High temperatures are forecast to continue across the Northern Rivers as children head back to school over the next few days.Children can easily become dehydrated in hot weather, so in these circumstances it is especially important to make sure they are drinking plenty of water.Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, said by the time a child feels thirsty they may already dehydrated, and this can have a big impact on their school day.“Signs that a child is dehydrated include tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea and increased anxiety and tension. In the classroom the child will struggle with a shorter attention span, lack of concentration and alertness, and low mood,” she said. “This can be avoided if children stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The school bubblers are always a good source of fresh, cool water.”Some tips to avoid dehydration:• always include a water bottle in the school bag (chilled and insulated or frozen overnight).• encourage children to have a big drink of water before school and when they come home.• teachers can make sure children drink water before, during and after playing games and sport.Drinking plenty of water is very important for good health as being properly hydrated helps your body function at its best.An easy way for children to check if they are drinking enough water is by looking at the colour of their wee.Clear wee is good, but dark yellow or brown urine means they need to drink more water.Read more: Lismore's generosity helps kids doing it tough get back to school

A woman is suffering possible chest injuries after being head butted by a cow at Terania Creek last night.The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter was tasked at 8pm to a rural property to help the 62 year old woman.The helicopter was tasked due to the location being difficult to access and the woman was treated by local Ambulance Paramedics before being further stabilised by the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team. She was transported to Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition.Immediately after returning, the helicopter was again tasked at 2.20am to Bonalbo Hospital to transport a 60 year old female with a medical condition to Gold Coast University Hospital. She was flown direct to the Gold Coast in a critical condition.

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista is finally back home in Lismore after her big journey of donating a kidney to her son, Isaak.“I’m back at work today,” Rebekka told The Lismore App. “A lot has happened in the last seven weeks. “My operation scar is looking pretty neat – the surgeon did a good job and he was pleased that I was pleased.“I underestimated how big the operation was – I would go out and do stuff and need to sleep a lot the next day. On Saturday, I tried to get back in to my routine and I went and did the park run and had to a walk and run – but it will be fine.“Isaak is doing well too – the results are fantastic. He goes to hospital twice a week for monitoring and now he has energy to burn. He’s still in Sydney at Hillsong Bible College in Waterloo."Rebekka and her family while in hospital in Sydney.Rebekka said while in Sydney recovering after the operation, she and Isaak “did all the tourist things”.“We went to Manly for Isaak’s birthday and walked around Centrepoint – things you don’t have time to do before that because you are sitting around the hospital.”Rebekka said she surprised her husband, Gianpiero by arriving home a day early.“He was expecting me home last Friday and I surprised him on Thursday – it’s good to be home,” she said.“This year I need to hit the ground running with organising the Our Kids Samson Challenge on March 6 and 7.Rebekka at the Lismore Cup race day.“It’s our major fundraiser for and registrations are now open. People have been registering since December and they close mid-February.“People will come from Brisbane and Sydney for it – it’s a massive community event. The Samson Challenge is an obstacle course where teams compete in a timed event. Participants need to complete eight different legs and they need to work together to complete the course.“There’s swimming, running, pushing, pulling, and getting over a three metre wall - all in the name of charity,” Rebekka said. “The first team finished is the Samson winner. We also have Samson solo for individuals on the Friday night, as well as team sprints."To register, visit http://www.lismoresamson.com

Lismore City Council will receive a grant of $1 million from the Federal Government to complete local infrastructure and other drought-relief projects. The Drought Communities Programme grant was announced by Member for Page Kevin Hogan, along with other payments for local farmers, to help with drought assistance in the Lismore community.“While we have had recent rain the recovery from drought will take time,” Mr Hogan said. The Farm Household Allowance (FHA), is also there to help our farmers through periods of hardship, providing four years of income assistance. Payments of $30,000 per annum for couples are available now, you can check your eligibility by calling 132 316 or online at: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/farm-household-allowance Alternatively, you can contact The Rural Financial Counselling Service, which is a free confidential service. The local Rural Financial Counselling Service at Casino can be contacted on 6662 5055. As part of their service, they can help farmers complete paperwork, identify financial and business options, negotiate with lenders and identify other assistance schemes.

