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

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

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

Living with domestic and sexual violence as a young man and questioning why it was happening was the start of Scott Harrower’s journey of sorting it out. Scott, who identifies as a gay man, is one of the panelists speaking at the Sorting it Out community forum on September 11 in Lismore.Hosted by ACON Northern Rivers, the forum is now open for registrations to gay, bisexual, transgender and queer men who have sex with men. The forum will discuss gay, bisexual, transgender and queer men’s relationships and sex and launch the research report Sorting It Out.Today, as an educator and artist, Scott wants to help people begin their own journey of becoming empowered to seek help and talk about their experiences of sexual or domestic violence.   “There’s a lack of strong role models in the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex) community,” Scott told The Lismore App.Scott said looking at his experience of sexual abuse as a child was the beginning of journey of “unpacking the baggage” he’d been carrying around with him all his life.“What happens to us as children will stay with us until we question it,” Scott said. “My early experiences affected my confidence and self-esteem and I then looked for love and respect from people who didn’t have my best interests at heart.“Once we start asking ‘why am I going here?’, we can look at our early memories and acknowledge them - the patterns will repeat if we don’t look at them.”At the age of 22, Scott fell in love with an older man who was violent and manipulative.“It connected to my early conditioning - how I looked at love and respect and valued myself.“I became isolated and cut off from my friends, living a life living in fear of my partner giving more violence. It’s a common theme in abusive relationships.“But I was young and inquisitive enough to wonder who I was - and I questioned it.“Domestic violence goes beyond the physical effects – it is emotional and psychological too. “And there are triggers for it and so much grief and trauma.”Scott said one night, he fled from the house and sought help from a neighbour saying his partner wanted to kill him - but the neighbour didn’t want to help.“Regardless of race, gender or sexuality, domestic and family violence is something we don’t discuss in our communities,” Scott said. “Tackling it requires a whole of community response and if people see a friend is not coping, they need to ask questions, don’t deny it - and get involved.”From a young age, Scott said he’d spoken out about what had happened, trying to bridge the gap between generations.He became involved with help groups, where he found himself surrounded by women in violent relationships. “It was an interesting time in Queensland in the 90s and homophobia was rife," Scott said. "I was denied Legal Aid help and police assistance and there was a general homophobic response to domestic violence relationships.”Scott wants to see a call to action to bring more awareness the issues of domestic and sexual violence within the “marginalised” gay community.“Research shows it is just as prevalent in the gay community as any other,” Scott said.“in Australia, we did have a plebiscite on gay marriage and equality, but it hasn’t changed the statistics of community discrimination against gay people. We want equality and a civil society.“No-one deserves to be treated in a violent manner. “Unfortunately, domestic violence happens again and again, regardless of the partner saying it won’t.“For the person who is subjected to violence – it’s not their fault. Even when they are told ‘you upset me, you made me like this’.“People who are violent are able to control their violence in other situations. One of the things that keeps people in these relationships is feeling that it’s their fault.“We should be able to be in relationships that validate love and support us, and shame can keep people from speaking out.Scott wants anyone in a domestic or sexually violent relationship who feels unsafe to seek help.“Tell someone you trust and ask for help. “It takes only one phone call – you can call the help line 1800 respect, or ACON has a range of services for LGBTQI people in relationships.“Research shows people make up to six attempts to escape but they keep going back. Maybe it’s because there are kids, pets or not feeling as though you will be believed. “The key drivers of violence are patriarchy and gender inequality, power and control. One of the key drivers is financial disparity between partners.“It’s happening right now someone is being abused. Don’t let it happen to you. “Say ‘no – I’ve been here and I don’t want to again - and choose to leave.“We all deserve to be in safe relationships.“Shame can be soul destroying and can stop us speaking out. If we can take ownership of our experiences, shame dissipates.“For me, my ongoing survival was about acceptance of my own truth – that what happened to me as a child was not a fairy tale – it was real. “We are affected by life, but what happened made me strong and determined not to be in denial of it.Scott urges anyone who is in need of help to come along to the Sorting it Out community forum.“Even if it’s your first point of contact,” he said. “Listen to the statistics and learn that you are part of the bigger picture - break the isolationFor more information about the forum, visit FacebookAbout the Sorting it Out community forum:The forum is on September 11, at 5.30pm at Flock Espresso and Eats, 49 Woodlark Street, Lismore.The forum will run for 2 hours, with food and entertainment following.This forum is only open to gay, bisexual, transgender and queer men who have sex with men. Men who take part in the forum will be reimbursed with a $50 voucher for their time. There are limited spots available at the forum and registration is essential.To register, visit http://sayitoutloud.org.au/sorting-it-out/About the Sorting it Out report:In 2018 ACON commissioned researchers from the Western Sydney University to undertake research on gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (GBTQ) men’s attitudes and experiences of intimate partner violence and sexual assault.The research, titled Sorting It Out, is focused on GBTQ men who have sex and relationships with men.Sorting It Out is the largest Australian study looking specifically at this topic, with 895 GBTQ-identifying men participating in this research.Sorting It Out highlighted issues such as:• Almost two thirds of men who took part in the study indicated that they had been in an unhealthy or abusive relationship in the past.• Half of respondents agreed that sexual coercion and pressure are common amongst GBTQ men.• Younger men were more accepting of some controlling behaviours than older men.• GBTQ men want healthy and safe relationships for themselves, their friends and community, and are certain about the illegality and unacceptability of sexual assault and domestic violence.If you can’t make the community forum but would like to provide your thoughts on the research you can contribute online at: http://sayitoutloud.org.au/sorting-it-out/

