Parents, carers and children across NSW will benefit from a new hospital initiative aimed at better supporting parents to raise concerns about their child’s condition if they feel it is getting worse.The new tool will require healthcare workers to regularly ask families: “Are you worried they are getting worse?” to help capture important changes in their child’s condition.The question will be embedded in paediatric and neonatal observation charts in emergency departments and inpatient units across the state.The potentially life-saving tool , Worried they’re getting worse, is based on new research from Monash Health and developed by the Clinical Excellence Commission, and recognises parents, families, and carers know their children best.The question recognises that parents and carers are often able to detect early changes or deterioration in their child’s behaviour or temperament that could signal a clinical concern.If parents or caregivers indicate they believe their child is getting worse or deteriorating, it will trigger a review by a senior healthcare worker.All NSW public hospitals will implement the tool by October 2025, and the program will be extended into maternity and adult wards in early 2026.The tool was first trialled at Hunter New England Local Health District in March 2025 and began its statewide rollout at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network on 21 July 2025. Separately, the REACH program is also available for parents and carers when they have concerns that their child is becoming seriously unwell. A REACH call prompts an urgent patient review by a senior health worker. This program continues to be accessible in all NSW hospitals, with work underway to strengthen this safety net.NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said, “When you bring your child into our hospitals, we know that you know them best.“Parents and carers can recognise small changes in a child’s condition sometimes before healthcare workers can observe changes in things like heart rate or breathing.“Feedback from parents and carers is critical in capturing information about a child who is becoming seriously unwell.“When your doctor or nurse asks: 'Are you worried they’re getting worse?' we need you to tell us even if it is something small, because if you’re worried, we’re worried.”Secretary of NSW Health, Susan Pearce AM said, “We know staff right across the NSW public health system work incredibly hard to deliver the highest quality of care for patients, and we need to ensure the right systems are in place that support them to continue to do so.“Really listening to parents, carers and family members is critical when caring for children in hospital and this new initiative recognises the vital role they play in their child’s care alongside our excellent healthcare professionals.“By working together, we can strengthen patient safety for children and babies and provide an environment where parents and carers are encouraged and empowered to raise concerns.”

Lismore City Council will be rolling out a range of safety and amenity upgrades across the CBD, starting Monday (4 August), that will cause some traffic delays. However, that will be minimised, as the work is undertaken at night.Works include line marking, new bollards, updated tactile indicators and roundabout fencing to improve safety and accessibility.Line Marking Works (Overnight 7pm to 4am)Night 1 – Monday, 4 AugustConway Street – 40km/h markings and pedestrian crossing.Molesworth and Keen Streets – Pedestrian crossing markings.Night 2 – Tuesday, 5 AugustMolesworth, Woodlark and Keen Streets – Pedestrian crossing marking.Temporary traffic control and intermittent road closures will be in place. Please avoid parking on affected streets from 6pm both nights.Other CBD Upgrades:Tactile ground indicator upgrades and stainless-steel bollard replacements on Woodlark, Molesworth and Keen Streets (minimal traffic impacts; some footpath access may be restricted).Continued installation of black safety fencing at the Molesworth/Magellan roundabout to enhance visibility and pedestrian safety.Council asks that you follow signage and directions from traffic controllers.

The clock is ticking for former students and staff of Trinity Catholic College to purchase tickets to its 40 Year celebrations. Saturday, August 16, at the Lismore Workers Club is the date and venue, less than two weeks away.Trinity's Principal Jesse Smith told the Lismore App that many people are using the celebrations to organise school reunions."It will be a great celebration on the 16th to bring some of those people, particularly people from the class of '85. I would imagine that would have been a pretty unique experience for them to try and create something new. But some of them will be back, and it'll be a great celebration."We're certainly saying to all of our past students, past staff, etc, that they're most welcome to come along. Some groups within that 40-year bracket are treating it as a reunion. So people are getting tables together, and you know, there might be 20 people from the class of 1985 coming, and there might be a group of people from another class that are coming. So yeah, for different groups, they are treating it as a reunion."We see it as a big community celebration, and we hope to see as many people as possible.The 40 Year celebration will involve a meal and live entertainment by the Cath Simes Band. Many people understand Trinity's history, but are confused about the 40 Year celebration. Jesse Smith took the Lismore App through a quick history lesson."The presentation sisters established St Mary's Girls School in 1886, and that continued all the way through to the amalgamation point, which was 1985."The Marist Brothers came to Lismore in 1911 and established Marist Brothers Boys' High School."And then in 1966, there was a period of co-instruction where senior students would actually be taught by either brothers or sisters in specific subjects. So there was, I guess, some mingling across subjects at that point. And then the process of actually bringing the two schools together was a discussion through the early 1980s, and then obviously ramped up in 1984.(Signing articles of association in 1984 for the formation of Trinity Catholic College) "At the end of 1984, they appointed Sister Mary Cannane pbvm, after whom Cannane House was named, one of our 10 houses at Trinity. She was appointed the foundation principal. And at the end of that year, in December, there was a mass in the cathedral, and both of the schools entered the cathedral, and the captains of St Mary's and Marist Brothers handed their school banners back to the parish priest at the time, Father Frank.(The handing over of the banners in late 1984. Photo: supplied)"The whole essence of that ritual was that the two schools entered the cathedral as separate entities, and then they left as a combined force, so to speak. So, 1985 rolls around, we have Trinity Catholic College, and Sister Mary was the foundation principal, and she was here until 1992. The rest is history, as they say."There has been a line of Marist Brothers up until this point, who've led the college until me (Jesse Smith was the first lay principal of Trinity, appointed in 2022). Across that time, we have students who have gone out into the world and done all sorts of remarkable things. Some of them are back here, teaching or on staff, me included."As for what Trinity Catholic College has experienced in the last 40 years?"I don't know that I'm qualified to make a comment. For me, certainly, the events of the last couple of years have been.....the term unprecedented is thrown around, but you know, I don't imagine in 1985 we would have expected some of the realities that we had to face in recent years, and even coming down to the actual physical relocation of the campus because of the 2022 natural disaster."But I think what has rung true throughout all of that is that sense of community and the fact that all over the world now, there are people who benefited from their education here in Lismore, and whether they're working in trades or running their own small business or nursing or teaching or working in academia or the law, whatever it is, it's been a place that's been able to, I guess, be a launching pad for so many different contributions. I think that's something for us to be really proud of."To purchase your tickets to Trinity Ctholic College's 40 Year Celebration, click here.

