Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant in Northern NSW.James Carlson, aged 27, is wanted by virtue of an outstanding arrest warrant for a number of offences including:-Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-people there-Dishonestly obtain property by deception-Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner-Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period-Larceny-Revocation of Parole-Class A vehicle displaying unauthorised number plate-Receive etc property stolen outside NSWOfficers from Richmond Police District have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 165cm-175cm tall, with a thin build and brown hair.He is known to frequent areas of Northern NSW including Grevillia, Urbenville, Ballina, Lismore and Nimbin.The public is urged not to approach the man if he is seen, but to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Dogs are allowed in libraries – story dogs only though - and only on Wednesday.This week at Lismore Library, Maggie the labrador and her companion Anne Meagher will be in session, helping children to read books.Anne is the Lismore Story Dogs Coordinator and invites pre-school children with their carers to come to the library at 10.30am on Wednesday, September 18 and enjoy free story time with Story Dogs. Maggie will become a non-judgemental audience for beginner or challenged readers, giving them the time and space to work at their own pace through the reading process.  Lismore Librarian Lucy Kinsley said children are welcome to sit with the dogs and their handlers during the story reading.  “Naturally, your child can sit away from the dogs if they would prefer,” Lucy said. “Everyone is welcome and you do not have to be a library member to attend.”  Story Dogs is a non-profit organisation, formed in Murwillumbah in 2009 by friends Leah Sheldon and Janine Sigley.  Janine was working with young adults and was amazed to see that many of them struggled with basic literacy.  Motivated to help, she contacted her friend Leah and their combined research lead them to ‘Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) - a successful American program built around the idea of reading to dogs.Story Dogs are not only attentive and appreciative, they are also a welcoming, soft and warm companion, and when clarification is required, both reader and dog can call on human assistance from the Story Dog companion.Story Dogs were first trialled at the Murwillumbah East Public School amongst Leah and Janine’s children’s classmates. Maggie the Story Dog reads at Lismore Library.They were a great success, getting positive feedback from teachers and parents, as well as seeing great improvements in the reading abilities of the participating students. Story Dogs have now spread throughout the country with a simple mission - to make reading fun for children so they become confident, lifelong readers.“Story Dogs are such a refreshing yet revolutionary approach to literacy and represent a valuable contribution to the education of our children,” Lucy said.Story Dogs are now recruiting and looking for dogs and their companions who might be able to assist in the story Dogs’ program. “All you need to become a Story Dog team member is a gentle dog and two hours a week to spare,” Lucy said.For more information, or to contact Story Dogs, visit www.storydogs.org.au or email Anne at anne@storydogs.org.au

This Wednesday is the deadline to register for Second Hand Saturday, held on September 28.It’s our region’s biggest day of garage sales, with over 500 garage sales taking part, from Clarence Valley to Tweed.Second Hand Saturday coordinator Linda Tohver this year was a bit different.“We are seeing more people banding together to put on community garage sales, where different people and organisations work together to put on one really big garage sale,” Linda said. “I love the community spirit and the absolute joy of this campaign. It’s an environmentally sustainable event and people can participate by choosing to buy second hand goods, or by holding a sale and passing on pre-loved items.“Whether you visit a community type of garage sale, or pop down the road to the neighbour's garage sale and meet your neighbours, everyone can benefit.Linda said an antique clock with a pendulum was bought by her husband at one of the Second Hand Saturday garage sales. “It’s worth $500 and he bought it for $60,” she said.“We need to shift our consciousness and make second hand shopping part of our lifestyles, we stop needing to buy new things.”Second hand Saturday was started 12 years ago by the North East Waste Forum, and was based on a similar campaign as Sydney council areas. “The Second Hand Saturday campaign promotes buying used, but good quality things that are pre-loved and still in good condition.“I read that 500 billion tshirts are made every year and they get worn about eight times each and then thrown away.”If you want to have your garage sale listed on the Second hand Saturday App, register by Wednesday, September 18.Shoppers will also be able to search the app by products listed.Anyone registered for Second hand Saturday can pick up Garage Sale signs from their local council offices. If you are registered, your garage sale will be listed on the Second Hand Saturday app, which is free to download.Register your garage sale now at www.secondhandsaturday.com.au or phone Council on 1300 87 83 87.You can also check out the Facebook page @mysecondhandsaturdayFor more information about Second Hand Saturday, read  The biggest day of garage sales needs you

