Lismore City Council is to construct a bridge on Mountain Top Rd, Georgica, to replace a culvert damaged in the 2017 flood.“Council plans to start repair of the 2017 flood damage on Mountain Top Road, Georgica, by removing the existing culvert and replacing it with a single span bridge,” the council said “The old culvert suffered damage during the 2017 flood event and needs to be replaced. “Design options have been investigated and it’s been decided that a single span bridge is the most cost effective and environmentally sound solution.”Construction of the bridge is due to start in early August with works expected to take around three to four months, subject to the weather.A temporary single lane side track will be installed to divert traffic while the new bridge is being built.

A leading Lismore construction firm won a swag of gongs at the regional Master Builders Association awards on the weekend for the heritage restoration of a flood-damaged church in the CBD and development of a "pod" dwelling on the coast.Greg Clark Building’s Jenny Clark said an average of 10 tradesmen worked on restoring the Uniting Church on the corner of Keen and Woodlark streets for about 10 months following the 2017 flood.“It was wonderful working with the Uniting Church to restore the church after the flood,” Ms Clark said.“Like everything in Lismore it was pretty extensively damaged.”Ms Clark said the brief covered all aspects of the historic building - from cleaning and repointing the exterior bricks to repairing the plaster and timber veneers. Even the sloping floor was levelled.“We actually had to bring some of the older tradespeople in town back work to show the younger ones how to do some of the techniques that are no longer in use so the work would match,” Ms Clark said.“We had help from Sidney and Hacking who did a lot of the plastering and roofing, and Goldsmiths who also did a lot of the plastering.”All this was done while the church continued to run services.Greg Clark Building also took home three awards for their work on an unusual “futuristic” residential dwelling on Point Danger at Tweed Heads that incorporated two round "pods" and had no straight lines or right angles.“The other project was completely different to the Uniting Church,” Ms Clark said.“It was quite difficult. No one wanted to take it on. We had to engage some of the artists and designers at Movie World to help us.”She said the Movie World technicians helped create three dimensional molds of the pods for the concrete reinforcement.“You had to think outside the square for that one,” she said. "It wasn't your normal building.”Ms Clark said that the awards meant a lot to the team.“It's recognition of a lot of hard work for some excellent tradesmen,” she said.“It's a testament to the people we employ who were able to apply their skills and meet the challenge the jobs presented.”

The police have warned about a new scam doing the rounds that promises a $100,000 windfall.Richmond PD crime prevention officer Senior Constable David Henderson said local residents have been receiving information via email or telephone that they have won $100,000 in the Workers Compensation Board Lottery."Victims are then requested to deposit money in order to receive their cash prize," Senior Constable Henderson said in a post on the Richmond PD Facebook page. "Each time the victim deposits money they are then requested to deposit further money for different reasons."This is a SCAM and people are warned not to deposit money into these accounts that are provided."Police advise against depositing monies into accounts of persons not known to you."Remember: If it's too good to be true then it probably is."

More than 100 people turned up and planted more than 1000 trees in just minutes at North Lismore on Sunday to mark National Tree Day.The Wilsons River Landcare Group organised the planting at Simes Bridge which included a welcome to country by Aunty Thelma Jones.Heidi Lunn from the Wilsons River Landcare Group said about 120 volunteers planted about 1100 trees.A crowdfunding campaign over recent weeks raised more than $3,000 which paid for trees and will be used used to ensure the site will be well looked after into the future. Lismore Council provided support for site preparation and also donated mulch.“National Tree Day is a once a year celebration of hope, when people come together to do what is the number one action, after preventing any further habitat loss, which is to plant more trees,” said Heidi.“We thank everyone who came to plant on this amazing stretch of riverbank, the Rouse family for their support, to those who donated to the crowd funding, and everyone who donated trees. “We had tree planters from landcare groups around the region, planters from the Knitting Nannas, Rainforest Rescue, staff and students from Southern Cross University, young children and older people – all joining together to take action for our river and for our planet. “This is what National Tree Day is all about”.The trees included lowland rainforest trees donated by Rous County Council and grown by Firewheel Nursery and Friends, rainforest trees grown by the Friends of the Rainforest Botanic Gardens, koala food trees donated by Friends of the Koala, native bush nuts donated by the Macadamia Conservation Trust, and hoop pines donated by Kevin Glencross.National Tree Day was co-founded in 1996 by Planet Ark and Olivia Newton-John. It has grown into Australia's largest community tree planting.

