From telling a scammer to send the ”hot ones” to arrest you over your fake arrest warrant, to keeping a scammer on the line for fun - how do you deal with a suspected scammer if they call you?With so many scams out there that we are being warned about, The Lismore App thought we’d share some of the amusing ways people get rid of them. The following ways were reported on the Crimestoppers NSW Facebook site:“I just let them get on with their spiel and then ask them to hold the line for a second. I then very quietly ask if the call has been traced then get back on and tell them you are a Federal Police Officer from Scamwatch Squad and to remain where they are as the call has been traced and staff are on their way to their location. I have not had a scam call for months.”“I received a call and advised i would meet them at my local police station so they could enforce the alleged arrest warrant...they hung up.”“They always ask’ How are you today?” I thank them for checking in on me and asking how I am, tell them I am fine, then hang up.”“I like to keep them on hold while I... 'turn my computer on' and let it warm up etc... I pretend I don't really know what I'm doing so they think they've got me hook-line and sinker. I figure the longer that are waiting for me to get my pretend act together the longer they are leaving someone else alone.” “I call it rope a dope and love playing along and seeing how long I can keep them on the line. Pretend I’m hard of hearing, don’t know how to operate pc/phone etc., can’t read properly… ask if they can come look at the interweb (give false address).”“I got one of these calls, I told them I was looking for my credit card. Put the phone down and watched a movie on tv I then hung up. They called straight back, so I did the same again only this time after having them on the line for approximately 3hours I told them I'm not interested. The guy on the phone went off at me for wasting his time.”“My friend turned the tables on them by trying to sell them something, she asked for all their information including their credit card details. They got so confused and every time they tried to speak about their scam she just spoke over them and kept asking for their details...It worked, they hung up very confused and she had a good laugh at their expense."“My latest was from ‘do not call registry’ asking me for my Visa card numbers as the service is now charging! Told the caller I didn’t have a Visa card she then asked how I paid bills...I told her I didn’t and that I’m in debt up to my ears so stand in line...rudely she hung up on me!”“I like the insurance scam the best, just ringing to let me know that they will be repairing my car and asking how I am after my car accident. I let them talk a bit then I reply, I think I’ll be ok, I didn’t break anything but the funny thing is I don’t own a car or drive, then bang down goes the phone.”“I get the calls about my computer ......I don’t have computer! I can keep them on the phone playing the game until they give up!”“I just tell them I'm recording them for quality assurance purposes. They hang up though.”Find out more about scams at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams

Scammers have recently been calling Australians telling them that there is a warrant out for their arrest. Scamwatch is warning consumers the calls may be claiming to be from the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) or Australian Tax Office (ATO).Read more about amusing ways people deal with scammers: Funny ways people deal with scammersMany people have reported to Scamwatch that messages have been recorded on their answering machines asking them to call back later. The scammers may spin a range of stories about why an arrest warrant has been issued, including that you have failed to pay taxes.Scammers typically ask for money to be sent via wire transfer as it’s nearly impossible to recover money sent this way. They may also ask for people’s financial and other personal details to access their money and use this information to commit other scams.If you provide your bank account details or other personal information, the scammer may use it to commit identity theft or to steal your money.One of the telephone numbers provided is 02 6100 3027, among many others, and they ask you to call during office hours to discuss the matter further. However, the telephone number has no connection with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, Australian Taxation Office or any other state or commonwealth department.Scamwatch advises people to be on guard, if you receive such a phone call - hang up and do not respond. If in doubt, don’t use the contact details provided - look up the government department or organisation yourself in the phone book or online and phone or email them.Tips to spot a scam:The call may sound like it is an automated message with an American accent.The scammer will ask you to telephone a number that appears to be Australian but is likely to be a VOIP number.The CDPP is advising people to be vigilant when receiving phone calls of this nature and if in doubt about the authenticity of a call that you receive from the CDPP, contact them on one of the publically listed phone numbers https://www.cdpp.gov.au/contact-us or email inquiries@cdpp.gov.au.You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam

Mozzie numbers are increasing after the recent heavy rainfall and warm weather - and with that comes the danger of Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses being spread.So, "avoid being bitten", is the message from health authorities.North Public Health Unit assistant director Greg Bell, said Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that breed in flooded, grassy and swampy areas and around waterways. Mr bell said people can take simple steps people to avoid being bitten, including; when outside, covering up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear. Use an effective repellent on all exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration.The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin. Those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus also provide adequate protection. Using mosquito coils outdoors and vaporising mats indoors to repel mosquitoes from an area. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective. Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens. When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets. “To reduce areas for mosquitoes to breed around your home, clean up your yard and remove all water-holding rubbish, regularly flush out pot plant bases, keep house guttering clear, and make sure openings of septic tanks and water tanks are covered and screened securely,” Mr Bell said. Ross River Fever symptomsSymptoms of Ross River Fever vary from person-to-person and may include fever, chills, muscle aches, rash, fatigue, aching tendons, swollen lymph nodes, headache, especially behind the eyes, joint pain, swelling and stiffness.The most distinctive and distressing feature of Ross River virus infection is usually joint pain. Any joint in the body may be affected, but the most common sites are the wrists, knees, ankles, fingers, elbows, shoulders and jaw. The pain may be more severe in different joints at different times.In most cases, symptoms disappear within six weeks, though some people may still have symptoms after a year or two and the symptoms may come and go. About 10% of people have ongoing depression and fatigue.Barmah Forest Infection symptomsFever, chills, headache and muscle pain.Joint swelling, stiffness and pain, especially in the mornings.A rash, usually on the trunk or limbs. The rash usually lasts for 7 - 10 days.A feeling of tiredness or weakness.More information about mosquito-borne infections is available on the NSW Health website at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/mosquito.aspx 

The Lismore Women’s Festival is gearing up for a weekend of fun, workshops and entertainment on March 6-8 – and you’re invited. It’s the fourth year the annual festival has been run by the YWCA Australia, and while it’s called a women’s festival, coordinator Emma Newman said men are very welcome to come along.Emma said this year, the festival activities will be concentrated around Lismore City Hall. “It’s so we can have a hub where we can connect, build and focus our energies in one place over food and coffee in the day,” she said. “Our feedback from participants in the previous festivals said having a women’s festival was important to give women a chance to hang you with groups of other women.“There’s a rare delight in having a large gathering of people - and people who identify as women are welcome to join in activities.“It allows us to feel empowered. There’s still more work that needs to be done to support and encourage women to rise to be who they are.”The festival runs from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, with activities scheduled morning, noon and night.“We’ll be having the Roar Women’s Music Festival on Friday as part of it, with singer-songwriter Essie Thomas as the headliner,” Emma said. “Essie grew up in the Northern Rivers and is now an internationally recognised musician.”There’s also the She-Rated Cabaret for over 18s on the Saturday and a burlesque workshop, teaching women how to striptease.It’s run by Imogen Kelly, who was named the World Queen of Burlesque in 2012 and she’ll be performing at the cabaret.On Sunday, the Funny and Female Comedy Show with Vanessa Larry Laughs Out Loud will be on, as well as a workshop training people what to do when they find themselves as a bystander to violence. “There’s also workshops where you can learning about nutrition and perimenopause,” Emma said. “It’s coming to being understood and more openly talked about now. “We’ll have dancing, yoga and relaxation sessions each day, as well as visual art at Serpentine Gallery in North Lismore.”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.“There are a whole range of topics, such as growing trees, intercultural awareness, performance, environment, music, feminism, health, communication and comedy. “Please look to find something for you and book ahead if you can.”YWCA Australia is also looking for volunteers and young women to be part of the Youth Tent, or to help with running the festival - and women can also join a women’s choir, organized by Northern Rivers Conservatorium. “It’s always fun to be part of the team at a festival, and there’ll be a variety of ways to help out and hang out,” Emma said. If you are interested in helping out in any way with the festival, email Emma at nsw-womensfestival@ywca.org.auThe 2020 Lismore Women’s Festival Program can be found at https://www.lismorewomensfestival.org/ and on Facebook.

