The big event this weekend is the annual Babyshop 'Carols In The Heart' on Sunday.One of the first questions on a weekend like this is "what is the weather going to be like"? Another stinker tomorrow with 35C the maximum, a Total Fire Ban has been declared for Saturday while there is a cooler change for Sunday expected. A top of 30 degrees from the BOM is near ideal by the time 4:30pm rolls around and even better when the sun goes down Weather.Headlining Carols this year is country music legend Adam Harvey. For those not clued up about Adam, he has won eight Golden Guitar Awards and sold over half a million albums in a career that has spanned twenty years. Of course there will be some local representation from the Megan Philips Dance Academy, the Caniaba Public School, Summerland Christian College, Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Cath Simes Band and Marlaina & Ruben Garcia.Crozier Field is where you need to head on Sunday afternoon. The gates will open at 4:30pm with the carols starting from 5:30. Parking can be accessed via Uralba and Brewster Streets. Apart from the singing there will also be face painting, jumping castles and visit from the big red boy.A word or warning! You cannot bring candles into this year's Carols In The Heart for obvious fire reasons. Glow sticks will be available instead. Glass is also not permitted into the venue for safety reasons while dogs are not allowed too.If you want to take the kids and check out some Xmas Lights this weekend, the list is now loaded on out Christmas button on the front page of the Lismore App. If you have your location switched on the lights closest to you will appear at the top of the list so it is easy to navigate your way around street to street Christmas.The rest of the weekend is about markets, markets and more markets! Always good with Christmas nineteen days away.The Lismore Farmers Markets are open from 8am tomorrow morning and the Blue Knob markets are from 8:30am. An early start is recommended because of the sweltering day ahead. Then the Lismore Vintage and Handmade markets are on between 10am and 2pm at the NR Conservatorium at 152 Keen Street.Sunday sees the final Channon markets of the year from 9am to 3pm. They will need some support as the November markets were cancelled due to the bush fires so if you can jump in the car and head to the Channon.Tina Turner fans can enjoy Irish performer Rebecca O'Connor belting out all of Tina's hits at the Lismore Workers Club on Saturday night at 7:30. The tour is called Simply The Best and must include that song (probably without Barnesy though!), What's Love Got To Do With It, Proud Mary, We Don't Need Another Hero, What You Get Us What You See, Typical Male and loads more. The good news is that this event is FREE! You have to love that at this time of year.There is some great sport too with the Northern Rivers Cricket League and the Far North Coast Softball Association at Albert Park, Lismore.There are three First Grade matches being played in Lismore tomorrow, with a 1pm start. Marist Brothers and Northern Districts will be a great encounter to watch under shade at Mortimer Oval (Recreation 8). League leaders Goonellabah Workers Sports host Casino RSM Redbacks at Nesbitt Park, South Lismore and Lismore Workers' match with Eastern Districts at Nielson Park, East Lismore, is set to be a tight affair.That is the Weekend Wrap. Have a great two days off and stay cool.

As Australia’s bushfires continue, smoke is posing a growing health risk.If you have been considering wearing a face mask to filter out bushfire smoke particles, NSW Health advises you to choose the right mask.Bushfire smoke carries PM2.5 particles – which have a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less – and can cause long-term health problems.People with asthma, lung disease or cardiovascular disease, and the young and the elderly, are all at particular risk.NSW Health Director of Environmental Health, Dr Richard Broome said with more people starting to wear a variety of face-masks, it is important to consider the evidence.“The main concern with smoke is the very fine PM2.5 particles, which are so small they pass through most types of mask," he said."A P2 mask does filter out these particles, but is only effective if there is a good fit and an air-tight seal around the mouth and nose."Evidence shows that this is difficult to achieve in practice, so they may not provide the benefit people are hoping for.“NSW Health continues to recommend that people with these conditions should avoid outdoor physical activity when there’s smoke around."The advice comes after presentations to emergency departments and calls for NSW Ambulance assistance for asthma or breathing problems continue to be higher than normal for a third straight week across NSW.Dr Broome said the fire emergency engulfing many parts of the State means the smoke that has affected so many communities shows no sign of lifting in the near future.Over the last week, there have been around 1,140 presentations, about 25% more than the usual weekly average of around 900. The largest increases have been in South Western Sydney Local Health District, which serves the region particularly affected by smoke over the last week.NSW Ambulance has fielded around 2,330 calls in the same period, around 30% more than the average for the week of 1,780.“These numbers show the smoke continues to have an impact on people’s health and reinforces the need for people to take steps to reduce their exposure,” Dr Broome said.For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose and throat. However, people with conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina are at greater risk because the smoke can trigger their symptoms.In case of emergency, always remember to dial Triple Zero. More information is available online at:http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/bushfire -smoke.aspx