The $880 million Resilient Homes Program (RHP) is scheduled to run until June 2027, five years after the 14.4 metre flood ripped through Lismore and the Northern Rivers.From October 2022 to 25 July 2025:653 buybacks have been approved for Lismore, with 497 settled.5 grants for Resilient Measures have been approved, including:4 for raising (includes raise, rebuild).1 for retrofit.One question that has been raised since the RHP was launched and house buybacks were approved and settled is whether a person who uses the money to purchase another property in the flood zone will be eligible for more government financial aid when the next big flood hits.An anonymous Lismore App reader has emailed their concern. Let's call them John.John lives in South Lismore and was not eligible for a buyback.John's neighbour received a buyback due to extenuating circumstances; elderly and mental health were two reasons according to the email."No hard feelings, happy they have their ticket out. Until I learn, they buy again with their buyback money in South Lismore 2+ streets away, same flood zone, same risk."Is it not mind-boggling that you get a buyback for extenuating circumstances but are allowed to buy back into the flood zone, same circumstances, same risk? I'm sure in future flooding events, they will then receive future government assistance in future flood events, even though you have been given an out?"Is this not counterintuitive and a ridiculous use of government money? Why is there not a clause that excludes you from purchasing in another, let alone same flood zone, using buyback money?John wanted to make it clear that this situation is not to create a feud with his former neighbour, but to highlight the circumstances and see regulation changes made to contracts by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.Unfortunately for John and others who believe changes should be made, the solution lies with the NSW Government."That's probably premature, the guidelines as they are at the moment are really focused on ensuring that we can assist people who are in the highest risk areas to move away from flood-prone land," CEO of the NSWRA Mal Lanyon, told the Lismore App."That's really what the Resilient Homeless Program has been around. There is nothing, and there's certainly nothing that the RA can do if someone has undertaken, under the Resilient Homes Program, to buy a house in another area nearby. Whether a person would subsequently be eligible, should there be another disaster, is something that future guidelines would take into consideration."What I would say is the Resilient Homes Program is really focusing on providing the opportunity to safely move away from where they are flood-prone. I would certainly ask people who have participated in the Resilient Homes Program to really think carefully about where they are choosing to live after that. We're trying to provide an opportunity for people to live safely, and that's what we're really focused on."It would appear the bureaucrats involved in the NSW Government Resilient Homes Program guidelines did not consider a scenario where a person's financial opportunity was stronger than the opportunity for personal safety, given they were given a buyback because of extenuating circumstances.There is nothing illegal about what John's neighbour has done. But the question remains, should they receive more government help in the future?

For those travelling to the Gold Coast in the next two days, you are advised that the Tugun Bypass Tunnel on the Pacific Motorway will be temporarily closed on 3-4 August and from 17- 21 August for essential maintenance work.To minimise impacts to motorists, work will be carried out at night. The first closure will take place from 7pm on Sunday, 3 August to 5am on Monday, 4 August and from 7pm on Monday, 4 August to 5am on Tuesday, 5 August. The second closure will be from 7pm to 5am on each of the nights from Sunday, 17 to Thursday 21 August, reopening at 5am on Friday, 22 August.During the night closures, detours are available and suitable for all vehicle types.From 7pm on Wednesday, 20 August to 5am on Thursday, 21 August and from 7pm on Thursday, 21 August to 5am on Friday, 22 August, northbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway via the Kennedy Drive exit, take Sugarwood Drive to Gold Coast Highway, then take Tugun Currumbin Road and rejoin the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Stewart Road on-ramp.Southbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway at Tugun Currumbin Road (Exit 95) and follow to the Gold Coast Highway, then Cordyline Drive to re-join the M1 Pacific Motorway at Kennedy Drive on-ramp.All other nights, northbound traffic will be diverted at the Gold Coast Highway (Tugun exit) onto Tugun Currumbin Road, re-joining the Pacific Motorway at Currumbin. Southbound traffic will be diverted at Tugun Currumbin Road (exit 95) onto Gold Coast Highway, re-joining the Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads West (Gold Coast Highway on-ramp).Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes of additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.Routine maintenance of the tunnel is carried out every three months, including 17-21 August and involves a range of measures such as inspecting the various operating and safety systems.Additional closures will be required to update the operating system between August and October 2025 as follows:Wednesday 3 SeptemberWednesday 10 September and Thursday 11 September Sunday 14 SeptemberTuesday 7 October and Wednesday 8 October.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience while essential maintenance work is carried out.For more information on this work visit livetraffic.com/incident-details/233663, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701.To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Tugun Bypass Tunnel’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

