Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions and night work on the Pacific Highway from Monday 3 to Sunday 9 February for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, weather permitting.From Monday, there will be six days of work on the Pacific Highway between Mororo and Woodburn to install drainage, carry out earthwork and paving, and remove traffic barriers to allow vehicle access to site. Motorists can expect traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 60km/h and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm.Also from Monday, there will be five days of work next to the Pacific Highway at Chatsworth Island to carry out work on the Chatsworth Island North overpass bridge. Motorists can expect traffic control and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm.Further south from Monday, there will be five days of work next to the Pacific Highway at Maclean for excavation work. Southbound motorists can expect a reduced speed limit of 60km/h between 6am and 6pmFrom Tuesday, there will be four nights of work on the Pacific Highway at Woodburn to install traffic safety barriers, remove line marking and carry out pavement testing. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6pm and 6am.Also from Tuesday, there will be four days of work on the Pacific Highway at Glenugie to install electrical cables, lighting poles and signage. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and short stoppages at times between 7am and 6pm.On Friday, there will be one night of work on the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Ryans Lane at Chatsworth Island to carry out asphalt work and line marking. Motorists can expect lanes closures and traffic control between 6pm and 6am.Additional changes to local roadsFrom Monday, there will be five nights of work on the heavy vehicle underpass at the Yamba interchange and Oval Link Road at Harwood to carry out asphalt work. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6pm and 6am.Traffic control will be in use on Woodburn-Evans Head Road, Woodburn for up to five days from Monday to allow vehicles to access the project site and carry out drainage work. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6am and 6pm.Also from Monday, there will be five days of work on Tuckombil Road at Woodburn to carry out road maintenance, asphalt work and vegetation removal. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6am and 6pm.From Tuesday, there will be three days of work on the Old Pacific Highway at Glenugie to install electrical cables, lighting poles and signage. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and short stoppages at times between 7am and 6pm.On Friday, there will be one night of work on Wondawee Way and Trustums Hill Road at Woodburn to remove traffic barriers and carry out asphalt work. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6pm and 6am.The old Mororo Bridge is temporarily closed while drainage is installed.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

The Lismore City Council workshops for communities to help develop a 10 year Community Strategic Plan and a local Strategic Planning Statement will take place next Thursday in various towns over the next two weeks.While Clunes and the SCU venues are booked out, there are still places available at Nimbin, Dunoon, Caniaba and The Channon.The days and times for the workshops are;Thursday, 6 February, 5.30pm Clunes Coronation HallMonday, 10 February, 5.30pm Nimbin Birth & Beyond HallWednesday, 12 February, 5.30pm Dunoon HallThursday, 13 February, 5.30pm Adam Gilchrist Pavilion, PerradenyaMonday, 17 February, 5.30pmChannon Hall Wednesday, 19 February, 5.30pmSouthern Cross University Enterprise Lab (Workshop Room)“These community workshops are designed to be fun, positive and visionary,” Community Engagement Coordinator Casie Hughes said.“This is a chance for the community to do some big sky thinking about how we want our place in the world to look by 2031. We urge people to book now and bring their best ideas and enthusiasm.”To register, visit www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au

It is a pretty quiet weekend in Lismore and surrounds which given the weather forecast maybe a good thing! Plus it is the end of the first week of school for 2020 so you may have some tired kids, even if they only went for two or three days this week.So, here os the weather lowdown. 33 degrees tomorrow, 35 on Sunday then 37 on Monday! (Weather)That is the bad news. The good news is we can expect a change on Monday afternoon/evening and with comes showers and possible thunderstorms. Tuesday is a beautiful 27 degrees with showers.The best way to do anything this weekend is get up early which works out well for the Lismore Farmers Markets (8:00am) and the Blue Knob Markets (8:30am).The monthly Lismore Vintage and Handmade Markets are Saturday between 10am and 2pm at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium at 152 Keen Street.As you have read on the Lismore App last week, the Dusty Attic Music Lounge is closing its doors tomorrow night. Their last hurrah is APTS, two North Coast producers who will put on an amazing show of electronica, pysch-rock, soul and pop. Hopefully Kate Stroud will support live music through her partnership with NORPA.There is some live music tonight at the Nimbin Hotel. Salt and Steel will be playing their heavy rock grunge fusion music from 7pm.As I mentioned at the start, this is a quiet weekend because that is What's On. Of course you can check out some new houses to see in the Real Estate button (Real Estate), look for a used car (Cars For Sale) or go through the Family Fun (Family Fun) or Walks button (Walks). You can always find something to do on the Lismore App.A reminder that the Coleman Bridge is closed this weekend for more maintenance from 6am Saturday to 5pm Sunday. You will need to use Union Street or the Bruxner Highway as alternatives to move from the CBD to South Lismore. One pedestrian walkway will remain open at all times.Enjoy!

