If you didn’t get a chance to get out and about to the hundreds of garage sales across the Northern Rivers region last Saturday, your chance to grab the leftovers is here.This Saturday, October 5, garages, driveways and lawns will again be covered in second hand goods for sale - in Second Hand Saturday Part 2.Second Hand Saturday organiser, Linda Tohver from the North East Waste Forum, said she had received positive feedback from people enjoying participating in the social day, with an environmental message. “When I was out and about looking at garage sales last Saturday, I spoke to a man who was travelling around with his mother in law,” she said.“It was 10.30am and he’d been to 20 garage sales and was going to keep going till he’d been to 50 of them. “He and his wife make a shopping list of what they need for the kids and wait to get it second hand – and be a part of the circular economy. “He has enough money to buy new stuff, but believes there’s too much stuff in the world.”“I found something for each member of my family – a book on airplanes for my son for $2 and a cool light for my daughters room and some jam for my husband.“Lots of shoppers on the day travelled from beyond the region to come to this event - maybe it brings in tourism as well.”To find out where this Saturday’s garage sales are, either check your local newspaper with the listings of garage sales, download the Second Hand Saturday App, or download the excel spreadsheet from the website http://www.secondhandsaturday.com.au/Garage sale addresses will be live on the App on Thursday.

Keeping stories and history alive, Bundjalung-Yugambeh, Wiradjuri, Ni-Vanuatu man Thomas E.S. Kelly is ready to develop his first full length solo work, YARN (working title) at Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA).Thomas will begin a three week residency with NORPA this October as part of the theatre company’s Indigenous Makers Studio initiative.YARN (working title) is a collection of Aboriginal stories to be shared through a physical and theatrical performance. The new solo work choreographed and performed by Thomas – who is also Karul Projects artistic director - will use his evolving, movement vocabulary, fused with stories of humour, happiness, triumph, tragedy and creation.  “Aboriginal culture is an oral culture,” Thomas said.“Our stories were not written down but were documented through the passing down of our stories verbally.“As the world moves forward we risk losing these stories, these histories, especially with our knowledge keepers getting older.” “In developing this work I will be connecting with community members of specifically Bundjalung-Yugambeh to learn more stories about the animals, plants and country. “Through this process we will also identify which stories are allowed to be told in a public setting.” Thomas graduated in 2012 from NAISDA Dance College and has since worked with Vicki Van Hout, Shaun Parker and Company, Branch Nebula, ERTH, Chunky Move, Dancenorth, The FARM, Tasdance, Outer Urban Projects and Urban Theatre Projects. His Green Room winning work [MIS]CONCEIVE was presented at NORPA in 2018. Thomas is the 2018 Dreaming Award Recipient and a 2019 American Australian Association Alumni. In 2017 Thomas created Karul Projects an indigenous led theatre company, now based in South East Queensland. “I have been fortunate to spend some time at NORPA over the past few years and the opportunity of growing a relationship with NORPA and the Indigenous Makers Studio was a key element in my decision to relocate north after 11 years in Sydney,” he said.“I love the vibe of NORPA and the safety that the organisation has in regards to cultural knowledge and protocol. As this will be my first full length solo work I believe NORPA is the best place for me to explore what this means for my practice.” NORPA’s Indigenous Makers Studio supports emerging and mid-career Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists originating from or based in NSW to deepen their performing arts practice, hone their professional skills and develop ideas for new works. The initiative was developed in collaboration with the country’s leading Indigenous performing arts education centres, NAISDA and ACPA and is made possible by a grant from Creative Koori, the NSW Government's Arts and Cultural Development Program. So far in 2019 NORPA’s Indigenous Makers Studio has hosted a two-week intensive residency for five emerging artists across regional NSW with Frances Rings and Kirk Page and a two week residency for Bundjalung Yaegl performer Mitch King to research and develop a new work Flow. Thomas E.S. Kelly’s residency to develop YARN is the final component of NORPA’s Indigenous Makers Studio initiative for 2019. Thomas will present an informal work-in-progress showing of YARN at the NORPA Studio on Thursday, September 17 at 5:30pm. All are welcome. For more information about the showing or Indigenous Makers Studio contact Valley Lipcer at creativeprograms@norpa.org.au