Deborah Mills (M.A.Honours in Dance-Theatre) and Lismore Theatre Company have completed Terms 1 & 2 of their innovative 12-month community theatre project Embodied Theatre: Workshops-to-Stage. Together, they have been engaging in creative play, collaboratively devising scenes that are gradually developing into a full-length work that places the human body at the heart of the narrative. Inspired by an apocalyptic fairytale which explores universal themes of fear and freedom, the project will culminate in a full-length production staged in February 2026 at the Rochdale Theatre, entitled: FREEFALL.The creative process includes physical improvisation and experimentation using the stimulus of text, music and props to create what Mills terms, moving metaphors.In Term 3, the group will learn and explore the technique of body syncing, where the text and movement are developed independently so that the audience sees the text and hears the movement. The Lismore Theatre Company is inviting new members to join their group in weekly workshops. "If you are curious, creative, playful and have an interest or experience in improvisation, movement exploration, experimentation with props, script development or performance – then come and join us!" LTC President Sharon Brodie said."You will find a safe space where the working principles and process give permission to experiment and explore freely without inhibition or fear of being wrong – where together we will make discoveries and have fun." Workshops are held every Tuesday night at The Rochdale Theatre, Goonellabah from 6pm to 9pm. Term 3 starts Tuesday, 5th August and concludes Tuesday, 30th September. Also (or alternatively), Term 3 includes three all-day Sunday workshops from 10am – 4pm on 7th August and 7th & 21st September at the Uniting Church Hall, 80 Keen St, Lismore Cost is $75 per term ($50 for LTC members. Membership $15, offering reduced prices to productions).To book a place or make enquiries, contact admin@lismoretheatrecompany.org.au or call 0406399842.Bookings through Humanitix at https://events.humanitix.com/embodied-theatre-workshops-term-3.

As winter sets in and respiratory illnesses surge across Australia, pharmaceutical experts at the University of South Australia are sounding the alarm over the growing misuse of antibiotics – a risky practice that is fuelling the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs.Superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that have become resistant to the medicines that are designed to kill them, potentially leading to millions of preventable deaths each year. In 2021 alone, an estimated 4.7 million deaths were linked to bacterial antimicrobial resistance, with more than one million directly attributed to it – a clear warning of the growing global threat. Now, as cases of flu and RSV soar, UniSA experts are urging families to better understand when and how to use medicines safely, to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and curb the threat of superbugs. Dr Tien Bui, a registered pharmacist and Research Fellow at UniSA’s Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, says education is key to preventing antibiotic-resistant infections. “Superbugs emerge when microorganisms – such as bacteria and viruses – adapt, developing mutations that allow them to survive even the strongest of medicines,” Dr Bui says. “This often happens when people use antibiotics when they’re not needed, or fail to complete their prescribed course of antibiotics, which speeds up the process of resistance. “When antibiotic resistance takes hold, standard treatments become ineffective, making infections harder – or even impossible – to treat, increasing the risk of disease, severe illness and death. “To combat antibiotic resistance, we must take collective responsibility – from better hygiene to smarter medicine use. “To tackle antibiotic resistance, we need to lift our game – practising good hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations, and only using antibiotics when they’re truly needed. “Using antibiotics wisely, by taking the right one, at the right dose, for the right duration, is essential if we want to slow the spread of superbugs.” Over the past 30 years, medicine use in children has skyrocketed. With prescription rates rising, Dr Bui says it’s more important than ever for families to understand safe and appropriate medicine use, including antibiotics. 

Lismore Bundjalarms Netball Club has secured a win in Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Indigenous Community Funding Round, with funding set to support a range of initiatives designed to bring families together and break down barriers to participation in sport. As a community club, Bundjalarms is focused on supporting players and their families both on and off the court. The funding will go towards a variety of activities that encourage connection, improve health outcomes, and increase access to netball across the region. One of the key ideas in development is a NAIDOC Netball Cup, with plans to run the event during the next school holidays as a celebration of culture, community and sport. Bundjalarms Netball Club President Ajay Harrington said the funding would help bring several community-focused initiatives to life. “This funding helps us bring more of the community together through netball,” Mr Harrington said. “We’ll be able to support families, get more kids on court, and create opportunities like the NAIDOC Netball Cup to celebrate culture and connection in a way that feels local and meaningful.” Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Regional Manager Scott McCluskey said the Bundjalarms’ strong focus on inclusion and wellbeing made them a standout in this year’s Indigenous Round. “Bundjalarms are building something really special. They are creating a club that brings people together, keeps kids active, and opens up opportunities well beyond the court. It’s a privilege to support them,” Mr McCluskey said. Announced during NAIDOC Week, the funding also reflects NGM Group’s ongoing commitment to building strong, meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as outlined in its Reconciliation Action Plan. Supporting grassroots initiatives like this is one way the Group aims to foster greater economic opportunity, social inclusion and financial wellbeing. To learn more about the Greater Bank Community Funding Program or vote in upcoming rounds, visit https://www.greater.com.au/greaternorthernrivers.