NSW Health is urging parents and carers to ensure children are vaccinated on time and has warned vaccinations shouldn’t be delayed even if a child has a minor illness. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director, Health Protection NSW encouraged parents and carers to download the Save the Date to Vaccinate app to ensure their children receive vital vaccinations in time for the start of school. “On-time vaccinations are the most effective way to protect children from life-threatening diseases,” Dr McAnulty said. “The free Save the Date to Vaccinate app reminds parents and carers what vaccinations their child needs and when they’re due, in line with the NSW Immunisation Schedule. “If a child has a runny nose or slight cold, they can still get vaccinated. Delaying vaccinations can leave children exposed to serious illnesses at a time when they’re most vulnerable.” Dr McAnulty said the recent measles outbreak in Samoa, which has killed at least 83 people, is a salient reminder of just how dangerous vaccine preventable disease can be when immunisations rates are low. Mother of two Lisa Smith, from Sydney’s north, said the Save the Date to Vaccinate app is a helpful reminder in a hectic schedule. “I never missed a vaccination with my first child but once I had my second child, I found it hard to stay on top of the key dates as I was just so busy with work and looking after two children,” Ms Smith said. “The Save The Date to Vaccinate app sends automatic reminders to my phone, it’s made it so much easier to schedule immunisation appointments, not forget them and have a record to hand of all the vaccinations my children have received.” On-time vaccination and overall participation in childhood immunisation programs continues to improve in NSW, with 94.5% of children fully vaccinated by five years of age in the past 12 months compared with 90.8% in 2012. Protecting children from potentially deadly diseases is a key priority for the NSW Government, which has invested approximately $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines. You can download the free Save The Date To Vaccinate app at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/app/pages/default.aspx 

A local creek was contaminated by a quantity of pesticide today, sparking an investigation by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).A spokeswoman from NSW Fire & Rescue said two crews were called to a private property on Kings Road in Eureka just before 1pm this afternoon.“We were called to scene by the EPA,” she said. “There had been 20 litres of an unknown substance that had been poured into, or had gotten into the creek.“The crews arrived at 2pm and found out the spill was pesticide.“The EPA attended as well and the pesticide was pumped out of the creek.“We are still trying to identify the exact chemical in the pesticide.“The incident is being investigated by the EPA and the Fire Investigation Unit. “The creek was on private land and we are still unsure if a resident did it. It is being discussed with the owners.”

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on Colemans Bridge in North Lismore this weekend for essential maintenance work to be carried out.The bridge will be closed to all traffic from 6am on Saturday, February 1 to 5pm on Sunday, February 2, weather permitting, as part of ongoing strengthening and maintenance work.One of the bridge’s two pedestrian walkways will remain open at all times.Work will be carried out between 6am and 5pm each day, but the bridge will remain closed overnight on Saturday.There will be regular weekend closures until the end of June 2020.An alternative route from South Lismore to the Lismore CBD is available via Union Street, and the Bruxner Highway (Elliott Road). From the Lismore CBD to South Lismore, use the Bruxner Highway and Union Street.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit http://www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Whilst it is fantastic to see much-needed rainfall over much of the north coast, the wet weather may bring with it an increase in insect numbers. These biting insects may bring with them the risk of diseases such as Three Day Sickness. Three Day Sickness or Bovine Ephemeral Fever is a viral disease of cows transmitted by biting insects such as mosquitoes and midges.North Coast Local Land Service district vets are advising producers to be on the lookout for Three Day Sickness over the coming months.Animals affected with Bovine Ephemeral fever experience a sudden onset of fever and are often reluctant to move. These animals stop eating and become depressed and can drool saliva, develop a nasal discharge and may have watery eyes. The fever may cause temporary infertility in bulls and abortions in pregnant cows.Typically affected animals are only sick for a few days hence the name Three Day Sickness, however, some animals do take much longer to recover. Deaths may occur in a small percentage of affected animals.Once cattle have been infected with the disease, most develop long term immunity. For this reason, the condition is most commonly seen in younger animals. However, given Three Day Sickness virus activity has been relatively low for the past two years, there may be many animals that have not been previously exposed to the virus and so will lack immunity.A vaccination is available and requires two doses of vaccine at least four weeks apart to achieve adequate protection and should be given before the virus is active in the area for best results.If you have any questions regarding Three Day Sickness, please contact your North Coast Local Land Services District veterinarian on 1300 795 299 or your local vet.

