In the simulation room, there’s an emergency. A 60 year old man has been brought in suspected of drowning in the river at Ballina - and the doctors in the room are trying to save him.The man is actually Sim Man - a high fidelity manikin who talks, breathes, has a pulse and costs $80K.He is a part of the training equipment for the Emergency Medicine Education and Training (EMET) program, which gives rural doctors a chance to keep up to date with training while still living in a regional area.Last week, a summer emergency situation training event at the Lismore-based University Centre for Rural Health involved 30 medical professionals from the local taking part in a series of simulations dealing with airway management, snake bite and near-drowning.EMET trainer Helen Briggs monitors the simulation.Overseeing the Sim Man in this room were two career medical officers and a clinical nurse specialist from Byron Bay.They discussed their roles - who will be the team leader, who will monitor pulse, breathing and circulation.“It’s something that all teams need to do first in an emergency”, explained Helen Briggs, the EMET program manager.Helen stands at a computer, monitoring the doctors, their trainer and Sim Man from behind a glass window.Sim Man’s vital signs are controlled by Helen’s computer – his heart and breathing rate, his voice and reactions to whatever the doctors are doing to resuscitate him.“Looks like he could be homeless,” one of the doctors said.The medical professionals work with Sim Man during the simulation.   The doctors are looking at the monitors Sim Man is connected to and as his heart stops, they restart his heart and give Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). “I can see how effective their compressions are on the computer,” Helen said.“They have given adrenaline and are checking his response again.”One of the doctors speaks to Sim Man and the dummy responds groaning, saying “my chest hurts”.The doctors confer and say to the trainer that they think his lungs might be wet.The trainer replies “yes they are wet”.With the patient revived and sitting up, the doctors put in an emergency retrieval call to the Westpac rescue helicopter.The doctors have saved their patient within the 15 minutes given to them for the simulation, and they now debrief with each other how the situation went.Helen Briggs and Northern NSW Regional Training Hub Medical Education Support Officer Nikki Murphy, who will be soon be taking over Helen's EMET training support role.“We also provide training and supervision at remote sites and emergency departments in the Northern Rivers area and visit doctors who wouldn’t normally get access to ongoing training,” Helen said.“We work with them in their own rooms, with their own equipment so they can deal with problems in a real environment.“We help doctors identify issues and provide advice about improvising and improving systems.“Then they can feel more confident in dealing with critically ill or complex patients.“There’s a higher attrition rate for doctors in regional areas and this training helps them stay here – and it also better supports our communities.“There is only one doctor at Urbenvillw now, and one at Bonalbo – and he’s not there full time anymore.”Pictured: Emergency Medicine Education and Training (EMET) program faculty staff Helen Briggs - Program Support Office, Dr Martin Chase – EMET Lead & Emergency Medicine Physician (FACEM) and Dr Andre Danforth - Emergency Medicine Physician (FACEM).Helen said the EMET program is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health’s Specialist Training Program, with support from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. “It’s not a program that gets automatically re-funded every year,” she said.“It’s an important service for clinicians in regional and remote areas and we’re always trying to get more funding from the department of health.Helen said dealing with emergency situations could be stressful for doctors and having the opportunity to practice on Sim Man in a controlled situation gives the doctors more confidence.EMET lead trainer and Lismore Base Hospital Emergency specialist, Dr Martin Chase, said the hands on, practical training also used equipment from the hospital’s Emergency Department “Medical staff are involved in designing the training course and identifying the areas of focus,” he said. “We run the simulation training in multi-disciplinary teams and practise lifesaving and time critical emergency procedures with participants from Emergency Departments and other places such as rural health facilities in the Northern Rivers region.This workshop is held bi-annually in the Northern NSW Local Health District and supports medical teams in the smaller, peripheral sites with Emergency Medicine training to provide better outcomes for patients. 

A firey crash at the Lismore Speedway on Saturday night engulfed two cars in flames.Speedway promoter David Lander said the fires started when one car crashed into the back of another, causing 50 litres of fuel to spill onto the track.“At the same time, one of the cars’ batteries smashed as well and that started the fire,” he said.“The guys got out in ten seconds and it took only 20 seconds for the Rural Fire Service (RFS) truck to get to the accident and it took only two minutes to put out the fire.“It’s not easy to put out so much petrol on fire.“I watched the video of the race afterwards and the quick response of the RFS was fantastic.”Mr Lander said both cars were damaged in the crash, but were both fixable.“I have no doubt they will both be racing in two weeks time,” he said.After the firey crash, a thunderstorm brought bucketing rain onto the track, ending the event.“I was happy to see it rain,” Mr Lander said. “It poured hard – I think about a couple of inches of rain.”Mr lander said the track races for kids with helmets on pushbikes was a successful part of the event.“The kids under 12 got to race 100 yards and the bigger kids got to race half a lap,” he said.“One of the street stock drivers brought in 50 trophies he had collected over the years and gave each of them a trophy.“The kids also got lollies from Santa.”The speedway will be held next on Boxing Day, then every weekend in January, then fortnightly in February.Read more about the weekend event and the race winners in Sport: Lismore driver Fawcett wins rain-hit The Dream sedan event

