Tucked away in the Lismore Transit centre is an unlikely place you might not have thought about buying Christmas gifts from.Lismore Environment Centre has become not only the place that gives out public transport timetable information, but a place you can buy local produce and cool and unusual gifts – like the Knitting Nannas 2020 calendar. Jodi Adams is one of the volunteers at the Lismore Environment Centre and said the centre has become a hub for locals to bring in everything from worm juice, to local honey, coffee and soap.“If you buy things from here, you are supporting local producers and community groups,” she said.“We are an eco shop and one of the few main street shopfront environmental centres in Australia.“We have tshirts and merchandise from the Knitting Nannas Against Gas, the Railway Action Group and books from the Koala Gardens, which is now a wildlife refuge. “We sell local honey from three different suppliers and hemp products – sales from these will benefit small scale organisations in the local area.“We also have animal costumes for use to lend to people.”Jodi said she started volunteering at the environment centre because, as an activist, she “saw people needed help here”. “I helped set up the Manly Environment Centre in Sydney,’ she said. “It’s critical we keep this place and remain independent from Council.“We are all volunteers here, but we pay rent to the council for the space and rely on selling products to keep the shop running.”Jodi said the environment centre has also become an unofficial frontline health and social support service.“We offer free towels and cups of tea and have clothes for a small donation, or free if you need it,” she said.“We often refer people to services like the Community Gateway or make phone calls for them.“The local hospital recognised we are becoming a frontline support service.“Recently I took a man who came here to the hospital to get his medication and made sure he found somewhere to stay for the night.“He’s one of the many people we help here all the time.If you are keen to help support the Lismore Environment Centre, drop in to the Transit Centre from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm at 115 Molesworth Street, Lismore (where the Transit Centre is located).The centre also sells:* locally made bread and cheese boards small to large* mugs and cards from local indigenous artist Cindy Roberts* locally made soaps and skin products* books on the local region’s history, plants and animals* locally made candles * wildlife posters* environmental campaign t-shirts and bags* hemp products for humans AND horses

Woodburn is predicted to be one of the busiest holiday road traffic hotspots this year - with up to 60 minute delays - according to Transport for NSW (TfNSW).With Christmas approaching, hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers will be heading to their favourite destinations up and down the NSW coasts and TfNSW has predicted the traffic delay times in key holiday hotspots.TfNSW northern region director Anna Andrews said motorists should take extra precaution when planning their journeys this holiday season - due to the number of uncontained fires and increased traffic volumes along the eastern seaboard. “Based on last year’s traffic data, we predict the weekend before Christmas and the weekend before New Year will be the busiest times to travel along the east coast of NSW,” she said. “Woodburn and Hexham in the north have been identified as significant traffic hotspots over this period, with up to 60 minute delays in these locations. “It’s time to plan ahead and save yourself some journey time. “There is an alternative route which avoids the significant delays at Woodburn. Motorists can travel between Ballina and Grafton via the Bruxner Highway and Summerland Way.”   Ms Andrew said to find alternative roads to avoid the queues over the peak travel days, motorists should visit the holiday journeys webpage http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/holiday-journeysTo reduce impact to holiday traffic, no road work will be carried out on the Pacific Highway from 6am Friday, December 20 to 6am Monday, January 6, including no work on the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade. “There have been a large number of changes to the Pacific Highway between Woolgoolga and Ballina since this time last year,” Ms Andrews said.“By Christmas there will be an additional 10.5 kilometres of four lane divided highway open to traffic. “Most road work and speed restrictions will be lifted during the Christmas season to make travel easier, except for emergency, maintenance and safety work during this time.”Electronic message signs will be on the highway providing real time travel advice on the road. For traffic information about key locations in NSW, visit: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/holiday-journeysFor the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit http://livetraffic.com or call 132 701.For live bushfire updates, visit: http://rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-meWorst days to travel on our roads from this Wednesday when NSW public schools break upFriday 20th, Saturday 21st, Monday 23rd and Friday 27th December and on Thursday 2nd January Coastal areas where most delays are expected prior to ChistmasWoodburn on the far north coast – delays expected in both directions – up to 75 minutes if northbound.Nowra on the south coast – delays of between 20-45 minutes are expectedHexham (north of Newcastle) – delays of 40-45 minutes expectedDelays expected between Christmas and New YearWoodburn again will be an issue with delays up to 75 minutesBateman’s Bay on the south coast – delays in all directions up to 75 minutesNowra and Jervis Bay will be problem spots as wellHexham will also have major delays Delays expected following New YearsWoodburn on the north coast – delays up to 75 minutesJervis Bay on the south coast – delays up to 75 minutes Nowra and Bateman’s Bay – delays up to 30 minutesHexham and Salt Ash – delays up to 30 mins