Cancer Council NSW Relay For Life committee chair Leanne Thompson is getting ready for the annual Relay For Life walk that celebrates cancer survivors, remembers those lost, and fights back against the disease by raising funds.The Relay For Life is an 18-hour symbolic walk that takes place overnight, from March 28-29 at Southern Cross University. “Cancer is with the patient every step of the day - it won’t rest, so we won’t either," Leanne said.“The walking is a symbolic gesture – you don’t have to walk the whole time."It recognises that many people in our community deal with cancer – from patients to carers, children and loved ones who also deal with it. “There is no training required – it’s not a fitness challenge.“You can sign up as an individual, or get a team and create a team name – or you can just get together with like-minded people during the event and celebrate and commemorate the amazing people we have in our community. It’s not an experience that you can get anywhere else.“If you come alone, you can decide to join the Friends of Relay team and walk with them.“People who have lost someone dear to them often raise funds before the event by holding workplace morning teas or plan trivia nights, movie nights or lamington drives. “All of the funds raised go to the Cancer Council and we use the money locally. We provide a lot of services like the St Vincent Hospital service that provides free transport to treatment for people. Participants in last year's Relay for Life.“Lismore is highest referrer of people diagnosed with cancer to a free service that offers them free financial and legal advice.”The Relay for Life is a global movement, and there are more than 5000 relays being held across the world in 26 different countries - attracting more than 4 million participants annually. Leanne said the Lismore event begins on Saturday afternoon with a 3pm opening ceremony, followed by a first lap performed by survivors and carers. “Not everyone on cancer journey can identify as a survivor, so we added an extra category for Lismore – for people who are still living with cancer,” she said.“There will be tents set up where teams can sell raffle tickets to raise money too and often teams dress up in their own theme, like ‘clowns for a cure’.“The rest of the event is like a festival, with food trucks, entertainment and a kids’ zone.“At 6.30pm we have a hope ceremony and stop for 30 minutes and remember people we have lost with music, poems and photos.“Then we have a lap of silence in the dark and we party into the evening with a DJ and band until 12pm, followed by movies and music, until breakfast at 9am and a closing ceremony.“Some people make personal pledges to walk all night and some people do a few laps in the morning – it’s up to you how long you walk for.” “We encourage teams and participants to hold fundraising events in the lead up to the event to help us reach our $100,000 fund raising target.“You can get our fundraising kit and get ideas about how you can raise money for the event.“You can also sell raffle tickets in our major raffle for 2020 – first prize is a Toyota Yaris.”If you are keen to get involved, Leanne said you can sign up right up until the day.It costs $25 per person to register and each participant receives a free event tshirt.For more information, or to register, visit http://www.cancercouncil.org.au/lismorerelay or Facebook.

The dangerous novel Coronavirus which has been spreading around the world from China has reached NSW, with four confirmed cases and more under investigation. With students returning to school next week, parents of children who have had contact with a confirmed case of novel Coronavirus are being urged to keep their children at home and monitor for symptoms.  NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant explained that any child who has been in contact with a person confirmed as having novel coronavirus must not attend school or childcare for 14 days after the last contact with the infected person.  “14 days represents the internationally recognised incubation period for the disease,” Dr Chant said.“After this time the child is considered to be not be at risk of infection.” Students who have travelled to Wuhan and Hubei during the school holidays can return to school but should be carefully monitored for symptoms of coronavirus infection.  “The most common symptom is a fever,” Dr Chant said. “Other symptoms include, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.” Anyone who exhibits these symptoms should be isolated immediately from other people and seek medical attention as soon as possible.  If you develop a fever, a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel to Hubei or contact with a person with confirmed coronavirus, you should immediately isolate yourself from other people. Contact your GP or your emergency department or call the healthdirect helpline 1800 022 222 and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard explained that NSW Health has processes in place to identify any close contacts of cases confirmed in Australia. “Advice about not attending school would be provided to these close contacts,” he said.  There are currently four confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in NSW. All cases had travelled to Wuhan, China or had contact with a confirmed case in China.  Parents with concerns can contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for advice or visit the dedicated NSW Health information page at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx NSW Department of Education has issued guidance to all NSW Schools, which included information to guide school staff in the event of a child becoming sick. 

