The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Large Hailstones, Damaging Winds and Heavy Rainfall for people in Casino and the western parts of the Northern Rivers.A front and associated trough is crossing through central parts of the state, reaching the northeast during the afternoon. Severe thunderstorms have developed in the moist and unstable airmass ahead of the trough. Storms are moving to the east and northeast and are likely to continue throughout the afternoon and into the early evening.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations that may be affected include Casino, Grafton, Kempsey, Armidale, Dorrigo and Macksville.At this stage, the warning does not include Lismore and the coastal areas of the Northern Rivers.The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.The next warning is due to be issued by 7:10 pm.

The NSW Government is committing $21 million over four years to enhance alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment and support for people in Northern NSW, as the second day of the regional Drug Summit begins in Lismore. This includes $6.8 million for three new programs to be provided by not-for-profit AOD services and mental health organisation The Buttery, including:$2.6 million for a new day rehabilitation program and counselling for people with dependent children;$2 million over four years for community-based withdrawal management and counselling for priority population groups; and$2.2 million over four years for a new post-custodial support service.Community RehabilitationThe Community Rehabilitation for Parents program will provide day rehabilitation with individual care coordination, counselling, and psychosocial support for up to six months for people aged over 18 with a substance use disorder and dependent children. The program is expected to support up to 48 people each year.Withdrawal management and counsellingPeople will be offered withdrawal management in partnership with local GPs, assertive case management and AOD psychosocial counselling for up to six months.Face-to-face and virtual care will be available. Up to 360 people will be able to receive treatment each year across Northern NSW and the Mid-North Coast.Post-custodial supportCase management and support will be offered to people in Northern NSW and the Mid-North Coast up to three months prior to release from custody and up to 12 months post-release.Northern NSW Local Health District servicesAs part of this announcement, Northern NSW Local Health District will receive funding to support the following services:$1.5 million to establish Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Services across multiple locations including Tweed Byron Ballina, Richmond and Grafton. A virtual care component will support mothers and parents in rural locations to enable increased engagement with AOD services.$700,000 to expand alcohol and other drug hospital consultation services in Lismore, Tweed, Clarence and Byron/Ballina to better support acute services, provide extended hours of coverage, and virtual care. $1.6 million for expansion and integration of AOD services for young people, including enhance partnerships with other agencies including Department of Communities and Justice, Headspace, Youth Justice and HARP. The service will be available in 3 locations and includes virtual care.Drug Summit in LismoreThe 2024 Drug Summit is underway in NSW with the second regional forum taking place in Lismore today, following the first day of the Summit in Griffith last Friday.The Summit will also be held in Sydney on 4 and 5 December, bringing together health experts, police, people with lived and living experiences, drug user organisations, families and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives.              Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “I am so proud to be able to announce this important investment into life-changing services for the people of Northern NSW on the second day of the regional Drug Summit in Lismore.“It’s vital that we continue to support community organisations like The Buttery to help people achieve recovery and rebuild their lives.“This funding will focus on increasing access to evidence-based treatment, prevention, and early intervention services, especially in regional and rural areas.“These new programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of people living in regional areas and priority population groups, including Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people with mental health conditions, young people, and people involved in the criminal justice system.”Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “The Northern NSW community will benefit from this major funding boost, which will significantly improve health and social outcomes for people at risk of alcohol and other drug-related harm and their families.“I look forward to listening and reflecting on the experience and expertise of everyone contributing to the second day of the regional Drug Summit in Lismore so we can better understand how to support our community.”

UPDATE 7:44pmGood news!The 42 -year-old woman missing from Lismore has been found safe. Police would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance. ORIGINAL STORYPolice are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from Lismore.Sonthia Mikkelson, aged 42, was last seen in Lismore about 12pm on Friday, 5 April 2024.When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Richmond Police District were notified on Friday, 1 November 2024 and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.Police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she lives with several medical conditions.Sonthia is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of thin build, long black hair, blue/grey eyes and a crucifix tattoo on her right hand.Sonthia is known to frequent the Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and Nimbin areas.Anyone who may have seen or who have information into her whereabouts are urged to contact Lismore Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch will be conducting the official Remembrance Day service and wreath laying on next Monday, 11th November 2024 at the Lismore Cenotaph at the Memorial Baths on Molesworth Street commencing at 1030hrs.Secretary of the Lismore RSL Sub-Branch Wilson McClelland said, “The 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month, the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front after WW1, is a time for us to pause and remember those who served and sacrificed in all wars and conflicts."Busy lives and competing priorities mean that sometimes, that moment passes by without recognition. "City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch President Ken Arnett is asking the community to Remember to commit to pausing for just one minute to remember those who gave their lives in service to their country, those who returned home injured or ill, and those who bravely serve our country today”."There will also be a smaller service and wreath laying at the North Lismore Memorial commencing at 0930hrs; this service will be conducted by students of The Rivers Secondary College."You can also pay your respects and support the Lismore RSL Sub-Branch by purchasing Poppy Day badges. Volunteers from the sub-branch and auxillary will be at Lismore Square, Lismore Central, the Goonellabah Shopping Village and Bunnings. All funds raised remain in the local area.