Once again, high-dose orange MDMA (ecstasy) tablets have authorities sending out a health warning.NSW Health is warning the community of the dangers of MDMA tablets labelled “QDANCE”, which are currently in circulation. NSW Poisons Information Centre, clinical director Professor Andrew Dawson, said the dangerous drugs contained more than two to three times the common dose. “Just one MDMA tablet or capsule alone can cause life-threatening toxicity,” Prof Dawson said. “The risk is greatly increased if high doses or multiple MDMA tablets or capsules are consumed over a short period, or if MDMA is consumed in combination with alcohol or other stimulants, such as methamphetamine or cocaine. “Hot, humid weather also increases the dangers, as MDMA causes the body to dangerously overheat, potentially leading to organ failure, loss of consciousness and death. “Consumption of high doses of MDMA has been linked to cases of serious illness and death in NSW. It can cause severe agitation and paranoia, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, heart rhythm problems and death.” Prof Dawson urged anyone who feels unwell from MDMA to immediately call Triple Zero. “Look after your mates. If you feel unwell, or if your friend feels unwell, do something about it. Don’t ignore it. You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care,” he said. NSW Police recently seized a series of the orange QDANCE tablets. For images and information about the tablets see the NSW Health website. The NSW Government has been placing Amnesty Bins at some music festivals so patrons have a chance to discard illegal drugs without fear of prosecution or penalty. The measure is a key part of the NSW Government’s response to the Deputy Coroner’s recommendations following the inquest into the deaths of six patrons at NSW music festivals, which found five people died from MDMA toxicity and one person died from combined MDMA and cocaine toxicity. NSW Health has also released updated Guidelines for Music Festival Event Organisers which support the delivery of safer music festivals. For information about adverse effects of MDMA contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.For confidential and anonymous telephone counselling contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) – 1800 250 015 – a 24/7 service. The 2019-20 NSW Budget commits $231.6 million to delivering alcohol and other drug prevention, education, treatment and ongoing care programs statewide.

The rollout of the new regional seniors’ transport card has been labelled as a “fiasco”, by Lismore MP Janelle Saffin.Ms Saffin said carers and disability support pensioners remain ineligible under the NSW Government’s new scheme.The regional seniors travel card provides eligible seniors living in the Lismore Electorate with a $250 prepaid card to help with the cost of everyday travel, and can be applied for through Service NSW.“The Berejiklian-Barilaro Government late last week caved in to sustained opposition and community pressure by extending the card to war veterans and war widows, many who are our locals here on the North Coast,” Ms Saffin said.“During last year’s State election, the Nationals and their candidate for Lismore Mr. Curtin trumpeted this card as something really special for seniors, but the reality is that it is for a lucky few.“I know our pensioners across my four Local Government Areas thought ‘great’ … just as I did … a bit of relief for petrol, some need it to take their loved ones to medical appointments and for themselves.“In the country, we cannot always hop on a bus or a train like our city cousins can.“Firstly, there was a nine-month delay in making the card available, followed by disbelief from veterans that they, and others, would be treated as second class citizens.“To exclude veterans, who have given such great service to Australia, was just plain wrong and the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government had to be shamed into correcting this error of judgment.“To continue to shut out carers and disability support pensioners is cruel and hurts country folk and communities harder. These seniors are no less deserving of the card.“The Nationals claim they are the only ones looking after country New South Wales, which is bunkum anyway, and their mean-spirited approach to who qualifies for this card, shows how silly their posturing is.”

Thieves who stole an electric bike stolen from the Southern Cross University grounds are still at large - and local police are seeking help to find the culprits.The bike was a black Dillenger brand electric cruiser worth $2000 and was stolen from the university grounds on January 28, 2020.Richmond District Police urge anyone with information, or who recognise the people in this video still, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or phone Lismore Police Station on 02 6626 0599.You can quote police case number C73825857.

