A Lismore man was arrested in Nimbin and charged with stealing from the Rural Fire Service (RFS).Nimbin police will allege that on Thursday last week, a 27 year old Lismore man attended a Nimbin store.“Inside the store there was a cash collection point for the Nimbin RFS Brigade,” a Richmond District Police Facebook statement said.“The 27 year old took a sum of money from the collection tin and put $5 in.“On Friday, Nimbin police arrested the 27 year old at Nimbin. “He was charged with Larceny and will appear at Lismore Local Court in January.”

Did you know that you could be held responsible for any damage caused to underground networks? Lismore City Council’s Dial Before You Dig service is live.So next time you are planning to do some digging or excavating you should contact Dial Before You Dig to determine if there are any underground pipes and/or cables present.Dial Before You Dig is Australia’s free referral service for information on the location of underground infrastructure. The service is designed to protect Australia’s network of underground pipes and cables and ensure the safety of those working around this infrastructure.Mayor Isaac Smith said Council’s Dial Before You Dig automated service will mean a faster response to enquiries and lower costs for Council.“This is a win-win for the community and the Council,” he said.“Last financial year we received more than 2100 Dial Before You Dig request, which had to be processed manually by Council staff.“This new automated service means we can now respond to these requests much quicker, with less staff required to process the requests which will reduce Council’s associated costs.“The new faster service also has improved maps.”Cr Smith said implementing this new service could not have come at a better time as the Council is expecting an increase in the number of Dial Before You Dig request with the roll-out of the NBN.Visit the Dial Before You Dig website for more information: https://www.1100.com.au/

Australian country music legend Adam Harvey has been announced as the headline act for this year’s Shopbaby Carols in the Heart. With a career spanning over twenty years, half a million album sales, gold and platinum albums, and eight Golden Guitar Awards, Adam is one of Australia’s most popular and enduring recording artists. Lismore families are invited to see Adam perform live as well as enjoy carol singing, musical performances and plenty of Christmas spirit at the annual Shopbaby Carols in the Heart on Sunday, 8 December at Crozier Field. The annual event is free and will also include face painting and a jumping castle, a visit from Santa, and spectacular fireworks to end the evening. “This is a beautiful way to celebrate Christmas as a community and come together for some festive fun and carol singing,” Tourism and Events Manager Mitch Lowe said. “We are really thrilled to have Adam Harvey as our headline performer as well as a line-up of talented local performers who will be there with jingle bells on! “Our talented local performers include Megan Phillips Dance Academy, Caniaba Public School, Summerland Christian College, Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Cath Simes Band and, Marlaina and Ruben Garcia. “Food and refreshments will be available on the day and we warmly welcome everyone in the Lismore community and beyond to come and join us for this special Christmas afternoon.” Gates open at 4.30pm with the first carols from 5.30pm. Entry is free. Crozier Field can be accessed via Uralba and Brewster Street entries.If you are unfamiliar with Adam's music, you can check it out via his website https://www.adamharvey.com.au/.

Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES) are seeking donations of disused electric fence tape so volunteers can flag strands of barbed wire that are dangerous to our native wildlife.Every year, hundreds of native animals, particularly birds, gliders and flying foxes, become caught in barbed wire fences in the Northern Rivers. During the past year alone WIRES Northern Rivers have attended over 300 such calls; 50 for birds, gliders, and wallabies and over 250 for flying-foxes. The survival rate for these wildlife casualties is less than 50%.Their injuries are often horrific as they become more and more tangled and their skin ripped as they struggle to free themselves. These animals become highly distressed and dehydrated as they are exposed to the elements, unable to seek shelter from the sun and wind. Members of the public and wildlife carers alike find these rescues distressing due to the severity of the injuries to wildlife. Nocturnal animals such as bats, gliders and owls are particularly susceptible because they often become caught in the barbs when flying down towards fruiting trees or dams and creeks. Sadly, there are some strips of barbed wire that repeatedly trap wildlife – particularly those that run past fruiting or flowering trees, where wildlife come to feed. One way of minimising wildlife casualties is for landowners to place a visible tape along the top strand of the fence to make it more visible, particularly at night. Various tapes can be used, but electric fence tape (often white or red and white striped) is particularly durable. In some circumstances WIRES volunteers may be able to assist. Landowners are also encouraged to consider whether their barbed wire fences are necessary. Sometimes the fence no longer contains livestock so could be removed or replaced with plain wire. While it is wonderful to plant fruiting and flowering plants, particularly natives, consider avoiding planting such trees next to barbed wire fences.WIRES are seeking donations of disused electric fence tape so that they can assist to flag strands of barbed wire in high risk areas. This is a great way of recycling and reusing what might otherwise be sent to the tip. So if you have any unused and unwanted electric fence tape in your shed that you would be willing to donate to WIRES, you could be saving the life of many a bird or animal. If you can assist, call 66281898. If you do find a bird or animal that has become tangled on a fence it is very important that you do not cut it to try to free it as this would cause the animal further pain and almost certainly make it unviable for survival. WIRES volunteers are equipped and trained to remove animals from barbed wire, so call our 24 hour hotline on 66281898 and someone will come to the animal’s rescue. Consider adding the hotline number to your contacts.If you are keen to make a difference for the wildlife in our area, consider joining WIRES. For more information about how you can join and contribute call 66281898.WIRES relies heavily on the generosity of caring people for support. All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.Now is also a great time to join WIRES and start learning to be a wildlife rescuer.The 24-hour hotline is for all rescue, advice or membership calls in the Northern Rivers.You can also visit http://wiresnr.org/Helping.html to find out how you can help.

