A free breakfast event in Lismore on Tuesday October 29, will tell you about how to take advantage of the economic boost that events bring to our region.  If you are a business operator, event organiser, sporting group, charity, supplier, potential sponsor or an outlying tourism business, Lismore Chamber of Commerce said “this is the one event you must attend this year”.Check out Lismore App's What's On Section: What's OnAt the breakfast, Tamworth Country Music Festival director Barry Harley will talk about how to take advantage of the economic boost events bring to our region.   This is a free breakfast event for NSW Small Business Month, however registration is essential for catering purposes.NSW Small Business Month is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the success of small businesses and recognising the important role they play in the NSW economy and local communities. ‘Event Ready Lismore! Is brought to you by Lismore City Council working in collaboration with the Lismore Chamber of Commerce, Southern Cross University and the Entrepreneur Facilitators Service. Event Ready Lismore will be on at Star Court Theatre, Molesworth Street, Lismore, from 7.30am to 9am. Register Now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/event-ready-lismore-tickets-74759464571 To find out what other events are happening across NSW and in our region visit:https://www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au/ andhttps://ingoodcompanynorthernrivers.com.au/small-business-month/

Richmond Police District detectives have charged a man following a six-year investigation into alleged sexual and indecent assaults of children from a boys’ home near Lismore, more than 30 years ago.In May 2013, detectives from Richmond Police District established Strike Force Kruseana to investigate allegations of sexual abuse of children from the boys’ home near Lismore, and other locations in the Mullumbimby area in the early 1980s.Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives, assisted by officers from South Sydney Police Area Command and the Australian Federal Police, arrested an 81-year-old man as he arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from the Philippines about midday on Saturday, October 19.The man was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with buggery (two counts), attempt buggery (two counts), procure act of indecency, assault, and indecent assault of male.Police will allege in court that the man sexually and indecently assaulted two teenage boys who were in his care in the Northern Rivers region between 1980 and 1983.Investigations under Strike Force Kruseana are ongoing.As their inquiries continue, detectives would like to speak with anyone who resided at the home in the early 1980s and/or has information relevant to the investigation.Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Kruseana investigators can contact Crime Stoppers in strict confidence on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. 

A local Arborist felling a tree in Lismore had a surprise when he found a nest in tree trunk which had split in two.  Still in the trunk were five very young Eastern Rosellas, their hollow was completely split and could not be reused. Northern Rivers Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES) was contacted and a volunteer was quickly on the scene and collected the tiny, now homeless chicks. The parent birds were watching - a truly heartbreaking scene for the people involved.Pictured: The broken tree hollow after being felled.The chicks were examined by WIRES bird carer Julie and found to be uninjured and all in perfect condition.A call went out over WIRES communications system for the urgent need of a Rosella nesting box. A nestbox was constructed almost immediately by WIRES volunteer Martin, and the following morning Julie went back on site, found a suitable tree and the nestbox was put as high as possible in the tree. Pictured: The new next box for the chicks.The five little Rosella chicks were placed inside.Julie stood back but did not have to wait long.The parent birds were still in the area and heard their chicks call. Pictured: Rosella parents waiting to feed their young.They were quickly back on duty, feeding their chicks.If you are keen to make a difference for the wildlife in our area, consider joining WIRES. For more information about how you can join and contribute call the WIRES rescue line 66 281 898.You can also call this number if you find an injured native animal.WIRES relies heavily on the generosity of caring people for support. All donations $2 and over are tax deductible. Now is also a great time to join WIRES and start learning to be a wildlife rescuer. The 24-hour hotline is for all rescue, advice or membership calls in the Northern Rivers - call 6628 1898 or go to http://wiresnr.org/Helping.html to find out how you can help.

Australia Post is warning the community of widespread scam text messages telling customers there are problems delivering a package, or that a parcel won’t be delivered “due to unverified shipping address.”Richmond District Police said the text messages use AusPost as the sender name (which means it appears in the same text thread as other legitimate AusPost communications) and asks you to click on a link.“The link leads to a fake website with the Australia Post logo, asking you to verify your address and provide a payment,” RD Police said. “By entering these details, the scammer can steal your personal and financial information.“You should delete the message.”