Lismore is suffering from a lack of options for those looking to increase their family size.There are currently no private obstetricians that are providing birth services through Lismore Base Hospital, and there is a general shortage of midwives experienced across the state, exacerbated in Lismore with the QLD border, giving better career opportunities.Planning a family comes with so much love and uncertainty. A lot of time goes towards making sure the pregnancy is well managed and planning the ideal scenario when your pregnancy comes to full term.If enhanced care is required or desired, the options in Lismore are scant. There are private gynaecologists and obstetricians; however, none practise in hospitals.Dr Addenbrook, one of Lismore’s private obstetricians, confirmed that there are currently no options available for women to give birth with a private obstetrician at Lismore Base Hospital. “I am still offering private antenatal care in Lismore (but not care in labour or for birth). I am still offering private consultations and surgery for gynaecology as well.”Private paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall points out that it is difficult to attract younger talent to regional areas, and many specialists opt to work a shift at a public hospital rather than have to coordinate a private business where they are on call.Dr Ingall explains the difference between public and private care.“In the public system, you attend the midwifery antenatal class. If there were any problem with the pregnancy, they would consult the doctor, basically the midwives, who would be looking over that pregnancy.”Private care ensures you know your team, and they know about your journey, taking you through it with continuity of care. “In the public system, when you came into labour unless you contracted your own private midwife, then you wouldn't know whose face was going to pop around the corner to help you deliver. “So there's that loss of continuity of care in the public system; you might get the registrar, or you might get a consultant if things go wrong. It's a very safe system, but it's just not a personal one.”The closest private hospital is in Queensland at John Flynn or Pindara."Your child can be admitted to that hospital, and your paediatrician, who you saw in the rooms that day, will be the doctor whose name is on the end of the bed, and the same with your pregnancy.”Dr Ingall also speaks to the difficulty of hiring short-term. ”When you don't employ to a position, whether it's a nursing position or a doctor position, then you get a locum. And the moment you get a locum in, you increase risk.“How much safer is it to have someone who knows the patient and knows how they were on Monday and on Wednesday, that they look worse. Whereas, if you didn't see them Monday and you're just going by what the patient's family might be saying, we're not happy with healing, but to articulate that it's her colour might be missed.“The perfect system is one where there's ownership and continuity of care.”Healthy North Coast 2023 report says that midwifery has decreased 34% (254 midwives) since 2013 in the North Coast region, which is consistent with the declining birth rate (from 2.31 to 2.07), which is higher than in the state of NSW (from 1.95 to 1.72). Many areas have below-average midwife numbers, and Kyogle doesn't have any at all.A spokesperson for St Vincent’s Lismore said, “We acknowledge there is a shortage of services in our area. St Vincent’s has no intention or plan to implement a maternity service.”Midwifery figures are particularly low in Lismore. Many midwives in the Northern Rivers region opt to work a little further north, where the pay and conditions can see up to a 40% increase.New South Wales has the lowest number of midwives per capita in the country, with only 104 midwives per 100,000 population. There are 6,600 practising midwives in the state.  NSW Nurses and Midwife Association Assistant General Secretary and midwife Michael Whaites said the recruitment and retention issues in midwifery require urgent attention, particularly by federal and state governments and employers in NSW.  "This national workforce report reinforces what we already knew – increasing numbers of midwives are looking to exit the industry due to work-related issues including burnout, understaffing, not feeling valued and poor skill mix," Mr Whaites said.NSW Nurses and Midwives said that Lismore Base Hospital is understaffed by more than 100 nursing and midwifery staff members. They currently employ 60 agency staff.The government spent more than $24 million on agency nurses and midwives in Northern NSW Local Health District last financial year – the highest of all Local Health Districts.For further reading, find these resources;Nursing and Midwifery report by their boardHealthy North Coast Trends Report