While the flu can strike anyone at any time, the recent increase in numbers of people going to Lismore Base Hospital with severe flu symptoms has prompted a local update from the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).NNSWLHD Lismore Base Hospital general manager Ian Hatton said Lismore Base Hospital has experienced an increase in the number of patients presenting with Influenza during August compared with previous months. “The increase in influenza cases late in the season is normal for Northern NSW and this has been anticipated by staff and management,” Mr Hatton said.“While all hospital wards are operational, incoming patients testing positive for influenza are being directed to a ward where other influenza patients are receiving treatment. “This is a routine and precautionary procedure to mitigate risk of spreading infection - and allows staff to more effectively monitor patients and visitors coming into the area. “This is a timely reminder to the community that it is not too late to get vaccinated against influenza. “It is also important to prevent the spread of flu by regularly washing your hands, staying at home if you are sick, and coughing or sneezing into your elbow.” Flu shots are free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women, people over 65 years of age, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems. The NSW Government continues a strong investment on state-wide immunisation programs including $2.6 million for free flu shots to children up to five years of age and a $1.5 million immunisation and influenza awareness campaign. The NSW Government will invest about $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines. More information on influenza can be found at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/default.aspx.

Reconnect with the river and journey to Riverfest on the banks of the Wilson’s River this Saturday, September 7, from 11am until 4pm.Bring friends, family and a picnic - settle in for music, entertainment, open mic poetry, information stalls and displays – or try kayaking down the river with the canoe club.Organised by Lismore Helping Hands - a grassroots community group that coordinated community recovery efforts after the floods in 2017 - Riverfest brings community together in celebration of our ongoing connection to our local Wilson’s River. Elly Bird from Lismore Helping Hands said the day was organised in collaboration with many local groups. “We have partnered with Wilson River Landcare, Northern Rivers Science Hub, The SES, Red Cross, Lismore City Council, Richmond River Historical Society, and the Far North Coast Canoe Club to pull together a great program on the day,” Elly said.“There will be live music on the River Stage with Ben Wilson, Sara Tindley, The Romaniacs (featuring Amanda Shoebridge) and Mykaela. “There will also be SES river displays, information stalls, kids activities, art workshops, great food and good coffee and a River Talks speakers tent with informative and interesting presentations about our river system."There will even be an open mic section on the main stage at 2.30pm – so bring your spoken word pieces and poetry and share your ideas with the community.“This event is plastic free and we are asking people to bring their own water bottles, bring a picnic rug and settle in for the day,” Elly said.“We’re really excited about Riverfest because it gives us a chance to learn more about what it means to live on a flood plain. There’s a rich and long history of people living, working and connecting to culture along the Wilson River and we want to celebrate that.“By providing opportunities for our community to build a stronger connection to place, and learn more about what it means to live on a flood plain, we can also increase community resilience and disaster preparedness.“Lismore City SES are looking forward to being part of Riverfest on Saturday, we are planning a river rescue display so that people can see our volunteers in action."Lismore City SES unit commander John Ludlow said they will also have a range of information about flood and safety awareness.Wilson River Landcare volunteer Kristin Den Exter said “having a little festival like this is a great way for people to come and share stories, and connect with the river”.“We have to embrace that we live on a flood plain,” Kristen said.“It’s the confluence of two different catchments coming together and we can never change that. “Our amazing wetlands and floodplains need those floods, but it causes us stress. “We know that good planning and understanding our environment can reduce that stress.“I think the best way to fall in love with our river is by getting out onto it, and if you haven’t been out for a paddle before then Riverfest is a great time to have a go."Far North Coast Canoe Club will be there on Saturday and Kristen said people can have a go in one of their kayaks. “The Club is also holding the Wilson River Challenge on Sunday from 10am, which will be finishing with a Splash for Cash 500m race at midday,” Kristen said.“You can catch all the action at the old Rowing Club carpark.” Riverfest has been funded by The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) through their ‘Restore-Repair-Renew’ grant. “We are incredibly grateful to FRRR for their support and for the great work they do with Regional and Rural communities across,” Elly said.What: Riverfest: Our River, Our CommunityWhen: Saturday 7th September, 10am - 4pmWhere: Riverside Park, Victoria St, Lismore, near the Boat RampMore Info: facebook.com/resilientlismore

