Skin harvesting just got easier at Lismore Base Hospital thanks to a large donation from the Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary.The Auxiliary recently presented a new state-of-the-art Air Dermatome to the hospital. It is the latest equipment for harvesting skin accurately and precisely.Skin harvesting, or grafting, is a common procedure in surgical settings where patients need to have skin replaced or repaired.The new $21,552 machine will mean patients have more access to surgical services which requires this technology, as well as benefiting from a speedier recovery with more predictable results.The Air Dermatome is now the second of its kind within the Richmond Network in Northern NSW, which means the in-demand device can now be moved and used around three hospitals in, Ballina, Lismore and Casino to help with skin grafts.Lismore Base Hospital General Manager, Ian Hatton, praised the Auxiliary for their hard work.“We’re so lucky to have such a dedicated volunteer team working with us,” Ian said.“Having this second machine not only helps us do multiple procedures at once, but also allows us to lend the machine to our other facilities in Northern NSW.”The new Dermatome instrument will be used across most surgical specialities, including Orthopaedics, General Surgery and Vascular.It will also assist with trauma and other chronic wound conditions that may require skin grafting, and is of particular benefit to patients undergoing cancer surgery.

If you are passionate about pollination, get ready to hunt for stingless native bees as part of free workshops for macadamia and avocado growers.The workshops, on March 5 and 6, are designed for growers who are looking for ways to improve productivity and support the natural ecosystems on their farms.Presented by native bee specialists, the two field days will be held at local farms and include information sharing presentations, Q&A opportunities, farm walks, insect hunts (yes you get a net) and demonstrations of native bee management.Presenters include local growers who will showcase their approaches to increasing diversity in orchard management. They are joined by industry specialists in native bee management, Dr Megan Halcroft of Bees Business, and a hive of researchers from the Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment. There are also unique opportunities to look at habitat restoration and novel crops on the different properties.“Honey bees are excellent pollinators of many crops, but the burden placed on their health by pests and diseases is heavy,” Dr Halcroft said.“Added to that, the looming threat of a Varroa mite incursion makes our reliance on honey bees for pollination decidedly risky.”The workshops and informed by an innovative research project “Stingless bees as effective managed pollinators for Australian horticulture” by the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment.The project’s overall objective is to investigate and develop potential alternative, native insect pollinators for use in horticultural crops. “The leading candidates are stingless bees, because they can be managed in hives, just as honey bees are, and moved into crops as required,” Dr Halcroft said.“Native stingless bees live in colonies and visit a variety of plants. “We already know that where they are used in macadamia crops, their pollination services outperform honeybees. “The field days will expand on how growers can optimise the health and wellbeing of native stingless bees in the whole orchard environment.”Participants must wear covered shoes and bring a hat and drinking water. Venue address provided on registration.Delicious local produce-filled lunches will be provided and researchers will lead walks into the farms to help you get up close and personal with the insects in the orchard, with nets and jars.You'll see inside a stingless bee hive and hear from a local growers how native bees have enhanced their enterprise. The events are organized by The Richmond Landcare Inc and the Lismore City Council with Western Sydney University Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment and is sponsored by Hort Innovation.Presentation topics will include:The importance of pollinationHow native bees and other pollinators perform their servicesThe value of insect pollinators to the macadamia and avocado industriesPotential problems we will face if/when Varroa mite arrives in Australia and how we can prepareDemonstration of Interrow management for floristic diversity and how to achieve Integrated Pest ManagementPractical examples of the importance of supporting native bee populations, through plantings and habitat conservation, and how this will support all pollinating insects to ensure their presence during crop bloom.The free workshops will be held on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 March, 9am to 2pm at two farms near Alstonville and Lindendale (addresses provided on registration).Register for the Avocado event via Eventbrite https://avocadosnativebeesfieldday.eventbrite.comRegister for the Macadamia event by phoning Lismore City Council on 1300 87 83 87

