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.

The Lismore App reported today that Lismore’s health food shop Fundies Wholefood Market on Keen Street is under voluntary administration.The store is one in a national chain of health food shops since it was taken over by the Natural Grocery Company about two and a half years ago.However, the parent company has been under financial pressure and some of the stores have already closed down this year.The Lismore store will remain open while appointed Voluntary Administrator Timothy Cook of Balance Insolvency manages the company through the administration process.A statement from The Natural Grocery Company said “most of the stores in the chain are still operating”. “They are Fundies Paddington and Lismore; Kunara Organic Wholefood Market; and Flannerys Benowa, Miami, Robina, Paradise Point, Loganholme, Wynnum, Chermside, Victoria Point, Maroochydore, Cronulla, Mona Vale, Gymea and Crows Nest,” the statement said. “The Sydney stores in Bondi Junction and Lane Cove were closed, as was the one in Toowomba.“The Board of The Natural Grocery Company has taken the difficult decision to put the Company into voluntary administration and appointed Mr Timothy Cook of Balance Insolvency as a Voluntary Administrator,” the statement said.“Continued margin pressure and the broader distribution of health food channel products into the mass market retailers had severely impacted business performance.“The Company instituted a comprehensive turnaround plan in early 2019, but despite the significant efforts of management, in-store teams and the Board, the plan failed to yield the required results.“The Company and its directors are working closely with advisers on a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) proposal to present to the Administrator to transition the business into a smaller and sustainable store network.“Mr Fergus Collins has been appointed as acting chief executive to see the Company through the administration process. “Fergus is an experienced retailer having previously held the positions of chief executive for Metcash Grocery business and chief executive of Metcash Liquor business, Australian Liquor Marketers.“Under the DOCA a large number of the employees will continue with the business and all employee entitlements will be paid in full and the company’s creditors are anticipated to receive a significant dividend,” the statement said. Lismore Fundies manager Drew Pilbeam said “Fundies is still open and trading as normal and the plan is for us to eventually take back control of the business.”Read More: Lismore health food shop under administration

At Christmas time last year, Fili Esau (Fil to his friends) was cutting hair for homeless people at the Winsome Hotel and Soup Kitchen in North Lismore.This year, he’s still cutting hair – but now, he’s has opened his own shop Numak Barber in the Village Goonellabah shopping centre.“I like helping people and this time of year can be lonely for some people,” Fil said.  “I wish I had time help the homeless again this year, but when my business becomes more successful, I’ll make some time to do it again.”Fil came to Australia from New Zealand in 2017 and when he came to the Northern Rivers, he started cutting hair from his home.“I’ve spent the last year working three jobs as well as cutting hair so I could save up money to open my own place,” he said.“I only had $1500 and needed to work to buy equipment for the shop, like chairs and cutting tools.“Finally I have my own shop.”Fil said he wanted to open the shop in Goonellabah because he sees good things in the area.“I have regular customers who love my service and keep telling others - and Goonellabah needs a barber,” he said.“I’m still only advertising on Facebook and Instagram and people have found me.“People come up here shopping or get a coffee and they come in and say hi and hang out in the air conditioning.”Phil qualified to be a barber in 2016 after spending many years cutting hair for friends in New Zealand.“They would bring me a beer and I would cut their hair,” he said.Phil said he wasn’t always so community minded, but as he’s gotten older, he’s changed himself and his attitudes.“I’ve been approached by an Aboriginal community to help on a project next year to keep youth off the streets and help them to fit in,” he said.Fil now has his three sons living here with him and he said the name for the shop – Numak – is a made up from mixing together his sons’ names.If you want to make an appointment with him, look for NUMAK barber on Facebook, or drop in to his shop in The Village on Simeoni Drive, Goonellbah.

Long standing health food shop, Fundies Wholefood Market on Keen Street in Lismore is under voluntary administration.The store is part of a national chain of health food shops which have seen several stores close down recently.Fundies manager Drew Pilbeam has been managing the Lismore store for two years and said the shop currently has administrators operating the business.Read more: Fundies to stay open through administration process“It was after a few of the other Fundies stores closed down in Sydney and Queensland,” Drew said.“Our shop is doing well and we knew that to go into voluntary administration was the only way to go forward.“We are still open and trading as normal and the plan is for us to eventually take back control of the business.”Drew said the Lismore store was taken over by new owners Flannerys Organic and Wholefood Market about two and a half years ago, when the store changed its name from Fundamental Food Stores to Fundies Wholefood Market.“We’ve been working hard to get more stock and keep the shelves full, and we encourage our customers to keep coming into the store,” he said.“It’s important, especially at this time of year to keep shops open, so come in have a browse.”Fundies Wholefood Market was founded in 1979 with a store in Lismore and sells natural and organic foods, with two stores situated in the Northern Rivers area and Brisbane.