Lismore's Duck Pond Espresso Bar manager Noreen Colley and some good friends collected a truck load of supplies, including clothes and furniture, and drove it to the fire recovery centre at Drake on Sunday. “After the bush fires, these guys are doing it damn tough,” Noreen said. “The highway to Drake is closed again today because the wind has shifted and the highway is blocked by the continuing fires.“Over 50,000 hectares is burnt out and at Drake, the fire burnt right up to the door of the pub.”Noreen is calling for Lismore residents to help and donate essential food supplies to people in need who have been affected by the fires in the Drake area. “They are in dire straits and need essential food supplies,” she said. “People need butter, sugar, flour, long life milk, detergent and washing powder. “Many people these don’t have a fridge or cooking facilities because their houses burned down.“And bottled water is always a necessity - a lot of their plastic water tanks melted in the fires.” Noreen said she felt the need to help the Drake community because giving neighbourly help and support was important.“When Lismore has got into trouble with big floods and storms, the Tabulum and Drake guys are some of the first teams to come here to help us out,’ she said. “Fire is worse than flood. In Lismore, we can clean up and hose down after a flood, but in the fires, these poor guys have nothing – everything was burnt. “They have no furniture, their vehicles were burned and they were left standing in what they were wearing.“It’s enough to make you cry.Noreen and friends collecting donations to take to the Drake fire recovery centre.“My friend Kevin from ABL removals said 'here’s my truck', so I put a call out last week and collected lots of things from people in the Lismore community, including lounge suites.”Noreen said when she arrived in Drake with the truck yesterday, the first thing the people these said to her was ‘would you like a cup of tea?’“I thought that was beautiful that they had so little but wanted to share. “I sat down beside them and one guy told me he and his two dogs just got out and his machinery shed burnt to the ground. “He told me he could use the lounge we brought as a bed, so he had something to sleep on.  “It breaks your heart – when we were driving there yesterday, all I could see was black by the die of the road.”Noreen said when she saw people in the fire recovery centre, she was amazed that people were only taking small items as they needed.“They are thinking of their neighbours as well,” she said. “We drove away thinking ‘this is unreal’.”Noreen said the need for supplies was so dire because so may people has lost their vehicles and couldn’t drive anywhere to get supplies, and that the highways were often closed.“Even the school run buses have been cancelled,” she said, “A bus left Lismore the other day and didn’t make it to Tabulam – it was turned around and sent home. “Even if people do leave home to get supplies, there’s no guarantee they will be able to get home again.”If you would like to donate essential, non-perishable food supplies or any other donations to the people affected by fire in Drake, contact Noreen on 0416 254 121 or drop off donations at the Duck Pond Expresso Bar on Union Street, next to the South Lismore Post Office, between 6am and 2pm.“If I get enough supplies to fill up a car by Wednesday and the road is open again, I’ll go out there – otherwise, I’ll take it all out there later in the week,” Noreen said.

A free workshop this Wednesday calls to women on the land to get ready.Do you know how to use a chainsaw, or lift a pump from the river if it floods? Or is that something your husband always does?These skills and more will be looked at in a workshop and luncheon this Wednesday, September 18 at Windara Nursery in Casino - and all women working in the rural and agricultural sector are encouraged to attend.With a theme of Storm, Fire and Personal Preparedness, the workshop is run by a group called Women on the Land.Women on the land committee member Tracey Doherty said the event was created as a result of a community consultation after ex-cyclone Debbie which identified that people working on the land and women in general were under-represented.“We wanted to find out what women wanted and needed,” Tracey said.“So we held a meeting and about 70 women came said and told us what an emergency or disaster looked like for them and what skills they needed to gain to see it through. “At the moment, we have fires and drought and financial related stress causing trauma – there’s a massive array of things impacting on people.“One woman said for she had physical health concerns and what to do if her husband was ill, or what if her crop is wiped out.“It was heart breaking and empowering to have these women expressing themselves, talking about what they needed to get through disasters and how to be resilient, and what skill shortages they had.“Vivian Miller told her story of living on a cane farm and has been through a dire situation in a flood losing her house before Christmas.“Tracey said the workshop each other, sharpening their skill sets and knowledge base and making sure their family is included in putting plans together.“If there’s a fire, at what point are you evacuating the house? If the family is home, do they know where to go if they can’t contact each other?"One woman has a bag ready to go with her wedding certificate and photocopies of important documents. “Women can thrive on that information and it can start conversations about what they do at home.“There will be theory and show practical tips, like how to start a chainsaw or a generator if you need to or how to lift a water pump away from rising flood levels, for extinguishers and how to climb a ladder safely and animal welfare.“It’s also about having a plan for fires and information about apps they can put on their phone coming up show the apps they can put on their phone monitor things like fire.“Women in agriculture need to be there – it’s a empowering, worthwhile, practical way of looking at preparing for disaster.“This day will give women confidence to talk to their partners and say show me the generator or what do I do if I can’t get the car out of garage. Tracey Doherty is also a State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer and the Richmond River Cane Growers Association manager.Wearing all her three hats, she said Women on the Land covers all areas and industries working on the land and this workshop will be the third workshop run in the area.“Department of Industry and the Environment and the SES are working in collaboration with the North Coast Rural Producers Consultative Committee on this initiative,” she said.“We also run a workshop called Tough blokes which is about men filling their cup up again to help their families. You can’t pour from an empty cup – it’s a mental health reminder for men that it’s ok to look after themselves.“A representative from the Rural Mental Health Program will also be available if anyone needs to chat to the women at the Wednesday workshop.“So come along, have lunch, learn something new, and meet other rural women in the area, local rural industry reps and emergency service personnel, and learn and share information and experiences.”“We have a great group of women on our organising committee but we are still looking for women to join our group to help plan future events and strategies to support our local women living on the land. If you are interested in joining the group, contact womenontheland@gmail.com or phone Tracey Doherty on 0455 10 7792.Storm, Fire and Personal Preparedness workshop Details:When: Wednesday 18th SeptemberWhere: Windara Nursery – 253 Sextonville Rd, Casino NSW 2470Time: Registration from 9:30, Workshop from 10am – 3pmCost: Free – Morning Tea & Lunch providedDress: Please wear casual clothing, outdoor shoes and a hatTo register, visit https://www.trybooking.com/BENRX