A feral rooster attacked and wounded a 20 month old boy in Nimbin on Sunday. “There was a lot of blood,” the boy’s father, Lewis King told The Lismore App.Lewis said the offending fowl was one of the stray roosters that hangs around at the Nimbin Bush Theatre. Lewis and a friend had gone to have a coffee at the Nimbin Bush Theatre café and said it happened unexpectedly.“I was chatting to a friend and out of the blue, it happened behind me, in a matter of seconds,” Lewis said. “I turned around and saw my son lying on the ground and there was blood everywhere. “There was blood coming out of his eye and head and my first thought was that he had lost an eye.“So I ran to get the car and we took him to Nimbin Hospital where they cleaned him up and said they didn’t think he would need stitches.“The rooster’s spurs had left multiple puncture wounds on his arm, one on his face mere millimetres from his right eye and another deep gash on the side of his head.“I went back and spoke to the café owner and he said they have tolerated the roosters until now – that people had been dumping them there.  “With an incident like this happening, it’s a big risk for kids and families coming to Nimbin – and what about the tourists too?“The café owner told me that someone had disposed of the rooster that attacked my son, but that there were a lot of others to be dealt with too and he’s frustrated that the roosters are being dumped there.“When roosters are showing aggressive behaviours, I’d prefer it if they were not around.”Lewis said his son said ‘scary chook’ a lot that day.“The first thing he said to me this morning when he woke up was ‘scary chook’,” Lewis said. “It shows he’s thinking about it a lot. “I’m taking him to the doctor again tomorrow to check for infections.“While the incident itself, along with the hospital visit and dressing the wounds has been quite a traumatic experience, he is very lucky to not have more permanent damage to his eye. “I’m glad it wasn’t his eyeball – the wounds were pretty deep.“As a parent I feel really responsible for anything that happens to my son.“I spoke out about the incident because I feel like it needed to be said, and I want kids to be safe when they come to Nimbin.“I know Nimbin has had a problem with people dumping their unwanted roosters.“Not only are they a nuisance keeping people up at night, damaging gardens and leaving a mess for people to clean up, they are also dangerous for small children. “If you can’t take responsibility for your unwanted roosters then don’t breed chooks - and certainly don’t dump them at the Bush Theatre or anywhere in town where they might take out some poor little kids eye. “Please take care of your own problems don’t create more for other people. “We want families and small children to be safe in our town.”