Richmond District Police are appealing for public assistance in identifying this man.Police believe he can assist with inquiries into an incident within Lismore.Anyone with information urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.auInformation is treated in strict confidence.

South Lismore Duck Pond Landcare had a dream come true when MP Kevin Hogan came through with a grant of $20,000 for the site.Duck Pond Landcare president Darren Coyne said the money would be used to continue regenerating the site, clearing weeds in the southern end and planting native trees.“The committee will meet next week and discuss how best to spend the money,” Darren said. “We’ve also got maintenance equipment that needs repairing and we’re investigating the possibility of holding an annual community gathering at the Duck Pond where we highlight the work of Landcare groups."The Duck Pond, according to Darren is “the heart of Lismore”. The 28 hectare site - off Ostrom Street - is an important part of the local water catchment.“It was once a sand mining area and it was the site of the first speedway,” he said“It was here in Leicester Creek that people used to learn to swim when river was in a nice state before the macadamia farms polluted the local waterways. It’s still a problem today and there’s no coordinated effort to solve the problem of land use in this area.”Darren said the Duck Pond Landcare group was his brainchild and started seven years ago.“I was looking out over the river from the back from my place and thought ‘what a wasted space’. It had been taken over by coral trees – and we’ve got rid of a lot of those since then.“We have a small handful of dedicated volunteers who work on the site – and we also have people from NSW Corrective Services doing community service orders as well as other professional regeneration groups working here."Darren said the site has been managed so far with minimal help from Lismore City Council.“It’s very good of Mr Hogan to get behind the local group,” he said.“We approached him and told him we need funding and filled out the appropriate form and he delivered what we asked.” The $20,000 was awarded to the Landcare group under the Federal Government’s Communities Environment Program.Mr Hogan said “this program is all about harnessing the passion of grassroots community organisations to deliver practical local projects that directly improve our local environment”.“This project will see the removal of exotic weeds and pests from the duck pond, replanting and regeneration of the former industrial land on the southern boundary of the pond," he said.“Local Landcare volunteers are already delivering fantastic results here, whether it’s planting trees, cleaning up local waterways, reducing litter or protecting native species.”Landcare volunteer Mark Bailey said the group was thrilled with the funds that would see further planting of native species that will improve water quality, enhance fish habitat and promote frog breeding areas.“This new funding will help to make the Duck Pond Reserve cleaner and greener for future generations,” he said.

Brothers Ashwin (5) and Morgan Creamer-Smith (8) were chomping at the bit to walk to school this morning.It's the first day of the 2020 school year and they walked excitedly up the hill to Lismore Heights Public School for the first time together.The boys were two of many school children returning after the summer school holidays - but for Ashwin, he was particularly excited because it was going to be his first day at school, after watching his brother Morgan go to school for the past three years.He had his new shorts, new shoes and new backpack, which he picked himself. What was in his lunch box was going to be a surprise.Ashwin said he'd already been to the school last year for the "check out" days, as called them - a soft start where the younger children are introduced to what it's like to be at school over a few short sessions.Read more: Make sure the back to school list includes a water bottleBrothers Ashwin and Morgan Creamer-Smith.Morgan said he was in Year 3 this year and the best thing he loved about going to school was "hanging with friends"."I like learning things too," Morgan said.Morgan and Ashwin's dad, Jonathan, said Lismore Heights Public was a great school."There's plenty of respect in how they deal with things at the school," he said. "They have lots of award systems in place and that makes it a good experience for the kids."We like that there's a strong presence of Indigenous culture at the school too. They learns songs in language and have a focus on Indigenous art."They are always putting on musicals and play and encourage the children to dance and perform."Read more: Lismore's generosity helps kids doing it tough get back to schoolParents Jonathan Smith and Rachel Creamer with their boys Ashwin and Morgan.

