Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista has revealed her future intentions as she remains in Sydney after having a kidney removed and transplanted in her 21-year-old son Isaak.Battista, who had to be rescued by firemen on Saturday when the unit Isaak and her are staying in became flooded due to a broken water pipe in the property above, said the pair will rest and recuperate in Sydney after the major operations.SUNDAY PROFILE: Rebekka Battista brings light to others "I can travel now but we’ve decided to stay here and take the time to rest until I see the specialist which is mid-January (if) he gives me the okay to get back to normal duties," she said."We are doing really well. Isaak's blood results are excellent. Daily he has tests at the hospital."Staying here forces me to rest which is good as I’m the type who if I come home would dive back into work and all that I love maybe a little earlier than I should."Also being here allows me to support Isaak so I am enjoying wearing my mother’s hat."Rebekka Battista donated her kidney to her son Isaak in separate major operations at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, Sydney on December 10.Isaak's father and Rebekka's husband, Gianpiero Battista, a Lismore City Councillor, donated a kidney to Isaak 13 years ago, when he was aged eight as he was born with renal failure.With the kidney beginning to fail, doctors discovered that Rebekka's kidney was compatible for Isaak. His mother underwent a six-hour operation to remove one of her kidneys and Isaak had eight hours of surgery to have the kidney transplanted.Rebekka gifts her son a kidney for ChristmasThe pair are able to get out and about and attended a service by Robert Fergusson at the Hillsong Church in Sydney on Sunday.They have also been moved into new accommodation after their unit they are staying in was flooding.A NSW Fire and Rescue appliance outside the unit block where Rebekka Battista's temporary home became flooded. Photo: Rebekka Battista / Facebook"Hilariously the maintenance man was working in the above apartment and broke a major water pipe. NSW Fire and Rescue were awesome as were the managers (the apartment block) here. Because we can’t lift yet the firemen moved us to temporary accommodation that the manager had organised .... how beautiful is that ! They even offered us a lift but not sure I could have got up into the truck after the operation," Rebekka said."This morning the accommodation manager moved us back into a new apartment. They have been so good as well and so apologetic."

After one of the busiest and most devastating bushfire seasons seen this decade, local Member for Page Kevin Hogan has said that volunteer firefighters will recieve financial support from the Federal Government for loss of income, where they have been called out for extended periods of service. “Rural Fire Service Volunteers in NSW who are self-employed or work for small and medium businesses, and who have been called out for more than 10 days this fire season, will be able to apply for the payments,” Mr Hogan said. “The payments will provide for lost income of up to $300 per day up to a total of up to $6,000 per person.” “These payments are tax free and will not be means-tested, but are targeted to those most likely to suffer lost income by volunteering for extended periods of time.” “For most, this will represent the equivalent of at least 20 days’ emergency leave for employees of small and medium sized businesses and volunteers who are self-employed,” he said. ”This will include farmers, small business owners, tradies’ and contract workers in rural and regional areas who have been hit especially hard by this fire season.” The Federal Government announced they would be providing paid leave for up to four weeks for Commonwealth public servants fighting these devastating fires. "This announcement provides employees of small and medium sized businesses and self-employed volunteers with the same level of support.” he said. The Australian Government will cover the costs of the grant payments. The NSW Government will administer the payments. Other state and territory governments are invited to enter into a similar scheme based on their assessment of need and the demands on their volunteer effort from their own fire seasons. Other requests for assistance will be assessed on their merits. “While I know RFS volunteers don’t seek payment for their service, I don’t want to see volunteers or their families unable to pay bills, or struggle financially as a result of the selfless contribution they are making,” he said. “This is not about paying volunteers. It is about sustaining our volunteer efforts by protecting them from financial loss. It’s targeted and is the result of a direct request and consultation with the NSW RFS and NSW Government, following the Commonwealth’s announcement of increased emergency services leave for Commonwealth public servants earlier this week.” “The fire chiefs and state and territory governments know they have our full support.” “We’ve already got our Defence Forces providing helicopter search and rescue, ground transport, accommodation, logistics and re-fuelling. We’ve boosted our support for water bombing planes and helicopters by $11 million,” he said. “Disaster recovery payments of $23 million have also flowed to affected families and businesses with more to come.” “This is a helping hand from the Federal Government for those giving to their community through an extreme fire season.” “These payments will help support volunteer fire fighters financially for all the support they’ve provided our communities,” he said. Payments are expected to be available before the end of January 2020.