Students, farmers and people who had lost their homes in the recent bushfires converged outside Kevin Hogan’s office on Friday to talk about climate action.Molesworth Street in the Lismore CBD saw a crowd of people rally – bringing a message to the Federal Member for Page that the government needs to act now on climate change.Lismore student Alako Miles said the community and school students want the local member to know that climate change is an important issue and Mr Hogan should bring the interests of Australia into the heart of Liberal Party politics. “Scott Morrison should take action on climate change as it is affecting people everywhere in Australia, rural and metropolitan,” Alako said.“This rally gives a voice to people who are directly affected by bushfires here in the Northern Rivers and we are also writing letters to Mr Hogan and telling him our concerns. “We need our government to change its policies. “We need to see stronger action taken to stop mining.“Australia’s G20 ranking is one of the worst in the world.“When we students join the global strike, we bring these demands to government: No new coal, oil and gas projects, including the Adani mine; 100% renewable energy generation and exports by 2030; and fund a just transition and job creation for all fossil-fuel workers and communities.”Maddy Rose Braddon addressed the crowd saying that she was striking from work“People are becoming depressed and displaced by the climate crisis,” Maddy said.“It’s no longer something that will happen in the future.“Who has been breathing in smoke from the bushfires for the past two weeks?Maddy Rose Braddon speaks at the rally.Who has evacuated because of bushfire or flood?“Who knows someone whose house burned down because of the bushfires?“A few years ago I met with Kevin Hogan to talk about these issues, and told him how ridiculous his policies on climate change were.“Now we are back here again and nothing has changed.“We all need to take action together.”The rally was part of a national climate change action taking part in many cities across Australia.

Deeply personal accounts of pleasurable and unwanted sexual experiences are coming to the stage again next weekend in The Vagina Monologues.  After a successful first weekend, Lismore Theatre Company expects to see full houses for the play’s last shows on December 5, 6, 7 and 8 at Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah.The award winning play consists of a selection monologues written by Eve Ensler after interviewing 200 women of varying ages, backgrounds, cultures and experiences. The 12 monologues chosen by Director Sharon Brodie for Lismore Theatre Company’s latest production are delivered by nine local women actors.‘My short skirt’ is a powerful piece delivered by Kashmir Miller, the youngest member of the cast. Her piece, she says “is very important to everyone young and old who has had assumptions made about how they look and act”.The individual stories are accompanied by group pieces where the actors provide the responses to questions such as “If your vagina could speak, what would it say?” and a list of the very funny names women call their vaginas. There is also brief bridging narration with lots of facts that will make audiences laugh, feel sad and reflect. This is the fifth time over twenty years that LTC has produced The Vagina Monologues.As long term stage manager Jos Wright says “it’s as relevant today as when it was first staged”.The show on Friday, December 6 will have Auslan interpreters.Bookings can be made at http://www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.auPantomime audition call out: Audition callout: Is your child the next acting star?Children and teenagers who would like to be on stage in the pantomine Puss in Thongs are invited to audition on December 7.Puss in Thongs is the next children’s production of Lismore Theatre Company (LTC) and will be coming to the Rochdale Theatre in the April 2020 schoolholidays. 

A Total Fire Ban has been issued for the Far North Coast for Monday December, 2.The NSW Rural Fires Service (RFS) Northern Rivers Zone said the Total Fire Ban applies until midnight tomorrow and includes Ballina, Byron, Clearance Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed."The Fire Danger Rating is VERY HIGH. Forecast strong winds, low humidity and dry conditions mean there will be an elevated fire danger."Northwest winds are predicted to become stronger and shift around to the west into the afternoon."Mt Nardi Bush Fire update after the rainMore dry, hot weather predicted for summerNSW RFS - Northern Rivers Zone said that whilst we’ve seen rain in some areas this afternoon, weather conditions are forecast to deteriorate tomorrow with strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity."Tomorrow (Monday 2 December) residents south of Ashby-Tullymorgan Road, including the areas of Ashby and Ashby Village, need to actively monitor conditions."You need to be prepared to activate your Bushfire Survival Plan, if your plan is to leave, know where you will go and leave early in the day. Don’t wait for a warning."If you are in the areas of Brewers Road near Kippenduff, Gallaghers Road or Mororo Road you need to monitor conditions and know what you will do if threatened by fire."If you are in the areas near Iluka and Woombah you need to stay up to date and know what you will do if the situation changes."

