-odd years, and to see the joy on your residents' faces. Council's not just clearing drains; some of these driveways have had culverts collapse, so they've had limited access to their own properties. So, our drain teams are doing a fantastic job. They're replacing those culverts that have been damaged. They're cleaning the drains. And to me, that's a great news story for our city, and we saw that in March during Cyclone Alfred."I can tell one particular story of a local soccer club that normally gets a lot of water during an eight-plus-metre flood that Alfred got to. And for the first time in their memory, no water got into their clubhouse. And that's clean drains; water gets away quicker."Other things that I'm really excited about are the total upgrade of our pump stations right the way along our levee. We've already started at the Gasworks pump station. If you go for a walk through the CBD and out to Albert Park, you can actually see those works underway, and that's really exciting."And of course, Brown's Creek will be starting early next year with a massive upgrade of that pump network. Some $200-odd million in capital works in and around building repair, and also the road network, the major land slip and road network has started, and that's going to be when it's finished, upwards of $300-odd million on roads.Road is still Lismore City Council's biggest complaint."The stats were in and around, some 18,500 potholes repaired over the last 12 months. Probably another 20,000 have formed (he jokes). But we're doing it. We're getting onto it, and we're chipping away. And to be honest with you, we need some luck with the weather. The wetter it is, the harder it is to keep our road network fixed, and so a bit of dry weather won't go astray either."What are you looking forward to in 2026?"There's a lot of things to get excited about. We've got $144 million of development applications (DAs) approved in the last 12 months. Seeing some of those come to fruition, and some new ones coming through Council. It is one of the greatest untouched areas of New South Wales, if not the country, this Northern Rivers, and in particular Lismore. So to be able to see some of those DAs get progressed, and some of the work get started, is something that I'm really excited for."All of the roads. We want to see the roads get rebuilt and getting out there and seeing the amazing work that our Flood Recovery team is doing in that space. City Hall will be back online, hopefully around Easter, which is really exciting. Some of the work that Southern Cross University is doing, I think, next year is the first year of their Vet Science course, which will bring new students to Lismore."There's a lot of things going on. We had the A-League in town in August with the Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar, and the potential of getting some more events like that into town. To see Eat the Street back and the continuation of that festival moving forward as well."We've, of course, got our first Primex in May, which will be exciting. And there's a few other things in the works over at the showground, which I can't mention, but it feels like Lismore is really waking up and starting to become alive again, which is really exciting.I think we need everyone as a community to get behind Lismore. It's pretty easy to look at negatives, but we've got to be optimistic. We've got to be positive. And of course, I don't know when you're going to press play on this on the app, but tomorrow night, probably the biggest event post the flood, is the cinema reopening. So, leading into Christmas, what an exciting time for that to reopen as well. So, there's a lot of things that are happening."As I said, there's a lot of private money that is pouring into Lismore, reinvesting and making Lismore the centre of the Northern Rivers again, and the heart of the Northern Rivers again, and it's a really exciting time to embrace it and to be a part of it. And can't wait to see what 2026 brings."You can listen to the full Talking Lismore podcast by clicking the link or listen via the Lismore App website.

When Principal Brett McDonald began Raine & Horne Lismore three years ago, he opened the doors in the Strand Arcade on Molesworth Street.Going into 2026, Brett needed more space as his staff numbers were increasing, and he had outgrown his original building, as much as he loved being next to the Dark Horse Espresso."The Molesworth site at the Strand Arcade is a beautiful location, and Dark Horse Cafe did wonders for bringing a client base to us, but this building is so visible as you drive up and down Woodlark Street. And it has such great history. For about 60 years, it's been a real estate company and very successful, with the Patch family running their business here for such a long time, as Patch and Taylor, which was sold to an Elders franchise."So, it really has a great history and a great energy in here, but you can't go past that visibility. As people go up and down this street, you can really see our signs. And when someone is coming into town looking for a home, then how fabulous to have that visibility. And for people who are selling through us, I think that's an extra win for them to have that attraction."We've had the phase of being a fledgling business and starting from the ground up, and now we're really flat out having to employ more staff, which is really exciting."So, space for our staff was another consideration in moving into this building, because we're growing at the moment so much, and we just needed a more staff-friendly space, but I didn't want to do that at the expense of a client-friendly space."I wanted to still be in the CBD, but accessible, looking like a real estate office, but with the differences of getting away from the traditional look and trying to be a little bit more welcoming, were all considerations.""We didn't have any office space upstairs at all in Molesworth Street. It was just one great big room. And while it looked beautiful, it didn't give us the practicality of a workspace. So everybody was in together."You know you are doing something right in business when people are knocking on your door asking for a job."Isn't that wonderful?" Brett enthused, "People are knocking on the door and saying, Hi, we've heard you've got a great work culture here, really interested in working with you, and that's led already to a couple of hires and other people that we're talking to as well."So, it's really nice to become an attraction business because of the reputation of the culture that we've created, and hoping that that translates into how our team look after our clients and works with them and cares for them, because that's my focus,If you are buying or selling a house or looking for a Property Manager for your rental properties, pop in and have a chat to Brett McDonald and the team at 76 Woodlark Street, Lismore CBD or call (02) 6610 9866.