The Lismore City Council, NSW Rural Fire Service and the Northern Rivers Emergency Operations Centre are working to assist residents affected by the Mt Nardi fire to return home. Lismore City Council today conducted impact assessments of certain roads of the Tuntable area. After consultation with the RFS and Emergency Operations Centre it is agreed that residents in nominated roads can return home. The RFS asks residents to be mindful that the Mount Nardi fire remains uncontained and may flare up again over coming days and weeks. Firefighters will continue to work establishing and consolidating containment lines, however significant rain will be required before this fire will be put out. Please exercise caution in and around the fire affected areas as trees and rocks may fall without notice. Monitor conditions and know what you will do if the situation changes and the fire threatens you and your property again. If your life or property is in danger please call 000. Lismore City Council has opened the following nominated roads for local resident access only: •   Upper Tuntable Falls Rd and Newton Drive at the intersection of Tuntable Falls Rd – full length•   Tuntable Creek Rd - from the intersection of Tuntable Falls Rd to the Channon Rd - full length•   Wallace Rd - from the intersection with Tuntable Creek Rd to 708 Wallace Rd•   Standing St - from the intersection with Mill St - full length•   Mill St - from Intersection with the Channon Rd - full length•   Nightcap Range Rd - from the intersection with Dunoon Rd to the National Park•   Minyon Falls Rd - from the intersection of Coopers creek Rd to the National ParkTerania Creek Road remains CLOSED. Access to Nightcap National Park and Minyon Falls also remains CLOSED.Please see road maps here, here and hereThe Evacuation Centre at Nimbin Showgrounds and the Disaster Welfare Assistance Point at Lismore Showground will remain open until 8pm tonight 18/11/2019 and again open at 8am on Tuesday 19/11/19. The need for these centres to remain open will be assessed on a daily basis.People who are returning home are urged to contact the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 should they need support.

Award-winning developers McCloy Group, has released their latest community, right here in Goonellabah. The initial release on Saturday 16th November offered 23 homesites to the market and saw 12 sold on day 1!Stage 1, the Cedar Release had shown keen interest from buyers for several weeks in the lead up to the launch, with prospective buyers eager to secure their piece of the community from the outset so much so a camp out started from 2:30pm Friday, with a prospective buyer spending the night to ensure their purchase, other keen purchasers joined the line up early Saturday morning.In total near 200 people attended the launch day to enjoy the free kids activities, gourmet brekkie rolls and coffee by local companies; a free treat put on by the McCloy Group as well as to get their first look at the new community. Local builders also attended and all reports show keen interested in the area and the opportunity it provides for families.“We were pleased to welcome many local families and received good feedback about the quality of the development and future plans for a children’s park and playground” Sam Rowe, Project Director commented.Eastwood, located off Invercauld Road in Goonellabah spans 21 hectares and will bring 135 new homesites to the market across several stages. Stage 1 homesites have been designed to suit a variety of buyers needs with benched blocks available and some with mild slope perfect for split level designs to capture the spanning views.The community has been crafted with the natural landscape in mind, utilising local site rock for a striking sandstone entry feature and retaining walls as well as a preservation approach, with over 200 mature trees planned to be planted across the project.Mr Rowe said that Goonellabah was identified as a key growth area of the Northern Rivers with its proximity to Lismore CBD and coastal beaches of Ballina presenting major appeal for buyers.“We identified the need for an affordable housing offering in the area and by enlisting leading civil contractors we’ve been able to deliver stage 1, within 18 months of acquiring the site.”“Our approach goes beyond property development and we wanted to showcase that, by building stage 1 before releasing to the market, so buyers were able to walk the site and see first-hand the McCloy Group approach... Planting mature street trees, utilising natural rock and open space is core to our developments. Statement entry features and public art donations are also something we’re proud to include for future residents” Mr Rowe added.The McCloy Group are known to build masterplanned communities and Eastwood has set the standard of just that. You can find out more about available Eastwood homesites and how to secure them with just a 5% deposit at eastwoodliving.com.au.

Level 2 water restrictions have been introduced in Nimbin, effective immediately.Lismore City Council Director of Infrastructure Services Peter Jeuken said the restrictions were necessary as the water level in Mulgum Creek continued to fall.“Due to reduced flows in Mulgum Creek, it has become necessary to implement water restrictions within the Nimbin water supply for the village,” he said.“For some time, we have been adjusting the operation of the water supply to manage reduced creek flows. However, with the long-term forecast showing little signs of consistent rainfall, these restrictions are now necessary to secure the water supply."We know many people have already reduced their water consumption, and we thank them for that.“It’s important everyone continues to do their bit to conserve water as making small changes in how we use water will really help our water storage supplies last longer." He said by introducing Level 2 now, the Council is hoping to delay implementing Level 3 or 4 restrictions. We will continue to monitor water consumption to ensure proper management of the water supply in Nimbin.Under Level 2 water restrictions residents:Can only use micro-sprays and drippers/sub-surface irrigation for a maximum of 15 minutes. Hand-held hoses with an on-off nozzle can only be used for half an hour every second day, 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, but topping up is allowed only 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 permitted prior to sale or lease of property only with council approval. Not permitted for any other reason, except for health and safety. Must use high-pressure/low-flow rate cleanerWashing of cars permitted with buckets or hand-held hose for ten minutes only between 4pm and 9am on odd and even days matching your house number.The same restrictions apply to commercial premises with the exceptions that:Sprinklers can be used for up to 30 minutes per day for sports fields between 5am and 7am.Market gardens, orchids, nurseries can use sprinklers or sprays for one hour a day between 5am and 7am, or 5pm and 7pm.For a Q&A on the restrictions, water hints and tips, and a factsheet please go to the news section of the council’s webpage www.Lismore.nsw.gov.au Background: 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.