Alpacas do spit, but only if you hassle them.That’s what Judy Barlow, owner of Kallaroo Alpaca Stud said as she cuddled her soft-fleeced alpacas at the Lismore Show.Judy brought her cute alapacas to the Show to get them used to being given attention from admiring humans.Read more about the Lismore Show:Chicken judging is not for amateurs at the Lismore ShowPersonal best: Dock Dog JT jumps 19 feet at the Lismore ShowKyogle High students and cow buddies parade at Lismore Show“I want them to become accustomed to being touched so I can bring them to competitions for judging in future shows,” she said.Judy’s alpaca stud has 11 acres of land with good protective fencing to keep dogs out.Raising alpacas has become a lifestyle for her and her husband who “learn about them on the job”.“We had the land and wanted to do something on it, so we decided to try breeding alpacas,” she said. “We learned basic husbandry for them as we went along and we love them now.“They are friendly and easy to handle and we sell their fleece and breed them as pets for people.”Judy said alpacas are unique in that they don’t have a season where they come on heat.“They are instant ovulators and so we can plan their pregnancies.“They have a long gestation period of 11.5 months and when the babies are born, it’s a lucky dip as to what colour their fleece will be.”Judy and her alpacas will be at the Lismore Show today and tomorrow.For more Lismore Show information, visit: Lismore ShowThe Lismore Show runs until Saturday October 19.Events will be happening each day, including poultry, cattle and equestrian shows. There’s also a rodeo, comedy shows for children, Dock Dogs jumping into a large pool, a community stage with a big line up of performers each day, monster trucks, carnival rides and a Lego building competition. Entry is free for school children and adult tickets cost $12.50.The schedule is available online at http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/2019-schedule/

Poultry steward Jeff Thompson and judge Brian Weiss are looking for the best birds in the poultry competition at the Lismore Show.They’ve been working their way around the 287 entered chickens in the competition and are now judging the Rhode Island Red chickens.Jeff inspects each chicken one by one, looking at their feathers, eyes and combs for colour and presentation.“When I’m judging their combs, it’s standard for a chicken to have three to five points,” Luke said. “Three is ideal and the centre point should stand straight up.”Brian inspects the leg and wing colour and also checks to see that the colour around the eyes is red.Read more about the Lismore Show:Kyogle High students and their buddy cows parade at the Lismore ShowPersonal best: Dock Dog JT jumps 19 feet at the Lismore ShowDo alpacas spit at the Lismore Show?Luke said entry numbers in the poultry competition are down on last year because of the drought.“All birds are judges on how standard they are to their breed,” Luke said.“And the white chickens are judges on how clean they are too.”Prizes will be awarded to the best chickens and roosters in show for each breed, and there are also major prizes for winners across all the entrant categories.The winners are on show now in the poultry shed at at the North Coast National.For more Lismore Show information, visit: Lismore ShowThe Lismore Show runs until Saturday October 19.Events will be happening each day, including poultry, cattle and equestrian shows. There’s also comedy shows for children, the community stage with a big line up of performers each day, monster trucks, carnival rides and a Lego building competition. Entry is free for school children and adult tickets cost $12.50.The schedule is available online at http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/2019-schedule/

JT the German Shepherd dog won second prize in this morning’s ‘wave’ (heat) of the Dock Dogs competition at the Lismore Show.Read more about the Lismore Show:Kyogle High students and their buddy cows parade at the Lismore ShowDo alpacas spit at the Lismore Show?Chicken judging is not for amateurs at the Lismore ShowAs the cheering crowd of school students watched on, JT’s companion, Mandy Arndell, threw a toy into the water of a large pool - and JT had no hesitation about jumping in after it to retrieve it.Some dogs in the competition jumped further than others, and some wanted to get back into the water immediately.Mandy, from Morayfield in Brisbane, said JT loves the water.“Today, he jumped 19 feet, which is a personal best for him,” Mandy said. Mandy and JT at the Dock Dogs pool at the Lismore Show.“This is only his second competition - his previous best was 14 feet – and that’s pretty good considering his large size.”Mandy said JT is tracker dog in the wintertime, and she was looking for something fun for JT to do this summer.“So I went online and found Dock Dogs on the internet and signed him up for the competition,” she said. “We practice in the lakes and dams at home.“I wouldn’t do it if he didn’t love doing it.“When he’s up on the side of the pool and he hears the crowd cheering, he dances around and gets into it.For more Lismore Show information, visit: Lismore ShowDock Dogs organiser Farmer said there are 22,000 dogs participating in Dock Dog events around the world.“We have 320 participants in Australia,” he said. “It’s been around for 20 years.“It started when two duck hunters got sick of shooting ducks and had an epiphany – and they got their Labradors jumping off the jetty.“The sport grew from there. “Nest year, the World Dog Games is coming to Australia and the Dock Dogs competition is a part of it.”Farmer Dave said any dog six months or older can take part in Dock Dogs and if anyone has a dog they think would like it, they can contact Dock Dogs via their website https://dockdogs.com“It’s good for the dogs because there’s no impact on them and they can do it until they are quite old,” he said.“Vets even encourage it because it keeps dogs active and moving.”Farmer Dave said he because interested in Dock Dogs when the Station he was working on was hit by drought and he wanted to do something else.“Now I work with young people on the Rough Track program,” he said. “It’s for young blokes who get in trouble with the criminal justice system and we give them dogs to train and work with.“It keeps them engaged in education and not in lock-ups.“The boys I have with me here today are on the tenth week of the program. They travel with me to events as part of the program.“We found that crime rates dropped 80% in areas where the program was running.”“When they’ve trained their dogs, we give the dogs to working farmers to work on the farms.”Farmer Dave said there would also be a high jump competition for dogs in the main arena at the Lismore Show, and spectators could also watch the trained dogs scale a climbing wall. The Lismore Show runs for three days from Thursday October 17 until Saturday October 19.Events will be happening each day, including poultry, cattle and equestrian events. There’s also comedy shows for children, the community stage with a big line up of performers each day, monster trucks, carnival rides and a Lego building competition. Entry is free for school children and adult tickets cost $12.50.The schedule is available online at http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/2019-schedule/