A statewide Total Fire Ban has been declared from midnight Tuesday, December 17 to midnight Saturday, December 21, due to hot and dry conditions across NSW.The NSW Rural Fire Service said there are difficult and dangerous fire conditions forecast over coming days".People are asked to consider if fire afffects them, when will you leave, what will you take and where will you go?

Local Trinity Catholic College student, Alejandra Paredez Paredes, has placed first in the Italian Beginners course in the 2019 Higher School Certificate (HSC).She is one of more than 66,000 students who completed their HSC this year and one of 135 students who had received an award for academic achievement.  NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell congratulated the students and said finishing first in one of the 119 courses is an outstanding accomplishment.  “Six of the first place award recipients topped more than one course, which is incredible,” Ms Berejiklian said.“These students have worked extremely hard and put in countless hours of effort and study, and they should be very proud of their remarkable academic achievements.” In 20019, 7500 students studied one or more HSC courses throughout the year and 55,000 students are eligible for an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank).Ms Mitchell also commended the students who received recognition on the Merit List for All Round Achievers, Top Achievers and Distinguished Achievers.“Congratulations to the 1449 students who received the All Rounder Achievers award this year, for scoring in the highest band in at least 10 units of study,” Ms Mitchell said.“A further 790 students received Top Achievers and 17,123 on the Distinguished Achievers List.“Our experienced and dedicated NSW teachers, along with family and friends have supported and encouraged these young people to achieve the highest possible result in an HSC course."2019 HSC students who sat at least one exam will receive their results by SMS, email and online today. NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) will make the results available through the Students Online personal account. 

Lismore local, Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista has given her son the best Christmas present possible – a new kidney.Rebekka and her son Isaak (21) were still in hospital in Sydney yesterday, both recovering after a kidney transplant operation.Rebekka said she and Isaak were moved into the same ward a couple of nights ago which made it easy for visiting friends to see them both.“He might be over his mum by the end of it though,” Rebekka laughed.It’s the second time Isaak has received a kidney transplant – the first time was 14 years ago, when Isaak’s father, Gianpiero donated a kidney to him – and that was at Christmas time too.“We are both doing well,” Rebekka said. “Isaak is an incredibly resilient young man.“I need to take it easy for about six weeks after the major surgery – so no running a marathon. “I just need to keep a healthy lifestyle, just like Gianpiero did after he gave Isaak a kidney.Rebekka said before the operation, Isaak’s kidney function was only at about 10% capacity.“Isaak’s blood results are back to normal now and that’s pretty amazing,” she said.Friends and family gather around the Battistas in hospital.Rebekka said the major surgical operation saw her in surgery for about six hours, but Isaak’s surgery was only about three hours.“It’s a bigger operation for the donor while they prepare the kidney to get out well and be quickly transplanted,” she said.Rebekka said Isaak takes anti-rejections medication twice a day, and he will be doing it for the rest of his life.“In the morning and evening, he has about 15 tablets to keep everything going,” she said.“Even though I’m his mum and we are a match, it’s still a foreign object in his body.“The more research we keep doing about transplants and medications, hopefully transplants will last longer. “We already know more about it now than we did 14 years ago.“One day they might be able to grow kidneys – that would be amazing.” Rebekka, Gianpiero and Isaak are together and expect to stay in Sydney for a few months so Isaak can be close to the hospital for the ongoing post-operative checks.“We want to thank Centre Church, the churches of Lismore and Hillsong City Campus for their love and encouragement,” Rebekka said.“Isaak’s friends have been coming to spend time with him here and there’s a lovely stream of people sending their prayers and support.“We’d also like to thank the Lismore community for the support of messages, texts and flowers.“Our family has been wonderful and having them near has been such a support.”

