About 1.20pm yesterday (Thursday, 24 July 2025), emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing in the Lismore CBD. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 37-year-old man on Molesworth Street before he was taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition, suffering a single stab wound to the right shoulder. A short time later, officers from Richmond Police District arrested a 28-year-old man on the same street without incident. He was taken to Lismore Police Station. Officers also recovered a knife at the time of the arrest. Police will allege that the stabbing occurred in Woodlark Street near the intersection of Keen Street. It will be further alleged that the men are not known to one another, and the incident appears to be unprovoked. The younger man was charged with reckless wounding and was refused bail to appear at a court today (Friday, 25 July 2025) via Audio Visual Link.

Researchers at Southern Cross University are inviting mothers across Australia to participate in a new study examining the impact of key relationships on perinatal well-being during the first year after birth.Led by Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours student Natalie Joy, under the supervision of Adjunct Fellow in the Faculty of Health, Dr Julia Marsden, the online study is open to Australian mothers with babies aged 0-12 months.“Perinatal well-being is a dynamic and deeply personal experience — it encompasses the physical, emotional, social, and relational changes women navigate as they transition into motherhood,” said Dr Marsden.“Through this study, we hope to better understand how close relationships influence that journey, so we can help ensure support is more holistic, personalised, and truly responsive to women’s needs.”Many women experience emotional, social and psychological challenges in the first year after birth; however, support systems are often inconsistent or poorly tailored to their needs. According to the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) and the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA), around one in five mothers experience anxiety during the perinatal period and 10 per cent experience depression.“This study shines a spotlight on a critical but often overlooked aspect of maternal mental health,” said Dr Marsden.“While anxiety and depression are rightly recognised as serious concerns, we also need to better understand what supports mothers to thrive, not just avoid distress. By exploring how close relationships and attachment styles shape perinatal well-being, this project could help identify protective factors and early warning signs, ultimately guiding more personalised and preventative approaches to care during the first year postpartum.”How to participateRecruitment for the study is open now. The anonymous online survey takes around 15-20 minutes and is open to Australian mothers aged 18 and above, who are within the first 12 months postpartum, have lived in Australia for two or more years, and are English-speaking. Participants go into the draw to win one of four $50 gift vouchers.To participate in the survey, click here.This study has been approved by the Southern Cross University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval number: 2025/114).

AC/DC said Let There Be Rock in 1977, and about thirty years later, Snoop Dog said, "Well, Hip-hop is what makes the world go round".By the same analogy, Rock to the Rescue began as a fundraising event for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WHRS) in 2015, and next Saturday, August 2, the second Rap 2 the Rescue concert will take place at the South Lismore Bowling Club, as both music genres help the much-loved local charity.Only three weeks ago, Rock to the Rescue (RTTR) featured seven local bands on stage at the Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore.RTTR co-ordinator John Bancroft told the Lismore App that the event was another huge success, raising $3,500 for WHRS"Sincere thanks to members of New Vintage, Plan 9, Hop Ups, Slug, Ghostown, Claymores, and This Kiss Kills for offering their services on the night, and new sponsor MGL Freight for sponsoring the T-shirt sales. An enthusiastic crowd of 200 + enjoyed the talent on offer and witnessed history as local legends SLUG performed their last gig.(SLUG on stage)"Many thanks must go to the small group who put the event together, being Darrell Crockford, Jasin Hughes, Dave Slade, Matt Lee (MGL ), Andy Lee, Neville Cain and Ben Wordsworth. We look forward to a bigger event in 2026."Plans are now underway for the 10th Rock To The Rescue, which will be held in mid-2026 at a date and venue to be announced.A different style of music will attract a younger, different crowd next Saturday, when Rap 2 the Rescue takes place at the South Lismore Bowling Club.Organiser and rapper Jordan McMahon said he was inspired by Rock to the Rescue."We saw what was happening, and it has been pretty successful, so me and few mates who make some rap music thought we'll give it crack."Jordan's father, Jeff McMahon, has been heavily involved in supporting the WRHS, so that was additional encouragement to create an alternative event.Rap 2 the Rescue will showcase seven fantastic rap artists playing for the cause. Jordan will be performing on the night as Thirsty Mac.The bands in order of appearance on the night are:D.A.S.H.Thirsty MaczFTTOMDJ MudcrabEric FluSaxBardiIn its first year, Rap 2 the Rescue raised just over a thousand dollars for WHRS. Jordan's hope is for more in 2025."We're hoping for about $1,500 next Saturday night. I'd like to obviously go further than the last one.""I'd love people to show up and help support the charity and the local music scene. There's a lot of talented acts that are going to perform."Entry is only a $10 donation at the door, and merchandise will be on sale along with a raffle.For enquiries, contact Jordan McMahon on 0412 760 013.RAP 2 THE RESCUEDate: Saturday, August 2Venue: The South Lismore Bowling Club, 25 Wilson Street, South LismoreTime: 7:30pm until late.

NSW Farmers have backed calls for an independent scientific panel to review federal authorities’ decision to lift biosecurity restrictions on US beef imports into Australia. NSW Farmers’ President Xavier Martin said there was no room for error when it came to biosecurity and said a review was vital to ensure confidence that US beef imports would comply with Australia’s biosecurity and food safety standards. “You can’t trade away our biosecurity, Minister – farmers cannot and will not support that,” Mr Martin said.“Any changes to our market access must be subject to rigorous, evidence-based science and independent scrutiny, and our industry will simply not accept anything less than that.” A review of the decision must take place before US beef found its way into Australia, Mr Martin warned.“The Albanese Government needs to be prepared to be held accountable if this all goes wrong,” Mr Martin said. “Put our farmers and our clean, green nation first – we’ve warned you what might happen to our industry if you don’t.” 

