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. 

The State Government is helping small businesses get rebates on the purchase or lease of new energy efficient plug-in commercial refrigerators.Businesses can claim up to $1490 per unit on up to five eligible products.The offer is available until 30 September 2021.To apply for the rebate, you need to be acting on behalf of a small business that:• has an Australian Business Number (ABN) and is registered to collect GST.• produces goods and/or provides services in NSW.• is an actively trading business employing 50 or fewer full-time employees (or equivalent) and/or is a business with less than $10 million annual turnover.• is not an investment trust, managed fund, strata title scheme, subsidiary or holding company of a larger business.• is not insolvent.• purchased/leased an eligible product between 9 September 2019 and 30 September 2021.To find out more visit http://www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/commercial-refrigerators

Valerie (Val) Axtens became secretary of the Lismore Eisteddfod and Musical Society in 1982, and she’s still doing it in 2020. Her 28 years of dedication was honoured yesterday in the Lismore Citizen of the Year Australia Day ceremony at Lismore City Hall, when she received an award for her work in arts and culture.It’s not the first time the 88 year old has won an award - she was named Lismore citizen of the year in 2003.“I did a lot more things then, it was a broader award,” she said. She’s always had a love of drama and theatre and her Musical Society role is to “pull together the different strands” of an annual event that brings together young people to play music and dance. These days, she’s not just secretary, but treasurer as well. “Thirty 30 years when I began, I had no idea whatsoever and I had to learn what to do the hard way,” she said. “These days with computers, if you make a mistake can go back and fix it – much easier than using stencils in the old days.”“I’m a backroom person, not the up-front one. Every organisation needs one and we have a wonderful president and committee.“Doing the Eisteddfod work is a wonderful opportunity for me to do something - and the older you get you need to have something that encourages you to do things. “I’m 88 now and it provided me with energy. I have a love of seeing the children dance and grow, and a love of music, and I’m persistent and love doing it.“I’ll keep being secretary as long as I can, but I’m not as spry as I was.”Val said every year, the Musical Society's Eisteddfod provides a stage for amateur performance “where young people perform and get written support and encouragement for the work they are doing” – and the winners get a prize, which gives them encouragement to persevere. “It’s beautiful to see children from tiny tots to ten year olds perform, who have learning dancing for five years already,” she said.“The teachers involved are wonderful and know that it needs patience and perseverance to increase the quality of the students’ work - and that carries through in their confidence with themselves when they move on to whatever they do afterwards.“Their parents tell me it gives them an awareness of culture and music.“We all love music it’s a wondrous thing – we can even hear it in our mothers’ bellies - the rhythm of life. From the very beginning, music itself encourages the use of the brain matter between our hemispheres.”Valerie said the Lismore Eisteddfod and Musical Society began in 1908.“There was only five years we missed the Eisteddfod because of the great war,” she said.“In 1915, all the Eisteddfod money raised went to the red cross, then in 1921 it began again.“The first one was held in the Star Court Theatre when it opened in 1921, and it stayed there until after World War 2, them it was held in different venues. “I didn’t come to Lismore till 1960 and I joined the Musical Society in 1979. In 1982, they asked me would I like to be secretary and I loved it. Val said this year’s 21-day long Eisteddfod will be held in September at Lismore Workers Club.“It’s great that Lismore becomes a centre and people come from here from as far as the Gold Coast,” she said.“Schools are encouraged to enter children into choirs and bands to perform - including five minute performances where they play from their own imagination.“We also encourage teachers to think about putting a student in for the three and five minute dances– it also means the young people will need extra lessons to get ready for it. “And we are always desperate for sponsors to help us to pay the rent."Read more about other citizens to receive awards in the Lismore citizen of the year Australia Day ceremony: David Henderson named Lismore City Council's Citizen of the Year