While portable Bluetooth speakers are handy, Nat Dobbie from Living Entertainment knows nothing beats a good hi fi system.A bespoke showroom where people can come in and hear a good quality sound system is one of the gems in his new shop, now located at 105 Keen Street, Lismore.“People don’t realise that when they are listening on tiny blue tooth speakers they are missing the emotion behind the music," Nat said.“When you sit down in a shop under the speakers and hear the emotion in the music it's incredible.“I want to expose people to that sound again."Nat has been trading from a shop in Summerland Arcade for four years and the business has become so successful, he’s moved into a larger premises next to Bohotopia and the Book Warehouse.The new Living Entertainment shop is ten times the size of the old one and today, he’s fitting out his new showroom with lots of audio equipment.“We’ve got lots of electronic gadgetry, audio equipment, turntables, lighting automation and home hi fi systems,” Nat said.“We do custom home fit outs for people with bespoke audio gear and tailor the sound they want to achieve.“We love offering a personalised service an we have experienced, qualified staff who know all the equipment."Nat said he got into the audio business ten years ago when a family friend asked him to help with installing a stereo system.“I started dabbling in it as a hobby and really enjoyed it,” he said. “So I stated trading as a mobile sole trader fixing people’s stereo systems and home theatres.“Then I got more interested in the hi fi side of it and four years ago decided to open a shop.”Nat said that he would do a soft opening of the new shop on Thursday, followed by a grand opening on Friday and invites people to come in and check it out.For more information about Living Entertainment, visit https://www.lenc.com.au/

Two traffic accidents on the Bruxner Highway at Goonellabah today saw traffic affected in both directions.This morning, at 9.15am, a truck with a trailer carrying an excavator was involved in an accident at the roundabout at the intersection of Ballina Rd and Oliver Ave (Pineapple Rd intersection). Senior Constable Smidt attended the scene this morning and said the truck’s trailer and traffic was affected, causing delays.Then a two car crash occurred on the same highway at the Richmond Hill turnoff at 11.50am.“Police, ambulance and the firies attended the scene, but there were no injuries,” Senior Constable Smidt said.“Traffic was affected in both directions, but the road is open again.”Drivers are asked to take extra care when travelling along the Bruxner Highway.

With school leavers around the country gearing up to receive their final Year 12 results tomorrow, Southern Cross University (SCU) is hosting an Options Day for both school leavers and mature age students.It’s an opportunity for people to discuss high school results, degree or pathway options and receive assistance direct University application while exploring the campus.Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast Campuses will host Options Day on Tuesday, December 17 from 2pm – 6pm (NSW time). Tuesday is the day when NSW students will receive their Higher School Certificate (HSC) results and ATAR scores or IB results when NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) makes them available through the Students Online personal account. Year 12 school leavers in Queensland received their final Year 12 grades and OP results at the weekend through the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).Senior manager of student management Paul Robinson said whether prospective students are graduating from high school, have taken a gap year, or are looking to change careers, Southern Cross University has entry option to suit.“We have a unique opportunity where prospective students can apply directly through to the University and we offer award-winning pathway programs to assist students to achieve their study goals even if they may not achieve the high school results they were aiming for,” Mr Robinson said.“We offer the best psychology degree in the country according to the 2020 Good Universities Guide and the latest QILT data, and have unique degree opportunities in Engineering, Law, Health, Education, Business, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Humanities, Creative Arts, IT and more.”Pathway options for study at Southern Cross UniversityDirect Entry – apply directly to the University based on your Year 12 (ATAR/OP) results.Transition to Uni – If you didn't get the marks you were hoping for, Transition to Uni offers an alternative pathway. The six-week intensive program is delivered over the summer break so you can start your degree at the beginning of next year.Preparing for Success at SCU Program (PSP) – This flexible, fee-free course is open to Australian residents over the age of 18, you can study on campus or online. This pathway program will provide you with the skills needed to succeed at university.Special admission schemes – Designed to assist applicants who have been disadvantaged during Years 11 and/or 12 or equivalent but have good academic potential.Accept your offer - For those who already have an offer to study at Southern Cross University, Options Day event staff can assist in accepting your offer, changing your preference or enrolling in subjects (please bring your Tax File Number).You can register your interest here: https://www.scu.edu.au/discover/#register  

