A man has died following the car accident earlier this afternoon on Kyogle Road, Tuncester.As more details came to hand, we can reveal that the two car accident happened around 3:10pm. The two vehicles, a Nissan Pulsar and a Holden Epica, were travelling in opposite directions when the cars collided near the intersection of Leycester Road.A number of witnesses stopped and offered assistance.The 25 year old males driver of the Nissan pulsar died at the scene.The 17 year old driver of the Holden Epica suffered serious internal and leg injuries and was taken to Lismore Base Hospital. He was later transferred to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious but stable condition.His passenger, a 16 year old boy, suffered lacerations and was taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition.Officers from Richmond Police District established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstance surrounding the crash.3:57pm - Original StoryA 17 year old man involved in a car accident on Kyogle Road has been flown by the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter to the Gold Coast University Hospital.The accident took place just after 3pm this afternoon, approximately five kilometres out of Lismore on Kyogle Road.The road is still closed to traffic in both directions on Kyogle Road near Fernside and Lismore Police advise people to avoid the area. Kyogle road is likely to be closed for a further 3 hours while the accident is investigated.A number of emergency services attended the scene, including Police Rescue, Fire & Rescue NSW Lismore and NSW Ambulance.The man had multiple injuries and was treated on scene by paramedics and taken back to Lismore airport helicopter base in a stable condition.

Richmond District Police are appealing to the public to identify some jewellery they have.If you can identify the jewellery, please contact Lismore Detectives (02) 66260625 or email 40281@police.nsw.gov.au

Nimbin’s feral splendid peacock Jesus, and his peahen partner, Mary, have hatched four peachicks.In time for Christmas, the elusive babies have been spotted with their parents a few times since they were born in November.The resident birds can be seen on the main street of Nimbin, wandering around, frequenting cafes like the Oasis.Doug Pinch, radio broadcaster and citizen journalist at Nimbin FM told The Lismore App he’s seen the birds around town for a few years now.“They have been dumped in Nimbin town, just like the feral roosters were,” Doug said.Read more: Fowl deeds: Feral rooster attacks child in Nimbin“When I was in Nimbin hospital a few weeks ago, I was having breakfast on the veranda and the peacocks just came up to me – it was incredible.“My friend who walks her dingo every day said she’s seen them on Cecil Street.“One of them was killed there a while ago and it’s interesting that the birds come back to the place where it was buried.”Doug said he likes watching them crossing the road at the pedestrian crossing. “They have to because there’s a rail that stops them just walking onto the road.“It’s hilarious – now they’ve started a new family.”Doug said a year ago, the birds hatched another batch of chicks, but unfortunately, they were killed by a dog in Nimbin.“They used to live in the old parsonage behind the police station, but we’re not sure where they hatched their babies this year,” Doug said. Doug said it’s been hard to know what sex which chicks are.“These ones have longer legs than the last batch, so we think they might be male,” he said.“Everyone dying to find out how many splendid peacocks we will have.”The Lismore App will keep you posted about the elusive peachicks.Read more: Fowl deeds: Feral rooster attacks child in Nimbin

A man charged with multiple fraud offences for allegedly impersonating a Rural Fire Service officer, will appear in Lismore Local Court today.Richmond District Police originally arrested the man in November, but after more inquiries, the man was again arrested on Monday and further charges were laid against him.Police reported that officers from the Richmond Rural Crime Prevention Team were alerted to a man alleging to be a member of the NSW Rural Fire Service in the Northern Rivers region between Friday, November 8 and Sunday, November 10.Following investigations, police executed a search warrant on Tuesday, November 12, on a home on Cox Road in Koonorigan.During the search, officers seized a number of items, including documents related to alleged fraudulent activity.A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with dishonestly obtain property by deception, attempt register, renew registration by false statement and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.He appeared in court and was granted conditional bail to appear in Lismore Local Court on Monday, January 6, 2020.Following further inquiries, on Monday, December 9, the 36-year-old man attended Lismore Police Station and was arrested again.He was charged with impersonate organisation officer to exercise function, two counts of do act intending to pervert the course of justice, wilfully swear falsely in an affidavit, two counts of intention to defraud by false/misleading statement and fraud.The man was refused bail to appear in Lismore Local Court today, Tuesday, December 10.