“Lismore High has entered the one-year countdown to its centenary celebrations in September 2020,” Chris Williams, Principal of The Rivers College Lismore High campus, announced today.Lismore High School was officially opened in September 1920 after 7 years of lobbying from the local community for a secondary school in the town and moved into its new buildings in Lake St North Lismore in July 1920.The laying of the foundation stone in November 1918 by local member George Nesbitt MLA was reported by the Northern Star then as “Today’s function at North Lismore will mark a step forward in the unending educational advance in these districts. The transition of Lismore from a remote country village to one of the most prosperous and up to date cities of this state has been rapid.”Lismore High School quickly grew to be the first country based First Class high school in NSW by 1929, with students initially coming from as far north as Murwillumbah and later Mullumbimby and students travelling from across the district by bus or on the north coast mail train. “Lismore High School has played a dominant role in many people’s education and lives since its inception 99 years ago and it is hoped that past students in large numbers will attend the 3-day celebrations scheduled for 11, 12 and 13 September next year,” Williams said.Lismore High School has had three location over its first one hundred years. Firstly, in Lake St North Lismore in the present Richmond river high campus until 1942, when it moved to the Keen St /Magellan St site for 27 years. Then in mid-1969 it moved to its present flood free location in Dalley St East Lismore.The history of Lismore High School will be on display at Lismore High in Dalley St and tours of the three sites will take place on Saturday 12 September.A gala dinner is planned for Saturday night and group reunions on Sunday with a special 100 year edition of The Lens, the school magazine also available.All ex-students are encouraged to the attend the centenary celebrations in September 2020. One hundred years of our eminent country high school is a massive moment for Lismore and the celebrations will provide a great opportunity to catch up with old school friends and remember time spent at Lismore High School. Lismore High has a proud history of turning out well rounded students over the past 100 years, with many notable ex-students including a state governor, judges and lawyers, leading doctors and scientists, musicians, journalists, teachers, builders and other tradespeople, farmers, politicians and at least three Lismore mayors including Lismore’s present mayor Isaac Smith. Over the next year regular upgrades on the centenary celebrations will be issued and ex students are encouraged to register their names and reminiscences on the website https:/Lismore-h.schools.nsw.gov.au via the About Us/alumni tabs or make contact with the Lens centenary committee on LHS.centenary@gmail.com. You may also like to follow us on Facebook https/www.facebook.com/LismoreHighSchool.  Media Contacts: Lismore-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au 66215185 Prue Regan: Lens committee Prueregan@yahoo.com.au , 0430618699

Community organisation Friends of the Koala was one of the local groups recognised for its work in protecting the environment at last night’s Lismore Biodversity Awards.Other winners included educator Emma Stone, founding member of Dharmananda community at The Channon, Leigh Davison and macadamia farmers Bruno Bertolo and Stephen Genrich.The winners were announced in an awards ceremony at Lismore City Hall on September 12, with each winner receiving $1000 as a thank you for their achievements.The biennial event is part of Lismore City Council’s Biodiversity Management Strategy and provides the opportunity to recognise and reward people in the community who are acting to increase and protect local biodiversity, catchment health and demonstrate sustainable agriculture.Lismore City Council environmental strategies officer Vanessa Tallon said “all the nominees show great passion for the environment, and an enduring love for the land that is demonstrated in the legacy they are creating”. “We are so proud of our 2019 winners,” she said. “They are doing great things for our community and we should all be very grateful for their time and commitment to our environment.”Winners, nominees and sponsors with Councillor Neil Marks at the Lismore Biodiversity Awards ceremony at Lismore City Hall on Thursday night.Award winnersNSW Department of Primary Industries Primary Producer AwardBruno Bertolo and Stephen Genrich own a macadamia farm and mixed orchard at Whian Whian and are local leaders for regenerative agriculture.They use large-scale composting to build soil health, constructed a wetland to filter runoff and increase biodiversity, and planted a koala corridor along their boundary. They also host field days on the farm, sharing their knowledge and passion for land stewardship.Winners of the NSW Department of Primary Industries Primary Producer Award Stephen Genrich (left) and Bruno Bertoli with Diana Unsworth from the NSW Department of Primary Industries.North Coast Local Land Services Rural Landholder AwardLeigh Davison is a founding member of the 250-acre Dharmananda community at The Channon, once a heavily cleared dairy then banana farm. Leigh has worked tirelessly for decades to restore remnant rainforest and wet schlerophyll forest on the slopes and creeks, focusing on strategic lantana and camphor control, successfully applying for many grants and more recently employing work teams to continue his great work.Winner of the North Coast Local Land Services Rural Landholder Award Leigh Davison (centre) with Ella Rasmussen from Local Land Services North Coast (left) and Councillor Elly Bird.Educator or School AwardEmma Stone’s passions and activity stretch across the broad scope of Landcare including biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and resilient and connected rural communities. Not only does she work to restore the land on which she lives, she supports all those around her to do the same. Whether it be via a one-on-one site visit with a landholder or running a workshop with the local school, Emma gives generously of her time and expertise. Winner of the Educator or School Award Emma Stone with Jim Kinkead from award sponsor Richmond Landcare Inc.Community Group AwardFriends of the Koala are a Lismore and North Coast institution that has been operating for 30 years. Their aim to enhance and protect koala habitat has seen them become the lead organisation fighting for koalas in the Northern Rivers. They also maintain a 24/7 rescue hotline; rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured koalas; and operate both a triage, treatment and pathology clinic as well as an education and administration centre in East Lismore. They have a volunteer base of more than 100 people, have distributed more than 150,000 koala food trees, brought more than 5000 koalas into care and released more than 1230 koalas back into the wild.