With a heatwave set to impact large areas of south-eastern Australia this week, some places are predicted to break the maximum temperature on record.Bureau of Meteorology climatologist Dr Blair Trewin said temperatures in many locations are forecast to approach or even exceed December and potentially annual records."Australia's warmest day on record occurred in January 2013, when the average maximum temperature across the continent was 40.30ºC,” he said."We’re closely monitoring the development and progression of this heat but based on current forecasts we could see that record broken this week."The Bureau is reminding communities to remain alert to the risks posed by heatwaves, as a week of extreme temperatures approaches.A heatwave is when the maximum and minimum temperature in a location is unusually hot over a three day period.The Bureau predicts that temperatures will begin to rise in South Australia today, and will continue to build in the coming days, pushing east into New South Wales and Victoria over the course of the week."We saw significant heat build over Western Australia over the course of last week, and that heat is now pushing east over the continent, which is going to lead to several days of exceptional heat," Dr Trewin said.Bureau meteorologist Sarah Scully said tempratures across large areas of New South Wales, inland South Australia and Victoria may experience temperatures in the mid to high 40s."For many areas, severe to extreme heatwave conditions will be felt, so it's important people follow the advice of health authorities, stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings from the Bureau and remember to check in on any vulnerable family and friends."Listen to an interview with climatologist Dr Blair Trewin discussing the climate and historical significance of the upcoming heat: http://www.bom.gov.au/bomtransfer/misc/BOM_Video_News_Release_20191216_BlairTrewin.mp4 See the Bureau's latest heatwave forecasts: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/heatwave/Stay up to date with all the latest warnings and forecasts via the Bureau of Meteorology website: http://www.bom.gov.au/?ref=logoCheck past national, state and territory temperature records: http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/climate/extremes/daily_extremes.cgi

The arts is set to disappear next year in a Federal Government shake up and merger of departments - and creatives are invited to attend a meeting today discuss the future of the arts.In February next year, the Federal Government will merge the Department of Communications and the Arts, with transport, infrastructure and regional development.The creation of a new mega-agency called the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, has removed the arts from its top billing - and caused an outcry in the arts sector.Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) artistic director Julian Louis said he would like to see the community attend a meeting at 4.30pm today at NORPA to join in the discussion about what to do.“All Northern Rivers organisations, groups and artists need to be a part of this important discussion - we want to hear from you,” Julian said.“The arts scene is a major aspect of our society and economy.“We don’t the arts to be something this government doesn’t fully understand, respect or give value to.“This is the time for the arts and culture sector to be mobilised and come together and show strength.Julian said the decision to merge arts in with regional development, communication and transport was done “without consultation with the department of arts”.“It came from the prime minister’s office in a shake up to streamline services,” he said.“There is no talk of other improvement in the arts sector or input into funding - they are just taking away the word arts from the department.“In New Zealand, the Prime Minister is also the minister for arts, culture and heritage. She understands the value of it to the identity of a country and the expression of its people and their wellbeing.“I can see the the link between regional development and arts – arts and culture helps a region to develop, but the rest of the merger is incongruous.“We need collaborate as a sector to discuss how we want to communicate to the Federal Government about this and get their response to it.”The meeting is today, Monday, December 16, at NORPA, Lismore City Hall, Foyer bar, 1 Bounty Street from 4.30-6.30pm.Come whenever you can.Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/987071851677630/

