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 

The North Coast Public Health Unit is advising all residents to protect their health as smoke from bushfires in Northern NSW are affecting air quality. People with respiratory and cardiac issues in particular are being urged to stay indoors. Fires scattered across the region are affecting air quality. Depending on prevailing winds, smoke from Southern Queensland is also affecting air quality in the region. Fine smoke particles can affect the human heart and respiratory system and can aggravate existing chronic health conditions by penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the blood system. North Coast Public Health Unit assistant director Greg Bell said the fine particles could cause various health problems such as itchy or burning eyes, throat irritation, runny nose and illnesses such as bronchitis. “We urge people with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions to be aware of the health effects of being exposed to bushfire smoke and totake steps to protect their health," Mr Bell said. “Not everyone who is exposed to bushfire smoke will have health problems and most healthy adults will find symptoms clear without any long-term consequences. “However, smoke exposure can lead people with lung diseases like asthma or chronic bronchitis may develop shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, possibly even days after smoke is inhaled. “We recommend these people closely monitor their symptoms and follow their asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) action plan.” People sensitive to smoke should avoid strenuous outdoor activity while it is visibly smoky and can reduce their exposure by staying indoors with the doors and windows shut. “Symptoms can occur for several days after smoke is inhaled, so people with chronic respiratory conditions need to be vigilant with their own medication or treatment programs,” Mr Bell said. “If symptoms do not settle, contact your doctor.” In the event of an emergency, always remember to dial Triple Zero (000) and always follow directions and advice provided by Emergency Services

The 21st annual Big Scrub Rainforest Day includes four days of exciting events across the region from September 19 to 22.The first event on the program is Science in the Pub, which will ask “How can practitioners in bushland management and restoration best respond to the challenges of climate change?”The free event is on Thursday, September 19 at the Lismore City Bowling Club with special guests Dr Nola Hancock from Macquarie University and Dr Kevin Glencross from Southern Cross University.Dr Hancock grew up on a farm in the Mallee district of South Australia. Her research interests are in climate change adaptation in the practice of revegetation.In a past life, Nola worked as a bush regenerator, Bushcare supervisor and local government bushland officer. Her PhD was on the role of provenance in restoration ecology under climate change, completed in 2012.Since then, she has worked at Macquarie University, in the Biodiversity Node of the NSW Adaptation Research Hub. She will talk about climate change predictions for our region and what this means for species selection and provenance strategies in revegetation.Dr Kevin Glencross from Southern Cross University.Dr Kevin Glencross is a research fellow at Southern Cross University, and has been actively involved in the replanting of forests for over 25 years, with a particular focus on carbon sequestration, design and monitoring of biodiversity.He has been restoring his own small farm out near Kyogle since 1993, prior to becoming a researcher.His PhD focused on mixed species rainforest plantations (2002-07) in subtropical and tropical Australia. In the years since, he has been actively involved in reforestation, agroecology and agroforestry research programs in Australia, China and the Pacific region specialising in integrating agriculture and trees, restoration of degraded land and building rural livelihoods.Dr Glencross will present on projects that are striving to make measurable and meaningful contributions to the challenges of changing climate through carbon storage, watershed management, climate regulation, biodiversity conservation and supporting rural livelihoods.During the evening, Big Scrub Landcare will also launch the third edition of their popular Rainforest Restoration Manual. Copies will be available for sale on the night.With free finger food served at 5.30pm, there will be time to charge your glass in the name of science before delving into the science of restoration in the face of climate change.This Science in the Pub event is brought to you by the Northern Rivers Science Hub in partnership with Lismore City Council. Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm start.Science in the Pub is one of 15 activities taking place across four days throughout the Northern Rivers as part of Big Scrub Rainforest Day. These activities offer you the chance to touch, see and learn about the Big Scrub and its magnificent biodiversity.The weekend features nature adventure and connection events, landholder field days, community tree plantings, guided rainforest walks, science and ecology talks, and fun family activities.The Big Scrub Rainforest Day is presented by Big Scrub Landcare in association with Rous County Council.For the full program of events, visit www.bigscrubrainforest.org