The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS) has welcomed a new National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator – bolstering its capacity to help land managers reduce the negative impacts caused by feral cats and foxes on agricultural production and the environment.Yasmin Aly joins Heidi Kleinert, National Feral Rabbit Management Coordinator and Greg Mifsud, National Wild Dog Management Coordinator, in driving vital national invasive species coordination.In welcoming the appointment, Shauna Chadlowe, CISS Chief Executive, noted the devastating impacts of feral cats and foxes on both Australia’s unique fauna and primary producers.“Feral cats and foxes kill more than 2.6 billion native animals every year and are a leading cause of mammal extinctions in Australia. They roam vast distances and prey on reptiles, birds, frogs and mammals – the scale of the problem is immense.""Cats now inhabit every corner of the continent and are a major threat to Australia’s precious biodiversity. There’s no silver bullet to this problem, which is why a nationally coordinated response is more important and more urgent than ever.”“Meanwhile, primary producers are hit with at least $198 million in fox control costs and livestock losses every year. Foxes kill and maim small livestock, particularly lambs and poultry. Feral cats are also associated with the spread of certain livestock diseases. These impacts aren’t abstract – they affect real farmers, real businesses and real livelihoods. Supporting our farmers with coordinated, practical solutions has never been more important.”“This role will build on the national leadership CISS has provided in feral cat and fox management since 2021 – raising awareness of their far-reaching impacts, sharing research and best practices and supporting land managers in their control efforts.”“National Coordinators are the ‘glue’ in Australia’s invasive species system. They play a crucial role supporting effective, coordinated and humane best-practice management.”Yasmin brings significant project management expertise to the role as well as decades of experience in natural resource management across state government agencies. This includes a focus on managing invasive species such as feral pigs, goats and deer as well as projects preserving habitat for native species, including the Fairy Tern and Southern Brown Bandicoot.As National Coordinator, Yasmin will work alongside a wide range of stakeholders, including government, industry and the broader community to support on-ground control efforts and foster adoption of support tools and trusted resources like PestSmart and FeralScan.“I’m very much looking forward to starting in this role and continuing the leadership CISS has developed in feral cat and fox management. In particular, supporting and delivering actions under the National Threat Abatement Plans for predation by European Red Foxes and feral cats. These plans set out an excellent framework for guiding this work to ensure the long-term survival of our native species and unique habitats impacted by ongoing fox and feral cat predation,” Yasmin said.The role, newly funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), was announced in November. 

Lismore residents and community leaders gathered this morning at the Lismore Peace Pole to reflect, mourn and stand together following the deadly shooting in Bondi on Sunday.The simple ceremony offered a place for people to lay flowers, share silence , pray, and acknowledge grief, while reinforcing a collective commitment to peace and unity.The gathering was convened by Lismore RSL Sub-Branch president Ken Arnett, who explained the idea came together quickly after locals began asking where they could leave flowers.Ken Arnett joined by Grahame Davis who conducted the prayer“People were asking where they could put flowers, and we thought about the cenotaph and the police memorial, but neither felt quite right,” Mr Arnett said. “Then I thought about the Peace Pole. Eighteen months ago, under the guidance of Nerida and Rotary, this was erected here. Where better to come together than a place dedicated to peace.”Summerland Sunrise Rotary Club President Nerida Dufficy spoke about the significance of the Peace Pole itself, which sits atop the food levee in Riverside Park near the Norco Butter Churn. Peace Pole No. 360 carries the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in several languages that reflect Lismore’s history and connections.“The Peace Pole movement began in Japan in 1955, in the aftermath of World War II,” Ms Dufficy said. “Today, there are peace poles in more than 180 countries. Rotary places them in schools and public places so people can come quietly, reflect, pray, and be reminded of our shared desire for peace in the world.”She said today’s gathering was about standing with those affected by violence and offering love and support in the face of tragedy.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg spoke more broadly about violence carried out in the name of religion.“Far too many lives across the world have been lost in the name of God, and that is not what God would want,” he said. “Sadly, that has been our reality for a very long time.”He also took time to acknowledge the role of police and emergency services, noting the risks they face daily.“Every Australian deserves the right to go home to their family at the end of the day,” he said. “That right was taken from innocent people on Sunday, but our police face that danger every single day, and they deserve our respect and gratitude.”Local MP Janelle Saffin said the ceremony was an important outward expression of support at a time when many in the community are hurting.“It’s important that we come together as a community to wrap our arms around those who are affected,” Ms Saffin said. “Outward signs of support matter right now. People need to see and feel that they are not alone.”She said the impact of the Bondi attack was being felt far beyond Sydney and that communities like Lismore had a role to play in responding with unity rather than division.“Our response must be to come together, not to fracture further,” she said. “That’s how we make sure that hatred does not take hold, and that events like this are met with compassion, solidarity and resolve.”As flowers were laid at the base of the Peace Pole, the mood remained quiet and reflective. In a city shaped by our resilience, the ceremony at the Lismore Peace Pole served as a reminder that even in moments of profound grief, people can come together in hope, care and a shared call for peace to prevail.