After hearing farmers' concerns about the macadamia industry's survival in the Northern Rivers, the Lismore App has been investigating the industry over the last two months.These concerns were raised off the record over twelve months ago. No one was willing to go on the record to give their honest thoughts about the state of macadamia farming. Finally, some brave farmers came forward to share their orchard practices and their thoughts on the Northern Rivers Macadamia Industry in 20 years.If those thoughts become reality, what was once the heart of the macadamia industry on the East Coast won't be in 2044.In Part 1, we looked at the industry itself. Learning that certain macadamia trees are native to the Northern Rivers. The first commercial planting was in the 1880s, and in the 1980s, we were the heart of the Macadamia Industry as city people started buying land to plant macadamia trees in the 1970s.There are a lot of macadamia farms for sale, some even saying, "the farm could be worked or the trees removed".In Part II, we looked into the actual farming involved in producing a macadamia crop and the associated costs. The last three years have been particularly difficult, with the price paid to farmers falling to a low of $1.70 in 2023, while at the same time, wet weather reduced the harvest by 20 to 30 tonnes, depending on the size of the farm. A double hit to any farm's profitability.Revenue has increased thanks to a recovery in the price per kilo at 33% premium kernel recovery and 10% nut-in-shell moisture content. In 2024, it is expected to be around $3.20 p/kg. Farmers who have more premium nuts could achieve a higher rate.The breakeven point for most small macadamia farms, which are between 2000 and 5000 trees, is around $3.20 to $3.40. There are many small macadamia farms in Lismore and the Northern Rivers.So, given those numbers, the million-dollar question is, "Will the Northern Rivers Macadamia Industry survive, and where will it be in 20 years"?That question is being influenced by large-scale farms in Bundaberg, four hours north of Brisbane. The Bundaberg area is growing rapidly with farms of 10,000 trees+, so large-scale when compared to the Northern Rivers. Then, there is the overseas industry, with countries like South Africa and China now producing their own macadamia nuts in large commercial quantities.PETER COLBYPeter purchased his 2,500-tree farm in the early 2000s and saw the writing on the wall quickly. He sold it after a few years of operating it because the "Cost of processing had gone through the roof.""So, you have to make a business decision as to whether you want to reinvest back in macas. But then you've got the scalability of what's needed in the plants. So you look at it in a business sense, in the business model, and you go, well, okay, do I take a 10-year view that I'm going to reinvest in this? So after 10 years, I have something that has value, and that's the future of it."In the meantime, you don't earn enough to make a living or to hire someone or people to run your macadamia farm, plus you need to invest a lot of capital to get it to where it can produce strong tonnage each season. As all farmers know, growing conditions are out of the hands of farmers.The 20-year Crystal Ball"If I thought I was serious about it, you have to think about added value. If I'm going to run a macadamia farm, what am I going to take off it? Am I going to take one part of the process, or am I actually going to add two or three parts of the process to the point where I can actually sell my marketable product that has added value?"In any industry, if you only do 1% of it, hypothetically, you'll go broke because you only make 10% of the value of the end product. But if you've got four or five sections of it, you then can take 10% there, 10% there, 10% there. So, at the end of the day, you virtually doubled the value of your outtake of the product."Maybe a lot of farmers need to get on top of the Co-op and start to seriously drive that as to what the added value is. What the market can be delivered to. You go to somewhere like Amsterdam, and you walk down the street, and they've got macadamia nuts for $100 a kilo bag, or 100 euros per kilo bag, right? Fully finished, salted and all that sort of stuff. But they probably came off a farm at $4. All those people that are in the chain are making the money."PAUL MAVISPaul manages a 6000-tree macadamia farm in Alstonville for a Sydney family that has owned the farm since the late 1970s.Paul sells his nut-in-shell to a local processing company, which he thinks sells directly to Woolworths. According to Paul, he gets a better price that way. However, like many other local farms, for the last few years, they have been running at a loss because costs have increased so much, that is, fertilisers, fuel and contractors."I know people who were pulling them out," Paul said, referencing trees being removed from some properties.Large-scale farming is the consensus for future success, and in the Northern Rivers, this is difficult to achieve because of the natural topography. However, Paul has seen some farms down on the flats that used to be sugar cane now planting macadamia trees."There's thousands of acres down there. One place down there's got 1000 acres, and there's a place in Lawrence (near Maclean) that planted 3000 acres, but that's owned by a big consortium. It used to be scrub, old dairy farms, and they bought them all out. They spent a lot of money putting dams in, roads and everything."Paul feels that a lifestyle farmer who has 1500 trees and works during the week can manage the macadamia farm on the weekends. Free time might be the issue in the long term. For anything larger than that and smaller than 6000-8000, profitability is a real concern because you need more time to run the farm and make a living.As Peter Colby said above, Paul also said, "The middle man makes the money instead of the farmer. It's been like that for 250 years in Australia with farming. The farmer is always the one that gets the boot in the arse.""I know a bloke up here; he's got 800 trees on five acres. He was thinking about selling, so spoke to a real estate bloke about selling with the trees on there or without the trees. And he reckons you'll have more chance of selling without the trees than with the trees."I've heard of people who were selling to a bloke on 20 acres out at Dunoon or Clunes, and the people that wanted it didn't want the trees on it. So, he took the trees off."As for the future of the local macadamia industry, Paul feels that most of the farms are owned by people whose farms are their second income. So, if they make a loss in consecutive years, it can be sustained. However, the new people buying land in the Northern Rivers want a lifestyle not a farm."There's a lot of younger people coming out of Sydney and down south that are buying these 20-acre blocks and running horses or a couple of cows and sheep or something on it. They don't want the maintenance or the work involved in running one of these bloody things.""Some of the jobs on here, it's not easy when you buy yourself. When we get a storm through here, that can cause a lot of damage, a lot of limbs come down. They've all got to be chipped up.ANDREW HEAPRuns a small-scale macadamia farm in Alstonville. Andrew has good insight into the industry being a former Australian Macadamia Society Executive Officer and a farmer.Andrew feels that anyone buying a small macadamia farm in the Northern Rivers would need to work the farm themselves and try to eke out a living. Buying one as an investment is more about land value than the value of a macadamia farm."The issue really is smaller farms, where land values are rising because people want to come and live here, are out of proportion now compared to more remote growing areas and Bundaberg," Andrew said.Andrew sees the Northern Rivers macadamia industry moving in two ways. One is the merging or purchasing of farms, so there will be some large-scale producers in the 10,000-plus range and some being sold off for lifestyle blocks to new residents moving to the area."I think on the smaller scale side of things, they'll become more lifestyle. Trees will be removed, become livestock paddocks, fenced off, nice and tidy. I mean, there's some proficiency issues there too. A large lifestyle farm is not particularly useful. Spend a lot of time out on the mower, mowing grass for not a lot of return."So, it will depend on debt. If people don't carry a lot of debt, depending on their age, if they're inclined to work the farm and have a rural background, that will also work in favour of the mix of lifestyle and environment with doing a bit of work like harvesting and working on the farm."But I think the trend overall is the big money will going into larger farms and amalgamation in those areas probably not in these areas because people want to live here."ROSS ARNETTRoss's farm, Malua, in Lindendale, has 10 hectares and about 2000 macadamia trees.Ross is a fifth-generation farmer who got in touch after reading our previous stories and wanted to touch on regenerative macadamia farming, as he believes it is a way to lower costs and thus make a living out of a small macadamia farm.Controlling costs is the key component, as growers cannot control the price they receive.Ross has been through dairy and beef farming before the land was agisted out for 40 years. He has no debt."I lived in Sydney, so when I moved back here, I worked at Southern Cross for a while and then planted my first macas about 20 years ago, and I've been farming full-time for about the last 15."Ross says he is managing his tree size with canopy management, and he grows ground cover through his orchard."I'm trying to get close to 100% and by then growing mixed species cover crops down the road. I get a whole range of diversity of plants, which then provide habitat and food for beneficial insects, which also lowers the cost of soft spraying or less spraying. It also has a huge impact on the soil with nutrient cycling with the soil biology. So, I need to use less fertiliser or no fertiliser and a little bit of compost to keep my orchard running."In dollar terms, Ross says his costs are about $3000 a hectare, whereas conventional farms are running closer to $8-9000 a hectare.Ross' trees are a bit young, so he is not in full production; however, he says he will achieve 20 tonnes, which comes out at around $76,000 gross with a $30,000 cost. That leaves Ross with a $46,000 profit. Still not enough to live on as his primary income, but it is not losing money. Ross claims he can hit 50 tonnes a hectare in the future.Ross does not disagree with Peter, Paul and Andrew when it comes to small macadamia farms in the next 20 years, that they will become lifestyle properties."I think that is true for a number of farms. But there are a whole lot of farms that wouldn't be lifestyle blocks. There are some that are mountain goat country, you know, very steep, that in some ways shouldn't be farmed. The erosion issues we have and the quality of the Richmond River. And it's not just macadamia farmers, there's a whole lot of farming practices that affect that."As you know, there's a whole lot going down on the cane flats and I'm sceptical of how well that works. I think some will survive because they're they're way bigger. It's still to me mounted rows to get out of the water table, so they're high enough. But they're like bowling greens. They're all just mowed at the moment with a herbicide strip down it."The way I look at that, I've seen them putting mulch out. It's phenomenally expensive the way they do it. But, biology does not exist in the macadamia industry. It does, in a superficial way. We put out all that this organic matter and the fungi and the bacteria in that, but that's really superficial."Ross has already seen the start of the 20-year future of the Northern Rivers macadamia industry."I've known people that have farmed and have moved out of macadamias. They're certainly not looking at the macadamias as an income stream.""I think the cost now to pull out a big old farm and redevelop it again is probably not that viable. Bundaberg and that area will keep growing.""I'm not an expert, but from what I see, I think a lot of the land that's suitable for lifestyle blocks will certainly end up going that way. It will be interesting to see what happens down on the coastal flats with farming there. I think some that are really good at it will do okay, but I think a number will fail."MARQUIS MACADAMIASMarquis Macadamias is one of the largest processors and growers in Australia. According to its 2023 Annual Report it has 38% of the Australian macadamia crop.When asked about the Northern Rivers, Marquis agreed that the Northern Rivers predominantly features smaller orchards when compared to those in Bundaberg, and they are typically owned by individual owners. Bundaberg is owned by a combination of local farming families and international investors.Marquis' CEO Ben Adams said the upside for the industry in Australia is strong."Macadamias currently make up less than 2% of the global tree nut market, which leaves substantial room for growth. In 2022, the global market for macadamia nuts was valued at US$1.53 billion, and it's projected to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% through 2032. This strong demand signals a promising future for growers and the industry as a whole."Which new market is the most promising?"We have been actively investing in the Indian market since trade barriers were lowered, with tariffs reducing each year, phasing down to zero in 2028. In 2023, we secured a contract with one of India’s largest distributors, and now our Australian macadamias are available on both wholesalers’ and retailers’ shelves."While nuts are already popular in India, macadamias remain relatively unknown. As one of the world’s largest suppliers of macadamias, we aim to educate the Indian market about the health benefits and the premium quality of Australian macadamia nuts and establish a foothold in this growing category."Another advantage of Asian countries is the access to cheap labour for the processing of macadamia nuts. Andrew Heap said it was cheaper to ship nut-in-shell macadamias to China to be cracked and then shipped back as kernels. The price farmers get can vary greatly depending on the quality of the kernel. Is it a whole or a half? Is it suitable to eat? Is it suitable for chocolate? Is it suitable for meal? Is it suitable for cereal?SUMMARYThe Northern Rivers Macadamia Industry is definitely changing.Lismore Heights resident Peter Cloutier wrote a prospectus in 1971 called Invest in Macadamias. It outlined the financial plans of investing in and planting an orchard in the days when macadamia trees took seven years to bear fruit (now 2-3 years). Peter wrote, "The investment period for this industry is 9 years, and represents $2,730 per acre, including initial land purchase and interest."This investment can be recovered from profits in about the fifteenth year."Of course, these were the very early days of the Northern Rivers macadamia industry, which led to the golden years of the 1990s and 2000s. The Sydney lawyers and doctors looking to purchase a 10-hectare orchard to make extra money and holiday on the far north coast are gone.It is difficult to think that Peter Colby, Paul Mavis, Andrew Heap, Ross Arnett and Marquis Macadamias could all be wrong.More and more small 1000 to 6000 tree macadamia farms will be sold, most likely with the trees removed. Lifestyle blocks will be the reason why people move to the hills of Lismore and the Northern Rivers, all searching for a tree change.That scenario leads to future development applications being lodged with Lismore City Council as land values increase and the population rises to accommodate the next wave of residents to our slice of heaven.As for the macadamia industry, it will survive and, maybe, thrive as large-scale farms owned by long-standing generational farmers or private equity firms take over. The industry is now set for big business.

