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Fire Service (RFS) Northern Rivers Zone reported that yesterday afternoon at 3pm, the Section 44 emergency declaration was revoked from the Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and parts of Clarence Valley and Tenterfield local government areas.“The fires that have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

Lismore City Council Mayor Isaac Smith is excited about what’s ahead for Council this coming year – 2020.“Last year was about finding a new foundation for Council and re-establishing a place to start from again,” he said. “We are rewriting two decades of an old way of running Council and coming back to a better, more sustainable financial model of operating council - and getting back to our core business.”Last year saw many challenges for Lismore City Council, including dealing with a backlog of roadworks and the potential introduction of a Special Rates Variation (SRV) which would raise money to fix the roads.Mayor Smith said one of the challenges for Councillors was to juggle priorities and fulfill community expectations.“Especially when people tell me they want to spend money on roads and also want spending on things like culture, the Quad, sports and the arts,” he said.“We needed a better way of allocating funds, so we have a new plan to tackle our $54 million road backlog and bring it up to a standard that we all expect.“It will be the largest investment in our road network in living memory.”However, the introduction of the SRV, which would see property rates rise by up to 25%, is not a certainty.“We have sent our submission for an SRV to IPART, but we won’t hear back from them until April – and there is no guarantee IPART will make any changes to rates," he said.“Richmond Valley and Ballina Councils were knocked back on their first application and had to change it and reapply. “People in the community can still provide feedback to IPART until late February. “In May, Council will then resolve the new budget for the coming year.”RoadsMayor Smith said over the next six months, roadworks were still the main priority and works on resealing local roads would continue.“We need to make sure we keep the road surface in the best condition possible, so they deteriorate slower,” he said.  “We would love to see more commitment from the State Government to help with maintaining our regional road network.“All major regional roads leading from Lismore to Nimbin, Bangalow, Woodburn and Coraki are managed by local Council and the State Government.“The State Government committed in the last election to take back these roads off local government and increase regional roads funding and we need to fight for this to still happen.“The SRV is targeted at the local road network, not at regional roads. We have 1500 kilometres of road network we need to maintain.”CBDMayor Smith said restimulating economic development in the Lismore Central Business District is another key priority for the coming year.“Last year, we saw some CBD businesses close, but three times as many opened,” he said. “Investment with love is a good thing for the CBD as we embrace our river city again. “With funding from the State government, we will commence breathing new life into the CBD with small grants for our local businesses. It will also allow us to commence work on the Back Alley Gallery.“The NBN has finally finished rolling out fibre to the curb and we have plans to bring back key industries into the CBD again.“Our area has a history of agriculture and we can revitalise our centre by bringing agricultural offices back.“There are businesses working on the flood channel; there’s the airport industrial lab and cold storage food production. These will boost industrial and commercial spaces and bring the rural heart into the CBD. “It’s important we turn back to the river again – it’s the first highway that grew our town.“We can make it an enjoyable public and community setting and see more walking and dining near the river. The Quad“Creating the Lismore Quad proved to be amazing success. We are now meeting with a number of businesses to expand it and make it a better public space, including accommodation options and other businesses.“We will be issuing Expressions of Interest to shape the development of accommodation and conference facilities surrounding our unique Quad."Mayor Smith said he was still not ruling out Council moving back to the CBD.“It will inject millions if we bring the local government departments back into town,” he said.Sport“Oakes and Crozier Ovals will also see an $8 million upgrade soon. It’s part of our economic development strategy and we have new funding from the state government to implement stage 2 of the upgrade.“We’ll see a better entry way into the facility and access for all mobility types. There will be brand new change rooms that will benefit all - particularly women.“We’ll also be building a new facility between the two grandstands that will be a function space and open area for events. “This is good because sporting events attract more than 20,000 additional tourists every year, spending over $2.3 million in our economy.“The project will create the Lismore Regional Sports Hub and cater for the needs of officials, players and spectators in rugby league, rugby union, cricket, soccer and AFL.“There will also be noticeable changes at Lismore Airport with fewer flights cancelled and delayed due to bad weather, thanks to a $4.5 million Federal Government investment. “It means we can attract Pilot Training Schools from other more expensive airports like Brisbane and the Gold Coast.”BudgetMayor Smith said the Council budget was on track.“It’s a big organisation and we are now in a better place than we’ve been in all my 12 years on council,” he said.“We’ve created a place to begin and grow from – and the community demands growth toward a sustainable, environmental and financial future.“We had a deficit and we removed it."It doesn’t mean there won’t be future challenges, but we’ve taken away the obstacles and are looking forward to the coming two years and tackling these changes.”

