Two men have been confirmed dead in plane crash north-west of Casino. The deceased men – believed to be aged their 60s from the Toowoomba area – are yet to be formally identified.Wreckage of the aircraft was found in dense bushland by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter approximately 1.5-kilometres into the Koreelah National Park.The aircraft, believed to have two brothers on board, had departed Casino Airport an hour earlier.The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) initiated a search when the single-engine Tailwind aircraft failed to arrive at Boonah in Queensland as planned at about 3pm (NSW time).Officers attached to Richmond Police District were assisted by NSW Police Rescue and SES volunteers to access the site which is located in very steep and heavily-wooded terrain.Police reached the scene of a plane crash yesterday afternoon about 3pm.The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been informed and will be responsible for any investigation into the crash.The men’s families are being apprised of the situation and have requested privacy at this time.UPDATE: Missing plane found crashed

Funny women ready to “cut their teeth” in raw comedy - and be paid for it - are urged to put their names down for an upcoming comedy gala in Nimbin.Organiser of the 17th annual Nimbin women’s dinner and comedy gala, Natalie Meyer, said she was still looking for new and emerging talent to book in for a five minute slot in the show on March 5.“The gig is on at Nimbin Town Hall in the week leading up to International Women’s Day,” Natalie said. “It’s all about celebrating the achievements of women and getting together once a year to have a good laugh – and since the bushfires, we need it now more than ever.”Natalie said she already had a couple of well-known comedians booked as headliners, but was still looking for some fresh faces to fill a couple of spots.“It’s a good gig for new talent because not only is it paid, but it is a women only gig and there won’t be any heckling – everyone is supportive.“If you are considering entering the upcoming Raw Comedy heat in Mullumbimby on March 16, this gig can be a great warm up for warm up for you to test your material.“We encourage Mandy Nolan comedy graduates to come and share their jokes in front of audience of up to 200 women.”Natalie said all the people involved in running the gala were women - with the exception of some supportive men who would be baking cakes for the Nimbin gig.“All the paid lighting and sound technicians for the gig are women too, as are the many volunteers,” she said. Last year’s event saw comedians Mandy Nolan and Sarah Gaul headline the event.Natalie describes Sarah as “a feminist Tim Minchin”.“When she went on the Tom Ballard nightly show, I saw her and recruited her from there,” she said. “In previous years, we have had Fiona O’Loughlin as a headliner and local comedians Vanessa Larry Mitchell (of Larry laughs Out Loud) also cut her teeth at this gig.”If you want to put your hand up for a spot at the gig, email Natalie (who is also the manage of the Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre) at admin@nnic.org.au by January 26.For information about the Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre, visit https://www.facebook.com/Nimbin-Neighbourhood-and-Information-Centre-316382298537853/For information about entering Raw Comedy, visit https://comedyfestival.com.au/raw/competition?fbclid=IwAR3ZLG-MoScOCS8_4qHOGXx95nxKl1gp-dUB6np6EmTYGXbF_cO5KMo4XAY

Level 2 water restrictions will come into effect in Lismore on Monday, January 20. Poor rainfall outlook coupled with high water demand over the holiday period has prompted local water authority Rous County Council (RCC) to elevate the water restrictions.This applies to the council areas of Lismore (excluding Nimbin), Ballina (including Wardell and Meerschaum Vale), Byron (excluding Mullumbimby) and Richmond Valley (excluding Casino).Read more: Nimbin’s time to cut water use is running outRCC advises residents that if water consumption is not cut by 15% under Level 2 restrictions within a reasonable time and if there is no significant rainfall, the region may face Level 3 water restrictions. Rous County Council general manager Phillip Rudd said, “this drop is equivalent to 30 litres per person per day”. “This is equivalent to four minutes in the shower or two full toilet flushes,” Mr Rudd said.The decision to raise water restriction levels comes after RCC acting planning manager Samuel Curran, met with the Regional Drought Management Committee last week to discuss the current outlook.Representatives from Ballina, Lismore, Byron and Richmond Valley Council agreed now is the right time to initiate Level 2 water restrictions.“Water consumption across the Rous supply area for November and December has been more than 10% higher than the same period in 2018. “Rainfall measured at Rocky Creek Dam (as an indicator for the region) for November and December combined was 116mm in 2018 compared to 70mm in 2019,” Mr Curran said.“Most of the Northern Rivers is in intense drought. The Bureau of Meteorology outlook is for a drier and hotter than average summer and a delayed monsoon season.“Water use in January is traditionally high with the summer holiday season. And despite a slight drop in demand after Level 1 water restrictions came into place, we have seen a steady increase in consumption over the last few weeks.”Rocky Creek Dam level is currently sitting around 60% dropping at a continual rate of around 2.2% per week.Mr Rudd said the catchment continues to be particularly dry.“The catchment area of Rocky Creek Dam has not been this dry for more than 45 years,” Mr Rudd said.“To safeguard our drinking water supply, it is critical that we cut down on non-essential use of water. “We need to ensure that both residents and visitors to the region are aware of water restrictions. “Every drop of water saved adds up to make a huge difference.”Mr Rudd said the most significant non-essential use of water happens outdoors. What do Level 2 water restrictions mean?Under Level 2 restrictions, gardens can be watered by watering can or bucket at any time. Hand-held hoses can only be used for 30 minutes before 9am and after 4pm, on odd or even days matching your house number. No watering will be permitted on the 31st of the month.Significant differences from Level 1 to Level 2 water restrictions include:Outdoor watering duration reduced by half. Time of day and odd/even day restrictions still apply.Car washing duration reduced by half. Time of day and odd/even day restrictions still apply.Further restrictions on business water use including public and private pool top ups, vehicle washing and detailing.Water used for dust suppression and road construction should use non-potable water sources.Businesses that rely on outdoor water use as part of their operations will need to contact their local council to apply for an exemption.Fines will apply for breaches of water restrictions - $220 for residential breaches and $550 for businesses. To find out more information, visit http://www.rous.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrictions

Lismore City Council is advising Nimbin residents that despite the introduction of water restrictions, residents and businesses in the village are not meeting water reduction targets.“This means tougher restrictions may soon be needed,” a Council statement said. “Average consumption per person remained the same under Level 2 restrictions.“Following the introduction of Level 3 restrictions late last year, consumption fell to 175 litres per day.“This is short of the daily 150 litres target to ensure the village doesn’t run out of water and can maintain a water supply.“Residents and business are urged to immediately reduce their current water consumption." Nimbin’s water supply is sourced from Mulgum Creek and is operated by Lismore City Council. The water supply for the rest of Lismore Local Government Area is sourced from Rocky Creek Dam and is operated by Rous County Council.  Rous County Council has introduced Level 1 water restrictions for all areas in the Lismore Local Government Area, excluding Nimbin. Under Level 3 water restrictions, Nimbin residents can:• Watering cans or buckets can be used on established gardens at any time.• Hand-held hoses with an on-off nozzle can only be used to water gardens for a maximum of 10 minutes, 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 only to reduce structural damage 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 not permitted except for health and safety reasons by a registered cleaning business only.• Washing of cars permitted with efficient high-pressure, low-flow rate cleaners with trigger control for five minutes between 4pm and 9am on odd and even days matching your house number.  

Update: 3.01pmNSW Police said authorities have located the crash site of a missing light aircraft in rugged terrain north-west of Casino.The site was located by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter about 9.45am today, approximately 1.5km into the Koreelah National Park.NSW Police, with the assistance of NSW Police Rescue and SES volunteers are currently attempting to access the site from the ground, this will take some time as the site is located in very steep and rugged terrain.More information will be available in due course. The families of those on board are being kept appraised of the search efforts.  8.47amA search is underway for an overdue plane which left Casino Airport, bound for Boonah, Queensland on Sunday afternoon.The single-engine aircraft, with two people on board, left the airport about 2pm on January 12, and was due to arrive in Boonah about 3pm (NSW time).When the plane failed to arrive as planned and the pilot was unable to be contacted, a search was co-ordinated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to search an area of the Tooloom National Park, west of Woodendong, but nothing was sighted.Search efforts will continue this morning under the direction of AMSA.  Anyone with information about the missing plane to urged to contact Triple Zero (000).Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.auInformation is treated in strict confidence. 

Aboriginal nursing and midwifery students have an opportunity to apply for NSW Health cadetships that provide financial and career support. Applications for the NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program 2020 are open until January 25. NSW Health Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said the program aims to improve Aboriginal health outcomes by providing education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people aspiring to be nurses or midwives. “As part of this fantastic program, cadetships are offered to Aboriginal people to help them undertake and complete nursing or midwifery studies,” Ms Cross said. “The cadetships give these students the chance to be part of a team in a nurturing environment to build their skills as they prepare to be nurses and midwives. “They also provide financial assistance, including a study allowance, to help students manage their expenses while undertaking their studies.” NSW Health developed the program to increase the number of Aboriginal nurses and midwives in rural and remote NSW, and to improve career development opportunities for Aboriginal employees working in the public health system. Elise McCarthy-McPhan is one of 173 recipients of the NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program. Elise is currently working with the Nursing and Midwifery Office on secondment from the Sydney Children’s Hospital and said it was a life changing experience. “Each opportunity I was given meant more opportunities I was able to give back to my mob which was my motivation for doing nursing, to help provide culturally safe care in order to close the gap,” Ms McCarthy-McPhan said. “I honestly believe that if it wasn’t for the opportunities given during my cadetship program, I wouldn’t be as successful in the position that I’m in today, and with the supportive networks that I have formed.” For more information on the Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program 2020 visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/aboriginal-strategy/Pages/aboriginal-cadetships.aspx