Four of the most wanted men in the Northern Rivers were arrested yesterday thanks to proactive policing and the assistance of police dog Yogi.Richmond District Police are sending out a strong message that if you have an outstanding warrant “you can keep looking over your shoulder for plain clothes and uniformed police for the rest of your life, or hand yourself in and get it over with”.Police will allege that at 11.30am yesterday, Wednesday December 12, they were patrolling Casino for a 24 year old Casino man wanted on warrants. They sighted the 24 year old in a car which they pulled over. The 24 year old ran from police, but was found with the assistance of police dog Yogi and had his warrants executed.At 11.40am police were patrolling the Dunoon area for a 35 year old Dunoon man who had an outstanding warrant. He gave police a false name and tried to ride off on his pushbike, but police caught and arrested him.At 2.45pm police attended an Elm Street Casino address in order to locate a 29 year old Casino man wanted for domestic violence related offences. He resisted police attempts to arrest him and intentionally head-butted the side beam of a police vehicle, causing damage. He was charged with the domestic violence related offences along with new charges of Resist Police and Destroy Property. Police will be seeking compensation for the cost of the repairs of the head-butt.At 3.20pm police sighted a 20 year old Casino man who was a passenger in a car at Goonellabah.Police were aware he was wanted for three serious domestic violence related offences. He was arrested and charged.All four offenders were bail refused and will appear at Lismore Local Court today, December 12.The same police will be out today looking for more people who are wanted or have outstanding warrants. @Inquiries will be made at their homes, places where they are known to frequent and their places of work," a police statement said.

Water restrictions in Nimbin have been raised to Level 3 from Level 2, as part of a number of new water-saving measures introduced by Lismore City Council - with immediate effect.From next week, private water carriers will no longer have access to water sourced from Nimbin’s water supply in Mulgum Creek.Lismore Council and Rous Council will also begin installing public water access stations next week in other areas of the district. These public fill taps will be open to anyone, except for private contractors, for up to a maximum of 3000 litres.Lismore City Council Director for Infrastructure Services Peter Jeuken said the tough new restrictions were necessary as the expected water savings under Level 2 were not being achieved. “These new tougher measures are needed because water consumption in Nimbin remained unchanged under Level 2 restrictions and with the long-term forecast showing little signs of consistent rainfall, they are now crucial,” he said. “If the new Level 3 restrictions does not reduce consumption, we will be forced to implement Level 4 restrictions which are very tough and include no watering of gardens, even with a bucket. “We are also actively investigating other options such as bores to ensure Nimbin has a reliable water supply.” Nimbin’s water supply is sourced from Mulgum Creek and is operated by Lismore City Council. The water supply for the rest of Lismore Local Government Area is sourced from Rocky Creek Dam and is operated by Rous County Council.  Rous County Council last weekend introduced Level 1 water restrictions for all areas in the Lismore Local Government Area, excluding Nimbin. Under Level 3 water restrictions, Nimbin residents can:• Watering cans or buckets can be used on established gardens at any time.• Hand-held hoses with an on-off nozzle can only be used to water gardens for a maximum of 10 minutes, between the hours of 4pm and 9am, on odd or even days matching your house number. • Other irrigation, such as sprinklers, and unattended hoses are banned. • Filling of new swimming pools is permitted only to reduce structural damage between 4pm and 9am using a hand-held house with one-off nozzle.• Top up of fountains and water features is not permitted except to maintain fish life. • Washing of driveways, paved areas, walls, windows, roofs and paths not permitted except for health and safety reasons by a registered cleaning business only.• Washing of cars permitted with efficient high-pressure, low-flow rate cleaners with trigger control for five minutes between 4pm and 9am on odd and even days matching your house number. For water hints and tips, and a fact sheet, visit http://www.Lismore.nsw.gov.au  