Lismore and Goonellabah Libraries have free activities taking place throughout the school holidays to keep kids entertained, engaged and learning while having fun. You can pick up a free school holiday program from the Lismore or Goonellabah Libraries to see what’s on offer. Some of the highlights include: Decorate a Calendar Friday, 3 January, Goonellabah Library, 10.30am-11am.Creating Tiny Gardens Tuesday, 7 January, Lismore Library, 10.30am-11.30am. Children’s Dance Party Wednesday, 8 January, Lismore Library, 10am-11am. Big Games Morning Tuesday, 14 January, Lismore Library, 10.30am-11.30am. 3D Printing Pen Craft Wednesday, 15 January, Lismore Library, 1.30pm-2.30pm and 3pm-4pm. Super Slimy Science Thursday, 16 January, Mobile Library (Nimbin), 11am. Bird Chimes Tuesday, 21 January, Lismore Library, 10.30am-11am. Storytime, Toddler Time and Baby Bounce Storytime sessions begin again in 2020 on Tuesday, 14 January at Goonellabah Library and on Wednesday and Thursday, 15-16 January at Lismore Library. Sessions begin at 10.30am. The first sessions of the year will join with the Summer Reading Club for a big storytelling event. Tell your story with your very own Story Stones, if you haven’t already, you can join the Summer Reading Club for a chance to win an iPad mini. Storytime is for preschoolers with their carers. Older siblings are also welcome to join in. Toddler Time and Baby Bounce will begin again in 2020 on Monday, 13 January at Lismore Library and Friday, 17 January at Goonellabah Library. Toddler Time is at 10am and Baby Bounce is at 11am. These and lots more free activities are available throughout January at your local libraries. Grab a school holiday program from your library or at http://www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au and plan your school holiday fun.

As 2019 comes to a close and we welcome in a new decade, we thought it a good time to reflect on what has happened this year. The good, the bad and the ugly.We should start the Year in Review with the two elections that were only 8 weeks apart.Labor candidate Janelle Saffin narrowly won the state seat of Lismore by the smallest of margins from National Party candidate Austin Curtain. The result was not known for three days after polling booths were closed on Saturday March 23 through preferences. Labor had not won the seat of Lismore since 1965.(Labor MP Janelle Saffin voting at this years elections. Photo: Will Jackson)Long serving PM Thomas George retired from politics in 2019. Thomas was the Member for Lismore for 20 years and was a much loved public figure.The Federal election was held 8 weeks later. The polls suggesting that it too might be a close affair between Labors Patrick Deagan and the Nationals Kevin Hogan mainly due to the Federal Labor Party being favourites to win the election on Saturday May 18. However the result was never in doubt for the National Party as Kevin Hogan increased his majority and was swept to victory with 58% of the vote, a swing of 6.4%. Mr Deagan conceded the seat at 8pm after booths closed at 6pm.(Federal MP Kevin Hogan in his role as Deputy Speaker of the Lower House)We discovered in February that the Lismore City Council was $6.1 million in debt.That was when the ‘rate increases’ was first raised by General Manager Shelley Oldham, she said "Rate increases are something Council will need to consider – our rates are simply not keeping pace with our expenses. Other Northern Rivers councils have undertaken rate increases of between 20 and 30 per cent in the last decade.” To try and claw back the $6 million debt the Lismore City Council cancelled or deferred 33 projects on March 19.As the year progressed so did the talk about increasing rates to pay for our roads and the CBD development. On Tuesday November 19 our Lismore City Councillors had a passionate debate about the proposed Special Rates Variation which involved a 25% increase over four years became a potential reality for most rate payers. The extra revenue would be used for the roads budget and economic development such as reinvigorating the CBD. After a successful rescission motion delayed the final result the SRV motion was passed. It will now be put to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) who are yet to give their ruling.Another big story to conclude in the first three months of 2019 was the Serge Benhayon v Esther May Rockett law suit. (Serge Benhayon. PHOTO: Mammia)On February 28 Justice Julia Lonegran ordered Mr Benhayon to pay Ms Rockett’s costs for her court case win back in October, 2018 when Mr Bahayon unsuccessfully tried to sue Ms Rockett for defamation. Ms Rockett’s court costs were estimated to exceed $1 million.One of the positive 'people' stories that touched all of our hearts this year was the journey of cancer survivor Georgia Rhodes. In 2018 Georgia was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Georgia and her family spent most of 2019 in hospital in Brisbane after receiving a bone marrow transplant from her brother Nicholas. March saw a fundraising golf day at the Lismore Workers Golf Club which raised more than $20,000. Then in May Georgia made the happy journey south and returned to her family home.In Part 2 tomorrow we look at the success of our 2019 events like Eat The Street and the Lismore Cup as well as the devastating Mt Nardi bushfires which consumed much of our lives in November.