At the Lismore Show, Kyogle High School student Emily Newton, 14, said she has always wanted to work on a stud farm. She loves cows and loves being around them.“I can talk to them,” she said. “They are like your buddies -when I do a show, I have a buddy with me. “I won second prize for Show Cow at Kyogle Show with my cow Pickles.“I was nervous before I had to go into competition and she took my mind off being nervous. “She makes me happy.“I like to treat them well and want to give them a good life before they go to the meatworks.”Emily is one of the students participating in the cattle show at the North Coast National Lismore Show this year. Read more about the Lismore Show:Chicken judging is not for amateurs at the Lismore ShowPersonal best: Dock Dog JT jumps 19 feet at the Lismore ShowDo alpacas spit at the Lismore Show?Emily Newton and Kathy Doman with the school cows getting ready for the competition judging at the North Coast National.Along with Kyogle High School Agriculture teacher Kathy Doman and other students from Years 8 and 9, they are grooming their Angus Cross Stud cows getting ready to participate in the competition judging on the first day of the Show.For more Lismore Show information, visit: Lismore ShowKathy said the students were about to be judged on their skills parading the cows in the paraders competition.“They also participate in the Hook and Hoof competition where the cows are judged as they stand, and also once the carcass is taken to the abattoir – it’s judged again,” Kathy said.“The cows are judges on an even coverage of fat and muscle, their coat softness, and the amount of fat near the tail. “Angus Cross Studs are known for their meat marbling content – they have more fat than Brahman cows, which have a leaner meat.”Kathy said three years ago, Kyogle High won champion cow in the schools cow competition and the carcass competition at Beef Week. Kyogle High student Charlotte Schneider said she comes from a beef farming family and it’s her passion to work with cattle.“I want to make a career out of mustering cattle out west and I’ve already had experience on a station,” Charlotte said.Kathy said learning about agriculture was important for the students interested in working in agriculture so they can get an understanding of the industry.“They learn about animal welfare, as well as marketing and business management,” she said.“Careers in agriculture can be so broad and cater for lots of people. “They can into the sciences, or pasture management, technology and animal nutrition.”The Lismore Show runs for three days from Thursday October 17 until Saturday October 19.Events will be happening each day, including poultry, cattle and equestrian events.There’s also a comedy show for children, the community stage with a big line up of performers each day, the Dock Dogs splashing into a pool, as well as carnival rides, monster trucks and a Lego building competition. Entry is free for school children and adult tickets cost $12.50.The schedule is available online at http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/2019-schedule/