NORPA has announced that one third of local hip hop outfit Teddy Lewis King will join the theatre company for a residency next month.Yaegl and Bundjalung performer and creator Mitch King will be researching and developing a new work with the working title Flow as part of NORPA’s Indigenous Makers Studio initiative.“Flow is a piece about the connections we have with water and the relationships we’ve had with this element throughout history, from our ancestors to the present,” King said. “I’ll be exploring how the universal theme of ‘water' Flow connects with the Bundjalung nation and Yaegl country, respecting the stories that make us who we are, not only from the land but also the rivers, lakes, waterfalls and ocean. “The stories continue to create connections to the places we call home, family and community.”King is a creative producer specialising in hip hop music and dance and has previously worked with NORPA as an associate producer and is currently a NORPA associate artist. He is one part of local hip hop group Teddy Lewis King and a youth educator through the Dream Bigger initiative in Northern NSW. He will be researching the project on Yaegl country on the coast in the weeks prior to the residency and will be collaborating with community and other artists during this time. There will be a community sharing of the work - which will include elements of projection, music, poetry and dance - at NORPA at Lismore City Hall on August 16. NORPA’s Indigenous Makers Studio supports emerging and mid-career Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists originating from or based in NSW to deepen their performing arts practice, hone their professional skills and develop ideas for new works. As part of the initiative, King will receive an artist fee, access to NORPA’s studio space, production support, producer support and access to the theatre company’s creative expertise."This residency at NORPA will be a great opportunity for me to explore and extend on what these stories mean to not only myself but to the community,” he said. “Through this research and development I also want explore artistic mediums that will continue to keep these stories alive."

A local beauty therapist is opening a third salon and this one is in Goonellabah.Affordable Beauty started up just over 10 years ago and already has salons in Ballina and South Lismore.“We are so excited to announce Affordable Beauty is expanding again,” the owners said in a Facebook post.“Who would have thought, just over 10 years ago, this home-based business would be opening its third salon.“We would like to thank all of our amazing clients for your support throughout these years. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have been able to continue this fabulous journey.”The post said the salon was opening in September at the Village Goonellabah and would offer “the same amazing treatments at an affordable price”.Treatments offered at the existing Affordable Beauty salons include Diamond Microdermabrasion, Swedish Massage, Spray Tanning, Teeth Whitening, Aduro Signature Hydrogel Collagen Infused LED Facials and Lash Lifts.

A man has been charged and prohibited drugs seized from an unregistered vehicle following a police pursuit near Lismore yesterday."Just after noon, officers from Richmond Highway Patrol were notified of a Subaru station wagon allegedly driving erratically on Nimbin Road towards Lismore," a statement from NSW Police Media said."When the station wagon refused to pull over on Terania Street, North Lismore, a police pursuit was initiated."Shortly after, the vehicle came to a stop and officers arrested the driver, a 19-year-old Lismore man."During a search of the vehicle, police located and seized cannabis to undergo forensic examination."The man was charged at Lismore Police Station with possess prohibited drug, police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly, use uninsured motor vehicle, use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road, and resist officer in execution of duty.He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Lismore Local Court on August 12. Investigations are continuing.

Lismore City Council has some good news for East Lismore parents, families and children.Nine months after being damaged by vandals, Wade Park is set to reopen this afternoon.The park was closed after play equipment was severely damaged by fire in October last year.Restoration of the facilities was delayed by an $80,000 insurance claim by Lismore City Council which was eventually successful.“Thanks for your patience while we went through the lengthy insurance and rebuild process,” the council said.“Hope you enjoy the new play area!”

The installation of new upgraded digital CCTV cameras in Lismore's CBD has begun.Lismore City Council's compliance coordinator Matt Kelly said the installation should be complete in early August."This renewal has been funded by a $433,000 Federal Government grant," Mr Kelly said."This project includes replacement of the 1998 analog network with a new digital network with greater coverage across the CBD. There are 56 new cameras that will maximise surveillance in the CBD."The replacement of this network is a key community safety action identified within Council’s Crime Prevention Plan and Imagine Lismore Delivery Program 2017-2021."The council also also received a $250,000 NSW Community Safety Fund grant for expansion of the Lismore CBD network and renewal of the Nimbin CCTV network.The Lismore expansion will include from the intersection of Woodlark/Keen Streets down to the roundabout at the corner of Brewster and Uralba Streets and up to the Trinity bus interchange."This additional work will be completed by Christmas," Mr Kelly said."The Nimbin CCTV network renewal includes the addition of two new cameras (one in the western carpark and one opposite the community centre) and this will also be completed by Christmas."The CCTV grants were announced last year.