It is finally here! That time of year when we have spring festivals, spring carnivals and spring shows and the Lismore App team are looking forward to getting amongst it.Before we get to this weekend, have you set your calendars yet?The 2019 Lismore Cup is this coming Thursday September 19. It is a gazetted public holiday for the LCC area from 12pm to 6pm so get your dresses, frocks and suits ready to strut your stuff and enjoy a great day of racing and importantly, socialising out at the Lismore Turf Club in North Lismore. Some practical advice, organise your transport to and from the races well before Thursday. There are free shuttle buses running between 12 noon to 1:30pm then again from 4:30pm to 6pm from three locations, Spinks Park - Transit Centre, Workers Club car park and Crowther car park. The weather should be an idyllic Lismore spring day with a top of 26 degrees (at this stage!).The Lismore App and The Lismore Turf Club is giving you the chance to win 10 double tickets into this years Cup saving you $50 as well as two tickets to the Events Party VIP Marquee valued at $160 each. Push here to get yourself into the draw. Win!Next Weekend, September 21 & 22 is the 100th Nimbin Show and to celebrate this milestone the committee has made it FREE entry into this years Nimbin Show. You'll read more about this during the coming week.The 2019 Lismore Show will be happening over the usual three days on October 17, 18 and 19. Put that in your calendar now.The big event this weekend is the 2019 Nimbin Roots Festival on in Cullen Street. Day one kicked off today but there are still amazing days of original roots music to be enjoyed as over 50 acts will be performing plus there is the fine hospitality that Nimbin has to offer. Tickets are still available for purchase, push on this link https://www.nrfest.com/tickets.While on live music, the Gig Guide sees Gleny Rae Virus - Wild West Theme at the Dusty tonight from 7:30 and also tonight there's some Black Friday Karaoke at the Gollan. The Thin White Ukes House Concert is an interesting gig at 9 Parkes Street. They are down from Brisbane playing David Bowie songs over six decades so Space Oddity to Blackstar. Take a plate to share and a drink while entry is by contribution. The Sunday session at the Eltham sees Thor Philips perform from 1pm.A bit of early fog is expected tomorrow morning which will make the Farmers Markets and the Blue Knob Markets a sight to see from 8am and 8:30 respectively. Spring is the time to get those new season vegies and fruit so worth the effort to get out of bed. You can treat yourself breakfast while you are at it.Sunday sees the Lismore Car Boot Markets on at the Square from 7:30am while the Really Really FREE Market is on at the Lismore Community Garden at 50 Brewster Street between 1pm and 3pm.Good luck to Lismore Thistles who travel to Byron Bay for the Football Far North Coast preliminary final on Sunday at 2pm. A win in Byron would see an all Lismore Grand Final, now that would be something.So there you go, you have the lowdown on this weekend and this coming week too. Plenty of options for you to get your family or friends in the car and get around Lismore and surrounds to support what's happening.Enjoy!

While Byron Bay’s controversial silver ‘phallic’ sculpture still stands tall despite public speculation, Lismore’s skyline icon – the tower crane at Lismore base Hospital - has finally come down.Part of the Lismore skyline since May 2018, the tower crane at Lismore Base Hospital has now been removed, concluding another step in the $320 million redevelopment of the hospital. The tower crane was erected to assist with the construction of the new multi-storey North Tower. Lismore Base Hospital general manager Ian Hatton, said the tower crane has been a visual reminder to the community of the redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital. “The removal of the crane signifies that we are one step closer to the completion of North Tower,” Mr Hatton said. “This is another exciting milestone for the staff, patients, and visitors at Lismore Base Hospital.” Lismore base Hospital before the tower crane's removal.Restricted hours will remain in place for the Helicopter Landing Site while the remainder of work is completed on the North Tower. The new North Tower, to be known operationally within the hospital as “F Block”, will provide increased inpatient capacity, a greater range of services, and improved facilities for patients and staff. It will contain a new larger Intensive Care Unit, Perioperative and Endoscopy units, Imaging department, Pharmacy, Admissions, and Security departments, and two new Inpatient Units. The North Tower construction completion is forecast for late 2019, followed by a commissioning period and staged relocation of existing departments commencing during the first quarter of 2020. Once fully occupied, the next phase of the Stage 3 redevelopment will see a range of refurbishment works undertaken within vacated spaces in the existing hospital buildings.