There is some good news for Lismore and Northern Rivers residents with student loans today: the Federal Government will cut a further 20 per cent off all student loan debts. By 1 June next year, the Government will cut 20 per cent off all student loans to reduce the debt burden for Australians with a student loan.  This will cut around $16 billion in debt, including all HELP, VET Student Loan, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan and other income-contingent student support loan accounts that exist on 1 June next year. For someone with the average HELP debt of $27,600 they will see around $5,520 wiped from their outstanding HELP loans next year.The government said this will provide significant relief to Australian students and workers with a student loan debt and build on its reforms to fix the indexation formula, which is cutting around $3 billion in student debt. All up, the Albanese Labor Government will cut close to $20 billion in student loan debt for more than three million Australians. This builds on the Government’s announcement that from 1 July next year, it will reduce the amount Australians with a student debt have to repay per year and raise the threshold when people need to start repaying. Together, these reforms also build on the Government’s substantial tertiary education reforms, including:Delivering 500,000 Fee-Free TAFE placesDoubling the number of University Study HubsIntroducing legislation to establish the Commonwealth Prac Payment and expand Fee-Free Uni Ready Courses; andA commitment to introduce a new managed growth and needs-based funding model for universities, and establish an Australian Tertiary Education Commission.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “I will always fight for every young Australian to have access to a good education. My Government will make sure our education system is fairer and affordable for every Australian and we won’t delay unwinding the damage caused by the former Coalition Government. “We’re already fixing indexation, and today, we are going further by taking 20 per cent off student debt – for everyone with a student debt. “This will help everyone with a student debt right now whilst we work hard to deliver a better deal for every student in the years ahead. “No matter where you live or how much your parents earn, my Government will work to ensure the doors of opportunity are open for you.” Minister for Education Jason Clare said, “This is a game-changer for the more than three million Australians with a student loan. “By 1 June next year, we will wipe around a further $16 billion from all Australians with a student dent, including Australians who went to uni and vocational education. “This builds on our changes to make indexation fairer, and all up, this means we are wiping close to $20 billion in student debt. “This is another significant reform that will help us build a better and fairer education system.” Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said, “This is great news for Australians with student debt – whether from studying at university or vocational education – the Albanese Government will reduce their debt alongside our changes to make indexation fairer. “We want all Australians to have the opportunity for higher education, and our changes are making the system fairer and more affordable.” 

The NSW Government has released results from its annual Women in Construction survey, highlighting the need for stronger efforts to promote gender diversity across the sector.With over 1000 responses from NSW construction workers and businesses, the survey revealed a positive trend: the number of women entering the industry has risen by 12.5% in the past year, and of the businesses surveyed women now make-up 20% of the construction workforce. Key challenges identified by both men and women, include a lack of work-life balance (62%), lack of flexible working hours (51%), and insufficient mentoring and leadership training (47%).The survey also showed that achieving work-life balance and flexible work options are critical for staff retention, with 40% of workers considering leaving jobs due to difficulties balancing their work and personal responsibilities. Some concerning statistics were highlighted, with 69% of women reporting some form of gender-based discrimination in the past year, and 33% experiencing workplace sexual harassment.The NSW Government is committed to creating safer and more respectful workplaces, and the SafeWork NSW Respect at Work strategy continues to drive efforts to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace through education and enforcement.To address these issues, the NSW Government is leveraging its procurement power to ensure contractors introduce flexible workplace policies and encourage development of mentoring programs to support women’s long-term success in the industry. Through the Culture in Construction Taskforce, several major infrastructure projects including Transport for NSW, Mulgoa Road Upgrade Stage 1 and Health Infrastructure NSW, Randwick Children’s Hospital Redevelopment are piloting the Culture Standard which includes capped working hours and a five-day week. Initial findings of the piloted projects suggest improvements to recruitment and retention of women in construction.In addition, the NSW Government’s Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program works with industry and contractors to implement flexible workplace and supportive policies, making construction a more appealing career choice for women. Earlier this year, the government announced $2.2 million in funding to support initiatives to attract and retain women in construction and build more inclusive cultures.The survey findings will guide the future direction of the government’s Women in Construction program, addressing entrenched issues and ensuring continued progress toward increasing women’s participation in the industry. To find out more about the Women in Construction program, and see the full survey results visit:  Women in Construction | NSW Government.Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said, “The NSW Government is currently building some of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia, and we want women’s participation in these projects to be a standard in the industry and not the exception.” “This is an important step in helping all our workers feel respected and valued, listening to what women are calling out for, and showing our commitment to equitable workplaces.“Government can and should leverage its procurement power to increase women’s participation, and Transport for NSW is implementing this across its projects.“The workforce delivering Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 enabling works will be supported by wellbeing initiatives from the Culture in Construction Taskforce’s Culture Standard, which include a target for 40% female staff participation during project enabling works, flexible working hours and on-site mental health first aiders.“It also includes a move to a five-day working week on the construction site, a reduction from the six-day working week that’s a frequent barrier to women entering the industry.”Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said, “We are committed to increasing women's participation in the construction industry – this is essential for building a workforce that reflects our diverse communities.“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but this report shows that targeted programs, like Women in Construction, can produce positive results. This report and the feedback I hear generally tells me that we still have a long way to go, across industry, in providing a workplace culture that encourages women to participate. Government is doing good work with industry, particularly large employers, but the change needs to happen in every workplace.“Let’s continue working together for a stronger, more inclusive construction industry—one where gender equity and progressing women’s careers is at the forefront of progress.” Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said, “The future of our trades industry lies in embracing the diversity and capabilities of all workers. It’s important that we're creating a safe, inclusive and dynamic workforce that welcomes and supports women in all trade roles.“The insights gathered from the annual Women in Construction Industry Survey will guide the future direction of our programs, ensuring our actions are informed by the experiences of women in the sector.“We know there is more work to be done, and the NSW Government is working with industry to ensure we drive change by removing barriers and creating supportive pathways for women to thrive.”