If you’re passionate about regional and rural issues, you have until the end of February to nominate for the Local Land Services board election.North Coast Local Land Services (NCLLS) is encouraging people to get involved on the local board and help deliver meaningful services.NCLLS works with land managers to help secure the future of agriculture and the environment for NSW communities,  Local Land Services ratepayers can nominate online, at Local Land Services offices and those wishing to lodge by ‘snail mail’ will need to raise their hand earlier to ensure their nomination is received in time. NCLLS general manager Louise Orr said community input was an essential part of improving primary production and natural resource management around the state. “Local board members connect with people and communities within their region to help identify and deliver services relevant to local needs,” Ms Orr said. Those wishing to throw their hat in the ring will need to officially nominate before the end of February, with voting due to open on 9 April 2020. The current round of nominations follows the recent recruitment process for 29 Ministerially-appointed members. Ms Orr said while the current focus is on nominations, there have been a few changes since the last local board elections. “It is now easier to participate without the need to enrol,” she said. “All eligible Local Land Services ratepayers will be included on the electoral roll automatically - however, you’ll need to let us know how you’d like to receive your voting pack - either online or in the post.“The regulation allows for one vote per ratepayer or company in each region, regardless of the number of holdings you have in the region. “This means that each ratepayer in the region will have an equal say in who will be their representative on the local board.” Local Land Services is aiming for diverse and dynamic boards that reflect modern agriculture in NSW. As such, nominations from women, Aboriginal people, younger people and other under-represented groups are strongly encouraged. “With so many people in our region who are skilled and passionate about land management, I expect we will attract candidates with strong and varied skills and experience to provide a voice for our regional communities,” Ms Orr said. “I encourage anyone who is eager to contribute at a local level to nominate for a board position before February 28.” Across all 11 Local Land Services regions, ratepayers will elect 34 board members to work with Minister-appointed board members and the Chair to ensure local priorities drive the effective and efficient delivery of services to farmers and land managers across the State. To nominate as a candidate, visit www.austelect.com.au or www.lls.nsw.gov.au and download a candidate information package and nomination form. Voting opens 9 April and closes at 5pm on 8 May 2020. The announcement of board members will by the end of June 2020. 

Lismore’s Deputy Mayor, Darlene Cook, has thrown her hat in the ring and will be running again for the local Council election on September 12.Her decision comes after last week’s Labor party meeting, where candidates interested nominating themselves for local government elections went through a formal preselection process.“Nominations for candidates in the Labor party have officially opened now and I have renominated to run in this election,” Darlene said. “We discussed in the branch meeting who was going to be on the ticket and the order was submitted.”At the last local council election, Councillor Cook ran as the number two candidate on the Labor party ticket, after Isaac Smith, who ran as the mayoral candidate in the number one position.Until the formal nomination process is over, everyone in the Labor party is keeping their lips tightly sealed about who will be number one on this year’s Labor ticket.While it is still unconfirmed, it may be that the current mayor, Isaac Smith, will not be nominating himself again for the next election. Cr Cook said the last four years on council “has been challenging, but great”.“I can see lots of positive stuff coming out over the next 12 months as Council transforms internally,” she said. “It won’t be an easy process, but it will be a big achievement. “I’d never been a public person before – I’ve been a farm worker, a factory worker and a bookkeeper,” she said. “This lets me get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to get out there and do something different.“We have some exciting times ahead - as long as we don’t flood again. We spend so much time in disaster recovery and response when we flood – like in 2017 – and everything winds to a stop.“The community is still recovering from its response to disaster – and when it rains again, they feel it.”As far as the future goes for Cr Cook, she said at the age of 64, she’s happy to be living in a beautiful area in one of the outlying villages.“I’ve been a rural girl for more than half my life,” she said. “I’m not going anywhere.”