The climate crisis is on the agenda at tomorrow’s Rural Health and Research Congress in Lismore. Lismore City Councillor Elly Bird will be one of the speakers on a panel discussing the climate crisis, along with health professionals from a wide variety of disciplines. The free event, hosted by the University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH), will be held at Lismore Workers Club, and the whole community is invited to attend.UCRH director of research Associate Professor Megan Passey, said the UCRH were invited to convene a session on the health impacts of a changing climate, as a result of the Community Recovery After Flood project. Speakers will share their knowledge and experience on the topic ‘Future proofing rural health in the climate crisis: what are we learning about inequity?’ “Rural communities across New South Wales are already facing many health challenges and exposure to vulnerability,” Ass Prof Passey said.“We want to use this opportunity to have important conversations about how the climate crisis is adding to these challenges and how communities are responding.” Other speakers include Professor Melissa Haswell from Queensland University of Technology, Dr Jo Longman from the University Centre for Rural Health and Jen Haberecht from the Department of Primary Industries. “We hope this session will motivate attendees to start thinking about the communities they work and live in, and how they can adapt and build resilience to the impacts of a changing climate,” Ass Prof Passey said.“Given that many communities are experiencing more frequent and severe weather events such as drought, floods and bushfires, we believe this is a critical conversation to have right now.”professionals, researchers and service providers from across New South Wales. “The congress will be an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience, and build networks across the state. Community members are welcome to attend this session, held from 10.45am – 12.15pm free of charge. Limited places available, so contact Isabella Mee on 0420636 757 to register your interest. 

Pregnant women are being encouraged to sleep on their side to avoid stillbirth in a new Australia-wide education campaign, following evidence showing sleep position can halve the risk of a late-pregnancy stillbirth. The NSW Government provided $100,000 in funding to the Stillbirth Foundation Australia to develop materials on side sleeping, as part of the new Safer Baby program being launched by the federal government today. Senior Clinical Advisor in Obstetrics, Professor Michael Nicholl, said NSW Health is committed to reducing preventable stillbirth rates and supporting clinicians to raise awareness among pregnant women."It is important to acknowledge the loss and suffering of families who have experienced a stillbirth, and to continue our efforts to prevent future stillbirths through improved education and care,” Prof Nicholl said. “Stillbirth after 28 weeks of pregnancy affects about one in every 500 babies. "The evidence shows that women who go to sleep on their side from 28 weeks of pregnancy can halve the risk of stillbirth, compared to going to sleep on their back.” Senior Staff Specialist Neonatologist, Professor Adrienne Gordon said that from 28 weeks of pregnancy, women should go to sleep on their side at night, after waking up throughout the night and when having daytime naps. “The going-to-sleep position is the one held longest during the night so women should not be concerned if they wake up on their back, but should simply roll back onto their side. “Either the left or right side is fine,” Professor Gordon said. “After 28 weeks of pregnancy, lying on your back presses on major blood vessels which can reduce both the blood flow to the woman’s womb and oxygen supply to the baby.” NSW is a key partner with other states and territories and the Stillbirth Centre for Research Excellence in the Safer Baby program. The NSW Government is investing $170 million in additional health services for families as part of the 2019-20 NSW Budget. The new Side Sleep resources, including Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal versions of posters and flyers for clinicians and pregnant women are available to download here.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has declared a total fire ban has been declared for the Far North Coast tomorrow.Fire crews are still fighting to contain fires in the Richmond Valley area and NSW RFS said elevated temperatures and lower humidity will likely cause fire to challenge containment lines in some areas of the Busbys Flat Road."The fire which has a perimeter of 261 km (that's the distance by road from Casino to the Sunshine Coast QLD)," a NSW RFS statement said,"Add this perimeter to the Long Gully Rd. Fire in Drake, which has joined with the western end of Busby's Rd - and it's a greater perimeter still."With such a broad area of landscape to contain and patrol, the risk of fire escape is still high. "As we move through the next few days of elevated fire danger, we need you, the community to be our eyes and ears."If you spot a new fire (or re-ignition that poses a risk) without a fire ruck in attendance please call triple zero '000' immediately."

