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

The storm that has swept through area has cut power for almost 2000 properties in Goonellabah since 7:30 pm.The NSW Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Storm Warning for the Northern Rivers and Essential Energy said power was cut to 1934 properties in the Goonellabah area and crews were trying to restore power. Nimbin and the Channon had also been hit by power cuts.

A severe thunderstorm warning has just been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Northern Rivers damaging winds and large hailstones.Weather Situation: A trough over north-eastern NSW is slowly tracking east combining with very moist and unstable conditions will combine to bring thunderstorms to the northeast today.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Sawtell and Dorrigo.98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Grafton Research Station around 4.20pm.The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car 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.* 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.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.

If you are living with type one diabetes, soon you will have free access to a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan said the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system measures glucose levels without the use of lancets, test strips and blood, which will make life a lot easier for those who live with type 1 diabetes.“The Federal Government is investing $300 million in the initiative,” Mr Hogan said. “Without Government subsidy, the cost would be $92.50 every two weeks for the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system – over $2,400 per year.” A sensor worn on the back of the arm connects to a reader or mobile phone application, which in turn stores glucose levels day and night to help people manage their diabetes, and avoid dangerous hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. “We are also streamlining the eligibility criteria, to increase the number of Australians who can access fully subsidised glucose monitoring devices through the CGM scheme to 58,000 people, up from 37,000. An extra 21,000 people with type one diabetes,” he said. Mr Hogan the clinical criteria for people with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older, and who have concessional status will be simplified. The scheme will kick in on March 1, when the Government will provide fully subsidised CGM products to a wider range of Australians, including:• Children and young people, under 21 years of age, with type 1 diabetes. • Children and young people with conditions very similar to type 1 diabetes, such as cystic fibrosis-related diabetes and neonatal diabetes, who require insulin. • Women with type 1 diabetes who are planning for pregnancy, pregnant, or immediately post-pregnancy. • People with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older and who have concessional status.

The mercury has hit a sweltering 38 degrees today in Lismore. But the heat is not expected to hang around, with a possible severe thunderstorm predicted for later, and wet days to come.Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Abrar Shabren said a low weather front moving into the Northern Rivers area was pushing the hot air ahead of it.“Conditions are expected to ease off overnight and tomorrow should be mild with temperatures in the low to mid 20s,” he said.“There is the possibility of a severe thunderstorm today and we might see strong gusty winds and rainfall.“Tomorrow, the cool change will bring a 90% of rainfall with about 10-30 mm rain and thunderstorm activity.”Mr Shabren said from Wednesday onwards, widespread rainfall was expected and would continue throughout the rest of the week.“This is due to a coastal trough lingering along the north which is expected to deepen and drag tropical moisture over us,” he said.“There are wet days ahead of us, with more likelihood of gentle thunderstorms and heavier bursts of rainfall.”So, if you are heading out, don’t forget to pack your umbrella!

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for grants to support their volunteers.The grants provide small amounts of money that organisations and community groups can use to help their volunteers, such as purchase equipment like laptops, pay fuel costs, train volunteers and improve their fundraising.The objectives of Volunteer Grants are to:• Help community organisations to support the efforts of Australia’s volunteers• Help community organisations to support the inclusion of vulnerable people through volunteering.• Encourage, support and increase participation in volunteering.If you would like assistance, please call the Community Grants Hub Hotline on 1800 020 283 or email support@communitygrants.gov.au.More information about the Community Grants Hub can be found on the Community Grants Hub website https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/volunteer-grants-activity-2019-20Please quote 2018-2647 – 2019 Volunteer Grants when you phone or email the Community Grants Hub.Applications close Monday, 6 April 2020.

Lismore nurse Leanne Seiffert is one of the many caring nurses working at Lismore Base Hospital. Now working as a nurse manager in peri-operative services at Lismore Base Hospital, her story of how illness steered her on to a career as a nurse is one the many that celebrate 2020 being the World Health Organisation’s International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. Leanne had never had anything to do with illness, let alone hospitals, before choosing nursing as a career. As luck would have it, within her first six months of training at Lismore Base Hospital, Leanne found herself on the other side of the equation, getting her appendix out. “I came from a family who were quite healthy, and I had never actually set foot in a hospital,” Leanne said. Born and bred in Lismore, Leanne said being a Girl Guide helped form her caring outlook that eventually drew her to nursing, but it was her first experience as a patient that taught her the true value of great nursing care. “I had a fantastic Enrolled Nurse who looked after me,” Leanne said. “During that stay in hospital I really got to learn how important it is to listen to your patients, and what you can actually do as a nurse to make their stay a lot better.” Starting out as a junior Registered Nurse in 1984, Leanne worked her way up over the years, and is now the Nurse Manager of Lismore Base Hospital’s Peri-Operative Department, overseeing five surgical units including the Operating Theatres and Day Surgery. During her 36-year career, Leanne has become a multi-skilled nurse and educator, working across anaesthetics, recovery and as ‘scrub scout’, retrieving surgical instruments for the surgeon during a procedure. As a young nurse, the excitement of being a part of big cases helped fuel Leanne’s passion for the job. “We used to get a lot of complex trauma cases come through, and quite a few where you’d have two teams operating at the same time in the theatre. Our theatres back then were so tiny, but it was amazing what you could do in those spaces.” “I was here in the 1980s when we had the two very old theatres. In 1992 we moved into the new theatres, and we thought it was amazing to have such a big space with four theatres!“In no time at all we’d outgrown it, and now, to move over to the new facility, it’s just amazing.” Technology and infrastructure has changed a lot over the years, bringing benefits for patients as well as staff.  In the new LBH theatre complex, Leanne’s team are now working with the latest technology in state-of-the-art surroundings. “With the new theatre and the vascular work that we do, we’re no longer opening up patients for major surgery. We can use non-invasive techniques and it means we can operate on patients who before you might have said were unfit for surgery. “Now they can have that procedure and get a better quality of life.” Even though she chose to stay close to home, Leanne said the possibilities for anyone going into nursing are endless. “It gives you so many opportunities, there are so many different areas you can go and work in. You can continue to broaden your skills, and it’s a profession that can take you anywhere in the world.”  

A man wanted on outstanding warrants was arrested last night and will face Lismore court today charged with sexual and traffic offences.Officers from Richmond Police District commenced an investigation to locate a 25-year-old man wanted on an arrest warrant for a sexual assault that allegedly took place in a correctional facility in Junee in July 2019.Following extensive inquiries, the man was arrested at a home in Campbell Crescent, Goonellabah, about 3.40pm yesterday (Friday 31 January 2020).He was taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with the outstanding warrants and 13 other offences, including:• stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm,• wield knife in a public place,• armed with intent to commit indictable offence,• enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse,• enter dwelling with intent to steal,• drive motor vehicle during disqualification period,• use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road,• use uninsured motor vehicle,• motor bike rider (alone) not wear/secure fit approved helmet• shoplifting• resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty• police pursuit and,• aggravated sexual assaultIt will be alleged in court that the 25-year-old man was involved in a police pursuit on Tuesday 14 January 2020 along Ballina Road, heading towards Goonellabah.The pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns.The vehicle came to rest, and the man allegedly ran from the scene and evaded arrest.He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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