Nimbin is now under high tech surveillance, just as much as Lismore is.With 56 new digital CCTV cameras already installed and live in Lismore’s CBD - now Nimbin is also being included in the new wave of maximum surveillance to increase public safety.The new CCTV cameras in Lismore’s CBD were funded by a $433,000 federal government grant to Lismore City Council. Council also received a $250,000 NSW Community Safety Fund grant for expansion of the Lismore CBD CCTV network and renewal of the Nimbin CCTV system.Council’s Compliance Coordinator Matt Kelly said “the end result is a system that can be monitored through one control room.”The Nimbin CCTV renewal includes upgrading the five existing cameras as well as the addition of two new locations (in the Western Carpark and on Cullen Street opposite the community centre). Each location will have one pan-tilt zoom camera and one fixed camera providing 24/7 monitoring.The Nimbin system is a stand-alone system that can be viewed remotely from the Nimbin Police Station, Lismore Police Station or the Lismore CCTV control room.“In Lismore we will have excellent coverage throughout the CBD and down one of our main thoroughfares leaving the city centre, while in Nimbin we have significantly increased coverage along the main street,” Mr Kelly said.“In both cases, the old fixed cameras had blind spots whereas this technology is much more sophisticated and allows for 360-degree coverage as well as very high resolution imagery.“CCTV renewals were identified as a key safety action in Council’s Crime Prevention Plan so it’s great to see these upgrades come to fruition.”To read more about the CCTV cameras in Lismore’s CBD, read the Lismore App story Smile Lismore - you’re on maximum surveillance CCTV

There are 56 new digital CCTV cameras with high resolution imagery in Lismore’s CBD – and they are recording 24 hours a day.“They are looking for the naughty people,” Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan joked as he announced the new cameras were switched on and working.The new cameras are replacing the old analogue CCTV cameras in the CBD and will provide maximum surveillance throughout the CBD.Locations for the new camera are at the intersections of Woodlark and Dawson, Brewster and Uralba, and Brewster and Leycester streets.Each location will have one pan-tilt zoom camera and three fixed cameras, providing 24/7 monitoring. Mr Hogan said the new cameras will improve safety and lower crime.It’s live now and being monitored and streamed from Lismore Police Station.Locations of the new cameras in Lismore's CBD.Mr Hogan said funding for the new cameras came from a Federal government grant of $433,000 to Lismore City Council.“Council came to me three years ago to get the funding to replace the old system and to cover the blind spots in previous CBD camera coverage," Mr Hogan said.“Statistics show that when CCTV is introduced, crime in that area decreases.“There have been no problems in the CBD since the cameras have been installed."It helps with alcohol and violence related crimes and protects businesses in the CBD from break-ins."Lismore City Council development and compliance acting manager Chris Watts said expanding the limited old camera network was a key safety action in Council’s crime prevention plan for crime.“Footage is recorded 24 hours a day with remote access capability and security looks at it at night,” Mr Watts said.“It’s good that our regional city now has effective and modern safety measures in place.”Lismore City Council’s Chris Watts, General Manager Shelley Oldham, Mayor Isaac Smith and MP Kevin Hogan launching the new CCTV cameras in the Browns Creek/Clyde Campbell Carpark, behind the Richmond Hotel in Lismore’s CBD.Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said replacing the 20 year old technology was important.“I know people who come to the CBD feel safer knowing it is monitored,” Mayor Smith said.“The extended coverage goes to the hospital to the riverbank and includes car parks.“If you’ve been out in the CDB at night and you know you can’t get a park in front of a restaurant, now you know you can park safely in the monitored car parks.”Read about Nimbin's new CCTV cameras in The Lismore App story Nimbin monitored with new CCTV surveillance