Women on the land, show yourself some love and come along to a free Be Your Own Valentine workshop on February 13. Hosted by the NSW Women on the Land group, the luncheon and workshop is for women living and working within the primary industries sector. NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) recovery support officer, Tracey Doherty said the workshop aims to build resilience, capacity and skills through hazard awareness, planning and preparedness for disasters and inclement weather events.“With the current fires and drought situations, it’s more important than ever to show yourself some love,” Tracey said.“The Women on the Land concept was initiated in 2018 when over 80 local women attended a luncheon in Casino to discuss what they wanted and needed to help them and their families prepare for natural disaster events in the future.“Women from the beef, sheep, dairy, cropping and other rural industries are encouraged to attend and listen to speakers and women in similar situations. “The Be Your Own Valentine workshop is the first one for 2020 and will include information about heart health, physical health, stretching, relaxation and mindfulness. “The event also provides women with a way to connect with and support each other.”The NSW Women on the Land group is a partnership between the NSW State Emergency Service, Red Cross Australia and DPI’s DPI Rural Resilience Program.The free Be Your Own Valentine workshop will be held on Thursday, February 13, at St James Anglican Church, Kyogle.Registration is from 9.30am and the workshop runs from 10am to 3pm. Morning tea and lunch is provided.For more information visit the ‘Women on the Land - Get Ready - Northern NSW’ on Facebook or phone Tracey on 0436 484 618.To Register, visit http://www.trybooking.com/BIBHV

Footage has emerged showing the terrifying moments a woman and her niece managed to make a last second escape from their sinking 4WD after being swept off the road by floodwaters near Lismore.The 67-year-old woman told Nine News it took all of 15 seconds for her and her niece to realise they were in trouble after becoming trapped in the floodwaters at Boatharbour Road as she drove from Byron Bay to Lismore.Flooding on Boatharbour RoadUPDATE: Bangalow Road now open to traffic after earlier flood closure“Oh my God, holy crap,” a woman filming in a trailing vehicle can be heard saying in the footage.“What are we going to do?” Her father can be heard asking as the car stops at the edge of the floodwaters.“Oh my God, their car is literally rolling off. They need to get off. Their car is sliding, they need to get out,” she says as her father wades in to help.“It’s gone! It’s literally gone,” the woman continues in commentary as the pair begin walking away from their submerged 4WD.The Bureau of Meteorology’s acting state manager for NSW, Jane Golding, said the rain was set to intensify in the coming hours.“This is a very dangerous system,” Ms Golding said.“We’ve been given a bit of breathing space but it’s just starting to increase now, this is the most intense development of the system.”She warned of significant overland flooding, flash flooding and landslips, adding that the recent bushfires in some areas have made landslips more likely.“This rain is starting to become more widespread and the more intense showers within it are starting to become more frequent,” Ms Golding said.She added some places could receive more than 200mm of rain, which would be backed up by another “very wet day tomorrow with higher rainfall totals”.“We are seeing the signs that an east coast low will develop,” Golding said, which would bring gale force winds to some parts of the coast.A King tide is expected on Monday morning which will increase the risk of flooding.A coastal trough resulting in widespread heavy rainfall across the State continues today. An east coast low continues to develop as part of this system currently off the middle of the NSW coast, forecast to track southwards later today and into tomorrow.Northern Rivers NSW SES said late this afternoon the area's catchments are becoming saturated and further rain will result in quick rises of affected rivers, however steady rain has been absent, apart from isolated falls, some associated with thunderstorms.The thunderstorms have caused some local road closures due to pockets of flash flooding in the Richmond and Clarence Valleys. There is potential for further rises in streams as a result of the thunderstorm activity. River levels across the Northern Zone are continuing to slowly fall, Northern Rivers SES said."Rainfall forecast for the area is abating at this point, we are postured to continue operations at this level and poised to ramp up with a close watch on the forecasts," Northern Rivers NSW SES said.