This week is Foster and Kinship Care Week and respite carer and CASPA employee Fiona Kaminski wants more people to make room in their hearts and take on a carer role for children in the foster care system.As well as being CASPA’s senior assessor and specialist program support officer, on weekends Fiona helps to make a difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable and traumatised children “When I give respite care to kids on weekends, it also gives their long-term carers a break, so they can have time off and relax,” Fiona said. “It gives the kids something different to do and we try to make it as natural as possible and make them feel comfy - we’re like uncles and aunties.“We keep the same respite carers for the kids so we can build up familiarity.“For me reward is seeing kids go from strength to strength and trust people again.“When they feel safe and able to trust, they become more settled and thrive in their lives and reach their full potential.“During Foster Week, we celebrate foster carers’ selfless commitment and show appreciation for them in caring for our region’s most vulnerable children, giving them love, stability and hope.”Last weekend, to kick of Foster and Kinship Care Week, a Foster Care Family Fun day was held in Lismore which saw over 200 children and their carers join together for a day of activities and fun.The day was organised by a group of local foster care agencies from across the Northern Rivers, including CASPA Services ltd, Challenge Community Services, Foundations Care, Life Without Barriers, Mackillop Family Services, Ngunya Jarjum, UPA and Wesley Mission.One of the children at the family fun day.“The kids had a great day and we show we are working together with great outcomes for kids,” Fiona said. “We had great feedback on activities like the massage therapist for carers and the rock climbing wall for kids.“Foster Care week is about showing apprecation for carers already doing it, but to also raise awareness that we need more carers on board.“We need more people to put their hands up to care for vulnerable child as respite or long term carers, or give restoration support to return children back to parents.“We need a bigger pool of carers in each agency to match a child’s needs.Fiona said there are no specific criteria to be a carer, except to have a spare bedroom in your house for the child to stay in. “There are no age restrictions and all genders and couples, gay or straight, can apply, as long as you as long as you go through the thorough application process.”In NSW right now there are over 17,000 children and young people in out-of-home care with an identified need to recruit an additional 600+ carers in 2019 to cope with demand. For more information about becoming a carer, contact My Forever Family NSW on 1300 782 975 or visit https://www.myforeverfamily.org.au/ to find an accredited foster care agency near you.Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a foster carer? Let’s take a look at some of the biggest myths surrounding becoming a Foster Carer: Foster carers get no support. All local agencies provide 24/7 support to carers plus many local agencies provide constant training opportunities. I can't foster because I've never had kids. Having children is not a pre-requisite to becoming a foster carer. I'll grow connected, then have to say goodbye. This one is complicated. Restoration with the birth family is the primary goal for fostering agencies but as a foster carer you have a say in which types of care you participate in – emergency, respite, restoration or long-term care. I can't foster because I'm in a same-sex relationship. A foster carer is assessed on the ability to meet a child’s needs and provide security and same-sex couples can absolutely be foster carers. Single people can also be foster parents.I won't know how to deal with children's challenging behaviour. Some of the children in care do have challenging behaviours as a result of their experiences prior to coming into care and as a carer you will trained and supported to respond therapeutically to meet a child’s needs. As a foster carer you are part of a team supporting a child, you are not in it alone.My biological child and fostered child won't feel equal. Families can indeed experience this, but carers and their biological children will be supported with staff and strategies to guide you. 

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking assistance from members of the public after 15 satin bowerbirds died from chemical poisoning in Modanville, near Lismore, in the past few weeks.Investigations conducted by North Coast Local Land Services have confirmed that the bird deaths were caused by the banned insecticide Fenthion. As the responsible regulator for pesticide use, the EPA is exploring the possibility that the birds may have been deliberately targeted. No other bird species is known to have been impacted. Satin bowerbirds are a protected native species.EPA Regional Operations North Coast manager Benjamin Lewin said the killing of native birds, whether through intentional or reckless pesticide misuse, was a serious offence.“We are encouraging anyone with information on these deaths, or anyone who may have seen some activity that could be related to this illegal baiting, to contact the EPA as soon as possible,” Mr Lewin said.Fenthion, which was banned from use in 2014 with a phase out period of one year, is a broad-spectrum organophosphorus insecticide. Fenthion is extremely toxic to birds and substantial penalties exist for the possession and use of Fenthion. The chemical was widely used in the past for insect control on a broad range of fruit crops and for external parasite control on livestock. For more information visit https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/pesticides/pesticides-nsw-overview or call the Environment Line on 131 555.