Lots of bright colours, glamour, more underwear on display than normal, and a lot more smiles and laughter than usual filled the streets of Lismore for the annual Tropical Fruits pride parade this afternoon.About 300 people lined the streets after the parade assembled in Bridge St, North Lismore, before crossing the bridge and going down Molesworth St to Lismore City Hall for the Haus of Fruits Soiree, which goes on until 8pm.The Tropical Fruits NYE Festival is a four-day LGBTIQ celebration at the Lismore Showgrounds where there are a New Year’s Eve party, New Year’s Day Pool Party and New Year’s Day Recovery Party.Tickets for the annual Tropical Fruits’ new year celebrations are capped at 4000. Tropical Fruits chairman Brett Paradise said the parade marked the official start to festivities and there would be a Welcome to Country and performances at Lismore City Hall.Haus of Fruits is based on the ballroom theme of the eighties, which was created by oppressed African-American transsexual women that created a culture for themselves.“It was what really came out of Madonna’s Vogue video, which drew heavily from the ballroom scene in Manhattan, and so it was about dancing and showing off and being glamorous in your own way,” Paradise said.Established in 1988, Tropical Fruits is the LGBTIQ community group in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.

A man will face court today charged over the alleged stabbing of another man at a local campground.Just after midday yesterday (Saturday 28 December 2019), police and emergency services responded following reports a man had been stabbed at a camping area on Summerland Way, Kyogle.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 61-year-old man for a stab wound to his lower back before he was taken to Lismore Base Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.Officers from Richmond Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.A 58-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station, where he was charged with wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.Police will allege in court that the men were previously not known to each other and exchanged words over facilities at the grounds, before the younger man became aggressive and stabbed the older man during a subsequent physical altercation.He has been refused bail to appear at Lismore Bail Court today (Sunday 29 December 2019).

The perfect afternoon soiree of picnic rugs, tipples, nibbles and tunes from swanky DJ Lady K will be filing the Lismore Quad in Lismore on Monday, December 30 from 2-6pm.The pre-Tropical Fruits get together by the Lismore Quad and Lismore Regional Gallery will welcome the Fruits family with a cruisy chilled afternoon.The Quad Placemaking Officer Jane Fullers said there will be an outdoor licensed bar operating and the Slate Café will be serving food. “Bring your picnic rug, your clan, your furbabies and laze on the lawn at The Quad,” she said. “You can also wander through the Lismore Regional Gallery in air-conditioned comfort.“The gallery will be open on Monday so people can experience the incredible Partnershipping and Alchemists exhibitions.”DJ Lady K's electronic roots lie in the underground rave and house scenes of Perth in the mid 1990s. After moving to the East Coast, LADY K (aka Kaz Hernandez) has risen to form an integral part of the music scene of the Northern Rivers, NSW. Both a respected DJ and passionate LGBTIQ community member, LADY K's flexible disk and vinyl stylings transcend the boundaries of modern House music, into Tech and Vocal House, Techno, Electro and across the spectrum of Tribal and Progressive beats.Lady K’s style has seen her develop a strong following in the Northern Rivers, with residencies at Delicious and ‘Beats Bowls and Blingo’. She has played regular spots and packed dance floors at some of NSW/north coast's most prominent venues and events, including Tropical Fruits (NYE Festival, Hard Labour and Easter Parties), Extra Dirty (Sydney), Leather Ball (Melbourne) CoastOut Festival and Trouble In Paradise (Coffs Harbour), Radical Faeries Glitter Ball and repeat offenses at the beloved and never forgotten Winsome Hotel. The Quad and Lismore Regional Gallery is located at 11 Rural St, Lismore.For more information, visit http://www.lismorequad.org.au and http://www.lismoreregionalgallery.org