When an English man rang the Wildlife Information and Rescue Emergency Service (WIRES) hotline concerned about a tick infested python on Australia Day, it began a true blue rescue.The native Australian Coastal Carpet Python snake had a number of engorged ticks on its head – and eventually ended up in the care of the Wildlife Information and Rescue Emergency Service (WIRES). But not until it had involved an international array of WIRES volunteers.WIRES Northern Rivers reptile co-oordinator Martin Fitzgerald said the call was answered by a South African, Marion, and then relayed to an English lass, Jodie, who sought advice from a Canadian, Steve. Martin, who is Irish, then got involved and coordinated the rescue and asked Gus (who is Argentinian) to pick it up. The snake was then delivered to an “Aussie sheila” Artemis, then to another Aussie, Julie, who delivered the snake to Martin.“Julie delivered it to me in Clunes and first thing tomorrow morning, it will be delivered to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital for the Scottish vet, Lewis to look at,” Martin said.“The snake not only ticks on head, but dozens on its body – but they hadn’t yet engorged.“We removed the ticks we were able to get to, but the vet will decide whether to give it to give the snake medication to relieve the remainder of the burden.“Usually, a couple of paralysis ticks are not a problem on any native animals, but if there is an infestation, it can be a sign of the animal is undernourished. Most animals groom the ticks, except when they are sick.“A snake will usually climb into water and it takes a couple of days for the drown.“Often snakes will have a couple round still because it needs to come up for air.“The message is that a couple of ticks is not a problem, but if you see a significant amount of engorged ticks, it needs to be checked out.”Martin said the python is getting ready to shed his skin soon.“That’s when he will naturally rid himself of the ticks,” he said. “So, we will we check his blood and see if there are no underlying condition to make him vulnerable, and if all things are well, he will be released.”Martin said snakes have a homing instinct (like homing pigeons do), so when one gets accidentally transported to a new location, it will try to get home.“A python can be inadvertently picked up and moved about in cars,” Martin said.“On Australia Day, another man from New Zealand picked up a fridge in Ballina and found a python in it ended that in Kyogle.“We’ll need to get it back to Ballina, otherwise it will try to make its way back and could get injured crossing roads.”Martin said it was important to ring WIRES early if you are not sure about an animal’s behaviour.“It could be sick – but it’s not unusual for a python to sit still for a couple of days if it has had a meal. We can monitor them and make sure they are ok.”If you find a native animal in trouble, call the WIRES 24-hour rescue hotline on 66 281 898.If you are keen to make a difference for the wildlife in our area, consider joining WIRES. Visit http://wiresnr.org/Helping.html to find out how you can help.WIRES relies heavily on the generosity of caring people for support. All donations $2 and over are tax deductible. 