A man found with 24 grams of methamphetamine and a bullet in his car was arrested in Goonellabah yesterday and will face Lismore Local Court.Police from the Richmond Target Action Group (TAG) allege that on Wednesday at 8am, highway patrol stopped a vehicle on Norwood Avenue in Goonellabah, a Richmond Police District Facebook statement said.  “The driver, a 23 year old Yarrabilba (QLD) man tested positive to methamphetamines.“TAG Officers attended and carried out a search of the 23-year-old and the vehicle; they located 24 grams of methamphetamine, almost $2,000 cash, a bullet, jewellery thought to be stolen, a knife, an ice pipe and drug paraphernalia.“The 23-year-old has been charged with Supply Prohibited Drug Greater than Indictable Quantity, Possess Prohibited Drug, Deal With Proceeds of Crime and Goods In Custody A.“Further charge may be laid once the result of his secondary drug test is known. Bail was refused and he was due to appear at Lismore Local Court yesterday.“A juvenile who was also in the car has been charged with Possess Ammunition Without Licence, Goods in Custody and Deal With Proceeds of Crime. “The juvenile was granted conditional bail and will appear at Lismore Children’s Court later this month.”

Warning: This story talks about suicide. If you are struggling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.Losing a work colleague to suicide became the inspiration to emblazon a Lismore City Council waste collection and a fuel truck with an R U OK? message.The revamped waste collection truck can be seen driving around the Lismore region from September 12, to coincide with R U OK? Day.Lismore City Council senior law enforcement officer Jody Hynd said Council had “recently lost a staff member recently and it’s a raw issue with council staff”.“I’d prefer to sit down with you for two hours, rather than listen to a 15 minute eulogy,” Jody said.“The idea is to start community conversations where people take the time to talk to others who might be struggling,” Jody said.“R U OK?’s vision is a world where people are connected and protected from suicide. “Our collection trucks travel all over town at all times of day. If someone sees the artwork and that encourages them to ask one person ‘are you ok?’ then it’s doing its job.”Jody said the truck wrapping was instigated by a Council staff member who wanted to promote the campaign in a visible and public way, and management agreed it was an excellent idea.“If we can make a change and get together as a community and start the conversation and we save one person, then it’s been a success.”He said the aim is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.“Suicide affects everybody – work colleagues, family and friends,” he said. “The flow on effect is heartbreaking.“So many people out there are struggling - not just our workers. We want to encourage people to talk to their neighbours and ask ‘are you ok?’. That may be enough to make a difference.“If someone says they are ok, then ask them ‘how can I help or assist?’ or ‘what do you need?’.“You can also encourage anyone struggling to call Lifeline, and if they won’t, then call Lifeline yourself and ask for ways you can help them.Lismore City Council staff Ian Thomson, Tony Kennedy, Tom Moodie and Jody Hynds. “Although R U OK? Day is just one day a year, we want people to keep asking ‘what’s going on?’ all year round, and roll out the R U OK? message every year.“The essence of the campaign is that a simple conversation could change a life. The premise is that if people feel connected to others and have someone to talk to, they can more effectively work through dark times.“R U OK? encourages you to ask a question if you have a niggling feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would, seems out of sorts, agitated, withdrawn or just not themselves."They encourage you to trust that gut instinct and act on it.”The R U OK? campaign started in 1995 following the death of Barry Larkin, whose suicide left family and friends in deep grief and with endless questions.In 2009, his son Gavin Larkin chose to champion just one question to honour his father and try to protect other families from the pain his endured – R U OK?While collaborating with Janina Nearn on a documentary to raise awareness, the team quickly realised the documentary alone wouldn’t be enough.To genuinely change behaviour Australia-wide, a national campaign was needed.And from this realisation, R U OK? was born.Gavin remained a passionate champion of the fact a conversation could change a life, even as cancer ended his in 2011.“We are proud to support this campaign and encourage people to reach out to colleagues, friends and relatives,” Jody said.“We can be deeply disconnected as a society despite all the technology we have that is meant to connect us. “By starting a real conversation and commenting on changes you’ve noticed in someone you know, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up.It could be the difference between them seeking help or not.”To For more information or advice, visit www.ruok.org.au or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Lismore’s new deputy mayor Darlene Cook said she’s looking forward to the challenges and responsibilities that come with the role over the next year, until the September 2020 council elections.At Tuesday night’s Lismore City Council meeting, Darlene was voted into the role, taking over from councillor Elly Bird, who has spent the last year wearing the deputy’s hat.Darlene said she was happy to put her hand up for the job, after three years learning and growing as a councillor.“Before I ran for council, I’d never worked in a public forum - It can be scary stuff, especially talking to the media,” she laughed.“I’ve been on a massive learning curve about the local government sector – it’s a huge diverse industry and I was ready to put my hand up and be more visible as a deputy mayor.“I’m one of two councillors that live in the outlying villages – not in urban Lismore or Goonellabah - and I’d like to make myself accessible to communities living in the villages like Whian Whian and Nimbin and get the feel of what people outside the urban areas want - so they feel their voices are heard.”In her new role, she’s ready to take on supporting mayor Isaac Smith, as well as the rest of the councillors and the general manager - and be as accessible as possible to the community.“The workload of the mayor is high – with networking, meetings and community events to attend,” she said. “I share the load when I can - and see the role as one encouragement and support and make sure everybody is ok.”Darlene encourages other people in the community to consider running for council election next year and to come along to A Night with Mandy Nolan for Prospective Councillors on September 18, at Lismore City Bowling Club. (For more information, read Mandy calls you to consider running for local council)“There’s always something to get your teeth into and you are putting back into your community,” she said. “It’s an important role and an exciting journey with highs and lows that gives you a path of challenges.“As a councillor, you get to make lots of decisions and we want people on council who are willing to put in the hard yards and ask questions and be involved in decision making.”Outgoing deputy mayor, councillor Elly Bird, said she was ready to “share the role of deputy mayor around".“I think it’s good for other councillors to get out and amongst it and raise their profile,” she said.  “It’s an absolute privilege to represent our community and feel the joy that comes out of it. It gives us more opportunity to be engaged with things that matter.”

