Eat The Street is only two days away and according to the Bureau of Meteorology the weather is looking good.The BOM is saying there is a medium chance of rain in the late afternoon or evening BUT it should only bring 1mm at best, if anything. After the week we've had with on and off showers, that is a positive forecast.Another concern for some people is the dreaded 'C' word...coronavirus.As we know from our previous story Coronavirus - The Facts (Coronavirus in the Northern Rivers - the facts) hand sanitiser and regular washing of your hands is the best way to not contract coronavirus.With this in mind the Lismore City Council will be placing additional handwash stations through Eat The Street as well as more hand sanitiser across the event. Feel free to bring your own hand sanitiser from home.If you are unwell 'stay at home' is the message from LCC. If you do have a cough or sneezing fit due to other elements like hay fever please cover your mouth with your arm.The 2020 Norco Eat The Street kicks off at 12 noon on Saturday with over 35 food stallholders dishing out some amazing food, bring your appetite! This does include many local restaurant, café's and food providers like Cafe Capello, Lanna Pad Thai, The Garden Plate and Mayfields Market Kitchen.The Lismore App is giving away two double passes to the new Garden Party. This is an area of relaxation in the Back Alley Gallery where you will experience a private bar, seating, shade area, private entertainment and four (4) tasting vouchers to be used throughout the event.Entries close at midday tomorrow (Friday March 13) so head to the WIN! button on the front page and fill in your details now.The winners will be drawn before 5pm tomorrow and notified by phone and email.Good luck and roll on the weekend!

As Lismore becomes the first place in regional Australia to report a coronavirus-related incident, the City Council is taking extra precautions to make this weekend’s Eat the Street Food Festival a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.Working closely with health authorities, the council is actively promoting the practice of good health and hygiene measures at all times.As well as spruiking key public health and hygiene messages, the Council is providing additional hand-wash stations at Eat the Street and making hand sanitiser freely available across the event precinct.Meanwhile, it is encouraging festival-goers to:Maintain a good level of hygiene (hand-washing, covering coughs/sneezes)Bring their own hand sanitiser/hand washing products and use them regularlyDo not attend the event if they are unwellReport any cases of fever, coughing or other flu-like symptoms immediately to their doctorVisit First-Aid if they have any health concerns at the event.  For the latest advice, information and resources, go to www.health.gov.auThe National Coronavirus Health Information Line is 1800 020 080 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Southern Cross University has agreed to pay all staff – including casual employees – for their rostered hours today, despite campuses being closed due to a Coronavirus alert.Permanent staff will be paid as usual without having to take leave.Both the Lismore and Gold Coast campuses were closed to all students and staff this morning following reports that a Philippines-based academic who visited last week was later diagnosed with the Covid-19 virus. (See earlier story https://lismore.app.link/BLRE3IQDK4)The closure prompted fears among casual staff that they would not be paid for the day. One woman said she was left “feeling worried about making ends meet over the next couple of months as a casual worker and sole parent”. Almost half the academic teaching staff at SCU are casual and any non-paid days would “have a big impact on a lot of people”, said Kate Mitchell, SCU branch president for the National Tertiary Education Union NSW.She welcomed the university’s “compassionate response” to the casual staff members. “I’m very pleased that the university is not asking staff to pay for something out of their control,” Ms Mitchell said.Following the announcement of the closure, Ms Mitchell wrote to the university’s human resources department and Vice Chancellor Adam Shoemaker to inquire about the payment and holiday status of staff unable to go to work.She heard back later in the morning and congratulated the university on its responsible attitude – and for its follow-up. “The university has followed the local health authority’s advice and made an effort to locate anyone who may have been in contact with the infected man during his time at the campuses,” she said.While some staff were able to work from home, others were not, Ms Mitchell said, but she expected the university would move towards making it possible for more staff able to do so.The vulnerability of casual employees during the Coronavirus crisis could affect millions of workers nationwide, who may be forced to self-isolate and try to survive without an income.Earlier this week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged business to look after all workers, no matter what type of contract they were on.