Mental Health has been spoken about regularly in Lismore and the Northern Rivers since the 2022 floods, as those directly involved sought help for the trauma they endured during the catastrophic event.The latest snapshot of Australia’s mental health system highlights growing challenges in the mental health system, particularly around affordability and access to care. The National Mental Health Commission (the Commission) has released its 2024 National Report Card for the 2024 calendar year, which examines the prevalence of mental health challenges, the drivers behind it and the performance of the mental health system. CEO of the Commission, David McGrath, says by collating the data and analysing trends, the Commission can take the pulse of Australia’s mental health system, measuring its successes and shortfalls. Mr McGrath explains that “the Commission has an important monitoring and reporting role. The Report Card calls out issues for governments to pay attention to, and that’s the value of this report.”Key elements of the Report Card 2024 shows:Increasing financial pressure:The proportion of people finding it difficult or very difficult to cope on their present income has doubled from November 2020 to January 2024, with women consistently reporting higher levels than men.Cost preventing access:More than a fifth of people delayed or did not see a health professional for their own mental health when needed due to cost.Treatment still falling short:Despite more people with a mental disorder accessing treatment compared to earlier years, treatment rates are still well below current targets proposed through the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework.Sense of control decliningThere has been a decline in the percentage of people reporting a high sense of control over events in their life since 2019, dropping from 75.8% to 71.3%.Encouraging progress of seclusion and restraintProgress continues in reducing the national rate of seclusion and physical restraint in public hospital mental health care.Mr McGrath says it’s important that funding of mental health supports and treatment meet the needs of our communities. "We need to see planned service commissioning matched to people’s needs, with greater integration amongst health services and with other services, like housing and financial supports. Ultimately, everyone deserves fair access to the right mental health care, no matter where they live or how complex the system may be.” The Commission will continue to build on the Report Card with key stakeholders and the sector.For more information, read the full National Report Card 2024, which is available on the Commission’s website. 