Yesterday's rain offered some relief for the Mt Nardi bush fires but not as much as expected although there has been some respite for fire crews. Lismore received the most rain with 40mm falling to 9am this morning while only 14mm was tipped into the gauge at Nimbin where it was needed most.(photo from ABC North Coast facebook page)Still, Paul Fowler from the Northern Rivers Fire Service said "patchy rain did occur across the fire ground yesterday making us cautiously comfortable with the future of the Mt Nardi bush fires"."The rain did hinder access to some areas through the deterioration of roads for back burning to continue", he went on.Yesterday's storm did provide some stunning pictures of lightening strikes across the Northern Rivers but this does present more potential new fires to start so fire crews were looking for new ignitions today. A spot fire was put out to the north of Tungun Road (above Whian Whian) earlier today while fire crews are back burning near the Rocky Creek area to secure containment lines.While being cautiously optimistic about the Mt Nardi bush fires, Paul did say that "tomorrow sees the return to higher winds, higher temperatures and lower humidity so we will remain vigilant". "The fires will continue to burn in the coming weeks although the immediate threat has eased" he said.Abrar Shabren from the Weather Bureau told the Lismore App that more rain is expected this afternoon but it will be isolated. "The front moving up from the south will not affect the Northern Rivers today and tonight so the best chance of rain is from some cloud activity building from the west", he said.Abrar went on to explain that we should get between 5 and 10mm today but it will be quite isolated. "You will get 10mm in one area then two kilometres away you can get nothing", he said.

Emergency services were called to the Lismore Square shopping centre car park in Brewster Street after a concern for welfare call about 6.55pm Friday night.Richmond Police District said in a statement officers arrived at the scene and found a man slumped over the steering wheel of a car. They had a look inside the man's car and allegedly located methylamphetamine, cash and a mobile phone.The man, aged 63, was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.Following inquiries, police searched a home on Cathcart Street and allegedly located hashish, cannabis seeds and gold chips within a safe, believed to be unlawfully obtained.The man was charged with supply prohibited drug, deal with property proceeds of crime, two counts of possess prohibited drug and good suspected stolen in premises.He was refused bail and was to appear before a registrar in Lismore Local Court on Saturday 30 November.

The first weekend of December (or part there of) is mostly sunny with maximums a very warm 34 degrees. There is the possibility of a Thunderstorm on Saturday and Sunday with Sunday looking the most likely. Keep everything crossed! (Weather)This weekend you can start to feel the run home to Christmas Day. I know, for those of you like me, it starts heart palpitations. So, to ease you into the festive spirit you can take the kids and check out the Lismore City Councils 'Santa Wonderland' which opened this morning. Every day between 10am and 4pm you can visit a unique space guaranteed to give you a smile. There will be Santa Photos between 10am and 2pm, the kids can tell Santa what they would like for Christmas or they can write him a letter. If you have bought some gifts you can get them wrapped plus adults can take a load off in the 'rest area' (no beer though!).The first Christmas Carols of the season is on at the The Channon Tavern at 4pm on Saturday afternoon. The 'Yuletide Sing' is lead by Julie and Mish with booklets provided, there are pony rides between 4 and 6pm then Santa arrives on the back of the well used fire truck at 7. The Rock Valley Hall Christmas BBQ and twighlight markets are on Saturday from 5pm with Santa making another appearance.A reminder that, next Sunday afternoon the annual Carols In The Heart is on at Crozier Field. Gates open at 4:30.You can check out the Lismore App's Christmas button which launches on Sunday. This will give you all the information you will need to have a wonderful Christmas. If you have an event or want to know about Xmas Lights then you can send my an email via the contact button on the app (Contact The App). For those that use the Christmas Lights Northern Rivers facebook page, Mathews lights is always the first to have the big light turn on and this is happening Sunday night at 8pm at 84 Crown Street, South Lismore. The full list of lights is put up this Monday December 2.If housing is something you are interested in, then read on because there is a special Open Day in Clunes tomorrow that you have to go too. Northern Rivers Tiny Homes is local business that, as its name suggests, make tiny homes. They are simply quite incredible and come with one or 2 bedrooms, solar panels, full kitchen and bathroom. Take the short drive to Clunes and check out two completed tiny homes. There is an information session at 10am so you can learn more plus their experts will be on hand to answer any questions from an electrician, plumber, trailer manufacturer and solar installer.The Lismore Speedway has their Christmas meeting on Saturday afternoon/night . The kids can ride their push bikes around the track, there is face painting and Santa will arrive in style as well. The main race is the 35 lap Production Sedan series as well as the Wingless Sprints, AMCA Nationals, Compact Speedcars, Junior Sedans, National 4's and Street Stocks. If you only go once a season to the speedway this is the one to choose.Lismore Workers, back in the Far North Coast Cricket Council L J Hooker League for the first time in eight years, will be batting against the league leaders Pottsville at Oakes Oval, Lismore, from 1pm tomorrow. Pottsville declared on 5/328 and Workers were reduced to 3/27 but Jason Caught's team bat to 11 and the pitch will be a beauty for lots of runs, hopefully.Far North Coast Softball Association is staging its Strike Out Cancer event for Breast Cancer Awareness and the softball action is of a high calibre. There will be plenty of pink on display that's for certain. There are two great clashes in Division 1 with Rous Warriors against Premiers Ballina Sharks and the new side Motley Crew facing Rous Rangers at Albert Park, East Lismore. The first match is at 1.30pm but get there early as you can buy these great key rings. With the weather, take a chair and umbrella and go and watch the lads play in the Northern Rivers Cricket League. There's action on Nielson Park, East Lismore, between Eastern Districts and Marist Brothers and Heaps Oval, Uralba St, Lismore, pits reigning premiers and leaders Goonellabah Workers Sports against Kyogle Turkeys. It's 40 overs a side and the first bowl is at 12 noon.Sunday is actually the quiet day after a huge Saturday of events. The Lismore Car Boot markets are on under the Square from 7:30am 2pm.There is a great bit of local theatre happening at the Rochdale Theatre with the Vagina Monologues play kicking off tonight at 7:30pm. The season runs until December 8 with other dates Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm then next Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm with the final performance on Sunday at 2pm.You can show your charitable side over the weekend with two events needing to raise some money.The first is the 'Strike Out Cancer' fundraiser at Albert Park put together by the Far North Coast Softball Association. There is a host of games for you to watch, tonight from 5pm to 9pm and Saturday from 1:30pm to 8pm. You can give money buy purchasing key rings or taking part in a raffle.Saturday afternoon you can help some bushfire victims in the small community of Wytaliba near Glenn Innes. Over 50 buildings were destroyed including the bridge and the school so Jasmine Knight Smith wasted to do something to help out this community. Get along to the Station Hotel (2 Casino Street, South Lismore) where a host of local bands will be forming between 2 and 11:30pm. You can read the full story here Lismore locals help fire-ravaged Wytaliba communityNow that is a busy weekend and that is the Weekend Wrap. Enjoy!