A green 1940 Ford Pickup was one of the many vintage and classic cars at the Show and Shine fundraiser for Lismore Men and Community Shed last weekend.The Show and Shine brought car and rockabilly music lovers to Tullera Hall to see some rare vehicles and dance to music from rockabilly band the Linelockers.Men’s Shed treasurer Glen Lees said the event raised $750 for Rappville bushfire relief as well as over $1000 to help improve the new men’s shed in Norco Lane.“We made money from car show entry fees, donations and our BBQ,” Glen said. “It’s our first Show and Shine and we hope it will grow even bigger next year.Show and Shine organiser Dave Manby said 80 vehicles entered into the show.“We had a wide range of cars – from 1950s and 60s street machines to classic motorbikes, vintage caravans, minnies, Cadillacs, Chevrolets and Buicks,” Dave said.“I’ve owned classic cars for 30 years and loved seeing the interesting vehicles that came to the show. We even had modern sports cars, Mustangs and hot rods.”Dave said there were six trophies handed out on the day, with some of the winners being a green 1940 Ford Pickup and a Holden one tonne ute.“It was a public vote and three of the trophies were won by women,” he said “There was a rare 1926 Harley Davidson racer at the show. It was so rare that even the Harley Davidson museum doesn’t even have one.“Next year, we hope to have more cars.”Dave said the “best rockabilly band on the east coast of Australia” – the Linelockers played at the Show and Shine.“The Hooked on Swing dancers loved it,” he said.“We had coffee being served from a 1968 vintage caravan that was pulled there by an old Ford ambulance and we had the Bathhurst car racing showing on a TV screen.”“As a car collector, I enjoy the camaraderie of sharing the cars with people with the same passion.“These collectors often drive to different events to show off their vehicles.“Once you’ve driven one of these car, you tend to get bitten by it.”Glen said the Men’s Shed is always looking for new members and anyone can feel welcome come along and help out at the new shed. Men’s Shed volunteers offer services of building kitchens, to putting together flat pack furniture for a small fee.To contact the Men’s Shed, or to get involved, visit the Facebook page Lismore Men & Community Shed, or phone president Bob Grieg on 0404 860 504.

Lucy Kingsley and her husband Scott McKinnon bought a farm at Wyrallah 15 years ago and started planting trees for koalas. “This morning at my dairy, I saw a koala mum and bub in a tree,” Lucy said. “I know there’s at least two mums and two babies around the dairy area now. But the koala numbers are down on what we saw 10 years ago.”“We thought numbers would increase, but we realised we need more people to rehabilitate land and plant koala food trees so we can keep koalas off the road and in the safety of trees.Lucy wants to encourage more land owners to plant koala trees and help create koala corridors in our region to help our slowly disappearing koala populations.This Friday October 18, landowners, farmers and graziers on the Wilsons and Richmond floodplains are invited to attend Lismore Council’s free field day about living with koalas on rural lands.Lucy Kingsley at her property looking at a koala.Lucy said she hopes people will come to the field day at South Gundurimba to learn about different koala habitat sites and discuss the practical and science-based approaches to looking out for koalas, monitoring koala health and reconnecting broken habitat.“With our diminishing forests, landowners need to help create tree corridors for koalas to move in, rather than across open land.“Then the koalas are safe from cars, predation by eagles, dog attacks and being rumbled by cows who think the koalas are dangerous dogs.“It’s also important that farmers understand the importance of keeping big old farm trees for koalas rather than knock them down for cultivation.“When we bought our farm, we knew we had a small koala community on it because the previous owner has planted koala trees many years ago.“Friends of the Koala (FoK) were harvesting leaves for their care centre and we could see that if we didn’t do something about the number of trees available, we’d be in trouble. Read more about FoK: SUNDAY PROFILE: Ros Irwin: Koala conservationist and ex-councillor“So, we started planting more trees.“We gave FoK a paddock and we all helped plant more trees for harvesting there. “We own a long stretch of riverbank that we fenced off through grant funding and we planted 100 trees there. “Now the trees are big - and we have koalas there and we’re putting in more tree rows so the koalas can safely run between trees.”Lucy said there are different challenges for landowners to create a koala tree forest – like fencing off areas of newly planted trees to stop cows getting in and eating them.“We put our wieners in the fenced areas for a day or so to chew the grass down and give the trees a chance to stabilise and grow,” she said.Lucy said koalas are as inquisitive as the busload of tourists who drive down her road every Saturday are looking for koalas. “A lot of the tourists are visitors not from our area,” she said. “We keep metal containers near the road so the koalas can stay hydrated in the heat.“One of the koalas here has a tracing device on it so researchers can work out how far koalas actually travel. After about four months, the device will fall off.“We know we are doing the best we can to save them from extinction.“It would be a pity if our children don’t get to see a koala in the wild.”About the field dayThe field day – Living with Koalas: Enhancing the habitat and health of koalas on the Richmond floodplains – will be held on Friday, 18 October from 9.30am to 2pm – and includes a free lunch. It will be held at a farm in South Gundurimba and Council will provide address details on registration.To attend, RSVP to Lismore Council on 1300 87 83 87. Lunch is provided and please wear sturdy shoes and a hat for walking.The day will focus on seeing koalas in the field and discussing ways that farmers and graziers can undertake habitat re-establishment within productive environments. Participants will travel to a number of different habitat sites and discuss the practical and science-based approaches to looking out for koalas, monitoring koala health and reconnecting broken habitat.Hosts for the day are a local cane-growing family whose Richmond River property is also home to many resident and travelling koalas.Presentations on the day will include:The impacts of wild dogs on livestock and wildlife (Local Land Services).Isolated paddock trees and windbreaks on the floodplain.Koala hotspots on the floodplains – where they are and why.A vet nurse will explain the differences between a healthy, sick and an older koala, and what to do when you see a sick koala.Koala food tree identification and what to plant if you are planning a revegetation program.This free event is delivered in association with Monaltrie Landcare, Friends of the Koala and Local Land Services.The event is part of Lismore City Council’s Rural Landholder Initiative field days to help local landholders and farmers connect, learn and discuss protecting biodiversity.