State Member for Lismore, Minister for Recovery, Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, sat down for a Talking Lismore podcast this week to discuss Lismore's flood recovery.While talking up business activity in the CBD and South Lismore, Ms Saffin moved to North Lismore, where the future lies with what is created on the vacant land once the Resilient Homes Program buyback houses are removed or demolished."The Living Lab will be doing some work, I think they've done some, and I've said that I'd like to see the community asked, What do you think? I remember there was one radio program on ABC where everybody was asked what they thought, lots of ideas, but in a serious way, what do you think can happen with this land?"Remember, I got that money for Lismore City Council. It's about $800,000 odd to do walkways from North Lismore. So we've got that, we've got the school, the Showgrounds, you know. And I know the Showgrounds want to do more there, and I still want the Richmond River High area to be a car boot market, but that's me.While the options for what will be a lot of vacant land, mainly in North Lismore and the CBD, will be pondered for the next couple of years, the flood mitigation modelling options are being discussed next week when the CSIRO and NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) arrive in the Northern Rivers for community consultation."We've got hydrodynamic modelling that can be laid across a number of scenarios. We've got Kevin talking about the one to two metres; he and I have had those discussions. Of course, we've all had those discussions, and it would be fantastic if that could happen. It depends on the science and not us MPs."And this means we'll have that broad view. So we'll be looking at, can we do this here? What will that impact there? Can we protect them there? And that will be the conversation. But clearly, we're all hoping that we can have a situation, a scenario where we can do that reduction of the water, slow it down, divert it, hold it, all those sorts of things."Not being a hydrologist, but everything I know about what they've done, what I know about hydrology in general and floods, indicates that that could be possible. So we're hopeful."A question that the Lismore App asks every level of government is the level of confidence they have in the federal and state government handing over $2 billion to fund a CSIRO flood mitigation modelling scenario, where it can take 1 - 2 metres off a flood?"None of us know how much it would cost, so there's guesstimates about it, but we know things are expensive, so yeah, I'm hopeful. I'm hopeful because I've been in public life for quite a few years, and I've seen many good things happen, and I've seen the impossible happen. So I'm forever hopeful. I'm the optimist."Another flood project making some progress is the Disaster Adaptation Plan, or DAP, which is being created by the NSW Reconstruction Authority."What do we do to adapt to the weather events we experience? What would be best practice? What are the things we do? It may also include some mitigation, but it's basically a disaster adaptation plan. It doesn't mean it has to exclude mitigation; it can be there. One of the things that I've been discussing is the difference between forecasting and early warning."The BoM does forecasting. They have all the information. They have all the models. They look at a variety of models, and they forecast what might happen on this day, on that day, etc, etc. And then, at a more local level, or another level, we can say, okay, if that's the forecast, this might happen. But early warning is saying, Well, what will that mean here in this area? What will it mean in your locality? What will it mean in your street? What will it mean for a CBD? What will it mean for the farming area? And SES have increasingly done that more."And this involves locals. And I say to locals, like we often say, Oh, well, we relied on Farmer Joe up country. I used to listen to the Tabulam guys up above the Clarence. I know who they are. I'd always listen and go, Oh, okay, they're saying that we better go. And I think we have to reclaim some of that ourselves, not just say everyone's got to do it for us. It's that shared sense of responsibility. And yes, it's inconvenient packing up, but it's the price we pay to live in paradise."Since the 2022 floods, one of the statistics we often hear is that 97% of funding is spent on recovery, while only 3% is spent on prevention. The state government has said it wants to change that ratio, thereby spending more on prevention. The CSIRO flood mitigation modelling is expected to be the main driving force in the Northern Rivers, and the DAP will also play a part in lowering flood risk in the Richmond River catchment."Can I just say that Andrew Colvin, when he did the Colvin review on disaster funding relief arrangements, or recovery arrangements, he said, then it had changed to 87/13, so the 97/3 has flipped to 87/13. That's in his report, and is a step in the right direction."Adaptation is identifying the hazards you experience in your area, in your region and your locality. So what are they? What are the risks from those hazards, and what are our vulnerabilities? Are they physical? Are they socio-economic? Are they this? Are they that? And mapping that out, and looking at that, and then we get a clear sense of what we need to do across the region."Here, with seven local government areas, and then what each local government area needs to do in that. So, in essence, that's what the disaster adaptation planning is about, and we haven't done it before. It's quite, I can't think of the word, rather groundbreaking, but we don't kind of see it like that yet, but it is."And then for me, remember, there's adaptation plans being done for climate, for the climate challenges. And I said, Well, we're doing it for climate, for weather, natural hazards, natural disasters, natural events. I want to see us have a plan out to 2050 because there's a net-zero 2050. But I want to see us in sort of parallel, have up to 2050 risk reduction, because that's what it's all about; it's about reducing risk. That's the key thing."So a DAP is about reducing risk, building resilience, stronger, safer communities."Ms Saffin said a completed Northern Rivers DAP document should be released in 2026."The Disaster Adaptation Plan guidelines, they're for the state, they should be released quite soon. I've signed off on them."Another project that is close to release, and also one of Lismore's worst-kept secrets, is the change of ownership of the Southern Cross University development site on Military Road. The 400-site development, which includes 50 Build-To-Rent properties, is officially owned by the NSWRA. But when is the announcement?"Oh, I think we might do that Monday. Monday looks like a good day," Ms Saffin said with a grin."It means that we'll start to see the plan fleshed out to end up with 400 dwellings on that site, 50 Build to Rent with Landcom, and then the other 350. So, we'll start to see that there, and that's a good thing for Lismore.""Any housing is a good thing. So I'm quite excited about that. I also would like to make sure that we do some real affordable homes there as well, because we often talk about affordable, but I want to still see real affordable."Any new housing development will lead to an increased load on the East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant. Recently, Lismore City Council has said its estimated $108 million funding to fix the South Lismore ($20-25 million) and East Lismore ($70-80 million) has been reduced to $38 million. This was Lismore's share of a $145 million announcement by Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson in May 2022.The dispute with the state government on the decrease in funding leaves Lismore City Council unable to fix the East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant to the level it was before the 2022 flood, let alone to build back better, as was the catchphrase used at the time.Ms Saffin says she is across the issue."I'm trawling through all the documents and figures of that at the moment, because I have a different memory of it. And I was at the announcement with Minister Kevin Anderson when that was announced. I can remember we were in our overcoats and stuff that day."Because it was recovery money, it wasn't intended to give it to anyone for future growth. Future growth comes through councils working at that themselves, putting forward, then for grants and things. So it wasn't about future growth. But if we've taken, say, 660 houses so far, out, and we're adding 400 in, I don't see the issue. Maybe there's something technical I don't understand."The East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant is shaping up to be the first big dispute between Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and Lismore City Council Mayor Steve Krieg. In the end, Lismore needs a fully functioning sewage treatment plant with its critical components out of flood, or we could well be having the same discussion when the next big flood hits the catchment.The complete conversation with Janelle Saffin, including a part on insurance, can be heard on the Talking Lismore podcast via the Lismore App or through the Lismore App website.

Three boys have been charged following an investigation into alleged property offences in Goonellabah.Officers attached to Richmond Police District and Operation Soteria initiated inquiries after several homes in Goonellabah were broken into in the early hours of yesterday morning (Tuesday, 22 July 2025).Items were allegedly stolen, including cash and a Toyota Corolla.Following inquiries and an alleged pursuit in the Goonellabah area, police located the vehicle in Casino and arrested three boys, aged 14, 16, and 17, a short time later nearby.The boys were taken to the Casino Police Station, where they have been charged.The 14-year-old was charged with seven offences:Break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (three counts)Enter building/land with intent to commit indictable offenceFace blackened/disguised with intent to commit indictable offenceBe carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, andBreach of bail.The 16-year-old was charged with 18 offences:Break and enter house etc steal value more than $60,000 (two counts)Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company intend steal less than $60,000 (two counts)Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal less than $60,000 (five counts)Enter building/land with intent to commit indictable offence (three counts)Take person in company with intent to commit serious indictableFace blackened/disguised with intent to commit indictable offencePossess housebreaking implementsPolice pursuit - not stop - drive recklesslyNever licensed person drive vehicle on road, andUse etc offensive weapon in company to prevent detention.Both boys were refused bail to appear before a children's court today (Wednesday, 23 July 2025).The 17-year-old was charged with three offences alleged to have occurred near Coffs Harbour in 2024:Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offenceEnter building/land with intent to commit indictable offence, andTake and drive conveyance without consent of owner.He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children's court on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.