Scammers are cashing in on the gift giving season.Australia Post is warning the community of widespread scam text messages telling customers your parcel has been 'detained', 'delivery missed' or 'an important update'. Richmond District Police said “the only thing delivered is malware or link to a phishing site”. “By entering these details, the scammer can steal your personal and financial information,” police warned.“You should delete the message.”Richmond Tweed Library Regional assistant Brodie Elliott knows about scammers.He gave some talks at the library this year, teaching people how to recognise a message or an email from a scammer“Don't let scammers steal your money and/or identity - keep a couple of steps ahead of them,” he said.“Some of the scams are finely created and hard to tell apart from a real message from someone.“For someone not used to using email or the internet, I want to tell them ‘think before you act’ if you receive a text message or email to contact the tax office or Australia Post.“On an Australian Government website, people have been scammed and lost money to scammers.“I want to teach people to question what they are seeing.“I show them ways to work out if it’s a scam by looking at the language used and other key factors.“For example, if there’s an email from a bank saying ‘Dear customer, click on this link or you’ll be locked out of your account’, but they don’t use your name or member number, or there’s a sense of urgency about it – it’s probably fake.”Brodie said that as the internet and doing things online have evolved, scammers have also moved with it.“There’s a new scam where there’s a phone call from the Ukraine, but when you answer and say ‘hello’ - it cuts out,” he said.“When you recall the number, it charges your phone bill at a premium rate and they get the money off you from your bill.”

NSW Health is alerting the public to avoid the consumption of variable and high dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablets and capsules circulating in the community.The dose of MDMA tablets and capsules that are circulating can vary by up to ten-fold. Some tablets contain two to three times the dose commonly found in tablets in NSW.The NSW Deputy Coroner advised in her ruling on the recent drug-related deaths at music festivals, that they were the result of MDMA toxicity, and were not the result of contaminated or fake MDMA tablets or capsules that contained other substances. Dr Nicholas Buckley, Acting Clinical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre explained that the dose of MDMA can vary significantly between tablets and capsules, even in the same batch.  “NSW Pathology Forensic & Analytical Science Service (FASS) has analysed seized substances from five NSW music festivals so far this season. "The results have shown substantial variability of dose in MDMA tablets and capsules circulating in the community” Dr Buckley said. The average dose of MDMA in yellow/green rectangular “SpongeBob” tablets that were recently seized from the community was approximately 200mg, which was around three times the dose of MDMA tablets or capsules commonly circulating in NSW.  The average dose of MDMA in blue triangular “TESLA” tablets that were seized and analysed was approximately 130mg, which amounts to more than double the dose commonly found in NSW.  “Consumption of high doses of MDMA can cause serious illness, which may include severe agitation and paranoia, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, heart rhythm problems and death. “While one MDMA tablet alone can kill, the risk of toxicity is much greater if multiple tablets of MDMA are consumed over a short period, or if MDMA is consumed together with other stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. “Please take care of yourself and look after your mates. “Anyone who has taken MDMA and is experiencing adverse effects should seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero. You won’t get into trouble from seeking medical care” For support and information on drug and alcohol problems, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) – 1800 250 015 – a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information for individuals and concerned others For information about the potential adverse effects of MDMA, please contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. The 2019-20 NSW Budget commits $231.6 million to delivering alcohol and other drug prevention, education, treatment and ongoing care programs state-wide.

The Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade has reached another milestone with a second section of new four lane divided road now opened. Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan said the new five kilometre section of road would deliver improved safety and reduced travel times between Glenugie and Ballina. “It’s great to see the final section of the 657 kilometre duplication starting to open," he said."The Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade will continue to open in stages as new sections are complete and the full upgrade is on track to open in 2020.” “Non-essential road work between Glenugie and Ballina will stop over the holiday period, for the safety of workers and to reduce congestion, with speed limits to be increased where it is safe to do so. “Once the duplication is complete, motorists will experience safer and more reliable journeys.” The Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding the $4.945 billion Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade on an 80:20 basis. For the latest information on the upgrade please visit http://pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au

Craig Foster is one of this region’s favourite sons and I have never known anyone more passionate, nor more committed when he sets his mind to doing something.Fozz has graduated with a Law Degree and at my insistence, he has agreed to allow me to offer a few words to herald this achievement and to also to use some of his story to hopefully inspire others to believe that life is what you make of it.Craig Foster's parents Kevin and Deanne were at their son's Bachelor of Law graduation ceremony in Sydney.Although the completion of a Law Degree is not unique, nor even academic results adorned by High Distinctions, the completion of a challenging degree in about half the normal time of most students and against the backdrop of a complex and tenuous Human Rights mission, makes this a special accolade. The classroom was not Craig’s friend when he was at school, mainly because football has substantially always been his destiny and this drive is now well known to all including Thailand, Bahrain and FIFA!With a sharp wit and larrikin streak, Fozz concedes that he was far from a model student back at Kadina High in the eighties and former teachers like Tony Roder (himself a fine footballer), well remember a headstrong young man with a clear direction in life. Signs of things to come.Craig’s professional career saw him play with club teams both overseas and in Australia, as well as earning 29 caps for the Socceroos including as National Captain. Great memories from what now seems an all too fleeting period in his life and post playing days, after which opportunities arose to work in the media and he was fortunate to have been mentored by two icons of our game in Johnny Warren and Les Murray.Craig Foster is congratulated by David Zdrilic, Stan Lazaridis and Tony Popovic after scoring for Australia against the Czech Republic in 2000.Despite have always been a committed student of football, Craig shares a glimpse of his otherwise private emotion.“Football provided not just an international career and the profile that comes with great responsibility to give back, but an entree into diversity and multiculturalism and SBS was the perfect institution to further understand the importance of shared humanity,”Craig said.Craig’s role in the print and broadcast media enabled him to “live and breathe” the game and although completing a Masters in International Sport Management, Postgraduate Degree and the highest coaching qualifications in that time, the Professional coaching license, the law degree that had twice eluded him had to be conquered. Having started as a young player, the time commitments to achieve on the football field precluded his ultimate goal off of it, until now, in his 50th year, 30 years after he began.Fozz lives in a very public world through his profile and roles in football and as an advocate for a raft of causes that extend globally such as homelessness, domestic violence, indigenous rights and refugee and asylum seeker treatment.Fozz can be brutally direct and the football community has come to expect an honesty and independence that has progressed a broad range of issues in the domestic game. He says this comes in part from a Lismore upbringing where the truth is spoken and no distance exists between people. Whether of office, or the street, all are the same to him, a point made in his recent book, ‘Fighting for Hakeem.’"One of the reasons we succeeded," he says, "is precisely because we treated Bahrain and Thai royalty as no different, no more worthy than Hakeem. FIFA officials are nothing more than the player they’re bound to protect. This is the Australian way."Perhaps this the moment that his player advocacy as a former Chairman of Professional Footballers Australia, broadcast acumen and strength of purpose collided as a beacon for Human Rights, justice and fairness for all. I recommend this book to ignite reflection and inspiration of how lucky we are and how a collective purpose will make a difference.Craig Foster and Hakeem al-Araibi at a book signing of 'Fighting for Hakeem'. Whether the cause is football, community, or lobbying for change, Craig Foster exemplifies values that make him a true champion of our region and we congratulate him for taking Lismore to the world.Recently, he spoke on the power of sport at the United Nations and, despite this lofty honor that few Lismorians will have been granted, he published a heartfelt letter of apology for not joining his 1981 teammates in the Lismore Workers Masters Games. That’s Craig.With customary, well considered commentary, he told me that “learning is lifelong and it’s important for us all to keep growing and contributing to society in different ways”.And dare I ask “what is the next project?”“Football is always a dear love, as is SBS. Next is to acquire languages and a Masters of Human Rights Law,” is the reply.They say that life is the ultimate teacher and I simply say, “Craig, you will always be a worthy student, but much more, you are a leader and we thank you for that.”ARTICLE BY STEVE MACKNEY, FOOTBALL FAR NORTH COAST GENERAL MANAGER