As actors, they might bicker on the stage, but Shae Salmon and her daughter Kashmir Miller are actually very supportive of each other.The two women are enjoying rehearsing their lines together - getting ready to perform in the stage play Witches Abroad at the Rochdale Theatre this week.The play by Lismore Theatre Company is a mash of witches and fairytales and good versus evil.It’s an adaptation of one of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld fantasy books and has brought a cast - spanning generations - of local families to the stage.Shae and Kashmir have been on the stage together before, but Kashmir’s acting studies at Sydney Theatre School have allowed her to really help out her mum.“She prompts me when on stage if I forget lines,” Shae said. “It’s fun being with her and going to rehearsal three times a week.“We get on really well. We bicker and get more carried away in the play than we do in real life.”Shae, who plays Granny Weatherwax in the production, said Witches Abroad is a story of rival witches and good conquering evil - but that sometimes it’s uncertain what is good and what is evil.“Lily, the wicked godmother thinks she’s good, but manipulates people in the country and Genua city,” Shae said. “She makes stories out of the people and guides their lives so they fulfil her dreams of what the story should be.” Gray Wilson and Danyon Saxe-Wilson are in Witches Abroad.Shae said she watched the Terry Pratchet Discworld movies before joining the cast, but wanted to bring her “own sense of granny into the character”.“The play is shorter than the book’s story,” Shae said. “It’s been adapted from the novel by Henri Rennie, who was a friend of Terry Pratchett’s and gave him permission to write it.“Henri is an experienced actor and also the play’s director. He’ll be acting in the play as Toymaker, along with his wife Meredith Yardley who plays Mrs Pleasant, the palace cook.”The play has a cast of four family groupings - father and son, mother and sons, mother and daughter and husband and wife.Shae said “you might see a few people you know on stage”.“Peter Lehner, the Lismore choirmaster plays the baron,” Shae said. “He’s new to the stage.“There’s a few of Nimbin locals in the play too. “There’s also Sharon Brodie, Dave Brodie and Morgan Montague Elliott (mother and sons) and Gray Wilson and Danyon Saxe-Wilson (father and son).Gray Wilson, who plays Captain de Vere, is an experienced actor who is on stage with his son Danyon for the first time. Both of them say that while Gray has directed Danyon before, this opportunity to be on stage together is a long-held shared “dream come true”.Shae said in the production, the backstage crew have been working hard creating lighting and sound effects, and there’s lots of costumes. “I love being involved with community theatre,” Shae said.“Rochdale is beautiful theatre and we’d like more people come and support us.” Witches Abroad plays at the Rochdale Theatre on Ballina Road, Goonellabah on October 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20.Tickets cost $17 - $23. To book tickets, visit http://www.trybooking.com, or contact Lismore Theatre company http://www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au. 

If you, or someone you know needs help or support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.It’s ok to talk about mental health. Statistics show that three out of four people with mental health issues experience stigma. This October for Mental Health Month, a number of events are on offer for the Lismore community to work toward destigmatising mental health, including a free talk at Lismore Quad on World Mental Health Day, October 10.Read on to discover Mental Health Month events on October 9, 10, 18, 20 and 26.Healing with Nature: Wednesday, October 9, 10am to 12pmA Healing with Nature sharing circle for women will be held at Lismore Community Garden, this Wednesday, October 9.It’s a sharing circle for women about mental health and healing with nutrition, natural therapies and by getting out in nature. Healing with Nature will feature a discussion lead by local naturopath, Margaret Leadham and local bush therapist and bush regenerator Lorinda Wood.It is a part of Lismore City Council’s Feel Blue Touch Green project, and youth and family workers from Social Futures will also talk about services available. There will be a free morning tea and all local women are invited to Lismore Community Garden, 50 Brewster Street, Lismore.Opening Hearts and Minds – how do we talk about suicide?: Thursday, October 10, 6pmThursday Night Live! Is a free event at the Lismore Regional Gallery has the theme ‘Opening Hearts and Minds – how do we talk about suicide?’ You will hear a panel of experts from Beyond Empathy, Headspace and Rekindling The Spirit Ltd discuss and explore issues around suicide followed by an open Q&A session.World Mental Health Day, 10 October, is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health and suicide prevention. Every year globally, close to 800 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout life.Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians. About 350 young people aged 15–24 take their own lives every year – more than die on the roads. For every youth suicide, there are 100 to 200 more attempts. People of all ages, races, genders, incomes and family backgrounds commit suicide. But young people are especially at risk.Slate Gallery Cafe and bar opens at 5:30pm. Panel conversation commences at 6pm.It is a wheelchair accessible event and is a free event, ticketed for seating purposes only.Contact the gallery on 6627 4600 to request an Auslan interpreter. Slate Gallery cafe and bar opens at 5.30pm. The panel conversation commences at 6pm.Stampede Stigma: October 18, 10am-3pm and throughout the monthThe campaign intends to remove the fear and awkwardness around mental health by prompting people to talk about it. At Lismore Square and various sites.For information, visit www.stampedestigma.orgShare the journey: October 20, 9.30am-3pm. Wellways and Openminds bring the ‘Share the journey’ event to Lismore City Hall.The day will include theatre performances with a focus on mental health, as well as music, food and fun.Organisations are invited to participate in the event by having a display table. It’s an opportunity to showcase what your organisation does to help support people living with/ caring for people with mental health conditions. For information on having a display table, visithttps://socialfutures.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Mental-Health-Week_Share-the-Journey_Lismore_AUGUST-2017_Invite_FINAL.pdfGreen Day: October 26: 1-4pmA fun event celebrating youth with live performances, art space, story sharing, obstacle course jumping castle and more at Lismore Quad.Poetry reading, BBQ and music performance: October 29: 11.30am-2pmShare your creativity and enjoy the creativity of others. Held at the back of 48 Uralba Street, Lismore.For more information about Mental Health Month activities, visithttps://mymomentum.org.au/event/mental-health-month-lismore/