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

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

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

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

Local young swimmers Niquola White, 15, and Sophie Mayes, 14 were both celebrated for their sporting achievements yesterday at an award ceremony with Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.Niquola and Sophie both train on the swim team at Lismore's Trinity Catholic College with their coach Simon Watkins.They were two of 20 local teenagers who received a local Sporting Champions program grant of between $550-$750 and were presented by Mr Hogan with a certificate in recognition of their achievements.The students at the award ceremony.“You are elite sportspeople,” Mr Hogan told the young people at the ceremony. “You have excelled yourselves representing our community on the national and state stage.”Niquola swims freestyle and backstroke and loves racing and she said she made three personal best times when she swam at the State championships in Homebush, Sydney last year. “I swam 50 metres in 28.4 seconds,” Niquola said.The path to being an athlete can be expensive, with the students and their families incurring travel costs to attend events, so receiving the grant money was a big help to the girls and their families. “The State championships were a week-long and we needed to pay for accommodation as well and flights to get there and back,” Niquola said. The two girls train at least four mornings a week before going to school, and sometimes train on weekends too.“I get up at 5.15am, then I’m at the pool by 5.45am and swimming by 6am,” Sophie said.“I love the feel of the water – swimming really wakes me up, so it’s not a problem at school, but I do get a bit tired by the end of the week.”Sophie said her personal best swim time so far was 50 metres in 28.2 seconds. The commitment of the girls’ parents to taking the girls to training early every morning was another feat that was recognised by the awarding of the grant money.Kalani Franklin, 13, also received an award for representing the State in under 13s Hockey.  Pictured here with his grandmother Doreen Stabb and sister Aysha Franklin.Mr Hogan said the Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport.“Our region has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent,” he said.“Unfortunately succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents also often have to put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions.“I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants.“Sport is important in the development of young people: it teaches them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy.“I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant.“With the Tokyo Olympics 184 days away, I want to ensure our local Sporting Champions are given every opportunity to follow their dreams and represent Australia in Paris 2024 or LA 2028.”The other recipients of the Sporting Champions awards are as follows:Rugby Union: Thomas Ainsworth and Bryce Spencer.Hockey Abby: Brunton, Kalani Franklin and Tahlia Halliday  Swimming: Niquola White, Sophie Mayes                Athletics: Natalia Hickling, Meggan Ellis, Isaiah Freeburn and Jessica Mckie       Cricket: Darcy Heffernan and Timothy Martin        Gymnastics:   Chloe Leeson    Football (Soccer): Zcharie Hartley and Ederyn Rankin       Canoeing: Declan Ellis         Surfing: Connor Snyman-Mulder     Tennis: Sarah Martin and Amy Martin   For more information about the program, go to http://Ourwww.ausport.gov.au

The new public water refill station in Lake St, North Lismore, near the Lismore Saleyards, is already being put to good use.Rous County Council (RCC) told The Lismore App that the new North Lismore public water refill station was used between 20 to 30 times per day until the rainy weekend last weekend - and the frequency was increasing.For domestic use only, it’s one of two new public stations being built by the local water authority to alleviate the time delays of having a water carter bring drinking water to your water tank.Today, Friday January 24, RCC's website listed the Emigrant Creek Dam level at 64% and the Rocky Creek Dam level at 69%.Rous County Council General Manager, Phillip Rudd said that with a dry outlook for the rest of summer, “it’s vital that we do what we can to ensure people whose tanks are running dry have reliable and easier access to safe drinking water”. “This fill station is a temporary measure to alleviate the pressure placed on water carters during this intense drought,” he said.The new Lismore public fill station is open to the public 24 hours a day and water can be purchased with a credit card and costs $5.75 per 1,000 litres. No licence or account is required for their operation. Customers are required to bring their own container and ensure it is clean, of food grade quality and is only used for the collection and storage of water. Council recommends a 25mm hose outlet to fill containers. Mr Rudd said it is important people maintain clean rainwater tanks and catchment systems for health and safety. “Well maintained rainwater tanks, roofs and gutters are essential for safe drinking water, whether it’s resupplied from a fill station or from rain, and especially during drought conditions when there is more chance of contamination from a build-up of biological matter,” he said.“People should also be aware that debris and ash from bushfires can contaminate tanks.All water that is supplied through fill stations on the Rous County Council network is subject to water level restrictions.A second public fill station is still under construction at Bangalow.The public stations are now part of Rous County Council’s network of designated bulk water filling stations across the supply area of Lismore City, Ballina Shire, Byron Shire and Richmond Valley councils.  There are already 11 stations designated for commercial bulk water carriers, who are required to register with Rous County Council and obtain a 'Permit to draw water from designated water filling stations'. 

UPDATE 12pmMen's Shed President Bob Grieg has told the Lismore App they have had a magnificent response to his call for help yesterday."I want to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers that are helping us move into our new premises in South Lismore", he said, "this means we will be be out of the Showgrounds on time".Original story below.Time is of the essence for Lismore Men’s Shed president Bob Grieg and his team to move their stuff out of the Lismore Showgrounds to their new shed in South Lismore.For eighteen months Lismore Men's Shed has been looking for a new home, then the January 30 deadline that was given two months ago has rushed up on Bob and his men. He wasn’t sure what to do.So, he put up a Facebook message asking for people to come and help, and people started responding. “We were told we had to be out by January 30,” Bob said. We needed to get everything from the old shed at the showground to the new one in South Lismore.“I am 62 years old and not real healthy, most of our members are in the same boat.“We had got a hell of a lot of stuff to get out - cupboards, tools, shelving, timber, chairs, all sorts of stuff.“We were looking for strong, fit blokes who could help us either move the stuff to our new shed or out into a 15 cubic metre skip bin that had been delivered there for our use.”Bob said today, some non-members turned up to give him a hand, but that there is still some stuff to be moved.“If anyone has time over the next couple of days to help, it would be great,” Bob said. “We will be there under the main grandstand at Showgrounds every day until it is done.“We are a charitable organisation - like all Men's Sheds, we are here for blokes to get together and help each other when that Black Dog comes nipping at our heels.If you would like to help, phone Bob on 0404 860 504.

