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

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

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

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

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

In the era of the high-profile #metoo movement, the rights and role of women in the workplace has never been so topical.This year, Lismore City Council is hosting an International Women’s Day Luncheon with the theme 'An equal world is an enabled world'.“This is a great opportunity for local women from all walks of life to come together and share their experiences in a fun and supportive atmosphere,” Lismore City Council’s General Manager Shelley Oldham said.“We have a terrific guest speaker in Fay Jackson, the chief executive of Vision in Mind and General Manager of Inclusion at Flourish Australia, which will be followed by a panel section.”Ms Jackson, was the Inaugural Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Mental Health Commission, is the recipient of multiple awards in mental health education and training at state and national levels and is a much sought after international speaker.“Organisations and businesses are now realising how important mental health is to their workplaces,” Ms Oldham said. “However, they often do not have the knowledge to deal with these issues.”“The luncheon will start a discussion about how we can make workplaces a safer and more nurturing place, not just for women but for all of us.”The luncheon will be held in the Fountain Room at Lismore City Hall on Friday, March 6 between noon and 2pm.Individual tickets cost $50, or $45 each for a table of six.Bookings are essential. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/international-womens-day-luncheon-tickets-91954202495 or by visiting www.visitlismore.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

With more Japanese students arriving soon in Lismore, the Australia Homestay Network (AHN) is desperate to find places for them to stay.  AHN general manager Cris Rey said the students will be studying at Southern Cross University and need accommodation for two to four weeks.“We need another 15 homestays,” she said. “Households can receive between $245 - $275 per student per week for hosting the students.”“Some Japanese students prefer to be the only student in a household and that’s called a single homestay and the payment is a bit more.“Hosting an international student can be rewarding, but it’s a big commitment. “It’s a cultural experience for them and you need to be around to share meals with them and talk to them. It’s not just giving them a room.“You need to provide meals and give them transport to school and bring them back.“The community minded people who do it are not just doing it for the money. It can be very rewarding and provide company for families if they have young children or are retired.”“Because it’s a cultural experience for them, we like to feed them the same things we eat. So, if you have eggs and toast or cereal for breakfast, that’s fine – sometimes, they just like to eat rice. “For lunch, we often encourage people to make extra food the night before and give it to them for lunch. It’s good for them to sit around the dinner table with you and practice speaking English as part of the cultural exchange.”If you are interested in hosting an international student, Cris said AHN will send an interviewer to visit you and have a chat about what is needed. “You also need to be over 18 and have a working with children check,” she said. “Once you’ve hosted a student, it can be difficult to remember your life without them in it. In a very short time, people from opposite corners of the globe, so to speak, go from strangers to being family. We know from experience that most host families and their host students stay in contact long after the student returns home. “Whether it’s phone calls and Skype, email and letters, or return visits to Australia and trips overseas, not a week goes by when we don’t hear at least one wonderful story about how host families and their international family member remain connected for months, years, and even decades after their exchange experiences have ended.”For more information, you can phone 02 9264 0470 or email lismore@homestaynetwork.orgYou can also visit https://www.homestaynetwork.org/

Water restrictions in Nimbin have been lowered to Level 2 after recent rain and water savings by the community has seen the DE Williams Dam return to full capacity.“I’m sure this will be welcomed news by the Nimbin community who have been on stringent Level 3 restrictions since late last year,” Lismore City Councils director of Infrastructure services Peter Jeuken said.“I would like to thank the community for adhering to the restrictions and reducing their consumption by the target level.“Of course, we will continue to monitor the dam levels and flows in Mulgum Creek to ensure water supply to the village.The new Level 2 restrictions puts Nimbin on the same restrictions as the rest of the Lismore Local Government Area.“While this is good news for Nimbin, we urge everyone across the Lismore Local Government Area to continue to reduce their water consumption,” Mr Jeuken said.The bulk water fill point at Nimbin will remain closed at this stage.Residents are reminded that Rous County Council has installed a new public fill point near the saleyards in North Lismore. Under Level 2 water restrictions residents:• Can only use micro-sprays and drippers/sub-surface irrigation for a maximum of 15 minutes.• Hand-held hoses with an on-off nozzle can only be used for half an hour every second day, between the hours of 4pm and 9am on odd or even days matching your house number.• Other irrigation, such as sprinklers, and unattended hoses are banned.• Filling of new swimming pools is permitted, but topping up is allowed only between 4pm and 9am using a hand-held house with one-off nozzle.• Top up of fountains and water features is not permitted except to maintain fish life.• Washing of driveways, paved areas, walls, windows, roofs and paths permitted prior to sale or lease of property only with council approval. Not permitted for any other reason, except for health and safety. Must use high-pressure low-flow rate cleaner.• Washing of cars permitted with buckets or hand-held hose for ten minutes only between 4pm and 9am on odd and even days matching your house number. The same restrictions apply to commercial premises with the exceptions that:• Sprinklers can be used for up to 30 minutes per day for sports fields between 5am and 7am.• Market gardens, orchids, nurseries can use sprinklers or sprays for one hour a day between 5am and 7am, or 5pm and 7pm. For a Q&A on the restrictions, water hints and tips, and a factsheet please go to the news section of the council’s webpage http://www.Lismore.nsw.gov.au