More than 30 Lismore electorate community projects are competing for votes to receive money through the NSW Government’s My Community Project.The My Community Project funds projects in each NSW electorate to help improve the wellbeing of people and communities.Successful projects will be determined through a public vote and the projects that receive the most support will receive funding. Up to $260,000 is available for each electorate.Projects nominated in the Lismore City area include:Gingerbread Jarjums Belonging Outside, Lismore $33,649To update and refurbish the outdoor environments creating warm, engaging, natural materials focused play environments for the children.Our Happy Women Designs – Cultural Arts Hub, Goonellabah, $50,000To establish a local cultural arts hub and social enterprise to transform the lives of Aboriginal women and their families, providing a vehicle for social and economic self-determination.Gathering, Yarning & Creating: A Local Women's Initiative, East Lismore, $22,000To implement the Gathering, Yarning and Creating Project, which will be self-sustained after year one. The project will educate and empower women to have a voice in violence prevention; and celebrate cultural diversity and identity.Bringing Wayapa to Lismore, Goonellabah, $45,430The funding will train 10 facilitators in Wayapa Wuurrk - an Indigenous-based, earth mindfulness practice - and promote and deliver six public sessions to the Lismore community. Securing the Safety of the Region's Koalas in Care, East Lismore, $56,532Provision of security fencing around the rehabilitation runs at Friends of the Koala and constructing a koala kindy to ensure all the koalas are safe.Connecting and Revitalising our Communities with the trail, Girards Hill, $35,750To develop an interactive website for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. A world class rail trail requires an innovative and interactive website to help all visitors enjoy its full potential.Flood proofing the Lismore Rugby Union Club, North Lismore, $188,959To flood proof our future, upgrade our facilities and provide a free community facility to all.Nimbin Community Centre Aged Care - New Car Platform, Nimbin, $70,000To build a level vehicle load/unload platform to improve all-abilities access to the Nimbin Community Centre Aged Care facilities.Waterless Compost Toilet at Lismore Community Garden, Lismore, $68,733Providing an accessible waterless compost toilet facility at Lismore Community Garden for volunteers, event participants and visitors.Building Wellbeing in our Young People, Nimbin, $67,650Fitness equipment in our grounds suitable for our secondary students will create opportunities for exercise and to build their fitness.Lismore's Heart Safe Defibrillator Initiative, South Lismore, $42,946Installing public access defibrillators in strategic locations in case of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Defibrillators increase chance of survival by 85 per cent.Integrated PlayScape-to build fitness, brains and bodies, Nimbin, $75,000To construct a play environment from largely sustainable materials that stimulates a child's imagination, creativity, social skills and healthy mind.Lismore PCYC Community Facility Upgrade, Lismore, $59,400To air-condition the gym, boxing & dojo rooms, upgrade the lighting in the main hall and to purchase new dojo matting.Heritage Park:Our Rainforest Adventure:Central Pathway Spine, Lismore, $28,710Create a central pathway spine (1.5 metres wide) connecting play spaces, waterpark, picnic areas and entry/exit points providing accessibility for whole community.Improving Lismore's Cyclability, Lismore, $24,042The project will deliver 15 heart bicycle parking stations and two deluxe bicycle repair stands to support healthy lifestyle choices.Tregeagle Community BBQ, Tregeagle, $22,000Provide an electric BBQ and shelter at Tregeagle Hall and Tennis Courts for local community.Green Innovation Awards Northern Rivers, Goonellabah, $36,000It is a competition for primary school and high school students to submit their green innovative ideas.Clifford Park Seating Project, Goonellabah, $62,528The project will provide seating for 60 people at Clifford Park in the heart of the Aboriginal Community in Goonellabah.Finding Financial Freedom, Lismore, $55,602A series of regular financial education nights covering different themes with a healthy dinner and babysitting service being provided.Mortimer Oval Fencing, Lismore, $115,000Installation of white PVC fencing of Mortimer Oval for cricket, Australian Rules Football, school sport and general public recreation.Access for all, South Lismore, $80,000To provide an access solution at the Tropical Fruits club house in addition to our stairs and an accessible toilet for our less mobile members.To see more details of the projects head to: https://mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au/Treasurer Dominic Perrottet encouraged people across NSW to get involved in the innovative program, which empowers communities to make decisions that will enhance their local community, by proposing and choosing projects to get funded.“My Community Project gives you the chance to develop your great idea to revitalise or renew your neighbourhood, whether that be through the addition of a community garden, a safe and inclusive playground or holding a cultural fair,” Mr Perrottet said.“Through this program, locals can think about what their community needs, develop that idea with a sponsor such as a local council, TAFE or a charity, and then work with them to transform their concept into reality.To vote for a community project go to mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au until 15 August 2019. You’ll need a MyServiceNSW Account and your Medicare card to vote.You can vote for up to five projects with points awarded as follows:1st preference – 10 points2nd preference – 5 points3rd preference – 3 points4th preference – 2 points5th preference – 1 point