After months of bushfires and now rain, Protestors Falls in the Nightcap National Park has come alive again.Photographer Jaydon Daly, who works at the New Camera House in Lismore, went to Protestors Falls on the weekend to take some pictures and what he found was breath-taking.Photographer Jaydon Daly took photos at at Protestors Falls.“It was absolutely beautiful,” Jaydon said.“The waterfall was flowing so strong and the water was crystal clear.”Jaydon said the remnants of the affects of the fires on the forest were still visible in the hills nearby.“I could still see a couple of trees that looked burnt, but they were regenerating again,” he said.Jaydon sent one of his best photographs of the waterfall into The Lismore App, and we wanted to share them with you.Jaydon has been working as a photographer for the past five years and said it is his passion.“I’ve spent $57,000 on camera equipment and love it,” he said. “The waterfall shot was taken with a 35mm lens, at 58 seconds, F/20, ISO 64 and using a 6 stop ND filter.”You can find Jaydon at Busta Photo on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BustaPhoto/If you have any great photos of the local, area please send them in to us via Contact The App on The Lismore App, or contact us on our Facebook page and tell us your story!

Local dancers and performers with performance experience, can apply to take part in NORPA’s new physical theatre project, INFORM #4. Over five days, a physical theatre workshop intensive will combine aerial, dance and physical theatre to generate a physical response to Lismore City Hall’s building exterior.The workshop is for performers aged 16+ and caters for a mix of performance abilities. INFORM #4 will involve two guest artists who are Australia’s leading physical theatre practitioners, theatre makers and teachers - WA born Lee-Anne Litton and Argentinean born Alejandro Rolandi from aerial-focused physical theatre company Strings Attached.INFORM is a partnership between Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) and Sydney based company Critical Path that aims to extend dance theatre practice in the Northern Rivers region. By connecting local artists with leading practitioners from around the country, INFORM provides opportunities for local performers to explore a combination of theatre forms in a highly experimental environment. INFORM #4 will take place from Tuesday, March 17 until Saturday, March 21. The cost is $75 (with meals included). Expressions of interest close Monday, March 9.To apply and for more info visit, http://www.norpa.org.au/trainingThese workshops are subsidised and made possible through funding by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia, and through our partnership with Critical Path.

The Lismore Pie cart is looking decidedly purple today, along with many other local Lismore businesses.They are all taking part in Purple Week and have decorated their shops and windows in support of the Cancer Council's annual fundraiser, Relay For Life.Magenta Community Services.They've gone purple, not just because they want to win the inaugural Purple Week trophy, but because they want to spread the message to our local community to get involved in Relay For Life on March 28 and 29.Lismore & Villages Relay For Life committee chair Leanne Thompson said Purple Week is about raising awareness and having fun.“It’s important that we get the community involved in attending the event and raise money and awareness of the services the Cancer Council makes available in the local area," Leanne said."Things like the free Cancer Council Information Service at St Vincent’s Hospital, the free Transport to Treatment service assisting local people getting to appointments and free financial and legal assistance to local patients."Wallace Bishop is purple.If you still want to turn your business purple, its not too late - registering with Leanne means you can be in the running to win the Purple Week trophy for the best dressed window.If you register, the Purple Week team will deliver a kit to you with purple streamers, balloons and posters - and Relay For Life shirts can be borrowed to put up in the windows as decorations.“We are also encouraging businesses to hold a workplace fundraiser that week to assist us raise the vital funds needed to continue to provide essential Cancer Council services to our local community,” Leanne said.Shop Baby had gone purple for cancer.“You can hold an office morning tea, a team BBQ, a dress-up day or have donation boxes in your business during this time.”Anyone can get involved in the event, which involves a walk around the oval at Southern Cross University to raise funds for the work of the Cancer Council.The Lismore & Villages Relay will be held at Southern Cross University, Lismore Campus and will feature entertainment while the Lismore community celebrates, remembers and fights back against cancer.Janelle Saffin's office.For more information, or to register for the day, visit http://www.cancercouncil.org.au/lismorerelayTo register your business for Purple Week, contact Leanne on 0419 695 636 or Erin on 0490 912 323.Read more: Cancer doesn't rest: Relay for Life calls youBig W.