There has been a car accident on Bangalow Road just north of Clunes late this morning.The accident involved 2 cars, one with a trailer partly blocking Bangalow Road. An ambulance was seen driving south from Byron Bay to attend the accident but there were no police on scene.No more information is available at this time.With the wet slippery conditions motorists are advised to care whilst driving and stay well under the speed limit.

The last couple of times Wendy Ford performed Good Medicine, the rain came.Hopefully, when she performs it at the album launch this Sunday at East Lismore Bowling Club, rain will come again.The title track of her new album of original songs looks at the current drought and the importance of water.“Good Medicine is about bringing rain to scorched earth and drenching our skin,” Wendy said.“There’s been drought for so long, it’s caused a ripple effect of economic problems.“It’s been a difficult time for farmers and communities over the last couple of years.“We know how resilient and resourceful this community is – we all came together in the 2017 flood.“I’d like to see everyone come together this Sunday at the CD launch.“It’s people power that creates change and gets things happening.“That’s what I see as the good medicine - communities working toward a common goal and healing the climate crisis.”Wendy is a songwriter based in Goonellabah and she’s been rehearsing with her new band for a few months now. Wendy said her new band pays tribute to the song arrangements she created on the album, but it’s not the band line up that recorded the album. “I recorded the album first and then thought I’d better get a band together and now I’ve got a great team,” she said. Her songs address climate and social justice themes with harmony-rich vocals and guitar, keyboard and sax.“A number of tracks on the album have already been nominated for awards,” Wendy said.“Good Medicine and Hippy Cowgirl are semi-finalists in the 2020 Tamworth Country Music Festival songwriter awards.”The band has a revolving line-up based on a core consisting of Ford on lead vocal and rhythm guitar; Electric Bulls keyboardist Gary Pinkerton, Bourbon and Ink drummer Bang Deepaharda, and Hoochers bassist Tony Baron. Local musicians Chris Fisher and Marcelle Townsend-Cross from Monkey and the Fish and will join her, along with Liina Flynn on backing vocals, and The Tides’ Linda Banbury on sax.  The music begins this Sunday, December 15 at East Lismore Bowling Club begins at 3pm with a Welcome to Country, followed by Wendy Ford and special guests Brendan Smoother, Keith Bale, Gary Pinkerton, and Karen Connors (from Jatika).The launch of the album Good Medicine begins at 4.45pm with the eight piece Wendy Ford band.CDs will be on sale at the launch and Wendy will be donating some of the proceeds to local bushfire appeals.Fans can stay in the loop on the album release or request links to music by liking @wendyfordband on Facebook.  The track Good Medicine is currently streaming on Reverbnation / wendyford and Number One Music / Wendy Ford.For more information, visit https://www.reverbnation.com/wendyford