If you get barred from one licenced venue, you could find yourself barred from every one in the district.Recently the Ballina, Lismore and Richmond Valley/Kyogle Liquor Accords have implemented a barred from one, barred from all policy in their Accords to deter violent and anti-social behaviour in their licensed premises.Richmond District Police said this policy has been widely accepted in the community and has proven to be successful in making licensed premises a "safe and enjoyable venue for all the community"."The success of this initiative has prompted the three Liquor Accords, which cover the Richmond Police District, to join in support of each other with the multi venue barring policy," a police statement said."As of December 10, 2019, behaviour that brings you under the attention of your Local Liquor Accord could result in you having to travel a bit further these holidays to enjoy a drink."For example if you get barred from Ballina this may also see you barred from Lismore, Casino, Evans Head, Kyogle - basically all towns that participate in the Liquor Accords in the Richmond Police District."The Richmond Police District strongly support initiatives in our Local Liquor Accords and encourage all licensed premises to become active in their Local Accord."

Don’t dump rubbish outside of op-shops, is the message from Lismore City Council’s Environmental Compliance Officer Stuart Thomson.“You will be caught on our newly installed CCTV cameras and fined up to $2000 if you do,” he said.“We would like to once again ask residents to please dispose of waste correctly and not dump goods at our local op-shops.“This practice costs local charities money to remove – money that could be better spent helping people in need.“This year, we have installed new CCTV cameras, so if you dump rubbish at a local op-shop you will be caught and fined.“It is a shame that we have reached this point but it’s time for us to step in and take some action. Our message is simple – do the right thing or you will be fined.”Illegal dumping was so bad at one CBD location over last year’s Christmas break that motorists could not drive along Eggins Lane because it was blocked by items left outside the Salvation Army building.Four truckloads of waste were taken away and local business owners were unable to access the lane for deliveries.“So please, only take items in good condition to your local op-shop and deliver them during business hours."All other waste or recyclables should be taken to the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre where it can be placed in the Revolve Shop, recycled or taken to landfill,” Mr Thompson said.He said residents are entitled to three free visits to the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre each year and this is a great way to dispose of unwanted goods or waste for free.To apply for your free waste voucher, visit www.northernriverswaste.com.au or call Council on 1300 87 83 87.

A counterfeit drug stamped to look like the pharmaceutical product benzodiazepine has been discovered by NSW Health and is potentially dangerous.Etizolam, an unregistered benzodiazepine medication, is being illegally sold in Australia in the form of counterfeit tablets that are stamped to give the appearance of a pharmaceutical product, alprazolam (also known as “Xanax”).Benzodiazepines are prescribed short-term for a range of health issues, including anxiety, sleep disorders and alcohol withdrawal. Professor Nick Buckley, the Acting Clinical Director at the NSW Poisons Information Centre, said so far two physical tablets have tested positive and there has been a number of patients reporting adverse effects confirmed in NSW. “We’ve seen four people recently where etizolam use has been associated with serious harm” Prof Buckley said. “Etizolam has similar effects to other benzodiazepines but is not used medically in Australia. These tablets are not pharmaceutical grade and, as a result, can have widely variable doses and effects.” Etizolam can cause unexpected side effects and may result in prolonged drowsiness.  “The effects will depend on the dose of etizolam in each tablet, how many tablets people consume and whether they regularly consume other benzodiazepines,” Prof Buckley said. “If you have taken a tablet you purchased online or from the street and are experiencing side effects, call Triple Zero immediately or seek urgent medical attention. Anyone who has concerns about these tablets or adverse effects from etizolam or alprazolam should contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.” NSW Health has notified the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of these counterfeit medications.For support and information on drug and alcohol problems, contact The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) – 1800 250 015 – a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information for individuals and concerned others For information about potential adverse effects of drugs or medicines, please contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26.