More expectant mothers are accessing antenatal care, according to new data and long-term trends that paint a picture of the health and birth outcomes of mothers and babies in Australia. ‘In 2023, 79% of women who gave birth accessed antenatal care in the first trimester of their pregnancy – an increase from 61% a decade ago in 2013,’ AIHW spokesperson Louise Catanzariti said. Released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Australia’s mothers and babies also shows the average age of women who gave birth has increased over time. ‘Our latest data shows that mothers are continuing to give birth later in life, with the average age of women who gave birth steadily increasing from 28.9 years in 1998 to 31.3 years in 2023,’ Ms Catanzariti said. ‘Over time, the proportion of women giving birth aged 35 and over has increased from 23% in 2010 to 28% in 2023, while the proportion aged under 25 has decreased from 18% to 11%.’ In 2023, there were 285,305 babies born, and the birth rate was 52 per 1,000 women. This is the lowest birth rate in the period from 1998, when AIHW started reporting this statistic, and continues a generally decreasing trend since 2007, when the birth rate was 66 per 1,000 women. In 2023, almost all births in Australia took place in hospitals (97%). Of these, 3 in 4 mothers gave birth in a public hospital. A small number of births took place in birth centres (1.5%), at home (0.7%), or in other settings (0.7%). ‘The data we collect and publish, provided by both public and private hospitals as well as other birth attendants across the country, give us insights on the birth outcomes for mothers and babies, including how factors like maternal age, method of birth, and birthweight have changed over time,’ Ms Catanzariti said. Pregnancy and birth The rate of women giving birth by caesarean section rose every year from 2004 (29%) to 2023 (41%). The report also contains new data from Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia on the types of maternity care women use. Public hospital maternity care was the most common model of care, used by 45% of women who gave birth. Around 1 in 9 women (11%) had the same midwife throughout their care using a midwifery group practice model, while 24% had continuity of carer through other models, mostly private obstetrician care. Health of babies The data also shows outcomes for a baby after birth, including gestational age, birthweight, Apgar score at 5 minutes after birth, resuscitation, baby’s hospital length of stay and admission to special care nurseries or neonatal intensive care units in 2023. The median gestational age – the duration of pregnancy in completed weeks – was 39 weeks, which has been stable since 2004. Most babies (91%) in Australia were born at term (37–41 weeks), with 31% born at early term (37 or 38 weeks) and 60% at full term (39–41 weeks). ‘Less than 1 in 10 babies (8.4%) were born pre-term, and of these, the majority were born between 32 and 36 completed weeks’, Ms Catanzariti said. ‘More than 9 in 10 (92%) liveborn babies were born with a normal birthweight. This proportion has been similar since 2010, ranging between 92% in 2010 and 93% in 2021. ‘Behind the data are real experiences, including those of families who may face complex or distressing outcomes. These experiences are deeply personal and often carry lasting impacts.’ According to data from the National Perinatal Data collection (NPDC), the perinatal mortality rate in 2023 was 11.0 deaths per 1,000 births. Of these deaths, 4 in 5 were stillbirths (8.7 deaths per 1,000 births), and the remainder were neonatal deaths (2.3 deaths per 1,000 live births). The neonatal death rate has remained relatively stable in recent years, ranging between 2.2 and 2.9 per 1,000 live births since 2010. The stillbirth rate in 2023, at 8.7 per 1,000 births, is a continuation of increasing stillbirth rates observed in recent years. Factors contributing to the increase in the stillbirth rate may include a true increase in the number of stillbirths, and legislative changes leading to both better visibility of perinatal deaths and expanded access to terminations that are in scope of the NPDC. The AIHW is working with jurisdictions to investigate these trends and will conduct further exploration and analysis once more detailed data from the National Perinatal Mortality Data Collection (NPMDC) are available, later this year. Helplines Sands and Red Nose- external site opens in new window on 1300 308 307 for peer support, grief counselling, online forums, and resources for parents and families who have experienced stillbirth, miscarriage, or newborn death.Bears of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support- external site opens in new window on 1300 11 4673 for counselling, support groups, early loss support, and care packages to families experiencing loss.Stillbirth Foundation Australia - external site opens in new windowPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)- external site opens in new window on 1300 726 306 for support with mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and as a new parent.