When it’s hot and you want a dip in the local pool, you might want to check ahead to see if it’s open first.Lismore Memorial Baths (LMB) on Molesworth Street will occasionally be closed for swimming carnivals over the next week.The 50 metre pool only will be closed Saturday, December 7, from 9am-1pm for competitive time trials.The whole facility will be closed Thursday, December 12 and Friday December 13, from 9.30am-2pm for a carnival. This will include both lap pools and toddlers pool.

Northern Rivers Performing arts (NORPA) is throwing a launch party tonight (Friday, December 6) and they want you to crash it. The theatre company is set to reveal the shows they’re bringing and creating in 2020 and they’re celebrating with a free party at 7pm at Lismore City Hall, with the bar and diner open from 6pm.As well as live performances, music and food, Artistic Director Julian Louis will take you through NORPA’s 2020 program.“2020 is set to be one of NORPA’s biggest seasons ever,” Artistic Director Julian Louis said. “We have collaborations celebrating local performers, animating the stories of our region and bringing the best of live performance to the Northern Rivers.”“This is a challenging time for our region with the devastating fires, we hope the Launch will be a chance for us all to come together to celebrate the strength of our community and creative vibrancy.”NORPA teams up with Dusty Attic to offer more live music to LismoreNORPA has joined forces with Kate Stroud of Lismore live music venue Dusty Attic to further activate Lismore’s night economy.Together they will present an exciting series of live music and performance evenings in NORPA’s recently upgraded Studio. The first Studio Session features the foot-stomping fun of five piece Sofiella & The Handsome Husbands and will kick off directly after NORPA’s 2020 Season Launch party. This is a free event for the community.“This exciting collaboration means activating a valuable and untapped facility for the Lismore music scene, further strengthening Lismore’s cultural landscape by providing opportunities for artists to perform in a high-quality venue and providing a great space for audiences to come together to enjoy live music,” Kate Stroud said.

A flotilla of real boats which have been reimagined by regional artists will dock at Lismore Regional Gallery this week.The boats are part of the Partnershipping Project - an exhibition travelling across regional Australia which includes twenty installations, twenty regional artists and connects four regional galleries. Each artist on the journey is given a vintage dinghy salvaged in Tasmania to re-purpose as a work of art. A number of re-purposed boats move on to each new destination, but the majority arrive empty, to be re-filled with the work of local artists, just as ships arriving at a port unload and refill their holds with local goods.At Lismore Regional Gallery, the exhibition will feature eight boats.Four of them have been re-imagined by local Northern Rivers artists Penny Evans, Hiromi Tango, Karla Dickens (with contributor Leigh Arnold) and Aris Prabawa.Read more about Karla Dickens and her work this Sunday on The Lismore App in the Sunday Profile section: Sunday ProfileTwo of the boats joined the armada in Townsville, Queensland and were created by Gail Mabo (the daughter of famous land rights campaigner, Eddie Mabo) and Anthony Vanghoua Vue.Another two boats by Selena de Carvalho and David mangenner Gough have travelled from their original destination in Burnie, Tasmania. The exhibition will return to Tasmania next year having circumnavigated thousands of miles across regional Australia gathering new works as it goes. The ambitious project conceived by curator Pat Hoffie with associate curator Rosemary Miller links regional artists and galleries and poses the question ‘Does Place Matter’? The artists come from a broad range of cultural backgrounds and experiences and their works challenge stereotypes about what living in regional Australia might mean. They draw from their global experiences to make changes in their local communities, and to offer new insights. Local artists in The Partnershipping Project:  Penny Evans is a visual artist whose practice is based in ceramics, mixed media works on paper and sculptural installation. Penny’s work for the exhibition focuses on the disappearance of water from her ancestors traditional Gamilaroi homelands to the north west of Bundjalung country in and around Garah, Mungindi, Boomi and Boggabilla. Hiromi Tango is a Japanese-Australian artist working across sculpture, photography, installation and performance. Hiromi’s practice is often collaborative, performative and site-specific and generates healing conversations through arts engagement. In Partnershipping she uses photography and sculpture to imagine being a seed, putting down roots in a new and fertile place. Karla Dickens is a Wiradjuri painter whose practice freely moves across mixed media collage and sculpture, recycling everyday items to explore both gritty current and historical concerns. Her work for the exhibition, created with contributor Leigh Arnold, explores both colonial and indigenous influences on being ‘Lost at Sea’. Aris Prabawa is a multidisciplinary artist from central Java, living in Lismore and maintaining a career in both Indonesia and Australia. His work for the exhibition explores the importance of connections with people and place.The Partnershipping Project runs from December 7 until February 2. The official opening is Friday, December 6 at 6pm at Lismore Regional Gallery at 11 Rural Street, Lismore (next to the Quad).The exhibition will be opened by national curator Pat Hoffie.An Artists in Conversation event will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 7 with artists from the Partnershipping Project exhibition and curator Pat Hoffie.Kids Events at the gallery include Friday Fundays throughout January with Learning Officer Claudie Frock, based on the ideas and artworks from The Partnershipping Project. From 10.30am – 12:30pm Friday 3, 10, 17, 24 January 2020. The cost is $5 per child. Admission to Lismore Regional Gallery is a suggested $5 donation.Gallery opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am to 4pm (Thursdays to 6pm) 