After we first reported the outbreak of fires in the Nightcap National Park on Friday November 8, we can finally begin to get life back to normal and think about Christmas which is only five and a half weeks away. This is not to say that the fires are under control at Mt Nardi or that our fantastic firefighters are not continuing their hard, exhausting work in creating fire breaks to protect threatened properties, they are and we cannot thank them enough.Max Pike is one of the many volunteers that have given so much to help our community in the past nine days. He posted this on Facebook today (shared by Lismore Helping Hands);"Hanging up the helmet for a little while. After 8 days, and with Tuntable, Siddah Farm and West of Wallace Rd fire fronts contained to a small patch of Siddah, my role as Logistics for Mount Nardi Fire-West Sector is winding up.Going to have Sunday off and head into work Monday. Not looking forward to the back log of emails. Big thanks to my employer Rainbow Power Company for granting me Compassionate Leave so I could fully dedicate myself to defending the Mountain I grew up on and the valley I love."This is far from over though. For the valley, the long and arduous task of monitoring the fire ground for flare ups, spot overs and trees falling over containment lines, has just begun.Massive thank you to Blue Knob RFB, Goolmangar RFB, Hanging Rock RFB and especially that monster from Tuncester RFB (you know who you are)."The work of the Tuntable Home Defenders this last week has been amazing. Without their help Nimbin RFB would not have been able to hold the fire away from residences. The combined efforts of the Tuntable Defenders, the Siddah Farm Defenders and timely assistance from some Bohdi Farm Defenders allowed RFS to squeeze the main front of the fire west of the ridge into a corner.There is so much more to do in Nardi South, East and North Sectors. This fire will not stop burning until we have decent rain."There is a message in Mike's post that we should acknowledge, the willingness of businesses to support their employees to take time off and go and help fight the bush fires. To all the businesses like the Rainbow Power Company, we say a huge 'THANK YOU'.The Dunoon Rural Fire Brigade posted this picture on the ABC North Coasts facebook page today and said "We helped save this beautiful tree yesterday by clearing the leaves around it and soaking it with water and foam before the fire went through this location.” The tree is that tall we could not fit it in this picture!The Lismore City Council have closed the evacuation centres at the SCU in Lismore and the Kyogle Memorial Hall at midday today. The Nimbin Showground remains open as an official evacuation centre as does the Lismore Showgrounds (for campers only and large animals).The above comments do come with a warning! We can not be complacent in the coming days and weeks. The Mt Nardi bush fire is still out of control and classified as 'Advice' as it is burning over 4,900 hectares. Our neighbouring towns in the Tweed Shire like Doon Doon and Commissioners Creek are suffering like we were last weekend and the town of Woodenbong in the Kyogle Shire is under threat as I write with the Bora Ridge fire. This photo looks at the Bora Ridge fire courtesy of Jimmy Malecki.Conditions can change very quickly so the advice is to stay aware, stay alert and stay safe as Councillor Elly Bird told the Lismore App yesterday. We will be leaving our Bush Fire button on the Lismore App front page for the coming week so that everyone can monitor the situation at any time. We also encourage you to download the NSW RFS 'Fires Near Me' app as it is a great source of information.There is a total fire ban in place today and the Fire Danger is Severe. You are encourage by the NSW RFS to keep your Bush Fire Plan handy at all times.We will monitor the situation with you and update you immediately if conditions change and there is a direct threat or possibility of a threat to any community in the 2480 post code. We will continue to update the bush fires in our news stories but not as a sense of urgency as we have in the last nine days.

This Mt Nardi bush fire update is following the 10am community meeting at the Nimbin Bowling Club.To watch the meeting in full please use this link https://www.facebook.com/NorthernRiversZone/videos/2326761784102608/?t=15.RFS Media Liason Officer Aaron Howard started with some good news. He told the gathering "fire activity has eased off a little bit, we will see conditions reduce later today and into tomorrow". He went on to say that the containment work will continue over the weekend with these improved conditions.Councillor Elly Bird told the Lismore App that while conditions have improved there is still a need for people to "stay aware, stay informed and stay safe". "Many people are on the edges of the fires, people need to be aware of the risks" she said. "Find family or friends and stay with, it is the safer option", she went on to say.One spect to come out of the meeting was about 'Spontaneous Volunteers'. While people have the best intentions, anyone who is thinking of helping create containment lines must go through the official channels and register their support. Please do not just turn up at a fire affected area.The other warning was to anyone who was looking to observe the bush fire and what damage it has caused the Nightcap National Park. You are advised to to keep well clear of the fire affected areas so the NSW RFS, SES and Police can do their jobs. This comment posted on the Lismore City Council facebook page earlier today "Some people are choosing to ignore roadblocks in order take photos. Roadblocks are there for a very good reason. Not only are you risking your life, but you are placing the lives of Police and RFS at risk when they have to go and rescue you".They went on to mention about illegal backburning, "Police are receiving reports that people are doing illegal backburning near bushfires. If this is you STOP NOW."The focus in the coming days is on protecting homes and to make sure there is no risk to lives and livelihoods.As for the long term forecast of the Mt Nardi bush fire, without significant rainfall it will burn well in the coming weeks and maybe even months.You can stay up to date by using our Bush Fire button on the Lismore App (Bush Fires)