At Lismore Regional Gallery in The Quad, there’s art, sunshine and a public space for the whole community to enjoy.Lismore Regional Gallery administrator Sarah Harvey is excited about the exhibitions and programs and regular events on offer this springtime.“It’s great that we have beautiful gallery in Lismore,” Sarah said. “It’s a great space where we can have a diversity of shows, as well as being a place for other things to happen where the community can be involved and schools can tour.“It’s a nice time to come and enjoy the grassy space in the Quad, maybe have a picnic and then come inside and look at the art,” she said.“Every Wednesday we have the Hannah Cabinet opening from 10.30-11.30am. “If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a masterpiece created over six and a half years master craftsman Geoff Hannah. It is more than a cabinet – it’s a masterpiece made of wood and inlay and people are in awe of it when then they come in to see it.“Geoff Hannah will also be doing a show here with one of his students in October.“There’s also the Friends of the Gallery morning teas held once a month on the first Tuesday of the month. “Then we have a Thursday night live talk with panellists coming up soon on September 12 looking at the future of food - can we fix the food system? “Peggy Popart will do her regular free tour on the second Sunday of the month (the next one will be this Sunday, September 8).“It’s a fun tour aimed at kids, but adults love to come and tour the shows too, and there’s an art activity at the end.Exhibitions on at the moment include:Until September 8: Gesture of Balance by Grant VaughanTaking inspiration from the organic forms of natural objects, Grant’s work belies our expectations of worked timber. Characterised by a gestural interplay of smooth, rolling forms and juxtaposed with sharp flowing lines and edges, the work is made using a meticulous reductive process, it offers an impression of growth and honours the inherent beauty of wood.Until September 15: Gunyah by Melody PoppleGunyah is a performance artwork that explores concepts of belonging to the natural environment as well as the personification of an innate feminine presence within the Australian landscape. Unveiling the interplay of her Indigenous and non-Indigenous heritage, Melody uses the art making process as a way to understand current feminine cultural identities and connections to Country, manifested as intuitive expressions of collaborative dance, site specific installation, ochre painting, natural dying/eco-printing, film production and the shared therapeutic experience. Until October 13: Idle WorshipIdle Worship explores contemporary notions of reverence, worship and idolisation. The exhibition, curated by Natalie Bull & Zoë Robinson-Kennedy, focuses on personal manifestations and our need to look beyond the celestial and seek comfort in everyday deities and new-age idols. Worship presents itself in many forms. The artists feel it, know it, interpret it, challenge it, give in to it and subvert it. These idols are real and imagined, they come from the past and the future, yet are being made right now, taking their power from the present.Until October 20: The Dark Sublime by Emma WalkerNorthern Rivers based artist Emma Walker's exhibition is an ode to the shadowed beauty and crucial relevance of forests and what lies beneath the surface.Emma’s abstracted landscapes are multi-layered, and as much about the medium of paint and the process of painting as with an experience of nature. They explore the connections between the natural world, memory and the subconscious through texture and the interplay of light and dark.September 14 until November 17: Comes from the shadow by JumaadiJumaadi’s exhibition, Comes from the shadow, brings together a collection of works that are about birth and death. Life is there too, frail and fluid between these absolutes. The artist’s reference to “shadow” is metaphoric, through his exploration of the struggles of human existence, but it is also literal. The Dark Sublime and Comes from the shadow will be officially opened by Art Gallery of NSW curator Anne Ryan on Friday, September 13 at 6pmUntil October 20: Open Air Open Air by media artist Grayson Cooke in collaboration with painter Emma Walker, and with the music of The Necks. Through a partnership with Geoscience Australia, the project also uses Landsat satellite images of Australia from Digital Earth Australia.This project seeks to creatively image the forces that shape the Earth. It uses aerial imaging on two vastly divergent scales to produce two different material manifestations of these forces. Firstly, the project features motion-controlled aerial photography of the paintings and processes of Emma Walker. Secondly, set against these painted landscapes are time-lapse images of Australia as seen by Landsat satellites.For more information about Lismore Regional Gallery, visit https://www.lismoregallery.org/cp_themes/default/home.asp