The NSW Government is backing the growth of rugby union across regional NSW and Western Sydney, with communities set to benefit from a major boost to the sport through the $4.8-million NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program, now officially open. Lismore MP Janelle Saffin says the Program is part of the state government's $10-million investment in rugby because of NSW hosting games at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.Ms Saffin is encouraging rugby clubs and local councils in the Lismore Electorate to apply for grants under the Program to improve rugby facilities and infrastructure, improve player pathways and increase participation.During the first round of the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program, $2.15 million is available with grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000.The Program has a focus on developing the game in regional NSW and Western Sydney with projects that target women and girls, and people from diverse communities as a priority.The NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program will be delivered by the NSW Government in collaboration with NSW Rugby Union, ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union and Rugby Australia.Applications close Monday, 16 February 2026. Visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/nsw-rugby-world-cup-legacy-grant-program for further information and to apply.Ms Saffin, who is also NSW Minister for the North Coast, said: “The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for local rugby fans to witness the world’s best players on home soil.“It’s also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow and develop the game in the Lismore Electorate,” Ms Saffin said.“I urge local clubs and councils to take the opportunity to apply for grants to improve rugby facilities, infrastructure and player pathways, plus increase participation to support the next generation of Wallabies and Waratahs.”  Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “Ensuring the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 leaves a legacy at all levels of the sport is a priority of the NSW Government.“We want to ensure that people in all parts of the State, in particular Western Sydney and regional NSW, benefit from NSW hosting games at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.Rugby NSW CEO Peter Murphy said: “This announcement represents a significant and long-term investment in the future of rugby in New South Wales and the communities that make our game what it is.”“The NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program will strengthen the foundations of our sport -- improving facilities, expanding pathways for young players, accelerating the growth of the women’s game, and ensuring rugby is accessible and welcoming to everyone.”

Like most of Australia, Colin Cussell and his family were horrified when they heard about the Bondi shootings on Sunday evening, and they are still in shock. The Cussells are part of Lismore's Jewish community."Upset and scared, particularly my wife and daughter, who woke up crying yesterday morning," Colin told the Lismore App."I've been very angry. That's what motivated me to put that poster up there."Colin is referring to two A4-sized posters that he stuck on the Tinnie Army Mural in Larkin Lane, which said "Pro-Palestinian People: Stop Your Graffiti In This Town! You're Aligned With The Bondi Shooters!"It is not well known, but pro-Palestinian messages have been added to the Tinnie Army Mural in Larkin Lane on the side of the Hotel Metropole. Politicising a mural that celebrates Lismore's heroic rescuers following the February 28 2022, 14.4 metre flood (Free Palestine messaging added to Tinnie Army mural sparks debate).This story is not to take sides in the two-year Israel/Palestine conflict, where both sides suffered the loss of many lives. It is not to divide our community. Quite the opposite, it is to highlight the pain and suffering of a community that occurred on Australian soil, far from Gaza.Lismore has a small Jewish community, "Only a few families", says Colin Cussell. The majority of the approximately 2,000 Northern Rivers Jewish population live in Byron Bay, where there is a lot more sectarian division.However, the impact of the Bondi shootings had a direct impact in the Northern Rivers."In Brunswick Heads last night, we were having a similar celebration to what was on in Sydney, and I've heard the news came through by text at the same time. People were all on their phones and worried, and knew people who were locked down and things like that. The whole thing just finished early, and people went home."For my wife. She has a work colleague whose father was killed. My wife works through the University of Sydney in UCRH opposite the hospital, and she has another University of Sydney colleague in Sydney whose father was killed, so there's a direct connection there."Colin feels safe in Lismore, but says the level of graffiti in Byron Bay is more "in your face"."And it's targeting certain businesses. I guess, if I owned those businesses, I'd feel very upset."Multiculturalism has played a large part in Australia's history and will continue to do so in the future. Antisemitism should never play a role in our culture and needs to be strongly discouraged at every opportunity.The NSW Government lit the Sydney Opera House with candles on the Menorah last night, marking the second day of Chanuka.Premier Chris Minns said, "Lighting the Opera House is a simple but powerful gesture: a message to the world that we cherish our Jewish community, that we honour their courage, and that we stand with them in solidarity and love."Tonight, those candles are a symbol of resilience and a reminder that even in darkness, we choose to stand with one another."

Farm businesses are showing cautious signs of recovery while continuing to grapple with climate and cost pressures, according to the biannual NSW Farmers Business Sentiment Survey. NSW Farmers Principal Economist Samuel Miller said the new results highlighted where confidence was returning and where risks were intensifying across the state. “We’re seeing the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful in this data,” Mr Miller said. “Farmers surprised themselves with 23 per cent saying they had a year of positive growth, compared to only 2 per cent who were expecting things to get better in May. “But dry conditions are starting to weigh on more parts of the state, with 17 per cent (up from 5 per cent in May) of all farmers worried about water allocations. It’s worse in the Murray and Riverina areas, with 48 per cent worried about water (up from 15 per cent in May).” Despite the weather extremes, Mr Miller said overall improved conditions were giving farmers the green light to start investing again, with 40 per cent saying their capital expenditure would increase in the next 12 months, doubling from 19 per cent in May. “We asked a special question about the Primary Producer Exemption to Land Tax, which lets us take the pulse on timely issues without impacting our longitudinal results,” he said. “About 12 per cent of farmers indicated that they have avoided expanding or diversifying their businesses due to the risk of losing this tax exemption, which really drives homes the importance of governments letting farm businesses invest in value-adding to get ahead of seasonal and geopolitical challenges. “The good news is our advocacy team is already at work on this policy priority.” 