On the first two nights of opening in its new location on Keen Street, Uncle Lim Asian Fusion had a full house.“We’ve only been open two days and the customer support we are getting is amazing,” owner Ethan Lim said. “We posted that we were moving on Facebook and had 11,000 views on it already."The popular restaurant moved from its Wyrallah Road location into the old La Vida restaurant building five weeks ago.Ethan and his family have been transforming the courtyard space from an Italian feel to a Cantonese garden and the downstairs space has been transformed into an Asian style function room.Ethan Lim in the transformed downstairs function room.“We are still learning what do with the outdoor area – some people say to us that the Italian fountain looks out of place in an Asian restaurant – we’ll have to see what we can do with it,” he said.“Yesterday, a water dragon jumped onto a customer and what do I do? “My staff dropped a plate when it jumped out.”Ethan said the move to the new Keen Street location after being in East Lismore for two years was so that they could operate during lunch time – which they will start doing next year.“We’ve taken a gamble moving here, but in the old location, there was no parking on the side of the road, so it would be hard for people to stop for lunch,” he said.The Asian fusion restaurant is a family business which includes Ethan’s wife Emily Chan, their two small children, and her mother.Ethan came out to Australia from Malaysia 14 years ago and met Emily, his wife on the Gold Coast when he was running a Hungry Jacks store in Burleigh Heads. At the time he was also running a Hungry Jacks store in Lismore and was kept busy working between the two stores.“Eventually I sold that business and decided to open up Unce Lim here,” he said.“I love the chill, relaxed lifestyle here where there’s no rush."Ethan said all the food on the asian fusion menu is inspired by his mum, who was a “very good cook”"On the menu there are a lot of Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Sichuan and Cantonese dishes," he said.“I still call mum to get her secret recipes. “On the menu is her traditional sweet and sour pork. It’s my favourite dish and the thing I always remember from when I was young."Ethan said everyone who has been coming to the restaurant is curious about the downstairs restaurant space.“It’s like a museum - everyone wants to look,” he said.“It’s a great place for functions and with Christmas coming up people might want to book the space for parties or events.”The restaurant is also fully licenced with a special chocolate cocktail that Ethan said is delicious. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm until 9.30pm.Ethan hopes to open next year for the lunch trade from 11.30am until 2.30pm, and might even stay open after that right through until evening.“We’ll see how we go,” he said.Ethan said with a busy restaurant to run, he’s always looking for reliable staff and anyone interested in helping out should come and see him.