With a growing population of people who are homeless in the area, what to do about it was one of the agenda items discussed by Lismore City Council at last night’s council meeting.Councillor Ekins said the issue of homelessness was “a wicked problem” which has been in council’s strategic plan for ten years and it was time to address it.“We have over 200 people sleeping rough in our community every night - maybe party by choice, or because there are no other options – it’s a difficult issue,” she said.“This is about getting agencies together to investigate funding and accommodation options and we need to start engaging with people about it.“We need to build appropriate safe accommodation options.”Cr Ekins said there was already money directed toward the Winsome Hotel for providing a service hub and meals and was a place agencies could go to help people.“We know that women over 55 are increasing in homelessness… but it only accommodates 12 men,” she said.Cr Ekins said some of the park areas in Lismore she goes to have people living on them.“There are concerns from nearby residents about it because fires are being lit there.“We need to investigate options and take action on this before another ten years passes.”The original motion to address homelessness was generated by Cr Bird. The motion noted that the “proportion of homelessness people has grown between the last two census’ (8.4%) in Lismore LGA and is growing at a rate that surpasses its population growth (-.06%)”.It also suggested that council, in partnership with relevant organisations in the Lismore local government area,” investigates funding options to support the creation of an integrated strategy that takes a holistic approach to homelessness, housing and wrap around service delivery”.It also asked council to investigate options including the lease and no cost development to Council of Crown land or buildings in South Lismore to create a social enterprise to support the transition of homeless people through training and education opportunities.Council’s general manager Shelley Oldham said council had already held preliminary conversations with stakeholders about the issue.“There’s also a Federal initiative on counting homelessness, with a count due to happen in Lismore next year,” she said.“We want to be on the front foot to support agencies in town and see if there’s buy-in in our region.”Cr Casson spoke against the motion, stating that with the recent rates increase, council should not be looking at spending money on homelessness.“We are trying to be everything to everyone,” she said.“I feel sorry for the homeless, but bottom line is, it’s not our jurisdiction – it’s State and Federal. “Council is limited to managing behaviour in public places. “We have appalling roads and shouldn’t spend dollars on something else.”Cr Casson noted that there was no funding source listed to pay for staff time needed to pursue the issue if the motion was passed.As it was a requirement for the motion to be passed, the vote was held off until the motion was brought back to next council meeting in February.

After a hard year, it’s time to give back to those who have been doing it tough during the recent fires.A special Wishing Tree has been set up at Santa’s Wonderland by Lismore City Council where the local community can donate gifts for families affected by bush fires at Rappville.Lismore's acting city centre manager Nathan Dee said many families across our region have been hit hard by these devastating bushfires.“Particularly our neighbours in Rappville where more than 20 houses were lost,” he said.“To make sure the families in Rappville have a good Christmas, we have set up a special Wishing Tree at Santa’s Wonderland in the CBD.“We want to spread the Christmas cheer and help those who are doing it tough, after all that is what Christmas is all about.”Mr Dee said all donated gifts will be distributed to families with the assistance of Richmond Valley Council.“People can simply bring their gift into Santa’s Wonderland, collect a tag from our helpers at the front counter, complete the relevant details such as the suitable age for the gift and leave it under the tree,” he said.Santa’s Wonderland is located at 142 Molesworth Street and open every day from 10am-4pm up until Christmas.

Rather than eat too much this Christmas season, why not help yourself – and others – by starting to train for next year’s Samson Fitness Challenge.The Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge will be held next year on March 6 – 7, bringing hundreds of competitors together to raise funds for the Our Kids charity. Every year more than 600 competitors train from December to March to ensure they can last the distance. Team Samson organiser, Jason Clarke said this year’s event has something extra special. “The Samson is now in its 10th year,” Mr Clarke said. “This time we have a Mystery Leg, which will incorporate the number 10 and promises to keep our competitors guessing. Watch this space.” The Samson sees teams of four people complete nine gruelling challenges including strength activities, running, swimming and an outdoor obstacle course. The fittest team takes home the Samson Title. The 2020 Samson will include Samson Solo for adults, Samson Teen Sprint and Samson Kids, to ensure there is something for all ages. The Samson raises funds for Our Kids to help purchase paediatric equipment for our local hospitals. This year funds raised will go towards a wireless CTG machine at Lismore Base Hospital to help record fetal heartbeats and contractions during labour. The Samson will start at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah, the run will take competitors through the streets to the GSAC where the swim leg will take place before competitors will run back to the oval and complete the last two fitness legs. “The Samson attracts people from all over the state and South East Queensland who enjoy keeping fit,” Mr Clarke saidThis event is a way to put your body to the test and at the same time help support local children.Registrations open online on December 7 and the Early Bird fee is $320 per team. For more details on the course head to http://www.lismoresamson.com or phone the Our Kids office on 6620 2705.

We know there are smart criminals and dumb criminals, this story clearly puts this guy in the dumb criminals column.Richmond District Police will allege that on Monday a 31 year old man Victorian man was visiting Lismore when he rammed a shopping trolley into a strangers car for no apparent reason on Brewster Street.Later in the day, police sighted the man in the Lismore Square. When approached he would only give police his first name while not supplying any ID. He was placed under arrest and taken to the Lismore Police Station.This is where things became interesting.Police found out that he has outstanding warrants for three offence in Coffs Harbour from March 2015 and four outstanding warrants in Victoria.He was charged with Destroy Property, had the warrants executed and bail refused. He appeared in Lismore local court where he was granted conditional bail. He is due to appear at Lismore Local Court next week.The burning question asked is "if you have multiple warrants, why would you do something so stupid as to suddenly ram a car for no reason?" It takes all sorts.....