7pmThe big news to come out of today is COMMUNITY MEETING being held tomorrow morning at the Nimbin Bowling Club at 10am. We will get the full picture from the NSW RFS, the Lismore City Council, SES and Police. Everyone who has properties in the Tuntable Creek area is encouraged to attend plus anyone else with concerns for their property and the forecast for the fire over the weekend and into next week.The NSW RFS website has not changed the classification of the Mt Nardi fire, it still sits on 'Advice'. Firefighters are working on strategic backburns, and are identifying containment lines. Crews are working to protect properties as the fire comes from ridge lines.Peter Larsen from Rose Road, Tuntable Creek has been working with firefighters on fair breaks on Young Road and sent us these photos.The list of schools closed on Monday is reducing in numbers which is good news for teachers, parents and students. Closed for Monday are;Tuntable Creek Public SchoolWhian Whian Public SchoolA severe fire danger is in place for the Far North Coast. Temperatures will be in the mid 30's both days with southeasterly winds on Saturday and northwest to northeasterly on Sunday then tending northeast to southeast in the late afternoon before a possible Thunderstorm in the afternoon. Unfortunately the rain forecast has fallen to 0-6mm.Road Closures remain in place for some roads in the fire affected areas. The Lismore City Council lists these as;The intersection of Tuntable Falls Rd and Upper Tuntable Falls RdThe intersection of Wallace Rd and Tuntable Ck RdThe Intersection of Standing St and Mills St at The Channon.Road closure to National Park at intersection of Nightcap Range Road and Minyon Drive.Stay up to date through the Lismore App, the governments Fire Near Me App or our Bush Fire button (Bush Fires)11:30am - Liina FlynnThe out of control Mount Nardi bush fire in the Nightcap National Park near Nimbin, is still at alert level today, according to the NSW Rural Fire Service.If you are in the areas of Tuntable Creek, Huonbrook Valley, Upper Wilsons Creek, Commissioners Creek and Upper Coopers Creek, the advice is to monitor conditions.Firefighters from the Rural Fire Service, Nimbin Rural Fire Brigade, along with many volunteers have been fighting day and night to contain the blaze, with the community rallying together to create fire containment trails.The fire, which covers 4840 hectares, was approaching Siddah Farm yesterday and locals have been hard at work, clearing trails with chainsaws and bulldozers.Pictured: Day 7 Mt Nardi Fire West. The defence of Siddah Farm. Photo by Max Pike.11:30am FridayTerania Creek resident Terri Nicholson reported on Facebook that on the eastern side of Terania, "the fire front is currently right behind Rainbow (specifically Community house and Dave Yarnall and Robyn Whyte’s house).""There are two fire trucks there and volunteers. They are confident of containing near there," she said."On the western side of Terania, the containment line at Mop’s track has held overnight. No more southern movement on that side."Western/Tuntable side of Wallace Rd fire has held at Siddha Farm overnight with Fireys and massive volunteer presence."This morning, Charlie Cohen from Nimbin Rural Fire Brigade reported on Facebook the good news that no houses were lost last night.Nimbin fire emergency community coordinatorWith many different community organisations and services in Nimbin working to help people through the emergency, Diana Roberts has taken on the role of overall Nimbin fire emergency community coordinator. Diana has compiled the following information for anyone assisting or coordinating responses and activity to local bushfires around Nimbin, including people who want to be part of a spot fire patrol.The message is “it is not considered safe at this point for anyone to return home”.Volunteers work to make containment lines near Siddah Farm community.FIRE OPERATIONThis is being coordinated from Tuntable Falls Community. Anyone with towels or sheets for Firies masks can leave them on the doorstep at 7 Sibley St Nimbin.Donations for Firies – there’s a donation box in the Hotel for Nimbin RFS (red helmet on counter) and there’s a donation box at the Bowling Club for Blue Knob RFS. Donation box also at Summerland Credit UnionFit, able people who can work with a team are needed to help protect Siddha Farm. If anyone can assist they must report to the staging area at Tuntable’s hall/bus stop Upper Tuntable Falls Rd - and should be in suitable safe clothing including leather gloves, head torch, mask and good boots.Blowers, mcleod tools, chainsaws and hands on tools also useful.4WD runners also needed – again, report to the staging area.FIRE HOTSPOTShttps://hotspots.dea.ga.gov.au/STAY UP TO DATELocal radio station ABC FM94.5, Bushfire info line 1800679737 NIMFM 102.9Facebook - Nimbin Hook Ups Discussion Board, Nimbin CWA Group, Nimbin Hook Ups, ABC North Coast Facebook page for the latest Rural Fire Service warnings.FOOD FOR FIRIESBeing coordinated by the Nimbin Branch of the CWA out of the Nimbin Hall.DONATIONSFood - phone 0484895603. There is limited storage for food so people should ring first.To volunteer, phone 0484895603There’s an account at the Emporium for firefighters. Donations to this account can be made at the Emporium front counter - account 911FIREY UNIFORMS – being washed free of charge by Nimbin Village LaundrySUPPORT FOR ALL EVACUEESEvacuation Centre located at Nimbin Showground, Cecil St. Before attending people are requested to register online at Register Find Unite https://register.redcross.org.au/ or phone 1800 733 276.Camping is also available at Nimbin Caravan Park and Lismore Showground.Camping gear coordination – anyone offering gear for campers, contact Steph Seckold 0475135764.Nimbin Community Centre, phone 66890000 – can offer storage space for a few days.DONATIONS OF FOODFood is being provided by the Salvation Army from Nimbin Showground.If people would like to donate food there is a food drop off table but very limited facilities for people to cook – healthy, ready-prepared food options, healthy snacks (there are lots of kids there), vegetarian options, wholegrain bread etc welcome.Vegetarian and gluten free are special asks.For more information on needs of campers based at the Showground, ring Kael 0412479222.SUPPORT SERVICESAnglicare – at the Showground from 7.30am until after dinner - providing toiletries, canned and packaged food, water.Contact: Doug Ridley 0415458473St John’s Ambulance – at the Showground 9am-8pm. There until Friday 15th when their presence will be reassessedFACS Disaster Relief – are managing the Showground evacuation centre. Can organise emergency accommodation.Rural Adversity Mental Health Program – run by the Northern NSW Local Health District but thinly stretched as they have a big area to cover.Offering counselling in person or by phone and can refer people for 6 free sessions with a psychologist – no referral needed – to those affected by bushfires.Contact Steve Carrigg P 66207587. This is not a crisis service.Lifeline 131144 or Beyond Blue 1300224636. Kids Helpline 1800551800. Emergency 000NSW Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network – at the Showground at the Evacuation Centre for anyone needing a listening ear – not just evacuees.Available until Sunday 17th Nov when need will be reassessed.Nimbin Neighbourhood & Information Centre – 71 Cullen Street, has a counsellor Wed-Fridays, Mental health and drug/alcohol clinician Mon-Wed, Telstra and electricity bill vouchers, Centrelink and other DHS issues, assistance with unpaid fines, material aid, general support, advocacy and liaison with services etc, meals, tea and coffee, newspapers, access to internet, computer access 10am – 4pm weekdays.Phone: 66891692 or email admin@nnic.org.au, caw@nnic.org.auTelstra – has disaster relief packages (short and long term) for people impacted by the fires.Can offer bill moratoriums, free call diversions, top up of prepaid mobiles, free service reconnection, credits up to $500.Ring 132203 (the faults line) and have name, phone number and postcode ready. People can also leave their name on a spreadsheet at the evacuation centre and Telstra will contact them.NEEDING ACCOMMODATION OR OFFERING ACCOMMODATION FOR EVACUEES?Phone Diana Roberts 0427886748CARE FOR ANIMALS?Animals are being housed in enclosures at the Nimbin Showground.Assistance with cleaning cages and other tasks is appreciated.Emergency fodder and water and assessment of animal wellbeing – hotline 1800814647LOCAL WILDLIFE RESCUEPhone WIRES on 6628 1898Lismore Showground has camping available and facilities for animals including stablesHorses needing help – Everything Equine Northern Rivers NSW has a Facebook page for help requests.NEED THE INTERNET?  Nimbin Environment Centre 54 Cullen St – will endeavour to be open all weekend as well as during the week.Also Nimbin Neighbourhood Centre 71 Cullen St weekdays 10-4pm.SCHOOL CLOSURES (government)https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safetyNimbin Central School has a Facebook page.Nimbin Pre-school is posting to Nimbin Hook Ups Discussion Board Facebook page.ROAD CLOSURESLive Traffic NSW http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au https://northernrivers.myroadinfo.com.au/default.aspBushfire information line 1800679737BUS SERVICESQuinns Bus Service – Cathy Quinn is on Facebook and providing updatesNIMBIN TOWN WATERQuality is being monitored by Lismore Council. At November 14, the water does not require boiling. Council has back-up generators to guarantee supply should the power be taken down.Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.For contacts and information and about bushfires, the Lismore App has a bushfires button on the main page: Bush Fires