A man found hiding under building after an alleged police pursuit in Lismore was refused bail and scheduled to face Lismore Local Court."About 9.40pm on Sunday, police were patrolling Hunter Street, Lismore when they noticed a Ford Falcon sedan allegedly travelling more than 100km/hr in a signposted 60km/hr zone”, a police media statement said.“Police activated their warning lights and sirens, but the Ford did not stop. Officers began a pursuit where the Ford damaged several park cars.“A short time later, the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a building on Hindmarsh Street, Lismore before fleeing on foot.“Officers from Richmond Police District arrived and established a perimeter before a 24-year-old man was located hiding underneath a building nearby.“No one was injured during the incident.“The man was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, never licensed person drive vehicle on road, use unregistered vehicle, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous and use registrable vehicle not display authorised number-plates.“He was refused bail to face Lismore Local Court on Monday.”

Funny woman Mandy Nolan has no desire to be a councillor, but likes to criticise council and “agitate on the outside”. “That’s a vital role,” she said, laughing.Mandy encourages anyone who’s ever considered running for local council elections to come along to A Night with Mandy Nolan for Prospective Councillors.It’s a night of stories, insights and laughter for anyone interested in becoming a councillor, held at Lismore City Bowling Club on September 18.The next local government elections are in September 2020 and all potential candidates, friends, relatives and interested community members are welcome.The night will include a councillor interview panel with current councillors Isaac Smith, Elly Bird and Neil Marks among those being quizzed by Mandy on the highs and lows of civic leadership.“I want to make it accessible and fun, which people don’t usually associate with council,” Mandy said. “I won’t let it get bogged down in boring, bureaucratic language - people go to sleep in that.”Although she said she’s just a community member, Mandy believes there’s nothing more dynamic than getting involved in local politics as an important way to make a difference in your community.“No-one knows what they are doing when they get into local politics,” she said. “Some of the stories the councillors have can be cringeworthy and people get a chance to ask their burning questions of them.“Questions like: What kind of challenges will come your way? How do you learn not to take things personally? How do you sit through long meetings without falling asleep?”Councillor Neil Marks said he was happy to put his hand up to be on the panel on the night.“Those that think we’re funny will find out we’re not,” he laughed.“Being on council is a great way to lose every friend and contact you’ve ever had.“And you get to introduce yourself to family every week and say ‘remember me?’“But it’s the most rewarding thing you can do to get involved in things you never thought never need to bet involved in.”Neil said he got into council 11 years ago and for his it was about either “standing outside or going inside and getting involved.“It can take up as much time as you want it to,” he said. “You need to be available on Tuesday nights, but then it’s up to you how much you want to be involved. “I’m on five committees and advisory groups with lots of meetings.“You can be reasonable busy and the community expect you are at events and seen to be out and about.“You also spend time answering emails and spend hours reading - people don’t see that. It can take up a fair chunk of time if you allow it to dominate.“But on council, we can put ideas forward to make our city benefit.“I’m keen to stay on council - my wife would kill me if I was home on Tuesday nights,” he laughed. “My youngest son was born the night before my first council meeting and he’s spent his life growing up with council.“I love it because of the of decisions you make, not the politics.“We need people who want to be there making decisions for the right reasons for community.”Join the fun and learn about the challenges and triumphs of local government in a fun and informal atmosphere at A Night with Mandy Nolan for Prospective Councillors at Lismore City Bowling Club on Saturday, September 18, from 6-8.30pm.Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