Richmond District Police arrested a man in Lismore this morning after he stole a car with a child sleeping in the back seat.Police from the Richmond Target Action Group will allege that at 9am this morning, a 25 year old Ballina man attended a Union Street Lismore store and stole a bottle of drink. "He has then entered a car that was parked outside the store," a police statement said."The owner had left his car only for a few moments with a 12 month old child sleeping in a baby seat with the air conditioning on while collecting some stock. "The 25 year old then drove away quickly with the baby still in the back seat."The owner of the car and witnesses saw this take place. "They approached the car, which was now stuck in traffic on Union street. "A witnessed positioned his car near the stolen car in order to block it in. "The owner and witnesses then tried breaking car windows in order to stop the driver."Two police vehicles were nearby and saw this take place. "A Lismore Police Sergeant put his vehicle in front of the stolen car; the 25 year old reversed and slammed into a car behind him. "Police removed the 25 year old from the car and placed him under arrest. "The child was not harmed during this ordeal. "Checks on the 25 year old's driver’s licence status revealed that he is disqualified until May 2040."The 25 year old has been charged with Illegal Use of Conveyance, Take Motor Vehicle With Occupant On Board, Use Offensive Instrument to Prevent Apprehension, Drive Whilst Disqualified 2nd + Offence and Larceny. "He has been bail refused and will appear at Lismore Local Court today."The Sergeant who stopped the vehicle will be nominated for a Bravery Award."

Mist, the young koala is ready to say hello to you - from the pages of a new book being launched this Saturday, December 7 at the Burribi Education Centre.Look out! is book two in the Adventures of Mist series, produced and published by Katrina Jeffery from Tuckurimba’s Koala Gardens wildlife sanctuary.Look out! reflects on the tough predicament birds and animals are in today, having to negotiate the human sprawl.They also bring messages about how compassion, friendship and teamwork can find solutions. Katrina is passionate about helping our koala populations, and her books are based on actual animals that live at the sanctuary.She said publishing the book is another way to spread awareness about the plight of our endangered animals.“Koala Gardens at Tuckurimba is a native wildlife sanctuary with a thriving resident wild koala colony,” she said. “Preserving and restoring native habitat is crucial to the survival of us all.“With over one million hectares of land burnt in NSW during the 2019 spring fires, more than ever, every tree counts. “At Koala Gardens there are also another five vulnerable native species and more being identified each year. “The bush here teems with a countless variety of iconic native birds, animals, reptiles and insects”. In book 1 of the series, Mist, the loveable young koala, is on a journey to find a new home after she finds her favourite tree and forest cut down. Book 2 unfolds in Mist’s new home, Koala Gardens. She and her friends find an unexpected visitor one morning and are confronted by a potential danger which could affect them all. Together they formulate a plan to help with the problem. The books, written by American author Becca Boucher, also feature watercolour illustrations by Australian artist/author, Lucienne Noontil. “You will find yourself drawn into the Aussie bush to see and feel the story unfold,” Katrina said.“You can’t help but fall in love with nature as you move through each page.” Becca Boucher is passionate about wildlife preservation and koalas and has already written four adult novels and numerous short stories.RSVPs are not necessary, but will helping with catering.The book will be launched this Saturday, at Burribi Education Centre (at Friends of the Koala) on Rifle Range Road, East Lismore at 11am.A tour of the Friends of the Koala rehabilitation centre begins at 9.45am.Book 1 and 2 will be available for sale – in time to give them as Christmas presents. For more information or to RSVP, visit http://www.AdventuresofMist.net.au