Shailyn Gooley, 13, has a goal to represent NSW in hockey. So, when she and her mum Tracey Gooley received news that Shailyn had won a Local Sporting Champions Award grant, they were both excited.Shailyn, along with 32 other young people in the Northern Rivers region were presented with certificates this week by Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan at a Local Sporting Champions Award morning tea.Each of the young champions also received $550-$750 to support them in their sporting endeavors as they represent our community at Regional, State, National and International events in their chosen sport.Shailyn comes from a sporting family and started playing hockey with her mum when she was five years old.Tracey said that the costs of taking part in numerous sports was expensive and the award money really helped Shailyn to go further in her sporting activities.“Shailyn also has a love of gymnastics, dance and aerobics – being in a regional area it’s difficult to go to different places for further coaching and training," she said.“With a bit of financial help, we can now do more.” “I still love all the sports I do so much - I want it to do all of them,” Shailyn said.Shailyn with Kevin Hogan at the award morning tea.Shailyn also competed with her dance company Amazon Dance and Aerobics at the Australian National Club Carnival in the Gold Coast and there was an entry fee as well as travelling costs. “She was also in the team that won the under 13s state championship hockey division 2 with Far North Coast Hockey in July,” Tracey said.“That was expensive because it was in Parkes and we did fund raising in the lead up to that.“Shailyn was proud and humbled to be selected and win the gold medal. She worked hard training for it.”Tracey and Shailyn worked together on the application for the award and made a budget for Shailyn’s sporting activities.“She wants to go further and represent NSW in hockey."Shailyn dancing. At the a Local Sporting Champions Award morning tea, Mr Hogan said “those who received the awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the national and state stage". The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport. “The Northern Rivers has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent,” Mr Hogan said. “Unfortunately succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents also often have to put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions. “I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants. “Sport is important in the development of young people: it teaches them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy. “I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office.”For more information about the program, go to www.ausport.gov.auThe Northern Rivers Sporting Champions who received award grants are: •     Padraig Heffernan,13, NSW All School Cross Country Championships•     Charlotte Gilliland, 13, 2019 NSW Junior Track & Field Championships•     Ember Evans, 16, 2019 NSWPSSA All Schools State Cross Country Championships•     Marlin Corbett, 15, All Schools 15 And Under National Championships•     Jake Connolly, 13, Little League State Titles•     Alex Poole, 12, 2019 Little League National Championships•     Julian Thompson, 16, NSWCHS Championships Boys Basketball•     Chloe Bull, 13, 2019 QLD U14 Girls State Championships•     Dean Sneesby, 11, Bad Boy National Championships BMX 2019•     Joshua Lee, 16, 2019 ICF Wildwater Canoeing Junior & U23 World Championships•     Olivia Osborne, 17, 2019 U17 Girls NSW Cricket State Challenge•     Freya Kirbach, 14, Football Queensland Community Cup•     Wyley Drew, 16, Community Cup•     Oliver Rixon, 14, 2019 National Youth Championships For Boys•     Jade Parkin, 14, FFA 2019 National Youth Championship For Girls•     Shailyn Gooley, 13, 2019 Hockey NSW U13 Girls State Field Hockey Championships•     Rohan Allsopp, 17, 2019 MTBA National Championships•     Taya Cottee, 15, Netball NSW Senior State Titles•     Ellie-May Thomas, 14, Junior State Titles•     Lyla Johnston, 14, State Age Championships - Netball NSW•     Amy-Lee O'Donnell, 14, Netball NSW State Age Championships•     Amaria Royal, 13, 2019 Junior State Titles•     Kailei Royal, 13, 2019 Junior State Titles•     Eliza Herman, 13, Netball NSW Junior State Titles•     Skyla Pope, 13, Junior State Titles•     Jessica Farragher, 15, State Age Netball•     Chloe Gray, 13, Junior State Titles•     Macy Butler, 15, State Championships•     Kali Yopp, 15, Netball NSW State Titles•     Tanayah Harley, 15, 2019 NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Championships•     Oscar Kennett, 14, 2019 NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Championships•     Payton Schweizer, 14, 2019 QLD State Age Tennis Championships•     Neve Schweizer, 13, 2019 QLD State Age Tennis Championships•     Lennox Rowe, 16, 2019 Regional Touch Football Championships

A man under police guard in Lismore Base Hospital has been charged over an alleged armed robbery in the Northern Rivers region.About 9.05am yesterday, Monday, September 30, a 33-year-old man attended a pharmacy on Sandilands St, Bonalbo.Richmond District Police will allege the man threatened two employees – a 49-year-old female and 57-year-old man – with a syringe and demanded Methadone.He took prescription medication before leaving the pharmacy.Officers from Richmond Police District attended the scene a short time later before locating the man in nearby bushland.He was taken to Lismore Base Hospital where he remains under police guard.He was charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon, armed with intent to commit indictable offence and common assault.He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court via bedside hearing today, Tuesday, October 1.