When Lismore’s Sheliya Van Buggenum decided to get a cochlear implant five years ago, it was the beginning of her journey into helping others.Last week, Sheliya, 65, received a Northern Rivers Adult Volunteer of the Year award at a ceremony in Lismore, along with other locals recognised for their volunteer contributions to our communities.“I was born with no hearing in my right ear and then had lots of infections in my left ear - leading to more hearing loss,” she said.“I was struggling with my hearing. I couldn’t hear my phone, or the car indicators, or the microwave sounds - and finally to try a cochlear implant in my right ear. “It was a scary decision to make – to have someone operate on your ear - and I put it off for two years.“But I decided I had nothing to lose and it was the best thing I ever did.“Now I feel more connected to the world than I would be without it.”As a result of her struggles when she first got her impant, Sheliya decided to voluntarily start a support group for others struggling with hearing loss and implants.“I didn’t take well to my implant and there was no support group here, so I wanted to start one.“I wanted to tell people it’s not so scary – that if they are struggling, the results of having an implant are mostly good and they can overcome the problems. Sheliya organises and runs Cicada - a kids peer support group for people looking to get cochlear implants and their family members.“We answer their questions and give them advice,” she said. Then four years ago, the Sydney Cochlear Implant group, who work with the Lismore branch of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children contacted her and asked Sheliya if she could do auditory training with new implant recipients.“I help people after they receive their implants and support them to adjust to their new hearing, including learning or re-learning language skills and helping with digital aids.”Sheliya said when she received the news that she had won a volunteer award, she was shocked.“I burst into tears, I was so shocked - I never win anything,” she laughed.Sheliya said she intends to keep volunteering and loves her work. The other recipient of a NSW 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for the Northern Rivers region was Senior Volunteer of the Year, Robert Grasby, from Coraki Golf Club. Robert also won the overall Northern Rivers 2019 Volunteer of the Year category for his work in almost single-handedly keepng the Coraki Golf Club operating through his volunteer work on the greens.Bob’s volunteer work has ensured the club survived difficult financial times and now thrives with better facilities and a growing membership.The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards is an annual program run by The Centre for Volunteering and has grown to become one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across the country.Regional finalists for the awards are announced at 21 ceremonies throughout NSW and are invited to the Gala State Ceremony in Sydney to celebrate the overall NSW Volunteer of the Year.The Centre for Volunteering chief executive Gemma Rygate said volunteers from across the region had given so much to the local community.“Your volunteers build connections for people in towns and communities across the region,” Ms Rygate said.“They help to build such positive experiences and links to services across health, education and community sectors. Our ceremony today recognises their work and gives us the chance to say thank you.”

Another person has been caught using a camera at Lismore Local Court, Richmond Police District alleged this morning."This is the second incident of this nature in the last week. If you are coming to Court please turn your phone off and concentrate on the proceedings," Richmond Police District said in a Facebook post.Police officers will allege that at 10.45am on Friday a 25-year-old Lismore man was in a court room at Lismore Local Court. A Sheriff had seen the 25-year-old using his mobile phone to record a video.His phone was seized and a photo of the foyer of the court was also seen.The man was taken to to Lismore Police Station where he told police he took the photos for his Snap Chat account followers.The photo was deleted and he was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for 'Use Recording Device In Court Premises'.He will appear at Lismore Local Court (again) in November.Lismore Police added: "You will be searched as you enter a Court, so you may also want to leave your weapons and drugs at home. Yes, we do catch people bringing drugs and weapons to Court!"