While Spring is definitely in the air, so is influenza. NSW Health has sent out a precautionary warning to people that despite Winter being over, we still need to be flu-wise.NSW Health’s director of communicable disease, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said latest figures show children aged five to nine years have been particularly affected, with a rise in influenza B virus cases.“The extended period of influenza activity in 2019 has seen high numbers of presentations to hospital emergency departments, with over 245,000 presentations to NSW emergency departments for respiratory conditions this year, compared to 198,000 to this time in 2018 and 222,000 in 2017,” Dr Sheppeard said. “Even though spring is around the corner, we urge people not to be complacent, particularly parents of young children, and to take simple hygiene precautions to avoid becoming an influenza statistic.”The latest weekly Influenza Surveillance Report shows 5549 flu cases across NSW at the end of August, down from 5800 notifications the previous week but taking the yearly total to 90,409.Unusually high influenza activity over summer and the early start to the winter flu season have contributed to high numbers of notifications this year.There have been 20 additional deaths reported at the end of August in people aged over 50 years, bringing the annual total to 188 deaths.With the upswing in flu cases, NSW Health is reminding people to consider all available options such as their local GP, medical centre or pharmacy if their illness is not an emergency.“We have seen an increase in people presenting to our already very busy emergency departments because of flu, but most have not been severe cases and did not require hospital admission.”“To stop the spread of flu, stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes. And as strange as it sounds, it’s still not too late to vaccinate,” Dr Sheppeard said.More than 2.5 million doses of Government-funded flu vaccines have been distributed across NSW, including over 214,000 doses for children six months to three years, and 1.18 million doses for people 65 years and over. Eligible people who have not yet had their shot can still get it for free.People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and people with medical conditions that put them at greater risk of flu are all eligible under the National Immunisation Program. The free state-funded vaccine is available to all children aged six months to five years.

It's colourful, fruity and a lot of fun.Tropical Fruits’ Fruitopia Fair Day is on this Sunday and the whole community is invited to join the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Intersex and Queer (LGBTI) community for a free family day out.Based in Lismore, Tropical Fruits Inc is a non-profit LGBTIQ community group and puts on events throughout the year, including a popular New Year’s festival that brings the “pink” dollar to the local economy.Tropical Fruits’ production assistant Kelly Freeman said this once a year event is an important day in the local LGBTI organisation’s calendar.“A lot of our social functions are evening events, but Fruitopia Fair Day is for all ages and held during the day so the whole extended family can come along,” she said.“We’re going to have the cake bake off and there’s lots of categories to enter into.“There’s also the dog agility course where pooches and their owners show everyone their skills in jumping over and through things. “Owners and their dogs are encouraged to dress up and we have a best dressed competition for them.Kelly said the hat competition last year was so much fun that they are running it again.There will be a jumping castle for the kids, food and market stalls.“We are still looking for people who want to do a market stall on the day and they can just show up if they re interested,” Kelly said. “It’s $10 for a stall or $15 is you don’t have insurance.“Come along and meet people and see what’s going on. Have a dance, eat and watch the show and sit in the sun.”Some of the colourful drag stars at a previous Fruitopia fair Day.Fruitopia fair Day in on Sunday, September 8 at Lismore Showgrounds from 11am until 8pm.The dog show starts at 12pm, with MC Jodi Wils and Harry Pearson. The bake off competition is at 2pm, and the live cabaret performances and drag shows start at 2.30pm with MC Peter Lehner. DJs will spin their tracks from 4.30 until 8.30pm. If you’re keen to help out and volunteer for the day, contact Tropical Fruits by email fruits@tropicalfruits.org.au or phone 6622 6440

Do you know a 15-25 year old innovator, thinker, doer or creator in the Northern Rivers region who has big ideas or big potential? Or maybe you are that person.The Young Innovators Challenge calls to young people to register for a one day Startup Bootcamp on Saturday, September 7.It’s a launch pad for young people to take their ideas from dream to reality.Throughout the challenge, young innovators will be supported with the tools, resources and advice they need to start on their innovation journey.Through online components, face-to-face workshops and mentoring, the Young Innovators Challenge will take participants through the entrepreneurial process to help them make the most out of their big ideas.Discover how to map your idea as a business model, engage with mentors for feedback, learn how to pitch your winning concept.If you (or someone you know) meet the criteria, have a big idea, and want to take the leap, you could be participating in this new challenge that will boost the entrepreneurial spirit of the region.With $10,500 worth of prizes available for the winning ideas, this could be the big break you’ve been waiting for.Registrations are open for the one-day Startup Bootcamp, 9am-4pm, Saturday, 7 September at the Enterprise Lab Southern Cross University Lismore Campus.To register, visit https://younginnovatorschallenge.eventbrite.com.au If you’d like to spread the word about the challenge, you can download the Young Innovators Challenge Communications Package which contains material to assist you in sharing with your relevant networks - including suggested social media posts, e- newsletter templates, and an A4 poster.Full details about the challenge are available at younginnovators.com.au or you can email hello@younginnovators.com.au for more information.