When the Timberjacks baseball stadium on Keen Street, Lismore had Hurford Hardwood sponsor the new dugouts, Bill O’Sullivan from Far North Coast (FNC) Baseball Association said “it was a match made in heaven”.“Hurford is a major sponsor of Timberjacks,” Bill said. “The new dugouts are made with Hurford’s timber.”Bill said the Timberjacks playing fields were half way through a $7 million redevelopment, funded by the state and federal governments and Baseball Australia. “We have five fields in total,” he said. “Two in development, the Baxter Field and three fields near the river so we can play three Little League games at the same time. “It’s perfect for softball tournaments. “There’s also the four state-of-the-art batting tunnels for people to practice in.“We have one of the best baseball facilities in NSW, but sadly few people know about it.“It’s the best kept secret in town.”The Timberjacks Stadium in Lismore.“We run four big events a year for little league and seniors and when the league championships are on, families and players come to Lismore and book out all the accommodation. “We’ve also had the Australian and Canadian teams play here and they all loved the place and said we had the best dugouts in Australia.“Build it and they will come. Next year we have the championships here in May and June.” Bill said FNC Baseball runs the playing facility and chose to adopt the logo of the Timberjacks, which shows a timber cutter cutting a tree down,.“We liked the connection between us and the early settlers,” he said.“Then, it was a natural connection between the Timberjacks, wood and having Hurford Hardwood as a sponsor.”Garry Connolly, Lexie Hurford, Bill O'Sullivan and Andrew Hurford at the Timberjacks Stadium in Lismore.Hurford project manager Garry Connolly said Hurford Hardwood donated the wood for the new dugouts and constructed them.“The dugouts are flood plan appropriate and are not sunk down because we are in a flood plain,” Garry said.“The seating is made of wood, which is great because we play through Winter and the seats are warmer.”

Read the story and see the picture gallery of Riverfest from Saturday, September 7.Sitting under shady trees by the Wilson’s River listening to live music and talks were some of the highlights of the Riverfest for festival goers.Hundreds of people enjoyed music from the Romaniacs, Mikaela and Sara Tindley, as well as talks and displays from the SES looking at flood safety and how to rescue people in a flood. Local Landcare groups and science displays on the day focussed on river health and local services and brought an awareness of the local river and floods to the Lismore community.People gathered by the Wilson's River for Riverfest on Saturday, September 7SES community capability officer Janet Pettit said the Riverfest was a fantastic opportunity to talk to the Lismore community about local risks and beauty and danger of floods. “We have lots of demonstrations about what the local SES does during flood rescues,” Janet said.SES crew John Ludlow, Kelly Bohn, Andrew Adams, Paul Von Bratt, Jason Balderi, Layla Balderi and Crystal Enspey at Riverfest.Riverfest MC Lisa Sharpe said she had worked in Lismore for four years and didn’t know this area by the river was here. “I’ve got a new thing to do in this town,” Lisa said. “It’s one of the best places to come at lunchtime and sit under the shade of the trees next to the river. I have a vision of swimming in the river.”MC Lisa Sharpe and Pip Ross. "River Health is so important," Pip said.Keith Bale said he attended one of the talks in the River Talks tent by John Larsson called ‘The changing face of oysters’.“I learned about oysters,” Keith said. “The Sydney rock oyster died from contamination in the ocean."Now there’s a new breed of oyster in the Richmond River. Oysters are essential for the health of the river as they filter the water clean."We need oysters for clean water."There was a flood in the Richmond River in 2017 some of the oysters survived the contamination of the river – but we need millions of them to clean the water.” Keith Bale and Malcolm Young.Ray parry writes poetry at the 'Write a limerick' workshop'.Omega, Rana White and Mark Broomhall.Kieran Shah, Liz Shah and singer Amanda Shoebridge.Barbara Jensen from Lismore City Council explains how flooding works in a model of town.Mel Marshall and Kylie Watson.Proprietor of Fox Den Studios, Guy Ingham.Riverfest organisers Elly Bird and Maddy-rose Braddon.Wendy Lane.Dave Dreher and Alex Stephens.Alex Clarke enjoys looking at the river.Mikaela performs on the River Stage.Zac Mifsud said he used to be an SES volunteer.Sara Tindley performs on the River Stage.Melinda Turner and Jay Watts.Information displays went from small to big.Children learned about SES rescues during floods.