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions and night work on the Pacific Highway from Monday 13 to Sunday 19 January for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, weather permitting. From Monday, southbound motorists on the Pacific Highway can expect traffic control in use on Woodburn-Evans Head Road at Woodburn for up to five days to allow vehicles to access the project site and carry out drainage work. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6am and 6pm. Also from Monday, there will one night of work at the Yamba interchange to install signage at the heavy vehicle underpass. Motorists can expect traffic control and short stoppages at times between 6pm and 6am. There will be up to six days of work at Jubilee Street, Townsend to allow vehicles to access the project site and carry out work on the new bridge. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and increased stoppages to allow access to the site, with a reduced speed limit of 40km/h between 6am and 6pm. Further south from Monday, there will be up to five days of work on the new overpass bridges at Bondi Hill Road and Byrons Lane, Tyndale and McIntyres Lane at Gulmarrad. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6am and 6pm. The old Mororo Bridge is currently temporarily closed while drainage is installed. Motorists can also expect short stoppages on the Pacific Highway at Mororo to allow vehicles to access the project site. Motorists can expect traffic control and a reduced speed limit between 6am and 6pm. Also from Monday, there will be five days of excavation work next to the Pacific Highway at Maclean. Southbound motorists can expect a reduced speed limit of 60km/h between 6am and 6pm. Further south from Monday, there will be six days of work next to the Pacific Highway at Glenugie to install electrical cables. Motorists can expect lane closures, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 80km/h between 7am and 6pm.  Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit http://www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Hi and welcome to the Weekend Wrap.We need to address the relentless summer weather of mid-30 temperatures all week. Saturday is more of the same, sorry for being the bearer of bad news. But Saturday night brings a cooler change and with it a 70% chance of rain between 2 and 8 mm. This brings me to the good news, Sunday is 26 degrees! There is a 90% chance of rain with 10-25mm expected so no need to water those gardens and lawns. There should be some late twenty days during next week too with a little bit more rain.A little bit of rain makes for an interesting Lismore Speedway event on Saturday night at the Lismore Showgrounds. We don't want to much but just enough to make the track loads of fun for us spectators! In action is the V8 Dirt Modifieds Final, the Wingless Sprints, Production Sedans, Junior Sedans and Street Stocks.It is a busy time for the Lismore Speedway with five meetings in fifteen days. The next is on Tuesday night when we see the Worlds Series Sprint Cars return to the Lismore race track. As usual it's a 5:30pm start.All the markets are back in action this weekend.The Lismore Farmers Market from 8am Saturday morning at the Showground, the Blue Knob Markets from 8:30am at 719 Blue Knob Road then on Sunday the Channon Markets are back for the first time in two months. You may remember the December markets were cancelled because of the bush fires. Head to the Channon Road between 9am and 3pm on Sunday.For some live entertainment, Le Fleur are on at the Dusty from 7pm on Saturday night.I want to leave with you with an interesting fact that was posted by Mark Bailey on Lismore What's Happening this morning. Tonight at 8:20pm and 20 seconds it will be 20:20:20 2020! This will never happen again in our lifetime.That is the Weekend Wrap. Have fun and enjoy the rain.

The air con is switched on and the vintage seating has been repaired in the Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah.The painting and refurbishment of the theatre has “thrilled” Lismore Theatre Company (LTC) members who preparing to bring more productions to the stage of their Rochdale Theatre home in 2020.The makeover of the theatre was possible due to the company receiving a grant of $29,123 from the State Government’s Create NSW.Along with $7000 from Lismore City Council, $6000 of LTC’s own funds and in-kind contributions, a total of $46,8883 has been spent on the refurbishment of the theatre. LTC president Sharon Brodie said project management and preparatory work by committee members added value to the work undertaken.“The grants funded the installation of air conditioning in the auditorium and the supper room and repairs to the vintage red brocade raked seating and painting of the building,” she said.“New signage and a new roof will be added in the coming months.“We love this place that creates wonderful theatre and connects our community.“It’s also perfect timing as we approach our 50th anniversary later in the year.”“Last year was hugely successful for us with sell out shows for Breast Wishes, our Winter Cabaret, Steel Magnolias, Witches Abroad and The Vagina Monologues. “We expect 2020 to be another great year especially as we celebrate our half century.”The first show for 2020 - Educating Rita - opens on March 20. “Rehearsals for that show and the pantomime Puss in Thongs will be staged in the Easter school holidays, and will be so much more comfortable with air conditioning,” Sharon said.Rochdale Theatre is also available for hire. For more information, contact the committee through the website www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au