This has been a week that is only matched by the 2017 floods. The Mt Nardi bush fires has caused havoc in our community and while it will take a long time to get under control so life can return to normal, we should give thanks to the Firefighters and volunteers that have given up so much of their time to protect lives and defend properties. You have the love and support of everyone of the 44,000 residents in the 2480 postcode and beyond.If you are looking to seek a distraction from the bush fires, there are a few events on this weekend.We can support our local farmers by getting into the Lismore Farmers Markets at the Lismore Showgrounds from 8am to 11:30am. The Blue Knob Markets have been cancelled this week with the Gallery and Café opening again next Thursday (November 21) when a decision will be made about the following Saturday markets.On Sunday the Lismore Car Boot Markets are on between 7:30 and 2pm for some Christmas bargains or a plant or three.There is a brand new community that has been created in Goonellabah called Eastwood Goonellabah.The launch event is tomorrow between 12pm and 2pm at 1 Florence Street, Goonellabah. This is Stage 1 of the development which consists of 133 homesites on 21 hectares of land featuring 200 mature age trees, state of the art children's playground with plenty of natural rock. Check out the land available from $149,000 ($1000 to secure) as well as free coffee, brekkie wraps by Junkyard BBQ as well as kids entertainment with face painting and a jumping castle.Then on Saturday night, the Lismore Speedway is confirmed to start at 5:30pm at the Lismore Showgrounds. It is a full race meet with the Wingless Sprints, AMCA Nationals, Production Sedans, Junior Sedans, National 4's and the Street Stocks. It is $25 for adults, $20 for Pensioners and TPI, $15 for High School Students with cards and kids Under 12 are free.An important reminder for great annual event next Tuesday, Jodies Inspiration Pink Tradie Tuesday. Get all of your Tradie friends to dress in pink on Tuesday to raise awareness and funds for our local hospitals. All Tradies are invited to a BBQ breakfast between 5:30 and 7:30am at Laser Plumbing, Snow Street, South Lismore.Don't forget to stay up to date with the Mt Nardi Bush Fires. You can do that easily through our Bush Fire button on the Lismore App (Bush Fires).Weatherwise, it is going to be another hot weekend with temps in the mid 30's. There is still a 60% chance of 1 to 4mm of rain on Sunday, it is not much but hopefully it happens.That is the Weekend Wrap.