Lismore author and poet, Peter Mitchell, has been awarded honours for his poetry in the national literary prize – the Wesley Michel Wright Prize 2019. At Melbourne Writer’s Festival last year, his second collection of poetry, Conspiracy of Skin was awarded Highly Commended in the prestigious awards.As an openly gay man, living with HIV, Peter tells his courageous story of living with the disease – and the stigma that went with it – through his lyrical poetry. Despite fear of recriminations for not only being gay, but being HIV positive, Peter shared with The Lismore App his story of being a sexually active gay man who has skirted death – and survived – in this week’s Sunday Profile.Read the story: SUNDAY PROFILE: Peter Mitchell - poet living with HIV Following are two poems taken from his poetry volume Conspiracy of Skin.The OddsI glower around the house for threedays. Should I stop f***ing men?Should I find out about the virus?These questions will make and unmakemy life. If I were you, I'd rather know,says my sister, Cate. 26 July 1984. Taylor Square Private Clinic.* Anxietyripples the blue-air waiting room.I script my future on a survey: drug use,diet, medical history, sexual practices.The consulting room door opens, my namericochets around the dazed faces. The doctorscans the questions. Marijuana use?I frown, a blue-armed fist thumping myfront door. All the information is confidential.He examines my body for symptoms,pressing lymph nodes, filling phials withblood. That's a healthy colour.The virus's trajectory is still un-certain. He advises more tests.For three weeks, I tread the houseand streets like a moth among magpies.17 August 1984. Another appointment,another survey. The doctor says, Yourresults from your last appointment areback. I lean forward. The technologyfor testing isn't properly developedyet. I swallow hard. Your results returned two positive and onenegative. Two-to-one: not bad odds.ResultsAugust 1985. I choose lunchtime; fewerpeople in the office. As I hold the telephone, I feel like I'm on a ship's deck.There's a swell and it rolls in my stomach.are you ready for your results? The doctor'slast word thickens around the pension files.Two positive and one negative.Plus and minus signs revolvearound the desk. Its the same as thelast test. The name on the file blurs.You're HIV positive. I look over Riley Street. Through the window, my known life flies to the open sky, and the waves inside mecurlTo find out more about Peter, visit http://www.peter-mitchell.com.au/

Oakey Creek Road at Georgica has been re-opened to traffic after experiencing several delays in the project due to the difficult site conditions and periods of extreme hot weather, Lismore City Council said today.This project was the result of a landslip during the 2017 flood, and has been a challenging project due to the extent of damage, design issues, costs and unplanned site issues," council said.Read more: Flooding on Boatharbour RoadThe works were completed under contract to council and funded by NSW Government disaster funding.Lismore City Council thanks residents affected by these works for their perseverance and patience and apologises for the extended inconvenience these works have caused.

1.08pm: Heavy rains have caused local flooding across both lanes on Boatharbour Road.A local resident sent in this picture, telling The Lismore App that the localised flooding, from the creek near by, was located between Cameron Road and Richmond Hill.The NSW SES Lismore City Unit has also advised that there is water across the road near McKinnon Rd at Boatharbour."Please be aware of the situation and take alternative routes," the SES advised.Read more: Council warns: Are you prepared for potential flooding?Picture taken on the side of Boatharbour Road, running toward the river. Photo: Debbie Stark.

With the recent rain and current weather predictions, Lismore City Council is emphasising to local businesses the importance of being prepared for potential flooding.“The lessons from the 2017 flood showed us all that better preparation and communication is the key to navigating bad weather events,” a Council statement said.  “With more rain predicted over the coming week, we don’t know what will happen in regards to potential flooding in and around Lismore. “We have already had the usual low-lying roads and surrounding areas affected by flash flooding. “Business owners are encouraged to review their flood plans and be ready to enact them if required. “If you don’t have a flood plan, visit the SES website at https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ for a template that you can use to prepare a flood plan. The website also contains a useful guide to preparing an emergency kit.” Council advises people to stay abreast of the current weather situation by:• Monitoring the Bureau of Meteorology website - http://www.bom.gov.au/• Monitoring river heights for the Wilsons River - http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDN60140.html#Wilsons_River• Monitoring the SES website which contains useful links to other sites such as the BOM site - https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/• Monitor road conditions through MYROADINFO – https://www.myroadinfo.com.au/landing.asp• Much of this can be sourced through Lismore Council’s Emergency Dashboard - https://disaster.lismore.nsw.gov.au/• Listen to your local ABC radio for updates. 