A 28-year-old Lismore woman who threatened to slit the throat of her partner’s cat was arrested earlier today.In a Facebook statement, Richmond District Police allege that on September 8, the Lismore woman abused her partner to the point that the partner had to hide in a cupboard for an hour. “When the victim tried to leave the cupboard, the 28-year-old punched the victim to her face and ears,” the statement said.“The next day the 28-year-old was walking with the victim along a Lismore road and the 28 year old threw a can of drink at the victim and said ‘I'll slit your cat's throat’.a“The women was charged with Assault and Intimidation, and had an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) served on her.” She has been bail refused and will appear at Lismore Local Court.Richmond District Police are encouraging people to contact police if they know someone who is suffering from domestic violence.

Peace, love and organic roots music is coming to Nimbin this weekend at the fourth annual Nimbin Roots Festival.Nimbin will host over 50 of the finest original roots music around and offer sustainable living talks and art installations over three days, from Friday, September 13 until Sunday, September 15.Nimbin Roots Festival organiser Lou Bradley said the first release of festival tickets sold out fast, but more tickets have just been released - so if you don’t have tickets yet, get in and buy one.“We wanted to make sure we had enough venues so everyone can sit in a weatherproof venue and see the acts clearly in a nice environment,” she said.“We have the Nimbin Town Hall, Nimbin Bush Theatre and the Nimbin Bowling Club now.“We also have banjo, fiddle, guitar and yoga workshops and these will take place at Birth and Beyond in Nimbin.”Djanbung Gardens, Nimbin’s permaculture gardens will also be open on Saturday providing tours and talks.“We also have the Roots Music Awards on Sunday at Nimbin Town Hall, with a new award category this year ‘The Bob Brown Best Protest Song'," Lou said.“I’m sure it will be a popular category.”On Saturday afternoon, the All You Need Is Love Peace Parade will take place in the middle of town and Lou said people will dress up and carry banners through the main street.“It’s great that Nimbin can have an event that’s not drug-related and brings people in from all over the country who are curious to see what Nimbin is like,” she said. “This year, we had over 400 acts apply to perform their original music at the festival.“There’s lots of interesting acts you won’t see on the other festival circuits."Nimbin Roots Festival was started four years ago by Lou and her family - including her husband, mother and kids. Lou said her passion for music gave her the inspiration to start a festival where people making original music could come and be heard.Lou Bradley with Philip Chaffer and Rod Coe. Lou Bradley will play at Nimbin Roots Festival. “I had a strong, colourful music career,” Lou said. “I started with a grant from John Butler to do a tour and have been nominated for an ARIA in the music industry.“I understand how hard it can be for musicians to find their way in the music industry and wanted to provide a platform for up and coming artists.”Lou said some of the big acts coming to the festival included Neil Murray, the Glen Cardier duo and Hat Fitx and Cara. Camping is available at the festival.For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.nrfest.com