CASPA house leader Jayde McMurray, 25, said her experience growing up in the foster care system was hard.“I never felt like I belonged anywhere and was moved around to different foster homes constantly,” Jayde said. “It was difficult getting to know and trusting new people all the time.”But Jayde said it was these experiences that gave her the strength and compassion she needed to help and mentor other young people in care.In July this year, Jayde won the Outstanding Young Employee award at the Lismore Business Awards. In October, she’s off to the regional business awards and if she wins that, she’ll make the national awards.Jayde said she was happy to be nominated for her work at CASPA because she wanted to make the public more aware of the important work CASPA does.“We take some of the most traumatised kids in NSW that no one else will take and we don’t give up – ever,” Jayde said.CASPA is a not-for-profit organisation providing a range of specialised care services for youth with complex needs and for people with disabilities. A large part of CASPA’s work is providing residential care and support for young people in the foster system. “I think people don’t understand what we do,” Jayde said. “These kids are often seen as dysfunctional in our community and I want people to see them in a more positive light.Jayde started working at CASPA two and a half years ago as a youth worker, before becoming a house leader and looking after the residential support services.“I have two houses, ten staff and one or two young people in each house,” Jayde said. “I support the staff and young people and make sure everything runs smoothly.Jayde said when she was in foster care, it was her team leader who looked after her who was one of her greatest inspirations. “When I had my first child, she fostered me and she never gave up and pushed me for a lot of years,” Jayde said “Without her I wouldn’t be alive. It took that one person to see something in me that I couldn’t see in myself.“She’s still my mum.“You need to be a strong person to be a carer in a mentoring role.“For these kids who are in and out of care, they have so many people in and out of their lives, that nothing feels permanent and they feel that they don’t belong or are not valued.”Because she moved around so much in the foster care system, Jayde did most of her high school education through distance education, and then left school in year 10.“I didn’t stick with education and realised importance of it as I got older,” Jayde said.“I say to kids that now it seems like a burden, but when you are older, you’ll be thankful you did it.“Distance education is hard because there’s no social side of life. A lot of kids here are not supported in the mainstream school system at all. They then go and find alternative peer groups – probably not the best type of people and no one their own age.By the time Jayde was 22, she had two children and was working in retail jobs - until she decided to change her path. She went to TAFE and studied Certificate 4 in Community Services, realising she wanted to help people. A year later, she applied for a job at CASPA.“I’m still doing my diploma and working full time with three kids - it’s hard,” Jayde said.“I don’t think I can do anything else with my life - I understand where the kids are at.“I talk to them and empathise with them.“A massive part of their healing is to be accepted in the community, but they are looked at like they are naughty kids.“All they want is to be accepted and have somewhere they feel like they belong.“These kids have been through the most unimaginable traumas in their life. “They have been though every kind of abuse a human could be subject to and they can’t help it.“They missed out on the vital parts of life – of having a mum and dad.“They are running in survival mode, their brains are always on high alert and their behaviours are pain based.“These behaviours have kept them alive and they will continue to do it until they have the right people and acceptance.”“If we can educate people in our community about trauma, then they will be able to understand these kids so much more.”To find out more information about CASPA, visit https://www.caspa.asn.au/

A reported stolen car failed to stop after being spotted on Diadem Street, Lismore, and was pursued by police late last night.Richmond Police District Highway Patrol will allege that at 11:15pm they saw a stolen car driving along Diadem Street. It failed to stop and a pursuit commenced."The stolen car drove at a speed well over the speed limit, and eventually stopped on Invercauld Road. As police approached the vehicle, the juvenile driver released the handbrake. Police had to lean into the car and engage the handbrake before it hit the highway patrol car," Richmond Police District said on its Facebook page."Police located a knife and drug paraphernalia in the car, and the driver was taken to hospital for a blood test. He was then charged with Take and Drive Conveyance, Police Pursuit, Unlicensed Driver and Custody of a Knife. He was released on conditional bail and will appear at Lismore Children's Court in October.