Tiny homes will be on display at Clunes Hall this Saturday, November 30. Northern Rivers Tiny Homes owner and operations manager Allison Rainbird sees tiny homes as a solution to the future of housing. Registered as caravans, they are perfect for eco-minded people ready to downsize and embrace minimalistic living, without a lot of possessions.Allison and her team of builders and carpenters have built a showcase of tiny homes on wheels for their open day this weekend and invite everyone along to check them out.There will be a talk at 10am and food and coffee will be available to purchase – as well as a jumping castle for the kids.You can just show up or register before the day on Eventbrite for a chance to be in the running to win a beach house holiday at Wooli.For more information, visit the website https://www.northernriverstinyhomes.com.au/Allison started her business last year and has been operating from a workshed in the Lismore industrial estate.The tiny homes are about 4.3 metres high, 2.5 metres wide and weigh up to 4.5 tonnes. “A 3.5 tonne tiny home can be pulled by a Landcruiser,” she said. “We can create and modify designs as needed. Allison with 'The Clunes' tiny home.Energy efficientAllison loves building beautiful, practical and energy efficient tiny homes.Her eye for detail has created small buildings with matching colour schemes all the way through the wood work, bench finishes, trimmings, appliances and tiny details such as the toilet pipes being hidden from view.“It’s the tiny details that matter,” she said.“I want people to have the impression of a quality build.“I wanted a house light and airy, where you don’t need air conditioning because the design lets the air flow through.“There are windows set high up in the walls to allow cross ventilation and keep the house cool. Tiny townsEach of the tiny homes Allison and her team are building have their own names - named them after tiny towns in the local area.“We love being a local business and being known for being local – we even buy materials local as much as possible,” she said.The deluxe model is called The Clunes and the new, cheaper model is the Larnook.“The deluxe model has all the extras and costs about $125,000 and can sleep five people across three areas,” she said.“The basic model costs about $99,000.”If people from social housing organisations want tiny homes for people to sleep in and they need disability housing, Allison and her team can change the design.“We can make it all on one level, with a bathroom wet room for someone in a wheelchair – this also can cut building costs and make it cost effective,” she said.“We can also design tiny homes as emergency housing, where people use it for sleeping and the amenities are outside. “It’s cheaper to build bunk beds in these too.“We’re open to anything people might want.”“Social housing tiny homes is a great opportunity to give back to the community and give people who can’t afford homes a second chance“In a flood town, a moveable home on wheels could be an ideal solution” The future“In this region, people can’t afford normal housing and can’t live like that anymore,” Allison said.“People who want to be less materialistic and own less possessions want to be part of the tiny house movement. “If you can’t embrace that, then the tiny house living is probably not for you."In a fairly new industry, fitting tiny homes into a regulatory structure in council planning will be one of the future challenges.“Tiny homes can be a good option for people renting on AirBnB, or who have teenagers, elderly parents or extended family,” Allison said.“You can put it on land where someone has space.“It’s ok to be used on a sporadic basis, like for seasonal accommodation for woofers.“If it’s a secondary dwelling for a member of your household, it’s ok.“But if you are living on vacant land alone, you’ll need approval from the council.“We urge people to meet council regulations before committing to buying.”Read more: SUNDAY PROFILE: Tiny homes creator Allison Rainbird