With so many bushfires causing poor air quality in our area and affecting people's health, the arrival of an air quality incident monitor is good news for locals.Hourly air quality updates will be available to Lismore residents following the installation of a temporary monitor in response to the ongoing bushfires burning in their areas.Other areas to receive temporary air quality monitors include Ballina, Taree, Coffs Harbour and Grafton.Link to air quality monitoring information: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/air-quality/air-quality-concentration-data-updated-hourlyRead more: Heat and smoke prediction brings health warningRead more: Which masks are effective against bushfire smoke?NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Director of Climate and Atmospheric Matthew Riley said that smoke from bushfires across NSW is significantly contributing to poor air quality in areas across New South Wales, and these additional monitors will provide up-to-date real time info for the people on the North Coast."These areas normally have some of the best air quality in the world," Mr Riley said."Unfortunately, the severe bushfires in these regions and the unprecedented fire season we are dealing with has resulted in ongoing air quality issues from the smoke and dust."These temporary monitors will ensure people and health services in those areas can get the information they need to make important decisions on providing health care advice for the community or for individuals implementing their own health plans."The need for a permanent air quality monitor in Lismore was recently taken up by the office of local MP Janelle Saffin."Our office contacted the Minister of Energy and Environment in September, representing a constituent who was concerned about the unavailability of a permanent air quality monitoring in Lismore," Ms Saffin said."We were advised that the Department’s Science Division is working to identify the best location for a permanent air quality monitoring station and there is no timeline for this."Our office has written a follow up letter to the Minister, asking him to expedite the process to install this permanent air quality monitoring station."We are awaiting a reply from his office."Mr Riley said the NSW Government operates the most comprehensive accredited air quality monitoring network in Australia."Now with approximately 90 stations across the state, and we have been working to broaden the network into more regional areas in consultation with local councils," Mr Riley said."The expanded Rural Air Quality Monitoring network together with the ongoing incident monitoring in Port Macquarie and the new station in Armidale have provided important information on the air quality impacts of these bushfires."NSW Government scientists will now be able to use the information gathered by these emergency monitors to build a more complete assessment of air quality across NSW during this emergency.NSW Government scientists are also working with the NSW Rural Fire Service to understand wildfire conditions and the likelihood of smoke persisting, and the Bureau of Meteorology who give a broader outlook on winds and weather conditions that exacerbate air quality in New South Wales.Information about air quality in NSW, including subscription to email and SMS alerts is available at https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/air/about-the-air-programHealth advice in relation to air quality is available at NSW Health: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx

The Lismore temperature is predicted to hit 36 degrees today, and in some parts of the state, it's predicted to reach the mid-40s. So, NSW Health is again reminding people to take necessary actions to keep cool to avoid overheating.NSW Director of Environmental Health Dr Richard Broome said the combined effects of persistent bushfire smoke and soaring temperatures means vulnerable people should take extra precautions.“Hot weather and poor air quality are a recipe for severe illness unless people take simple precautions,” Dr Broome said.Read about the new air quality monitor in Lismore: Air quality monitor arrives in Lismore“We are urging people to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, to minimise physical activity, to keep well hydrated and reduce their exposure to smoky air.“Hot weather puts a lot of strain on the body, causes dehydration and can make underlying health conditions worse. It also causes heat stress and heat stroke.“Compounded by the continued impact of smoky air from bushfires, it’s important that people are prepared, particularly people with underlying medical and respiratory conditions.“It’s best to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, which is generally from about 11am to 4pm. Staying indoors also protects you from bushfire smoke. "If you don’t have air conditioning, using a fan can cool you down and keeping curtains shut helps to keep the heat out of your home. It’s also important to minimise physical activity and to drink plenty of water.“It’s also really important to stay in regular contact with elderly neighbours, friends and relatives because they may be more vulnerable to the heat.“Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, headache, changes in skin colour, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion,” he said.Dr Broome said it’s important to get to a cool place quickly if symptoms occur. People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention, in an emergency situation call Triple Zero (000).More information can be found at the NSW Health website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat

Over 6000 people came together to sing for joy and honour our firefighters at the Lismore Carols in the Heart this year.Lismore City Council tourism and events manager Mitch Lowe said the event at Crozier Field had grown bigger every year, with this year bringing the biggest crowds yet.“It was a wonderful atmosphere with the community coming out after a tough year to connect with each other at a family, fun event before Christmas,” he said.Mitch said $5000 was raised for the local Rural Fire Service (RFS) from public donations and sales of glow sticks.“It was amazing to see the community acknowledge the important work of the RFS and support them,” he said.For the first time at the event, the fireworks were replaced with a laser light show, sponsored by the Macadamia Castle.“The fireworks been an integral part of the event for years,” Mitch said. “But we cancelled them because there were no fire permits allowed in the region.“We are getting great feedback about it, so it could be the way forward in future.  “Adam Harvey, our headliner music act was also well received and we had performances from local artists Cath Simes and Summerland Christina School, as well as dance performances from the Megan Phillips Dance Company.”Mitch said Santa and Mrs Claus were there on the night to give a Christmas message to people and candy canes to the kids.Mitch said the only negative feedback given was about the longer lines for kids to wait for the jumping castle and face painting.“Which says a lot about how big and popular the event is growing,” Mitch said.