Lismore City Council Community Recycling Centre (CRC) is participating in a two-year NSW government trial to help residents safely dispose of embedded batteries.An embedded battery is placed permanently within an item, often with no easy way of being removed and is found in a growing number of portable and often rechargeable items.When your battery is at the end of its life, bring these items FREE of charge to the CRC at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre on Wyrallah Road.Here’s what can be accepted:Bluetooth speakers and headphonesElectric toothbrushesE-scooters, e-bikes and hoverboardsFlashing/light up toys – particularly wands or other hard plastic productsPersonal care devices (eg. shavers)Powerpacks and portable charging devicesRemote-controlled and ride-on toysVacuum cleaners (cordless, hand-held and robotic)VapesWearable devices such as smart watches, trackers and medical aidsAnd why is this trial important? These embedded batteries, made mostly of highly combustible lithium-ion, have been causing an increasing number of fires in bins, waste trucks and landfills, so we need to find better ways to dispose of these items and recycle their components.Visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/embedded-batteries to learn more.

Disturbing findings surrounding the number of people, women in particular, who experience sexual choking have brought about the need for a deeper understanding in the medical profession and in communities.Sexual choking, also known as breath play, strangulation of erotic asphyxiation, does the same thing as violent, forced choking - stopping the blood from delivering oxygen to the brain.Scarleteen reports, “A recent study in Australia found that out of 4,702 individuals 18 to 35 years old, of all genders, a total of 57% reported being sexually strangled.”Emma Siegel, the Manager at Lismore Women’s Health & Resource Centre (LWHRC) talks about the recent increase in frequency and the concern it is causing for women's health.“Women's Health New South Wales, have been running a project with all the women's health centres across New South Wales, and they've developed this amazing resource. It's called, “It left no marks.”The LWHRC facility has just had all staff trained in speaking to women who have experienced choking or choose sexual strangulation as part of their lifestyle.“Our staff are trained to support women with assessment and accessing services. We can also support them to access information so that they can make informed decisions about their own health.“Whether that's continuing to engage in consensual sexual choking, or whether it was something they experienced in the context of violence, our staff are supporting both groups.“The main health message is that we want people to know that it's a high risk sexual practice. There is a misbelief that it is harmless and that everyone's doing it when that's not the case.  “In fact, there have been studies to show that among men who choked their partners during sex, even the ones who knew that there were potential risks, didn't know how to respond if their partner lost consciousness, or was having some kind of medical need during the act.”As with anything involving risk, it is best to consider the consequences before they catch you short.“If it's something that you do want to continue engaging in, make sure that it is being enacted with enthusiastic consent by both parties and that all your boundaries are communicated, and that your partner knows how to access help when it's necessary.”Emma speaks of the “popularity” of the act, and the assumption that it's a desired practise, when often it isn’t. Often there is a perception of normalcy or for heightened pleasure. Communicating what is important to each other is vital to understanding if it really is the right thing for a couple.If, after any sort of choking, you feel any of these new or evolving neurological signs, it is an indication that a possible brain injury has occured:feeling slow or foggy,difficulty processing information, memory problems, changes in Mood or sleep, muscle fatigue or limb weakness, bowel disturbance, severe headaches or migraines, changes in vision or sight.“Brain injury can have serious and long term impacts on that woman's functioning, especially if she's not provided with the support that she needs in the time after the incident. It is best to seek help within seven days of the event.“In research where people, young people, were asked to do cognitive tests, those that had engaged in sexual choking four times in the last six months, could get the same results in the same time as young people who hadn't engaged in sexual choking. But the difference is that different parts of their brain lit up.  “This suggests that the brain is actually recruiting different pathways to do the same job, which would suggest that there was some damage to the original pathways. So we know that this experience is changing young people's brains. “The other thing is that, due to the pressure being applied around the arteries in the throat, it can actually increase people's risk of stroke up to 10 days after the event. The highest risk being the first four days. “If people are choosing to continue to engage in sexual choking, the recommendation is to try and leave at least four days between different acts. That gives your brain and your body time to recover from any physical damage.”Strangulation in the context of intimate partner violence, is an extremely serious situation, “It is a significant risk factor for escalating violence, and it increases the chance that a woman will die.“Those women are also potentially experiencing other forms of violence, like blows to the head, which would also have impacts on the brain. “Strangulation has been legislated as a criminal offence. So it is something that people can be charged with.“It's generally accepted that you cannot consent to harm on your own body. So even if, if somebody dies in the act of consensual sexual choking, there still are avenues for the person who has been choking to be charged with a criminal offence.“Also consider, if a woman died as a result of stroke following an experience of strangulation, it wouldn't always be connected, because in up to 50% of cases where women have experienced strangulation, they don't have any external or visible signs of the assault. So if there’s no background history to suggest that that woman was a victim of violence, it may not be picked up.”(One of the beautiful artworks in the Lismore Women's Health and Resource Centre)If you find yourself inadvertently the victim of strangulation, or are concerned about the effects after a choking event, you can immediately report to an Emergency Department at a hospital or call or visit LWHRC or NORWACS.“We can provide case management support. We can support that woman to access appropriate referrals. If she does want to get medical services or healthcare services, we can support her to check her brain health.“Some women might be more in interested in learning strategies to manage some of the symptoms, so around executive functioning or memory. They might want to see an OT or a neuropsychologist to work through some of those daily living skills that they have been struggling with.“These kind of brain injuries don't always show up on scans, we don’t have the technology. And it can be invalidating for women if they don't have that proof.”Visit and speak to one of the case workers about your situation and what you need help with. If you call and request a case worker, at the intake stage, some details will be asked to match you with the right facilitator, but it is all in confidence.Lismore Women’s Health & Resource Centre (LWHRC)Northern Rivers Women and Children’s Services Inc (NORWACS)On 02 6621 9800 For immediate support after strangulation and sexual violence call 1800 FULL STOP (1800 385 578)The article discussing statistics can be found here. More on sexual consent laws Strangulation and brain injury information DFV and brain injuryFor more statistics on brain injury and intimate partner violence

The Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) and The Buttery have called for meaningful reform at the NSW Drug Summit Regional Forum in Lismore on Monday (4 November). Following months of sustained advocacy, NADA CEO Dr Robert Stirling said this Regional Forum is an opportunity for the NSW Government to hear from Lismore and other regional service providers and understand the unique challenges facing the region. “This Regional Forum is an opportunity to bring NSW drug policy into line with modern community expectations and address the stigma and discrimination toward people who use drugs and their families,” Dr Stirling said. “We will have frontline service providers at the Forum, like The Buttery, who can provide on-the-ground insights to the NSW Government so we can create meaningful change. “Some 45 per cent of NADA’s members provide services across regional and rural NSW, so it’s incredibly important that their voices are heard during this process. “There are significant gaps in terms of geographical reach of services into remote communities, and that is a key issue we will raise at the Forum. “We will also strongly advocate for increased, longer-term and more secure funding for our sector. Chronic underfunding has put our service providers on a knife edge and we cannot afford for these critical services to go under. “The best health and wellbeing outcomes for all community members must be the priority, and we look forward to a productive and action-focused discussion that will lead to better outcomes for regional NSW.” The Buttery, a provider of drug and alcohol services in Northern NSW for more than 50 years, welcomed the forum being held in Lismore. The Buttery CEO Leone Crayden said: “Lismore and the Northern Rivers face a complex and unique set of challenges." “We need a comprehensive response to drug, alcohol and mental health issues in our region, and that involves the NSW Government providing long-term and sustainable funding for frontline services like ours. “If we don’t see an improvement to funding security, we won’t be able to shift the dial and deliver better health outcomes for those who need our services.” NADA released a Position Paper on the upcoming Drug Summit, which included a set of recommendations for the NSW Government, How the upcoming NSW Drug Summit can deliver better outcomes for individuals, families and the community.Uniting NSW.ACT has urged politicians from all divides to back life-saving and evidence-based drug law.Emma Maiden, General Manager External Relations and Advocacy at Uniting NSW.ACT said, “This is a golden opportunity for the entire community to share what experts, people with lived experience and front-line services are telling us every day: our current drug laws are failing. “Urgent reform is needed. “NSW is at a critical juncture on drug reform. We must not miss this once-in-a-generation chance to shift from a punitive approach to one that prioritises health and support, based on the best evidence.

New energy-efficient lighting at the Bangalow sports fields was given the thumbs up yesterday by NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.Ms Saffin joined Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye at the sports fields to inspect the new light poles, which are designed to reduce light spill and will also shave around $35,000 a year off the energy bill.“The sports fields have a special place in the hearts of many Bangalow residents, and I know these new lights will be much appreciated by sporting clubs, players and the loads of people who line the sidelines to watch,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“Improved lighting for evening activities was identified as a key priority in the feedback we received when we did the Bangalow Sports Fields Masterplan several years ago so it’s great that we have been able to deliver this project,” she said.Ms Saffin said the NSW Government proudly supported this recovery project, which would benefit more than a dozen user groups within the Bangalow community for many years to come.“Our investment in new, more energy-efficient lighting will enhance visibility and safety for participants in nighttime training and sporting events, and for other community gatherings,” Ms Saffin said.“The Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund, under which this lighting replacement and upgrade was administered, was designed to upgrade sport facilities to be more resilient to future extreme climate events and natural disasters.“I congratulate new Byron Shire Mayor Cr Sarah Ndiaye and her council on delivering sports infrastructure that keeps local residents healthy, active and connected.”The $795,000 upgrade was possible thanks to a grant from the NSW Government’s Essential Community Sports Assets program.The program delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to provide modern infrastructure that builds flood resilience into local sport facilities.

Local community service organisation Social Futures was announced as State Winner in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion category at the Business NSW Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night. One of 22 organisations recognised as the state’s most forward-thinking and creative, Social Futures is a leading community service organisation with more than 48 years’ experience working to achieve positive social change in our communities. Social Futures, Senior Manager People and Culture, Samantha Albertini said this achievement is only possible through true collaboration and listening, and living our organisations values of integrity, inclusion and learning every day. “We work to build inclusive communities where everyone is valued and supported, within and outside our organisation. Taking home the State Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion is testament to the efforts of so many,” said Ms Albertini. “Our employees and the communities we support come from various backgrounds and experiences. Having a workforce that is representative of these communities is key to great customer experience, and having a team that feels like they belong. “A number of our programs are designed to deliver services to specific sectors of the community, such as people with disability, those experiencing homelessness or mental health concerns.  “Having a workforce that can bring a deeper understanding of these sectors and lived experience, ensures service integrity and the best possible outcomes for the community.” There are 380+ staff at Social Futures, all vital in delivering the current 29 programs across regional NSW and Southeast Queensland. In the past year, the not-for-profit supported 30,714 individual and group participants by connecting them to the support they needed. Social Futures was not the only Lismore winner at the state awards. Outstanding Business Leader was won by the CEO of Norco Co-operative, Michael Hampson.There were three other Northern Rivers winners in various categories;Excellence in Large Business: Cumulus Visual Effects, BallinaOutstanding Local Chamber: Byron Bay Chamber of CommerceOutstanding Visitor Experience: Potager, Carool (west of Tweed Heads)