Tomorrow’s Lismore Eats monthly market has been cancelled and the future of the event is in doubt.Organiser Jacob Stone said confusion among vendors over the date of this month’s event at the Lismore Showground meant several had to drop out.“We’ve also got a number of other ongoing issues - some of which involve the council and development applications - which mean I’m having to reassess what I’m doing,” Jacob said.Jacob started up the popular monthly foodtruck event last year, funding the startup costs such as public liability insurance out of his own pocket.It has regularly drawn good crowds and featured live music, eating competitions and other entertainment.However, he said had not yet been able to make a profit.“I’d just like to thank the community for all the support we’ve received over the past 10 months that we’ve been doing these events and I am looking forward to coming back with a variation of Lismore Eats at some point,” he said.

The organiser of the Food for Farmers - North Coast Drought Appeal, Anne Thompson, has delayed the packing of hampers for drought affected farmers. Ms Thompson said packing was due to begin at the end of July but would not start until the first or even second week in August because of a lack of media coverage. The North Coast Drought Appeal has been sending truckloads of necessities out west for 26 years.“Last year the drought conditions were dire; now they are disastrous, with many places running out of water,” Ms Thompson said. “People are asked to donate non-perishable food items that are not past the use-by date or in rusty cans. “We only have to look in our own cupboards for grocery items we can do without.”Items needed include tea, coffee, sweet biscuits, crackers, fruit cakes, cereal, tinned fruit/vegetables/soup/tuna/salmon, jams, vegemite, peanut butter, honey, packet mixes, sauces, pasta, rice, long-life milk, as well as treats like dried fruit, nuts and lollies, toiletries, sanitary and laundry products and pet food.Items can be dropped at the following places:Lismore Showground Pavilion – next to the OfficeLismore Library – Magellan St. Lismore,Goonellabah LibraryCurves - BallinaWallace’s – River St., BallinaEric Box Mitsubishi – CasinoClunes Auto Centre – ClunesCentury 21 Real Estate – Main St, AlstonvilleAnglican Church Op-shop – Byron BayBangalow CWA Gift Shop – BangalowRay Towers Carpets – MullumbimbyVolunteers will be needed when packing commences at the Lismore Showground Pavillion during August. Cash donations can also be made to North Coast Drought Appeal: BSB 728 728 A/C No 22321288.Follow Food for Farmers - North Coast Drought Appeal on Facebook for updates.

The doors of the Leycester St Foodworks - still often affectionately known as Menins - have temporarily reopened.Owner Christine Lancaster is having a closing down sale in a bid to sell off the last of the shop’s stock.Among the items still left are drinks, juices, breakfast cereals, washing powders, petfood and frozen meals.“Everything is under $10,” Christine told the Lismore App.“The soft drinks are all $1, deodorants are all $3, regardless of variety and brand.“Everything across the whole store is drastically reduced.”Christine decided to shut the shop - which has been a local fixture for decades - when the lease came up for renewal at the end of June.Almost all of the fixtures have already been sold.“Basically the only thing I've got left to sell is the deli cabinets,” she said.Christine said her plan was still to move back to Queensland, where she has family.She said she had no idea what would become of the building once she left.The closing down sale would last a few more days and she would close the doors of the store permanently on Monday or Tuesday, she addedJobsHernes Freight Service:Local HC/MC DriverHernes has been a recognised & respected name in the refrigerated road transport industry for two generations.The origins of what is now Hernes Freight Service can be traced back to Harvey Herne’s humble beginnings in 1974 when he started off carrying frozen groceries down the east coast of Australia & frozen chickens back up with just one Mercedes Benz prime mover. Today Stuart, Harvey’s son, owns & operates a modern fleet of over seventy vehicles comprising of mostly Western Stars, Kenworths and Volvo’s; being one of the most versatile privately owned fleets on the eastern seaboard.We have a position available for a LOCAL HC/MC Driver based in our Lismore depot. This is position is Casual or Full-Time.