Smoke and dust is likely to cover Lismore today and tomorrow as gusty winds bring them into the city.A satellite picture from Northern NSW Severe Weather this morning showed the band of dust (over Bundaberg now) which moved through overnight. The smoke was moving eastwards from the fires in Ebor, Drake, Tenterfield and Legume.NSW Rural Fire Service commenting on the fires at Drake and Tabulum at 7.02pm said that strong winds were expected to continue through the night.The skyline near Clifford Park, Goonellabah, earlier today. Picture: Jaime Bowler / FacebookThe bush fire burning in the area around Mount Mackenzie Road, Tenterfield, had burnt more than 3,517 hectares and was out of control, the RFS said."The Bruxner Highway is currently open but may be affected by smoke," RFS said.NSW Rural Fire Service: "At 1700hrs today, there are 62 bush and grass fires burning across NSW with 24 uncontained, predominantly in the north of the state." Julie Lavis posted on Facebook this morning: "This is the view from our back deck in Lismore, facing east, this morning. A combination of dust and bushfire smoke. A pretty effect but so devastating. It's only the beginning of spring. Summer ahead is a scary prospect."Carson Parkes posted in Lismore What's Happening: "Does anyone in Goonellabah smell and see smoke? I’m located near the Coles and there is so much smoke everywhere and the smell is very overpowering."There is a total fire ban for the Far North Coast.This means no open fires anywhere in Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley, Tweed Heads.

The woodchop arena at this year’s North Coast National show at Lismore Showgrounds will be bigger and better than it’s been for decades. With a bigger area, a new fence and concrete footings for the trees to be placed in, the arena will also host this year’s woodchop state championship. This year's North Coast National will take place on October 17-19.North Coast National Agricultural and Industrial Society secretary Mark Bailey said the arena upgrade was thanks to the sponsorship of the Hurford family. “The support of Hurford Hardwood by supplying materials for the arena upgrade has been instrumental in putting the event and the North Coast National back on the map.”Even the heritage grandstand behind the arena has been given a facelift, with Lismore TAFE students building new stairs for it.Woodchop steward James Livingstone said some of the top axemen in Australia will be coming for the state championship event, which is to be held in Lismore for the first time.“Tree felling is a spectacular event,” Mr Livingstone said. “At last year’s show, we saw the most axemen attend since the old days and the axemen’s guild came along and decided to give the state championship to Lismore.” James said he and his father had been involved in woodchopping for decades and that he’d “won his fair share of woodchop events”.“In the 1970s it wasn’t uncommon to have 100 axemen at the show.”The woodchop event will take place on Friday, October 19 at the show.Lexie Hurford, Andrew Hurford, Mark Bailey, North Coast National president John Gibson, James Livingstone and Garry Connolly at the woodchop arena at Lismore Showground.Hurford’s owner Lexie Hurford said the Hurford family have been in the business of wood and wood products since 1932 and she was looking forward to seeing more school children come along to this year’s show to learn about forestry.“We have an interactive forestry exhibition on display in the next pavilion,” Ms Hurford said. “Local land services recently filmed on one of our plantations and we’ll be screening a movie about it in the pavilion and encourage school groups to come along and see it on Thursday and Friday at the show.”Hurford Hardwood’s director Andrew Hurford said a new Virtual Reality display will be coming to the show in the future, where school students will be able to wear a head set and learn about forestry and the lifecycle of forests from planting trees to making products from wood. Mr Bailey said school students and accompanying teachers and parents will get free entry to the show on the Thursday and Friday.“It’s important that a child growing up in an urban environment can learn about these important rural activities that happen in our region,” Mr Bailey said. “The North Coast National is growing and we want to encourage everyone to come along and support it. “It takes a lot of work to put the show on. The cost of running the show ground has grown, as has the work of the president and board and committee.“Because of the drought and the economy, 14 small regional shows will not happen this year and six may never happen again. “It’s a tragedy for rural NSW and show societies and something that needs to be addressed at government level. About the North Coast National:The North Coast National Agricultural and Industrial Society Inc began as a community organisation 132 years ago. The Society was formed to bring early settlers together to share knowledge about farming and also to show the world their achievements. It has been a celebration of agriculture, ingenuity, creativity and resilience.The show is one of the largest in NSW and Queensland outside the capital cities, and it is run by a small number of staff members and a large number of volunteers.Members elect a management board each year and they meet regularly to oversee the maintenance of the grounds, plan for events, and ensure that the annual show is responsive to changing times and tastes.For more information about the North Coast National Show, visit http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/