It was another marathon Council session last night but there were was some significant outcomes for the Lismore Community.SPECIAL RATES VARIATION The much talked about motion to withdraw the SRV Application was passed.The chamber heard from four members of the public including two struggling farmers before debating the issue themselves at 10:30.Councillor Nancy Casson led the debate by saying that families are doing it tough at the moment and shouldn't have to be forced to pay any more money plus many people mention the inefficiencies of council that need to be addressed.This was also mentioned by Councillor Adam Guise who said that this council was in a transition phase who is still getting its house in order so how can we go to the community and ask for a rate hike.Councillors Cook, Bird and Ekins spoke in favour of the SRV acknowledging the pain that the rate increase would have on families but thought it necessary if we are to get in front of the back log of needed infrastructure issues like roads which was the main concern of of the Lismore community. At 11:08 the vote was made and passed so Lismore rate payers can relax knowing that the SRV is dead for this term and there will be no special rate increase hitting their pockets after July 1 this year.The question that now needs to be answered by council now is how can they fix our roads without any extra funds? If this money is to be found internally, as Councillor Casson suggested, what community services need to be axed? Stay tuned.LISMORE CUP HALF-DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAYMore good news if you were in support of the Lismore Cup half-day public holiday, this will go ahead.Business owners, including Lismore Chamber of Commerce President Sarah Smith, spoke about the social and economic benefits to the Lismore business community because of the public holiday. The debate over the holiday was around some businesses having to pay staff wages that can afford to do so and what the benefits are to other businesses and the greater community.There was ongoing concern by some Councillors concern for the horse practice of tongue tying and the over zealous use of the whip.The result, the Lismore Cup public holiday will go ahead in 2020.FIT FARM ON ROSEHILL ROAD, TUNCESTERNever has an issue divided a small community like the proposed recreational facility or 'fit farm' on Rosehill Road. This Development Application saw the most speakers on any issue on the Council agenda last night. There were accusations of threats and abuse as well as safety concerns from school bus drivers because of the increased traffic flow on Rosehill Road.Some Councillors saw this as a great idea but in the wrong location.In the end the D.A. was no approved which was a win for neighbouring properties.

WANTED ON WARRANT: Brenda WALKER and Jessica COLLIE.Police are seeking community assistance in locating 53yo Brenda Walker who may be in the Goonellabah area.Anyone with information about Brenda's whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Police are also seeking community assistance with locating 30 year old Jessica COLLIE, who is wanted on a conviction warrant.Jessica may be in the Goonellabah area.Again, if you can help locate Jessica, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Rochdale Theatre, the home of the Lismore Theatre Company (LTC), will open its doors for its 50th season on Friday March 20 with the classic play Educating Rita.The Will Russell play first featured in London in 1980 winning Best Comedy of the Year and became increasing popular through the 1983 film starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters.Last night I was invited to watch the first full dress rehearsal for Educating Rita.Apart from the fact that this is classic play, what strikes is you is how difficult it must be for the two actors, Elyse Knowles and Gray Wilson. They not only know their lines already but they command the stage for the entire performance. There is no supporting cast in the Educating Rita stage play.Experienced local actor Elyse plays the role of Rita, a 26 year old hairdresser who has enrolled in Open University against the wishes of her husband Denny who wants her to have a baby.Frank, her jaded university professor, played by the equally experienced Gray Wilson, has never had an Open University student and is challenged by Rita’s honesty and enthusiasm.If you are not familiar with the move or the play think My Fair Lady where a younger woman is educated by an older and seemingly wiser man only to find that the power dynamic can change.These two strangers from different backgrounds get to know each other as teacher and student and the power tilt in their relationship see-saws as the student Rita becomes the teacher in matters of real life. Elyse Knowles has the difficult task of learning a Liverpudlian accent to play the role of Rita. She said that she starting learning the accent after she was cast in the role of Rita last December."I've started feeling a lot more comfortable with the accent in the last four weeks" she told me last night. "I have a very structured approach and all the vowels and some consonants are specific to that accent and you play with that. Then there's a moment when it all clicks together and you can just jump into it", Elyse explained. "So, much so that I broke into the accent on the bus the other day".David Addenbrooke, who directed Hedda Gabler and Sylvia Plath for LTC, is Director for this show ably assisted by Producer Kylie Fuad. David has a long stage history, directing plays for 50 years. What was the attraction for Educating Rita? "I like the two actors that I am working with very much and I love working with theatre and this is a great group of people" was David's response. He went on to add " this is a damn good play, it has survived the test of time".Kylie has been involved with the LTC for thirteen years working with David as an actor and thought she would love to work with him on the other side a play.Kylie says ‘Every amateur production relies on the passion and generosity of actors, crew and supporters. In this as most LTC productions, publicity shots are by skilled professional photographer Richard Johnson who not only comes to the theatre but on location for specific photos such as Lismore Library with the permission of Lucy Kinsley and team.‘‘The wonderful furniture in the set is largely thanks to Adam Bailey from NR Collectables who provided items from his shop, storage shed and personal collection.’ Kylie says, ‘and the set is painted by local artist Kim McLean.’In addition to the eight advertised performances, the Rotary Club of Lismore has booked a charity preview night on Thursday 19 March and Jodies Inspiration has booked a special night on Thursday 2 April. There are also plans for a schools matinee on Thursday 26 March. Bookings for the eight performances on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday matinees can be made through LTC website www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au  