Northern NSW Local Health District is urging people to be on the lookout for lesser known signs of meningococcal disease, with two cases already reported in the area this year and the peak period for the disease still more than a month away.North Coast Public Health Unit director Paul Corben said meningococcal disease could occur at any time of year but cases normally started to increase towards the end of flu season, when people’s immune systems are weaker from viruses.“Last year there were nine reported cases of meningococcal disease. It is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause death within hours so the more symptoms people know about, the better,” said Mr Corben.“Most cases occur in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can be affected.”NSW Health’s director of communicable diseases, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, said meningococcal could mimic other common illnesses, so it was important people be aware nearer spring that nausea symptoms, vomiting, neck stiffness, joint pain, light sensitivity, or a sudden fever, could be something else.“Most people normally associate meningococcal disease with a rash of red-purple spots or bruises but in some cases a rash doesn’t appear, or it could be the last symptom to take shape,” said Dr Sheppeard.Meningococcal is spread by secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is carrying the bacteria but close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on.“It more commonly occurs in people aged between 15-24 years as they tend to be involved in more intimate social activities such as kissing,” said Dr Sheppeard.Vaccination is the best means of protection against meningococcal disease. Vaccination for meningococcal disease types A, C, W and Y, is available on the National Immunisation Program for infants at 12 months of age and for adolescents in Year 10 through the School-based Vaccination Program offered to all high schools across NSW.Any adolescents aged 15 to 19 years who miss the vaccine in school are eligible for a free vaccine from their GP. However, as there are several strains of meningococcal disease, and vaccination does not cover all strains, even vaccinated people need to be on the lookout for symptoms.The latest Annual Immunisation Report shows vaccination rates in NSW are at their highest level ever, with close to 95 per cent of five year olds fully vaccinated.The NSW Government will invest around $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program Budget, including Commonwealth and State vaccines.

Lismore’s biennial big day out for dogs is on again this weekend.Organiser Jane Spinaze, from the Keen Street Veterinary Clinic, said Paws in the Park was a fun day and an opportunity for owners to get their dogs out and about and socialising.“We’ve been doing it for a few years now and people have been so excited that it’s on again,” Ms Spinaze said. “It’s really popular.“There isn’t heaps for local dog owners in our local area and they normally have to travel a long way for dog events.”Some dogs go all out for the fashions on the field competition. PHOTO: Supplied.Ms Spinaze said there would be a tonne of activities to keep owners and their dogs busy during the morning.Competitions will include fashions on the field, a talent show and golden oldies, a pawfect puppy parade, tennis ball lotto, the great spoon lick and seven legged race.An agility course with obstacles such a tunnel, walkthrough and high jump will be available and Photos in a Booth will be running a canine photo booth costing $5 for a strip of shots.Get a snap with your best friend in the canine photo booth. PHOTO: Supplied.For the children, there will be a ball tossing, colouring in and guessing games and the story dogs and Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers will be running a fundraising barbecue brunch store."We've got heaps of prizes to give away so pretty much everyone will walk away with something," Ms Spinaze said.Entry is $10 which goes to Northern Rivers Animal Services with almost everything else free except the photo booth, food and coffee.“It’s just a fun day to get out there, supporting dog owners and dog responsibility,” Ms Spinaze said.“We normally get about 150 dogs and we’re hoping to raise at least $1000.”Paws in the Park will run from 9am until about noon on Sunday at the Lismore City Rugby Club, 1 Rugby Rd, Lismore. No EFTPOS facilities are available so remember to bring cash.JobsHernes Freight Service:Local HC/MC DriverHernes has been a recognised & respected name in the refrigerated road transport industry for two generations.The origins of what is now Hernes Freight Service can be traced back to Harvey Herne’s humble beginnings in 1974 when he started off carrying frozen groceries down the east coast of Australia & frozen chickens back up with just one Mercedes Benz prime mover. Today Stuart, Harvey’s son, owns & operates a modern fleet of over seventy vehicles comprising of mostly Western Stars, Kenworths and Volvo’s; being one of the most versatile privately owned fleets on the eastern seaboard.We have a position available for a LOCAL HC/MC Driver based in our Lismore depot. This is position is Casual or Full-Time.