Our local representative in Federal Parliament, Kevin Hogan has been given a promotion.Yesterday, MP Hogan was in Canberra, being sworn in as the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack.Mr Hogan, who returned home to the Northern Rivers today, said he was “humbled” to be asked to contribute more in his new role, but that his first priority will always be, as the Member for Page. “I’m looking forward to the challenges and learning new things,” he said. “I’ve done the deputy speaker role for a few years and it will be good to mix it up."His new role the covers the ministry areas of infrastructure and regional development, as well as transport.“Infrastructure is the big one,” he said. “It includes grant programs like Building Better Regions, which is something we get here that helps us. “I’ll be helping to fulfil the Deputy Prime Minister’s responsibilities.“I’m organising a meeting with him on Monday to see how we will divvy it up the work and share responsibilities.“I’ve known him for about ten years now and I’ve worked with him - he was in parliament when I got there.“One of the joys of this job is learning about people.”MP Hogan has been in politics as an MP for six years now. Before politics, he was in Sydney working as a money manager in financial markets, a school teacher in Casino, a farmer and an investment officer in Super funds. While the highest rank he could rise to would be Deputy Prime Minister, he said “I don’t focus on that”.“I do the best job I can and I’m looking forward to the portfolio involvement this role will bring,” he said.He said the new role would mean he would be travelling a bit more. “I might not be here as much as I used to be, as I’ll need to visit other MPs in their patches and look at their projects and proposals,” he said.“Without the support of our local community here, I would not have the opportunity to serve and represent us.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for parts of the Northern Rivers for damaging winds and heavy rainfall.A coastal trough near the northern and central New South Wales coast is bringing increased rainfall and other severe weather to the area.Read more: Rain deluge cancels all sportWhat do the official flood warnings mean?This trough is expected to deepen and gradually shift southwards, increasing rainfall and bringing dangerous winds and surf conditions along the central and southern parts of the coast and adjacent ranges during the next few days. For some areas, intense rainfall rates and increased gusty winds are possible with thunderstorm activity or with the formation of mesoscale lows embedded within the coastal trough.Heavy rainfall, which will likely cause flash flooding and riverine flooding, is possible for parts of the Northern Rivers today. From Friday afternoon or evening, the focus shifts further south.The location of the heaviest falls will be determined by the movement and strength of the coastal trough, by where thunderstorms occur, as well as to the south of any transient low embedded within the coastal trough. Heavy rainfall is currently expected to ease for parts of the Northern Rivers and northern parts of the Mid North Coast on Saturday, although showers are likely to continue.A Flood Watch and a number of Flood Warnings have been issued for this event for Lismore.During the weekend, there is potential for heavy rainfall along parts of the southern coast and adjacent ranges as this system shifts its focus southwards. The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.

UPDATE 3.43pm: Lismore/Bangalow Road has now reopened to traffic between Binna Burra and Richmond Hill, after being closed due to flooding.The Transport Management Centre advised the road between Binna Burra Road and Boatharbour Road was now open as floodwater had dropped.Diversions have been lifted but motorists were advised they should still take extra care and drive to the conditions.To check roads before you drive, visit livetraffic.comEarlier story:Lismore/Bangalow Road is closed in both directions between Binna Burra and Richmond Hill due to localised flooding.The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) reported the closure is between Binna Burra Road and Boatharbour Road.“You should avoid the area and use the Bruxner Highway or Pacific Highway instead,” an SES statement said.“Do not attempt to drive through floodwater.”The SES have also had reports of water lying around Wyrallah Rd in the vicinity of the Recovery and Recycle Center. Check Live Traffic or www.myroadinfo.com before leaving home and change routes if necessary. Be careful on the roads, slow down and stay safe.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has just released another Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall for the Northern Rivers area, and a third Flood Watch has also been issued.Local sports are also all cancelled for the weekend. Read more: Another Severe Weather Warning for the Northern RiversRain deluge cancels all sportWith localised flooding already happening and issued for parts of the Northern Rivers, it's good to know what the official flood warnings that are being issued actually mean.Flood Watch is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and provides a 'heads up' that flooding is likely.Flood Warning is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology and warns a community of flooding at a predicted height, time and location.Flood Bulletin is issued by the NSW SES to to warn a community of flooding at a predicted height, time and location and the expected risks, impacts, consequences and the safest actions to take.Evacuation Warning is issued by the NSW SES to warn a community of the potential to evacuate properties, risks to life and property and the safest actions to take.Evacuation Order is issued by the NSW SES to immediately evacuate at risk sections of the community from a flood threatened area and advises the safest actions to take.All Clear is issued by the NSW SES to advise the evacuated community that it is safe for people to return to the area and any residual risks.Read more:Flooding closes Bangalow RoadSES issues second Flood Watch alertLocal SES crews respond to flood and storm callsHeavy rains forecast and flood watch underway