Richmond Tweed Regional Library (RTRL) users may not be able to access the library catalogue online tomorrow, Wednesday October 2, while the library is upgrading its online catalogue system.The library is still open and library users can still go into the library and borrow or return books.However, throughout the day, library users may not be able to access the library catalogue, their library account, book a computer or access eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. In short, anything that requires library patrons to use their library card to login won’t be available - as work is carried out on an upgrade to the system. RTRL Regional Library Manager, Jo Carmody said “upgrades are necessary to keep the catalogue integrating seamlessly with our other library technologies, such as the library website, and the library app”.“It is expected that there will be minimal disruption to service, and when we are back online you will notice a new, streamlined look and enhanced searching capabilities,” she said.The library thanks patrons for their patience during this process.

If you are living on Newstart allowance, how hard is it to stretch your money to pay rent, bills, food and travelling costs?Your stories of doing it tough and living on the dole are needed at a free forum held at Lismore Workers Club this Thursday, October 3, at 1pm.The forum, looking at how we tackle inequality and disadvantage in Lismore and throughout NSW, is hosted by ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Service) and NCOSS (NSW Council of Social Service).Pas Forgione from ACOSS said the forum is for people who are directly affected by living on a low income.“The feedback ACOSS receives will be used to influence future campaigns to see the rate of unemployment benefits raised,” Pas said.“From inadequate income support payments and unaffordable housing to expensive power bills and lack of assistance for those looking for work, much more must be done to support those doing it tough.“We will bring together the experts and those directly affected by economic and social inequality, along with the rest of community, to discuss how we can address inequality and work together to achieve positive social change.”Pas said people are doing their best to get by, and the main challenge is that there’s still not enough money to cover expenses.“At the same time, the number of job vacancies is smaller than the number of people competing for the jobs,” he said.“In Lismore, the local Council supports raising Newstart – and the Lismore Chamber of Commerce is the first one on Australia to back raising Newstart.“Lismore is punching above its weight when it comes to having strong concerns about tackling poverty.“Having these organisations of board shows the wonderful work happening there already.“There’s also been local Lismore residents who have travelled to Canberra to talk about these issues in Parliament.”If you wish to attend the forum, it is open to everyone and will be fully catered at Lismore Workers Club on Thursday, October 3, at 1pm.

If you have a project designed to inspire young people to be physically active and eat healthy food, you can now apply for a Healthy Communities Northern Rivers grant.Schools and community organisations across the Northern Rivers are invited to apply for grants of up to $4000 to support health and wellbeing projects for young people. The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is funding the $40,000 grant program, as part of the Healthy Communities Northern Rivers initiative. The grants are designed to inspire projects that make it easier for young people aged 13-24 to be physically active and eat healthy food. Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, said many of the behaviours that increase the risk of chronic disease - smoking, drinking alcohol, eating junk food and low levels of physical activity- start in adolescence. “Teenagers may not care much about the risk of chronic disease in the future, so our focus is on how to increase their wellbeing and help them feel good now,” Ms Adams said. “One of the criteria for the grants is that young people are involved in planning the projects. The ideas need to come from young people, because they know what sort of activities will work best for them.”The grant program was launched at a Youth Health and Wellbeing event in Ballina on 24 September which highlighted the latest research about the links between physical activity and wellbeing for young people - and showcased innovative youth programs. Healthy Communities Northern Rivers was established by NNSWLHD in 2018 to bring government, non-government and community organisations together to address rising levels of chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. The youth grants are part of the Healthy Communities Northern Rivers action plan for building communities that make it is easier for people to make healthy choices, such as being physically active and eating healthy food. For grant application forms, visit the Health Communities Northern Rivers website at https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/health-promotion/healthy-communities