The Lismore Memorial Baths will reopen next Monday, September 9 for the 2019/20 swimming season.The Lismore Memorial Baths has played a central role in the Lismore community since it opened in 1928 and that history is proudly depicted on the walls of the facility with historical photos and stories.From September 9, the Memorial Baths will be open Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm and on weekends from 9am to 5pm.Once daylight saving commences on Sunday, 6 October, the Memorial Baths will be open Monday to Friday from 6am to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm.The Lismore Memorial Baths also has extended hours for 35 degree-plus days – Monday to Friday until 8pm and Saturday and Sunday until 7pm.As well as being available for lap swimming and recreational use, the Lismore Memorial Baths is home to the Swimsations Swim School, which is offering learn-to-swim classes at the Baths during Term 4 2019 and Term 1 2020. Free swim assessments are available for children – simply phone 6621 6166 to book an appointment.The Memorial Baths has a kiosk on site and can also cater for birthday parties.The Lismore Memorial Baths is centrally located in the Lismore CBD at 179 Molesworth Street, Lismore.

What do you think about Short-term Holiday Letting (STHL) in our region? Your chance to voice your opinion is here. Help shape the future of Lismore by taking part in an SCU research survey before September 29. Researchers from Southern Cross University (SCU) are giving residents a chance to voice their opinions on the future of Short-term Holiday Letting (STHL) in the region.A team of researchers, led by Dr Tania von der Heidt from SCU’s School of Business and Tourism, are investigating residents’ views of STHL across all local government areas (LGAs) of the North Coast. The survey is being delivered through a partnership with Destination North Coast and the results will assist Lismore City and other local councils with future decision-making.The North Coast of NSW comprises many tourist hubs with the sector valued at approximately $12.5 million per day. Even though tourism generates 9.4% of regional jobs and supports over 7000 businesses (Destination North Coast, 2019), the North Coast faces many tourism pressures, not least from the burgeoning peer-to-peer accommodation platforms.STHL – including Airbnb, its largest, fastest-growing platform – has become increasingly significant within the tourism industry. This sector often raises polarised opinions within the community.For some, STHL provides employment opportunities directly through accommodating visitors or through the jobs created by increased visitation to the area. For others it may be the vehicle that enables them to remain in the area or their residence.Alternatively, others may have been impacted negatively through increased rental prices, reduced availability of rental accommodation or issues related to having an STHL property in their vicinity.SCU researchers and Destination North Coast believe that residents sharing their experiences will facilitate a better understanding of the impacts of STHL in the local region.This new knowledge will contribute to informed civic decision-making. For instance, councils across NSW may soon be considering a short-term letting cap of 180 days for non-hosted properties. Such a policy amendment is now possible under the whole-of-government framework for STHL in NSW.Previous research in parts of the North Coast has shown that most residents perceived both positive and negative impacts on the community through STHL. Research findings have shown most people weren’t against it – they simply wanted more regulation to make it fair play for everyone.The findings from this research will provide in-depth insights that can inform strategies, planning, policies and regulation that can guide future management.The survey is open until 29 September. To take the survey, go to: https://scuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0iDgjbBdqRaD2ND.