Lismore City Council’s long-term plan for new homes and jobs in Goonellabah has been cleared by the NSW Department of Planning, officially approving the rezoning of 60 hectares of land at 1055 and 1055A Bruxner Highway.The state approval means the site can now progress as a new mixed-use precinct, paving the way for more than 400 new homes and over 100 commercial and industrial lots to support Lismore’s future growth.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg stated that the rezoning was a significant step forward for the community.“This is about creating diverse housing options and creating space for families, businesses and services in a safe, flood-free spot,” he said.“With varied lot sizes throughout the site, this is about giving people more choice for a range of homes such as detached houses, townhouses or medium density living, all with parks, paths and green corridors right on their doorstep.”Over 4,000 ongoing jobs are expected once the precinct is fully developed, alongside hundreds more during the construction phase. All lots are located well above mapped flood zones, ensuring new homes and businesses are protected from future disasters. Buffers will be included to protect neighbours and local farms, and environmental protections will be built into every stage.The new precinct will also focus on community connection and amenity.Parks, playgrounds and walking and cycling tracks are planned throughout the area, including the regeneration of Tucki Tucki Creek as a green corridor for people and wildlife. Dedicated areas are set aside for shops, childcare and recreation, making this a future-focused neighbourhood with jobs and services close to home. Council’s Acting Head of Planning and Environment, Jamie van Iersel, said the project will deliver a genuine mix of housing and new jobs, while also protecting local character and the environment.“This is a long-term project, but it sets up Lismore for decades to come,” she said.“We’re building a neighbourhood where you can walk to the park, cycle along Tucki Tucki Creek, and have local shops and childcare close by. Plus, every block sits above the flood zone, which is a must for our community’s future.”While the land has now been rezoned, major upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure, costed at around $15 million are needed before development can begin. Ms van Iersel also said Council is actively seeking grants and State or Federal support to deliver this critical infrastructure.“We’ll keep the community updated as the project progresses,” she said.

The Landcom affordable housing development at Bristol Circuit, Goonellabah, has progressed to the DA (development application) stage, so a step closer to becoming a reality if Lismore City Council planners approve it.As previously stated, 44 Bristol Circuit will provide 16 one-, two-, and three-bedroom townhouses that will house local workers.The DA shows dwellings consisting of:4 x 1-bedroom8 x 2-bedroom4 x 3-bedroomAccess will be via Blue Hills Avenue (off Taylors Road) for the 1 and 3-bedroom townhouses and Bristol Circuit for the 2-bedroom townhouses, with two separate parking areas. There will be 25 on-site car parking spaces: 20 for residents and 5 for visitors.The 2-bedroom townhouses feature one bedroom downstairs with an ensuite, and the second bedroom upstairs, with the main bathroom. In comparison, the 3-bedroom townhouses have one bedroom downstairs with an ensuite, and two bedrooms upstairs, with the main bathroom.The kitchen and living areas are on the second floor. Each dwelling has a courtyard and deck.The landscaping will include a permeable fence, screening trees to Taylors Road, with a resident's western lawn below between the two and three-bedroom townhouses.There will be a second resident's lawn in front of the two-bedroom townhouses leading to Bristol Circuit.Each dwelling will have screening shrubs or trees off the courtyard and decks.The Bristol Circuit development has undergone changes since it was first put forward by Landcom.Initially, the development was intended to include an allocation of social and affordable housing for any low- to middle-income residents; however, after community consultations, the majority of nearby residents expressed concerns that it would have a negative impact on the existing neighbourhood, lowering property values and potentially increasing crime through the influx of undesirable tenants.Lowering the value of neighbouring properties was disputed by BB Professional Services, which put together a Social Impact Study providing examples of similar developments in Brisbane and Sydney.The community feedback led Landcom to modify the Bristol Circuit plan to only accommodate local workers with low to middle incomes, such as nurses, ambulance paramedics, firefighters, childcare workers, aged care workers, teachers, sales assistants, receptionists, and cleaners.One aspect that neighbouring homes didn't change is the aesthetics of 16 medium-density housing options in close proximity to a more typical house on a 600- to 800-square-metre block of land. Of course, changing this aspect would make the rents more unaffordable and defeat the purpose of what Landcom is trying to achieve, which is to create more affordable rental stock in the Lismore LGA that is out of flood.In summary, BB Professional Services said the "overall impact of the proposed development will clearly be positive".The details of the development are now very clear, one important aspect is missing and won't be known until completion. What is an affordable rental worth per week?