The popular Dusty Attic Music Lounge is closing up "unfortunately due to powers outside of my own," said co-owner Kate Stroud, who had established herself as a mainstay of the Lismore music scene."Without the support of an innovative planning team within our council, without realistic rental and rate prices (we pay 10k in rates a year) and all the other seemingly unnecessary hands reaching into the pockets of small business owners, doors will continue to shut in our beautiful town," said Stroud on the business' Facebook page."The system to me, seems broken and these old models don’t align with the contemporary business landscape. A four year battle got us a year and 1/2 of magic .… a little glimpse of what we could have should the system have a reality check and stop choking small business. For now I choose to not participate in this as I believe there is a much better way."So let's celebrate the positives. We created 14 jobs. We supported only local growers and food artisans. We produced over 170 gigs .… We survived a natural disaster. I secured funding that injected 40k into the pockets of NSW musicians and industry professionals. We made it one time round the sun despite all odds. Most importantly, we made the safe and inclusive space that celebrated creative outcomes, fostering community that I have always dreamed of."SUNDAY PROFILE: Dusty Attic's Kate StroudStroud, who will close after the APTS (Apartments) concert at the Dusty Attic Music Lounge on Saturday, 1 February."I have been told that the proposed warehouse expansion will never be approved due to ‘Fire Safety Concerns’. Council also estimated contribution fees between $32k and $96k which is not a realistic cost for us to carry. Given there is no prospect of increasing our capacity and scaling our business, I have no choice but to close the doors to prevent any further loss."Stroud said she would continue to advocate for the Arts in Lismore through her partnership with NORPA.She added: "Time to re-imagine and welcome in the new chapter. Its been such a wild and colourful ride. Who knows what’s next… how bloody excitement!"This isn’t a sad moment, it’s the transition to the new .... Let’s celebrate all that has been so magic about this chapter."

The Australia Day long weekend is the last part of the Christmas/New Year break for families before school starts for 2020.If you are driving, please remember that Double Demerit Points exist now until midnight Monday January 27. There will be an increased police presence on the roads to enforce the Double Demerits during this period.Making the road conditions worse will be the rainy weather that is on it's away. It is not a carbon copy of last weekend but the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting 70% chance of heavy rain and thunder storms later today and 90% chance tomorrow. The low pressure front that has been moving slowly eastward will hang around the Northern Rivers area over the long weekend with most of the rain expected Saturday (Weather)(the rain clouds moving eastward bringing heavy rain and possible thunder storms)Abra Shabren from the BOM said "the thunder storms will be isolated so while one area will be hit another only kilometres away will be missed".That may not be good news again for the Lismore Speedway who have a double header on this weekend. Saturday January 25 sees night 1 of the NSW V8 Dirt Modifieds Australia Day Cup and the AMCA Nationals hit the track with the finals on night 2 on Australia Day Sunday January 26. The action starts at 5:30pm. We will advise you of any changes due to the weather.The rain doesn't affect the markets, in fact growing conditions should be near perfect. Get yourself down to the Lismore Farmers Markets tomorrow morning from 8am and the Blue Knob Markets from 8:30am. Fruit and vegies are expensive in supermarkets right now so find a bargain at your local produce markets.There is a bit of action in our surrounding villages this weekend.The Nimbin Bowling Club have their Blush Cabaret Bowlesque on Saturday night. Be dazzled and amazed by wanton women, voluptuous vamps, sexy sirens, scarlet harlots and more for a bit of fun.Australia Day has the Nimbin Markets on from 9am to 1pm and the Dunoon Sports Club is thanking our Firies with a cricket match between the RFS and a local Dunoon team starting at 2pm. It will be a relaxed fun day for the Firies and their families so get along and say thanks for the dedication they have show our community in the last three months.Once the cricket match is over, Occarock will be playing their favourite Aussie pub rock songs from 5:30pm.As we are talking about our firies, the Dusty Attic Music Lounge has two nights of live music for their Bush Fire Benefit Bash. Tonight sees local artists Rigby, Jessica Maree, Sim Alie and Timbuktu hit the stage from 7pm while tomorrow's line-up includes Brigadoon, Mykaela Jay, Andie and Mosese Parker, also from 7pm.We were sad to hear the news that the Dusty will be closing its doors on February 1 with mounting costs making the live music venue financially untenable. We wish Kate Stroud and her team well as they continue to support live music in Lismore through an association with NORPA.The Cath Simes Band will kick off Sunday sessions at Mary G's on Australia Day. The live music kicks off at 4pm.That is the Weekend Wrap.Have a safe and enjoyable Australia Day long weekend.