Over three days last weekend, October 27-29, the 20th Lismore Masters Games brought over 1600 of sports players on the wrong side of 30 to Lismore for competition and social fun.Lismore City Council Tourism and Events Manager Mitch Lowe said competitor numbers were up by 10% on previous years.“It was the biggest Masters Games in six years,” Mitch said.“Feedback from the business community has been great.“Beneficiaries from visitors to Lismore include pubs, restaurants and cafes who told us they had a massive weekend of business."Other industries contributing to the needs of people here who said they had a large increase in people through the doors and sales were chemists, sports shops and petrol stations.“The Rous hotel in Lismore said it was the biggest weekend of the year for them.”Mitch said the organisers of the Masters Games were running a post event survey to look at the economic impact of the event on the region. “We’d like everybody to feed back to us via our website,” Mitch said.Mitch said the official celebration for the event at the Lismore Workers Club on Friday night, with live music and dancing, brought lots of teams out and the “atmosphere involved plenty of laughs”.“In the day, there was competition on field, but that night we saw people in teams having a great time and networking with each other,” he said.“Sure we give out gold, silver and bronze medals, but it’s about having fun.“Sports teams were scattered across the city in various pubs and restaurants and there was a buzz in the air. “Friday night was the bigger night for Lismore businesses as people got into the socialising on the first day.“A lot of the players don’t participate in sports regularly and only jump in and do the Masters Games once every two years, so they tend to let their hair out on the first night and take it easier on Saturday night.”Mitch said that feedback from sports groups was that this year’s event was the “smoothest” running event yet.“The weather played a big in that,” he said. “There was no wet weather, so the logistics went smoothly with the competition draws. “The coordination of sports went really well too and that was thanks to the local volunteers doing that. Without them and the support of people in various sports, there wouldn’t be a game. Mitch said he enjoyed watching the cricket at the Masters Games.“The Cads team from Casino were 9 wickets down with one ball to go and batsman hit the ball over the boundary to win the game," he saidThat was the highlight for me.“They were the gold medal winners for cricket and beat a Queensland team in the final game – it was very exciting.”For more information about the Lismore Masters Games, or give feedback about the event, visit https://www.lismoremastersgames.com.au/Or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lismoremastersgames/

Lismore Base Hospital Midwife Robin Stabler has been named a finalist in the Excellence in Midwifery category of the 2019 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.Robin has been nominated for for being an integral part of the team, strong person-centred beliefs, and for being a strong advocate of her profession.She’s one of the nurses and midwives from the Northern NSW Local Health District who are among 43 statewide finalists nominated for the 2019 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.The finalists have been selected from nominations in 12 categories which recognise nurses and midwives who have made a difference in clinical practice, research, management and leadership.Registered Nurse Sally Smith from The Tweed Hospital has also been named a finalist in the Excellence in Nursing category for her strong team and work ethic, her excellent ability to build positive rapport with patients, and for being a role model on the wards.Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Aboriginal Health Katharine Duffy said the awards recognise the contribution and of nurses and midwives working in the NSW public health system.“These awards are an opportunity to honour nurses and midwives across NSW who go above and beyond and make a real difference not only within their teams but most importantly, to our patients,” Ms Duffy said.Health professionals across the state nominated nurses and midwives working in the NSW public health system for 11 of the award categories.Members of the public living in NSW were eligible to vote for the Consumer Appreciation Award, the 12th category, which recognises nurses and midwives who demonstrate outstanding patient care and support of families and carers.Over 53,000 nurses and midwives are working in full-time and part-time positions in NSW Health hospitals and health services.The Awards ceremony will be held in Sydney on October 1 at the International Convention Centre.The NSW Government is investing $2.8 billion to recruit 8,300 extra frontline staff over the next four years, including an additional 5000 more nurses and midwives.For more information on the 2019 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/enma/Pages/default.aspx

New prostate cancer treatments offered in Lismore have brought the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) onto the global stage.NNSWLHD is being recognised as a leader in cancer treatment, with world-first programs that improve healthcare for regional patients. Radiation Oncologist with North Coast Cancer Institute Lismore, Associate Professor Tom Shakespeare, is involved in projects evaluating new techniques in prostate cancer treatment, which he showcased at an international conference last week. A/Prof Shakespeare presented two papers at the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO) annual meeting in Chicago, which attracts around 10,000 delegates from around the world. “The first paper was an evaluation of patient involvement in choosing their cancer treatment through shared decision-making with their oncologist,” A/Prof Shakespeare said. Patients involved in the research were provided with a decision aid to help them choose between two radiation therapy options in the cure of prostate cancer. “This high degree of patient involvement is a world first, putting the patient at the centre of their care planning alongside their treating specialist.” A/ Professor Shakespeare’s second presentation discussed the outcomes of world-leading research involving men from the North and Mid North Coast areas using PET scans to help target radiation therapy to the prostate and lymph nodes. “In the past, men with prostate cancer which has spread to the lymph glands were thought to be incurable, but modern advances in radiation therapy and PET scan imaging mean we can offer curative radiation,” he said.“The early results show that after two years, 100% of patients had their prostate cancer controlled, with minimal side-effects.“It brings new hope for men whose prostate cancer has escaped from the prostate, that there is a potential for a cure.”NNSWLHD has a strong focus on clinical trials and quality assurance programs, building on its research and innovation capacity since NCCI first opened in 2010. “Everything that we do in research is about helping the people in our community by providing world-class locally-based services,” A/Prof Shakespeare said.