A top-secret cannabis research facility in regional NSW will be the location for a new pioneering study into medical cannabis.The research study will see Southern Cross University (SCU) researchers analyse the plant’s physiology and biochemistry and determine the ideal conditions for producing high quality, year-round, consistent medicinal cannabis products.The $10 million study is a collaboration between SCU, the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, Cann Group Ltd, Aglive and the University of Newcastle. SCU Southern Cross Plant Science director Associate Professor Bronwyn Barkla, said the study was a critical step in the delivery of therapeutically-consistent and safe medicinal cannabis products.“The research team at Southern Cross University will investigate the compounds the plant produces, in what quantity, and where and how the plant synthesises those compounds,” Ass Prof Barkla said.“This is important for quality assurance, ensuring the industry is able to deliver a consistent and safe product of high efficacy to patients.”Cannabis research history in NSWThe first research production trials of medicinal cannabis began in April 2019. The industry-led study was initiated by Cann Group Ltd, the first company to be issued a Cannabis Research License by the Australian Government. The NSW Government was the first in Australia to receive authorisation from the Commonwealth to cultivate medicinal cannabis for research purposes.To date, the NSW Government has spent $25 million to build the evidence base to understand of the therapeutic potential of cannabis medicines.Cannabis supply chainNSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the study will consider all aspects of the supply chain, including everything from ideal growing conditions to medicinal compound analysis and supply chain traceability.“This collaboration will enable Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to more than triple the number of researchers dedicated to finding the best ways to manage the plants, ensuring they have the highest medicinal benefit,” he said.“It will also ensure our researchers have access to essential industry knowledge and insights, giving us the potential to drive this research much further and faster than would have otherwise been possible.” The Commonwealth Government will co-invest $3 million through its Cooperative Research Centre Program (CRC-P), ‘Growing the medicinal cannabis industry – from precision farming to pharmaceuticals’. CRC programs support industry-led collaborations between industry, researchers and the community.The NSW Government will contribute more than $3 million to the project and the other partners will contribute nearly $4 million.The science of cannabisActive cannabis compounds are produced in small highly efficient bio-factories, known as trichomes or leaf hairs, which predominantly sit on female flowers.SCU Southern Cross Plant Science’s Associate Professor Tobias Kretzschmar and Ass Prof Barkla both have a background in trichome biology, collaborations and translating basic scientific findings into industry applications.“Trichome productivity depends on a range of factors including genetics, developmental stages and the cultivation environment,” Ass Prof Kretzschmar said. “Understanding this complex interplay at the molecular level allows for optimization of active compound production. “This CRC program covers a range of crucial aspects in the development of a robust medicinal cannabis supply chain for Australia, including cultivation and processing, as well as product track-and-trace and compound pharmacology.”SCU deputy vice chancellor of research Professor Mary Spongberg said SCU has been one of the leaders of medicinal plant research in Australia.“We have customised cannabis research infrastructure and more than a decade of experience in cannabis analytical chemistry and cannabis genetics,” Prof Spongberg said.“Globally, medicinal cannabis is a growing multi-billion dollar market and we believe these project outcomes will make Australia internationally competitive in the premium market segment, while nationally this project will lay the foundation to meet long-term client demand of medicinal cannabis products.”