Free Palestine messaging has been added to Lismore’s Tinnie Army Commemorative Mural, prompting debate over whether political statements belong on a site created to honour the volunteer rescuers who saved lives during the 2022 natural disaster.The mural was created to recognise the extraordinary efforts of our Tinnie Army - everyday locals who launched their boats into floodwaters to rescue neighbours, strangers and families during the most devastating event in our history. For many, it represents courage, selflessness and community at its best.While the artwork has always encouraged community interaction, including messages of thanks and appreciation for the Tinnie Army, the addition of political statements has raised questions about whether the site remains true to its original purpose. The graffiti now shows pro-Palestine slogans such as “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.Signs have now appeared beside the graffiti urging those responsible to stop. One sign reads: “Pro-Palestine people: stop your graffiti in this town! You’re aligned with the Bondi shooters!” - highlighting the intensity of feeling the additions have sparked within the community.(Printed signs have been placed near each of the pro-Palestine messaging)State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the mural was not an appropriate place for political commentary, particularly given recent events in Sydney.“No statement on our Tinnie Army Mural is ever appropriate, and least of all today on this matter,” Ms Saffin said. “Where is their thinking gone ever alone heart? Today is a day for compassion and care.“To our local Jewish community, we are with you in solidarity and support and as our Premier said, we want and will wrap that around you. We want you to be safe and will work here to ensure you are.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan also condemned the graffiti, saying the language used was deeply offensive to many.“From the river to the sea, when a lot of people say that, they’re calling for the extinction of Israel,” Mr Hogan said. “If they think that’s okay to put on such an important mural in our town, calling for the extinction of a country and of people is completely outrageous.”Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said while freedom of expression is a core value, the way it is expressed matters.“The freedom to protest and the ability to voice one’s opinion in safety is one of the great strengths of our country and our society as a whole,” he said. “But when it comes to desecrating other people’s property, that is not okay.“Vandalism in any form is not okay. It’s totally disrespectful for the men and women that risked their lives in the darkest hours of the city to try and make a political statement, which holds no relevance to that particular mural.”A member of the Back Alley Gallery, speaking anonymously, said the mural was always intended to be an evolving piece of community art.“We’ve always been open for people to continue adding to it,” the gallery member said. “A large part of it was that we wanted the community to continue adding their own stories and their own opinions about the flood, and feeling really connected to that mural.“We’re all for people having freedom of speech and being able to share their opinions. That said, the intention was always for people to write messages of thanks and memories about the Tinnie Army.”Placed prominently in the heart of the CBD, the Tinniw Army mural was created as a space for gratitude, remembrance, and shared healing after the floods.While it was always intended to evolve through community contributions, the recent additions have sparked an important question: whether a site dedicated to honouring local heroes is an appropriate place for global political messaging.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is urging local faith-based organisations to apply for the final round of the NSW Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program, which offers funding to enhance safety and security for religious communities.  “This is an opportunity for our local faith leaders and organisations to strengthen security and resilience,” Ms Saffin said.  “The Minns Labor Government is committed to safeguarding our religious communities and protecting every person’s right to practise their faith.  This is the last round of funding in this important program, so I encourage any local faith communities to get their application in.”  The program provides $5 million statewide in this third and final round, bringing the total investment to $15 million.   Grants can be used for measures such as: Upgrading security and surveillance systems (e.g., CCTV, secure fencing) Developing risk management plans Training staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness Building resilience within faith groups  Funding is available for non-profit organisations to improve safety at places of worship, religious schools, community centres, and other sites of religious significance.  Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said, “Everyone deserves the right to come together to practise their faith. No one in NSW should ever feel unsafe when attending their place of worship or engaging with their religion – a central part of so many people’s lives.”  Applications are open until 4pm, Friday, 30 January 2026, through Multicultural NSW.  For details and to apply, visit: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/safe-places-for-faith-communities-program/. 

Work is officially underway on the transformation of one of the CBD’s best-known venues, with construction starting on the newly renamed Hotel Lismore, formerly Mary G’s.The venue is owned by the Waratah Hotel Group, and has now moved into the build phase after securing council approval, a milestone Manager Cath Simes says has been a long time coming.“It’s finally going ahead, and the DA is all approved,” Cath said. “My builder, Mick Mackney, is in full swing. The big screen’s the only thing left there for now, the bar’s been taken out, all the toilets are out - everything’s being redone.”Most of the major work is happening at the back of the building in the old nightclub space known as The One, which will soon look very different. The once-dark club is being reimagined as a light, open beer garden and dining area.(This is the area where the bar once stood.)“The grand plan is for a beer garden and dining area,” Cath explained. “I still want to have Sunday sessions and maybe DJs, but because it’ll close earlier, it’s not a late-night venue. We just have to see how the design works with noise.”While the space will be open and inviting, the ceiling is staying put, a practical choice every Lismore local understands.“It rains in Lismore,” Cath laughed. “Keeping the ceiling makes it easier. There’ll be a bar, small dining, you can get food up there, a small selection.”The renovation will unfold in stages, with this stage expected to take around six months. Stage three will follow, but is still subject to DA approval.“The toilet configuration completely changes,” Cath said. “There’ll be a kids’ area right up the back where the stage used to be. There’ll be air conditioning and glass doors. We were going to keep some of the brickwork open, but it gets pretty hot, so now it’ll be a separate area where parents can watch their kids and relax.”The bar will also shift to create clearer flow. “We want it so when people walk in, they can see upstairs,” Cath said. “Not just, ‘Where’s upstairs? What are you talking about?’”(Looking towards the toilet area, the new playground will be in the left of this image.)Stage three takes the transformation even higher - literally. The plan includes moving gaming upstairs, adding a bar, pool tables, and, importantly, creating flood-resilient storage and operations space.“We needed higher,” Cath said. “We can’t get all our belongings off the premises like some other places can during a flood. It’s too much. So having an area left for flood is really important.”A new lift on Keen Street will eventually link the street directly to the new beer garden, part of an effort to make the venue more accessible and visually open.“It’ll be like two separate buildings in a way,” Cath said. “Stairs going up in the middle, more open, we're still working out gates and things like that.”For a venue that has been largely unchanged since the 2022 flood, the pace of progress is energising.“Mick’s got so much done in the last few weeks, I can’t believe it,” Cath said. “We’re hoping plumbers go in soon, then tilers, then a bar. It’s exciting.”The rebuild reflects the broader story of renewal across Lismore, familiar venues changing shape, finding new purpose and responding to a community that’s rebuilding its rhythm.