Temperatures are tipped to reach 40 degrees on Sunday. With the rising heat wave over the long weekend, people are being reminded to keep informed about the conditions and look after their health.The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting temperatures in the mid to high 30s and increasing across the state from Saturday, October 5 and peaking at 40 degrees on Sunday, October 6. Some regional areas will remain hot and windy on Monday, October 7. Models are indicating that new early season maximum temperature records may be broken for several inland locations. Raised dust may be a concern for the State’s west during Sunday as the winds become fresh and gusty. Visit www.bom.gov.au for updated weather forecasts and warnings.With these conditions expected, police and emergency services are urging everyone in NSW to remember the four key messages to keep healthy in the heat:1. Drink plenty of water (limit hot, sugary, or alcoholic beverages)2. Keep cool (stay in the air conditioning, if possible)3. Take care of others (visit or contact those at risk of heat-related illness)4. Have a plan (know who to contact if you need assistance and seek medical advice if you feel unwell).For more information on staying healthy in the heat, please visit NSW Health’s ‘Beat the Heat’ website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheatImportantly, motorists are reminded it is never okay to leave children, the elderly, or pets unattended in a car – even with the air conditioning running. Not only is this dangerous, it can be deadly.Livestock and pet owners are also being urged to ensure adequate clean water is always available and that shading is provided, where possible. Additionally, no animal should be left in confined, unventilated areas.The RSPCA has a multitude of advice available online for reducing heat stress for animals: https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/care-for-animals/pet-hazards/heat-stress.While it is advised to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, large crowds are still expected at NSW beaches, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools. Anyone swimming in unfamiliar waterways is urged to take extra care. Every year thousands of people require rescuing from the surf and many needlessly drown. Special care should be taken when swimming in rivers and dams where submerged items may pose elevated and/or unexpected risks.Members of the public should also be aware of the increased risk of bushfires on days with high temperature, especially when combined with windy conditions. The Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is urging those heading away this long weekend to check fire conditions and have a plan in the event they are threatened by fire. Check the NSW RFS website or the Fires Near Me NSW app and listen to local radio for updates. Visit the Rural Fire Service website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au) for bushfire preparedness advice and current conditions/warnings.Finally, in the event of an emergency, please call 000 (Triple Zero).

With school holidays underway and the October long weekend approaching - which coincides with the end of Queensland school holidays - Transport for NSW advises our highways will see heavy traffic and some delays. So if you’re heading out on a road trip, here’s some advice about planning for road works, taking it slow and making it to your destination safely.If you are thinking of taking your bicycle on the back of your car, read the Lismore App story Motorists cop $400 fines for putting bicycles on the back of carsOn the road, double demerits apply this weekend for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.Don’t forget daylight savings kicks in this Sunday, October 6, where clocks go forward one hour (5am becomes 6am).Read on to see detailed information about which roads will be experiencing delays.Based on traffic flow information from previous years and predictive analytics, motorists can expect heavy holiday traffic at the following locations on the NSW North Coast: Pacific Highway at WoodburnMotorists heading south are advised of expected heavy traffic on the Pacific Highway near Woodburn.Changed traffic conditions will be in place to keep motorists moving on Monday 7 October between 9am and 5pm. These times may vary depending on traffic volumes.Motorists will be temporarily restricted from turning right from the Court Street Bridge onto the Pacific Highway.Access to Woodburn Street will also be restricted with traffic unable to enter or exit Woodburn Street at the intersection with the highway.Pacific Highway at Woodburn - northbound Friday 4 October between 10am and 3pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.Saturday 5 October between 10am and 3pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.Monday 7 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 15 minutes, between 12pm and 3pm delays of up to 30 minutes and between 3pm and 6pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expectedPacific Highway at Tweed Heads - northboundFriday 4 October between 10am and 3pm delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected.Monday 7 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 10 minutes, between 12pm and 3pm delays of up to 20 minutes and between 3pm and 6pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.  Pacific Highway at Ulmarra - northbound Friday 4 October between 10am and 3pm delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected.Monday 7 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 10 minutes, between 12pm and 3pm delays of up to 30 minutes and between 3pm and 6pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected. Pacific Highway at Coffs Harbour - northbound Northbound trip on Friday 4 October between 10am and 3pm delays of 10 to 15 minutes can be expected. Northbound trip on Saturday 5 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.  Pacific Highway at Coffs Harbour - southboundMonday 7 October between 10am and 3pm delays of 5 to 10 minutes can be expected.  Pacific Highway at Hexham - northbound Friday 4 October between 6am and 10am delays of up to 10 minutes, between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 30 minutes and between 12pm and 3pm delays of up to 20 minutes can be expected. Saturday 5 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected. Pacific Highway at Hexham – southboundMonday 7 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 10 minutes, between 12pm and 3pm delays of up to 30 minutes and between 3pm and 6pm delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected. Nelson Bay Road at Salt AshMonday 7 October between 10am and 3pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.Changed traffic conditions and night work for Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions and night work on the Pacific Highway from Monday 30 September to Sunday 6 October for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade. There will be no roadwork carried out on the Pacific Highway between Kew and the Queensland border from 6am Friday 4 October to 6pm Tuesday 8 October due to the high traffic volumes expected for the long weekend. Emergency maintenance and safety repair work will be carried out as required. From Monday, there will be four nights of work on the Pacific Highway between Devils Pulpit and Woodburn to carry out line marking and paving and to install traffic barriers. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6pm and 6am. Also from Monday, there will be three days of work on the Pacific Highway at Maclean to carry out paving for the new interchange. Motorists can expect a reduced speed limit of 60km/h between 7am and 6pm. Tabulam Bridge maintenance Motorists are advised of continued changed traffic conditions and delays on the Bruxner Highway at Tabulam while essential maintenance is carried out on Tabulam Bridge.Maintenance activities will take another four weeks to complete, weather permitting, with work being carried out between 7am and 5pm on weekdays. Motorists may experience delays of up to 15 minutes while work is carried out. These delays will be confined to outside school start and finish times once students return on October 14, and queues will be managed to minimise disruptions to the travelling public.  Traffic control and a reduced speed limit are in place for the safety of workers and motorists. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and to follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Plan your trip You can plan you trip by visiting the holiday journeys webpage: rms.nsw.gov.au/holiday-journeys If you are keen to take an alternative route to your holiday destination which avoids the know pinch points, Destination NSW offers advice to plan your trip www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/drives-and-road-trips Additional message boards will be displaying real time information ahead of key traffic hotspots to assist travellers plan ahead or refer to Live Traffic to real time updates. Transport for NSW director of operations Mr Jonathon Crocker said Transport for NSW is helping motorists by providing information about traffic hotspots and alternative road options that may provide a smoother journey.  “We’ve used a combination of traffic data from previous years and predictive analytics to help motorists better understand what to expect on their journeys.” “It’s important to remember the delay information is in addition to the time it would take to travel through these areas on an average day. “We will also have Transport for NSW staff set up at the Warnervale Service Centres, and Clybucca and Yelgun rest areas ahead of known hotspots and delay points to give real time traffic information, return journey details, safety tips and support to travellers. “Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, get a good night’s sleep before they travel and take regular breaks.” Find out about traffic updatesFor the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.For information about local roadworks, visit The Lismore App Roadworks section.