Lismore Base Hospital saw fire emergency crews arrive last night in response to a fire alarm in the hospital’s carpark.Concerned local residents reported seeing the fire trucks and a TV camera crew, but hospital staff have clarified that it was just a false alarm. Lismore Base Hospital general manager Ian Hatton said “a break glass fire alarm was activated in the hospital carpark on Thursday night”.“A fire crew attended but did not find any evidence of a fire,” he said.“It appears the alarm was activated in error.”

Trinity Catholic College student Matilda Howe (14) has been named Cancer Council NSW's Young Hero of the Year.“I had no idea I would win,” Matlida said. “Mum kept it a secret from me at first, but I knew I was a finalist in the awards.“It was nerve wracking and I had a tear coming out of my eye.”Despite being so young, her work as a volunteer and supporter of the Cancer Council’s fundraiser Relay for Life has earned her a trophy and an even greater desire to help others. Matilda said she first got involved with Relay For Life a few years ago because her granddad had cancer and she wanted to help raise money for the cancer Council.“The relay involved getting together sponsorship for our team to walk around the oval at Southern Cross University,” she said.Matilda’s school had encouraged their students to get involved in community services, so she began the journey of finding a charity that fit just right. After attending 2018’s Lismore & Villages Relay For Life, Matilda took it upon herself to get involved with the Cancer Council and hasn’t looked back. Since then, she has been heavily involved in serving her community and has supported numerous Cancer Council NSW events across multiple committees. Now, Matilda is an integral member in both the Lismore & Villages Relay For Life and the Stars of Lismore organising committees, where she volunteers her time to attend regular event coordination meetings and fundraising efforts.Matilda and Lismore & Villages Relay For Life chair Leanne Thompson. She can often be seen selling raffle tickets or lending a helping hand at any number of fundraising functions including at this year’s Lunch in the Country Luncheon. “Being part of the organizing committee is so much work, but I really enjoy it” Matilda said.“You see what happens behind the scenes and you get to meet so many people.“The amount of stress involved was crazy.”Matilda’s even leant a helping hand to her neighbours in Ballina when she volunteered at their Relay For Life event earlier this year as Cancer Council’s famous mascot, Dougal Bear. “It was a really hot day and I was wearing a furry suit and could hardly see anything,” she laughed. “I’m glad I didn’t fall over.”Matilda said she loves helping out, doing whatever is needed, because she gets to be her own boss.“People trust you,” she said.“I learned so many new skills and I got more confident going up to people I haven’t met before and talking to them.“It pushed me out of my comfort zone.“I have anxiety that comes and goes and I think what I’m doing is helping me to overcome it.”With a few years of school still ahead of her, Matilda said she’s still not sure what she wants to do with her life.“Sometimes I think I want to be a police officer, or work for the Cancer Council in Byron Bay.”Her mum Deb said Matilda’s reliability, passion and skills make her perfect for event management.Matilda encourages people to get involved with next year’s Relay For Life, to be held in March.“People can register their teams of any number of people,” she said.  Matilda was nominated for the Cancer Council award by Lismore & Villages Relay For Life chair Leanne Thompson – who Matilda said has been a huge support to her, along with her mum Deb.“I’m so pleased to have been given the opportunity to nominate Matilda for this award, we are very proud of her efforts and know she will continue to do great things,” Leanne said.Cancer Council NSW provides numerous support services to the Northern Rivers community and relies on the fundraising efforts of the community to operate.The Cancer Council Information Service - run by volunteers – is based at Lismore’s St Vincent’s Hospital and provides the local community with personal support and access to helpful information. Lismore’s Transport to Treatment is a key service in the community that provides free transport for patients to reach their local treatment centres. As well as these, the Lismore community can also access In-Home Support, Pro bono financial and legal advice, accommodation services, Cancer Support Groups and the Cancer Council’s hotline 13 11 20. For more information or to register a team in the Relay For Life, visit http://www.relayforlife.org.au/lismore or visit Facebook for updates at http://www.facebook.com/RelayForLifeLismoreVillages 

The refurbishment of Lismore Library is complete and the library will reopen as normal this Saturday, November 30.The library has undergone a refit and now has new shelving, furnishings and carpet.So drop in and say high and maybe borrow a book!  