The winners of the 2025 Northern NSW Local Health District Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards were announced at a recent ceremony at the Ballina RSL.This year’s winners were chosen from a list of more than 150 nominations, sent in by colleagues as well as patients and members of the public in the case of the Healing Heart category.Divided into eight categories to align with NSW Health’s state-wide awards, the annual awards showcase the incredible contribution nurses and midwives make to healthcare across Northern NSW.Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Director of District Nursing and Midwifery Katharine Duffy thanked every nurse and midwife in the district for their professionalism and commitment to ensure the needs of patients are met every day.“From those just starting off in their careers, to those celebrating a lifetime of service, the contribution our nurses and midwives to healthcare in our region is remarkable,” Ms Duffy said.“Through their compassion, commitment, dedication and resilience, our nurses and midwives provide excellent care to our patients – young and old – every day - delivering high-quality healthcare across our hospitals and facilities in Northern NSW.“Congratulations to every staff member nominated as part of this year’s awards.”The 2025 winners in each category are:New to Practice Nurse or Midwife of the Year – Tommy Mull-Mathers, Tweed Valley Hospital Emergency DepartmentTommy was part of the first intake of GradStart Registered Nurses at the new Tweed Valley Hospital in March 2024 and has excelled in the fast-paced emergency environment, demonstrating exceptional communications skills and patient assessment. His kind, friendly personality and strong work ethic genuinely lifts the spirit of his team, while his commitment to self-directed learning has seen him complete all competencies ahead of his cohort.Aboriginal Nurse or Midwife of the Year – Nikkita Johnson, Grafton Base Hospital, Medical WardNikkita’s ability to connect with patients, particularly those from an Aboriginal background, is remarkable. She provides culturally sensitive care, ensuring her patients feel understood and respected, while fostering a sense of community within the ward, enhancing teamwork and collaboration among staff.Nursing or Midwifery Team of the Year – Kamala Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit, Lismore The Kamala Nursing Team is awarded for their exceptional contribution to youth mental health care through innovative, inclusive and patient-centred service, with a strong commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment. They strive to include young people and their families in care planning and daily routines, ensuring transparency, shared understanding, and alignment with recovery goals.Nurse of the Year – Joanna Martin, Indigo House, Integrated Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect, LismoreA Registered Nurse with more than 18 years’ experience across a range of healthcare fields, Joanna demonstrates clinical excellence and outstanding nursing judgement, consistently exceeding practice standards, while leading and inspiring others along the way. Since 2022, Joanna has consistently demonstrated an urgent and unwavering commitment to improve staff responses to victim-survivors as Indigo House’s Domestic Violence Prevention Officer.Midwife of the Year – Jess Baxter, Midwifery Group Practice, Tweed Valley HospitalDescribed as ‘the glue’ of the team, Jess has been an integral member of the Tweed Midwifery Group Practice since 2017, where she ensures women are always at the centre of care. Passionately committed to continuity of midwifery care, and achieving the skills and knowledge required to work autonomously, Jess is currently exploring the Centering Pregnancy model for antenatal care for the practice.Brown Ackerman Leadership Award – Jenae O’Sullivan, After Hours Nurse Manager, Casino and District Memorial HospitalNamed after two former NNSWLHD nursing leaders Meryl Brown and Jane Ackerman, this award recognises outstanding nursing or midwifery leaders across the District. Jenae O’Sullivan has shown steadfast commitment to leadership at Casino and District Memorial Hospital and further afield, where she has taken on nurse manager roles in Patient Flow and Mental Health and Other Drugs. Jenae inspires and guides her colleagues, helping to foster a culture of learning and excellence within her team, while her own research, focussed on Closing the Gap and enhancing the clinical care of Aboriginal patients presenting to Emergency Departments, has achieved significant recognition.Lifetime Achievement Award – Narelle Gleeson, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Lismore Base HospitalThroughout a distinguished 50-year career and particularly in her role as Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Lismore Base Hospital, Narelle has consistently exemplified professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of patient care and the nursing profession. She has been a stabilising force during times of significant organisational and clinical pressure, offering calm, measured leadership that inspires confidence across all levels of staff. Narelle is a tireless advocate for patient-centred care and is particularly passionate about the dignity and wellbeing of elderly patients with complex needs, regularly challenging the constraints of the acute hospital environment. Healing Hearts Consumer Recognition AwardThis is a community-nominated award to recognise a nurse or midwife who consistently provides extraordinary, safe, quality, and compassionate care. With more than 30 nominations, the judges found it impossible to identify only one winner, so awarded two joint winners, plus a highly commended nominee: Joint winner – Nigel Watts, Intensive Care Unit, Lismore Base HospitalNigel’s incredible compassion, understanding, support and empathy for a mother and her 18-year-old son at a time of significant distress resulted in her nominating him for this award. Joint winner – Sarah Hendrikse, Tweed BreastScreenSarah’s gentle and empathetic nature as well as her ability to describe in simple language the process facing a patient with breast cancer, instilling confidence in the patient along the way, led to her nomination for this award.Highly commended – Emergency Department, Casino and District Memorial Hospital (award received by Shanette Lowe and Shania Carter on behalf of CDMH)The entire ED was nominated by a mother of a young girl requiring care on multiple occasions. The mum was impressed by the team’s welcoming and friendly manner, their professionalism and respect shown for the mother’s knowledge of her child’s condition, creating a feeling of confidence and empowerment, and ‘feeling heard’.

Women’s Health Northern Rivers Inc. (formerly NORWACS), in partnership with Chronic Pain Australia, is proud to launch a new Chronic Pain Peer Support Group for Women, offering a safe, supportive space for women navigating the challenges of chronic pain.The group meets on the last Friday of every month between 1–3pm at WHNR and is facilitated by a trained peer support leader with lived experience of chronic pain.Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 Australians aged 45 and over, with women disproportionately impacted. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, women are more likely than men to experience chronic pain, often alongside other long-term health conditions. This persistent pain can significantly limit daily activities, reduce quality of life, and contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. “Living with chronic pain can be incredibly isolating,” says WHNR Service Manager Emma Siegel. “This group is about connection, understanding, and empowerment. It’s a space where women can share experiences, learn from each other, and feel less alone.”Chronic Pain Australia, the national voice for the 3.6 million Australians living with chronic pain, highlights the proven benefits of peer support, including reduced isolation, improved mental wellbeing, and better self-management of pain. Their peer-led model fosters community, resilience, and hope.The new support group is part of Women’s Health Northern Rivers Inc. (WHNR) broader commitment to wholistic, trauma-informed care for women in the region. WHNR offers a range of services including:Counselling Women’s Health ClinicDomestic and Family Violence SupportSocial Work Support Group Programs and Educational WorkshopsDrop-in Support, Information and Referrals WHNR has been a trusted provider of women’s health and wellbeing services in the Northern Rivers for over 30 years. This new initiative reflects its ongoing mission to empower women through inclusive, accessible, and community-driven care.To join the Chronic Pain Peer Support Group or learn about other services, contact WHNR on (02) 6621 9800 or visit www.whnr.org.au.