It’s already one of the coolest events on the culinary calendar but the groovy vibe of Eat the Street will this year have additional help from the recent, real, drop in temperatures.Autumn has made itself felt overnight in the region and Saturday should kick off with a tolerable 16 deg, rising to a high of 27 – still not too uncomfortable, considering what we had to get used to this summer. The real killer – humidity – should be lower than it has been too.Rain is the only thing likely to (literally) put a dampener on proceedings at what has become an iconic Lismore food and culture festival, and the Bureau of Meteorology has some good news for us there.The chance of rain is a slight 30 per cent, the weather boffins predict, and mainly in the morning. The day is likely to remain cloudy, with light winds – perfect conditions for enjoying the fun, food, wine, music and art and crafty goings-on in the CBD, turned pedestrian-friendly for the day.Even the rain in 2018 didn’t discourage the crowds from flocking to enjoy the stunning variety of fresh local food and wine, recalled acting city manager Nathan Dee, who added that the event would go ahead rain, hail or shine.Highlights for Nathan this year will be the new Garden Party at the Back Alley Gallery, the Master Class with celebrity chef Georgia Barnes and, as a fan of smoked meats, a visit to the two relevant stalls.There’s something for everyone on offer: South Indian curries, Mexican tacos, Japanese gyoza, paella, crepes, yum cha – the flavours of the world come to town, and at $5-$10 a plate, very few punters will leave with appetites intact.There are only two things to bring with you: an empty tummy and an umbrella – just in case.

A gathering of more than 50 Bundjalung people in Lismore last week focussed on boosting Indigenous participation and agency within the region’s bush food industry.That industry is growing rapidly, with demand for produce such as finger limes, lemon myrtle and wattle seed outstripping supply.At present Indigenous representation in the Australian supply chain — from growers to farm managers and exporters — is less than one per cent, and those at the meeting were determined to find ways to lift that figure.Those present – farmers, students, members of various land councils and local land service personnel and people engaged in bush tucker production – resolved to develop a united Aboriginal voice within industry, and to grow its economic potential.The event was coordinated by Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council in partnership with Ngulingah Nursery and local industry groups Playing with Fire Native Foods and Future Feeders, and facilitated by Rod Williams from Gongan Consulting and SCU’s Gnibi College.It provided a “great opportunity” to bring the Aboriginal community and allies together to explore ideas on developing the sector and on steps to move forward, said the meeting co-ordinator, Joel Orchard, of Future Feeders.Ngulingah Land Council CEO Roxanne Smith later told the Lismore App: “A lot of the bush food industry is built on Aboriginal history, which is our intellectual property, and the purpose of the meeting was to ensure that we are not left behind.“It’s about us doing and getting and being involved, and progressing things for ourselves,” she said.“It’s a bottom-up approach, about us all working together, and not tripping over each other while developing some protocols; supporting each other and not being competitive.”Australian bush foods are a burgeoning multi-million dollar industry, with native plants being used in consumer products ranging from high end restaurant dishes, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, extracts and for their wide ranging biological and chemical compounds.The industry is moving away from wild harvest and research is playing an increasingly important role in developing viable cultivation and post-harvest management systems.“We’re realising we didn’t need to go overseas to find superfoods, we have them right here, which our people have known for centuries,” Roxanne said.“In this region we are blessed because we have some really wonderful foods naturally occurring here: lemon myrtle, coastal wattles, finger limes, curry myrtle, aniseed myrtle (which is absolutely delicious), warrigal greens, sea celery and other succulents, Davidson plum, lilli pilli, the list goes on and on.“A lot of the foods that have gone into commercial production actually belong to this place, so we’re also blessed because we have the opportunity to take a real good advantage of it.“It’s really exciting, because it’s something that, as a group of indigenous people, we can use to actually propel a lot of our programmes, use it to create jobs, and economic parity, which would be amazing. We’d be applying our skills and knowledge to something that we can be very proud of.”A dozen or so people at the meeting formed a working group – the Northern Rivers Aboriginal Bushfoods Industry Steering Committee – to explore capacity building and regional industry development frameworks that align with Indigenous cultural and spiritual values. Not all manufacturers of products containing native foods have acknowledged the centuries of Indigenous understanding behind them; some have used Aboriginal culture in an insensitive way to promote them, Roxanne said.But Joel Orchard says “it is key to the success of this industry to ensure that Aboriginal voices are heard and that cultural and traditional knowledge is respected”.The united new body will help to achieve that. “People can still get on doing what they do,” Roxanne says. “For instance here at Nulingah we are putting in some commercial plantations, and we have an amazing nursery, with 60,000 bush food and medicinal herb plants out at Nimbin Rocks.“We’ve been building that up and doing some great projects with places like Macadamia Castle.“Now we’re going to work out how to help each other continue to grow and be successful.“That’s the main thing.”