Two Lismore Landcare groups are set to benefit from an unfortunate error.Earlier this year, contractors installing the new fence around Goonellabah PS, removed several trees in the grounds of Lismore Theatre Company’s (LTC) Rochdale Theatre. Fortunately the NSW Department of Education accepted responsibility for the error and paid LTC compensation for the loss under the local tree protection arrangements for native species.The compensation received not only allows LTC to plant replacement trees in its grounds but the Committee decided to provide some of the funds to two local Landcare groups to enable additional plantings off site.Upper Tucki Tucki Creek Landcare and Wilson’s River Landcarers will each receive $500 to purchase plants most of which will be purchased from NR Friends of the Koala nursery thereby benefiting another community organisation.Lismore Theatre Company President Sharon Brodie said “Lismore Theatre Company is delighted that the distress of losing some mature koala food trees early this year has turned to joy in that we are able to provide more trees for the wider community and our native wildlife to enjoy”.“The compensation we received will be multiplied in the community by the volunteer groups that do so much to enhance our natural environment”, she said.“When koala habitat is unfortunately lost, it’s important to recognise its importance and replace like-for-like’ said Luke Kane who is a member of Friends of the Koala (FoK) and LTC.“This will considerably boost our efforts to rehabilitate the creek and nearby bushland and restore habitat for wildlife. Corena Wynd from Upper Tucki Tucki Creek Landcare said “our goal is to improve and establish koala corridors and we are focused on planting along degraded riparian zones to help our struggling platypus and other wildlife. “Thank you to LTC for this help to achieve our goals.’ Dr Kristin den Exter of the Wilson’s River Landcarers Group said “the Wilson’s River Landcarer’s Group is actively replanting the riverbank - focusing on public land in Lismore. “This money will ensure more trees are planted contributing to the re-creation of lowland rainforest on the floodplain - an endangered ecological community.” 

Last year’s TURSA Art Prize competition at the Lismore Show was the biggest it had ever been.This year, with $4000 in prize money for the winners, it’s looking to be even bigger.The main acquisitive prize winner will receive $3000 and the grand champion will receive prize money of $1000.And the good news is - entries close October 4 - so there’s still time to enter your artworks.The Lismore Show this year will be held October 17 to 19, with school groups and their teachers and accompanying parents invited to come to the show for free on Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 19.North Coast National Agricultural and Industrial Society secretary Mark Bailey said this year’s acquisitive art prize is attracting entries from all around Australia. “TURSA Employment Services has been a major sponsor of the Lismore North Coast National Show for many years,” Mr Bailey said.“This year, TURSA has doubled the prize money and this funding is what has made the TURSA Art Prize a major event in the Northern Rivers, attracting a high quality of artwork.“There’s also an art prize sponsored by MP Janelle Saffin with $400 prize money. Local sponsors are also on board, like Lismore Regional Gallery and print and art supply shops.”In fact, this year’s competition is so big, Mr Bailey said organisers had to limit the number of paintings one artists could enter to four. “Previously, there was a maximum of 10, but we have so many entries that we still have the same number of artworks even though we halved the entries," Mr Bailey said.Winners of the TURSA Art Prize will be announced on Wednesday, October 16 at 5.30pm at a free opening of the art show.“Deputy Mayor Darlene Cook will open the show in the Gem Club at Lismore Showground,” Mr Bailey said.“We’ll also have free drinks and nibbles supplied by TURSA.“It will be quite and event.”This year’s TURSA Art Prize judges are TAFE head art teacher Steven Giese and Lismore Regional Gallery director Brett Adlington.“We also have a new team of volunteers helping out including Jeht Burgoyne , the former assistant director at Ballina Gallery.”For more information or to enter the TURSA Art Prize, visithttp://www.northcoastnational.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Art-Entry-2019-Form.pdfFor more information on the Lismore Show, visit http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/