The Lismore Speedway is to go ahead this Saturday night at the Lismore Showground. This was confirmed by Promoter David Lander today.The second race meet of the 2019/2020 season is due to get underway at 5:30pm and conclude at its normal time of 10pm and features the Wingless Sprintcars, AMCA Nationals, Production Sedans, Junior Sedans, National 4's and the Street Stocks.Adults are $25, Pensioners and TPI $20, High School Students with card $15, two Adults and two High School Students is $65 while kids under 12 are free.Some residents have voiced concern on social media about the welfare of the horses being stabled at the Lismore Showgrounds if the speedway meeting were to go ahead.Mark Bailey, National North Coast A&I Secretary Manager, said " two separate government departments, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW Land Services have sent two vets to inspect the horses this morning". He went on to say "their advice was to move the horses to the beef holding areas and for the owners to stay with their horses during the event, then it won't be an issue".The Lismore Showground has been the temporary home for 150 people and 140 horses in the last four to five days because of the Mt Nardi bush fires. Mark Bailey told the Lismore App that this number is down to 40 people and 30 horses as people are moving back to check on their homes in areas that are in no immediate danger.While the Mt Nardi bush fire alert is at 'Advice' level and poses no immediate threat to homes in areas of The Channon, Dunoon, Whian Whian and other smaller communities it is still not under control. Residents of areas where the fire is active like Tuntable Falls, Tuntable Creek and Ternia Creek are advised to monitor conditions closely. If you are going back to your property or have gone, the NSW RFS reminds residents to stay vigilant, regularly monitor news sources (Bush Fires) and keep your evacuation plan in place. Advise family and friends of your decision to return to your property. If you have officially registered that you have left your property and are now retuning, please inform the appropriate organisation. Stay vigilant and stay safe.

The North Coast Public Health Unit is reminding people to continue to be vigilant about their health, and to take precautions while bushfire smoke affects air quality in Northern NSW. North Coast Public Health Unit, acting director Greg Bell said the fine particles in smoke can affect the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems and aggravate existing health conditions by penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the blood system. “For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose and throat. However, people with conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina are more likely to be sensitive to the health effects of smoke,” Mr Bell said. “People with these conditions should avoid outdoor physical activity when there’s smoke around.For contacts and information and about bushfires, the Lismore App has a bushfires button on the main page: Bush Fires“Smoke exposure can lead people with lung disease or chronic bronchitis to develop shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, many days after smoke is inhaled. “People should closely monitor their symptoms and follow their asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) action plan.” Mr Bell advised residents to stay indoors until the air clears and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy outdoor work where possible. “Symptoms can occur for several days after smoke is inhaled, so people with chronic respiratory and cardiac conditions need to be vigilant with their medication or treatment programs,” Mr Bell said. “If symptoms do not settle, contact your doctor.” Residents who may have lost medication due to bush fires, or who don’t have their Medicare, DVA or Centrelink card, should speak to their pharmacist.“In many circumstances, they may be able to provide additional supply,” Mr Bell said. “In accordance with emergency supply provisions, you can receive a 3-day supply of many medications without a prescription.” In the event of an emergency, always remember to dial Triple Zero (000). For more information, visit the NSW Health air quality web page at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/bushfiresmoke.aspx

Gianna Saputo and her daughter Larah still don’t know when they will be able to go home.They are among the many displaced people as a result of the ongoing bushfires in the Nightcap National Park.They left their home on Gungas Road, in the Tuntable Falls area of Nimbin on Monday, looking for shelter at Lismore Showgrounds and are still camping there.For contacts and information and about bushfires, the Lismore App has a bushfires button on the main page: Bush FiresGianna Saputo and her daughter Larah with the donated camper trailer.Gianna told the Lismore App they attended the community meeting at Nimbin Town Hall on Sunday, where “we were warned and told to get out”.“We went back home but the smoke in the air was too much for us and the car was full of ash - so we decided to get out on Monday night.” she said.“Gungas Road only has one way in and out and now we have peace of mind. “We had a small tent we were camping in for the first two nights, then someone brought a fully set up camper trailer to the showground and we were lucky enough to be allowed to sleep in it."It’s great, we can sleep on a comfortable bed now and it’s cool in the daytime. “We want to thank David and Karl for donating it.”Gianna said they still didn’t know what they would do in the near future, and they might be camping out for a while.“We’re not going home until the fire is extinguished,” she said.“We were monitoring the fire’s progress and saw it was slowly moving toward our house.“It’s scary - we heard that one man went back home and saw smoke and fire bombs near him. “When embers started hitting his roof, he grabbed his stuff and left.”Gianna said they felt there were some confused messages about whether it was safe or not to return home.“The wind keeps changing direction and the fire situation in unpredictable,” she said. “It’s confusing about whether it will be safe or not. “I hope it rains. The bushland around has been dry for so long.”Gianna and Larah moved to Gungas Road 18 months ago, and at this stage, they are not even sure if they want to live there anymore.