Twelve new interns have joined the ranks at Lismore Base Hospital this week, among 32 junior doctors launching their medical careers in the Northern Rivers. The interns have come to Lismore through the Rural Preferential Recruitment Pathway, which supports them to do their first two years of on-the-job medical training at a regional hospital in NSW. Lismore-born Karly Potts is returning to her roots after studying in Queensland. “It’s a real privilege to come back to a vibrant place that is my home, and to be able to access these great opportunities,” Karly said. “Lismore was my first preference, and I’ve got a good feeling about the year ahead.” For Myra Pritchett, being able to pursue her medical career in Lismore also means she can stay close to home, having lived in the Northern Rivers for 27 years and raised her three children here. “I feel very fortunate that I can be supported to stay here and further my training, while still being near my family,” Myra said. Over the next two years, the interns will have a chance to develop their skills in a wide range of medical specialties, including surgery, emergency medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry and orthopaedics. The junior doctors will learn their trade alongside expert consultants with years of experience in the medical profession. “Lismore Base Hospital has a great reputation with junior doctors as a place to learn and develop, thanks to the dedicated input of our specialist staff, and our nursing and allied health professionals,” Dr Tim Williams, Northern NSW LHD Executive Director of Medical Services, said. “These junior doctors have demonstrated a commitment to rural medicine, and are potentially our local specialist staff of the future.” The Tweed Hospital also has 18 intern positions, bringing the total to 32 for Northern NSW Local LHD. The NSW Government is investing $107 million in the internship program this year.Since 2011, intern positions in NSW have increased by 257 or 33%.Interns rotate through metropolitan, regional or rural hospitals, as well as General Practices.NSW guarantees intern positions to all domestic medical graduates of NSW universities, and provides internships to many graduates from interstate universities.

If you are heading out on the road this Australia Day long weekend, remember that double demerits are in place for four days.Double demerits start Friday, January 24 and run through to Monday, January 27(inclusive). The double demerit points period applies from midnight of the start date to midnight on the finish date. Double demerit points apply for speeding, seat belt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences during all holiday periods such as long weekends, Christmas, New Year and Easter. Drivers caught using their phones during a double demerit period can expect to be hit with the fine as well as up to 10 demerits. The NRMA’s Can't talk. Driving. report reveals that over one-in-five (21%) of drivers have been involved in a near-miss behind the wheel because the other driver was using the phone while driving.As of 17 September 2018, drivers who use a mobile phone illegally are penalised five demerit points. During double demerit periods, drivers who break the rules will be penalised 10 demerit points – a huge amount when the threshold on unrestricted licences is 13 points.Changed traffic conditions on Pacific Highway at WoodburnMotorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Pacific Highway at Woodburn in northern NSW with heavy traffic expected over the Australia Day long weekend.Increased traffic in the area is likely from Friday 24 to Monday 27 January.You are advised to plan their journey, allow extra travel time and follow the direction of all signs.Transport for NSW thanks the Woodburn community and 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. Please drive safely and take extra care on the roads.

Lismore City Council is seeking passionate Aboriginal people to join its Aboriginal Advisory Group. The Aboriginal Advisory Group provides advice and guidance to Council on a variety of issues, including projects and services that affect Aboriginal communities.The group meets quarterly and members discuss reports coming to Council that may affect Aboriginal people. If you are a proud and passionate Aboriginal person who resides in the Lismore Local Government Area and who would like to make a difference locally, Council urges you to nominate today.For further information, phone Sandra Campbell on 1300 87 83 87.People can nominate at http://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au until 5pm, Friday, February 14.