The amount of Coronavirus cases is increasing in Australia every day, as at 7am this morning there were 55 confirmed cases in NSW.Combine those numbers with the totally irrational panic buying of toilet paper during the last seven days and you get the impression that people need to look at the bright side of life, to quote Monty Python.Below are some of the images that have been doing the rounds on Social Media. No, this is not making light of the seriousness of this disease but simply to make you smile as you head into work today.So, I asked Arnie "where did you get those toilet rolls"?He said "AISLE B - BACK"Enjoy your Tuesday!

Around 550 competitors gathered at Hepburn Park at the weekend to test their stamina and teamwork in the Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge, the major fundraising event for local charity Our Kids.The contest pushed 135 four-person teams made up of the fittest, the not-so-fit and the frankly fun-loving through nine events designed to work every muscle in the human body – most of which were on display in some of the more ripped competitors.Others chose to conceal their assets in pink or gold tutus.Union Fitness won the event in a total time of 1hr 11 min 59 followed by Fit Farm Training on 1:14:25. The women of Summit Sweethearts took third place with a time of 1:17:26.Fourth were The Momentum Gang (1:18:52) followed by Elite Force Fitness Lennox fifth (1:18:53), Turner Joinery sixth (1:18:56), Summit Daughters seventh (1:19:40), Fit 2478 eighth (1:20:00), Bmf Crew ninth (1:20:11) and Two and Two Tutuaes (1:21:32).The Lord's Taverners Northern NSW provided marshalls for the course, while the Lismore Lions Club and Goonellabah-Wollongbar Lions volunteered their time to marshall the swim leg at the Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic CentrePolice constable Kim joined in the action by knocking out 34 press-ups in just one minute.

Garry Mulroy, the former Trinity Catholic College schoolteacher facing pedophilia charges in Cambodia, has been sent back to prison after a court appearance in the capital, Phnom Penh, in which judges deferred their decision on whether the charges should be dropped.Speaking to AAP outside the court on Friday, Mulroy asserted his innocence of all charges and said that what “irked” him was that the six boys in his care at an NGO he set up named Education House had lost their opportunity for an education “and for life in general”.Cambodian police allege the 64-year-old schoolteacher had procured the boys for sex in exchange for food and money.However, an independent report commissioned by the defence found no evidence to support the charges. Mulroy was a victim of an extortion bid amid petty rivalries among foreign-run charities, it said.  The report, by risk management consultant Ross Milosevic, which included affidavits from people who knew the children, also found that police interviews were made "under extreme duress, intimidation and extortion"."I can honestly say these boys were never abused by the accused. The boys’ honesty and demeanour showed no attitude that they were ever mistreated or abused sexually in any way," one witness says in the report.The Investigative Chambers of the Phnom Penh Appeals Court was to rule on two submissions on Friday: to annul the charges amid defence claims of a lack of police evidence, and on follow-up interviews with witnesses.Mulroy's lawyer So Mosseny said the court would not rule on witness testimony because an investigative judge had not conducted all requested interviews.He said the annulment hearing was postponed to a date to be determined.A visibly disappointed Mulroy was returned to prison in Siem Reap in the northwest of the country.A trial date for charges he sexually abused boys under the age of 15 has been set for March 24 in Siem Reap.

Australians have faced plenty of adversity in recent times – fires, floods, an epidemic – and they have faced it with courage, kindness, community spirit and, often, not a little humour.It’s not being pessimistic to predict that there’s more adversity to come, so it’s a good plan to learn more about how to laugh when bad fortune strikes – and there are few people on the planet better able to help you do so than the multi-talented Mandy Nolan.Mandy will be one of guests on the next Regional Gallery-hosted Thursday Night Live! panel, which has Laughing in the Face of Adversity as its topic.Mandy is popularly considered one of the funniest people in Australia, with more than 25 years of industry experience. Ruby Wax, herself no slouch when it comes to comedy, recently declared Mandy as being "hysterically funny".She has tackled adversity with laughter before, creating Stand UP for Dementia, a humour therapy programme for people with dementia, and other comedy programs for people with lived experience of mental illness, and for people with disabilities and children.Mandy and the other panel guests will be introduced by Gabrielle Griffin, an independent performing artist since 1994, and specialist in disability dance, adult puppetry, improvisation and clowning.Gabrielle says she is attracted artistically to the darker sides of human existence, such as grief and death, and has been challenged to find the humour and joy in merely being alive.Others on the panel include stained-glass creative and hoarding support worker Maire Barron and creative performance maker and circus performer Simone O'Brien.Thursday Night Live! is a monthly talks program putting critical, thought-provoking topics in the spotlight.Lismore Regional Gallery, Thursday, March 12, 6pm – 7.30pm. Free event. Bar opens at 5:30pm.