Tougher penalties for arsonists – that’s what Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan is calling for in the wake of recent bushfires across the country.Mr Hogan said over 180 suspected arsonists have been charged in NSW and QLD over the past 12 months alone. Over 50% of the recent fires burning in NSW did not start by natural causes. “The fire that took out Rappville and has caused community and environmental carnage, from New Italy to Woombah and out past Whiporie, was deliberately lit,” Mr Hogan said.“While we can do more on hazard reduction burning and are doing more on cutting emissions, if someone deliberately lights a fire on a total fire ban day, people, properties and wildlife are going to be lost,” Kevin Hogan said.“The NSW Government has set the non-parole time for arson at nine years. “I believe this needs to be at least doubled. “The distress and damage done to homes, infrastructure and the environment by these fires demands this.“Potential arsonists need to be sent a strong message, that because of the damage they are causing, they will be heavily punished. I will be lobbying my state colleagues on this.”How can you help? Richmond District Police advise people who see something that looks out of place, to record the details of vehicles such as the make, model and registration of suspicious vehicles. Also take note of the appearance of anyone acting suspiciously. Report suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions and night work on the Pacific Highway from today, January 7 until Sunday, January 12 for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade.Weather permitting, from today, there will be six days of work next to the Old 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. Also from today, there will be five days of work next to the Pacific Highway at Maclean to carry out excavation work. Southbound motorists can expect a reduced speed limit of 60km/h between 6am and 6pm.From tomorrow, there will be up to two days of work on the Pacific Highway between Mororo and New Italy to remove traffic barriers and carry out vegetation removal and earthwork. Motorists can expect traffic control and short stoppages at times between 6am and 6pm.Additional changes to local roadsTraffic control will be in use on Woodburn-Evans Head Road, Woodburn from today 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.From tomorrow, there will be three days of work on the new overpass bridge at McIntyres Lane, Gulmarrad. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6am and 6pm.Traffic has been permanently moved onto the new overpass bridge at Chatsworth Road north. 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. 

Residents in the north of the Lismore LGA are sighting Richmond Birdwing Butterflies where they haven’t been seen before, including around Nimbin, in the village itself, Tuntable Creek and The Channon.Lismore City Council’s Environmental Strategies team said explanations for this include displacement due to smoke and habitat loss due to the bushfires. Drought conditions may also mean they are moving further away from core habitat to find nectar.Adult butterflies will feed on nectar from flowers of many native plants, including native frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum), pavetta (Pavetta australiensis), black bean (Castanospermum australe), broad-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and lilly pillies (Syzygium species), as well as several exotic flowers e.g. buddleia, pentas, lantana, honeysuckle, bougainvillea, impatiens and hibiscus. They prefer white and red blooms to other colours.The caterpillars (or larvae) only feed naturally on two species of vines – the lowland Richmond Birdwing butterfly vine (Pararistolochia praevenosa) and the Mountain aristolochia (Pararistolochia laheyana). The weed species Dutchmans Pipe (Aristolochia elegans) will poison the larvae caterpillars that hatch and begin feeding.The two native host vines have been cultivated and planted widely around Lismore and throughout their range north to Gympie in order to assist in the recovery of the breeding habitats for the butterfly. Even a small vine will provide a suitable site for egg laying and the caterpillars to feed, if it has some soft easily chewed leaves.If you have either vine in your garden or on your property, consider giving them a good water to stimulate some fresh leaf growth over the next weeks and through summer as the butterflies will be laying eggs.If you would like some factsheets on the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, the Birdwing Butterfly Vine and cultivating the vine, contact our team and the Environmental Strategies team will e-mail them out to you. If you’d like to chat to a member of the team, phone 1300 87 83 87.