A police car chase to Whian Whian brought concerned Dunoon village locals onto the streets last Friday, concerned about the presence of speeding cars and tactical police in their town.The car chase, in pursuit of a man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant, resulted in the police seizing the man’s car, but the man escaped being taken by the police.“Richmond District Police are seeking public assistance in locating the driver of the car”, a police statement said.“Matthew Ivan, aged 27, is wanted by virtue of two outstanding arrest warrants.“Officers attached to Richmond Police District have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.“The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 175-180cm tall, with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes.“He is known to frequent the Dunoon, Corndale, Lismore, Ballina and Coffs Harbour areas of Northern NSW.“If you see this man do not approach him and please call triple-zero.”A concerned resident of the Dunoon area said “the insane speeds we had police travelling through our village well after the pursuit was engaged was crazy”.“I want to know what his warrants were for.“If it wasn’t for a dangerous person or an actual emergency, then that’s ridiculous.“The fact the pursuit was not actually through Dunoon, but the police used James Street and Dunoon Road to head him off at speeds I’ve never seen driven past mine.”The resident said there were about 10 paddy wagons and highway patrol cars, as well as police officers in the village.Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Lismore Police Station on (02) 6626 0599, Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.“Information is treated in strict confidence,” the police statement said.

She’s written a song called Hippy Cowgirl, but Wendy Ford says she’s not a cowgirl - but she’s definitely a hippie. “It’s because I stand up for the environment,” she said.The Lismore songwriter has an album of new songs and she’s got her new band ready to release the title track Good Medicine at the Lismore Show on the Community Stage this Thursday at 5.30pm.Read more about the Lismore Show - on this Thursday to Saturday.But first, she’s playing at this year’s NCEIA Dolphin Music Awards tonight (Tuesday, October 15). The annual awards celebrate local songwriting talent and have helped many musicians to gain recognition for their original work. Wendy’s song Clean House from her new album has been named a finalist in the Soul category at the Dolphin Music Awards.“It’s quite an honour to be selected as a finalist - Good Medicine was a pop finalist two years ago at the last Dolphin Awards and Hippy Cowgirl was a finalist in the Protest category,” she said.“Clean House is a duet about a friend’s marriage break up which was agonising for him.”Wendy recorded the new album in Kyogle and finished mastering it this year. Now, she has a Good Medicine video ready to go and intends to release the full album later in the year.“The video for Good Medicine is talking about the rain – we all have engagement in this climate change business and we need to take care of the planet.“My music gives me an opportunity to get the word out that everyday activities influence how our environment is protected or not,” she said.“My song Hippy cowgirl just came to me – I’m not a real cowgirl but I go to the organic market and speak to farmers. “I want to be a voice for some of these people – the green thinking farmers - people who came to the Bentley coal seam gas blockade who are starting to understand how business and the way we live has an impact on the environment.”Wendy said she’s always had the desire to make a change in society.“I was born in the 1960s and it’s in my blood,” she said.“I participated in the Aquarian Festival when I first came to the rainbow region.“It got me out to Nimbin and into the Star Court Theatre and I met Luke Vasella who’s a local icon – at the time, I didn’t know he’d been rockin’ it for years.Wendy said as a songwriter, her heart comes through in songs.“I love songwriting and getting ideas for songs,” she said. “I love to sing - you can’t shut me up.“When I came to this region I became immersed in activism.“I’m a human with concern and I think that compassion is just as necessary as rain.“We need to be looking out for each other - that’s how Lismore people roll with floods and bushfires.“I love the way this community pulls together and it inspires me as a songwriter.“My music gives me an opportunity to get the word out that everyday activities influence how our environment is protected or not.Wendy started singing and playing music in high school before playing her original songs in pubs – around pubs.She’s sang with James Blundell at Tamworth 2018 and in front of 19,000 footy fans at the Wests Tigers Anzac Day win in 2017.Wendy said her new band pays tribute to the song arrangements she created on the album, but it’s not the band line up that recorded the album.“I recorded the album first and then thought I’d better get a band together and now I’ve got a great team,” she said.Her songs address climate and social justice themes with harmony-rich vocals and guitar, keyboard and sax.The band has a revolving line-up based on a core consisting of Ford on lead vocal and rhythm guitar; Electric Bulls keyboardist Gary Pinkerton, Bourbon and Ink drummer Bang Deepaharda, and Hoochers bassist Tony Baron.However at the Show the band will be joined by local musicians Chris Fisher and Marcelle Townsend-Cross from Monkey and the Fish and Lismore App’s Liina Flynn on backing vocals, and The Tides’ Linda Banbury on sax. Fans can stay in the loop on the album release or request links to music by liking @wendyfordband on Facebook. The track Good Medicine is currently streaming on Reverbnation / wendyford and Number One Music / Wendy Ford.Read more about what's on in Lismore: Eat/Drink/Stay