The Lismore Quad is to host a new “freaky festival of fun” over two nights during Science Week next month.Dark Science is billed as a free event for adults celebrating the intersection between provocative art, performance and the sciences.“The Northern Rivers region is full of creative, experimental, underground artists and performers who are pushing the boundaries,” said Quad Placemaking Officer Marisa Snow. “Dark Science provides a new platform for those works to be presented.“It is a free showcase of creative works and experiences that sit outside the mainstream – performance, music, film, visual art as well as many things that defy neat categorization!“Some of Dark Science will be provocative, even shocking, but it will also be hilarious, awe-inspiring and a lot of fun.”The lineup for the festival includes:The Space CowboyAs the holder of more than 55 Guinness World Records The Space Cowboy is leading the frontier of extreme performance and has baffled doctors and scientists across the globe. The Space Cowboy has created new show especially for Dark Science called ‘Imagination Rules the World’ packed with thrilling stunts, science trickery and mental marvels. Experience him sword swallowing, chainsaw juggling and more as he pushes the boundaries of science and possibility.Andy ForbesSplendour in the Grass stalwart Andy Forbes brings his unique style of performance installation to Dark Science with a macabre show set in a vintage caravan. Two gothic characters, Mr Filthy and Professor Pickles, undertake a durational performance over four hours exploring themes of science gone wrong and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein set to an eerie soundtrack of War of the Worlds.Intergalactic Dub Lab with DJ Wonkytooth and Kellie O’DempseyTravel the bass spacewaves with Intergalactic Dub Lab, a live roots dub mix-up with DJ Wonkytooth at the controls of a custom-built sound system while well-known visual artist Kellie O’Dempsey draws large-scale projections in Dark Science’s new venue – The Dub Dome.UnigloExperience the sounds of Uniglo as costumed anti-heroes Zeta von Tack and Percival Sealevel mesmerize audiences with their own blend of uniCore; a fusion of electronic styles, punk, industrial and metal, delivered through loops blended with female vocals, guitars and the occasional slice of live drums.Dark Shire ChoirCome together on Saturday night to learn a pop song in three-part harmony in a special Dark Shire Choir pop-up singing experience (separately ticketed $10 event). Singers and non-singers all welcome. The suitably dark pop song will not be revealed until the night!Public Act TheatrePublic Act Theatre will perform ‘The Conduits’ a two-hour interactive performance art piece involving 5 performers and members of the audience combining physical theatre, movement, projection, sound and ‘automatic painting’.Eve on Tour: Encounter on a Precarious SurfaceA new work being created in residence at The Quad - Eve on Tour: Encounter on a Precarious Surface will build sculptures with scaffolding, create rhythms with bodies and objects and dance rapturous choreography to rock songs. Berlin-based Italian born performers Maria Giulia Serantoni and Andrea Parolin join local Kate McDowell to run a daily workshop at The Quad open to all professional and non-professional participants who identify as a woman. Workshop participants will then take part in the performance at Dark Science.Conservatorium of MusicThe dark dungeons’ of the Conservatorium of Music will feature a host of work and installations such as the Dark Museum of intrigue by Cloudbeard and AñA Wojak, animated videos by Karena Wynn Moylan and interactive art and DJ’s from the Social Futures Club House - who’ll be specially opening their doors late. The Lismore Regional Gallery will also be keeping their doors open into the evening so people can experience the Idle Worship exhibition.Al KhemAnother of The Con’s spaces will be transformed into the Alchemist's Den for Al Khem. Enter in silence for a performance and sound work exploring ancient alchemy and the transmutation of base metal into gold, performed by Galaxy Stone and Luxul, presented by Octopus π.North Coast AstronomyNorth Coast Astronomy will be out in the Quad precinct with their mega powerful telescopes so you can watch the moon rise and see our galaxy up close.Dark Science is on August 16 and 17 at The Quad, 11 Rural St, Lismore. For more details check out: www.lismorequad.org.au