Police Highway Patrol are warning motorists to not obscure their number plates by putting their bikes on the back of their cars.Richmond District Police have reported more people are riding their pushbikes as the days are getting hotter and longer.“Unfortunately, Police Highway Patrol are seeing more and more people putting their bikes on the back of their cars and obscuring their number plates,” a Richmond District Police Facebook statement said.“Upon speaking to some drivers, it becomes apparent they are intentionally obscuring their plates in order to avoid police discovering information about the car and the driver.“If you are taking the bikes out, please make sure your number plate is not obscured in any way. “The fine for doing so in the $400 range. “You can get a small plate from the RMS at a fraction of the cost of a fine. “Also, writing your plate number on a piece of cardboard simply won't cut it.“Please share this information with someone who puts their bikes on the back of their cars. “It may save them from copping a large fine.”If you are on the road this weekend, read The Lismore App story Heads up on highway delays this long weekend

The middle of school holidays and a long weekend so if your travelling you know you can expect delays going and coming back on Monday, stay patient.If you're staying in town, what do we have in store to get you out and about? Just a bit.....The Lord's Taverners 10th Anniversary Dinner is on tonight st the Trinity Sports Centre in Dawson Street at 6:30pm with special guest speaker, Winter Olympic Gold Medalist, Steven Bradbury. For spontaneous tickets get into Lismore Timezone Watchmakers (corner of Keen and Magellan Streets) and ask Graeme Hoskins or call him on (02) 6621 3944. Tickets are $75 each. Your support continues to help young people in Lismore achieve their dream whether it be through their chosen sports or education or by giving someone less fortunate a chance in life.Second Hand Saturday has it's 'Left Over' day tomorrow from 8am to 5pm. If you couldn't get around to all of the 700+ garage sales last weekend then this is your chance to hunt for more bargains. Head to the Second Hand Saturday button on the Lismore App of download their app through the App Store or Google Play.The Lismore Heights Sports Club has their 'Hollywood at the Heights' theme night if you are after something a bit different on Saturday.Markets, markets everywhere is the mainstay of this weekends activities. Here's the rundown;For fresh produce and a great breakfast head to the Lismore Farmers Markets at the Showground or the Blue Knob Markets from 8am and 8:30am.If you're after something that has been loved or handmade, then the Lismore Vintage and Handmade Markets are on tomorrow between 10am and 2pm.Then on Sunday, the Lismore Car Boot Markets are on at the Square from 7:30am with even more to browse and purchase.A reminder that the 134th Lismore Show is in countdown mode with only 13 days to go. Lock the dates away Thursday October 17, Friday October 18 and Saturday October 19. Tickets are on sale now https://lismoretickets.com.au/event/lismore-show-2019-10128 for $12.50 for adults (kids under 16 are free) or you can win one of 10 double passes on the WIN! button of the Lismore App main page. Entries close next Wednesday.Normally we can expect some rain around Lismore Show time but at this early stage the weather is looking good for the three days with maximums of 27/28 degrees. This weekend is also looking good with tops of 26 and the slight chance of rain in the late afternoon on Saturday.Have an awesome long weekend, travel safe and don't forget Daylight Saving kicks in this Sunday morning so set your clocks forward one hour.