Bushfire-hit communities in the Lismore Council area will be able to rebuild vital infrastructure sooner with an initial and immediate $1 million grant to council from the Coalition Government. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said Council would be able to choose the best way to use the money to help their community recover. “This means locals can get out and rebuild what’s important to them in their Council area,” Kevin Hogan said. “This could go into rebuilding or improving roads and other community infrastructure.  “It can also go to hiring staff to help with the recovery, or staging local events to attract more tourists and business to the Northern Rivers. “This will help get the local economy moving which will help speed up recovery across the whole region.” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his Government was committed to working hand in hand with regional communities to rebuild towns and villages. “These payments will provide immediate assistance directly into the hands of local councils to rebuild roads and infrastructure, employ staff to help in recovery activities and hold events which bring the community together and bring tourists back to town,” the Prime Minister said. “We are moving immediately to support local councils and our funding will be in state government bank accounts by tomorrow. “Importantly this is a base payment and just the start of our support for local communities, in what we know will be a long recovery.” Funding will be directed to councils which have been ‘activated’ by their respective state government for Category C bushfire disaster recovery relief under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Payments will not require matched funding from state governments.  Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the focus would be on supporting local communities.  “I’ve made it clear this won’t be a Canberra led recovery, it’ll be a locally led recovery and this is our first instalment in that process. We’re empowering local governments to be part of that process today. We’re committed to rebuilding communities but also the lives of those impacted by these devastating fires,” Minister Littleproud said.  Funds will be drawn from the $2 billion allocated to the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and this is in addition to funding that is automatically available to councils through other disaster recovery arrangements. The lump sum payments will be delivered by the Commonwealth by the close of business tomorrow to State Governments who administer payments to councils.  The only condition placed on councils is that they develop a Program of Works within three months and report back to the Commonwealth in 12 months’ time. Councils will be able to spend their $1 million payments on projects and activities that they deem essential for the recovery and renewal of their communities, including:•     Rebuilding damaged or destroyed council assets such as key local roads, bridges, and community facilities;•     Employing additional local staff to take on specialist recovery or planning roles to help coordinate and plan the rebuilding effort;•     Hosting new public activities and events to bring communities together and attract visitors back to affected regions; and•     Immediate maintenance and repairs to relief and evacuation centres.

If you’ve ever fancied a joy flight, or love watching air displays and aerobatics, this weekend’s Great Eastern Fly-in at Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome is for you.Saturday and Sunday will see market and food stalls, displays from car clubs, Star Wars characters, vintage aircraft, giant models and drones. For the past 19 years, the Fly-in has brought life back to the historic 80 year old aerodrome, which was the largest training base during World War 2 (WW2).Read more about pilot Bill Kiernan, who has lived through two wars and now teaches people to fly - in our Sunday Profile, this Sunday, January 12.RAAF training aircraft Winjeels and CT4.The Great Eastern Fly-in coordinator Gai Taylor said before the Fly-in began in 1992, the aerodrome “was looking sad and sorry”.“So, the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome committee fixed it up and started running a fly in every year on veteran’s weekend for pilots to have a good time and meet up - and it’s progressed from there,” she said.“Richmond Valley Council helped us to fix the runways and we have well-tended camping areas too. “We do it to keep the aerodrome as an ongoing aviation centre for flying – it’s a memorial airport that opened in 1940, so this year is its 80th anniversary – and we’ll have a few veterans here.”Gai said the aerodrome committee successfully applied in 2000 to have the aerodrome heritage listed in NSW. “Over 5000 people trained here and thousands supported them – everyone from cooks, cleaners, aviation mechanics to parachute packers,” she said. WAAAFS at RAAF Station Evans Head in WW2.“Women couldn’t train in the Royal Australian Air Force in WW2, so the women joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAAAFS) and would drive trucks and clean dunnies – it was a big effort.”Gai said the Great Eastern Fly-in was a great event to help celebrate history and promote all aspects of aviation.“We have about 50 volunteers helping to put the event on,” she said. “It’s a community event and anybody can come and give a donation at the gate – we will be giving 10% of all funds raised to the Rural Fires Service (RFS).“Woodburn RFS will be here on site on the day and we’ll have heritage museum displays of model aircraft, including giant three metre models and drones.“On Sunday morning, the local pre-schoolers will be having a paper plane making and throwing competition and throwing and everyone can join in.  “There will be people dressed up as Star Wars characters and they will raise money for Angel Flights by asking for donations for a photo.” Bell 47 – helicopter.If you are interested in taking a joy flight on the day you can visit the website or just turn up on the day. “There is a joy flight for everybody’s taste,” Gai said. “Fly the family over the beach and spot the dolphins, feel the breeze in your hair, thrill seekers can fly upside-down and, for that once in a life-time adventure, experience the raw power of a genuine Warbird.“There are different aircraft to choose from and prices vary from $80 -$480.”The markets open at 8am on Saturday, January 10 and 9am Sunday, January 11 and aerobatic displays begin at 10am.A shuttle bus will be available to Evans Head town centre, beaches, local sites and off-site accommodation.