Yesterday, we reported about Lismore's position on the brink of the construction boom. The biggest asset to its success is people.  If you are young, old, want to retrain, want to try something more outdoorsy, take on a challenge, then this might be the best opportunity to put that to the test in this region for a long time.With every change, there is both difficulty and light. Lismore has experienced much difficulty in the time since the flood. Now is the time for accelerated regrowth and renewal. The preparation has taken place through detailed planning and design, and now the opportunities with work are about to flow.Even if this work opportunity isn’t for yourself - if you have offspring that you would like to see live closer to you, or if you have a family member or friend trying to make ends meet, or if you know anyone that would like to have a go at living life in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, there is no time like the present to tempt them here.  The NSW Reconstruction Authority, the RA, have done a lot of research on who we are and what we are capable of. They have found that there are demographics that have not traditionally been involved in the construction industry who may have overlooked it for various reasons as a career opportunity.This week at RA's construction industry forum, we heard a lot of work is being done to guide people into these positions to see if they are a good fit.  NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin is passionate about the opportunity for Lismore, the people here now, and what this could mean to our future.“There are fantastic employment opportunities because the amount of work that has to be done will need more jobs. There'll be more positions and apprentices. “We heard a lot about apprentices. That was from the federal government agency. We've got the state government injecting a couple of 100 million into apprentices, trainees and cadetships with our local government. And I've encouraged every local government here to put in their bid for it, and I know what they're doing. So great opportunities.”One comment from the 200-plus people in the room was about the forward-thinking when the flood happened. Here we are, almost three years on, and the work is only just starting to pick up. If people started their training back then, perhaps they would be in a really good place to get involved now.Perhaps that time has not been wasted. Many people now have a taste of what it is to build or rebuild in their personal spaces and create something tangible. Something where they can see the results in a world of technology, where nano or invisible connectivity is key. The plans outlined at the forum include people training now for the future. The timelines for work indicate that there is time.Katrina Luckie, the coordinator of the forum, spoke about the solution to the difficulties in finding good talent, “One of the big issues we've been hearing here in the region is actually that challenge of access to talent and access to people. “So starting to think about different sectors of this community who might work in your business is also a way to actually solving that.”Traditionally, construction industries have a much larger, if not totally white, male employment rate. A study by McKinsey which looked at the performance of companies with diversity in their employees, discovered, “In the case of ethnic and cultural diversity, we found that companies in the top quartile outperformed those in the fourth by 36 per cent in terms of profitability in 2019.”This figure was up from previous years. A diverse workforce produces better results.Reaching out to the minorities in the industry - women, indigenous, young people and people undertaking instruction and learning skills allows a workforce to become more adaptable. It's people able to share knowledge to become a more cohesive workforce for better economic outcomes.There are ample pathways and opportunities for people interested in training and joining the construction industry or looking for work.Jobs Northern Rivers is a website where you can create a profile and look for opportunities in the whole Northern Rivers Region. That will include local government jobs at Lismore Council, contractors and sub-contractors looking for skilled workers and non-skilled labour.Or you can speak to Sahba at the RA for further information on where to find resources for navigating a path to a new career.If you are a young person and an apprenticeship is what you are after, there are unique opportunities available now.Peter Skorupanovic, an Employment Facilitator at Workforce Australia, spoke about a program called the North Coast Youth Apprenticeship Path (NC YAP). Peter spoke of the concern about the dearth of tradespeople we are currently experiencing, a loss of at least 2000 tradespeople.“There's a significant shortfall of skilled and qualified tradespeople to fulfil the volume of roles and work that's coming up in the pipeline.The time for opportunity in apprenticeships is now, “We don't want to be having the conversations again in another 12 months.” Peter points out that this isn’t just about flood recovery; “it's the future development of the region too.”A process of filters will be applied to applicants to ensure the successful apprentices are fully prepared to go the complete distance to tradesperson.For more information on NC YAP, contact Peter at facilitator@northcoastljp.work or check out this QR Code:Contact Sahba from the RA at futurebuildnr@reconstruction.nsw.gov.auFind jobs through jobsnorthernrivers.com.auThe Mckinsey report on diversity.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging local residents to have their say on what the final safety solution should be at the Bruxner Highway intersection with Cowlong and Alphadale roads, east of Lismore.  The notorious blackspot was a $7.5 million Labor Government 2023 election promise, through its Regional Roads Fund, to make the intersection safer for motorists. The speed limit was reduced from 80km/h to 70km/h in September 2023 for a 1.8km stretch of the Bruxner Highway.Initially, a roundabout was touted as the best option. However, after conducting extensive research into the best upgrade option, Transport for NSW has recommended traffic signals be installed.  Transport for NSW found that due to the existing topography of the site, any roundabout would likely have a slight gradient, potentially increasing risks for truck rollovers. Traffic lights would not increase the risk of truck rollovers and be a safer option. In addition, the proposed lights would sit mostly within the road reserve and limit the need for the acquisition of surrounding property, which would be required if a roundabout was constructed. Traffic lights also have a small footprint, which means earthwork is minimised, as is disruption to motorists during installation.  Anyone wishing to have their say or find out more about the proposed Transport for NSW solution can visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/bruxner-highway-cowlong-alphadale and share their views before the feedback period ends on Sunday, 24 November. A Project Update and Frequently Asked Questions can be found at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/bruxner-highway-and-cowlong-and-alphadale-roads-intersection-improvements.  State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said, “A safety upgrade has been needed at the Alphadale crossroads for decades, and we’re now heading towards the pointy end of the process.  “Transport for NSW is keen to hear feedback from the community on this preferred option and I encourage people with an interest in this increasingly busy section of the Bruxner to share their views. “While it was originally thought that a roundabout would be workable as an option, Transport for NSW has found that following early technical investigations, traffic lights are the best safety solution for this intersection. “I’m pleased that the community’s calls for safety improvements have been taken seriously and that we have a plan of action. “The community has a formal opportunity throughout November to have their say in helping refine that plan so we get the best possible outcome.” 