Lismore Chamber of Commerce member Ellen Kronen’s personal experience of being on Newstart gave her the passion to get the Chamber of Commerce to back the national campaign the raise the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance. “I was made redundant after 20 years with the same employer,” Ellen said.“I had a plan to start my own business but then I broke my wrist. “Then I ran out of savings and forced to go onto Newstart.”Ellen is part of a diverse alliance of businesses, charities and affected citizens – as well as Lismore City Council - who came together this week to call for the federal government to immediately raise the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance.In Lismore, there are 2,223 people on Newstart and 617 people on Youth Allowance. Ellen said a $75 a week raise to allowances would inject an extra $11.11 million into the Lismore economy.“It means jobs and a happier life for people and the business community,” she said.“I received $537 a fortnight on Newstart and was lucky my father supported me, or I probably would have been homeless. “At the time, I was trying to pay the mortgage on a house but it was hard.“I couldn’t get access to my superannuation so I sold the house and got rid of my mortgage.“It’s depressing and it changed my attitude to money, living on less than $40 a day.Now, Ellen has a casual job which means more security for her.“Now I’m not so worried about how to pay the rent,” she said. “I’m still careful with my money after trying to scrape by on Newstart, but I know spending my money helps local business. “Now I shop locally to help Lismore. You can find everything you need here. Ageing demographicShelley Hayes is 64, and also on Newstart.She said she had been working as a teacher and then had burnout and depression and was hospitalised and lost her job. “I was forced to go onto Newstart in 2017 and wouldn’t have survived without being able to access my superannuation,” she said. “I’m over 60 so was allowed to access it, but younger people don’t have the opportunity to do that.“There are lots of single older women like me in the same position and it’s hard. “Lots of them are couch surfing or living in their cars. As you get older there’s less opportunity for work and employers need to recognise the ageing demographic.“We need to raise the rate enough to live on.Dumpster divingKashmir Miller, 19, is on youth allowance and received $300 a fortnight to live on. She’s studying environmental science at Southern Cross University and works part time.“It’s stressful studying and trying to work too,” she said. “It takes a toll on my emotional and mental wellbeing. “I always prioritise what I buy – there’s no luxuries and I don’t eat meat so that saves money - and I dumpster dive. “It’s always in the back of my mind how I can afford the next bill.“It is time to raise the rate and start treating students fairly and investing in the future of young ambitious Australians.”"You cannot get by on $40 a day"Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) Raise the Rate campaign coordinator Pas Forgione said Lismore has shown strong support for the campaign. “Lismore City Council and the Chamber of Commerce are behind it, and we need to get more local politicians like Kevin Hogan to listen,” he said.“The local community has come together with a clear message: you cannot get by on $40 a day.“In 20 years, there’s been no real change in the amount of money for Newstart and people are struggling. “Once people pay the rent there’s little left to live on.”Rental unaffordabilityCurrently, anyone wishing to rent a property in Lismore can expect to pay the median weekly rent of $338 for a house or $248 for a unit.That would mean Newstart recipients would not be able to afford to rent a house on their own because they'd be out of pocket by $138.And if they were renting a unit, they'd only have $32 after their rent was paid - leaving them with $4.57 a day to live off.“We can do better,” Pas said. “It’s not acceptable that unemployed people have to skip meals and can’t buy medicine because of a lack of money.”Psychological stressSocial Futures senior program manager Cathy Severnty said her organisation worked with hundreds of people who were struggling and suffering psychological stress as a result.“It’s harmful to constantly have to ask people for help with food vouchers,” she said.“One woman we are working with is doing the housework and maintenance for cheaper rent. “The low income of Newstart makes people vulnerable to exploitation - and Youth Allowance is less than Newstart. “If people had more money, they could make different choices.“Raising the rate will not only help people to better afford essential items, it will reduce pressure on charity organisations while also increasing economic benefits for local communities - improving people’s wellbeing, security and health.”Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said Lismore City Council is glad to support the campaign as “it’s good for the community”."Lismore City Council voted unanimously to join the campaign, calling for the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance to be raised. “The rate hasn't been raised in 25 years and is so low that it traps people in the cycle of poverty, where they’re unable to meet their basic costs of living.“With rising rates of homelessness, compounded by our local rental shortages, the impacts are far reaching across our community.Both Lismore City Council and Lismore Chamber of Commerce recently made submissions to the Senate inquiry on Newstart and related payments, along with Shelly and Kashmir. The Senate inquiry finished collecting submissions this Monday and will shortly commence hearings.