As the latest wave of COVID-19 shows no signs of abating, University of South Australia experts say it’s not just booster shots that could offer protection – healthy levels of vitamin D may also play a role.In new research conducted in partnership with the King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation, researchers found a clear link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of being hospitalised by the virus. No association was found between low vitamin D and the risk of catching COVID-19. The study assessed more than 150,000 participants in the UK Biobank, undertaking analyses to determine whether the risk of COVID-19 was higher among people with Vitamin D deficiency (<25nmol/L in their blood) and vitamin D insufficiency (25-49 nmol/L) compared with those who had normal levels of Vitamin D (50+ nmol/L). They also compared risk of being hospitalised due to COVID-19 across these three groups. In Australia, nearly a quarter of adults – about four million people – are vitamin D deficient. Globally, about one billion people have vitamin D deficiency, with 50% of the population showing insufficient vitamin D levels. Australian-based researcher and epidemiologist Dr Kerri Beckmann from UniSA says the findings could help identify vulnerable people and inform future public health advice. “Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating the immune system, so it’s plausible that low levels may influence how the body responds to infections like COVID-19,” Dr Beckmann says. “Our study found that people with a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency were more likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19 than those with healthy levels of Vitamin D – but they weren’t more likely to catch the virus in the first place.” The study also explored associations between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients, as well as across different ethnic groups. People of Asian or African/Afro-Caribbean heritage were found to have a slightly higher risk of infection if they had low vitamin D levels, though the association between low vitamin D and severe illness was only seen in people of Caucasian backgrounds. No association was found between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes among people previously diagnosed with cancer, though researchers caution this may reflect the smaller sample size. Dr Beckmann says that while the risk from COVID-19 has lessened over time, the virus remains a public health concern. “COVID-19 may not be the threat it once was, but it still affects peoples’ well-being,” Dr Beckmann says. “Understanding who is most at risk helps those individuals take extra precautions, including monitoring their vitamin D levels. “It could be that people who are in poor health to start with may also have low vitamin D levels. So, at this stage, we don’t know whether vitamin D supplements in themselves could reduce the severity of COVID-19. “It’s certainly an area worth exploring – especially as we continue to live with the virus.”

A popular Lismore sports team and an entrepreneur have been nominated as finalists in their respective categories.The Lismore Workers Swim Team has been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious NSW Swimming Club of the Year (Regional) award, as part of the inaugural Swimming NSW Awards.Swimming NSW launched these awards to celebrate the outstanding achievements of swimmers, coaches, clubs, officials, and volunteers from across the state. The awards aim to shine a spotlight on those who have made a significant impact on the sport, both in and out of the pool.Lismore Workers Swim Team say they are honoured to be recognised among the top regional clubs in New South Wales. This nomination reflects the club’s strong performance over the 2024/25 season, its dedication to fostering talent, and its unwavering commitment to community spirit and inclusion in the Northern Rivers region.“This is a fantastic acknowledgment of the hard work, passion, and resilience shown by our swimmers, coaches, families, and volunteers,” said Club President Gary Dardengo. “To be recognised at a state level is an incredible boost for our club and for swimming in regional communities like ours.”The winners of the Swimming NSW Awards will be announced at a special ceremony in Sydney on Saturday, 26 July 2025.Lismore dad Brad Ambridge, founder of inclusive soccer program Rainbow Roos, has been named as a finalist in The Fathering Project’s Australian Fathering Awards. Previous winners include another Lismore man, Craig Foster AM, Jimmy Barnes AO, Hamish Blake and Dick Smith AO.Brad is a father to an autistic child and understands more than most just how overwhelming the world is when it comes to sport. Not wanting his own child to miss out on opportunities, he started Rainbow Roos to provide fun, inclusive and adaptable soccer skills programs to children with additional needs (physical and neurological) in the Northern Rivers. In addition to soccer skills, Brad teaches empathy, understanding and kindness, encouraging each child to be themselves, showing them that it is cool to be unique. Brad runs 15 sessions each week, working with almost 300 children. He also runs school holiday programs and attends community events, helping to promote the importance of inclusive sport in regional Australia. He is described by his wife Jess as “passionate, determined, selfless, relentless and caring”. Brad has been named as a finalist in the “Australian Sports Father of the Year” category. The recipients will be announced on 4 September. To find out more visit: australianfatheringawards.org.au. Good luck to both our finalists.

As forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), the rain has returned, ruining not only our brief dry spell for July but potentially some significant upcoming sporting events.Lismore's rainfall was only 8.2mm to 9 o'clock this morning, and a further 1.8mm since. Alstonville recorded 87mm to 9am, as did Ballina. You could argue that conditions could have been worse for Lismore.As we all know, the water table is high, so even a little rain can cause enough damage to sporting fields, race courses and golf courses to question upcoming events.The NSW Open Golf Qualifier will take place over two days, next Monday and Tuesday, with a Pro-Am on Sunday. The Lismore golf course has cancelled scheduled play for the next two days.The Lismore Turf Club is hosting its first race meeting in a number of months this Friday. Scott Jones and Daniel Kedraika will need the weather's help if the races are to go ahead on race day.The main concern is a strong cold front that is sweeping across the nation tomorrow. The majority of the impact will occur in the southeast of Australia; however, the impact could be felt on Wednesday when up to 7mm is expected before the sun returns on Thursday to dry the ground.Saturday is another day of concern, with 4 to 20mm expected as the winds turn northerly.The BoM has also released its long-range weather forecast, and it is looking normal to wet.The three months from August to October have a 67% chance of experiencing above-median rainfall (greater than 184.3mm) and a 22% chance of an unusually wet period (greater than 319.2mm). Unusually dry sits at 5%.If we focus on individual months, August has a 65% chance of above-median rainfall, 29% unusually wet, and 9% unusually dry.September sits at a 62% chance of above-median rainfall, 30% unusually wet and 7% unusually dry.If the BoM is correct, the ground may have trouble drying out before we start the storm season for 2025/2026.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage girl last seen in the Lismore area.Jalarna Buchanan, aged 16, was last seen at a shopping centre on Diadem Street, Lismore, about 11am last Wednesday (16 July 2025). When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.Police hold concerns for Jalarna’s’s welfare due to her age.Jalarna is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 160cm to 170cm tall, medium build with dyed red shoulder length hair and brown eyes.She was last seen wearing black track pants and black hoodie with hood on covering her head.She is known to frequent the Kingscliff, Coraki, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Inverell, Gosford, and Sydney CBD area. Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Lismore Police, Tweed/Byron Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Phase one of the Lismore community’s long-term vision for a transformed Wade Park has been realised, with Lismore Councillor Gianpiero Battista and State Member for Lismore The Hon Janelle Saffin MP on hand to officially open the park’s new accessible amenities block.Wade Park is located on the corner of Military Road and Ann Street in East Lismore, and has long been a drawcard for young families, pet owners and nearby residents. Creation of this much-needed public asset was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, under the Public Amenities Resilience Upgrades program, at a cost of $520,000.Bookended by two sheltered picnic areas, the elevated amenities block comprises ten unisex toilets, including ambulant and wheelchair accessible cubicles, and is now better located for access to the playground facilities.The new space is a key element of the wider Wade Park Masterplan, which has been developed through extensive community consultation. The Masterplan was approved by Lismore City Councillors at the March 2024 monthly meeting.The features for the Wade Park Master plan include:Improved Park Resilience through Environmental designImproved stormwater drainage system throughout the park.The creation of a new playful park infrastructure (small bridges/stepping stones etc) to be used as crossing points during periods of inundation. Ensuring all water management initiatives allow for water to flow/move and return to the existing creek and prevent long term pooling and potential stagnation.Improved and Inclusive PlayThere will be a centrally located transport-themed accessible play structure with climbing and sliding elements. Diverse swinging with accessible seats and wheelchair-accessible carousel. A nature play area with in-ground (accessible) trampolines and accessible loop path to play pods. Explore native sensory planting, a water pump and swale feature, picnic settings, shade structures.Included is a ‘Welcome’ entry structure and a 1200mm high secure fence.High-quality amenities and Recreation SpacesMulti-use sports court with diverse line marking for sports and informal games.A table tennis table, accessible picnic settings, bins and drinking fountains. Trees and groundcover will be native species and buffer planting will be included.Accessible Toilet/Amenities will be joined with new connecting pathways.The entry to the car park will be upgraded with new car parking and an open passive area - the design is arranged to minimise impact to existing trees.Improved Cycling (Learn to Ride)New signage, bitumen surface and linemarking, a planted out roundabout, bicycle parking with a pedestrian crossing. Spaces for dogsA dedicated small dog area (1350m2) as well as a big dog area (2625m2) with fenced separation. Dog agility equipment and drinking station for the dogs and seating, signage for the dogs best friends with a planted buffer between fence and path. Central Social HubAccessible picnic settings, accessible BBQs with a shelter, feature planting including trees, shrubs and groundcover planting will make this an enjoyable space for all.Flexible Open SpaceSeating, a senior exercise space and outdoor gym equipment around an open space loop path. Adventure PlayA tall climbing structure with a slide and an embankment/slope. Inclined ropes will go with the existing viewing hut.To complete the Wade Park Masterplan, council must secure more grant funding from the federal or state governments. This is being worked on.Councillor Battista said: "It’s great to see this first piece of the Wade Park Masterplan completed. I know it’s something the community has been wanting for a long time and look forward to helping see it to fruition”.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin echoes the sentiment, describing the new amenities block as a significant upgrade designed with families and parkgoers in mind.“It is so important to have toilet facilities near the play areas, so parents or grandparents don’t have to trek to the end of the park with all their children when just one wants to go to the toilet,” Ms Saffin said.“With the new facilities this all-weather space is destined to be a popular meeting point for birthday parties, play dates and other social gatherings. I’m proud to open this for the community, on behalf of the NSW Government.”The completed amenity is part of Lismore City Council’s broader effort to maintain and improve public amenities. Twenty-three public toilet upgrades are planned across the LGA, which are currently underway, ensuring access to clean and comfortable public amenities at local parks and rest stops for our residents and visitors.