An evacuation centre has opened at Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore, for residents of the areas around Reardons Lane, Gap Road, Woodburn, Swan Bay-New Italy, and Evans Head.Please note NO evacuation orders have been issued by the NSW RFS at this time.If you are leaving the area, first place of call should be family and friends.Those needing further assistance should visit the SCU evacuation centre. A number of agencies are on hand to help answer your questions.Small domesticated animals are welcome.We encourage all people in and around fire-affected areas to register online with the Red Cross operated Register Find Reunite site at https://register.redcross.org.au/

After experiencing one of the top five driest and hottest springs on record, the long range forecast for summer is – no surprise – hot and dry as well. The Bureau of Meterology (BoM) has released its 2019/20 Summer Outlook forecast and the climate outlook shows a high likelihood of warmer than average days and nights for most of the country, while rainfall is likely to be below average for large parts of the nation's east.BoM’s head of long-range forecasts Dr Andrew Watkins said we have fairly high odds getting about 80% of a drier than normal summer and also very high odds of above 80% of warmer days and nights in NSW.Dr Watkins said Australia's outlook was being influenced by one of Australia's main climate drivers – the positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). "The key culprit is one of the strongest positive IOD events on record," Dr Watkins said."A positive IOD means we have cooler than average water pooling off Indonesia, and this means we see less rain-bearing weather systems, and warmer than average temperatures for large parts of the country.Bureau of Meterology's rainfall outlook for the month of December."The positive IOD means we're also expecting a delayed onset for the northern monsoon, one of the key drivers for tropical rainfall during the summer months."At this stage we're expecting the onset of the northern monsoon by mid-summer, which should see the odds for closer to average rainfall increasing from January and into February." “Spring has been hot and dry we’ve seen one of the top five driest Springs on record and one of the top five warmest springs on record.“We’ve also had a lot of dust blowing in from inland Australia and of course the smoke and bushfire as well.”Dr Watkins said the outlook was an important reminder for communities to be alert to the potential severe weather risks over the coming months."We've already seen significant bushfire activity during spring, and the outlook for drier and warmer than average conditions will maintain that heightened risk over the coming months."This outlook also means the risk of heatwaves is increased, so it's important the community stays up to date with the latest information and advice from authorities and the Bureau's heatwave forecasts and warnings.Bureau of Meterology's rainfall outlook for January."Even with a drier than average outlook, localised flooding remains a risk under particular meteorological conditions such as thunderstorms, and of course communities in the north need to be prepared at this time of year for tropical cyclones."For more information on Australia's severe weather risks visit: bom.gov.au/knowyourweatherFor more information from the Bureau of Meterology, visit http://www.bom.gov.au/?ref=logoWhat about the rest of the country?The climate outlook shows a high likelihood of warmer than average days and nights for most of the country.Only coastal areas of Western Australia, stretching from the Midwest to the Kimberley are showing increased odds of wetter than average conditions.NSW spring summaryThe preliminary spring summary for New South Wales - as a whole - was dry.Despite some rain around Bourke in early November and in the northeast late in spring, the far northeast was particularly dry.Days were warmer than average especially in the northeast, but nights were closer to average.A blast of extreme heat in late November increased fire danger and broke spring temperature records in the southeast.Large fires, persistent smoke and dust storms were features of the season. Bureau of Meterology's rainfall outlook for January to March.National spring summaryVictoria, South Australia and Queensland also experienced one of the five driest springs on record and it was one of Western Australia's warmest and driest springs on record.VictoriaIn Victoria, rainfall was close to average around Melbourne and near the southwest coast.Days were warmer than average for most of the State, with record hot spring weather late in November.A blast of extreme heat in late November increased fire danger and broke spring temperature records at many sites.Cool nights were common, and the State's spring mean minimum temperature is on track to be the lowest since 2003.QueenslandQueensland was especially dry in the southeast, but rainfall was close to average in the southwest. Days were warmer than average for most of the State, but nights were cooler than average in many areas.Overall the southeast had a warmer than average spring but the far north was cooler than average.South Australia Days were warmer than average, especially in the west, but nights were colder than average in parts of the southeast.A blast of extreme heat in late November increased fire danger and broke spring temperature records in southern districts.TasmaniaFrequent gusty westerly winds meant western Tasmania had a cool and wet spring, but days in the east were warmer than average.Nights were cooler than average for much of the State.A blast of extreme heat in late November increased fire danger and broke spring temperature records Western AustraliaMaximum temperatures record warm across almost the whole State, and the Western Australia mean maximum temperature is on track to break the previous spring record.Numerous sites had their hottest spring day around the middle of November.Rainfall was well below average for most of the State, although the Pilbara picked up some rain toward the end of November.Northern TerritoryNovember days were warmer than usual in the Northern Territory, and record warm in parts of the northwest.Nights were much cooler than average in the southeast, but warmer than average in the northwest.Rainfall was below average over most of the Territory, although there was rain into the northwest late in the month.