Bullying incidents will be triaged, recorded and responded to with urgency and care, under the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework released by the NSW Government.All 3,120 government, Catholic and independent schools have committed to implementing anti-bullying policies consistent with the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework – the first sector-wide approach to tackling bullying in the country.For the first time, schools will only be registered if they have policies that clearly set out how they prevent bullying, how they support affected students in a timely way, typically within two school days, and how they record actions taken. Schools must also introduce a triage process, so urgent cases are addressed immediately, with student safety coming first.Schools will begin implementing the framework next year, and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) will conduct spot checks from Term 1, 2027, to ensure all schools are meeting the requirements.The new approach follows a directive in late 2024 from Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, asking NESA to work with the NSW Department of Education, Catholic Schools NSW and Independent Schools NSW to develop an evidence-based, best-practice model. The work was guided by leading behaviour expert Professor Donna Cross OAM and shaped through extensive consultation – including input from more than 370 individuals, over 40 groups of parents, students, teachers and school leaders, and advice from 20 international experts across 10 countries.The Framework aligns with recommendations from the Australian Government’s Rapid Review, ensuring NSW schools meet both state and national expectations. It means all NSW schools will have anti-bullying policies built on the same four mandatory criteria: prevention, response, implementation and community partnerships.To support the rollout, NSW government, Catholic and independent school sectors have committed to sharing resources, materials and professional learning to help teachers and principals implement this nation-leading approach.From Monday, the Anti-bullying Framework and supporting resources, including practice examples and recommended actions, will be made available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/school-regulation/nsw-anti-bullying-framework.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, "Our government is committed to addressing the scourge of bullying and will continue to work with all schools to stamp it out.“Deputy Premier Prue Car established a process, so bullying is addressed for all students, no matter which school they attend.“Under our approach, for the first time, every NSW school will follow a common, evidence-based approach to preventing and responding to bullying.“Thanks to the work of Professor Donna Cross and our partners in the Catholic and Independent school sectors, along with the Commonwealth Government, we now have a framework built on extensive local and international expertise.“This means schools can identify the strategies that work best for their students, backed by high-quality research and evidence, and put them into practice where they’ll make the most difference.”Emeritus Professor Donna Cross OAM said, “There is strong evidence, both locally, nationally and internationally, that shows some approaches to reducing bullying are more helpful than others.“In meeting with teachers, principals, students and families, it’s clear that schools in NSW have been working hard to reduce bullying in their communities.“This Framework is designed to support schools with high-quality evidence to identify where they should focus their efforts and resources to reduce bullying behaviour, and to stop doing what the research tells us is ineffective.”

White spot is a highly contagious viral disease that quickly kills prawns and other farmed crustaceans. Wild crustaceans can carry white spot but are rarely affected, and it does not harm humans. NSW DPI says prawns are safe to eat.With white spot now considered established within the existing areas of detection in NSW, based on available evidence and technical advice, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has merged two existing control zones into a single zone, Biosecurity (white spot disease) Control Order 2025. Zoning is needed to ensure containment measures are in accordance with national and World Organisation for Animal Health requirements. Apart from merging the southern boundary of the Evans and Richmond Rivers Zone and the northern boundary of the Clarence River Control Zone with the middle oceanic area, all other existing boundaries will remain unchanged. This zoning ensures areas outside the control zone can maintain white spot-free status for national and international market access, and to maintain Australian border risk mitigation for white spot in imported prawns. The current control order expired on 9 December 2025, and this new control order immediately replaced it. The requirement to cook prawns will continue to apply to prawns caught or harvested in the control zone area, if they are being moved outside the control zone. DPIRD will consider permit applications to move green (uncooked) prawn product to a suitable land-based facility, provided appropriate biosecurity requirements are met. In November 2025, the NSW Government continued its support for the recovery of commercial fishers and prawn farms affected by white spot with a $1.34 million payment, part of the $6.67 million that has been invested in support for affected fishers to date. DPIRD has met with and consulted fishers, including fishing businesses, in discussions about the changes to the control order since November this year.Last month, DPIRD met with representatives from the Clarence River Estuary Prawn Trawl Committee and affected prawn industry participants to provide an update on the latest technical advice, and the future management arrangements for white spot, which was confirmed with prawn fishing stakeholders via email on 5 December 2025. The Clarence River Estuary Prawn Trawl Committee provided DPIRD with industry-based information about the economic impacts of the control order, and the department is currently reviewing other possible support options. The NSW Government has written to the Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to request support with further assistance measures for affected business owners. In 2023, the NSW Government allocated $21.4 million to deliver a biosecurity response and industry recovery to the white spot detection. The NSW Government is committed to working closely with industry and other agencies at state and national levels, providing appropriate advice and support to affected fishing and farm businesses. Mental health support is available for fishers who have experienced negative impacts from the white spot detection from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP). To find your local RAMHP coordinator, visit https://www.ramhp.com.au/get-support For financial support, contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service, Northern Region, 1800 344 090 or https://rfcsnr.org.au/.  