The 2020 Norco Eat The Street food festival is only seven days away.I hope you have marked it on your calendar (Saturday March 13 from 12 midday to 9pm) and invited family and friends from afar to join you.Head to the Eat The Street button on the front page of the Lismore App or check out the website on your PC or Laptop Eat The Street.Apart from the many fabulous food vendors that you will be tasting (check them all out in What's On and Tasting Plates) there will be a Live Music stage, a Cooking stage, Family Fun and the Guest Chef for this year is the 2015 Master Chef runner-up, Georgia Barnes.Eat The Street also offers other featured events that you may not know about and want to try, here's the list.Progressive Dinner: An evening food foray throughout the wonderful city of Lismore. Festivities begin at the Workers Club with a beverage and canapes before heading to Miss Lizzie’s, La Baracca and The Bank for a delightful evening including one course and matching drink at each venue. Additional beverages at your own cost. A comfortable coach will transport you to each venue throughout the evening. Thursday March 12 between 5:30 and 9pm you. Cost $135.Farm Tour: Experience the practices of growing contemporary “dry land” rice at Nimbin Rice and traditional Australian bush foods at Wattle Tree Creek. See Dorpa sheep feeding shamelessly on the hilly grasses at Bexhill. Discover the American First Nation’s “pacane”, or pecan nut. Sample an array of local produce and refreshments followed by a gastronomic long table lunch under the shade of the pecan trees at Eltham Pantry. Cost $125.Master Class with Georgia Barnes: Join Australian celebrity chef Georgia Barnes and make a delicious meal with fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Georgia inspires everyday people to cook from scratch and see the beauty in real food. Georgia kicked started her career after placing runner-up on MasterChef Australia in 2015. Known throughout the series for her creative-flair, delicious desserts and plating skills, Georgia’s warm and bubbly persona made her a household favourite. Cost $90. Saturday March 14 2:30 to 4pm. Friday March 13 9am to 3pm.New Garden Party: The Garden Party will be set to the backdrop of Lismore's amazing Back Alley Gallery. It will be an area of relaxation with the convenience of a private bar, seating, shade and facilities. Private entertainment will play throughout the party and knowledgeable bar staff are on site to ensure you get a full understanding of the local beverages on offer. Entry into the Garden Party will include 4 x tasting vouchers to be used at food outlets throughout the event. Cost $50. Saturday March 14 between 3 and 7pm.Tickets for these events can be purchased through the Eat The Street website Ticketed Events tab.For two luck people you can win a double pass to this years new addition, The Garden Party. It is very simple to enter, go to the WIN! button (Win!) on the front page of the Lismore App and enter your details. Entries will close next Friday March 13 at 12 midday with the winners drawn later that day.Now, the only thing left to do is for the Lismore City Council to order the perfect 25 degree blue sky day!

When looking on my iPhone all I see is rain forecast for the weekend which was not a good start for the Weekend Wrap.I decided to ring Helen at the BOM to get the official word and my spirits lightened. Helen did say we may get some thunderstorms later tonight or early tomorrow morning but they will be fairly isolated.Then on Sunday a southerly change, which is currently in the Hunter, will move up the coast containing a few showers for us but the forecast is nothing more than a few mills. Although, there could be the odd isolated patch of rain so beware.Temperatures will be in the mid-twenties (27 and 26 degrees) which is perfect to explore one of the walks on the Lismore App Walks.Check-out the glorious photos from last weekends walk to Minyon Falls. Apart from the usual tourists and backpackers there were a few families with young children making the trek down the path to base of the falls. It is a tiring but rewarding walk of about 3-4 hours. Parents beware that the final part is a climb over rocks to get to the falls but some families stopped at the river to let the kids swim instead.The Lismore City Hall continues the three day Women's Festival over the weekend. There are events from 9am to 5pm over both days culminating in the Fabulous, Funny and Female comedy show at 3pm. Check out the full rundown of events here https://www.lismorewomensfestival.org/program-2020.Market wise, there is quite a bit on offer.The Lismore Farmers Markets are selling their wares at the Showground from 8am to 11:30 and the Blue Knob Markets between 8:30 and 11:30am. If you like garlic, corn and sweet potatoes there is plenty to choose from as well as some great local meats for sale.The Lismore Vintage and Handmade Market is back on again at 152 Keen Street from 10am (runs until 2pm) and then on Sunday the monthly Channon Markets is worth a drive up the hill.For music fans, there is some hard rock with Masochist, Usurper and Wicked at the Gollan tonight from 7pm and the Roaring 20's is on at Mary G's. Acts include Essie James, Jex Lopez and the Gravediggers, Fisted Sister, Kiss My Boots and more.For the weekend sport which includes the ANZAC Cup opening matches in the soccer, head to our Sports button Sport.That is the Weekend Wrap. Have a great two days off.