A collaborative Farming Together project that supports local farmers in the Northern Rivers Co-operative Alliance has won Southern Cross University (SCU) two national awards.Over the past two years, the Farming Together program has created a collaborative industry model which helps farmers, fishers and foresters tackle drought and climate change - and increase production and income.SCU’s program won the Outstanding Collaboration in Community Engagement category at the 2019 BHERT (Business Higher Education Round Table) Awards in Brisbane last week.SCU also received an award in the Industry Engagement category (jointly with Deakin University) at the Australian Financial Review (AFR) Higher Education Awards 2019.For both awards, judges were won over by Farming Together’s demonstrated ability to harness collaboration for systemic change in order to address the unprecedented threat of increasingly volatile markets and extreme climatic conditions on Australian farmers’ livelihoods.During its two-year pilot period Farming Together delivered an innovative knowledge mobilisation model to 28,500 primary producers nationwide, unlocking the power of collaboration and empowering a generation of primary producers.The program offered on the ground support to advance farmers’, fishers’ and foresters’ projects and provided material and expert support on collaboration and co-operative structures. Judges noted it had exceeded targets for farmers by 300%.In a 12-month period production values increased by over $20 million, targeted farm household incomes rose by $14 million, and 131 full time equivalent jobs were created.Farming Together program director Lorraine Gordon said SCU was brave to take on such a big project.“But receiving two top national awards for engagement in the space of less than a week is testament to the real-world impact of this program,” Ms Gordon said.The Farming Together Program was designed collaboratively with the farmers and primary producers that comprise the Northern Rivers Co-operative Alliance, whose members - such as NORCO - wanted to better advocate and support the development of more co-operatives and collaborative businesses across the agricultural sector in Australia.SCU vice president of engagement Ben Roche said what emerged from that co-design was a program that focused on working collaboratively with farmers, starting with an assessment of their needs and an understanding on how to position expert support to build their farm businesses.“Farming Together piloted a new model for developing the capacity of farmers to realise the benefits of a collaborative approach across and within the supply chain, building their resilience and ability to exert more influence on the development of their businesses,” Mr Roche said.“The program was overwhelmed with the demand for this form of support - which is particularly well suited to smaller and family farming businesses. It has demonstrated the power of collaboration - irrespective of the type of business - as a key to the future resilience of our agricultural sector.”Ms Gordon, the 2018 Rural Community Leader of the Year, acknowledged the efforts of her team.“Behind these wins is an awesome team that came from three states to help 28,500 farmers, fishers and foresters across every region of Australia, in every industry, to cope with what was coming - climate change and drought,” she said.“Never before had Australian agriculture received such concerted national effort to connect its stakeholders.“Through collaboration we’ve been able to set up these farmers to be resilient for the future, so I couldn’t be more proud this week to be part of Southern Cross University.”Deloitte representative (left) SCU vice president of engagement with Ben Roche, Farming Together director Lorraine Gordon and SCU vice chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker.SCU Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said he was proud of the university’s impact agenda.“As a progressive, public-purpose University, these awards are further endorsement of our aspiration to be Australia’s Engaged University, where the opportunities for impact in our backyard are translated into solutions for the front yard and the world,” Prof Shoemaker said.

Spring is a time of new beginnings and here at The Lismore App, it’s no exception. This week, we farewell digital content editor Will Jackson, and welcome our new editor, Liina Flynn.After two years at the helm, Will is leaving The Lismore App and heading to Melbourne. Will said his time at The Lismore App has given him the opportunity to meet many of the interesting people in the Lismore community who have given him the privilege of telling their stories.“It’s important that local people have an independent source of local community news to keep them informed about what’s going on,” Will said. The Lismore App managing director Simon Mumford said Will has been instrumental in making The Lismore App a go to source for news, events and information.“Will has been with us from day one and has done a fantastic job in making The Lismore App a highly credible local news source for the 2480 postcode,” Mr Mumford said. Joining the Lismore App team as the new digital content editor is Liina Flynn, who’s been a writer and editor for locally-based media outlets The Lismore Echo and The Koori Mail. “I’m excited and looking forward to getting out there and meeting people,” Liina said. “I know there are great things happening in our diverse community here and I’m keen to share the stories of what people are doing as well as bring the latest updates on important news.“Don’t be shy, come and let me know what’s going on.”