With Lismore's primary water source, Rocky Creek Dam now sitting at 70% capacity, level 1 water restrictions will come into effect in the Lismore council area this Saturday, December 7.Level 1 restrictions will also apply to Richmond Valley (excluding land to the west of Coraki).Varying restrictions apply in the region due to different water sources for these areas, with Mullumbimby and Casino currently on Level 3 water restrictions and Nimbin on Level 2 water restrictions. Restrictions have been introduced early in response to high water usage by the community, low inflows into the region’s main dam at Rocky Creek - and a dry outlook for summer. Without moderate rainfall before the end of the year, the catchment of Rocky Creek Dam will experience its lowest rainfall since 1973 – and a quarter less rainfall than was received during each of the years of the millennial drought. Rous County Council’s Chairman, Cr Keith Williams, said the region will face Level 2 restrictions before Christmas if the community does not act now to reduce demand. “If water usage is not cut by 5% and there is no significant rainfall it is likely we will increase water restrictions to Level 2 before Christmas," he said."Water consumption across the region was more than 25% higher in October and November than for the same period last year. “Consumption has not decreased since Council announced it would bring in water restrictions early when Rocky Creek Dam reaches 70% instead of 60%. “We need the community to respond to these extreme conditions and reduce their consumption now. “We’re relying on the community being aware of this situation and implementing Level 1 water restrictions for themselves as a minimum."Water carters“While there has been an ongoing increase in the volume of water delivered by water carters, during the last month they collectively supplied around the equivalent of one day’s water supply to the entire Rous network," Cr Williams said.“We will continue to work with water carters and our constituent councils to improve access to water to reduce wait times. “We expect to have two additional water fill stations installed before Christmas and only be available for non-commercial water carters. “So, residents and businesses who can transport small quantities of water will be able to access these sites and not have to wait for water carters. “This should also reduce the wait times for commercial water carters at the 11 other bulk filling stations. “Residents and businesses on tank water generally have a higher level of awareness of their water usage. “However, with a predicted hot and dry summer ahead and long wait times for water carters, it’s more important than ever for people on water tanks to be prepared by checking their tanks regularly and making arrangements for water deliveries well in advance of running out.” The region’s primary water source, Rocky Creek Dam, is sitting at 70%.It supplies drinking water to areas stretching from Woodburn in the south, north to Ocean Shores and west to Lismore and Coraki. Emigrant Creek Dam also supplies water to the Ballina and Lennox Heads areas and is sitting at 58%.Cr Williams said business and commercial operators are not exempt from the restrictions and will need to reduce their water usage along with the rest of the community, especially tourism and accommodation providers as the region moves into the high season. Water saving measures:For public swimming pools, commercial pools and spas, commercial car washers and water parks, this means logging water use. Efficient high pressure, low flow rate cleaners with trigger controls are required for commercial cleaning activities. The washing of driveways and paved areas is permitted prior to sale or lease of property only with your local Council’s approval. Irrigating golf fairways with mains water is not permitted. Level 1 water saving measures for residential urban and rural premises include: • no watering of established lawns • no water play tools, toys and slides • fitting all hand-held hoses with on/off trigger nozzles • watering established gardens is permitted with hand-held hoses for one hour every second day, between 4pm and 9am on odd or even days of the month to match the house numbering system • topping up swimming pools is permitted between 4pm and 9am using a hand-held hose • washing cars with hand-held hoses is permitted between 4pm and 9am on odd or even days of the month to match the house numbering system. The full list of water saving measures, including those for public facilities and business, can be found on Council’s website here (and attached). Northern Rivers’ residents use an average 194 litres of water per person per day.

Lismore’s 2019 recycled Christmas tree was unveiled in the CBD early this morning – and it’s alive.The 7-metre CBD masterpiece is made from more than 300 potted plants, 100 metres of tinsel, 250 metres of LED strip lighting powered by solar, 16 pairs of work trousers and matching boots, and rather than being topped by the traditional Santa, staff have created Planta.While it is a living tree, staff were conscious on the need to save water – particularly with water restrictions looming. For this reason, the tree will receive minimal watering for ten minutes every eight hours.This is the fifth tree Council staff have erected on the corner of Keen and Magellan streets to celebrate the festive season and Lismore’s commitment to recycling and sustainability.It was constructed over the last three months with staff volunteering their own time and donating to cover all costs.The tradition began in 2015, when Council staff created a Christmas tree as a gift for the community from old bicycles painted in many colours.In 2016 staff made the tree from old car tyres and in 2017 it was fashioned from old road signs with an impressive ‘Give Way’ star.Last year, 49 second-hand umbrellas created a very colourful and talked about tree.“We love the recycled Christmas tree, although we’re starting to feel like there’s pressure to deliver!” laughed Anton Nguyen, Lismore City Council’s Parks Officer, who spearheaded this year’s effort.“This year’s living Christmas tree is a nod to our beautiful natural environment. We are very proud of the tree because it represents everything Lismore is about – it’s sustainable, recycled, colourful and quirky. We think it suits the personality of our city and what our community stands for.“Council staff love our community and do our very best to make Lismore a great place to live. Christmas gives us a chance to share our Christmas spirit and give something back from the heart,” Anton added.

Local police were alerted to a woman walking along Brewster Street holding a syringe on Tuesday afternoon.Police from the Richmond Target Action group will allege that they responded to the call and located the 39 year old Lismore woman at McDonalds."The woman was climbing the counter and acting oddly", a Richmond District Police Facebook statement said."The woman refused to supply her name and was highly abusive towards police and nearby school children."The woman then tried to enter a nearby car and intentionally slammed the door into a Senior Constable's leg and threw a drink at him. "She was placed under arrests and fought efforts to restrain her. "A search of her property located a syringe and methadone that was not prescribed to her."The woman was charged with Assault Police, Resist Police, Offensive Language, Possess Restricted Substance and Fail to Disclose Identity. "She will appear at Lismore Local Court later this month."