It's the weekend, and you know what that means? Yes, more rain.The developing low-pressure system off the NSW coast will bring wind, rain and damaging surf this weekend.While the mid-north coast will feel the brunt of the weather system, Lismore and the Northern Rivers are likely to get wet once again.Ballina, Byron and other coastal towns will receive the most rainfall over the weekend, but Lismore will still cop its fair share with 1mm to 15mm expected on Saturday, and 5mm to 25mm on Sunday.The big event this weekend is not in Lismore but in Casino.The 2025 Casino Truck Show will attract a crowd in excess of 30,000 people as they admire 550 highly polished, high-horsepower heavy vehicles that keep Australia moving.Saturday's activities kick off at 10am with the legendary Dawsons Haulage truck parade along Johnston and Centre Streets, before the CBD transforms into a vibrant festival precinct.Expect a massive line-up of live entertainment from Country Mud Band and Pink Zinc Band, plus food stalls, industry displays, kids' amusement rides and of course, the prestigious trophy presentation at 3pm.You can check out the road closures by reading our earlier story.Wet weather is always good for viewing art exhibitions, and there is plenty to see in the Lismore LGA.The Through the Heart photographic exhibition runs for another week, ending on Sunday, August 10 at the Lismore Regional Gallery.Over 100 of Jacklyn Wagner's photographs capture the emotion and heartache of the 2022 floods. The gallery is open 10am to 4pm both days.The 2024 Archibald Prize is also on exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery.This is only the second time the Archibald has made its way to Lismore. You have until the end of August to view the works of the 57 finalists.The highly respected Bentley Art Prize celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend.The inaugural event was in 1985, and 40 years later, it is stronger than ever.The Bentley Art prize gets underway tonight from 7pm with wine and nibbles and finishes on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.There will be market stalls and live music all weekend. Viewing times are:Friday, August 1: 7pm to 9pmSaturday, August 2: 9am to 5pmSunday, August 3: 9am to 2pm.Another art club celebrating a milestone in August is the Lismore Art Club.The club was formed in 1960, so 65 years of creativity, support and nurturing of local artists.The 65th anniversary will be celebrated at Flourish Art Gallery, 15 Casino Street, South Lismore. Opening night is tonight between 5pm and 9pm. The exhibition runs until Friday, August 22.The Lismore Farmers Market will have everything on offer tomorrow (Saturday) from 7:30 at the Lismore Showground. Fresh fruit & veg, hot coffee and tea, plants, seedlings, meat, desert and more. The Lismore Floodwater Revival Band will play covers from the '60s and '70s to keep you entertained.The Rock Valley Emergency Preparedness Day was postponed in July and is now happening this Sunday (August 3) between 10am and 3:30pm at the Rock Valley Hall.The Reconstruction Authority Big Map will be there, as will information stalls for the Red Cross, Local Land Services, RFS, SES, Resilient Lismore and DPI.Food and coffee will be available, and live music by Luke Vassella.The second-ever Rap 2 the Rescue is raising funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service on Saturday night from 7:30pm.The idea was inspired by the popular Rock to the Rescue fundraising concert a month ago. Seven (7) local rappers will take to the stage at the South Lismore Bowling Club (25 Wilson Street), they are:D.A.S.H.Thirsty MaczFTTOMDJ MudcrabEric FluSaxBardiIt is only $10 at the door, with profit to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Organiser Jordan McMahon said his goal was to raise $1,500 this year.The Lismore Jaz Club is back in August with De Ziah & Date at the Lismore City Bowling Club from 2pm on Sunday.Go and see De Ziah & Date take the cello and guitar on a musical journey. Entry is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Cash at the door.Next Tuesday (August 5) is NATSIC Day (National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children's Day).You can help celebrate NATSIC Day at GSAC between 11am and 1:30pm. Food and drinks will be provided, as will tea and coffee for elders. This is a free event.We have had jazz and rap music mentioned this weekend, and there is more live music at the Northern Rivers Hotel, with Hello Ray Duo tonight from 6pm and Katie Brooke for the Sunday Session between 1:30pm and 4:30pm.August is a busy month at the Lismore Workers Club. Coming up:Herman's Hermits: the English group are on a 60th Anniversary World Tour, appearing at the Workers Club next Friday, August 8. Tickets are $59 each.Fleetwood Max: Thursday, August 14, is when you can sing-along to the many hits of Fleetwood Mac. Tickets are $49.The Everly Brothers - Morning Melodies: on Wednesday, August 20. This is a lunchtime show where you will learn about the beautiful harmonies of Phil and Don Everly and hear their hits, like Bird Dog and Cathy's Clown.Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend, especially if you are there after 8pm, when prices tend to drop another 10 cents a litre.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 174.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the Ampol Foodary on Woodlark Street in Lismore, 175.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 177.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 184.5 at Brad's Independent on Terania Street, North Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 192.9 at the Astron and Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 197.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 across Casino, and 189.5 at the Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Around 30,000 people will visit Casino tomorrow (Saturday) for the annual Truck Show. Trucking enthusiasts, industry leaders, and exhibitors from across the country will celebrate innovation and horsepower, as 550 trucks will be on display as well as live entertainment, trade exhibits, street eats and family-friendly attractions.There is more than $60,000 in cash prizes and vouchers up for grabs. This year’s Rig of the Show winner will receive a $5000 voucher, courtesy of RTE Custom Trucks, and $1500 cash.As you would expect, there will be road closures on the Bruxner Highway and Summerland Way in Casino.Centre Street (Bruxner Highway) will be closed southbound from 9.30am to 4pm between Johnson Street and Richmond Street. Speed restrictions will be in place on Johnston Street at the Cassino Drive intersection, with traffic control stoppages for up to five minutes at a time to allow the parade to proceed between 10am and 12pm.Summerland Way traffic from Fairy Hill or Kyogle heading towards Grafton or Mallanganee will detour via Farley, Colches, and Richmond streets.Bruxner Highway traffic from Lismore heading towards Grafton or Mallanganee will detour via West and Richmond streets.Motorists needing to travel during the closure should allow extra travel time and follow the directions of police and traffic controllers on site.For the safety of motorists and event participants, various local roads will also be closed during the event.For times and details about all road closures associated with the truck show, visit livetraffic.com/incident-details/242823, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone about traffic changes for this event, search for ‘Casino’ in your Live Traffic NSW app, select the special event pin and click ‘Follow’.