The trees are growing, and so are the weeds. So, it’s time to help Wilsons River Landcare volunteers pull them up.This Saturday, January 25, from 9-11am, everyone is welcome to come to the tree planting area at Simes Bridge and give them a hand.Landcare volunteer Kristen Den Exter said the growth rates of the 2000 trees already planted “are incredible”.“The trees we planted in July last year are as tall as me,” she said. “But the weeds are growing too, so it’s a perfect time to weed. “It’s hot, but the soil is beautiful and it’s easy to hand-pull the young castor oil plants and grass that are coming though.”The trees were planted at the National Tree Day and Big Scrub Rainforest Day plantings in July and December last year.Thanks to the recent rains, Kristen said they don’t have to worry about irrigating the trees anymore.“So, we have pulled up our irrigation off the riverbank,” she said.“The volunteers through the drought were pumping water from the river using a fire pump and into the irrigation system.”If you are coming along to the event, bring gloves and drinking water – it’s humid and we want to stay hydrated,” Kristen said.“We have a call out for wheelbarrows and buckets so we can move the mulch the Council has delivered us onto the trees after we weed and mow.“We are so happy with how the baby trees are doing. They are ready to power on.”The weeding day will take place at Simes Park, in North Lismore, opposite the greyhound track on Winterton Parade.Read more: SUNDAY PROFILE: Landcare volunteer Kristen den Exter

Lovemore Fermentary owner Carly Privet is passionate about food and ferment.Gaining a reputation as the ‘ferment mother’, she’s getting ready to expand her café menu and fermented food range in her North Lismore café.While she opened the shop nearly a year ago, Carly has been in a battle with the local Council to get her café approved. Finally, she’s jumped through the hoops and she’s ready to expand the café.“We are a brunch café and want to do a lot more in the kitchen," she told The Lismore App. "We serve the food I like to eat - like things on toast or in a bowl."The food she serves is organic and mostly plant based, but eggs are on the menu and soon Carly will be serving sustainably sourced wild boar ham from Queensland.Carly has making food with traditional ferment methods since she started fermenting at home in 2017.“It’s important that we eat fermented food like yoghurt and kraut and organic veges - it helps the bacteria in your gut to digest your food,” she said."There’s a brain/gut connection that we are only learning more about now. Your gut is a compost making the soil that your body’s garden needs to thrive."When you eat it, your well being is heightened. I have a lot of customers come in who have been told by doctors to eat this sort of food. They have a hard time at first trusting that its safe for them.”Carly’s sauerkraut she sells from the shop - and at the Thursday Market in the CBD - is made from cabbage which has been fermented in water and salt for 30 days.“It’s raw and unpasteurised with a lacto-fermentation method,” she said.Carly selling sauerkraut at the Thursday Market in the Lismore CBD.“The pink kraut is the most approachable – it’s cabbage and caraway seeds and it goes with everything. The golden kraut has turmeric, the green kraut has gotu kola.“We also have salty, crunchy kim chee made with miso handmade in Kyogle.”And then there’s the macadamia vegan cheese, made with biodynamic nuts sourced from Nimbin - which Carly says is a “labour of love”.Carly’s journey with food started when she was growing up."My parents owned a pub in a rural town in Western Australia and I spent time in the kitchen and went on to work in hospitality in Perth and was a chef in Melbourne,” she said.“I grew up on fish, chips, coke and ice cream. I struggled with mental and physical health issues, then I read a book about fermentation and started to incorporate fermented foods into my life.“Then I slowly began to change.”She went on to study nutrition and developed a love of “simple, traditional food” that could improve people’s health and lives.After a stint of travelling, Carly found her home in Lismore.“I bought a house on Terania Street - I feel like North Lismore chose me,” she said.“There was something bigger cosmically happening and I wanted to give some love back to North Lismore.“This café is my offering.”Carly is looking forward to seeing her business grow and expanding her product range.“It’s like raising a baby – I’m really looking forward to getting it out there,” she said.Lovemore Fermentary is located at 59 Bridge Street, North Lismore and is open 7.30am until 2.30pm Tuesday to Saturday.