Lismore City Council is offering free entry to the Lismore Memorial Baths for families who have evacuated because of the bushfires.Evacuated families can use the pool for free from 10am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday, and from noon to 5pm on Sunday.For contacts and information and about bushfires, the Lismore App has a bushfires button on the main page: Bush FiresThe Lismore Showground has also formally been designated as a Disaster Welfare Assistance Point.The Showground can accommodate people with their own camping equipment. The Showground can also cater for large animals. Smaller domestic animals should be contained or on leads.Evacuees are encouraged to stay with family and friends as a first option.If this is not an option, the Evacuation Centres are there to accommodate you. If evacuees do not have camping equipment, they should attend the Evacuation Centre at Southern Cross University. This Centre can also accommodate people with small domestic animals.The Nimbin Showgrounds remain open as an Evacuation Centre for the surrounding community that need to evacuate.All Evacuation Centres are staffed from 7am – 10pm.People who have evacuated are urged to register at Register. Find. Reunite (https://register.redcross.org.au) so that family and friends know you are safe

Level 1 water restrictions in the Lismore area could be brought in earlier than expected.Rous County Council has called an extraordinary meeting next Wednesday about changing the water restriction ‘trigger level’ of Rocky Creek Dam to 70% of its capacity.As of Wednesday this week, Rocky Creek Dam was at 78% and Emigrant Creek Dam at 66%.The normal level 1 trigger level is 60% capacity, under the Council’s Regional Drought Management Plan.Rous County Council general manager Phillip Rudd told the Lismore App the driver for the change in bringing in water restrictions was to make sure that “we stay ahead of the coming summer weather”.“The medium-term forecast is below average rainfall and above average temperatures,” Mr Rudd said.“We want to make sure everyone in the community does their bit to minimise water use now so we can drastically reduce usage over the next several months.”Mr Rudd said because the fires in the local area are “quite recent”, we are not seeing any impact on water usage from fire fighting activities at the moment.“But that information will take a while to come through,” he said.“We’ll see over the next few weeks if water usage is trending up or down.“It’s difficult because there are a range of factors impacting on it such as the humidity.“It’s extremely dry and a big driver of water use is people with tanks who don’t have water and are calling on water tankers deliver water to them.”Mr Rudd said the management of the water supply was complex and needed to consider how Rous County Council works with partner councils. “It’s sometimes forgotten that while we don’t supply water to Casino, which is under water restrictions, we supply water to other parts of Richmond Valley and Mullumbimby.“We need to work in partnership and there’s a lot going on.”Kyogle Council is on level 2 restrictions and Richmond Valley Council is on level 3 restrictions.Pictured: Rous County Council's website shows dam levels and water restriction levels and what they mean.At the moment, water restrictions are “every day water saving measures”, but level 1 water restrictions will include hose and irrigation restrictions, such as the banning of water sprinklers and alternate watering days for residents.“People need to think about things like do I need to wash my car or car I leave it until next week?” Mr Rudd said.“And not watering the garden in the middle of the day and taking a couple of minutes less when having a shower.Mr Rudd said Rous County Council has updated its website to make water levels and restrictions information easier to access and understand.The extraordinary meeting next Wednesday, November 20 will start at 1pm and is open to the public.To find out more about water restrictions and dam levels, click here: https://rous.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-OWX-54-47-20To find out more about what the water restrictions are for residential urban and rural premises and commercial businesses, click here: https://www.rous.nsw.gov.au/page.asp?f=RES-QKD-14-08-70

11pmContainment has been the most used word when the NSW RFS talk about the Mt Nardi bush fire. Our tireless firefighters are continuing to establish containment lines and patrol fires that are coming down the ridge towards properties. As this happens certain properties will be at risk so, while the immediate danger is over for most of the affected areas there is a great deal of caution for some areas around Tuntable Creek and Terania Creek. The fire will still be visible along the ridges and expectations are that this bush fire could burn for many more weeks due to large parts of the Nightcap National Park being in accessible, making it impossible to fight the fire until it reaches areas that can be accessed by firefighters. The fire coverage area is now 4,900 hectares according to the NSW RFS.Terri Nicholson from the Nimbin Hook Up Discussion Board posted some amazing photos of our firies at work and of Protestor Falls.A reminder that the Nightcap National Park is closed and the public is to not venture inside any part of the park.There is another Total Fire Ban in place and the alert for the Mt Nardi Fire now sits at 'advice'. This means there is no immediate threat but conditions must be monitored closely. The not so good news of the evening is that the amount of rainfall forecast for Sunday has dropped to 2-6mm. Let's hope this increases as well as the 60% chance of rain on Sunday.Liina Flynn will have more updates tomorrow.10amConditions continue to improve for residents in our fire affected areas this morning.The NSW RFS website no longer says that the bush fires are heading towards houses in Tuntable Falls and Tuntable Creek, but the warning is not to become complacent as conditions can change quickly with wind changes and high temperatures that are expected tomorrow and over the weekend.The Mt Nardi fire has been downgraded to 'Advice' at this stage with the Bush Fire Warning at 'Very High'.Firefighters met this morning to continue their brilliant work to establish containment lines for the coming days.A press release yesterday by Federal MP Kevin Hogan said that "the disaster assistance has been extended tonight to Lismore, Kyogle and Ballina Council areas to help those worst-hit by the NSW bushfires. Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan said we’ve acted swiftly to provide immediate financial support to bushfire-hit communities. “The funding is in addition to disaster assistance already made available to Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour council areas.”“The Disaster Recovery Payment will immediately put cash into the pockets of those in need, providing $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children,” Mr Hogan said.The payment is available to people whose homes has been severely damaged or destroyed, who have been seriously injured or who have lost a family member in the fires.Assistance measures available under the Disaster Recovery Funding may include;·         support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;·         Disaster Recovery Allowance providing eligible applicants up to 13 weeks income support, for people who have lost their income as a direct result of the fires.·         freight subsidies for primary producers; and,·         grants to eligible non-profit organisations.We hope to continue the positive news throughout the day.