Lismore Base Hospital experienced a 5% increase and led the way for an increase in emergency department (ED) visits across the Northern NSW Local Health District, according to the latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) report.The BHI Healthcare Quarterly Report (July-September 2025) shows 56,905 patients attended an ED at one of NNSWLHD’s eight hospitals during the quarter. Lismore Base Hospital (LBH) saw 10,544 patients attend, an increase of 501, while Tweed experienced a 4.3% increase, or 604 attendees, to 14,742.NNSWLHD Director Clinical Operations, Lynne Weir, praised staff for their ongoing efforts amid a very busy quarter, which saw the highest number of ambulance arrivals on record across the District. “We’re continuing to see very high activity and our staff are doing an exceptional job of working collaboratively to ensure patients get the right care, in the right place, and in a timely fashion,” Ms Weir said.“I want to thank and commend our staff, from clinicians, to administration and support staff, and cleaners and wards people, who work tirelessly to deliver high-quality care to all NNSWLHD patients.”LBH continues to improve its key ED metrics after underperforming for the last few years. This follows changes put in place by CEO Tracey Maisey around September 2024 that looked at the flow system at LBH and the engagement from all teams, such as medical, allied health, admin and management.During July to September 2025, ED treatment started on time for the majority of patients (72.7 per cent) across NNSWLHD, an improvement of 3.1 percentage points compared with the same quarter in 2024, and higher than the NSW result (64.2 per cent). While LBH is still under the NSW result (61.7%), it was a 10.5% increase on the same period in 2024.During the quarter, 10,400 patients arrived by ambulance, an increase of 6.4 per cent or 625 arrivals, compared to the same quarter in 2024. LBH experienced a 6.8% increase to 3,229 patients.Of these arrivals, 80 per cent were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, which was above the NSW result (75.7 per cent). Once again, Lismore Base Hospital was below the NSW result at 73.5%, but this is an improvement of 6.9% compared to 2024.NSW Health has worked with the Australian College of Emergency Medicine to introduce new Hospital Access Targets for local health districts and specialty health networks relating to the time from arrival to leaving the emergency department. These new targets are designed to support safe patient care and reflect the complexity of patient needs, and the diverse pathways patients may take once they present to an ED.This is the third Healthcare Quarterly report to reflect the new Hospital Access Targets. Due to the change in reporting, the results for the new Hospital Access Targets cannot be compared to the previous July-September 2024 quarter.From July to September 2025, 80 per cent of ED patients not needing to be admitted or transferred to another hospital were discharged from the ED within four hours, significantly above the state result (63.2 per cent). LBH recorded 66.4%, up on the NSW result.All patients are seen and triaged when they arrive at an ED and, as always, the most seriously unwell patients are treated first. During busy times, people with less urgent conditions may experience longer wait times when large numbers of seriously unwell patients are being prioritised for emergency care.If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage people to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for 24-hour telephone health advice. A registered nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.From July to September 2025, NNSWLHD performed 3,994 planned surgeries, an increase of 11.8 per cent or 422 more surgeries compared to the same period last year.The majority of all planned surgeries (83.5 per cent) were performed within clinically recommended timeframes, with the vast majority of urgent planned surgeries (97.3 per cent) completed on time.Patients waiting for surgery are reminded to contact their doctor if they feel their condition may have changed so their urgency category can be reviewed.There were 717 babies born at a NNSWLHD hospital during the quarter, an increase of 4.8 per cent or 33 more babies than during the same period last year.INDIVIDUAL HOSPITAL RESULTS BALLINA DISTRICT HOSPITAL recorded 4,579 ED attendances during the July to September 2025 quarter. The majority of ED patients (74.6 per cent) who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital were treated and discharged from the ED within four hours. During the quarter, 334 planned surgeries were performed, an increase of 17.6 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2024. Almost all (99.3 percent) of planned surgeries were performed on time, with 100 per cent of urgent surgeries performed on time.BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL had 5,376 ED attendances during the July to September 2025 quarter, comparable to the same period in 2024. The majority of ED patients (83.5 per cent) started their treatment on time. More than 8 in 10 patients (85.9 per cent) who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, were treated and discharged from the ED within four hours of arriving. More than nine in 10 patients (92.6 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. CASINO & DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL had 3,612 ED attendances in the quarter, an increase of 4.5 per cent (or 157 attendances) compared to the same time last year. Of those patients treated in ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, 85.2 per cent were discharged within four hours of arriving. More than nine in 10 patients (98.2 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.During the quarter, 222 planned surgeries were performed, a substantial increase of 52.1 per cent (or 76 surgeries) compared to the same quarter in 2024.GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL recorded 7,463 ED attendances during this quarter, an increase of 6.2 per cent (or 438 attendances) compared to the same quarter in 2024. Of these, the majority of patients (63 per cent) started their treatment on time, an improvement of 6.7 percentage points when compared to the same quarter in 2024. 