Richmond District Police are warning of a new phishing scam from 'Commbonk'.Police reported that the scam starts as an email using various display names, each containing the word ‘CommBank’.Unsuspecting recipients who click on the link to view ‘transaction details’ are each led to a different page which redirects to a page using the domain 'commbonk'. According the security company, MailGuard, this is a phishing page masquerading as a fake Commonwealth Bank sign-in page."Don't click on the link and delete email immediately," Richmond PD reported.Mailguard reported on its website that whilst MailGuard is stopping this email scam from reaching Australian businesses, “we encourage all users to be extra vigilant against this kind of email and whatever happens, do not respond to it”.“Commonwealth Bank is one of Australia’s best known and most trusted brands, so it is irresistible to phishing scammers as it widens their victim base,” the website reported.“The hallmark of this scam lies in its ability to trick users by ironically using a security alert. “Verifying irregular transaction activity is a common trait of well-established banks like Commonwealth and it’s this focus on security that cybercriminals behind this scam leverage on.”For more information on this scam, visit https://www.mailguard.com.au/blog/commonwealth-bank-impersonated-in-phishing-scam-email-asks-users-to-confirm-card-activityFor more information about phishing, visit https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/attempts-to-gain-your-personal-information/phishing

A new policy to help Lismore City Council staff deal with unreasonable conduct from people they interact with was the subject of discussion at last night’s Lismore City Council meeting.Before the new policy is put on public exhibition, Lismore councillors voted to hold a workshop to further discuss the content of the policy.The policy’s executive summary states “whilst staff interactions with the community are generally positive, at times staff are placed in positions where these interactions can become hostile and unreasonable”. Some of the listed types of unreasonable conduct in the draft policy include: unreasonable persistence, demands, lack of cooperation, arguments and behaviours.Cr Ekins asked who the people in council would be to make the decisions about whether someone’s behaviour was unreasonable or not.She was told there were three key people: the customer advocate contact centre manager, the safety team responsible manager, and the public officer.She was also told that once the behaviour was reviewed, the documentation would be sent to the person, who would have 30 days to ask the general manager to review it.Cr Ekins suggested that one of words in the policy that needed to be changed was the use of “conspiracy” in relation to someone’s “unreasonable argument”.“We need to change it to ‘theories’,” she said.“Some people in the community have a body of evidence behind their theories and are passionate about them.”Councillor Elly Bird said the new policy was an opportunity provide appropriate workplace health and safety protocol for staff and councillors.“We might need some wording changes to the policy – but it comes down to respect – and for people to feel safe in their workplace,” she said.“If someone doesn’t feel safe in their interactions with anyone in any way, whether it’s a staff member or a councillor, they should be protected in their work “It’s about protection and care … and putting into place a framework that adequately documents and traces the journey of engagement for those people.“It’s not acceptable that anyone should feel unsafe, harassed, or abused in their workplace - be that staff member or a councillor.”Lismore resident Janine Wilson had concerns that the policy could stop community members accessing information if they were deemed “unreasonable” by council staff.“We need a policy to protect staff, but it should be balanced to protect the community and give them the right of access to the information they need,” she said.Cr Battista expressed his concern about the policy and that many people in the community would not be happy with it if they felt they didn’t get responses from council."We need to be transparent, we want a community that engages with council,” he said.“We don't want to stop them from reaching out to us."

Richmond District Police are warning local residents that thieves are targeting bicycles in our area."Victims have had their bikes stolen from front porches, garages as well as out in public spaces," Richmond PD reported on its Facebook page."The common theme is unsecured or weak chain locks which can be snapped with little effort.""Please be careful not to buy stolen bikes."If it's too good to be true it's probably stolen."Police recommend people use the following bicycle protection tips to secure your bike from thieves:• U-locks and heavy-duty chains offer better bicycle protection, though not impenetrable.• Never lock just the frame - otherwise anybody with a tool can remove both wheels in less than a minute.• For extra bicycle protection, use two U-locks - one securing the back part of the frame and the wheel and the other locking the front.• Your second lock can also be a different type - thus the thief will require a different set of tools to open it.• Buy the smallest U-locks because they give the thief less room as leverage to free the bike.• Never park in isolated or overcrowded places• Photograph and engrave your bike with a unique marking (e.g. drivers licence number)• Bring your bike indoors.