Jiggi Uniting Church’s motto ‘we are here to bear your load’ will make a lot of sense once the new outhouse is unveiled this Sunday, 4pm, at the Jiggi Christmas carols and service. The outdoor toilet has a long history at the rural church and church council member Heather Jeffery said it has an important place in the hearts of parishioners.“We found out it’s over 120 years old,” Heather said. “A few months ago, our outhouse started to wobble after a big storm, and a local guy took it away, restored and reinforced it and brought it back.“We hired a modern portaloo but no one wanted to use it.“Now we are going cut a blue ribbon and officially unveil the toilet on Sunday before the church service and carols.”Heather said she took photos of the thunderbox before it was restored and a local told her he remembered when it was first brought to the church on the back of a ute.“It turns out the Smith family who owned the Smithfield farm on Boganville Road donated their old outhouse to the church about 60 years ago,” she said.“So, we tracked down the family and their descendants will cut the ribbon on Sunday.“We are going to have a plaque engraved on the door dedicating it to the Smith family, the guy who delivered it and the and restorer.“Now, it will be good for another 120 years.”The outhouse - before and after restoration.Heather said the little country church has changed over time changed and a while ago, the number of people coming to the church dwindled.“Four years ago, we held a garage sale to raise money to open the windows and fix the back steps,” she said.“Now, people are coming back, particularly older residents. “It’s still an an old fashioned country church with peeling paint and art works on the wall from the Sunday school kids ten years ago.“Last Christmas, it brought people of all ages to the carols and service including farmers and teenagers.“There’s been so much curiosity from the community and Lismore about it. Everyone is invited to come along to the Jiggi Uniting Church carols and service on Sunday, December 15 at 4pm, on Jiggi Road.For information, visit https://www.facebook.com/Jiggi-Uniting-Church-223225084926895/

There’s a new beauty salon in the Village Goonellabah shopping centre.Kristy Saad’s newest Affordable Beauty salon has been open for two weeks now and she’s excited that the new plush massage and spa pedicure chairs have just arrived.“People come in and want to sit in them and just get a massage,” she laughed.“Your back gets a massage while your feet are soaked and given a pedicure.”The Goonellabah shop is the third beauty salon that she’s opened.She’s been in the beauty business for 20 years, working from home originally, before opening her first Affordable Beauty salon in South Lismore ten years ago.“Then four years ago, a friend approached me to open a shop in Ballina,” she said.“I like the business side of things and being able to provide a service – it took me years to work it out and I love the challenge.“I also like to look after my staff.“This year, the people who own the Village Goonellabah shopping centre approached me and said there was a need for a beauty salon here.“I’ve had an excellent response so far,” she said.The Goonellabah shop will be run by another trained beauty therapist, Jess Smith, whose specialty is pedicures and eyelash extensions.“I like making people feel good and build relationships with people,” Jess said.“They come in and relax and walk out feeling beautiful.”Jess is busy putting up the new spray tanning booth in the shop this week and said eyelash extensions are the most popular service people come in for.“Microdermabraisions are also popular – people love a good exfoliation,” she said. “while they are getting their facial, we also do their nails.“It’s a ‘top and toe’ treatment that relaxes people. “We also do eyebrow and eyelash tinting and nails.”Kristy said since she started setting up the shop four weeks ago, the only problem has been waiting for an internet connection.“I’ve been told that by the NBN company that they are busy and haven’t been able to connect me up to the NBN yet,” she said.“It’s a problem for me because my staff and the online bookings are connected via a computer system and I can’t get into it up here.”Kristy said it’s an issue she will be taking up with the Ombudsman.In the meantime, it’s business as usual, as she manages her salons and brings a relaxed glow to the cheeks of Lismore residents.You can find out more information about Affordable Beauty at https://www.affordablebeauty.com.au/

Colemans Bridge in North Lismore will again see changed traffic conditions this weekend while essential maintenance work is carried out.The bridge will be closed to all traffic from 6am on Saturday 14 to 5pm on Sunday 15 December, weather permitting, as part of ongoing strengthening and maintenance work.One of the bridge’s two pedestrian walkways will remain open at all times.Work will be carried out between 6am and 5pm but the bridge will remain closed overnight on Saturday.An alternative route from South Lismore to the Lismore CBD is available via Union Street and the Bruxner Highway (Elliott Road). From the Lismore CBD to South Lismore, use the Bruxner Highway and Union Street.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit http://livetraffic.com or call 132 701.