It's that time of year again, when the going gets tough and the tough get going in the Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah, the major fundraiser for local charity Our Kids. This year's Challenge – the 10th since it was founded by Dr Chris Ingall in 2001 – sees a whopping 135 teams competing, with four members each, drawn from Southeast Queensland, the Gold Coast and Sydney as well as the local area. They will test themselves in events whose names are even enough to tire out normal people, including the sled pull, Jerry-can run, dead-ball carry, tyre flip and push-a-prowler. Also on the gruelling programme is a run from Hepburn Park to the Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre, where competitors will swim a kilometre before running back to the park. There they will face an obstacle course and the expectation of 100 burpees.Several classes of competition mean no-one has an excuse to not take part, from the Elite and Competitive to the Social, the last just for the fun of it, "which is an interesting concept in itself", jokes Our Kids fundraising co-ordinator Rebekka Battista.Our Kids – or the Northern Rivers Children’s Health Fund, to give it its proper name – provides medical equipment and support to help children stay local when needing medical care. Over the years it has helped improve the health services for children in the Northern Rivers through raising awareness and vital funds to buy life-saving medical equipment for the paediatric wards such as Children’s Ward, Special Care Nursery and Accident and Emergency at Lismore Base Hospital and other hospitals across the region.The Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge has raised more than $135,000 in its 10 years of competition, and Rebekka expects this year's collect to be around $25,000."We couldn't do it without the fantastic community spirit behind us," she said. "The 120 or so marshalls, our fantastic sponsors and all those who volunteer. I'd like to say a huge 'thank you' to them all."It really does take a village to raise our kids, and to help keep them healthy."The Samson Fitness Challenge goes from 6.45am to 3.00pm tomorrow, Saturday, March 7, at Hepburn Park, corner of Holland St and Oliver Ave, Goonellabah. 