Back to school time for local families doing it tough was made a lot easier thanks to the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) Operation Backpack appeal.Primary-aged children starting or returning to school today will now have essential back-to-school supplies thanks to donations from shoppers at Lismore Shopping Square.Vinnies’ Linda Williams said Operation Backpack’ appeal has helped several hundred local families get ready for the 2020 school year. “Priority is being given to schools in areas affected by the bushfires,” Ms Williams said.Donated school items included backpacks, pens, pencils and textas, exercise books, lunch boxes and water bottles. They were given to the appeal by shoppers throughout January and have been distributed by St Vincent de Paul Society community workers. Ms Williams thanked shoppers for their generosity, saying this year’s appeal was even more successful than last year’s. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped out,” Ms Williams said. “Vinnies assists many local families who are doing it tough, and the recent fires have made life even more difficult. “It’s so important for kids returning or starting school to have the right equipment from day one, and Vinnies is in close touch with local primary schools in areas of identified social need. We really appreciate the ongoing commitment of everyone who shops locally.” Lismore Shopping Square's Karen Hugg added, “The appeal is a wonderful partnership between a major retail complex and one of Australia’s most respected charities. We are so pleased to be helping local families in need, especially those impacted by the bushfires.”Read more: Make sure the back to school list includes a water bottle

Southern Cross University has suspended all non-essential travel to Asia for a period of three weeks, so as not to unnecessarily expose staff or students to the risk of contracting coronavirus.Coronavirus is a deadly virus that has originated in Wuhan, China, where it has been responsible for 100 deaths. It has been detected in several other countries. Currently in NSW, there are four confirmed cases of the virus and six cases being investigated.The university’s Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker today wrote to all staff and students across the university’s nine campuses in four states.“While the impact on the University community at this stage appear relatively small we are still taking this situation very seriously,” Prof Shoemaker said.“Our priority is to ensure the ongoing health and well-being of all our staff and students and we are taking a prudent and considered approach to dealing with these issues, following the very best advice available.”The Vice Chancellor has been in direct contact with Commonwealth and NSW Health authorities and a university taskforce is monitoring the situation daily.Southern Cross University is asking people exhibiting symptoms of the virus to isolate themselves.“Anyone who develops a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel to China – or after contact with a person with a confirmed case of – coronavirus, should immediately isolate themselves from other people, contact their GP or local emergency department and call the healthdirect helpline 1800 022 222,” a university statement said.All other University operations and facilities are open for business as usual.A special communications line has also been created to communicate with the University about the coronavirus epidemic.“These measures will be monitored over the coming days as further information is shared and top level advice received,” ProfShoemaker said.

High temperatures are forecast to continue across the Northern Rivers as children head back to school over the next few days.Children can easily become dehydrated in hot weather, so in these circumstances it is especially important to make sure they are drinking plenty of water.Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, said by the time a child feels thirsty they may already dehydrated, and this can have a big impact on their school day.“Signs that a child is dehydrated include tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea and increased anxiety and tension. In the classroom the child will struggle with a shorter attention span, lack of concentration and alertness, and low mood,” she said. “This can be avoided if children stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The school bubblers are always a good source of fresh, cool water.”Some tips to avoid dehydration:• always include a water bottle in the school bag (chilled and insulated or frozen overnight).• encourage children to have a big drink of water before school and when they come home.• teachers can make sure children drink water before, during and after playing games and sport.Drinking plenty of water is very important for good health as being properly hydrated helps your body function at its best.An easy way for children to check if they are drinking enough water is by looking at the colour of their wee.Clear wee is good, but dark yellow or brown urine means they need to drink more water.Read more: Lismore's generosity helps kids doing it tough get back to school

A woman is suffering possible chest injuries after being head butted by a cow at Terania Creek last night.The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter was tasked at 8pm to a rural property to help the 62 year old woman.The helicopter was tasked due to the location being difficult to access and the woman was treated by local Ambulance Paramedics before being further stabilised by the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team. She was transported to Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition.Immediately after returning, the helicopter was again tasked at 2.20am to Bonalbo Hospital to transport a 60 year old female with a medical condition to Gold Coast University Hospital. She was flown direct to the Gold Coast in a critical condition.