In flood-prone Lismore, it might seem like good news that the Severe Weather Season Outlook prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology shows Australia has a lower risk of widespread flooding.But with an increased chance of heatwaves and bushfires, the Bureau is reminding communities that now is the time to prepare for the months ahead. Parts of the country have already seen bushfires, and the Bureau's head of long-range forecasts, Dr Andrew Watkins, said the current state of Australia's climate drivers meant the likelihood of seeing more bushfire activity than normal was increased."The Bureau outlook shows we're likely to see more warmer and drier than average conditions for the coming months," Dr Watkins said.“This is due largely to a record strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole, that leads to drier air than usual over northwest Australia that supplies much of Australia's rainfall."The increased odds of warmer than average days, coupled with a very dry landscape and a likely late start to the northern wet season, give a clear indication that we're likely to see more heatwaves than normal."It also adds to the potential bushfire risk, particularly when you consider how dry many parts of southern and eastern Australia are at the moment."The Severe Weather Season Outlook also shows Australia has a lower risk of widespread flooding, and a near normal chance of severe thunderstorms, but Dr Watkins said the community needed to be prepared."Severe thunderstorms and significant rainfall events can happen at any time."Not being complacent and taking the time to know your weather and know your risk is one of the best ways to stay safe during the coming severe weather season."The Bureau has also released its Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook, with the odds (65%) favouring fewer cyclones than normal.Despite this, Dr Watkins was quick to point out that the risk from cyclones was always high."We've never had a tropical cyclone season without at least one cyclone crossing the coast. This means that despite a reduced risk this season, all communities in northern Australia must be ready," Dr Watkins said."Even if cyclones stay well out to sea, they can still pose a significant risk to property and lives through strong winds, intense rain and flooding, and storm surges."Dr Watkins said on average, Australia sees roughly 11 cyclones each season, with four of those crossing the coast, but the current state of Australia's climate drivers, particularly the neutral state of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, meant the chances of seeing that amount this year are slightly reduced.He added that cyclone formation was rarely spread evenly, with history showing quiet periods can be followed by bursts of intense activity."Remember, if your community is affected by severe weather, it's crucial you follow the advice of emergency services, and stay up to date with all the latest forecasts and warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology."Know your weather. Know your risk. Stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via the Bureau of Meteorology website (bom.gov.au), the BOM Weather app or on Twitter.You can view the Bureau's severe weather education page here: http://www.bom.gov.au/knowyourweather/You can view the Bureau's Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cyclones/australia/You can view the Bureau's severe weather outlook video here: https://youtu.be/rW6wEjxmZ_M See The Lismore App Weather page: Weather Weather Radar

Do you recognise these two women?Lismore police are investigating an incident that took place at Lismore Square on the 26th September. The two pictured women may be able to assist with inquiries.If you know who these two women are please email 43858@police.nsw.gov,au or call Crimestoppers on 1800333000 Police reference is E74351785

When you go into a Vinnies op shop this week, any money you spend will go towards helping people affected by the bushfires in our region.St Vincent de Paul Society NSW chief executive Jack de Groot said all monetary donations made in northern NSW stores during the bushfire period will go to those locally affected."People wanting to donate money can also donate in any Vinnies Shop across north-east and north-west NSW, or over the phone on 13 18 12,” Mr de Groot said. “While we welcome all donations of good-quality items, giving money is the most effective way to help immediately during the current fires.The Rural Fire Service confirmed that 89 homes have been destroyed across the state since the bushfire season began, with Rappville, Drake, Busbys Flat and Tenterfield being particularly affected. “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the fires, especially those who have lost their homes, as well as the families of the couple who tragically lost their lives,” Mr de Groot said.“We’re acutely aware that the same people hardest hit by these fires have already been suffering through the drought for months. “Vinnies has been helping at the fire registration centre at St Mary’s Catholic College in Casino, as well as in the communities of Rappville, Busbys Flat, Drake and Tenterfield.“If you’re having a hard time, I encourage you to reach out to our team or drop into your nearest Vinnies Shop. “In Casino, our members are on-hand to help on 6662 4674 and at the Vinnies Shop on Canterbury Street. “We’re able to provide you with vouchers, link you up with services, and provide a shoulder to lean on. “Recent events been deeply distressing, but I’ve also heard from our people on the ground that it’s been moving to see these communities come together at a time of need. “We commend the rapid response from government and non-government agencies, the Rural Fire Service, and the broader community.”