With the increasing media reports about COVID-19 or Coronavirus, the Lismore App decided to see if the panic has set in around Lismore.I was surprised that the panic buying of basic grocery items like toilet paper was affecting our local supermarkets. Not only that but hand sanitiser and mask supplies are already non-existent. Is this "being prepared" or is this an overreaction through what is commonly known as Crowd Psychology?A walk around the CBD gave a rather shocking view what the threat of the coronavirus can do to people.First stop was Dan O'Connell at Chempro on Woodlark Street. Dan told me that they had two bottles of hand sanitiser left and they will be gone in a few hours.Steph Bulmer at Blooms on Keen Street was next with the same story, no hand sanitiser and no masks. "We have them on back order," she told me. So, it was around to Helen Brand at Brands Pharmacy on Molesworth Street; same story with Helen hoping to find a new supplier.The Goonellabah Pharmacy was next, same story and a phone call to the Nimbin Village Pharmacy painted the same picture.Armed with that knowledge, it was then time to check out our toilet paper supplies.Coles in Goonellabah, completely out. The amusing aspect here is that I was told people were lining up in the morning waiting for the morning delivery. For toilet paper!IGA Goonellabah did have some on their shelves.Hand sanitiser and masks are understandable, but not the bulk buying of toilet paper. So, why is this happening?One theory is Crowd Psychology -- the phenomenon where people see or hear stories on the media or through friends and family then copy that behaviour, fearing there is something to the story whether it is based on fact or not. Basically, if one person is buying six large packs of toilet paper then there must be an important reason why and I had better not miss out.The fact is that most of our toilet paper is actually made in Australia. The likelihood of us running out is minimal.Quilton is made by ABC Tissue Products in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, while Kleenex is made in Millicent, South Australia.Supply runs out when demand is well above what the normal levels of supply are on a weekly and monthly basis.So, don't panic. Just keep to your normal buying habits and the toilet paper will once again return to the shelves.Masks.The Chief Health Officer for NSW, Dr Kerry Chant has said that masks are not recommended for healthy people but only for those people who show flu-like symptoms. The majority of people do not need to wear face masks.The spread of influenza and the coronavirus is through close contact with an infected person through coughing, sneezing or contaminated hands. This is why only unhealthy people should be wearing masks. You cannot contract coronavirus through food, packaging or mail.Hand sanitiser.This is the product that can help people not contract the flu or coronavirus. Dr Chant has said that the "practice of good hand hygiene is important in not contracting the coronavirus". This can also be done through the regular washing of hands throughout the day.Do not rush to buy bulk supplies of face masks, a few will do for when you may come in contact with healthy family members or friends if you are displaying flu-like symptoms. There must be enough to go around everyone in our community.What should you do if you have flu-like symptoms?The focus of NSW Health is on "containing the spread of the virus".This means that if you feel the symptoms of the flu then do not rush to the doctor as we would normally do. You should contact your doctor and make an appointment, making them aware of your symptoms. They will advise you to wait in your car until a physician comes out to assess your condition and what the treatment should be.If someone in your family has symptoms, do not go to work or school. Isolation is the best way to tackle a potential outbreak, according to doctors.The mortality rate of the coronavirus is smaller than SARS in 2003. SARS' mortality rate was 9.5% while coronavirus is between 2 and 5%. The common flu has a rate of 0.1%.To give this more perspective, people under 50 have a mortality rate of 0.2 to 0.4%. In 50-59 year olds it rises to 1.3%, 60-69 3.6% and 70-79 8%. The age group most in danger are 80+ people with a 14.8% mortality rate. People with health issues are also more susceptible than the average person.The statistics suggest that if you have loved ones that are above 80 years of age and you develop symptoms of the flu, stay away from them. As would be the case in any normal flu season.We need to approach the next few months with a great deal of common sense not panic.The facts are that through good hygiene practices and isolation when displaying symptoms we will continue to live normal lives.The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, runny nose, or shortness of breath. The most important step in protecting yourself from any illness, including COVID-19 is regular handwashing, especially before preparing and eating meals or drinking.There is no need to panic buy grocery items.There is no need to not continue our everyday lives and support businesses in our local community.As of yesterday March 5, 2020 there were no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Northern NSW with 25 cases confirmed in NSW.To stay up to date or to get more facts about coronavirus, go to the Health NSW website page https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx.This page includes important information on flights with confirmed cases of coronavirus. There are a lot of people still travelling overseas, either for work or pleasure. If that is you, this page is definitely worth taking note of.

Chappy and Prince, two fine-looking Kelpie crosses, gaze out at the camera.Prince has a pleading look in his eyes. He wants a home, with some lovely human companions to play with him, to love and be loved by.They both do, because it’s getting a bit boring in the Lismore Pound, now that all the other dogs have been adopted out.Two weeks ago the Pound was at capacity – nine dogs in all, an unusual state of affairs, according to Lismore City Council’s senior law enforcement officer Jody Hinds.“It might happen once or twice a year, if that,” he says, and only when a range of circumstances come together.That might include February’s heavy rains, which could have knocked down fences and let dogs run off. That wouldn’t matter if the dog’s microchip was current, Jody says, but when people change address, or get a new phone, they can forget to update the details on their pet’s microchip, extending the time before they can be re-united.In the rare cases of dogs not being micro-chipped at all, they are kept for seven days before efforts are made to re-house them; owners of micro-chipped dogs have 14 days to locate their four-legged friends.The two kelpies have the Pound to themselves now because following a Facebook call-out about the facility’s full-house, two of their mates were re-homed and the remaining five and were fostered out through an animal rescue group.It put the Pound rangers in the slightly awkward position of having just Chappy and Prince left for their Open Day at the end of February.It was a nice problem to have though, says Jody, because the most satisfying part of the rangers’ job is seeing dogs leave the Pound, ideally to loving new homes, micro-chipped, desexed, vaccinated and registered.Deciding to take a dog home is a serious matter, Jody says, and his team – all dog devotees themselves – put a lot of time and thought into finding the right match.“We’re not just dog-catchers, we’re dog lovers trying to break the cycle of a mis-match between human and dog.“Choosing a dog is not like going to the supermarket and picking something,” he says. “It’s a full adoption process; we talk to prospective owners, find out about their hobbies, their lifestyles, and try to match a chilled dog with a laidback owner, or an active one with someone who likes to exercise.“We don’t want people making an emotional decision. We’ve got to make sure that it’s a right fit.“We’re looking for a home where a dog will be loved and cherished for the rest of its life.”To that end he encourages anyone to come and talk to the rangers at the Pound – and perhaps even join the waiting list for a breed they like.The Pound is located at the Lismore City Council Recycling and Recovery Centre on Wyrallah Road.