Weapons were seized after a violent incident in Lismore yesterday, according to a Richmond Police District Facebook statement.“Police will allege that at 9.30pm on Thursday, a year 33 year old Bowraville woman has attended a Dalziell Street address with other people armed with baseball bats,” the statement said. “As police arrived they saw a juvenile hitting the 33 year old with a wooden stick. “Police were pushed and hindered as they placed the juvenile under arrest and disarmed her.“Police seized the (pictured) items. “Further inquiries are to be made but police anticipate several charges of Affray, Resist Police and Hinder Police will be laid on some of the people involved in this incident.”

Second Hand Saturday – the country’s biggest garage sale – will be held again this Saturday, 28 September.Almost 100 garage sales have been registered in the Lismore area alone with more than 500 across the North Coast.Organisers say everything from boats to brushcutters, camping gear and preloved children’s treasures, will be for sale.Hosted by North East Waste, the free annual community event has continued to gather momentum over the past 14 years, encouraging the community to support re-use over landfill and contribute to the war on waste.North East Waste coordinator Linda Tohver said "a popular trend we are seeing emerge, particularly this year, is neighbours, families and community centres joining forces to hold joint street sales or host market-place style sales".“This year there are over 80 joint sales registered across the North Coast, many with more than 10 individual sellers meaning you really don’t need to wander far to bag yourself some preloved bargains," she said.Len Johnston from the Richmond Hill Community Centre has been busy organising its combined garage sale event with over 10 stallholders from around the local area.“This is the first time we’ve participated in Second Hand Saturday, however our members thought it would be a great way to bring our community together,” he said.“With stallholders set up in the community centre, one can expect to find a wide range on offer, including jewellery, camping gear, clothing, homewares, gardening equipment and children’s items.“Plus, if the sales are starting to make you hungry, we’ll have a sausage sizzle on the day and cold drinks available for purchase to support the community centre,” he said.The Richmond Hill Community Centre sales will be held at 149 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill.To see what other sales are on and plan your shopping list, the Lismore App has a handy Second Hand Saturday button you can also use to find out what's on where.You can also visit the Second Hand Saturday website www.secondhandsaturday.com.au or download the free Second Hand Saturday app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.Here you’ll find a full garage sale list, interactive maps and route calculation and options to bookmark your favourite sales.You can also find a full list of garage sales in The Northern Rivers Echo this Thursday or The Northern Star on Saturday.Alternatively, check the Second Hand Saturday Facebook page @mysecondhandsaturday to stay in the loop with what’s happening this Second Hand Saturday.

To celebrate the school holidays, Lismore City Council is inviting families to Water Wednesday at Rocky Creek Dam on October 9.Families are invited to Water Wednesday at the Rocky Creek Dam picnic area on October 9 from 10am to 2pm. Bring the kids and explore, create and learn through a series of outdoor activities about water, water saving, our water catchment and the plants and animals of the Big Scrub.Free fun activities on the day include:• Nature activities: Take a close-up look at the rainforest plants of the Big Scrub. • Backyard birds: Identify local birds and their calls. Come along for info and get involved in the Aussie backyard bird count. • Koala watch and habitats: When does a koala need our help? Where does our wildlife live and why? • Catchment creation: Why do we need trees? Find out in this great learning activity. • Water walk: Take a guided walk across the dam wall. How does the water get from the dam to the tap and back? • Information Tent: Ask about what’s on and play the giant water-saving game. • 3D working Catchment Model: How can we help to keep the water clean and healthy? • Water science: Try some water experiments to make lilies, stars and giant bubbles. • Be waste wise: Draw your own design on a reusable bag to take home and shoot the 10c container basketball hoop!Ample parking is available or you can catch the free bus from the Lismore Visitor Information Centre. It leaves Lismore at 9.30am and returns at 1.30pm. Bus bookings are essential – please phone 1300 87 83 87.Children must be accompanied by a supervising adult at all times and please be safe and aware when walking in the carpark. Bring a hat, sunscreen and drinking water, and wear covered shoes.Families are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy with the beautiful dam views or amongst the rainforest.Lismore City Council is hosting Water Wednesday with support from the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens, Friends of the Koala, Richmond Landcare, Rous County Council and NE Waste.