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista is finally back home in Lismore after her big journey of donating a kidney to her son, Isaak.“I’m back at work today,” Rebekka told The Lismore App. “A lot has happened in the last seven weeks. “My operation scar is looking pretty neat – the surgeon did a good job and he was pleased that I was pleased.“I underestimated how big the operation was – I would go out and do stuff and need to sleep a lot the next day. On Saturday, I tried to get back in to my routine and I went and did the park run and had to a walk and run – but it will be fine.“Isaak is doing well too – the results are fantastic. He goes to hospital twice a week for monitoring and now he has energy to burn. He’s still in Sydney at Hillsong Bible College in Waterloo."Rebekka and her family while in hospital in Sydney.Rebekka said while in Sydney recovering after the operation, she and Isaak “did all the tourist things”.“We went to Manly for Isaak’s birthday and walked around Centrepoint – things you don’t have time to do before that because you are sitting around the hospital.”Rebekka said she surprised her husband, Gianpiero by arriving home a day early.“He was expecting me home last Friday and I surprised him on Thursday – it’s good to be home,” she said.“This year I need to hit the ground running with organising the Our Kids Samson Challenge on March 6 and 7.Rebekka at the Lismore Cup race day.“It’s our major fundraiser for and registrations are now open. People have been registering since December and they close mid-February.“People will come from Brisbane and Sydney for it – it’s a massive community event. The Samson Challenge is an obstacle course where teams compete in a timed event. Participants need to complete eight different legs and they need to work together to complete the course.“There’s swimming, running, pushing, pulling, and getting over a three metre wall - all in the name of charity,” Rebekka said. “The first team finished is the Samson winner. We also have Samson solo for individuals on the Friday night, as well as team sprints."To register, visit http://www.lismoresamson.com

Lismore City Council will receive a grant of $1 million from the Federal Government to complete local infrastructure and other drought-relief projects. The Drought Communities Programme grant was announced by Member for Page Kevin Hogan, along with other payments for local farmers, to help with drought assistance in the Lismore community.“While we have had recent rain the recovery from drought will take time,” Mr Hogan said. The Farm Household Allowance (FHA), is also there to help our farmers through periods of hardship, providing four years of income assistance. Payments of $30,000 per annum for couples are available now, you can check your eligibility by calling 132 316 or online at: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/farm-household-allowance Alternatively, you can contact The Rural Financial Counselling Service, which is a free confidential service. The local Rural Financial Counselling Service at Casino can be contacted on 6662 5055. As part of their service, they can help farmers complete paperwork, identify financial and business options, negotiate with lenders and identify other assistance schemes.

Cancer Council NSW Relay For Life committee chair Leanne Thompson is getting ready for the annual Relay For Life walk that celebrates cancer survivors, remembers those lost, and fights back against the disease by raising funds.The Relay For Life is an 18-hour symbolic walk that takes place overnight, from March 28-29 at Southern Cross University. “Cancer is with the patient every step of the day - it won’t rest, so we won’t either," Leanne said.“The walking is a symbolic gesture – you don’t have to walk the whole time."It recognises that many people in our community deal with cancer – from patients to carers, children and loved ones who also deal with it. “There is no training required – it’s not a fitness challenge.“You can sign up as an individual, or get a team and create a team name – or you can just get together with like-minded people during the event and celebrate and commemorate the amazing people we have in our community. It’s not an experience that you can get anywhere else.“If you come alone, you can decide to join the Friends of Relay team and walk with them.“People who have lost someone dear to them often raise funds before the event by holding workplace morning teas or plan trivia nights, movie nights or lamington drives. “All of the funds raised go to the Cancer Council and we use the money locally. We provide a lot of services like the St Vincent Hospital service that provides free transport to treatment for people. Participants in last year's Relay for Life.“Lismore is highest referrer of people diagnosed with cancer to a free service that offers them free financial and legal advice.”The Relay for Life is a global movement, and there are more than 5000 relays being held across the world in 26 different countries - attracting more than 4 million participants annually. Leanne said the Lismore event begins on Saturday afternoon with a 3pm opening ceremony, followed by a first lap performed by survivors and carers. “Not everyone on cancer journey can identify as a survivor, so we added an extra category for Lismore – for people who are still living with cancer,” she said.“There will be tents set up where teams can sell raffle tickets to raise money too and often teams dress up in their own theme, like ‘clowns for a cure’.“The rest of the event is like a festival, with food trucks, entertainment and a kids’ zone.“At 6.30pm we have a hope ceremony and stop for 30 minutes and remember people we have lost with music, poems and photos.“Then we have a lap of silence in the dark and we party into the evening with a DJ and band until 12pm, followed by movies and music, until breakfast at 9am and a closing ceremony.“Some people make personal pledges to walk all night and some people do a few laps in the morning – it’s up to you how long you walk for.” “We encourage teams and participants to hold fundraising events in the lead up to the event to help us reach our $100,000 fund raising target.“You can get our fundraising kit and get ideas about how you can raise money for the event.“You can also sell raffle tickets in our major raffle for 2020 – first prize is a Toyota Yaris.”If you are keen to get involved, Leanne said you can sign up right up until the day.It costs $25 per person to register and each participant receives a free event tshirt.For more information, or to register, visit http://www.cancercouncil.org.au/lismorerelay or Facebook.