Lismore City Council is developing a new Economic Development Strategy and is running a series of workshops to get input from the business community.The subjects of the workshops range from "Innovative and Connected City" to "Growing Professional Services" and "Enabling the Agri-Economy".Economic development manager Tina Irish said the strategy would identify ways to support sustainable growth of our existing industries and services, and encourage the development of new ones over the coming decades.“We want to hear from our business community – we know there is a huge brains-trust of business people out there with good ideas and expert knowledge and experience,” Ms Irish said.“We want to explore people’s feedback and incorporate the best of that feedback into a comprehensive Economic Development Strategy that will help us grow Lismore over the next 20 years. “Lismore is a key driver for the whole Northern Rivers economy and we need a detailed action plan so we can strategically implement projects that will improve our city and help us attract businesses, increase jobs and boost tourism.”Council is running the workshops over the remainder of July and in August. Business people are encouraged to register for a session below on a topic of interest. There is no limit to how many workshops people can attend.Innovative and Connected CityWednesday, 24 JulyVenue: Lismore Workers ClubTime: 6pm – 7.30pmExploring Economic Development initiatives in NimbinThursday, 25 JulyVenue: Birth & Beyond Hall, NimbinTime: 6pm – 8.30pmRiver City LifestyleWednesday, 31 JulyVenue: Lismore Workers ClubTime: 6pm – 7.30pmGrowing Professional ServicesThursday, 1 AugustVenue: Lismore Workers ClubTime: 6pm – 7.30pmEnabling the Agri-EconomyWednesday, 7 AugustVenue: Lismore Workers ClubTime: 6pm – 7.30pmCultural and Sporting PowerhouseThursday, 8 AugustVenue: Lismore Workers ClubTime: 6pm – 7.30pmThose people who cannot make a workshop can still participate in the development of Council’s Economic Development Strategy by completing an online survey.To complete the survey or register for the community workshops visit www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 87 83 87.Registration for community workshops is essential and light refreshments will be served.

A new authorised John Deere dealership is opening in Lismore. Chesterfield Australia last week lodged a development application with Lismore City Council for the site at 9 Three Chain Rd, South Lismore, to change the approved use from a bulky goods showroom and warehouse to a vehicle sales, hire and repair premises.The site in the industrial estate was previously occupied by Ray Towers Carpets.A statement of environmental effects accompanying the development application says the new business will employ about nine full-time staff.“As the John Deere authorised dealer for the Northern Rivers region as well as a supplier of other incidental farming equipment, Chesterfield will carry out full dealership activities,” the SEE says.“These include sale of agricultural machinery, commercial and golf mowing equipment and residential lawn care products. Full parts supply for all of the other listed products as well as servicing and repairs.”The authorised dealer for John Deere in the area was previously Ongmac Trading in Conway St.A statement on Chesterfield’s website says the company hopes to have the new dealership open in August.Until then, John Deere owners can get in touch with the company through the Beaudesert Branch.Headquartered in Queensland, Chesterfield Australia is one of the largest John Deere dealers in Australia with 13 locations in Queensland and NSW. The company is also an importer and distributor of Faresin Equipment.The development application is on display for community comment until August 5.“The proposed development has a negligible/minor environmental impact which can be satisfactorily managed,” the SEE says.JobsHernes Freight Service:Local HC/MC DriverHernes has been a recognised & respected name in the refrigerated road transport industry for two generations.The origins of what is now Hernes Freight Service can be traced back to Harvey Herne’s humble beginnings in 1974 when he started off carrying frozen groceries down the east coast of Australia & frozen chickens back up with just one Mercedes Benz prime mover. Today Stuart, Harvey’s son, owns & operates a modern fleet of over seventy vehicles comprising of mostly Western Stars, Kenworths and Volvo’s; being one of the most versatile privately owned fleets on the eastern seaboard.We have a position available for a LOCAL HC/MC Driver based in our Lismore depot. This is position is Casual or Full-Time.