The next Pine Street squatter deadline to leave the NSWRA-owned buyback houses has come and gone a second time.The Supreme Court writs were delivered to each house on Pine Street by the Sheriff's Office in mid-June, giving them 30 days to vacate.The NSWRA (Reconstruction Authority) said July 10 was the first expected date, which was later delayed to July 25. That was last Friday.Trying to understand the removal process is difficult for everyone but the Sheriff's Office. The Lismore App contacted the media department seeking clarification and received a reply from the Department of Communities and Justice.A spokesperson said, "The terms of these eviction orders have been set by the Supreme Court."The NSW Sheriff’s Office executes court orders in accordance with the law and with public safety front and centre."For privacy and security reasons, it would be inappropriate to provide further comment."What we do know is that the illegal squatters need to vacate the Pine Street houses, or they will be removed when the Sheriff's Office is ready.Pine Street is certainly not the bustling community it was in January this year, when there were many cars lining the street. Earlier this week, there were a few cars and household items dumped on the side of the road.The Lismore App understands that some squatters are moving into other NSWRA-owned buyback houses. It is unclear whether the illegal squatters will incur additional costs for the community to remove them through Supreme Court writs or if they can be removed for trespassing.

In what is becoming an annoying weather pattern for 2025 as we head towards the weekend, rain is on the radar.A coastal trough off NSW is expected to deepen into a low-pressure system on Saturday. That low will bring an increase in wind, rain and damaging surf this weekend. The Mid North Coast will feel the brunt of the weather system, with Coffs Harbour expecting up to 50mm on Saturday and a further 35mm on Sunday. Another two hours south in Port Macquarie, the forecast is up to 70mm on Saturday and 25mm on Sunday.For Lismore and the Northern Rivers, the low-pressure system will bring wind, rain, and large waves. How much depends on how lucky we are.Coastal towns like Ballina and Byron will start to feel the effects of the low this afternoon as the rain moves in and are expected to be wetter across the weekend. Ballina is expecting 2mm to 15mm today, 2mm to 20mm on Saturday and 7mm to 30mm on Sunday.For Lismore, a shower or two is expected today with the potential for up to 6mm. The chance of rain on Saturday increases to 80% with 1mm to 15mm forecast, while Sunday is predicted to be the wettest day, with 5mm to 25mm and strong southwesterly winds.The Bureau of Meteorology have issued multiple flood watches for the mid north coast, the Hunter and the northwest slopes. As the low moves off the north coast on Sunday, the threat of large and powerful waves, with damaging surf, is expected to occur on the Northern Rivers coastline.The BoM says showers will ease on Monday, and a shower or two is possible for the rest of next week.

 For those students and ex-students with HELP, or what was called HECS debt, in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, there is some good news today as the Australian Federal Government has cut all student debts by 20 per cent.In Australia, that is three million people with student debt at a cost of more than $16 billion. The government says its number one focus is continuing to deliver cost-of-living relief for all Australians, and that cutting student debt by 20 per cent will ease pressure on workers and students across the country. For someone with the average debt of $27,600, this will see $5,520 wiped from their outstanding Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans. Backdated to 1 June, this is lifting the burden for Australians with student debt, including all HELP, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Student Loans, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans, Student Startup Loans, and other student loans. In addition to cutting student debt by 20 per cent, the federal government is raising the minimum amount before people have to start making repayments from $54,435 to $67,000 and is reducing minimum repayments. For someone earning $70,000, it will reduce the minimum repayments they have to make by $1,300 a year. This builds on government reforms to fix the indexation formula, which has already cut more than $3 billion in student debt. This means, all up, the government will cut close to $20 billion in student debt for more than three million Australians. The ATO will now begin the work of processing the cut.This will take a little while, but the 20 per cent cut to student debt is guaranteed.Most people will see their balance reduced before the end of the year, backdated to June.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “This is another way my Government is continuing to deliver cost-of-living relief to Australians. “We promised cutting student debt would be the first thing we did back in Parliament – and that’s exactly what we've done.“Getting an education shouldn't mean a lifetime of debt. “No matter where you live or how much your parents earn, my Government will work to ensure the doors of opportunity are open for you.” Minister for Education Jason Clare said, “We promised we would cut your student debt by 20 per cent and we have delivered.“This is a big deal for 3 million Australians. “This will save millions of Australians thousands of dollars.“The average student debt today is $27,600; this will cut that debt by $5,520.“Just out of uni, just getting started, this will take a weight off their back. “We are also cutting annual repayments. For someone earning $70,000 a year, it will cut the amount they have to repay every year by $1,300.“That’s real help with the cost of living. It means more money in your pocket, not the government’s.” Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said, “At the election, students and apprentices sent a resounding message of support for our Government’s plan to cut student debt by 20 per cent.“Now, we’ve delivered on this commitment, making a real difference to the lives of students and apprentices – including nearly 300,000 TAFE students and apprentices.“The Albanese Government is backing Australians with cost-of-living relief, and backing them to pursue an apprenticeship or qualification that sets them up for their future.”

