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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.