With the threat of coronavirus spreading across NSW, the Lismore region is gearing up to deal with any potential outbreaks. Local Lismore Base Hospital staff have been briefed about the contagious and potentially deadly disease and today, Southern Cross University Health Clinic sent out a warning to patients to be aware of coronavirus alerts.Local schools are preparing too, sending warning letters to parents about the virus.Parents of children attending St Carthage’s Primary School and Trinity Catholic College received letters this week, recommending that any student who was in China over the past 14 days “should not return to school or childcare services this week as the incubation period of the coronavirus can be as long as two weeks”.“Students who returned to Australia more than 14 days ago, and have shown no symptoms should be able to return to school this week,” one letter said.“Staff and students who have been in close contact with a conformed case of Novel coronavirus should also be excluded from work and school.”A NSW Health Department spokesperson said the symptoms of coronavirus included fever, cough and sore throat.“If you exhibit any of these signs and you have been to mainland china, you should get tested for the virus,” he said. “The numbers of cases under investigation have increased as we have broadened the definition of the virus.“Symptoms can have a broader presentation of mild to severe and self-isolation is recommended as an additional precaution.“You should also practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly.”As of today, Tuesday, February 4, there were four confirmed cases of coronavirus in NSW, 29 under investigation and 170 cases already cleared. The NSW Department of Health has also issued the following warning: If you arrived in Australia after 1 February after travelling to, or transiting through, mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) you must isolate yourself at home for 14 days after you left China.If you are sharing the home with others, as much as possible, you should stay in a different room from other people or be separated as much as possible. Wear a surgical mask when you are in the same room as another person and when seeking medical care. Use a separate bathroom, if available.Make sure that you do not share a room with people who are at risk of severe disease, such as elderly people and those who have heart, lung or kidney conditions, and diabetes. Visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home should not visit while you are in quarantine.Other members of the household are not required to be isolated unless they have also travelled to, or transit through mainland China, arrived in Australia after 1 February after travel to, or are a contact of a case.You should restrict activities outside your home/hotel, except for seeking medical care. You should not go to work, school, or public areas, and you should not use public transportation, taxis or ride-sharing services.When in quarantine, you should monitor yourself for symptoms. Watch for:* fever* cough* shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)other early symptoms to watch for are chills, body aches, sore throat, headache and runny nose, muscle pain or diarrhoea.If you develop symptoms and it is a medical emergency (e.g. shortness of breath at rest or difficulty breathing) you should call 000. Alert ambulance staff of your travel/contact history.If you develop symptoms that are not an emergency, you should call your doctor, or your local Emergency Department or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Tell the person when you call that you have been in mainland China. Call ahead before visiting a doctor or emergency department to ensure your health facility visit is managed safely.More detailed information is available from http://www.health.nsw.gov.au including Chinese translations.

The Public Service Association (PSA) is not giving up on Lismore’s lost half day public holiday. Today, the PSA launched the Give us a Break campaign to bring back the Lismore Race Day holiday.The half day holiday was axed late year by Lismore City Councillors, who voted not to continue with the September public holiday after debating it in a Council meeting.  PSA Northern Regional Organiser Asren Pugh said the PSA is concerned about what the loss means for workers in the area.“We are concerned about the loss of a public holiday across the Lismore area and the loss of the penalty rates that go with it,” he said. “The argument that scrapping the holiday is some sort of ethical stance against horse racing is a red herring.“The race will still go ahead, the only thing to change is that local workers will lose their half-day holiday or their penalty rates.”Mr Pugh said the PSA was not concerned about when the public holiday was – it could be on any day of the year, including as a public holiday for the Lismore Show. “Council can look at it,” he said. “But losing that injection of cash from penalty rates into the community is a big loss – that extra cash is then spent in the town.“A public holiday is an important time for all local workers in the Lismore area – it gives the workers of Lismore a break. “Many people in our community are supporting people in bushfires and they deserve a break.”Mr Pugh said the PSA was writing to all Lismore City councillors asking them to support a recission motion and overturn last year’s decision. He said the public holiday issue would return to the next Lismore City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, February 11, when councillors debate a motion to overturn the original decision.“We will address Council at next Tuesday night’s council meeting about the issue,” he said. “We can get this holiday reinstated – but we need to demonstrate to councillors just how much it means to the Northern Rivers community.”An online petition has been set up, and people can sign it by going to https://www.megaphone.org.au/p/saveourlismoreholiday. 