In the era of the high-profile #metoo movement, the rights and role of women in the workplace has never been so topical.This year, Lismore City Council is hosting an International Women’s Day Luncheon with the theme '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,” Lismore City Council’s General Manager Shelley Oldham said.“We have a terrific guest speaker in Fay Jackson, the chief executive of Vision in Mind and General Manager of Inclusion at Flourish Australia, which will be followed by a panel section.”Ms Jackson, was the Inaugural Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Mental Health Commission, is the recipient of multiple awards in mental health education and training at state and national levels and is a much sought after international speaker.“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.”The luncheon will be held in the Fountain Room at Lismore City Hall on Friday, March 6 between noon and 2pm.Individual tickets cost $50, or $45 each for a table of six.Bookings are essential. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/international-womens-day-luncheon-tickets-91954202495 or by visiting www.visitlismore.com.au

If you love your food, art and music, then Lismore is the place to be on Saturday, March 14 as the much loved Eat the Street festival returns for its sixth year with a new sponsor – NORCO. “This year we are excited to announce that NORCO has come on board as the naming rights sponsor of the event,” Lismore City Council’s Acting City Centre Manager Nathan Dee said. “NORCO is an iconic Lismore business and it is very fitting that they are now an integral part of the Northern Rivers premier food event. NORCO Chairman, Greg McNamara said this is a big year for the local dairy co-operative which is celebrating its 1I25th year of operation and was proud to support Eat the Street. “Lismore has always been a big part of NORCO’s history and to now partner with an event that supports Lismore’s local food industry feels very natural,” he said. The launch of Eat the Street.Now in its sixth year, the event that runs from noon to 9pm, attracts ‘foodies’ and ‘culture’ buffs from far and wide and has become a highlight on the North Coast’s events calendar as a festival not to be missed.Last year, the festival attracted more than 25,000 people and organisers are hoping for an even bigger crowd this year.Mr Dee said the heart of the city will once again be closed to traffic and transformed into a sea of beautiful white marquees with over 50 fabulous food, wine, art & craft stalls.Inspired by a world of street food styles, our local cafes and restaurants will showcase fresh regional cuisine proving fabulous tasting plates priced at $5 and $10. There are tempting treats from every corner of the globe, luscious libations from our region’s boutique beverage purveyors and stalls brimming with spectacular local product. There will also be plenty of entertainment throughout the day with guest chefs cooking on stage and an entertainment stage with local musicians running throughout the event. “Sit out on the street, under the trees, and try food from all over the Northern Rivers region, as well as handcrafted beer and gin, delicious desserts and so much more,” Mr Dee said.“People love our Eat the Street food festival – it has become one of Lismore’s signature events. Special ticketed events will be held in the lead up to March 14, such as the Farm Gate Tour, Progressive Dinner, Celebrity Chef Masterclass and more. To find out more about Eat the Street go to www.eatthestreetlismore.com.au