The Rainbow Lorikeet is top of the most spotted bird in NSW list.The bird’s top ranking was found after the 2019 Aussie Backyard Bird Count - one of Australia’s biggest citizen-science events, held from 21-27 October.Hundreds of enthusiastic Lismore residents took part in the national count, with 772 checklists were submitted, compared with 224 in Ballina Shire and 114 in Byron. In total, 232 species were sighted, and 24,759 individual birds counted.The national event enabled everyone from school children, families and community groups to participate in capturing a snapshot of Australia’s birds, to help increase our understanding of where species are found and better manage habitat.In its sixth year, the Aussie Backyard Bird Count saw record-breaking numbers of people involved who counted nearly 3.4 million birds across the nation, compared to 2018’s 2.7 million. This year, the White Ibis made it into the top ten most commonly seen species, supporting the understanding that birds are being impacted by the drought in regional areas and are moving towards wetter areas near the coast. Results also show that several other dry country birds including the White-winged Triller, Crimson Chat and Pied Honeyeater were recorded in areas they aren’t normally found.Also, the Rainbow Lorikeet held onto its top spot by a big margin with more than 400,000 counted across Australia.The rise of the Rainbow Lorikeet highlights the changes in Aussie backyards over the past half century, with traditional European-style cottage gardens making way for native backyards which provide the perfect place for these nectar-loving birds to forage on the flowers of eucalypts, bottle-brushes and grevilleas.If you would like to start planting a native garden, grab a free copy of My Local Native Garden Guide at the Council’s Corporate Centre on Oliver Ave, Goonellabah, or at the Lismore Regional Library.A big shout out to all of you who participated and made Lismore’s bird count a great success.

A man will face court today charged over an alleged aggravated sexual assault in Lismore at the weekend.About 2.30am on Sunday 22 December 2019, a 54-year-old woman was sitting on the front veranda of a home on Ewing Street, Lismore, when she was approached by an unknown man.It’s alleged the man grabbed the woman and attempted to sexually assault her.The woman continued to struggle free before the man then fled the scene.The woman ran to a relative’s home a short distance away and called police.Officers attached to Richmond Police District arrived and established a crime scene.Following extensive inquiries, about 6.30pm yesterday (Monday 23 December 2019), police attended a home in Goonellabah, and arrested a 20-year-old man.He was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault inflict actual bodily harm, two counts of sexually touch another person without consent, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of aggravated enter dwelling with intent.He was refused bail to face Lismore Local Court today (Tuesday 24 December 2019).

Protect their home from opportunistic thieves throughout the Christmas holidays.That's the message to the community from Richmond District Police.As summer is the most popular time for going on holidays, particularly over Christmas and New Year, people are reminded to take some time to assess their home security before they head away.Youth and Crime Prevention Commander, Superintendent Mark Wall, said break-ins are usually an opportunistic crime, and criminals will target homes with poor security.“In the last-minute rush to get ready for Christmas celebrations, it can be easy to forget the basics of home safety and security,” Supt Wall said.“Whether you are going away for a day or a few weeks, you need to secure your home properly to avoid a financial – and emotional – disaster.“Most of the recommended precautions are very simple, particularly just checking to make sure doors and windows are locked and secured – an unlocked window in an empty home, full of valuables, is an opportunistic thief’s dream.“I’d also recommend limiting what you post on social media about your holiday, especially if your home will be unattended for an extended period.“For those who will be celebrating at home, you should still secure doors or windows in unoccupied areas of the home, especially parts of the house that are visible from the street.”Supt Wall added that it was important to be vigilant with mail, which is another valuable target for thieves.“Criminals don’t necessarily need to be face to face to steal from you. If they have the right mail, it only takes a few steps for them to take your identity and access you bank accounts,” Supt Wall said.“It’s relatively inexpensive to put a good lock on your letterbox and ask someone you trust to empty it regularly – or organise to have your mail held at your local post office while your away.”The NSW Police Force has a wealth of information about safety and security, including fact sheets, available at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_pr…/safe_and_secureHoliday home safety and security tips:• Let a trusted neighbour or family friend know of your whereabouts and contact details. Ask them to watch your home, empty your mailbox, mow your lawn and, most importantly, call Triple Zero (000) if they notice anything suspicious, or if a smoke alarm is activated.• Dispose of Christmas wrapping and delivery/goods packaging carefully. Don’t advertise your new valuables to would-be thieves.• Lock away your handyman/gardening tools, which may be used to force open doors or windows, and any item that may be used to gain access to the property or cause damage.• Record descriptions, models and serial numbers of your valuables and then put them somewhere safe.• Switch off and disconnect non-essential electrical appliances and IT equipment.• Ensure any electrical items you decide to leave on continuously, or on timer circuits, are in good working order – that includes lights left on to deter thieves both inside and outside.• Make sure that any lights you have left switched on are away from combustibles such as curtains and are of the right wattage to prevent overheating.• Switch off and empty clothes dryers before you leave.• Close all internal doors before you leave to help contain any fire that occurs.• Pay bills in advance including electricity, gas, water, and telephone so that your supply continues while you're away.• Avoid posting information about being away on holidays because thieves will often use this information to target properties.• Be sure your home and contents insurance is adequate and up to date.• Check your doors, windows and garage are locked securely, and remove spare keys from hiding places. As you leave, check everything again.• Finally, if you have a home security alarm, activate it.If your home has been broken into:• Call your local police station immediately.• Don't touch anything. Let police see your home exactly as the thief left it.• While you are waiting for police to arrive, compile a list of what you think is missing; include brand names, model numbers, serial numbers, accurate descriptions and any engraving details.If you have concerns about possible criminal activity in your local neighbourhood, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via Police Facebook and Twitter pages.