New beef gross margin budget calculations show that returns from NSW beef enterprises have generally improved since October 2024, driven by rising cattle prices and strong performance in the feedlot sector.The recent analysis from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) shows that most enterprises have seen increased returns, although some coastal operations have faced significant challenges from flooding and increases in animal health costs.Analysis shows returns from inland weaner production increased slightly from $39.79 /Dry Sheep Equivalent (DSE) to $42.07/DSE, while coastal weaners on improved pasture decreased from $41.83/DSE to $38.11/DSE.Returns from producing feeder steers via a self-replacing herd increased significantly, from $52.14/DSE to $58.76/DSE. Similarly, gross margins from growing out purchased weaner steers to feedlot weights increased from $41.41/DSE to $69.46/DSE.NSW DPIRD Beef Development Officer Todd Andrews said the latest gross margin figures show encouraging signs for most NSW beef producers.“Despite some cost pressures, the overall uplift in cattle prices, particularly for Angus feeder steers and weaners but also for good cows, has strengthened returns across key beef enterprises,” Mr Andrews said. “Angus feeder steer prices have increased by around 17% and this has pulled steer weaner prices up with it, as producers chase weaners for backgrounding operations.“In contrast with weaner steers, weaner heifer prices have remained relatively stable, as demand for females has eased."Coastal weaner production is the only enterprise where gross margins have seen a decline.“A mild autumn and early winter has led coastal producers to hold onto stock longer, and the onset of wet conditions has resulted in a large volume of cattle entering the market at once, affecting prices for off-type or flood-affected animals.”The Australian feedlot sector continues to expand, with a record 1.5 million cattle currently on feed.With this growth driven by both global and domestic factors, Australian feedlots are filling the gap left by reduced U.S. grain-fed beef supply, with local producers increasingly using feedlots to hedge against seasonal variability.Mr Andrews said producers who can finish cattle on pasture and meet program requirements may still nonetheless achieve premium prices, particularly for crossbred weaner heifers currently trading at a discount.“Looking ahead, fertiliser prices are more volatile due to fluctuating supply pressures and have increased since last year,” Mr Andrews said.“After recent increases, transport costs have now stabilised, which is a relief for trading enterprises.“Given the strong seasonal outlook into spring, producers who can manage costs, adapt their strategies, and maintain productivity will be well placed to take advantage of these favourable trading conditions moving forward.”To view the full list of Beef Gross Margin Budgets for 2025 and previous years, please visit the NSW DPIRD website here –https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/budgets/livestock

The Bentley Art Prize will celebrate its 40th Anniversary this weekend (August 2 & 3). The popular annual event was initiated by Reg and Phyllis Hartley in 1985 and has always been supported by a dedicated cohort of volunteers. Reg and Phyllis were the mainstays of the show until 2005, when Helen Trustum became the coordinator.Helen remained in that position for 18 years. On her retirement in 2023, a new team stepped up. Speaking for the team, one of the principal volunteers, Wendy Harris, said: “We are all really excited to reach this anniversary milestone."We’re keen to acknowledge the rich 40-year history of the Bentley Art Prize (BAP) and its continuing value to the community. We’re also looking forward to once again celebrating the prolific artists and generous sponsors who make the show so popular.”The BAP opens on Friday (August 1), with wine and nibbles from 7pm - 9pm, and finishes at 2pm on Sunday, August 3.On Saturday and Sunday, a host of market stalls will join the art exhibition featuring handmade goods such as jewellery, cow and kangaroo hide items, dog collars and leads, botanical print products, crafted wood, acid-washed t-shirts and children’s clothes and candles. In addition, there’ll be a variety of food stalls, along with cakes and jams to take home.Plus, there will be live entertainment all weekend:Friday, August 1: Yolan 7pm - 9pmSaturday, August 2: Luke Vasella, 9am - 12pm, Sylvia Nowlan, 2.30 - 5pm Sunday, August 3: JamieSullivan, 9.45am - 12pmWendy and the volunteer team at BAP would love your support to help them celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Bentley Art Prize.The Bentley Public Hall is a short 20-minute drive from Lismore at 2150 Bentley Road, Bentley.