Lismore’s Quad was an explosion of colour, dance and music yesterday when the local community celebrated International Day of People with Disability.Hundreds of people of differing abilities, their carers, families and support agencies came together to celebrate, eat, dance and sing – and throw coloured powder at each other in a colour fun run.Angela Mathews and Ben Payne.The local day’s organiser Angela Mathews, from Just Like Home support services said it was the third year that the event had been held in the Quad.“When you live it, it’s nice to celebrate it,” Angela said. “It’s a great way for people to get together, be happy, social and meet up with their friends – being in care can be isolating sometimes.”Angela said while the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that 14% of our local population is made up of people with special needs and different abilities, the reality is much higher.“There’s about one in three people here who have special needs,” she said. “It’s just more hidden.“There’s no difference between us really. It’s not us and them – we are all part of an inclusive community.“Being inclusive is about not focusing on the differences.”Elise Nurka and her support worker Jo Puglis.Angela said part of the work of the Just Like Home was creating experiences for the young people involved with the organisation.“We create a sleepover experience where they get to hang out with other people with a disability,” she said.“We’ve also just launched a new travel experience and recently, I took Ben Payne and some of his friends to Tasmania to experience what it’s like to go on the road and visit other places.“Ben chose Tasmania and we went to many different places and he gained a lot of life skills in the process.”Ben said he’s also looking forward to the upcoming monthly games night they are creating.Renee, Christine and Hayley from Archive Australia with Tracey, Diana and Tom.“Lismore City Council brought along the hippocamp today,” Angela said.“It’s a wheelchair that lets people access forest or the beach where they can go into the surf for a swim."Tash, Jason and Santos from Multitask enjoyed watching the bellydancers Talia and Belladonna - dancers from the Veil of Tears.Tash and Jason sang with the Multitask choir on the day and Tash also bellydances.“It’s good fun,” Tash said.Tash, Jason and Santos from Multitask.Joanne Schutte and Laila Reagan.

Road works on a contaminated site at Beardow Street in Lismore Heights are finally complete after months of delays.The completed works include bitumen sealing and weed matting over the embankment which will be planted out in March.The landslip, which occurred in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie in 2017, has been an ongoing headache for Lismore Council due to the discovery of asbestos contaminated soil there.The cost to fix it was originally estimated at $1.2 million and was to be borne by the Federal Govt under the Natural Distaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).But work was halted when it was found the site was ridden with asbestos which the NDRRA would not pay to have removed.In June this year, The Lismore App reported the remediation works would cost an $2 million, and more time to fix.After a court battle between the council and a landowner over access to the site, the state and federal governments contributed $2.4 million earlier this year to ensure the project could be completed.Councils’ Director of Infrastructure Services Peter Jeuken said “council is still waiting to hear back from the NSW Environment Protection Authority following testing to determine if the waste material exposed during the initial landslip extended to other areas of the road reserve”. “We will advise residents once we are notified by the EPA,” he said. “Unfortunately, the planned repairs of Noel Street have been delayed due to the large scope of the work. “Repairs are now expected to start in early January and take about four weeks.“Council recognises that the road works has significantly impacted on residents and we apologise for any inconvenience. “We are currently offering a house cleaning service to remove dust from those homes which were directly adjacent to the landslip work."

If you are heading north on the highway this week, be prepared for changed traffic conditions on the Pacific Motorway at the Tugun Bypass Tunnel.While essential maintenance work is carried out, the northbound and southbound fast lanes of the tunnel will be closed for one night, on Thursday 5 December between 7pm and 6am. A reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists during the work, which will include sensor repairs and calibration, and power supply maintenance.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit http://livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers will take centre stage at this year’s Shopbaby Carols in the Heart.Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said putting the firies in the limelight was to thank them for the selfless work they did protecting our community during the recent bushfires.“While some people were forced to evacuate their homes, many more could have been affected and lives and property lost, had it not been for the dedication and professionalism of the RFS and its wonderful volunteers,” he said.“It seems appropriate as we gather as a community to celebrate Christmas, that we thank our RFS volunteers who gave up so much of their time and risked their own lives to look after us.“They are truly heroes who deserve to be recognised and thanked.”Donations collected on the night and proceeds from sales of Glowsticks will go to the local RFS.Cr Smith said Council was also hosting a special thank you event for the RFS and emergency services earlier in the day.Lismore City Council’s Tourism and Events Manager Mitch Lowe said due to the ongoing dry conditions and fires in the region, there will be no fireworks during the evening.However, he said there was still much on offer at this year’s Carols including headline act Adam Harvey, face painting, a jumping castle, an array of food stalls, and a visit from Santa. “This is a beautiful way to celebrate Christmas as a community and come together for some festive fun, carol singing and to say thanks to our RFS volunteers,” Mitch said. “We are really thrilled to have Australian country music Adam Harvey as our headline performer as well as a line-up of talented local performers who will be there with jingle bells on! “Our talented local performers include Megan Phillips Dance Academy, Caniaba Public School, Summerland Christian College, Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Cath Simes Band and, Marlaina and Ruben Garcia. “Food and refreshments will be available on the day and we warmly welcome everyone in the Lismore community and beyond to come and join us for this special Christmas afternoon.” Shopbaby Carols in the Heart is on Sunday, 8 December at Crozier Field. Gates open at 4.30pm with the first carols from 5.30pm. Entry is free. Crozier Field can be accessed via Uralba and Brewster Street entries.