Another week and another scam has crossed the computer screens of some of us already in 2020. The Richmond District Police has warned everyone to watch out for the latest myGov impersonation scam.Scammers are using the new year to claim you've been found eligible for a tax refund... if you provide your myGov login and credit card details.Don't be taken in by the official look and the the enticement of money into your bank account. No official organisation will ask for your login or credit card details.Hit delete and don't do it!

After an unusually quiet weekend seven days ago with most owners taking a well earned break, it is back to normal this weekend, at least for the markets anyway.The Lismore Farmers Markets are back in action tomorrow morning for the new year from 8am with all the farm fresh produce you can want at the Lismore Showgrounds. The Blue Knob Markets are closed for another week returning January 11.The Lismore Vintage and Handmade Markets is on at 152 Keen Street, Lismore between 10am and 2pm while the Lismore Car Boot Markets make its return on Sunday from 7:30am until 2pm.The music scene is still quiet while the T20 Hooker Como series kicks off the new year. More in Sport with Ian Horswill over the weekend.A reminder that there is a Total Fire Ban across NSW today and tomorrow so there are to be no open fires lit and all fire permits are suspended. Gas and electric barbecues may be used provided certain conditions are met.The Far North Coast fire danger is high with temperatures expected in the mid 30's Saturday and Sunday (Weather).That is the Weekend Wrap, short and sweet. Enjoy.

ROBBERY UPDATE 9:40AM FRIDAYArmed Robbery - Lismore - ArrestEarly yesterday morning the Caltex service station in Woodlark Street Lismore was a victim of an armed robbery.The alleged offender, a 41 year Lismore man, was arrested shortly after by patrolling police.He was bail refused to appear before the Lismore Local Court on the 3 January 2020.UPDATE: 3:20PMThe Lismore App contacted the Lismore Police station where Chief Inspector Nicole Bruce has no further details at this point.ORIGINAL STORYThe Caltex service station on Woodlark Street, Lismore has reportedly been held up this morning.A picture posted to the Lismore What's Happening Facebook page shows police in attendance.The service station is operating as normal.No further details are available at this stage.

Chief Inspector Nicole Bruce from the Richmond Police District has congratulated local residents and visitors on their behaviour during New Years Eve celebrations."There were only 2 or three arrests for alcohol related offences" she said, "given the number of people celebrating this is a very good result". Chief Inspector Bruce went on to explain that the majority of people were well behaved.The disappointing area for Christmas and New Year celebrations was felt on the road with a number of daily detections for drink driving with drugs in their system. "This is one area that is still disappointing" Chief Inspector Bruce said.Operation Safe Arrival finished at midnight last night.

A male driver was arrested three times in nine hours for allegedly driving while drunk in Lismore over New Year's Eve..Richmond Police District Chief Inspector Susie Johnston said the man was taken to Lismore Police Station after officers found him behind the wheel another two times, after he was first pulled over and had his licence suspended."This man is the most disappointing arrest we have made today," she reportedly said today.She said the 33-year-old man, from Casula in Sydney's southwest, was old enough to know better."At around 8.30pm on New Year's Eve he was found to have mid-range PCA (prescribed concentration of alcohol), while driving in the Lismore CBD," she said."His licence was suspended and then his second arrest was later in the evening for the same offence."Then, unbelievably, at 5.20am today while driving on Bangalow Rd, Bexhill, he was also found to be in the mid-range PCA."The man's licence has been suspended and has been issued with a court attendance notice to appear at Lismore Local Court on January 28.Police remind drivers that double demerit points are currently running for offences including drink and drug driving until Sunday, January 5, 2020 inclusive.