The first in a series of five community meetings to identify flood mitigation options for the Richmond River catchment starts today (Thursday) at 10am at the Casino Community and Cultural Centre.Lismore, Ballina, Woodburn and Kyogle will follow next week, on August 4, 5, 6 and 8.The community meetings, run by the CSIRO and NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency), will determine which mitigation options to model along with the relevant councils within the Richmond River catchment area.History shows us that over the last 155 years of official Lismore flood records, we have experienced 142 flood events (minor, moderate, major and catastrophic). Of course, the 28 February 2022 flood was the only catastrophic event, while there have been 33 major, 49 moderate and 59 minor floods over that time.During the 155-year timeframe, there have been 3 Parliamentary Inquiries and 4 Public Inquiries, 41 Technical Studies and 2 Petitions. All of which have led to 5 mitigation solutions:1971: Browns Creek Carpark1976: South Lismore Levee1991: Frank St Riverbank reinforcement2003: CBD Levee (completed 2005)2021: Airport floodwayThere are other rural drains, culverts, and other urban drainage systems, but nothing of significance.For one of the most at-risk communities in Australia, Lismore and the Northern Rivers have spent more money on inquiries and studies than on mitigation solutions.According to the Independent Review into Commonwealth Disaster Funding, the Federal Government spends 87% on recovery programs and only 13% on mitigation.In terms of dollars, $15.9 billion has been spent between 2018/19 and 2022/23, and is forecast to grow to $40.3 billion by 2050.The $11.2 million given to the CSIRO for the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative is clearly the best investment the Federal Government has made in terms of discovering potential flood mitigation options for a flood-prone region.The CSIRO Richmond River Catchment hydrodynamic model has been painstakingly built over the last two years by Jai Vaze and his team. It is regarded as world-leading.The 7,000 square kilometre catchment has been divided into 10.2 million triangular grids, the LiDar and river bathymetry data have been captured, and the hydrodynamic model accurately reflects past floods, including 2022 and 2017.So, the model is built; all that remains is for the two to three scenarios to be determined, with each scenario containing a number of interventions.This is where the people of Lismore, Coraki, Woodburn, Casino, Kyogle and Ballina come into play. If we, as a community, want the best flood mitigation outcomes to be tested, then people have to show up at their respective community consultations.You can put forward your thoughts on what engineering solutions you would like to see modelled to determine what is possible in the way of flood mitigation.Of course, the results are unknown, and it could be that a metre or less is the best outcome, or a metre outcome may be possible through holding basins, newly created channels and new sea outlets.The reality is that we can never stop an event like February 28 2022, or even mitigate against it. The volume of water was just too great. However, if you could take a metre off a major flood, the Lismore levee wall would not have overtopped in March 2022, 2017, 2009, 2005 and 2001.(March 30 2022: the second flood of 11.4 metres flows through the CBD)That would result in security for our businesses in the CBD, and for the remaining houses in low-lying areas in South Lismore and what remains of North Lismore. It could be that our local business owners could experience 1 flood in 25 years. Give any business owner those odds, and they will snap them up.From a federal and state government perspective, the recovery money saved would be well into the billions.The community consultation details are as follows:Thursday, July 31: Casino Community and Cultural Centre (35 Walker Street)Monday, August 4: Lismore Workers Club (231 Keen Street)Tuesday, August 5: Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore SLSC (Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina)Wednesday, August 6: Community Building Woodburn (114 River Street)Friday, August 8: Kyogle Community Centre (3 Bloore Street)You can go to any event between 10am and 6pm to:Hear directly from CSIRO about the model and its findingsAsk questions and engage with technical expertsProvide input on possible flood reduction optionsIf Jai Vaze and his team are busy talking to other people, and time is an issue, there will be forms you can complete.This consultation is a key step in building a list of realistic, evidence-based flood mitigation options that reflect community priorities.Before attending, NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) encourage you to visit the NEMA website. You don’t need technical expertise for the sessions, just a willingness to share your perspective.Can’t make it in person? You can still have your say online. Register your interest here.

Police are reappealing for assistance to locate a teenage girl last seen in the Lismore area.Jalarna Buchanan, aged 16, was last seen at a shopping centre on Diadem Street, Lismore, about 11am on Thursday, 17 July 2025. When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Tweed/Byron and Richmond Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.Police hold concerns for Jalarna’s welfare due to her age.Jalarna is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 160cm to 170cm tall, medium build, with dyed red shoulder-length hair and brown eyes.She was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black pants.Following inquiries, police believe she may have been in the Coffs Harbour area yesterday (Tuesday, 29 July 2025).She is known to frequent the Kingscliff, Coraki, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Inverell, Gosford, Nambucca Heads, Lismore, Casino and Sydney CBD area. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact Lismore Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Police are also appealing for assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from Yamba.UPDATE JULY 31: Konan has been locatedKonan Fittler, aged 16, was last seen in Gulmarrad, about 25km south west of Yamba, about 4am today (Wednesday, 30 July 2025).When he could not be contacted or located, officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.Police and family hold concerns for Konan’s welfare.Konan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm tall, of medium build, with short brown curly hair and an unshaven face. He is often seen wearing a beanie.He was last seen on a dark coloured push bike with orange writing and was carrying a black duffle bag at the time.Anyone with information on Konan’s whereabouts is urged to contact Grafton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Information is treated in strict confidence.You are reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The Federal Government is backing Australian families, parents and kids by announcing today that YouTube will be included in its world-leading under-16 social media laws. The government says that delaying access to social media, including YouTube, until the age of 16 will protect young Australians at a critical stage of their development, giving them three more years to build real-world connections and online resilience. Following extensive consultation and advice, age-restricted social media platforms will face fines of up to $49.5 million for failing to take responsible steps to prevent underage account holders from using their services. Age-restricted social media platforms will include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube, among other platforms. Informed by advice from the eSafety Commissioner, the Online Safety (Age-Restricted Social Media Platforms) Rules 2025, tabled today, specify which types of online services will not be captured by the social media legislation, including online gaming, messaging apps, health and education services. These types of online services have been excluded from the new minimum age obligations because they pose fewer social media harms to under-16s, or are regulated under different laws. From 10 December 2025, all services that meet the definition of ‘age-restricted social media platform’ in the Act, and are not excluded in the rules, will be subject to the social media minimum age law. Age-restricted social media accounts are defined as services that allow users to interact and post material. The Government is proud to be on the side of families. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, said, “Our Government is making it clear – we stand on the side of families. "Social media has a social responsibility, and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms, so I'm calling time on it. "Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.” Minister for Communications Anika Wells, said, “The Albanese Government is giving kids a reprieve from the persuasive and pervasive pull of social media while giving parents peace of mind.  "We want kids to know who they are before platforms assume who they are.   "There is no one perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safer online – but the social media minimum age will make a significantly positive difference to their wellbeing.  "The rules are not a set and forget, they are a set and support.  "There are heavy penalties for companies who fail to take reasonable steps to prevent underage account holders onto their services of up to $49.5 million. “There's a place for social media, but there's not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.”