Like many others, Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith loves to eat a dagwood dog at the Lismore Show while under the fireworks and looking at the ring events. He’s one of the many people that visit the North Coast National Show every year – and it's the second biggest show in NSW. Win tickets to the 2019 Lismore Show!Mr Smith said he’s happy that Lismore City Council is giving the North Coast National Show a boost this year to help it out with a $10,000 grant from Council’s Major Events Fund.“The North Coast National is recognised as one of Lismore’s signature events that attracts tens of thousands of people every year,” Mr Smith said."It is a great community event that injects money into our local economy. It is also a chance for our local producers to show off their produce.”North Coast National Secretary Mark Bailey said the significant amount of funding from Council “is what enables us to put the show on”. “Lismore City Council has been supportive of the show since its beginning,” Mr Bailey said. “It’s important to keep the show and the showground facilities running because it’s a valuable asset and is used 186 nights a year."About 200,000 people come to the showground every year.“It’s the biggest crown reserve land area north of Newcastle to the Queensland border.“It’s not only used for the Lismore Show, but we also host Gemfest, Tropical Fruits, the Outdoor Leisure Show - and next weekend a major auctioneer will be holding an auction here.“Now Alstonville Pony Club is also using the showgrounds.“People come to stay from other states when they are in town - when the Show is on, virtually every motel in Lismore is full.“And the rates charges and licences from the use of the showgrounds feeds back into the community and supports businesses and tourism to the area.”This year’s North Coast National opens on Thursday, October 17 and runs until Saturday, October 19. Mr Bailey said he expected more even more people through the gate this year than the 200,000 last year. “Last year when we decided to cut the gate price by one third for adults and made it free for children, 200,000 people came through the gates,” he said.This year’s show will see big rides coming to the event for the first time in Sideshow Alley.Mr Bailey said the ride holders were drawn in by the large numbers of attendees. There will also be the rodeo, live bands, sideshow alley, the pavilions with entries of baking, vegetables and scarecrows, the woodchop event, Aboriginal art and the TURSA Art prize on display.“And the entries into the beef cattle division are at 250 cattle this year,” Mr Bailey said. “Which is great considering we have a drought on and the Tenterfield area has been through massive fires.” Tickets to the Show cost $12.50 per adult. Children under 16 are free. Tickets are available at www.northcoastnational.com.au

It’s bigger, faster, less noisy, has built-in video and music - and you don’t have to hold your breath. It’s not a ride at the Lismore Show – it’s Lismore Base Hospital’s new MRI machine.The new MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine - weighing 6.5 tonnes - has been installed at Lismore Base Hospital this week as the $320 million redevelopment continues. The state of the art Philips Elition X 3T MRI will be part of the new Imaging Department within the North Tower that is currently under construction. This new MRI will bring innovative technology to the region, providing the opportunity for 50% faster scan times at 60% greater resolution than the old machine, which has served the hospital since 2012 and has taken around 9.6 million images. Lismore Base Hospital General Manager, Ian Hatton, said the existing MRI currently in use was not suitable to be transferred into the new building, as it was nearly due for replacement. “We’re taking this opportunity to purchase a new machine, one that can scan without the need for patients to hold their breath and it can correct for movement much better than the old machine,” Mr Hatton said. Pictured: The new MRI machine was craned into the hospital through the side of the new tower.“These new features can reduce the amount of rescanning by 70%.“The inbuilt immersive audio visual features including synchronised video and music also means an improved experience for all patients. “This, combined with an 80% noise reduction, also makes the MRI better for children and claustrophobic patients.” The MRI was lifted in through the side of the building by a crane due to its size and weight. A specially designed room has been built to house the MRI, with copper lining to shield images from radio frequency interference when in use. The new North Tower, to be known within the hospital as “F Block”, will provide increased inpatient capacity, a greater range of critical care services, and improved facilities for patients and staff. The North Tower construction is on target for completion in December 2019, followed by a commissioning period and staged relocation of existing departments during the first quarter of 2020.