Since Monday, a dedicated bunch of 18 to 20 volunteers, largely from the Marist Brothers Cricket Club, have been preparing and serving meals, selling food and drinks, daily for more than 300 hungry children, their parents, the teams' coaches, teams' managers and umpires at the 36th annual Lismore District Under 12 Junior Cricket Carnival 2020, the largest junior cricket competition in the country.It is a long day for the Lismore District Under 12 Junior Cricket Carnival Co-ordinator, Glen Lees, President of Marist Brothers Cricket Club."It was a 6.30am start to ensure everything was in place on the first morning and I got away at 7pm. On the second day it was a leisurely start of 8am and once these matches are over I will sort out the schedule and head off, around 7pm."The 234 players come from all over NSW, with one side from Queensland and three teams representing the Far North Coast Cricket Academy."We have six to eight prepare the lunches in the canteen here at Oakes Oval. It is a production line and once they get going there is no stopping them," said Lees.Then Joey Davis, Cooper Cox and Matt Cleaver ensure everyone is happy, that the players have a drink and fruit to go with their lunch and clear away when the players, umpires and coaches head off to play.Joey Davis and Cooper Cox then put on large backpacks full of food and drinks and go to all the grounds and try to sell to the players between matches and the spectators of family and friends.Read more: Lismore Under 12 Cricket Carnival is the biggest yetFrom left: Joey Davis, Cooper Cox and Matt Cleaver have been volunteering and selling food and drink in the mornings and afternoons. Lees was full of praise for Lismore City Council for the preparation of the wickets. Eleven matches were played in the morning and 11 in the afternoon with nine on grass and synthetic wickets at Lismore and two on Queen Elizabeth Oval in Casino on Tuesday and Wednesday. The semi-finals and round robin matches matches were played over 45 overs today."There will be a lot of tired bodies and I reckon some will be asleep already," said LeesThe final is between two Sydney cricket associations Manly Warringah, who defeated North Shore, who had won the event four out of the past five years, by one wicket at Heaps Oval, and Parramatta District, who beat South Eastern by 87 runs at Casino. All matches played today were of 45 overs per side duration.The 45 overs-a-side final, which is a match between Sydney's North and West, is at Oakes Oval and begins at 9.30am. All the other sides have matches of 30 overs which gives them the chance to join the sausage sizzle and watch the final."It is a big onus taking the reins from Berni Cooper and I am pleased to say the vibe is good. I think it has been fairly good and we have had a good response from the parents who have been here before," said Lees."Nineteen of the teams are not from around here and they have enjoyed it."Far North Coast Thunder, coached by Phil Dalli, have beaten every cricket association they have faced: North West Sydney, Hawkesbury District, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast. They play Penrith at Arthur Park, South Lismore, at 9.30am.Far North Coast Thunder have not lost a match, winning five from five.Far North Renegades with the North Shore cricket association side from Sydney who had won the Lismore Under 12 Cricket Carnival for the past three years.Far North Coast Sixers, who were too good for Armidale District Cricket Association.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is seeking expressions of interest from Aboriginal community members within Northern NSW to be appointed to local community advisory groups within Lismore, Tweed, Murwillumbah, Byron, Ballina, Casino and Clarence regions. These groups will provide important advice, feedback and guidance to Northern NSW Local Health District on Aboriginal health matters. Aboriginal health matters. Interested community members should complete the Expression of Interest form, available on the NNSWLHD Website or via the Facebook page. Please send the completed form to Lyndal Smith, Program Manager Aboriginal Health, at Lyndal.Smith@health.nsw.gov.au or post to: The Tweed Hospital, Bugalwena Service, Cooloon Place, Tweed Heads, NSW 2486. Expression of Interest closes COB Friday, 31 January 2020. For more information, contact Lyndal Smith on (07) 5506 7767.