NBN Co has confirmed that the rollout of optical fibre broadband infrastructure to Lismore has suffered further delays with some areas now not expected to be connected until next year.Much of Lismore - including most of Goonellabah and East Lismore - has already been connected to the NBN via Fibre to the Curb or Fibre to the Node technology.But large areas of the city including Lismore Heights, North and South Lismore and "The Wok" are yet to be connected.Businesses were told at an information session earlier this month that much of the remainder of the Lismore urban area would be connected to the NBN at the end of the month and the rest in November.However, that's now been pushed back again."There are currently more than 8,800 Lismore premises that are able to connect to the NBN access network," an NBN Co spokesperson said in a statement."Construction continues to connect the remaining 5,400 premises in parts of Howards Grass, Girards Hill, Lismore Heights, North Lismore and South Lismore, however, delays due to issues with the aerial build required and blockages in the physical build have meant some of these areas will have a revised connection timeframe of early next year."The NBN Co statement did not specify when particular areas are due to be connected.However, the "NBN Rollout Map" seems to indicate that Lismore Heights, North Lismore, the CBD from Woodlark St and further north, some remaining areas of Goonellabah, and the areas north and east of the Lismore Square should have their NBN connections switched on in October.The Rollout Map shows that other areas including South Lismore, Girards Hill and the CBD south of Woodlark St should get the NBN between January and March next year.All properties yet to be connected to the NBN are getting Fibre to the Curb technology.“While we would like to connect everyone at the same time, the complexity of the build means that this is not possible. We apologise for the delay and we ask the community for its patience as this important work is carried out," the statement said.“Nationally, the NBN network build is on track to be completed by 30 June 2020.“We encourage residents to use the Check Your Address function on the nbn website (www.nbnco.com.au) to see when their individual property will be eligible to order a retail service over the nbn™ network.”Residents and businesses should receive a letter from NBN Co when their premises is NBN ready.They then need to contact an NBN supplier to have NBN services connected.For more information head HERE for residential addresses and HERE for businesses.

Lismore City Council is reminding people that there may be delays at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre this weekend and is asking people to be patient.The Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre is open again for general waste, recycling and green waste disposal following the recent fire.The Lismore Revolve Shop and the Return and Earn bulk collection centre remain closed at this stage and Council will advise the community next week when a reopening date for these services has been scheduled.Council’s Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure Services Peter Jeuken urged people to be patient over the weekend.“We are expecting longer than usual wait times, so please be aware of this if you plan to visit the facility this weekend,” Peter said.“Our staff have done an amazing job following the fire to get the facility back open and operational. We ask that people be respectful and patient as our staged reopening takes place.”The Return and Earn container deposit machines at Goonellabah Shopping Centre and Brewster Street in Lismore are still operational to dispose of recyclable containers, and the Brewster Street Drop-off Centre and the Nimbin Transfer Station also remain open. 

Campfires and barbecues using wood, charcoal or other solid fuels have been banned in all State forests on the North Coast and many other areas of NSW from this Sunday until further notice to reduce the risk of bushfires.Forestry Corporation of NSW's senior manager of stewardship, Kathy Lyons, said visitors to State Forests should plan to bring gas stoves for cooking.“Fire season has commenced early this year due to extremely dry conditions across much of the state,” Ms Lyons said.“Our firefighters on the North Coast are already fully committed fighting many fires which have taken off due to the dry conditions.“In the past few weeks our firefighters have been tackling wildfires around Grafton and Wauchope and with the weather forecast predicting hotter and drier weather and little rain on the horizon, we need to take steps now to minimise the risk of further bushfires.“All fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are now banned in most State forests across the state until further notice.“Campers and picnickers wishing to light a fire to cook in these forests can only use gas appliances until the ban is lifted, which won’t be until after significant rainfall.“This ban applies every day, not just on days when total fire bans are declared, so we are asking people who are planning to camp in the forests during spring and summer to plan ahead and bring gas appliances.“Visitors should also be prepared for days when total fire bans are declared, as all fires including gas fires are prohibited on total fire ban days. Information on total fire bans is available on the Rural Fire Service website.“State forests are popular with campers and visitors throughout the spring and summer period and while we encourage people to get out into our forests and enjoy them, we do need to act to reduce the bushfire risk during the high fire danger period.“Solid fuel fire bans improve safety for campers and local communities.”Failure to comply with the Solid Fuel Fire Ban carries a maximum penalty of $2200.If in doubt, contact your local forestry office. For more information about Forestry Corporation of NSW, or to find details of your local office, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au.In the event of a fire or other emergency, contact 000.