We can expect similar weather conditions to what we have experienced this week, according to the Bureau of Meteorology for this weekend.A cooler Saturday (24°) will see a 50% chance of rain, but only 0-3mm is expected. Sunday is slightly warmer (28°), and only a 30% chance of rain, with only 1mm expected at the most.The summary: we'll get more sun than rain!The roar of engines will be heard around Lismore once again on Saturday night as the new Lismore Speedway season gets underway at the Lismore Showgrounds from 4:30pm. The cost is $30 for 13+, with children 12 and under free.Racing includes the V8 Dirt Modified Lord Mayors Cup, Wingless Sprints, AMCA Nationals, Junior Sedans and RSA Sedans.The Lismore Showgrounds is also the venue for the Lismore Farmers Markets tomorrow (Saturday) morning from 7:30 to 11:30am.Fresh farm-grown fruit and vegetables are always on sale, as well as plenty of food and drink options, flowers and live music. This week, it's Broadfoot.The Tracing The Past, Shaping The Future exhibition is open to the public at the Living Lab (11 Woodlark Street) next week from Tuesday to Thursday between 1 and 4pm.A family event for next Friday night is Cinema Under The Stars at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah.The movie is the 2023 remake of Wonka from 5:30pm. No need for a gold ticket, this is a free event.Live music this week includes Chris Fisher at the Northern Rivers Hotel tonight from 7pm. Billy Gudgeon rocks the Northern Rivers Hotel on Saturday night, also from 7pm.The Lismore Workers Club has the Boney M Experience next Saturday night from 8pm, Marina Prior & Michael Cormick in 'Centrestage' on November 16 and the Italian Tenors with 'The Classics' on November 22.Announced this week as Reputation - the ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute Show on February 21 next year.Fuel prices were steady in the last seven days. Lismore is by far the most expensive service station to fill the tank in the Northern Rivers by 13 to 17 cents a litre, with the exception of diesel, which is the cheapest.Here are the cheapest fuel prices in each town:E10 is 178.9 across those that serve E10 across Lismore, 165.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, with The Metro and the Mobil on River Street in Ballina cheapest at 161.9.Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the new Astron on Ballina Road in the CBD and the Shell on Ballina Road in Goonellabah, 167.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino and 163.9 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 188.9 at the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, Northside Liberty and Bakers Corner at North Lismore and the Liberty on Ballina Road, 182.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino and 174.9 at The Metro and the Mobil in Ballina.U98 is 196.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road and at 113 Union Street, South Lismore, 187.9 at the two Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and 183.9 at The Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.Diesel is 172.9 at the 7-Eleven and the Ampol on Union Street, South Lismore, 176.9 at the two Liberty's (as above) and The United on Johnston Street and the Liberty's on Hare and Centre Street in Casino and 182.5 at The Metro and the Mobil in Ballina.Have a great weekend!

Detectives are appealing for information as an investigation continues into the death of a man near Kyogle in 2021.About 12.40am on Sunday, 17 October 2021, emergency services attended a property on Gonpa Road, Collins Creek, following reports a man had collapsed.NSW Ambulance paramedics assisted the 46-year-old man at the scene; however, he could not be revived.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the man's death.A report was prepared for the Coroner, and a Coronial Inquiry was established; however, the Inquiry was suspended, and the matter has since been referred to the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions.Richmond Police District is now continuing its investigation with the assistance of the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.As part of ongoing inquiries, Casino Detectives executed a crime scene warrant at the Collins Creek property about 9.45am yesterday (Thursday, 31 October 2024).During the search - assisted by Police Rescue and the Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command - police conducted a further examination of the property.As inquiries continue into the man's death, police urge anyone with information to contact Casino Detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Federal Labor Government has introduced a new Bill that Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan says gives the government and its bureaucrats extraordinary powers to regulate speech and decide what is classed as misinformation.The bill is titled 'Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024'.In summary, the bill:Amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to: impose obligations on digital communications platform providers in relation to the dissemination of content on a digital communications platform that contains information that is reasonably verifiable as false, misleading or deceptive, and is reasonably likely to cause or contribute to serious harm of a specified type (misinformation and disinformation); expand the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s compliance and enforcement powers in relation to misinformation and disinformation; and make consequential amendments. Also makes consequential amendments to 3 other Acts; and amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to make an amendment contingent on the commencement of the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan strongly opposes the legislation and has described it as an attack on free speech.“This is the most dangerous Bill that has been introduced to Parliament in decades. It has no place in Australia,” Mr Hogan said.“Already, I am getting calls, letters and emails about the Albanese Government’s planned laws.”“Imagine if this was in place during the Voice debate, when Labor labelled any view it didn’t like or agree with as ‘misinformation’.”“If the Government decides that digital platforms have not censored enough ‘misinformation’, they can face large fines.” “Digital platforms don’t care about the free speech of Australians – but they do care about their profits. So they will censor large amounts of material to avoid the risk of fines.”“The provisions of the Bill are extremely broad and would capture many things said by Australians every day.”“Left-wing academics, scientists and artists are all exempt from the proposed rules. But if an everyday Australian said the same thing, or if they disagreed with the academic, it could be deemed misinformation.”“It’s hard to believe that a government in any democracy would put this forward. This bill betrays our democracy. It incentivises censorship. It makes the government the ultimate arbiter of truth. It has no place in our nation.”

Before the September local council elections, the make-up of Rous County Council (Rous) was high on the discussion list for those concerned about water security in the Northern Rivers.Two councillors were nominated from each of the constituent councils during their respective first council meetings, that is, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley.At Rous' first meeting (since the elections) on Wednesday (30 October 2024), the eight recently elected councillors who have been appointed to serve as its governing body for a four-year term were welcomed.They are Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Cr Eva Ramsey, Cr Sarah Ndiaye, Cr Elia Hauge, Cr Andrew Gordon, Cr Steve Krieg, Cr Robert Mustow and Cr Sandra Humphrys.“On behalf of Rous, I am pleased to welcome the councillors who form our governing body this term,” said Phillip Rudd, General Manager, Rous.(The new look Rous County Councillors with the Rous Management team)“Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Cr Sarah Ndiaye, Cr Andrew Gordon, Cr Robert Mustow and Cr Sandra Humphrys have returned this term, and I look forward to continuing our productive collaboration.“Cr Eva Ramsey, Cr Elia Hauge and Cr Steve Krieg have been newly appointed. I trust their insights, local knowledge, and business acumen will be valuable to Rous and the community we serve.”At the Council Meeting, the group elected Cr Robert Mustow as Chairperson and Cr Sharon Cadwallader as Deputy Chairperson of Rous’ governing body for the first two years of the term – both served in the same positions last term.“I am proud to have been appointed as Chair once again by my fellow councillors,” said Cr Robert Mustow, Rous Chair and Richmond Valley Council Mayor.“I will continue to represent our community with integrity on important decisions relating to water, weed biosecurity and rural flood mitigation.”At the Council Meeting, Cr Elia Hauge was appointed as the primary non-voting member for the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, and Cr Sarah Ndiaye as the alternative non-voting member.Rous’ governing body also elected Cr Sarah Ndiaye as the Chair of the Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group, and Cr Elia Hauge as the alternative Chair.The role of the councillors serving on Rous’ governing body is to represent their constituent councils and make decisions that are in the best interests of the region Rous serves.