The Northern Star Lismore Business Awards on Saturday night were a “roaring success”.Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry co-president Sarah Smith said about 250 people attended the event at the Trinity Sports Hall.“It was awesome - a really, really good night,” said Ms Smith.“The music was great. The food was great. The girls did a great job on the venue“I think we can safely say it was a roaring success.” Ms Smith said a big highlight was the number of new faces and new businesses entering the awards.It was also great to see Wrightway Products recognised with a “Lismore’s Finest” award having previously won awards three years in a row, she said.Connect Accountants & Advisors took out the Excellence in Business and Business of the Year Awards.Co-owner Andrew Stevens said he and partner Melanie Serone were humbled to win the award and be recognised by their peers."It's a fantastic result for our team and our business," Mr Stevens said."When we started our business about three years ago we made a conscious decision that we would do a good job at a fair price."The growth and benefit we've got out of that has been fantastic."Mr Stevens said the awards were well run and it was a "great night"."The place looked fantastic," he said."We've got to give a big thankyou to the chamber and all the sponsors, because without them these sort of events don't happen."Award Winners and Highly CommendedConnect Accountants & Advisors were the Business of the Year. PHOTO: Supplied/Black Tie Photo Booths.Excellence in BusinessConnect Accountants & AdvisorsExcellence in InnovationTAFE NSWRoxy Rose Burlesque won the Excellence in Micro Business award. PHOTO: Supplied/Black Tie Photo Booths.Excellence in Micro BusinessRoxie Rose BurlesqueSportspower Super Warehouse won the Excellent in Small Business Award. PHOTO: Supplied/Black Tie Photo Booths.Excellence in Small BusinessSportspower Super WarehouseHealth, Care & Wellness IndustriesLismore Karate Pty Ltd trading as Success Martial ArtsNaarah Rodwell chief executive of CASPA won the Outstanding Business Leader award. PHOTO: Supplied/Black Tie Photo Booths.Outstanding Business LeaderNaarah RodwellCASPA Services LtdNgunya Jarjum Child & Family Network won the Outstanding Employer of Choice award. PHOTO: Supplied/Black Tie Photo Booths. Outstanding Employer of ChoiceNgunya Jarjum Child & Family NetworkOutstanding Young EmployeeSkyhe HoytLismore City CouncilOutstanding Young EmployeeJayde McMurrayCASPA Services LtdJoel Jensen Constructions took out the Oustanding Young Entrepreneur award. PHOTO: Supplied/Black Tie Photo BoothsOutstanding Young EntrepreneurJoel JensenJoel Jensen ConstructionsProfessional ServicesEveryday-LegalRetail & Personal ServicesLazuli Sisters Hair and Makeup StudioStart Up SuperstarNorthern Rivers PodiatryTourism & Visitor ExperienceLismore Symphony OrchestraTrade, Construction & ManufacturingArmsign Pty LtdBUSINESS OF THE YEARConnect Accountants & AdvisorsHIGHLY COMMENDEDHealth, Care & Wellness IndustriesCancer Compassionate Fund Inc.Outstanding Employer of ChoiceConnect Accountants & AdvisorsRetail & Personal ServicesSportspower Super WarehouseTrade, Construction & ManufacturingMaccas All Mechanical Excellence in Workplace Health & SafetyHighly CommendedMaccas All MechanicalSucess Martial ArtsJoel Jensen ConstructionsMortgage Choice Northern RiversLismore Symphony OrchestraWinnerMortgage Choice Northern RiversLismore Business awards sponsorsMajor sponsor Northern starGold Sponsors OptusService NSWNorcoTursaAONWin TelevisionBlack tie Photo BoothLion and LambSouthern Cross UniversityLismore City CouncilSafe Work NSWSilver Sponsors Thomas Noble and RussellJTSNorthern rivers Ford and Isuzu utesTAFE NSWBronze Sponsors The Enchanted FloristThe Aussie House sittersJobsHernes Freight Service:Local HC/MC DriverHernes has been a recognised & respected name in the refrigerated road transport industry for two generations.The origins of what is now Hernes Freight Service can be traced back to Harvey Herne’s humble beginnings in 1974 when he started off carrying frozen groceries down the east coast of Australia & frozen chickens back up with just one Mercedes Benz prime mover. Today Stuart, Harvey’s son, owns & operates a modern fleet of over seventy vehicles comprising of mostly Western Stars, Kenworths and Volvo’s; being one of the most versatile privately owned fleets on the eastern seaboard.We have a position available for a LOCAL HC/MC Driver based in our Lismore depot. This is position is Casual or Full-Time.