Last year was Australia’s warmest and driest year on record, with the annual national mean temperature 1.52 °C above average.It was warmest on record since consistent national temperature records began in 1910 and surpassed the previous record of 1.33 °C above average set in 2013.The summary of last year’s weather comes from the Bureau of Meteorology’s Annual Climate Statement, which was released yesterday.The national average rainfall total in 2019 was 277 mm, 40% below average and the lowest since consistent national records began in 1900.The previous record low was 314 mm set during the Federation drought in 1902.Bureau of Meteorology head of climate monitoring Dr Karl Braganza said the record warm and dry year was one of the key factors influencing recent and current fire conditions in large parts of the country."2019 was consistently warm, but it was book-ended by periods of extreme heat," Dr Braganza said."January last year was the warmest month Australia has ever recorded, while just a few weeks ago in December, we saw the Australia-wide record hottest daily average maximum temperature broken multiple days in a row."At the same time, rainfall deficiencies across large parts of eastern Australia have continued to increase, unfortunately exacerbating both drought conditions and the current bushfires."Dr Braganza said there were multiple factors influencing Australia's weather patterns in 2019."Most of this year, Australia's climate has been dominated by a very strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole, which acted to both warm and dry Australia's landscape, particularly from around the middle of the year."We also saw the influence of a rare Sudden Stratospheric Warming event high above the south pole, which acted to push our weather systems northward and compound the warmer and drier than average conditions over southern Queensland and New South Wales during spring, amplifying the fire weather."The other key factor at play is that Australia's climate has warmed by more than a degree since 1910, which means very warm years like 2019 are now more likely to occur, while the trend in recent decades has been for drier winter and spring seasons in the south."Last year also saw some periods of significant rain in northern Queensland and northwest Western Australia."In January and February, we saw exceptional rainfall have a major impact on communities in northern Queensland, particularly around Townsville."The flood waters were so significant they eventually made their way to South Australia, where we saw one of the largest fillings of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre in many years."In recent weeks, some of the key drivers of the recent warm and dry patterns over Australia have eased.As a result, rainfall for the coming months is expected to be average to below average in the east, while wetter than average conditions are possible for much of Western Australia and South Australia. However, temperatures are likely to remain warmer than average over the rest of summer."Unfortunately the outlook is not indicating a widespread return to wetter than average conditions over drought and fire affected parts of eastern Australia. But with the likely return of the monsoon by mid-January for northern Australia, it raises the chance that we could see some periods of higher rainfall move south in the coming months," Dr Braganza said."It's important the community remains vigilant to the risk of more heat and fire days this summer, particularly given how dry the country has been over the past 12 months." FAST FACTSNSWWarmest and driest year for New South Wales as a whole.Mean temperature 1.95 °C above average, exceeding the previous record from 2018 by almost 0.3 °C.Sydney's mean maximum temperature the warmest on record.Total rainfall below average in Sydney, despite a wet March, June and September.ACTRainfall well below average, particularly in winter and spring.Canberra Airport's driest year since 1982.Annual mean maximum temperature at Canberra Airport the warmest on record, with every month above average.VICTORIA​Victoria's fifth-warmest year on record overall, with the State's mean temperature 1.05 °C above average.Victoria's tenth-driest year on record, with rainfall below average for most of the State, and very much below average in the north and over Gippsland.Melbourne's mean temperature above average.One of the driest years on record for central Melbourne. QUEENSLANDSixth-warmest year on record for Queensland as a whole, with the mean temperature 1.27 °C above average.Persistently dry in southeast Queensland, with many sites having their driest year on record.Flooding across northern Queensland and the Gulf Country in January and early February.Brisbane's mean temperature and mean maximum temperature both warmest on record.Brisbane's total annual rainfall well below average.WESTERN AUSTRALIAWarmest and second-driest year on record for Western Australia as a whole.Severe tropical cyclone Veronica in March brought significant rainfall along the Pilbara coast and adjacent inland.Perth Metro's mean maximum temperature equalled the record highs of 2011 and 2012, but nights were close to average.Perth Metro's third-driest year on record.SOUTH AUSTRALIADriest and second-warmest year on record for South Australia as a whole.South Australia's mean temperature was 1.45 °C above average.Adelaide had its hottest day on record on 24 January, and every month apart from August had a mean maximum temperature above average. Rainfall in Adelaide was well below average, including a record dry January to April.TASMANIATasmania's overall mean temperature was 0.41 °C above average, not as warm as recent years.Rainfall below average for most of the State, but above average in the west.Hobart's mean maximum temperature highest on record, with overnight temperatures a little above average.Hobart had its second-driest year on record, with only 2006 drier.NORTHERN TERRITORYSecond-warmest year on record for the Northern Territory as a whole.Rainfall well below average for most of the Northern Territory away from the Queensland border. Darwin's second-driest year or record. Darwin's mean maximum temperature second-highest on record, but overnight temperatures close to average following many cool nights during the dry season. Read the Annual Climate Statement 2019 and watch the summary video: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/aus/