Lismore Tennis Club has a new lease on life now that upgrades to the courts and fencing are complete.Club members met at the courts on Ballina Road today to celebrate the opening of the centre’s upgrade, along with Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.Lismore Tennis Club Publicity Officer Bianca Nugent said the courts used to be “in very poor condition”.“When I first heard the centre would get Federal Government funding to do the upgrade, I just couldn’t speak,” Bianca said.“It was marvellous.”Mr Hogan said the club has been in its current location for the last 50 years and these upgrades will set the club up for the next 50.“The upgrade is great news, the tennis club is home to hundreds of players every week - and is now at a standard to host state-wide tournaments,” Mr Hogan said.“The club needed a little TLC and the Federal Government has provided a $200,000 grant as part of the Community Sport Infrastructure program. “The court upgrades included fence repairs and resurfacing of the courts as well as carrying out electrical works.“The Government are supporting local grassroots sports because we recognise the wider health, social and community benefits that come from participating in sport,” Mr Hogan said.“We want to get a lot more people to play tennis, and we think the upgrades will help us achieve that,” Mrs Nugent said. 

Lismore Regional Gallery’s exhibition Chesta Drawz and the LowBoys has broken all sales records with 11 works sold for a total price of more than $87,000.Gallery Director Brett Adlington said this is the largest amount of work ever sold by the gallery.“Most of the buyers came from interstate, which is a good indication that the new gallery continues to draw visitors from outside the region, and who are supporting our local economy,” he said.More than 7000 people visited the exhibition over the last six weeks, with 60% coming from outside the 2480 postcode.The exhibition, which closed last Sunday, featured more than 60 works by Geoff Hannah and 26 of his students, some of who have been studying under Geoff for more than 19 years.The works include intricate boxes, sideboards, dressers, mirrors, tables and two guitars. The pieces are made of woods including Red Cedar, Walnut, Ebony and Brazilian Mahogany.Mr Adlington said the highest price paid was for Colin Fardon’s Inlayed Collectors Cabinet, which was purchased by a Queensland-based buyer for $68,000.“This shows the high quality of work by our local woodwork artisans,” he said.“I would also like to thank the buyer for agreeing to allow us to continue displaying this exceptional piece of woodwork at the Gallery for the next couple of months.”

The 2019 Shopbaby Carols In The Heart was another successful fun family night at Crozier Field this afternoon and tonight.The Lismore App will have a full wrap tomorrow on crowds and money raised for NSW RFS but we thought you would like to look at some of the photos from a great night out.

With the drought hitting hard and just a few weeks to go until local saleyards and processors wind down for the end of year break, North Coast Local Land Services is urging producers in our region to consider how they are going to feed and manage water supplies for their livestock over summer.Lismore’s saleyards last sale for 2019 is Tuesday, December 10. The entire region is drought impacted, with close to 83% of the region now classified as being in intense drought. North Coast Local Land Services General Manager Louise Orr said with drought and in some areas bushfires now impacting producers, it’s more important than ever to be planning ahead.“While many producers have made the difficult choice to de-stock, we know there are still lots of landholders trying to hang onto their stock, despite issues with feed and water availability. "We are urging producers to make realistic feed and water budgets and honestly consider their options,” Louise said.Nathan Jennings Senior Land Services Officer (Agricultural Advice) said as temperatures increase water requirements of stock also increase. Supplementary feed remains expensive and difficult to source due to the widespread drought.“It is crucial that producers take time to consider the workload as well as the emotional and financial costs of ongoing feeding and what other options there might be,” Nathan said.In some cases, the best option is to look to further, reduce stock numbers. With Christmas fast approaching closing dates of saleyards and processing facilities need to be considered. Details of the last sales and reopening dates are listed below.•     Lismore Last Sale Tuesday 10 December, reopens Tuesday 7 January.•     Grafton Last Sale Thursday 12 December, reopens Tuesday 7 January.•     Kempsey Last Sale Saturday 14 December, reopens Saturday 4 January.•     Casino Last Sale Wednesday 18 December reopens Wednesday 8 January.“Due to current seasonal conditions many processors are already booked up into the New Year and there may be a wait to get cattle in, but please contact your processor to discuss your individual circumstances,” Nathan said.“If you are purchasing stock feed make sure you speak with your local feed supplier now to source quality feed.”North Coast Local Land Services is offering free feed testing. Testing helps producers be confident purchased fodder will meet the nutritional requirements of their stock.Drought support has changed in NSW. Landholders are encouraged to visit the DPI Droughthub (http://www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au) for information on the services and support available during drought conditions.Eligible farmers and small business on the North Coast that were hit by the recent NSW bushfires can now access recovery grants of up to $15,000. To apply for a bushfire recovery grant, primary producers and small businesses should contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/If you need advice to help you make decisions about whether to feed or sell your livestock please contact one of our Agricultural Advice staff at North Coast LLS for assistance on 1300 795 299

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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