Local Rivers Secondary College Richmond Rivers High Campus teacher Sally Ford has been named teacher of the year in the national Australian Training Awards.Sally is the head teacher in Technology and Applied Studies, teaching practical subjects like food technology, agriculture, woodwork, textiles and design.She loves teaching agriculture and said winning the award was due to her ability to build partnerships in the community and build relationships with her students.“I do a lot of work with kids who are struggling,” she said. “Kids who have a hard time being in a normal classroom can come to the agricultural centre and do practical, hands on activities.“They are so interested in it that they want to go on to work in the agricultural industry.“I always try to find opportunities for them to help them get jobs in the industry.”Sally said it was “jaw dropping” when she heard the news that she won the Australian VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year award.“My principal nominated me for a NSW training award and then I was in the finals for the Australian award.“I was proud and surprised I won - I was up against an amazing range of talented people."Sally with her teaching award.PassionSally has always had a passion for teaching. She said when she was in year 7 at school, she knew she wanted to be a teacher and went on to study at Hawkesbury Agricultural College and straight into teaching.“At school, I loved my textiles teacher,” she said. “I wasn’t great at maths, but loved textiles and my teacher encouraged us to be the best people we could be and love what it was that we did.“It inspired me to go for what I wanted and I started working as a textiles teacher before I swapped to agriculture.“I wanted to do the same for my students that she did for me – she was there for us when we struggled.“When you have one person you connect with and feel supported by, it makes so much difference.”Animal husbandryIn her work at Rivers Secondary College, Sally teaches land management and animal husbandry.She said she has been changing what she teaches to make it more applicable to what students in the local area need.“We have floods in our area - show do we manage this, and the drought, and help so many kids now living in fire zones?” she said.“Through the school, we provide support for students and their families with management strategies.“There are kids on tractors cutting fire trails and back burning protecting houses here.“The kids learn about farm machinery at school and they take home the knowledge of how to use fire pumps and how to create an evacuation plan.Sally and her students.Floods“The kids really get involved because we are a school in a flood area and when the flood comes, the kids help lift everything on site.”When the flood does comes, Sally said all the school animals come to her house.“In the flood two years ago, all the cattle, sheep, chickens and ducks came to my property.“My husband and I have a few acres and he’s very supportive me – we even have evacuation tents set up and cattle pens ready.“We teach the kids about different animals throughout the year and they learn about looking after them.“While we are in drought, the community support we get is what makes it possible - with generous people supplying us with fodder for the animals. ChangeSally said the reality of our environment now, is that we need to change what we are doing.“I’m gradually swapping the stuff we teach to focus on relevant industries here,” she said.“I’m championing local industries - not cotton, but sugar came and macadamias.“Some of the kids go on to work in the macadamia factories.”Crazy sheepSally said the craziest thing she has done as a teacher is her work on the sheep project.“Not a lot of people do a round trip to Dubbo to pick up sheep,” she laughed.“Once a year, I take a group of kids to Dubbo to collect the sheep we’ll be working with,” she said.“We camp out in the sheep shed in our swags during winter, then drive back with the sheep. “Then we do it again to take the sheep back.“The kids say it’s one of the best trips they have ever done - looking after sheep 24/7.“The skills the kids get are amazing. They have an amazing interaction with the animals.“Some kids have been offered jobs in wool sheds because they’ve been on that trip."