“A Sydney woman will always regret the time she visited Woodburn”, a Richmond District Police Facebook statement said today.The woman, who is disqualified from driving until 2030 will appear in court after being stopped by police and testing positive for drugs in Woodburn yesterday.“Police will allege that at 3pm on Wednesday, a 34 year old Waterloo woman was driving through Woodburn when she was stopped by your local police,” the statement read.“She told police that she did not have a licence. “She then failed a roadside drug test for methamphetamine. “Police then discovered that she had supplied them with a false name and had a revocation of parole (straight to jail) warrant.“At Ballina, checks revealed she is disqualified from driving until 2030. “She also failed her secondary drug test.“She has been charged with Drive Whilst Disqualified and State False Name. “A further charge may be laid pending the final result of her drug analysis. “She will appear at Ballina Local Court today, and her revocation of parole warrant was executed.”

His head is a stuffed pillowcase stuffed, his mouth is painted on and he’s wearing second hand clothes.This may sound like a few people you know, but it’s actually Carol Boomsma’s scarecrow.Carol is a stall holder at Lismore Organic Market and she’s made her scarecrow for a competition to celebrate the organic market’s 20th birthday next Tuesday, October 1 at Lismore Showgrounds, from 7.30am until 12pm.Carol made her scarecrow to promote the event and inspire others to get involved in the competition and come along to the Northern Rivers’ only certified organic growers market for the celebrations.“It’s the longest running organic market in Australia and Lismore’s best kept secret,” Carol said. “The market is all about sustainable agriculture, low food miles and real relationships between growers and customers.”On the day, you can bring along your own scarecrow you’ve made yourself and enter the competition for $5 per entry – and there’s prizes to be won.Carol said the scarecrow making competition was a bit of fun to encourage people to get creative with ways they can put together recycled materials to keep birds,pests and bugs away.“Scarecrows are big, cute and fun and give people a chance to upcycle things they have around the house when they make one.“They really go with organic farming where we use different methods to help grow vegetables. “They don’t all have to be traditional scarecrows – they can be as simple as shirts and clothes flapping. “Anything goes. We’ll be looking at all things – creativity, uniqueness, cute factor and great use of recycled materials. Don’t buy new things to make it.“Some people make scarecrows out of plastic tubs and tins joined together to rattle around in the wind and scare crows away from picking at your crops.“When I started to make my scarecrow, I looked on the internet for ideas and was amazed at how many different scarecrows there were out there.“I made mine out of a bamboo frame tied together. Then I spent an afternoon weeding and pulled out blady grass and let that die off in the sun and I brushed it with that.”Carol said she’s been a stall holder at the organic market for 16 years and sells sunflower and salad greens.“I grow them in greenhouses in Coffee Camp and have been certified organic for 18 years. “It’s a great business to be in and I enjoy the markets – it’s such a wonderful community event every Tuesday, with seasonal, fresh locally grown organic produce.”Carol said to celebrate the 20th birthday of the market, local makers and growers are invited to have a one-off stall for the day, alongside the regular growers.There will be organic flowers, a native bee display and kits to build a hive, mushroom display and growing information, handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, organic chocolate, pecans, garden beds, plants and permaculture information.“With beautiful food prepared from our growers produce, organic coffee, live music, the scarecrow competition, a children’s art exhibition and demonstrations, it’s a family friendly celebration and everyone is welcome,” Carol said.Scarecrow competition details: All scarecrows must be handmade from scratchScarecrows can be made from any materials, but all materials must be up cycled, recycled or second hand. No new materials used and recycling is encouraged.Scarecrows must be delivered to the Lismore Organic Market before 9.30am to be eligible for display and judging.Scarecrows must not exceed 1.5m tall and be no smaller than 50cm.Name and contact number of the maker must be securely attached to the back of the scarecrow.Scarecrows can be picked up after the event. Lismore Organic market will take great care with your creations but cannot be held responsible for any scarecrows not picked up after the event. They will be left onsite.For more information about the scarecrow making competition, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2369468733379785/For more information about Lismore Organic Market, visit https://www.facebook.com/LismoreOrganicMarket/