Local food and beverage producers can now apply for financial support from the Coles Nurture Fund to help them innovate and grow.Coles has opened a new round of the Coles Nurture Fund to provide grants of up to $500,000 for small businesses to develop new market-leading products, processes and technologies.Food and beverage producers affected by bushfires or drought can also apply for financial support to help renew their business.Coles chief executive Steven Cain encouraged small businesses to apply for financial support from the Coles Nurture Fund ahead of the deadline on 20 March.“At Coles, we want to win together with food and beverage producers by funding projects which drive innovation to inspire customers or improve sustainability on Aussie farms and production facilities,” he said.“As a proudly Australian company that began as a small business more than 100 years ago, supporting Australian producers to develop their businesses is a key pillar of our strategy to sustainably feed all Australians to help them lead healthier, happier lives.”Businesses with innovative ideas, fewer than 50 full time employees and turnover of less than $25 million in annual revenue are eligible to apply.Since it was established in 2015, the Coles Nurture Fund has committed more than $21 million in financial support to over 50 Australian businesses to help them introduce ground-breaking technology, establish new products and improve productivity and efficiency.Previous Nurture Fund projects include Australia’s first quinoa processing plant and an automated indoor facility that grows highly nutritious cattle fodder in just six days.To apply for Round Eight of the Coles Nurture Fund, log onto www.coles.com.au/nurturefundApplications close at 5pm AEST on Friday, 20 March 2020.

At Summerland Christian College’s first assembly of the year, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan announced funding of $12,985 for the construction of a new environmental outdoor learning area for the Goonellabah school.  “This is an exciting project developed by the school community,” Mr Hogan said. “The purpose of the environmental outdoor learning area is to help educate the students on the natural spring next to the college that feeds the Lismore water supply, the Koala corridor that passes through the college and local indigenous environmental perspectives.“School communities nominated the projects they wanted and the Government stepped up with funding support through the $30.2 million Local Schools Community Fund.”

With the minor flooding from Wilsons and Richmond rivers late last week, a lot of eyes have been cast upwards at the sky.NSW Bureau of Meteorology has issued its five-day forecast and while it will remain hot for the first four days, there are showers daily with the odd storm predicted.According to the NSW Bureau of Meteorology tomorrow will have a shower or two, with a high of 29C, then a possible shower or storm on Tuesday as the temperature hits 31C and Wednesday sees the chance of a shower or two and possible storm with the thermometer hitting 33C.The temperature cools down on Thursday to a maximum of 27C with a shower or two and on Friday, showers are predicted with a high of 26C.NSW SES Lismore City attended more requests for assistance in the first two months of this year than the whole of 2019."One thing we know is that floods and storms will happen. Not if but when. Now is a good time to inspect your property and fix any problem areas," Northern Rivers NSW SES said on its Facebook page."Our website has good information on what to do after a flood or storm. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the site."Do you have a home emergency kit? We have resources to help you put one together."Have you seen our interactive map on the homepage? It shows current warnings and you can search for your town."We also have resources for primary and secondary schools."

NSW State Emergency Services said that there is still minor flooding along the Wilsons River at Lismore."Minor flooding is continuing along the Richmond River at Coraki and Bungawalbyn Junction. Minor flooding may occurat Woodburn," NSW SES said."The Wilsons River at Lismore is currently at 5.87 metres and falling with minor flooding."The Richmond River at Coraki is currently at 4.84 metres and near its peak with minor flooding."Flood water has inundated the lower car park behind Westlawn Finance building and Slater Creek may back up and inundate Pitt Street near the Richmond River Sports Oval inNorth Lismore.Simes Bridge remains closed.Road access between North Lismore and Lismore will continue to be restricted or closeThe following streets may close:Alexandra Parade, Tweed Street, Terania Street, the southern end of Bridge Street and over the bridge to Woodlark Street, Tweed Street, Wilson Street via the Robert White Bridge, Casino Street, Union Street then via Woodlark Street or the Bruxner HighwayBridge Street, near McKenzie Park in North Lismore may closeJunction Street, between the southern ends of Molesworth and Keen streets, may closeFlood water may inundate the Lismore Tourist Caravan ParkWoodlawn Road at the railway underpass may closeRoad access to Woodlawn College may closeFlood Water may enter low lying parts of Trinity CollegeWinterton Parade at the Richmond River High may closeAlexandra Parade on the southern edge of the showground may closeHollingworth Creek may back up and start inundation of low-lying areas in South Lismorenear the floodgate in Newbridge, Crown, Elliott and Engine streets 