In February 2024, the NSW Government announced funding of $11 million to build a new Blakebrook Primary School. The reopening date was forecast to be Term 2 2025, and true to its word, the school will reopen to students and teachers tomorrow (Tuesday).The damage caused by the February 28 2022, flood was significant at the 417 Rosehill Road site. Most of the structures were no longer habitable, which is why the NSW Department of Education proposed demolishing the existing buildings and constructing a new elevated school.It will be an exciting and nervous time tomorrow morning for students and staff when they walk through the new Blakebrook Primary School front gates. Nervous because of the memories of 2022, and excited to return to the school that has provided education to locals since 1907.The Blakebrook P&C Facebook page said, "The first day back, Tuesday 22 July, will be an exciting day for our students, families and staff. We want to make it a special day, whilst remembering there will be some nerves. "To make it a special morning, alongside our P and C, the school has organised a light breakfast for students and families. This will include fresh fruit, a croissant and juice. Tea and coffee will be on offer for parents and caregivers. Parents and caregivers will then have an opportunity to walk through our school to see the wonderful new facilities. This will be occurring between 8:30am - 9:15am. "Please note that this event is for parents and caregivers and current Blakebrook PS students only. Our wider school community will have the opportunity to visit during our official opening and 'Back to Blakebrook' celebrations."Meanwhile, the bulldozer is at work demolishing the South Lismore Primary School (PS).Nearly a year ago (4 August, 2024), the NSW Department of Education revealed the new plans for the new South Lismore PS. There was a sense of excitement about how the new school will look when it is complete. That is expected to be in 2027.(An artist's impression of the new South Lismore Public School)

The Northern Rivers Resilience and Initiative (NRRI) first community visit, run by NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) and the CSIRO, is only ten days away. Casino is the first cab off the rank on Thursday, 31 July at 10am. Lismore is next on Monday, 4 August, followed by Ballina (5 August), Woodburn (6 August) and Kyogle (8 August).Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan launched a petition to ask the CSIRO for a model that will take 1 - 2 metres off a flood across the Richmond River Catchment on July 7.In the past two weeks, thousands of people have already signed the petition online and in local businesses across the region, calling on the Federal and State Governments to model real solutions that can reduce future flood heights.Click here to sign the petition: https://www.kevinhogan.com.au/flood-petition/.The encouraging results have been welcomed by Mr Hogan, “This groundswell of support shows just how important this is to our community,” Mr Hogan said.“People want action to keep us safe, protect our homes, our businesses, and our families. Reducing flood risk improves mental health, protects us financially, helps with insurance, and gives our region a future.”The petition calls on the Government to use the newly developed CSIRO hydrodynamic tool to model a catchment-wide scenario where a flood is 1–2 metres lower than it would otherwise be. This includes options to hold back, slow down, and divert floodwaters across the entire Richmond River catchment.Mr Hogan is also encouraging residents to take part in CSIRO’s upcoming in-person consultation sessions to ensure community voices are heard loud and clear.“These meetings are a chance for locals to tell CSIRO directly what they want modelled. We can’t miss this opportunity.”In-person sessions are being held in Casino, Lismore, Woodburn, Kyogle and Ballina. More information here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/national-emergency-managment-agency-91910409563.

Although today is a pupil-free day for students around NSW, motorists need to slow down and be aware that school zones return to operation today, Monday, 21 July.School zones will be active from 8am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm on school days. The NSW Government has released new data revealing that more than 183,000 school zone speeding offences were recorded in NSW during the last financial year.Alarmingly, nearly 70 per cent (125,000+) of incidents occurred during active school zone hours – that's more than 340 drivers every day choosing to speed past schools and young children.Since 2019, 106 pedestrians aged 5 to 16 years have been hit by vehicles in active school zones. Two children have been killed and 38 seriously injured.The NSW Government has also released data that shows seatbelt non-compliance is working, with a 60 per cent drop in offences since camera enforcement and fines were introduced 12 months ago.In that time, 140 million vehicles have been checked, with over 99 per cent of drivers and passengers doing the right thing.However, camera images collected since its introduction have also revealed that some 88 per cent of fines related to incorrect seatbelt use, with nearly two-thirds of these fines issued to drivers whose passengers were not buckled up properly. Wearing a seatbelt correctly doubles the chances of surviving a crash and reduces the risk of serious injury, and the state government is calling on NSW drivers to follow the law and wear their seatbelts properly. In 2024, 34 people died on NSW roads while not wearing a seatbelt. So far this year, it’s another 11 lives. Over five years, 163 people have died not wearing a seatbelt, with 85 per cent of those deaths in regional NSW. While progress is being made, more than 200 fatalities have been recorded on NSW roads this year – that’s one person a day dying on NSW roads.Motorists are reminded that proper seatbelt use means wearing the lap belt low and firm across the hips, with the sash crossing the chest and mid-shoulder, never under the arm.Each offence attracts a $423 fine and three demerit points, or six during double demerit periods. Every dollar raised through seatbelt cameras is reinvested directly into road safety improvements.These fines are completely avoidable if drivers and their passengers are doing the right thing.Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “The Minns Labor Government introduced seatbelt enforcement cameras in July 2024 to encourage all road users to buckle up correctly every time they get in a vehicle, and as Minister I am pleased to see such significant improvement in such a short timeframe. Over 140 million vehicles have been monitored since this program launched, with well over 99% of motorists demonstrating compliance.“Some of the images collected are truly shocking, including multiple people in the same seatbelt or no seatbelt at all. “While the improvement in non-compliance is encouraging, we're witnessing far too many offences involving passengers wearing seatbelts incorrectly, with approximately 75,000 recorded offences over the past year."Whenever you enter a vehicle, correctly securing your seatbelt should be instinctive, whether you're driving or a passenger. Just like when you’re on an aeroplane, you need to have your seatbelt low and tight in the lap section. In the car, the sash should go from the top of your shoulder to your hip.“Everyone needs to wear a seatbelt and if you have a genuine medical reason not to, you need a letter from your doctor.“Seatbelts save lives and not wearing one is a gamble, not just for your own life but for every road user. It's essential that you not only wear your seatbelt but wear it correctly.”