1,222 patients arrived by ambulance, up 6.1 per cent compared with the same quarter last year. Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, 74 per cent were discharged within four hours of arriving. Planned surgery increased substantially during the quarter, with 682 surgeries performed, up 26.3 per cent or 142 surgeries compared with the same period last year. There were 30 per cent (or 339) fewer people on the waiting list ready for surgery at the end of the quarter, compared with the same time last year. LISMORE BASE HOSPITAL had 10,544 ED attendances during the quarter, an increase of 5 per cent or 501 attendances, when compared with the same quarter in 2024. There were 3,229 arrivals by ambulance, an increase of 6.8 per cent (or 207 arrivals) compared with the same quarter in 2024.Despite the increase in demand, the majority of ED patients (61.7 per cent) started their treatment on time, an improvement of 10.5 percentage points when compared with the July-September 2024 quarter.More than seven in ten patients (73.5 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, slightly above the peer group result of 71.9 per cent.  During July to September 2025, 1,350 planned surgeries were performed, an increase of six per cent, or 76 more surgeries, compared with the same quarter last year.Lismore Base Hospital is now also rostering to Safe Staffing Levels in its emergency department, following the completion of recruitment of more than 27 FTE nurses earlier this year.The staffing boost enables the rostering of a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied ED resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts.“The improvements at Lismore Base Hospital are a direct result of the incredible efforts of teams across the hospital, from domestic services and wards people through to nurses, doctors and allied health staff all working together to ensure better flow across the facility. Every role makes a difference, so a huge thank you to everyone for your continued efforts,” Ms Weir said.MACLEAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 3,686 ED attendances during the quarter, with the majority of patients (75.1 per cent) starting their treatment on time. Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, more than eight in 10 patients (88.8 per cent) were discharged from the ED within four hours. Of the 548 patients who arrived by ambulance, nine in 10 (90.2 per cent) were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. MURWILLUMBAH DISTRICT HOSPITAL had 4,716 ED attendances during the quarter. Almost nine in 10 (89.4 per cent) ED patients started their treatment on time, significantly above the result for NSW hospitals of a similar size (68.5 per cent). Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, 90.5 per cent were discharged within four hours of arriving. Almost all patients (97.1 per cent) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.During the quarter, 342 planned surgeries were performed, an increase of 11.4 per cent, or 35 more surgeries, compared with the same quarter last year.TWEED VALLEY HOSPITAL had 14,742 ED attendances during the quarter, a 4.3 per cent increase (604 attendances) when compared with the same period in 2024. A total of 3,250 patients arrived at the ED by ambulance, an increase of 10.4 per cent or 306 arrivals compared with the same quarter in 2024, and 79.3 per cent of these patients were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark. The majority of ED patients (78.6 per cent) started their treatment on time, substantially higher than the result for the peer group of hospitals of a similar size in NSW (57.7 per cent). Of those patients treated in the ED who did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, eight in 10 (80.6 per cent) were discharged within four hours of arrival. A total of 1,063 planned surgeries were performed during the quarter, a 4.1 per cent increase or 42 surgeries, when compared to the same period in 2024.

The festive holiday season is the peak time for locals and tourists to be swimming in the old Bexhill Quarry, which has been abandoned since 2004.While the popular swimming hole is being used illegally, technically, as it is on crown land, the Bexhill Parklands Association, which was formed in 2022, has been working on ways to turn it into community parklands.Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has just secured a $10,000 State grant for the post-mining land use risk assessment of the old Bexhill Bricks Quarry to investigate whether it can actually be transformed into family-friendly native parklands.Ms Saffin said she strongly supported the Bexhill Quarry Parklands Association Limited’s recreational tourism project, one which had the potential to directly link with a future stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.(People enjoying swimming at the old Bexhill Quarry site)“Association President Des Harris and his committee have generated a lot of interest and support for their concept of an attraction featuring a sheltered picnic area, interpretive centre, native bush walking trails, safe swimming area and carparking,” Ms Saffin said.“This grant will allow the Association to hire Newcastle-based consultants Integrated Environmental Management Australia (IEMA) to run a workshop of stakeholders, provide an opportunity for community input, and develop an action plan for addressing and closing out risks.“The Association had raised $2,000 through meat raffles at the Eltham Hotel, and a further $2,000 from the Greater Bank, but the $10,000 grant will bring the Bexhill Quarry Parklands one step closer to becoming a reality.”Mr Harris said the Association was extremely keen to work in partnership with the traditional owners of the land, the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung nation, and to follow proper planning processes.“We are grateful to Janelle Saffin for believing in our project and for successfully lobbying for this critical grant funding,” Mr Harris said.The project is also supported by Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, Lismore City Council, Boatharbour Landcare, Eltham Community Foundation, Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Destination NSW and Northern Rivers Tourism.