Husband and wife team Sophie and Tony Cowan are both mechanics and enjoying running their own business - AZNU Automotive. The new mechanical business opened in November last year on Elliott Road in South Lismore and they fix anything mechanical that goes wrong with cars.“We do mechanical repairs and services on all vehicle makes and models - from large jobs to clutches and gear boxes and supply and fit tyres,” Sophie said.The workshop team now includes local mechanic Jake McDonald, while Sophie looks after her and husband’s new baby.“Tony used work fitting parts in a dealership in town before he went through his apprenticeship as a mechanic,” Sophie said.“I worked as a mechanic until September last year.“We were both sick of working hard as mechanics for everyone else and not benefiting from it, so we took the opportunity to buy the equipment we needed at a good price start our own business.“Now, we have a baby as well as our once in a lifetime business opportunity,” she said.Sophie said she started her four year mechanic apprenticeship so she could fix her own car. “I wanted to learn to understand what’s happening in a car and how the engine works," she said.“I grew up on a farm, handing my dad tools and helping out on tractors.”Sophie said that “compared to most mechanics, our prices are drastically cheaper”.“We offer high quality work and thorough inspections at an affordable price,” she said.AZNU Automotive is located at 79 Elliott Street, South Lismore.The business is open Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm and on Saturdays by appointment.You can call the workshop on 6621 4326.

After months of extensive firefighting operations, the State of Emergency in the local government area has been lifted.The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Northern Rivers Zone reported that yesterday afternoon at 3pm, the Section 44 emergency declaration was revoked from the Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and parts of Clarence Valley and Tenterfield local government areas.“The fires that have consumed just on 200,000 hectares are now fully contained and safe enough to hand back to the control of the relevant public land managers,” the NSW RFS reported.“These fire grounds will continue to be patrolled until it is deemed that all fires are out which is only expected after significant rainfall.Section 44 in the New South Wales Rural Fires Act 1997, is used by the Fire Service Commissioner to declare a localised ‘State of Emergency’ for a specific district suffering severe fire conditions that cannot be managed without drawing in extensive resources from other areas.Once declared by the Commissioner the district has access to any and all fire-fighting personnel/equipment from across the State at no cost to the district or RFS, with the State Government footing the bill of all related Section 44 declared operations. “Significant praise needs to be given to the thousands of hours that have been given by the NSW Rural Fire Service Brigades, FRNSW, NPWS crews, Forestry Corp, QRFS, VIC CFA,VIC MFB, Parks and Forestry Victoria, SA CFS, SA MFB, SA Parks, SA Forestry, WA FRS, WA RFS, NZ FRS, NZ RFS, Canadian Fire Incident Management teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Yukon and Saskatchewan provinces, NSW Police, SES, VRA, Marine Rescue, Australian Army, NSW Ambulance, Local Councils and staff, heavy plant and operators, aircrew and operators and the many other community groups and services who have all come together in combating what has been unprecedented fire activity never before seen in the Northern Rivers,” the NSW RFS reported.“For this we pass on a huge heartfelt thank you in giving up your time during the Christmas and the New Year holiday period.“The job is still not over for our local fire fighters and staff who are currently assisting and being deployed to repay some of the assistance we have received to the communities on the NSW South Coast.”

Seniors in the local area are still waiting for their regional seniors’ transport card from the State government. Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said local pensioners had been contacting her in recent weeks, keen to find out details of when and how they can apply for the $250 voucher, which was a Coalition election pledge from the March 2019 State election. “When they read that the card’s launch was slated for January, they fully expected that this would mean from Wednesday, January 1, 2020,” Ms Saffin said.Ms Saffin has called on the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government to deliver its regional seniors transport card for eligible pensioners by its promised launch date of this month (January). “I have also contacted the office of NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole, to ask for the launch as soon as possible,” she said. The regional seniors transport card provides eligible seniors living in the Lismore Electorate with a $250 prepaid card to help with the cost of everyday travel. The card can be used to pay for NSW TrainLink Regional train and coach services, fuel and taxi trips. To be eligible, you must be an age pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder. While Service NSW’s website references the card, Ms Saffin confirmed with its management that more information, including application details, were not yet available. “Pensioners I have spoken to tell me how difficult they are finding it to keep their cars on the road as they are hit with so many other bills,” Ms Saffin said. “Any extra concession which helps to reduce the costs of personal travel or public transport will be welcomed by pensioners with open arms. “It’s been nine months since voters were promised this card by the Liberal-Nationals Government and I think they have been quite patient waiting for it to materialise.”