Lismore cops want to reassure the public that have "a significant, robust and flexible operation in place to ensure the safety of the community" throughout New Year's Eve.As part of Operation New Year's Eve 2019, Richmond Police District officers will be deployed as part of a highly-visible and mobile police operation to ensure the safety and security of the community ahead of the celebration.NYE party goers are warned about a dangerous new drug"General duties officers will be assisted by specialist units including the Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, Operations Unit and the Dog Unit throughout the operation, Richmond Police District said on its Facebook page."During Operation New Year’s Eve 2019 police will be focusing on public safety, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.Police will be out in force across the Command to ensure everyone has a memorable night for the right reasons. Local police request residents to celebrate responsibly, drink in moderation and look after one another – you don’t want to start 2020 with a criminal record."2019 The Year in Review Part 12019 Year in Review Part 2

With New Years Eve celebrations on tonight and two big local NYE events in place, Police are warning the public about two potentially dangerous drugs.High-dose MDMA (ecstasy) pills in the shape of light blue ‘LEGO’ blocks recently seized in northern NSW has prompted a warning from NSW Health ahead of New Year’s Eve. The second are pills with the Tesla logo and blue in colour.Professor Andrew Dawson, Clinical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, said the dangerous drug contained double or even triple the common dose.“While one MDMA tablet/capsule alone can cause life-threatening toxicity, the risk is greatly increased if high doses or multiple MDMA tablets or capsules are consumed over a short period, or if MDMA is consumed in combination with alcohol or other stimulants, such as methamphetamine or cocaine,” Prof Dawson said.“Hot weather will also increase the dangers, as MDMA causes the body to dangerously overheat, potentially leading to organ failure, loss of consciousness and death.”The average dose of MDMA in the seized, light blue “LEGO” shaped tablets was 150mg.“Consumption of high doses of MDMA has been linked to cases of serious illness and death in NSW. It can cause severe agitation and paranoia, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, heart rhythm problems and death,” Prof Dawson said.The NSW Government recently announced Amnesty Bins would be placed at some music festivals so patrons have a chance to discard illegal drugs without fear of prosecution or penalty.The measure formed a key part of the NSW Government’s response to the Deputy Coroner’s recommendations following her inquest into the deaths of six patrons at NSW music festivals, which found MDMA toxicity was the cause of death in five people, and combined MDMA and cocaine toxicity in one person.NSW Health has also released updated Guidelines for Music Festival Event Organisers which support the delivery of safer music festivals.Professor Dawson urged anyone who was unwell from MDMA to immediately call Triple Zero.“Importantly, look after your mates. If you feel unwell, or if your friend feels unwell, do something about it. Don’t ignore it. You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care,” he said.For support and information on drug and alcohol, please contact: The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) – 1800 250 015 – a 24/7 service offeringconfidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information.For information about the potential adverse effects of MDMA, please contact the NSW PoisonsInformation Centre on 13 11 26.