In the aftermath of recent bushfires, most of the Wytaliba community near Glen Innes are trying to get their lives on track. With over 50 buildings destroyed, including the bridge and local school, Lismore local Jasmine Knight Smith wanted to do something to help the community that she grew up with.So she started organising a fundraiser for them, to be held at the Station Hotel in South Lismore this Saturday, November 30. It’s the first in series of benefit fundraisers that will take place over the next few months.With a host of performers ready to volunteer their time to the gig, Wytaliba Love is set to bring musical love to the stage from 2pm until 11.30pm.“Over half the Wytaliba community have no home,” Jasmine said. “Most escaped the fires with nothing but the clothes on their backs.“I’ve been speaking to friends on Wytaliba and they’re just so grateful that we are going to help them - every little bit helps.“Many people fled after the fires and are staying with friends and family. “Some are down the hill in tents and some are couch surfing in Glen Innes. Wytaliba fire. Picture: Vanessa LeishmanJasmine said she grew up in Wytaliba and has a deep connection to the community.“My mum was one of first three to live there – she and my dad were part of buying the land there initially in 1979,” she said.“The house my parents built burned down, and Joe who lived in the house is homeless and will be coming up for the gig on Saturday.“When the fires approached Wytaliba, it was described as a hurricane of flames and heat - very fast and without warning. “I’ve heard incredible stories of bravery and loss - including the loss of two lives, Vivian Chaplain and George Nole.“George was an eccentric who had worked for NASA on the Apollo Program and Vivian Chaplain was just relentlessly wonderful - she died protecting the animals and home she loved.” Jasmine said all proceeds from the benefit gigs will go directly to those affected.“The money will be divided between those who have lost their homes and some for community infrastructure.“It will go into the Wytaliba trust account and be divided up by the board of directors . Jasmine said Lismore locals Robyn Dein, Cat Reid and Darren Bridge have been helping out with organizing the gig.The line up for Saturday’s fundraiser includes headlining band Huckleberry Gin [- whose front man Simon Burton hails from Wytaliba.There will be raffles, a photo display of the property before and after the fire, stories of loss and survival and great music.There will be no cover charge - donate whatever you can.Jasmine said information about Wytaliba and upcoming events will be shared on the webpage http://www.wytalibalove.com “It’s a work in progress and things will be added as the residents of Wytaliba are more able to share their stories and photos,” she said.“Right now they’re just trying to find a place to sleep and some clothes for their kids.” Wytaliba Love line up:2:30 John and Matt 3:25 Tradesmyth4:15 Postmortemists 5:00 Mocri$ and Triple 6:00 Huckleberry Gin 7:00 Queen of the Ants 8:00 HDM 9:00 The Munted 10:00 Baby Fist

The brand new North Tower at Lismore Base Hospital is nearly ready to become operational and will be open by the early April 2020.The freshly painted new tower now joins seamlessly with the existing hospital tower, which will be the subject of refurbishment in the future.North Tower, to be known as F Block, will include two inpatient wards (one medical and one surgical), an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), pharmacy, imaging, day surgery and endoscopy units, hospital administration facilities, security office, and admissions department.Patient recovery areas inside the new hospital tower.Yesterday, the building was open for inspection and Parliamentary Secretary for Health, the Hon Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC inspected the eight-storey building, ahead of it being handed over to the Northern NSW Local Health District.The new tower has been completed ahead of schedule, marking a major milestone in the $322 million Stage 3 redevelopment project for the local hospital.Ms Maclaren-Jones said the early hand-over gives hospital management and staff greater opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new building and carry out the necessary preparations before it opens to the public via a staged process.“The construction company John Holland and Health Infrastructure have done a fantastic job completing the project two months ahead of schedule,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.Brand new operating theatres and hospital rooms are getting finishing touches.Construction of the North Tower commenced in May 2018, with an average of 115 people working on the site each day, generating 745 jobs on site.Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) board chair Brian Pezzutti is excited that the building is almost ready for operation. He’s been overseeing the project and said the new operating theatres had state of the art equipment and were different to what we’ve seen before.“Now we have two endoscopy theatres and the theatres are hybrid theatres where patients can receive a number of procedures in one place,” he said.“Having these new services available will bring more medical specialists into our regional area to work.“It will be a magnet for people looking for the opportunity to live in a rural area with the regional lifestyle – it will provide work opportunities usually only found in metropolitan areas.Mr Pezzutti said the inclusion of the intensive care and surgical ward was the result of former local politician Thomas George.“He fought hard to get the extra $50 million extra on top to get it done,” he said. “It would be great if we could name something after him.”NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones said having the new expanded services mean that local people will have access to new services.“we will see a significant reduction in the numbers of people who have to leave the area to go to a major city for surgery,” he said.With 90 new beds for patients, the times spent in hospital for surgery are expected to reduce, with more surgeries complete and patients going home within one day.“The rooms are more spread out, the operating theatre is bigger and the new surgical ward is a contemporary state of the art design,” he said.  Between May 2018 and September 2019, 745 workers were employed on the construction of the new tower, including 61 apprentices, 162 workers who participated in structured training or upskilling, 17 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander workers, and 19 women working in trade roles.Once the tower opens next year, there will eb a recruitment of people for more new jobs in a number of areas, from cleaning to administration. The $322 million redevelopment project is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2021. The NSW Government has invested more than $10 billion since 2011 to build, upgrade and redevelop hospitals and health facilities across NSW. An additional $10.1 billion is being invested over the next four years to continue current projects and start upgrading or building a further 29 hospitals and health facilities.