With more heavy rain forecast for the Northern Rivers area, and an initial flood watch now in place, you’d be sensible to think about what your flood plan is going to be, if you haven’t already done so. With 50mm of rain predicted for today and an unpredictable weather system leading into the weekend, Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecaster Helen Kirkup said, “it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the BoM warnings over the next few days”.“BoM has issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall - and the Wilsons River at the moment could see some moderate flooding,” she said. The NSW SES Lismore Unit’s message is “to stay calm, keep informed as the system develops and prepare for the possibility of flooding.”“This is especially important for people in low lying areas or with stock that may need to be moved.”Read more: Bureau of Meterology issues initial flood watchRainfall map over the past 24 hours. Source: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/northcoast.shtmlMs Kirkup said the Lismore area will see heavy localised rainfall for the next few days into the weekend, but the heavy rains might move toward the south into next week. “If it does, the Lismore area will still see consistent shower activity,” she said.“At the moment, there’s a broad weather system extending from south east Queensland. Easterly winds are bringing a lot of moisture across from a trough on the coast and focussing the rainfall on the Northern Rivers area - and a number of river catchments will be affected by this. “When we get these troughs, we can get embedded lows which can focus random high rainfall on certain areas - but there is good chance it will lessen over the weekend.“Anywhere with thunderstorms could see localised flash flooding.“Lismore could expect 50mm of rain today and 30mm on Friday, with less on Saturday, depending on what happens with the trough. Higher rainfall totals are expected on Sunday.”Ms Kirkup said the BoM was keeping a close eye on a tropical low developing off the east coast of Queensland, which was being driven by easterly air streams.“In the longer term, this could develop into a tropical cyclone – it depends how it develops – it’s hard to forecast because it’s such a broad weather system.“We are still fighting fires down in the south,” she said. “I knew this was the land of drought and flooding rains, but I didn’t think we would see it in the same fortnight.”Local river heights can be checked at http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDN60140.html#Wilsons_RiverFlood and weather adviceNSW SES offers advice on what to do before, during and after a flood: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/disaster-tabs-header/flood/Lismore Disaster Dashboard (an initiative of Lismore City Council) has links and information to help stay informed: https://disaster.lismore.nsw.gov.au/The Bureau of Meteorology has Warning Summaries: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/and the radar: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR281.loop.shtml

If you are planning to start university in 2020, avoid the last minute rush and lodge your claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy now. Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan said Youth Allowance provides financial assistance for eligible young people who pursue further study or an apprenticeship after leaving school. Austudy provides assistance to eligible students and apprentices aged 25 or older. “Claiming online is quick and easy, I encouraged students to apply now and avoid the last minute rush at the start of the new semester,” Mr Hogan said. “Claiming early gives new university starters the best chance of having their payment approved when their course begins.” “Eligibility for additional support will also be assessed. For example, students who move away from home to study may get the increased away from home rate of Youth Allowance.” Students are among the first to benefit from the large scale business transformation underway to modernise the delivery of government payments and services. “We know many students want to access services quickly, at a time and place that suits them. We’ve been working hard on improvements with this in mind,” Mr Hogan said “We’ve reduced the number of questions students need to answer when claiming. Students can now also let us know online when they start or stop working, instead of calling or visiting a service centre,” Kevin Hogan concluded. Other improvements include Digital Assistants ‘Sam’ and ‘Oliver’, which are available 24/7 to answer general questions about payments and help guide students through their online claim. These assistants have responded to more than 1.8 million queries since 2017. To apply visit;https://w ww.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/austudyhttps://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/youth-allowance-students-and-australian-apprentices