On the eve of entering a new decade, we look back at the events that occurred in 2019. This is Part 2.March 6 saw the most successful Eat The Street food festival to date with over 26,000 people attending the iconic local event. Plus we saw the very first AFL match on the newly refurbished Oakes oval on Sunday March 7 between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast Suns which attracted nearly 5,000 fans.(Crowds enjoying this years Eat The Street. PHOTO: Kristian Hatton)Just before this historic AFL Trial game, the Federal Government announced a further $6 million grant for the stage two development of Oakes Oval and Crozier Field. The upgrade includes;The new work at Crozier Oval will include:·      fit-out of a roof-top terrace, ·      new national standard media and broadcasting facilities including scoring equipment, ·      new amenities, function rooms, a kiosk and a lift, ·      a change room upgrade, ·      new national grade cricket nets, and ·      a pedestrian bridge link to Oakes Oval.The new work at Oakes Oval will include:·      a terrace level to the rear of the main grandstand, ·      new media and broadcasting facilities, ·      corporate boxes, ·      internal refurbishment to the Gordon Pavilion, and ·      new amenities.(The Sydney Swans take on the Gold Coast Suns at Oakes Oval in March this year. PHOTO: Lismore App)The success of Eat The Street and the AFL Trial Match proved a strong starting point for the rest of the events for 2019.June 21 saw the iconic Lismore Lantern Parade celebrate its 25th anniversary with a new three day celebration. We had concerts on the Friday night, kids activities including rides and jumping castles, food stalls, buskers as well as the inspirational Lantern Parade itself. As usual a huge crowd in excess of 20,000 turned out to enjoy the Winter spectacular.(the 2019 Lismore Lantern Parade. PHOTOS: Will Jackson)The Nimbin Show celebrated 100 years in 2019. To mark the milestone the committee offered free entry and the result was a crowd over 5,000 which was well up on 2018 numbers.The 2019 Lismore Cup was the next spring event on the social calendar and it was another success in terms of attendance with crowds in excess of 5,000. The Council gazetted half day public holiday was voted against at the December 11 council meeting. What affect that has on the 2020 Lismore Cup will be made apparent in September next year.The Lismore Masters Games occurred on September 27-29 with over 1600 over 30’s coming to town and playing over twenty different sports. Lismore City Council Tourism and Events Manager Mitch Lowe said “it was the biggest Masters Games in six years”.Following an intense and traumatic November, residents of the 2480 post code could relax and enjoy Christmas celebrations. The 2019 Carols In The Heart was a huge success with a crowd over 6000 people singing their hearts out.September 17, 2019 was the date that most people thought terrorism had entered the Northern Rivers when Southern Cross University went into lockdown.The lockdown occurred when a threatening phone call was received from a man by police. Shortly after the call was received 200 people were directly affected by the lockdown while 750 were at SCU at the time. Police responded with 70 tactical police and highway patrol officers on site. Social media reported a gunman on campus but no one was found with weapons on campus.On August 13 we began to get a taste of what smoke filled air was like when a fire started in Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre. It spread from the compost to the Materials Recovery Facility where recyclable materials including plastics are processed. The fire was finally extinguished on August 21.August 17 was when we were warned by the NSW Rural Fire Service about an ‘early start to the Northern River’s Zone’s Bush Fire Danger Period’ due to significant fire activity in the area following strong winds and low humidity.In early September campfires and barbecues using wood, charcoal, or other solid fuels were banned from our State Forests as bush fires continued to burn. The on September 9, we were warned by the North Coast Public Health Unit to protect our health from bush fire smoke as the air quality began to be affected.November 8 saw a Total Fire Ban with 66 bush fires burning throughout NSW which brought with it more health warnings due to smoke haze. Saturday November 9 was when the Lismore App first broke the story of the Mt Nardi bushfire. At this stage it was 10 kilometres from Nimbin and heading towards Tuntable Falls Road affecting an area of 2000 hecatres, 16 Rural Fire Service firefighters were trying to bring the blaze under control. Two days later Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a State of Emergency for NSW.The Nimbin Showgrounds was announced as an evacuation point for residents with 170 people using the facilities at the fires peak while the Lismore Showgrounds were also offered by North Coast National Secretary Mark Bailey and GSAC became another official site.It wasn’t long before residents of Tuntable Creek had begun evacuating their properties while residents in Whian Whian, Dunoon and The Channon were advised to action their Bush Fire Survival plan. On Tuesday it was confirmed that two properties had been lost.The many firefighters that helped contain bushfires over the eight days could finally get some respite on the 17th. These firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the emergency and the community will be forever thankful for their brave efforts especially those with properties that were in the path of the bushfire that destroyed over 6,500 hectares of the beautiful Mt Nardi region of the Nightcap National Park.As a result of the ongoing drought and the bush fires Nimbin was quickly placed on Level 1 water restrictions which became Level 2 within a week. Lismore entered Level 1 on December 7 before Nimbin hit the serious Level 3 water restrictions on December 12. At the Lismore App we support local business as we believe this is the heart and soul of any city and town. These businesses opened their doors or moved in 2019 and deserve our patronage in 2020 as well as the many businesses that have been established for quite a few years.La Casita Mexicana on Keen Street in March.The Duck Pond Café relocated two doors down in Union Street, South Lismore after closing on February 28.Treas Shoes in the Star Court ArcadeFair Game, an online wild venison businessLe Petit Aromatique Apothecary in Star CourtJohn Deere dealership in South LismoreTotally Dogs moves to a new location at 46 Terania Street, North Lismore.Discount Drug Stores in Goonellabah (corner Pleasant Street and Rous Road)Pretty Please Hair and Beauty in the CBD down a laneway off Carrington StreetAffordable Beauty opened another business in the Village Goonellabah Shopping CentreLiving Entertainment moved into new larger premises at 105 Keen Street.As 2019 comes to a close, what is in store for 2020? There are times when you wish for a relatively quiet year, after the Mt Nardi bushfires we could do with a quiet twelve months.On behalf of the Lismore App team, thank you for reading our stories this year. We will continue to do our best and provide News, Sport and Community Information for the 2480 post code. If you see or hear of anything that the community should know about please let us know through the 'Contact The App' button.Happy New Year!