The North Coast Public Health Unit is urging residents and visitors to not swim or play in floodwater due to potential contamination. Greg Bell, Acting Director Public Health, said people who came in contact with floodwater could be exposing themselves to diluted sewage, bacteria, chemicals and physical hazards. “While the risk of infection from contact with floodwater is generally low, it is important to stay away from flood-affected areas and avoid unnecessary contact with mud and floodwaters,” Mr Bell said. “Swimming in contaminated water may cause illness, including ear infections, eye infections, fever and diarrhoea.” Residents and visitors are advised to avoid swimming in the ocean, rivers, creeks and lagoons for at least three days after the rain has stopped and to also avoid swimming if there are signs of pollution such as discoloured water, oil or scum on the water, and litter or other debris floating in the water or on the tide line. When coming into contact with floodwater or items contaminated by floodwater people should: • ensure that feet are covered and always wear gloves • always wash hands thoroughly with soap or alcohol-based hand cleanser. • cover cuts and abrasions; and • if you cut yourself on something that has been contaminated with floodwater, check with your GP about your tetanus vaccination. To avoid illness, it is important to wash hands with soap and clean water after participating in any flood clean-up activities, and before eating or handling food. For more information on keeping healthy during and after floods or storms, see: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/emergency_preparedness/weather/Pages/storms- and-floods.aspx Hints for staying healthy during floods and while cleaning up: • Wear gloves and suitable footwear when removing mud or debris from homes or yards. • Yards can be raked to remove debris and, if necessary, hosed down (check for current water restrictions). 

Nimbin's water supply has been now reinstated to rural customers after flood debris caused it to stop working properly.Lismore City Council reported this afternoon that "there is a leak that has yet to be located as the rural pipeline line is 8.5 kilometres long and follows a creek for the majority of the length - which is difficult to access in the current conditions"."The water supply will be monitored closely over the weekend and repairs will be conducted under normal mains break notification procedures when the location is identified."We thank the community for its patience and understanding in resolving thisEarlier story:Lismore City Council have reported this morning that “flood debris appears to be preventing the Nimbin water supply system from operating properly”.“Crews have been sent out to investigate the situation,” a Council statement said.“Updates will be posted as further information becomes known.”

What a tough week for the 2480 post code. Fires in November and floods in February, bring on the calm of autumn.As you know the Lismore Speedway has been called off already due to the deluge during the week and the unpredictable patterns leading into the weekend. The Fire Services Appreciation Night with free entry will now be moved to Saturday April 18.While we are on cancellations, all NR Cricket League's matches have been called off early as well.Here endeth the bad news.The good news is that the weather could be ok over the weekend or at worst not a lot of rain according to the BOM (Weather).Saturday is expecting 0-2mm while Sunday is 4-8mm with tops of 30 or 31 degrees. I'll take that after what hit us during the week.Markets and more markets is where your entertainment lies over the weekend.Lismore Farmers Markets tomorrow at 8am with Blue Knob at 8:30am. The Car Boot Markets are on Sunday from the normal time of 7:30am.The Lismore Regional Gallery has three new exhibitions for you to view starting tomorrow. RocoColonial, Binman Slag by Grayson Cooke and Media Studies by Bennet Miller. You can learn more by pushing on this link (Lismore Regional Gallery).For some live music, The Daisy Dukes are on at the Workers Club. Two highly talented women playing violin and acoustic rhythm guitar with incredible voices.Write this in your diary......Saturday March 14.That is the day of the 2020 Norco Eat The Street event. Eat The Street has become one of the iconic events on the calendar like the Lantern Parade so get your invitations out to family and friends outside of Lismore and get them in to enjoy the day and spend some money!That is the Weekend Wrap. Enjoy the sun when it shows it's face.