Celebrations for International Women’s Day (March 8), ranging from the formal to the fun-filled, kick off tomorrow, Friday.A luncheon hosted by the Lismore City Council will have as its focus a keynote speaker, Fay Jackson, the director of Vision in Mind and deputy commissioner of NSW Mental Health, who will address the theme of the event, “An equal world is an enabled world”.“This is a great opportunity for local women from all walks of life to come together and share their experiences in a fun and supportive atmosphere,” said council general manager Shelley Oldham. “Organisations and businesses are now realising how important mental health is to their workplaces,” Ms Oldham said. “However, they often do not have the knowledge to deal with these issues.”“The luncheon will start a discussion about how we can make workplaces a safer and more nurturing place, not just for women but for all of us.”On Saturday evening, there is a screening of the Women’s Adventure Film Tour, a collection of award-winning short films celebrating inspiring women doing extraordinary things in the name of adventure.The programme features a cast of Australian athletes including four-time world champion cliff diver Rhiannan Iffland, climber Angie Scarth-Johnson, trail runner Jacqui Bell and many more, including women in snow sports, mountaineering and mountain biking.Guest speaker is Terra Roams, who after five decades exploring the world is shifting her focus to story collecting and telling a few of her own. Over the years she has walked and snowshoed more than 22,000kms solo, including almost 6000kms in wilderness.Ms Roams is passionate about conservation and climate action and uses her expeditions to highlight important issues and solutions.The evening includes a prize draw as well as the screening.Meanwhile, the Lismore Women’s Festival will run all weekend, A weekend-long celebration hosted by YWCA Australia.Events include The Roar Women’s Music Festival on Friday, headlined by singer-songwriter Essie Thomas, who grew up on the Northern Rivers and is now an internationally recognised musician.On Saturday is the She-Rated Cabaret for over 18s and a burlesque workshop, in which a former World Queen of Burlesque will teach women how to striptease.On Sunday, events range from the uproarious (The Fabulous, Funny and Female Comedy Show with Vanessa Larry) to the highly serious –a workshop to train people what to do when they find themselves a bystander to violence. Other workshops provide opportunities to learn about nutrition and perimenopause, said festival co-ordinator Emma Newman. “We’ll also have dancing, yoga and relaxation sessions each day, as well as visual art at Serpentine Gallery in North Lismore.”Lismore City Hall will be the main venue for all events, “where women can go from workshop to workshop: listening, debating, writing, relaxing, dancing and laughing their heads off”.The biggest gathering will be on Sunday, March 8, for International Women’s Day. There will be a gathering on the lawn outside Lismore City Hall with a Welcome to Country ceremony, followed by Young Women on the Mic. “People can enjoy music, food, talks, a feminist panel and browse a wide range of stalls on the day – all in the spirit of empowering women,” Emma said.Topics will range from growing trees, intercultural awareness, performance, environment, music, feminism, health, communication and comedy. Closing the day will be a concert by the Our Women in Harmony Pop-up Choir – Beautiful Songbirds at City Hall.For festival programme details, visit www.lismorewomensfestival.orgWomen’s Adventure Film Tour is at Star Court Theatre, 126 Molesworth Street on March 7 at 7pm.The LCC luncheon will be held in the Fountain Room at Lismore City Hall tomorrow, March 6 between noon and 2pm.Individual tickets cost $50, or $45 each for a table of six. Bookings are essential. For tickets, see www.visitlismore.com.au

A man will face court today after he allegedly broke into a home in Goonellabah and sexually touched a woman who was sleeping inside.On Wednesday 4 March 2020, a 33-year-old woman and her two daughters aged four and five, were asleep in their Allingham Place, Goonellabah home, all sharing the same bed.About 4am the woman was woken by a man sitting on her bed sexually touching her. She screamed, and the man ran from the premises.Officers from Richmond Police District attended and commenced an investigation with the assistance of Detectives and Crime Scene Officers.About 3pm yesterday (Wednesday 4 March 2020), a 19-year-old man was arrested at a home in Simpson Place, Goonellabah.He was taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence (sexual touching).He was refused bail and will appear in Lismore Local Court today (Thursday 5 March 2020).The two children were not harmed during the incident.