With a 3D printer and a lot of creativity, Ray Jones has taken hobbies, games and collectables to a new level. His new shop Mimic Games, at 2/142 Keen Street, Lismore is a treasure trove of collectables and tabletop games, which people can come to buy or play with.“I am focused on collectables and games that are no longer being made and I’m keen to host miniature painting workshops,” Ray said. "I want to teach people how to paint miniatures and make terrain and give them advice and tips on making things for the tabletop hobby. "The 3D printer really helps with this - we can make all sorts of things.“If you're interested in trading card games, board games, tabletop RPGs, Warhammer, Bloodbowl, miniature painting, terrain building or 3D printing, I might have what you're looking for.”Some of the models Ray has made and painted.He has retro gaming equipment for sale or for playing – everything from Atari to Nintendo 6C and Superdrive.“I even have an early gaming console that has a red screen that pops up a warning telling you to turn it off before you get hurt,” he said.“And I have the original Nintendo robot – it’s great for collectors.”With a background in sales, Ray has been collecting for over 10 years – games, equipment, cards, models and magazines.“When my mates started collecting games, I got into it,” Ray said.“I started collecting White Dwarf magazines from the 1980s long before I got into gaming myself.“I’ve been collecting Chaos Dwarves models for years and now have a big collection.”His collecting experience means that Ray can now offer evaluations on collectables that people might have if they are not sure what it’s worth.Ray uses 3D printing and plaster and to makes creative props that people can buy and use in their gaming.He’s made a skull that opens to reveal a brain cavity which becomes a dice roller for a game. “I’ve even created terrain people can put on the table to make the game interesting,” he said.One of the miniature models Ray spent hours painting.Over the course of his life, Ray has bought and painted about a thousand miniature models. Some of the models are worth about $200 unpainted and even more when painted. “I also have people commission me to paint models for them,” he said.“It can take hours to paint a small figurine – it’s detailed work and I paint in layers with shading to get an effective colour scheme on a figure.“If people want to come in and paint a model, I have miniature models they can buy and paints – or they can also buy an already painted model to use in gaming.”When it comes to games, Ray said Bloodbowl is one of the games he’s really interested in getting a games night happening with. “It’s humans versus orcs,” he said, “You only need 11 models to play, which is good because other games need a lot more models and it can be expensive setting up the game.”Ray has played the card game Magic the Gathering all his life and still plays it in competitions now. He’d like to see more games of Magic take place in his new shop.“There’s always a rewards to gaming,” Ray said. “If people participate in painting a model or playing a game, they can get freebies. “I’m always giving away Magic cards and old models.“I also dabble in precious metals, collectable coins and coin rings.“Currently I have stock in Magic the Gathering cards, Yugioh cards, pewter Warhammer Fantasy models, NES games, SNES games, N64 games, some miniature basing supplies, some paint sets and other collectables."With lots of games to play at the store including Dungeons and Dragons and Master of Combat, Ray encourages people to drop in to the air conditioned comfort of his new space. “All ages from 9 to 90 and all experience levels are welcome,” Ray said. “Come visit and give life to your treasures - we have something to keep you occupied.”Mimic games is located above the Shoebox Café and Chinese Restaurant at Suite 2 / 142 Keen Street.If you would like to get in contact with Ray, email him at mimicgameslismore@gmail.com The shop is open seven days a week, 11am to 5pm, but opening times are flexible if there’s an event on.

Suspicious donation appeals related to the current bushfires have sparked a warning from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).The ACCC’s website reported that there are currently a wide range of appeals raising funds for people and animals affected by the bushfires, but unfortunately, some of these are scams.Now, you can report any bushfire donation appeals you suspect are scams on a new ACCC dedicated reporting line (1300 795 995) or make a report on the Scamwatch website https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam. If you wish to make a donation towards those affected by the bushfires, please protect yourself with the following information:• Scammers are pretending to be legitimate well-known charities, creating their own charity names, and impersonating people negatively impacted by the bushfires.• Scammers are cold-calling, direct messaging and creating fake websites and pages on social media to raise funds.• Do not donate via fundraising pages on platforms that do not verify the legitimacy of the fundraiser or that do not guarantee your money will be returned if the page is determined to be fraudulent.• Be careful about crowdfunding requests as these may be fake and also come from scammers. Check the terms and conditions of funding platforms and ensure you are dealing with official organisations. If you are unsure, make your donation to an established charity instead.• If you are donating to an established charity or not-for-profit organisation, ensure it is registered and that you are on its official website by searching the Australia Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Charity Register.• If you think you have paid money to a scammer, please contact your bank immediately.For more information see https://accc.gov.au/update/bushfires-and-scams