Whether you are prepared or not, the big day is tomorrow. Merry Christmas to all of our Lismore App readers!Over the next nine days, many people ask us if there are Doctors open and when? As well as Bottle Shops, Grocery Stores and Super Markets, Petrol Stations, Council Services and Family Fun.We have attempted to answer these question for you with lists in the Christmas button on the front page of the Lismore App.The good news is that you can fill up the car at any time, there are some who stay open 24/7 and others during the day on Christmas Day.If it is groceries your after on Christmas Day then Night Owl in Woodlark Street, Lismore is your place to go. Heather and Carlos will look after you.Doctors are open during the holiday period but not on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Years Day so if you need medical help or have an emergency go the Lismore Base Hospital.There is plenty on offer for some Family Fun too. Again most are closed for Christmas Day only then the doors swing open from Boxing Day.Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you are travelling please be safe on the roads, we have lost one person on our roads recently and that is one too many (Student killed in car crash near Eltham).

After careful monitoring of the Nimbin water supply, residents of Nimbin are advised that the water is safe to drink again.Lismore City Council said in a statement today that Council has fixed the problem and the boiled water alert has been lifted.The Lismore App reported last week that the pipeline between Mulgum Creek and DE Williams Dam had become contaminated with sediment and residents needed to boil water if they were connected to the dam and weir water supply. The alert did not apply to households connected to the town water supply.

Jen Sheppeard knows that at Christmas time, the most important community members are those in need.Jen and her family will be preparing the food on Christmas day for the Lismore Soup Kitchen at the Winsome Hotel in North Lismore.On Christmas day, lunch will be served at 11.30am and there will be Christmas carols throughout the day – and people are invited to bring along their guitars and join in.“It’s a special day to be down there,” she said.“My mum Carole and my 16 year old daughter Hani will be in the kitchen too - and if I have any visitors, I bring them along for the day too. “Anyone is welcome to come along to Christmas lunch - not just those in need - also people who are lonely, looking for friendships or just passing by.“It’s a lovely, open space for people to come and be accepted.”Jen said her family has been volunteering their time to running the kitchen on Christmas for three years.“We love doing it,” she said. “Christmas is not about presents - we volunteer our time as a gift to the community. “I’m not Christian but I feel the idea of Christmas is caring for people and being a service for those in need and making sure everyone is taken care of thought of and supported.”On Christmas day, Jen usually serves up about 200 meals to the Winsome Hotel’s residents, as well as people travelling through the area who may not have anywhere to go and have a meal.“We serve a local ham which has been donated, as well as Red Rooster chickens, fresh fruits and salad ingredients – all donated by local people,” she said.“And our speciality is the potato bake – we fill up two commercial ovens with it and everyone loves it.“This year, we are also going to serve the food on crockery, not plastic – so we are serving the environment as well as people’s needs.“Everyone is seated and served and it’s beautiful - a great operation to be part of.”Every now and then, Jen and her family take a break from preparing food and join in singing the Christmas carols.This year, there are about seven volunteers serving in the kitchen, but more help may be needed.“Others can come on board and help out volunteering – not just at Christmas time,” Jen said. The Winsome and Lismore Soup Kitchen is a not for profit organisation operated by volunteers and relies on donations to keep going.It began operating in 2009 after the Winsome Hotel was bought by the Lismore Soup Kitchen in 2009 and renamed The Winsome. Now the Winsome Café serves meals to people doing it tough and provides low cost transitional accommodation for men seeking pathways out of homelessness.“We also have a visiting dentist and community services for people to access here – which is good for people who find it hard to get into town,” Jen said.“We need 500 people to donate regularly to the Winsome to support the ongoing services.”If you would like to volunteer, or donate to the Winsome and Lismore Soup Kitchen, visit the website https://www.winsome.org.au/donate-today.html