Lismore Base Hospital, along with Ballina, Byron, Casino and Maclean hospitals recorded an increase of close to, or more than 10% in Emergency Department (ED) presentations in the April to June quarter this year. These figures from the latest Bureau of Health Information Quarterly Report compare the 2019 quarter to the same quarter in 2018.Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) clinical operations director Lynne Weir said the district was seeing “near record activity in our emergency departments”.“More than 52,000 people in total presented to Northern NSW Local Health District Emergency Departments in this quarter,” Ms Weir said."An early and long flu season has been a contributing factor to ED presentations, with over 245,000 patients presenting to hospitals around the state for respiratory presentations this year, far above recent years."While our emergency departments will always treat any patient who presents, we encourage residents to think about the most appropriate place to seek care for less serious illnesses."Patients presenting to emergency departments are always prioritised to treat the most serious cases first."Where appropriate, people can visit their General Practitioner, or call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 for expert health advice 24 hours a day.“Despite this significant increase in activity, emergency treatment performance remained strong and our hospitals are still performing at very high levels when it comes to providing patients with quality and timely care.”Ms Weir said despite rising demand, the average length of stay in hospital remained stable at 2.5 days.“Thanks to the excellent, efficient care provided by our staff, patients are being discharged back to their own homes or into community care to continue their recovery where they’re most comfortable,” she said.“I’d like to congratulate the whole Northern NSW team for their hard work and education.”This April-June quarter saw a 7.3% increase in ED presentations, up by 3,576 people on the same quarter last year, as well as an 8.3% increase in the number of ambulance arrivals.“The median time for patients leaving our EDs this quarter was just under two hours, well below the state average of two hours and 53 minutes,” Ms Weir said.Elective Surgery PerformanceDespite the continuing high activity, the number of elective surgeries performed remained stable.“I am proud to say that 100% of urgent elective surgery procedures were performed on time, as were 92% of semi-urgent procedures,” Ms Weir said.“However, we also recognise elective surgery is affected by our high activity in the system and we’re working with clinicians and management to improve waiting times.”Seclusion and RestraintNNSWLHD is committed to reducing and where possible, eliminating seclusion and restraint, and providing the best possible mental health care and treatment in the least restrictive environment.Seclusion and restraint are used to maintain safety for a patient, staff or others, after less restrictive alternatives have been trialled or considered.The District is continuing to implement actions from the NSW Health Mental Health Safety and Quality in NSW: A plan to implement the recommendations of the Review of seclusion, restraint and observation of consumers with a mental illness in NSW Health facilities.The introduction of new strategies have already shown positive results in this quarterly report.Both Lismore and Tweed Mental Health Units were below the performance indicator for seclusion rates in the April-June quarter. The state-based KPI for rate of seclusion in 2018-19 is less than 5.1 per 1,000 bed days.“I’d like to acknowledge the significant work our teams have been doing to reduce seclusion rates for patients in their care, which is leading to better experiences for our patients,” Ms Weir said.Lismore recorded a halving of the total number of seclusion events compared to the same quarter in 2018, with an overall rate of four per 1,000 bed days.The average seclusion time for patients in Lismore also decreased significantly, down 28 minutes for an average duration of 2 hours and 13 minutes, well below the NSW Health target of less than four hours.Tweed recorded a seclusion rate of 4.6 per 1,000 bed days, and a reduction of 29 minutes in the average duration of seclusion events, down to two hours and 42 minutesSome initiatives implemented over the past 18 months to improve patient care include supporting nurses to spend more time engaging therapeutically with mental health patients; and a significant uptake among staff completing therapeutic relationship.

Turn your trash into treasure at the biggest day of garage sales on the North Coast on September 28.Second Hand Saturday will be held on Saturday, 28 September across Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Tweed regions.The day gives you the chance to empty out your cupboards and turn your garage into a thrift shop.Registrations for Second Hand Saturday are open until 4pm on Wednesday, September 18.There will also be second chance sales organised for the following Saturday, October 5 if you wish to be involved for two weekends.It is free to register for Second Hand Saturday and your garage sale will be advertised in local media and online. You can do it as an individual, with neighbours or friends, or with your local community group or church.This event promotes recycling, re-using, and a sense of community and fun. During the 2017 and 2018 garage sales, over 4000 wheelie bins’ worth of second-hand items exchanged hands and participants said around 40% of this had been destined for landfill.Register your garage sale now at www.secondhandsaturday.com.au or phone Council on 1300 87 83 87.You can also check out the Facebook page @mysecondhandsaturday

NSW Health is urging parents and carers to keep young children at home if they are sick amid a rise in viral gastro cases. NSW Health’s acting manager of enteric and zoonotic diseases, Keira Glasgow, said the warning has been prompted by an increase in gastroenteritis outbreaks at childcare centres across the state and a high number of children aged under 5 seeking treatment at emergency departments. “Nearly 100 childcare centres reported outbreaks of gastro in August, double the average for this time of year, and at least 820 children and 165 staff have fallen ill,” she said.  “The number of children seeking treatment for the highly-contagious infection at emergency departments has also risen above usual levels, with 609 children seeking medical attention in the last week.” Ms Glasgow said gastro was often spread by direct contact with an infected person. Viral gastroenteritis is usually caused by norovirus or rotavirus. “It spreads easily between people if they haven’t carefully washed their hands after using the toilet or before handling food,” she said. “The best defence is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10 seconds before handling and eating food, and always wash your hands after using the toilet, changing nappies or assisting someone who has diarrhoea or vomiting. “Infants or children in childcare or school who develop vomiting or diarrhoea should stay at home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.” People whose work involves handling food or looking after children, the elderly or patients, should not return to work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped to avoid spread of infection. Anyone not involved in these occupations should stay home for at least 24 hours.  Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. They can take up to three days to develop and usually last between one or two days, sometimes longer. The main treatment for viral gastroenteritis is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people recover without complications, however gastro can be serious for infants, people with suppressed immune systems and the elderly. Anyone recovering from gastroenteritis should avoid visiting hospitals and aged care facilities to avoid spreading the infection to those most vulnerable. For more information visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/gastroenteritis/Pages/default.aspx