A Lismore man has been arrested after an alleged violent domestic assault."Police will allege that at 5.30am on Wednesday a 21-year-old Lismore man has become involved in an argument with a woman known to him at a North Lismore address," crime prevention officer Senior Constable David Henderson said in a post on the Richmond PD Facebook page."The 21-year-old has punched her to the back of the head, the face and bitten her on the shoulder blade. He then choked her until she passed out, and broke her phone."Police arrested the man later that day."He was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with Breach AVO, Intentionally Choke Person, Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and Destroy Property."He has been bail refused by police and the Court, and will appear in Lismore Local Court in October."

What do you know about the South Lismore Duck Pond? Richmond River Historical Society president Dr Robert Smith invites the local community to find out more about it during NSW History Week 2019.With a theme of ‘Memory and Landscapes’, this year’s History Week NSW runs from August to September 8. As part of the week’s celebrations, everyone is invited to come along to the Lismore Duck Pond Precinct on Sunday, September 8, at 2pm and learn more about its history and the work of Duck Pond Landcare volunteers who have been preserving the landscape in this area.“We’re hoping the community will come along to hear about the history of the South Lismore Duck Pond and celebrate the great work of the South Lismore Duck Pond Landcare volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to preserve and develop it for the community”.Founded more than 20 years ago, this small group of Landcare volunteers continues to meet regularly, organise work days and are responsible for making the 27 acres of the South Lismore Duck Pond what it is today.  Entry to the Duck Pond Precinct is easiest via Ostrom Street, South Lismore. Afternoon tea will be provided. Follow the history trail to the South Lismore Duck Pond.Dr Smith advised that in celebration of the theme of ‘memory’, Richmond River Historical Society are offering 30% off all their publications and books, available at the Museum in Molesworth Street, Lismore during History Week.  A Richmond River Historical Society staff member looks through some of their publications.History Week is the annual, state-wide celebration of history organised by the History Council of New South Wales in partnership with its members and communities are encouraged to host history events relating to the annual theme. Initiated in 1997, History Week is an opportunity for member organisations throughout NSW to engage and educate the community about the vitality, diversity and meaning of history and its practice. To find out more about Richmond River Historical Society, visit https://www.richhistory.org.au/

A juvenile has been charged with setting set fire to a residence at Jiggi, reported earlier today by the Lismore App.Nobody was injured in the blaze but police, the Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire and Rescue were unable to save the building.Nimbin police this evening charged the juvenile with Malicious Damage by Fire and Breach Bail.The juvenile has been refused bail and will appear at Lismore Children's Court tomorrow.Lismore Fire Station Commander Fraser Hindry said two fire trucks from Lismore Fire Station arrived first on the scene at the Jiggi Road property. Five more fire trucks from the Rural Fire Service then arrived on the scene and 15 firefighters contained the blaze.“We arrived at about 10.30am and there was lots of black smoke,” Commander Hindry said. “The fire had spread through the roof into both units and was brought under control. “Our first priority was checking the occupants were out, but the evacuation had already been done by the tenants, so we carried out defensive fire fighting on the burning building to contain the fire.“There was an initial problem with the water supply, due to their being no reticulated water on the street, so we used the water tank and the swimming pool out the back.”Commander Hindry said the operation was carried out with full safety precautions for firefighters.“Firefighter safety was paramount,” he said. “We put in an exclusion zone around the bricks and walls collapsing and isolated the electricity, by getting the power company to switch it off.”RFS Northern Rivers Superintendent Boyd Townsend said crews arrived after an initial Triple Zero call at 10:45am to find the brick and tile residence on Jiggi Rd well alight."All persons are accounted for," Supt Townsend said."Two units from Fire and Rescue are on the scene with five RFS as well."There's an ambulance there just as a precautionary thing."The house is fully involved and they’re working to extinguish that which will probably take a couple of hours."