While our bush fires are under control for now in the 2480 postcode, spare a thought for our southern neighbours in Woodburn and Evans Head.Today the New Italy bush fires are out of control and are being driven by a southerly wind moving the bush fire threat towards Woodburn and Evans Head. Residents are being warned by the NSW RFS to leave their homes if their property is not prepared for or is undefendable while others are asked to monitor the situation closely. The fire is very large at more than 93,270 hectares and burning out of control.Some people have family and friends living in these areas as well as areas closer to the fire hot spots in New Italy and further south towards holiday areas like Iluka and Yamba. We will leave the Lismore App Bush Fire button live for the next few weeks in case anyone wants some immediate information on your smartphone. We have added the Woodburn RFS Facebook page as a link plus Live Traffic NSW as road closures are changing constantly.The Lismore App will keep you up to date as the holiday season approaches in terms of traffic conditions as we head towards the Christmas break.

Lismore City Councillors last night voted for a second time to apply for a special rate variation over four years to fund a massive investment in our local roads and help re-invigorate the CBD. Read more: Council decides: Rates are set to rise Mayor Isaac Smith said he and other councillors were aware there is opposition to the rate raise but added it was the job of elected councillors to put the interests of the entire community first. He also noted that there were supporters of the rate rise as noted in the feedback that was made available to all parties.“I acknowledge that this is a controversial decision and that, for some, this may create a small financial burden” he said.“We are very aware of that, and we make provisions for this. "Ratepayers can contact council to make an arrangement to pay their rates off over time. “People can also apply for assistance under our Hardship Policy and all Centrelink pensioners and certain Veteran Affairs pensioners are entitled to a discount, many people take this up already and I encourage others to apply for these.“No councillor wants to raise rates but there is no alternative. Over the term of this council we have cut spending by millions of dollars, appointed a new General Manager to put new cost-saving measures in place and much more.“We all want the Lismore community to grow and to become a vibrant economy that will support us into the future.”“As I have said previously, there is nothing left to trim, which means if we didn’t vote for the rise, we would have to cut essential services and not invest anything in our growth.”“We have the largest road network of any council in the Northern Rivers, and a maintenance backlog of more than $54 million which has been built up over consecutive councils.“Unfortunately, previous councils have kicked the issue down the road. “This must stop now. “If we continue to duck this, it will make it worse for the next council and the cost that will be required to rectify the infrastructure backlog will greatly penalise the community in the future.“We are not alone in this. “Other councils in our area, like Byron Bay, Richmond Valley and Ballina councils have all increased their rates by as much as 33.5% and we can all see the economic growth that has occurred in these areas.“If are application is approved, this will be the largest investment in our roads in living memory.” The council will now write to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, which will make the final decision on whether to approve the increase.The council voted to ask IPART for a rate increase over 4 years, starting with 7.5% in the first year, 9.4% in the second year, 3.9% in the third and 3.2% in the fourth year.

Another person has been caught filming in Court.Richmond District Police will allege that at 11.45am yesterday, a 30 year old Ballina man was at Lismore Court. He was seen by a Sheriff to be filming Court proceedings on 'snapchat'. He had filmed a Magistrate and had the words 'F*** I hate Court" on his snapchat (you can fill in the blanks).The 30 year old will be back at Lismore Local Court next month on a charge of 'Use Recording Device in Court Premises'.Police said this is sadly becoming a regular occurrence on the Northern Rivers. If you are caught filming or recording at Court you can expect to be arrested and charged. If you have to go to Court, turn your mobile phone off.