A man was found dead after a car accident in Eltham on Saturday. Lismore Police District Chief Inspector Darren Cloake said the accident happened on Eltham Road at 4.30pm on Saturday, December 21. “Emergency services were advised by witnesses that a single vehicle had been found to have collided with a tree,” Chief Inspector Cloake said.“A 45 year old male was found deceased in the Jeep Patriot.“The male is an American citizen and in Australia on a student visa.“No formal identification has been completed at this stage. We are in the process of liaising with the US consulate and arrangements are being made at the moment.“The investigation is subject to a formal report from the coroner.”

Finally, the pesky yellow crazy ants (YCA) are gone.The NSW Government has announced the removal of movement restrictions for yellow crazy ants (YCA) in previously infested areas of Lismore and Terania Creek.The movement restrictions lift on December 31.NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) state YCA planning manager, Scott Charlton, said an intensive response from NSW DPI, Local Land Services (LLS) and the Lismore community has seen the devastating environmental and agricultural pest removed from NSW.“No ants have been detected in the area since May this year,” Mr Charlton said.“Extensive surveillance, including the use of a YCA detection dog, indicates the threat has been removed and there is no longer a need to maintain movement restrictions.“This is a great success story, where the community has worked with government to successfully rid their environment of a serious introduced pest.“We used all available tools to ensure the operation was effective and everyone involved played an important role in this successful biosecurity operation.”Authorities were first alerted to the presence of YCA on 14 May 2018, when local resident, Milo Yiegh, reported ants he found on trees in the Lismore central business district to the NSW biosecurity hotline.The DPI and LLS immediately began surveillance and control efforts.Mr Charlton said the mutli-agency biosecurity operation was able to manage the YCA infestation thanks to the efforts, cooperation and ongoing patience of the community.“DPI, LLS, Lismore Council, Rous County Council, NSW National Parks and Wildlife and private contractors worked as key partners in surveillance and treatment operations and in community education,” he said.“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and the community has played a vital role in helping us rid NSW of yellow crazy ant by following the movement restriction rules and reporting signs of suspect ants.”YCA is listed as prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Act 2015, as it is an environmental pest which poses a serious risk to the economy, environment and community.Reports of any suspected exotic ants can be made on the NSW DPI website or by calling the biosecurity hotline, 1800 680 244.

Lismore City Mayor Isaac Smith yesterday handed over Christmas presents donated by the Lismore community for those affected by the recent Rappville fires to Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow.   “I would like to thank the generosity of our community in sharing the Christmas spirit with those who are doing it tough,” Mayor Smith said.  “Many families across our region have been hit hard by these devastating bushfires, particularly our neighbours in Rappville where more than 40 houses were lost.  “Our community has shown what Christmas is all about. On behalf of our community and I would like to wish all those recovering from the bushfires a very Merry Christmas.”  This year, a special Wishing Tree was placed in Santa’s Wonderland in Lismore to allow people to place a gift under the tree for families in Rappville.  Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow thanked the Lismore community for its generosity. “The generosity of the Lismore community is inspirational and is the true spirit of Christmas,” he said. “The donations, by way of gifts, to the Rappville Wishing Tree are heart-warming. “A big well done to all. You have made a huge difference to many people this Christmas.” Cr Mustow said the gifts would be delivered to residents on Monday.Santa’s Wonderland at 142 Molesworth Street remains open every day from 10am-4pm up until Christmas.