The 2025–26 Bleed4Blue campaign officially launched in Lismore this week, with Richmond Police District officers filling the Lismore Lifeblood Donor Centre on Bounty Street to donate blood or plasma and encourage the community to do the same.The national campaign runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, challenging police across Australia to donate as much life-saving blood as they can over summer.The campaign began after the Australia Day 2018 stabbing of Detective Sergeant John Breda, who required more than 100 bags of blood to survive. For local police, that story is a reminder of just how vital blood donors are.More than 37,000 blood and plasma donations have been made as part of Bleed4Blue since its inception. Centre Services Officer Helen Sager said having 13 officers come through the doors was a huge boost at one of the busiest and most challenging times of the year.“How good is this! We’ve got a whole myriad of people here with great big veins, lots of blood pumping, and it’s good quality blood,” she laughed. “We are very grateful to have them in the building. At this time of year, around Christmas, we are desperately seeking donations. It’s wonderful to see, absolutely wonderful.”(Helen Sager gives her always-entertaining instructions to the officers)Helen said the centre is already feeling the seasonal pressures.“There’s always a call-out at Christmas, but we also have a call-out for January because people go away,” she said. “We lose donors, and that’s okay, but we always need more people to take their place. If you’re interested in becoming a donor, now’s the time, jump online or call 13 14 95 and book in.”Emergency service workers, she added, are frequent and valued visitors.“We do see a lot of hospital, medical and emergency services people come through; they understand the demand,” she said. “But it’s even better when people come in because they want to do something great for another human being. We will always need more donors. Some people can no longer donate due to illness or ineligibility, so we need new blood in the door every single day.”For Sergeant Brendan Shailes, the day marked his first-ever blood donation, and he admitted he was feeling “a bit nervous”.“But it’s something to get involved in,” he said. “We see firsthand in policing how important blood donations are. Only the other day, I had to do an urgent blood run to Ballina to supply blood to someone in need. It shows how many people rely on donations.”Brendan said the campaign gives officers a chance to lead by example.“We’ve got 13 officers here today participating, which is really good to see. If I can do it, anyone can do it. The incidents we attend can heavily rely on this sort of thing to save people’s lives. If we can contribute, not just for our colleagues but for the general public, it’s a good cause to be part of.”As the summer season ramps up, with holidays, road travel and reduced donor availability, the Lismore Lifeblood team hopes the Bleed4Blue momentum will carry into the wider community.Lismore has long prided itself on showing up for one another, especially in moments of need. The Bleed4Blue campaign offers another way for locals to make a direct, life-saving difference.(Constable Carolyn Groves donating plasma)Lifeblood spokesperson Scott Morrison said, with blood demand at a 12-year high and plasma in record demand, donating is a simple thing many of us can do to save a life. “I want to thank police and their friends and families for supporting Bleed4Blue, and I encourage the Lismore community to donate too.”“Donated blood will be required every day between now and Christmas and beyond to treat sick and seriously ill people across Australia. “Please book a donation and help us keep blood supply levels strong over the holidays to meet the need for patients from all walks of life.”Lifeblood’s Lismore Donor Centre is open 6 days a week, they are only closed on Christmas Day.To donate, visit the Lismore Lifeblood Donor Centre on Bounty Street, Lismore or book at lifeblood.com.au. Every donation counts.

As summer temperatures bed in for the upcoming holiday season and visitors flock to our stunning national parks, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant and safe around water.NSW NPWS offers countless opportunities for swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating; however, our pristine beaches, tranquil rivers and lakes are natural environments that can be unpredictable and pose serious risks if safety precautions are ignored.National parks are wild places, and most beaches, creeks, rivers and lakes are remote and do not have lifeguards.Mobile phone service may be limited, which means you may not be able to call for help if you need it.The safest place to swim is always at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags. You can find one of these locations at Beachsafe.org.au.    National Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director Naomi Stephens said, “spectacular beaches and waterways in NSW national parks may look like idyllic places for a summer swim, but dangers can lurk beneath the surface.”“Watch out for hidden hazards, including rip currents, cold water, rocks, submerged objects and sudden drop-offs.“We want everyone to enjoy their national park visit and get home safely to loved ones,” Ms Stephens said.Visitors are urged to plan ahead and follow these essential safety tips:Stop, Look, Stay Alive - it’s important to take responsibility for your own safety.Avoid unpatrolled beaches and always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.Check for rips and hazards before entering the water. If in doubt, do not go in.When rock fishing always wear a life jacket, check tides and weather, do not turn you back on the sea and never fish alone.Tell someone your plans and expected return time.Check conditions as water levels can rise suddenly after rain or dam releases.Beware of fast currents and submerged hazards.Enter slowly. Never dive headfirst or jump from heights. Riverbeds can change quickly.Never swim alone: Always have someone nearby who can help in an emergency.Avoid alcohol and drugs around water. These impair judgment and increase drowning risk.Cold water alert: Even in summer, inland waters can cause hypothermia.When Boating and Paddling wear an approved life jacket at all times.Check weather forecasts and park alerts before heading out.Following the success of last year’s initiative, NPWS is running another digital campaign targeting Mandarin Chinese-speaking and Indian communities across various channels to increase broader multicultural awareness of beach, water, fishing and rock platform safety in NSW national parks.With Mandarin being the second most spoken language after English in NSW, safety tips have been translated into simplified Chinese at nswparks.info/beachsafetychinese and nswparks.info/fishingsafetychinese.For more information on water safety in NSW national parks, please visit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/water-activities.