Yesterday evening's storm was just a taste of what is coming our way in the next few days. So, today is the calm before the storm.The NSW SES has sent a warning for Northern Rivers residents to get ready for the possibility of heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms for Wednesday and Thursday and leading into the weekend.The Bureau of Meteorology are predicting slow moving thunderstorms across the Northern Rivers bringing heavy rainfall to localised areas with flash flooding possible. With the possibility of wet weather on the way, NSW SES Deputy Zone Commander Mark Somers urges residents to prepare their homes. “Bring in or secure any outdoor items in the yard or on the balcony, check your gutters are clear and your roof is in good condition, trim any overhanging branches and take care when travelling in poor weather conditions.” Mr Somers added, “The Northern Rivers has experienced drier conditions over the past 12 to 18 months and this rain event will be a welcome relief to many.” “NSW SES urges residents and visitors to take care when driving in wet weather on the local roads and especially if you are driving in upper catchment areas where low lying causeways overflow and are dangerous to cross when flooded.”“Its important that drivers slow down as roads may have trees, branches and debris covering them.”NSW SES reminds people to never drive, ride or walk through floodwater as this is the main cause of death during floods. The NSW SES and Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) are continuing to monitor the weather system closely. Abra Shabren from the BOM said "there will be not much shower today but we should be aware of heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity through Wednesday and Thursday". "There is a slow moving thunderstorm system originating on the coastal areas and slowly moving inland", he added.The BOM rainfall prediction is for 25-70mm tomorrow with Thursday delivering another 25-80mm. The rainfall will lessen on Friday and into the weekend.Stay alert this week, listen to any updates and advice and monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website on www.bom.gov.au or through the Lismore App weather buttons (Weather / Weather Radar)

With some areas of Lismore still without power after last night’s storm, Essential Energy has reported it is currently assessing the damage in order to restore power. Essential Energy spokesperson Raelene Myers said 6000 customers were affected by power outages last night, but the majority had been reconnected to the electricity supply. “Customers are still especially affected in the north east of the Lismore area,” she said.  “We have about 300 customers still off at the moment and we are working on getting them back up” Ms Myers said. “It’s taken a bit longer because we had crews on stand down as they worked last night.“We have them back on the ground now and we hope to have supply restored to the majority of customers later today.“Some customers may not get power back on today and we will contact them by text message, if we have their mobile numbers on record.“Last night’s storm caused significant damage and blew down power lines and damaged a power pole.“The storm damage has affected individual properties and we have to go property to property to check them and assess the damage.“With about 300 affected customers, we may not get through all of them today.“Essential Energy thanks customers for their patience while we assess the widespread damage.”Ms Myers said Essential Energy would continue to post updates about any outages on its website.

Start decorating your shop windows, because Purple Week is coming.Lismore is going purple for cancer on February 17 and your business could win the inaugural Purple Week trophy from the Cancer Council.Today, Tuesday, February 4, is World Cancer Day and Lismore & Villages Relay For Life committee chair Leanne Thompson is calling on local businesses to help with promoting the annual Cancer Council Relay For Life fundraiser in March. “Purple Week is about raising awareness and having fun,” she said.“For the week of February 17 to 23, we are asking Lismore businesses to decorate their shop windows purple and help get the message out about the event on March 28 and 29.“It’s important that we get the community involved in attending the event and raise money and awareness of the services the Cancer Council makes available in the local area – like the free Cancer Council Information Service at St Vincent’s Hospital, the free Transport to Treatment service assisting local people getting to appointments and free financial and legal assistance to local patients.Already, 40 businesses have registered for Purple Week, but Leanne wants to see more involved.“If you register your with us, you can be in the running to win the Purple Week trophy,” Leanne said. “The best dressed window wins.“You can also decorate your window without registering, but you won’t be in the draw to win the coveted trophy.”Managing pharmacist Dan O’Connell of Chempro on Woodlark Street was the first to register his business to go purple.“It’s good to be involved,” Dan said. “We are a community pharmacy and it’s a great program to be on board with,” he said.Leanne said the boys at The Boys Hair and Makeup are already planning how the window their will be dressed, but it’s still a secret. The Library is on board too, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Lismore Shopping Square.If you register, the Purple Week team will deliver a kit to you with purple streamers, balloons and posters - and Relay For Life shirts can be borrowed to put up in the windows as decorations.“We are also encouraging businesses to hold a workplace fundraiser that week to assist us raise the vital funds needed to continue to provide essential Cancer Council services to our local community,” Leanne said. “You can hold an office morning tea, a team BBQ, a dress-up day or have donation boxes in your business during this time.”The Lismore & Villages Relay will be held at Southern Cross University, Lismore Campus and will feature entertainment while the Lismore community celebrates, remembers and fights back against cancer. For more information, visithttp://www.cancercouncil.org.au/lismorerelayTo register your business for Purple Week, contact Leanne on 0419 695 636 or Erin on 0490 912 323.Read more: Cancer doesn't rest: Relay for Life calls you