Lismore Police have made a quick arrest after a Break and Enter overnight.In a Richmond District Police Facebook statement, police will allege that at 1.40am this morning a juvenile and two other people have broken into a house on Oakley Avenue. “They have stolen screwdrivers from a garage and then entered the house,” the statement said.“ They have stolen electronic devices, a purse and jewellery. “Some items were stolen right next to the residents while they were asleep, only 50cm away. “A resident has awoken and yelled at the offenders. “This seemed to have scared them and they ran away.“Police tracked the juvenile to a Clarice Street address where they were arrested. “Property stolen from Oakley avenue was seized.“The juvenile has been charged with Aggravated Break Enter and Steal, and Malicious Damage. “A decision on bail is currently being made. “Investigations are continuing into the identity of the other offenders.”

Work on the South Lismore Flood Mitigation Works Project is ready to start in the next couple of weeks and Lismore City Council are ready to hear from residents with questions about the project.The project aims to reduce peak flood water levels in the CBD, North Lismore and South Lismore.Lismore City Council have recently appointed SEE Civil as the principal contractor to undertake bulk earthworks.The $8.2 million project funded by the NSW Government involves diverting floodwater overflow from Leycester Creek around the Lismore Regional Airport. This includes the excavation of 410,000m³ of material from a 58-hectare parcel of Council land.Flood modelling (Worley Parsons, 2016) suggests the project should reduce peak water levels in the CBD, North Lismore and South Lismore by as much as 100mm in a 1-in-100-year flood event. The excavated material will be used to fill nearby industrial land within Lismore’s floodplain and facilitate the expansion of the South Lismore Industrial Estate.Preliminary works are already underway with Council recently relocating two major sewer mains. They have been ‘bedded’ (backfilled with material to protect the pipe) using 1500 tonnes of crushed glass from the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre.Lismore City Council Director of Infrastructure Services Peter Jeuken said “this is a great example of reusing a waste material plus there is a significant cost saving to the project from using this bedding material opposed to traditional crushed rock”. “This project was endorsed by the Lismore Floodplain Management Committee and is part of a range of measures detailed in the Lismore Flood Mitigation Plan to help safeguard the community and increase disaster resilience,” he said.“Council and SEE Civil are consulting with affected landowners this week to ensure they are fully informed and aware of the scope of the works.”NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the project was vital for Lismore.“I was thrilled to stand alongside the then Member for Lismore Thomas George earlier this year to announce $8.2 million in NSW Government funding for this vital project,” he said.“This is a great example of the NSW Government, Council and the community working together to get the best outcome.”Council is overseeing the project, but NSW Public Works Advisory will project manage the construction on Council’s behalf. Work is expected to take 12 months to complete.Council has developed a Your Say Lismore page on its website with information and a Q&A section where residents can ask questions. Affected landowners can also call Council direct with any queries.For more information go to yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au and click on the South Lismore Flood Mitigation Works page.

The 2019 North Coast National 'Lismore Show' has entered the countdown phase with only 15 days to go until the gates open at 10am on Thursday October 17.Take a look at this video which gives you the highlights of last years Lismore Show (push the picture below).North Coast National Secretary, Mark Bailey said "with one of the worst droughts in Australia's history, we have had amazing community support especially from those farmers in the middle of this drought"."Entries are up in some sections and equal to 2018 in other areas which is a phenomenal result given the circumstances," he said.Mark went on to say that because of last years near record numbers and exhibitors that all sponsors and trade exhibitors are back bigger and better than ever."This year we are spending $140,000 on entertainment which includes the Monster Trucks, the Fireworks displays, the Betta Living Trick Motorbike Riders and the massive Rodeo on Saturday night to wrap up this years show," he went on to explain.The Lismore App and North Coast National are giving you the chance to win 10 double passes to this years Lismore Show. To enter head to the WIN! button on the main page and fill in your details and hit 'submit'.Entries close next Wednesday October 9 at 4pm with the winners drawn on Thursday October 10. Winners will be notified via your mobile and email address.The 2019 Lismore Show promises to be one of the best yet. What we can do as a community is to get as many people as possible through the gates to show support to the farmers and exhibitors so they know we are behind them.The North Coast National website has a schedule of events for cattle judging, horse jumping and showing, dog activities, the woodchop challenge and more http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/2019-schedule/. The Lismore App will also have a Lismore Show button on the main page from this Sunday to allow you to view the details through your mobile phone.

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