If you mourned the closing of Muzza’s Milk Bar last year, then you’ll be salivating to hear there’s a new candy shop on the block. Scoops and Candy will be opening soon on Keen Street, and owners Felicity and Philip Hyde said they’ve got the equipment from Muzza’s and will be serving milkshakes just the way you like them.“Maddy Powell who used to work at Muzza’s is coming to show us how to make the shakes - the way she made them at Muzza’s - but we’ll also be adding in a few new touches of our own,” Felicity said. Felicity and Philip already knew the owner of Muzza’s, Petria, (who has now expanded her shop Trea’s Shoes into the old Muzza’s location).Philip used to be Petria’s confectionery sales representative. So, when Petria was closing Muzza’s, Felicity and Philip saw an opportunity to keep Lismore’s love of lollies, icecream, milkshakes and chocolate alive.“Lismore still needs it,” Felicity said. “We also need a place that stays open later, where people can buy dessert at night. So, we thought opening a shop next to The Dirty Wilson restaurant on Keen Street would be great.”Felicity said Scoops and Candy could stay open until 10pm on busy nights, but would begin with a 7 or 8pm closure time.Felicity Hyde stacking the Valentine's theme chocolates on the new shop shelves.Right now, she’s stocking the shelves with all your favourite lollies and chocolate, including a range of special Darrel Lea chocolates for Valentine’s Day and Easter bilbies.The unique smell of sweets envelops you as soon as you walk in and you see your favourites on display – from UFO shaped wafers filled with sherbet to cola bottles, snakes, teeth and raspberries.“I love the puffy cloud sweets in different colours,” Felicity said. “They are chewy and sugary. “The ice cream’s in the shop’s freezer already, with flavours like banana bongo and hokey pokey.“And we have the fridge stocked with American brand drinks like Arizona and Dr Peppers.”Felicity has a background in food, having run flagship pizza stores in the past, and she is keen to open her lolly shop as soon as possible. “We are just waiting for Council to okay our food compliance, which will hopefully be any day now,” she said.Felicity and Philip also own and operate Black Tie Photobooths, and they are keen to bring one of the booths into the shop as a permanent fixture, where people can get a pic while they are in the shop and post it to Instagram. “You can follow Scoops and Candy on Instagram and Facebook and check out the latest about how we are going and which day we’ll open,” she said. Scoops and Candy is located on Keen Street, Lismore, between The Dirty Wilson and Shoppe One-17.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an initial flood watch alert for coastal rivers, including a moderate flooding warning for the Wilsons River catchment.The warning, issued this afternoon, states that river level rises above the moderate flood level are possible across the Northern Rivers area, with increasing rainfall expected along the coast from Thursday.A Severe Weather Warning of heavy rain has been issued for the Northern Rivers area.“As a low pressure trough in the area deepens, intense rainfall is possible for some areas,” the warning states.“Coastal catchments are relatively wet due to recent rainfall and high tides may exacerbate flood conditions in low lying coastal areas.”Catchments likely to be affected include Wilsons River with moderate flooding, Tweed and Rouse Rivers with minor flooding and Richmond River with minor flooding.Flood Safety Advice:This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.Flood Warnings will be issued if Minor Flood Level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service.Severe Weather Warnings will be issued or updated if very heavy rain is forecast or observed.For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtmlFloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.auFor emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/For the latest rainfall and weather forecasts see www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood

Love, sweat and tears is the catch cry for this year’s Samson Fitness Challenge on March 6-7, where teamwork can win the prestigious Samson Title.Rebekka Battista, organiser of the annual Our Kids fundraiser, said the catch cry was fitting because all team registrations had to be in by Valentine’s Day, February 14. “All the gyms in the area have members in training for it,” Rebekka said. “You need to have a good fitness level and if you are keen to do the challenge, you can hook into one of the gyms - or band together with others in your level of fitness. “Some runners groups are in training for it too – it’s all about teamwork and working together to win.”Rebekka won’t be entering herself in the Samson Challenge this year, as she’s “not back to her old self yet” after donating a kidney to her son Isaak late last year.“I run the whole event and it’s a Samson just setting it up,” she said. “If anyone wants to help volunteer on the Friday and Saturday of the event, we always looking for volunteers.”Rebekka said competitors were referred to as ‘Samsonites’ and could be seen out and about training around Lismore, running, flipping tractor tyres and doing burpees. “This year the 10th Samson and is one of Our Kids major fundraisers and the proceeds will go towards helping to purchase one of two wireless CTG machines to help monitor babies and mums during labour. This equipment is worth $40,000.” The Samson has four events: Samson Solo, Samson Teen Sprint, Samson Kids and the Samson Team Event. The team event has teams of four people completing 10 gruelling challenges including strength activities, running, swimming and an outdoor obstacle course. The event is based at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah and the run will take the competitors through the streets to the Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre for the swim leg then a run back to the oval where competitors will complete the last two fitness legs. The Fastest team will take home the Samson Title. The 41st Battalion Royal New South Wales Regiment (41 RNSWR) Lismore’s local Army Reserve unit will be there helping to marshal on the day along with over 100 volunteers - and there will be the GSAC Health Expo along with the Southern Cross University Recovery Zone that will ensure everyone is cared for. “The Samson is now 10 years old so we have a Mystery Leg to keep our competitors guessing that may include the number 10 …so watch this space” Jason Clarke, Team Samson organiser said. “The Samson attracts people from all over the state and South East Queensland who enjoy keeping fit and this event is a way to put your body to the test and at the same time help support local children.”  To register online, visit http://www.lismoresamson.com For more information, contact the Our Kids office on 6620 2705.