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista has revealed her future intentions as she remains in Sydney after having a kidney removed and transplanted in her 21-year-old son Isaak.Battista, who had to be rescued by firemen on Saturday when the unit Isaak and her are staying in became flooded due to a broken water pipe in the property above, said the pair will rest and recuperate in Sydney after the major operations.SUNDAY PROFILE: Rebekka Battista brings light to others "I can travel now but we’ve decided to stay here and take the time to rest until I see the specialist which is mid-January (if) he gives me the okay to get back to normal duties," she said."We are doing really well. Isaak's blood results are excellent. Daily he has tests at the hospital."Staying here forces me to rest which is good as I’m the type who if I come home would dive back into work and all that I love maybe a little earlier than I should."Also being here allows me to support Isaak so I am enjoying wearing my mother’s hat."Rebekka Battista donated her kidney to her son Isaak in separate major operations at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, Sydney on December 10.Isaak's father and Rebekka's husband, Gianpiero Battista, a Lismore City Councillor, donated a kidney to Isaak 13 years ago, when he was aged eight as he was born with renal failure.With the kidney beginning to fail, doctors discovered that Rebekka's kidney was compatible for Isaak. His mother underwent a six-hour operation to remove one of her kidneys and Isaak had eight hours of surgery to have the kidney transplanted.Rebekka gifts her son a kidney for ChristmasThe pair are able to get out and about and attended a service by Robert Fergusson at the Hillsong Church in Sydney on Sunday.They have also been moved into new accommodation after their unit they are staying in was flooding.A NSW Fire and Rescue appliance outside the unit block where Rebekka Battista's temporary home became flooded. Photo: Rebekka Battista / Facebook"Hilariously the maintenance man was working in the above apartment and broke a major water pipe. NSW Fire and Rescue were awesome as were the managers (the apartment block) here. Because we can’t lift yet the firemen moved us to temporary accommodation that the manager had organised .... how beautiful is that ! They even offered us a lift but not sure I could have got up into the truck after the operation," Rebekka said."This morning the accommodation manager moved us back into a new apartment. They have been so good as well and so apologetic."