There’s movement on the controversial North Lismore Plateau development, which will see the construction of hundreds of residences off Sexton Rd, North Lismore. Development company Winten have begun preliminary work on the Dunoon Road access road, testing the levels of clay in the soil.Project development manager Jim Punch said the company was only in the preliminary stage, “prior to doing civil works like road construction, water and sewage”.“We have the development civil works construction certificate from Lismore City Council and we’ve gone to tender for construction of bulk earthworks,” Mr Punch said.“We’ve had having machinery on site the past few weeks doing test digs to see how deep the clay is.“The Dunoon road access is underlaid with soft clay, so we’ll need to put down wet drainage to stabilise the road before we start building.“Once the earthworks tender is finalised, we’ll begin bringing topsoil material from the top to the bottom of the plateau and preload the road to stabilise it.”Mr Punch said the stabilisation works will be happening over the next four to six months, “Once that’s finalised, work should start imminently from there and we can start to do things like bring in gravel and form roads.“We’ll be ready to start work on stage one of the first 50 lots in February, 2020.”There are three precincts planned for the 255-hectare site on North Lismore Plateau, with two of them already having received development consents.Precincts 1 and 2 comprise a total of 390 residential allotments with open space and areas for environmental management.Precinct 3 is a staged development consent application for the creation of 43 residential allotments.This precinct is still under consideration for development, with extra planning approvals needed under Section 83B of the EP&A Act.Mr Punch said the third precinct has “approval in principle”, but Winton still had “some work to do in regard to vegetation plans”.“We need to lodge a development application specifically for the Western lots,” he said.The development project has been criticised by local groups since it was first proposed, due to the development site being ecologically sensitive and a place of Aboriginal cultural heritage.Last year, in the midst of heated opposition, a Northern Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRRP) was convened to oversee the North Lismore Plateau development process. The JRRP then approved stage one of the development in October 2018.The only condition imposed by the panel was that the approval of precinct 3 will be subject to a future Aboriginal heritage application and threatened species assessment.Opponents to the development of the North Lismore Plateau include Bundjalung Elders’ Council chair Micky Ryan.Mr Ryan commenced legal action earlier this year in the hope of invalidating the JRRP’s decision and halt the 433-lot first stage of the development.Mr Ryan’s legal representative Al Oshlack – who is also a representative of the North Lismore Plateau Protection Association (NLPPA) - said the development project was due to be heard in the Land and Environment Court in February next year.“The JRRP approved the first two developments,” Mr Oshlack said. “But precinct 3 has ecologically important redgum forest and rainforest areas. “Precinct 1 is planned to be built on the flood plain and will impact on North and South Lismore residents and intensify floods in the area.“The Office of Environment and Heritage hasn’t approved the development and is not satisfied that a proper hydrological assessment for precinct 1 has been done.“The developers should have assessed the clay in the ground prior to development.“Lismore plateau is a habitat for a number of endangered species of plants and animals and the proposed works of Winten and Council will have an adverse impact on significant Aboriginal cultural sites there.Mr Oshlack said he thought the development was “one of worst approved developments in Lismore”.“And rate payers have to pay for it,” he said. “Lismore Council is borrowing $32 million to build infrastructure for the development and the developer is the one who will benefit.“They shouldn’t be borrowing money if they don’t know if the development is going to go ahead and we already have a debt crisis.“Last year in a closed meeting, Council approved $10 million to construct a reservoir for the development.”Mr Punch said Winten was aware of the need to do a koala and bat survey in precinct 3.“We have always tried to do the right things and have consulted with the Aboriginal community since the day we started,” he said.“We believe we’ve done everything correctly and so does Council.”

“What do you call a cheetah that you’re going to eat for lunch? Fast food!”Lismore Public School student Sienna Gadsby recently enthralled listeners at a school public speaking competition about what it would be like if she were an animal.Sienna’s speech earned her first place in the stage 2 semi-final of the public speaking competition at Lismore Public School.Lismore Public School instructional leader Michelle Stroud-Watts said next term, Sienna will be joined by the winner of the stage 3 section, Lara Magner, who spoke on how the world is a small place these days.  “The two students will compete in The Rivers Public Speaking competition held at the City Hall on November 8, where schools from across the Lismore region will compete for the prestigious title of Public Speaking Champion,” Mrs Stroud-Watts said.“Adjudicators of the competition were Mrs Jenny Dowell, Daisy Thompson and Sophie Halliday. “They gave competitors great advice on slowing down your voice, the use of palm cards, and how to harness your nerves.  “The task of selecting a winner is always arduous and this year honourable mentions must go to Jyson Jarrett and Noah Heighway who were picked at the post by one point.”