As many of our Lismore App users commute either for work or for fun to Ballina and the Gold Coast at all times of the day and night, there are two road work notices that you should be aware of.Alstonville to Uralba: Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from Sunday on the Bruxner Highway between Alstonville and Uralba while overnight road survey work is carried out. To minimise impacts to traffic, work will be carried out between 6pm and 6am from Sunday to Thursday over two weeks from Sunday 17 to Thursday 28 November. Traffic will be reduced to one lane, alternate flow, with traffic control and reduced speed limits in place for the safety of workers and motorists. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the direction of signs and traffic control. St Helena Tunnel Pacific Hwy: Transport for NSW advises motorists of changed traffic conditions on the Pacific Highway at the St Helena Tunnel next week for essential maintenance work to be carried out. To reduce impacts to motorists, the north and southbound lanes of the tunnel will be closed on Monday 18 November between 7pm and 5am. North and southbound traffic will be diverted onto the Hinterland Way between the Byron Road interchange at Bangalow and the Ewingsdale Road interchange at Ewingsdale. Motorists are advised to allow up to 10 minutes additional travel time for both diversions, to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control. A scheduled closure for Sunday 17 November has been called off because of potential impacts on the network from bushfires. Routine maintenance of the St Helena Tunnel is carried out every three months and involves a range of measures such as inspecting the various operating and safety systems.

If your home burned down where would you go?Due to the bushfires across the region, there are now 29 displaced and injured koalas in care at the Friends of the Koala (FoK) centre in Lismore.“Every room in the care centre and all the runs are full,” FoK president Ros Irwin told the Lismore App.“We are on call and expect to unfortunately receive more sick and injured koalas from the fires in the coming days and weeks ahead.“We desperately need money to build temporary pens for them."Donations needed“We need thousands of dollars to do this and we are asking the community for help to raise $50,000.“The funds will go straight to their care and it’s going to take a long time for them to recover.” Out of 12 fire affected koalas brought in from the fires, only two, a mum and joey called Flame and Spirit could be released back out into the wild. “It really pains our heart,” Ros said. “We’ve done our best for them and will continue to do our best.”Dire straitsRos said that now, more than ever, Friends of the Koala needs your urgent help. “Our Northern Rivers Koalas have been in dire straits for months," she said.“Our population has been severely affected by deforestation, disease, drought and now horrific fires that are so extensive, we fear hundreds of koalas may have been lost. “For the past couple of months, we’ve had so little rain in Lismore - 18mm in three months.“All the koala leaf has no moisture and the koalas being brought in are showing signs they are dehydrated."Bungawalbin If all goes according to plan, Ros will be going out to the recently bushfire-burned area of Bungawalbin with helpers tomorrow – looking for koalas. “We have a small team of helpers who have been given fire awareness training by NSW Foresty and we’ll be looking at places we think koalas might be still alive,” Ros said.They also hope to be taking Bear – a dog who has been trained to sniff out koalas, just like a scat dog might find animal scats.They will be putting out blinky drinkers – water drinking stations for animals that are raised off the ground, making it safer for animals to escape being preyed upon.“We might even be able to set up cameras on the drinking stations so we can see if they are being used and what condition the animals are in," she said.Ros said before the fires, things weren’t good for our koalas, and then when the fires came “we were unprepared for it”.“Forestry has been so helpful and funded the fire awareness training for ten of our people and we are so grateful,” she said.“We will be prepared next time.”Extinct?Until recent bushfires, Port Macquarie had one of the healthiest koala populations in the State and now, the species'status is deemed "vulnerable".In Port Macquarie, Lake Innes Nature Reserve, which was home to a colony of as many as 600 koalas, lost much of its habitat last week.James Tremain, a spokesman for the NSW Nature Conservation Council said "If we continue at this rate, koalas will be extinct by 2050."DonateFoK rescues more koalas than any other rescue organisation in NSW, yet receives no ongoing government funding.At this critical time FoK needs your help.$20 supplies food for a sick koala for a week.“Just $5 from everyone of you would get us over the line,” Ros said.“It’s just the cost of your cup of coffee tomorrow morning, but one that will help save a life.”Please donate now: https://friends-of-the-koala.giveeasy.org/urgent-help-required?fbclid=IwAR0Ze4DKdT_pL9a005VfRdZmsIyqm1YQN83SZXk80rU-sBbWWyXZeaL_Mt4