After one of the busiest and most devastating bushfire seasons seen this decade, local Member for Page Kevin Hogan has said that volunteer firefighters will recieve financial support from the Federal Government for loss of income, where they have been called out for extended periods of service. “Rural Fire Service Volunteers in NSW who are self-employed or work for small and medium businesses, and who have been called out for more than 10 days this fire season, will be able to apply for the payments,” Mr Hogan said. “The payments will provide for lost income of up to $300 per day up to a total of up to $6,000 per person.” “These payments are tax free and will not be means-tested, but are targeted to those most likely to suffer lost income by volunteering for extended periods of time.” “For most, this will represent the equivalent of at least 20 days’ emergency leave for employees of small and medium sized businesses and volunteers who are self-employed,” he said. ”This will include farmers, small business owners, tradies’ and contract workers in rural and regional areas who have been hit especially hard by this fire season.” The Federal Government announced they would be providing paid leave for up to four weeks for Commonwealth public servants fighting these devastating fires. "This announcement provides employees of small and medium sized businesses and self-employed volunteers with the same level of support.” he said. The Australian Government will cover the costs of the grant payments. The NSW Government will administer the payments. Other state and territory governments are invited to enter into a similar scheme based on their assessment of need and the demands on their volunteer effort from their own fire seasons. Other requests for assistance will be assessed on their merits. “While I know RFS volunteers don’t seek payment for their service, I don’t want to see volunteers or their families unable to pay bills, or struggle financially as a result of the selfless contribution they are making,” he said. “This is not about paying volunteers. It is about sustaining our volunteer efforts by protecting them from financial loss. It’s targeted and is the result of a direct request and consultation with the NSW RFS and NSW Government, following the Commonwealth’s announcement of increased emergency services leave for Commonwealth public servants earlier this week.” “The fire chiefs and state and territory governments know they have our full support.” “We’ve already got our Defence Forces providing helicopter search and rescue, ground transport, accommodation, logistics and re-fuelling. We’ve boosted our support for water bombing planes and helicopters by $11 million,” he said. “Disaster recovery payments of $23 million have also flowed to affected families and businesses with more to come.” “This is a helping hand from the Federal Government for those giving to their community through an extreme fire season.” “These payments will help support volunteer fire fighters financially for all the support they’ve provided our communities,” he said. Payments are expected to be available before the end of January 2020.

Lismore and Goonellabah Libraries have free activities taking place throughout the school holidays to keep kids entertained, engaged and learning while having fun. You can pick up a free school holiday program from the Lismore or Goonellabah Libraries to see what’s on offer. Some of the highlights include: Decorate a Calendar Friday, 3 January, Goonellabah Library, 10.30am-11am.Creating Tiny Gardens Tuesday, 7 January, Lismore Library, 10.30am-11.30am. Children’s Dance Party Wednesday, 8 January, Lismore Library, 10am-11am. Big Games Morning Tuesday, 14 January, Lismore Library, 10.30am-11.30am. 3D Printing Pen Craft Wednesday, 15 January, Lismore Library, 1.30pm-2.30pm and 3pm-4pm. Super Slimy Science Thursday, 16 January, Mobile Library (Nimbin), 11am. Bird Chimes Tuesday, 21 January, Lismore Library, 10.30am-11am. Storytime, Toddler Time and Baby Bounce Storytime sessions begin again in 2020 on Tuesday, 14 January at Goonellabah Library and on Wednesday and Thursday, 15-16 January at Lismore Library. Sessions begin at 10.30am. The first sessions of the year will join with the Summer Reading Club for a big storytelling event. Tell your story with your very own Story Stones, if you haven’t already, you can join the Summer Reading Club for a chance to win an iPad mini. Storytime is for preschoolers with their carers. Older siblings are also welcome to join in. Toddler Time and Baby Bounce will begin again in 2020 on Monday, 13 January at Lismore Library and Friday, 17 January at Goonellabah Library. Toddler Time is at 10am and Baby Bounce is at 11am. These and lots more free activities are available throughout January at your local libraries. Grab a school holiday program from your library or at http://www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au and plan your school holiday fun.