The physical theatre show Cockfight has been voted by performing arts centres around Australia as Tour of the Year at the 2019 Drover Awards.Produced by The Farm in association with Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) and Performing Lines, Cockfight premiered in 2015 as part of NORPA’s Season at Lismore City Hall. The show is described as “The Office mashed with a cage fight; an emotive generational showdown; and a dangerously comic physical performance”,The 2018 Cockfight tour was produced by Performing Lines in association with Arts on Tour and visited communities across six states and territories. The Cockfight tour gave regional audiences the opportunity to see this intensely physical office grudge match that raises important discussions around ageing, contemporary masculinity and corporate culture. Cockfight also toured throughout the UK and to South America in 2017.“The show is an example of the quality of work NORPA creates and programs,” Julian said. “This region deserves world class theatre experiences. Audiences across Australia got to experience this incredible work and it’s very gratifying to be recognised with a Drover Award from the Australian community of Performing Arts Centres.”Now in their 16th year, PAC (Performing Arts Centres) Australia's Drover Awards recognise excellence in the field of performing arts touring, acknowledging the companies that are committed to delivering performances to the millions of audiences in communities across Australia.With the distance between regional towns often so vast, the decision to tour a performing arts production is a serious undertaking, requiring massive commitment in both time and resources.The Drover Awards recognise the operational commitment and artistic determination required to ensure that regional audiences have the opportunity to experience work of an extraordinary calibre. For more information on NORPA productions and co-productions visit https://norpa.org.au/productions

This weekend, Riverfest brings musical talent, open mic poetry, talks and displays to the banks of the Wilsons River in Lismore - and the whole community is invited to join.For more information on Riverfest, read our story Riverfest calls to community to reconnect with the river this weekendCheck out the just released timetable for details of what's on:

The Return and Earn bulk collection centre at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre will reopen this Friday, September 6 as part of the ongoing staged reopening of the facility.The front half of the centre is now open with general waste, recycling and green waste disposal available. The Lismore Revolve Shop and the Lismore Pound have also reopened.The composting pads and the Materials Recovery Facility building damaged in the fire could be closed for a period of up to 12 months while damage assessments and repairs are undertaken.Compost will not be for sale for many months until the specialty compost aeration system can be replaced.Council’s acting executive director of infrastructure services Peter Jeuken said the reopening and restoration of the facility was happening as fast as possible.“We have had a very busy time since we reopened last week and we appreciate some people have been waiting quite some time for the Return and Earn bulk collection centre to reopen,” Peter said.“People may need to be patient at the bulk collection centre while we work through the expected backlog.“This collection centre is essential for community groups, sporting clubs and those recycling big volumes of bottles and cans. We understand how keen people are to see the facility reopen and we will definitely be back in operation tomorrow.“We appreciate the fire has caused major disruption for local residents but once the Return and Earn bulk collection centre reopens, all services will be back to normal, with the exception of our compost sales.“This is also an opportunity to thank the community for their patience, Council staff for their commitment, and the EPA and Safework NSW for working with Council to enable progressive reopening of the facility.”The Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm and Saturday/Sunday from 9am to 4pm.The Lismore Revolve Shop is open Tuesday from 9am to 2pm and Thursday/Friday/Saturday from 9am to 1pm.The Return and Earn container deposit machines at Goonellabah Shopping Centre and Brewster Street in Lismore are still operational to dispose of recyclable containers, and the Brewster Street Drop-off Centre and the Nimbin Transfer Station also remain open.