The dangerous novel Coronavirus which has been spreading around the world from China has reached NSW, with four confirmed cases and more under investigation. With students returning to school next week, parents of children who have had contact with a confirmed case of novel Coronavirus are being urged to keep their children at home and monitor for symptoms.  NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant explained that any child who has been in contact with a person confirmed as having novel coronavirus must not attend school or childcare for 14 days after the last contact with the infected person.  “14 days represents the internationally recognised incubation period for the disease,” Dr Chant said.“After this time the child is considered to be not be at risk of infection.” Students who have travelled to Wuhan and Hubei during the school holidays can return to school but should be carefully monitored for symptoms of coronavirus infection.  “The most common symptom is a fever,” Dr Chant said. “Other symptoms include, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.” Anyone who exhibits these symptoms should be isolated immediately from other people and seek medical attention as soon as possible.  If you develop a fever, a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel to Hubei or contact with a person with confirmed coronavirus, you should immediately isolate yourself from other people. Contact your GP or your emergency department or call the healthdirect helpline 1800 022 222 and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard explained that NSW Health has processes in place to identify any close contacts of cases confirmed in Australia. “Advice about not attending school would be provided to these close contacts,” he said.  There are currently four confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in NSW. All cases had travelled to Wuhan, China or had contact with a confirmed case in China.  Parents with concerns can contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for advice or visit the dedicated NSW Health information page at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx NSW Department of Education has issued guidance to all NSW Schools, which included information to guide school staff in the event of a child becoming sick. 

When an English man rang the Wildlife Information and Rescue Emergency Service (WIRES) hotline concerned about a tick infested python on Australia Day, it began a true blue rescue.The native Australian Coastal Carpet Python snake had a number of engorged ticks on its head – and eventually ended up in the care of the Wildlife Information and Rescue Emergency Service (WIRES). But not until it had involved an international array of WIRES volunteers.WIRES Northern Rivers reptile co-oordinator Martin Fitzgerald said the call was answered by a South African, Marion, and then relayed to an English lass, Jodie, who sought advice from a Canadian, Steve. Martin, who is Irish, then got involved and coordinated the rescue and asked Gus (who is Argentinian) to pick it up. The snake was then delivered to an “Aussie sheila” Artemis, then to another Aussie, Julie, who delivered the snake to Martin.“Julie delivered it to me in Clunes and first thing tomorrow morning, it will be delivered to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital for the Scottish vet, Lewis to look at,” Martin said.“The snake not only ticks on head, but dozens on its body – but they hadn’t yet engorged.“We removed the ticks we were able to get to, but the vet will decide whether to give it to give the snake medication to relieve the remainder of the burden.“Usually, a couple of paralysis ticks are not a problem on any native animals, but if there is an infestation, it can be a sign of the animal is undernourished. Most animals groom the ticks, except when they are sick.“A snake will usually climb into water and it takes a couple of days for the drown.“Often snakes will have a couple round still because it needs to come up for air.“The message is that a couple of ticks is not a problem, but if you see a significant amount of engorged ticks, it needs to be checked out.”Martin said the python is getting ready to shed his skin soon.“That’s when he will naturally rid himself of the ticks,” he said. “So, we will we check his blood and see if there are no underlying condition to make him vulnerable, and if all things are well, he will be released.”Martin said snakes have a homing instinct (like homing pigeons do), so when one gets accidentally transported to a new location, it will try to get home.“A python can be inadvertently picked up and moved about in cars,” Martin said.“On Australia Day, another man from New Zealand picked up a fridge in Ballina and found a python in it ended that in Kyogle.“We’ll need to get it back to Ballina, otherwise it will try to make its way back and could get injured crossing roads.”Martin said it was important to ring WIRES early if you are not sure about an animal’s behaviour.“It could be sick – but it’s not unusual for a python to sit still for a couple of days if it has had a meal. We can monitor them and make sure they are ok.”If you find a native animal in trouble, call the WIRES 24-hour rescue hotline on 66 281 898.If you are keen to make a difference for the wildlife in our area, consider joining WIRES. Visit http://wiresnr.org/Helping.html to find out how you can help.WIRES relies heavily on the generosity of caring people for support. All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.