Nimbin performance poetry world cup organiser Gail Clarke has 40 keen wordsmiths polishing up their poems for the grand final prize of $2000 this weekend. “It’s going to be a massive one this year and we’ve drawn a lot of attention from new poets from near and far,” Gail said.This Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8, Nimbin Town Hall will host the 17th annual Nimbin performance poetry world cup heats and semi-finals from 11am, with the grand final on Sunday night at 7.30pm.“It’s amazing the diversity of poets who come,” Gail said. “People from 17 years old to 80 get up and perform.”“It’s a hugely popular Nimbin event not to be missed and people can come along and enjoy poetry at its best during an entire weekend of brilliant performance.”Gail said each poet gets eight minutes to say their piece, and the clock starts as soon as they start speaking. “I’m not a fan of the Chicago style two minute slam,” she said. “It goes too fast.“Some of the word smiths, like David Hallett, can memorise an eight minute poem and it’s amazing how they keep their composure and are brave enough to do it.“I often watch the audience reacting to a poet and see when they’ve lost it, but when a poet has good delivery, emotional expression and can hold an audience for eight minutes, it gives me goose bumps.”Gail said it’s interesting to see what the common themes and topics for the poetry each year are. “Often it’s what’s going on in our environment and the world,” she said. “There’s always a comedy theme and some of the young ones go back to love poems.”As a poet herself, Gail said her best writing comes when “it kicks me”.“My best pieces just come and I work on them a little bit, but they are basically there,” she said. “My poems are heart felt stuff about word craziness and about waking up and remembering how lucky we are to be here and free.“In Nimbin we also have a once a month poetry night and I like to go to the one in Lismore too. These nights give poets a chance to practice their poems in front of an audience. Gail said she started the Nimbin poetry world cup 17 years ago after going along to the Byron Writer’s Festival and seeing that “poetry was treated appallingly”.“I was one of the people the Lismore Writer’s Centre and our centre started the Byron Writer’s Festival," she said.“I was with my friend Archie and we wanted to see poetry treated better, so Archie gave me $5000 and said ‘go for it – start a poetry festival’.“It was mainly local people at first, then the word spread and people started coming from Sydney and all over.As the Nimbin poetry world cup grows bigger every year, Gail said so many poets apply that she has a reserve waiting list for poets in case one of those registered doesn’t turn up.“A wild card won the people’s choice one year – Rebecca from Lismore came along but didn’t register and she got one of the empty spots - and she won.”Throughout Saturday and Sunday, eight poets compete in each heat, with winners of heats going on to semi-finals, until the last eight poets standing take the stage for the finals.“Every heat has new judges – and on Sunday at the final, one of the judges is last year’s winner Sarah Temporal, who’s off to Sydney for the NSW poetry slam,” Gail said.“She’ll also get to perform a piece. Nimbin poetry world cup details:Saturday, September 7: Heats from 11amSunday, September 8: Semi Finals from 12pm, Grand Final at 7.30pmCost: Gold coin donation for the heats. 15 or $10 concession for the grand finalWhere: Nimbin Town Hall, 45 Cullen St, NimbinMore information: www.facebook.com/NimbinPoetry/

A school bus crashed into the rear end of a garbage truck in Goonellabah this morning.A NSW police statement said the incident happened at 8.40am on Pleasant St on the corner of Rous Rd, between Fischer St and Shearman Drive.“After reports about a bus involved in a crash, police officers, NSW Fire and Rescue and ambulance officers attended the scene,” the statement said.“The driver and ten students were unable to exit the bus due to damage sustained to the bus door. “After a short time, they were removed through an emergency exit window.“At the scene, three students and the bus driver were treated for minor injuries. “One student was taken to Lismore hospital as a precaution after saying she had neck pain. “All students on the bus were wearing seat belts.”The bus involved was from Northern Rivers Buslines.

The Lismore-based University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH) has received federal government funding for health research for improving Indigenous health care equity.The $2.5m funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is to strengthen primary health care systems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing.The Centre of Research Excellence in Strengthening systems for Indigenous health care equity (nicknamed CRE-STRIDE) is a new phase of ongoing collaborative work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care that goes back to the early 2000s. Over this time, the collaboration has grown to a network of more than 360 people including health practitioners, researchers and policymakers, who have led research in applying quality improvement processes to strengthen delivery of comprehensive, integrated primary health care. CRE-STRIDE will extend the application of quality improvement beyond clinical care to address multifactorial determinants of health and empower communities to guide health care improvements. Dr Veronica Matthews and UCRH academic lead for Indigenous Health, Emma Walker are two of ten Indigenous investigators from across the country who are involved in leading CRE-STRIDE. “A key element of STRIDE is its strong Indigenous leadership placing the strengths, needs and aspirations of Indigenous people at the centre of research and health systems improvement,” Dr Matthews said.“It is a great achievement for the UCRH to lead the CRE in conjunction with a number of other universities.” UCRH director Professor Ross Bailie, said the Lismore-based CRE was pioneering rural and Indigenous health approaches. “The Indigenous leadership is a first for University of Sydney’s CREs… based in a regional town, this is also a great boost for rural health research generally as we live and work with rural communities,” Prof Bailie said.