It is Election Day throughout Australia, as those who haven't voted in pre-poll head to the multitudes of voting centres in Page and Richmond to cast their vote to see which candidate will represent each federal seat for the next three years.Wherever you vote, make sure you have an umbrella or raincoat as there is a very high chance of rain today with strong, cold southeasterly winds.In the seat of Page, it would take a minor miracle for any of the ten other candidates to topple sitting member Kevin Hogan. After his win in 2022, Page is now considered a safe National Party seat with over 60% of the two-party preferred vote.For Labor's Wendy Backhous and The Greens Dr Luke Robinson, the hope is to reclaim lost ground following the last federal election when Hanabeth Luke, the Teal candidate, took 13% of the primary vote.We will discover how Page voted later tonight. In the meantime, if you are unsure of where to vote, click on the 2025 Federal Election button (orange) on the front page of the Lismore App. Click on 'Voting on Election Day' and enter your suburb, location or postcode. A list of voting centres close to you will display.Voting hours are 8am to 6pm. If you choose not to vote, the fine is $20.With the finish line in sight, the Lismore caught up with the three leading candidates to get their final thoughts and reasons why you should cast your vote their way.KEVIN HOGAN - NATIONALS(Kevin Hogan handing out 'How to Vote' cards at the Goonellabah pre-poll yesterday)"I'm looking forward to the finish line. It's a big ask for a lot of volunteers that we have, and the people who support us for the 10 days of pre-poll. They're all volunteers handing out, so it's a big, big effort."But look, I'm feeling optimistic. A lot of positive feedback from the community. I've been on pre-poll every day, so you get to speak to a lot of people over the two weeks, which is always fun as well. Very positive feedback here. So I'm optimistic.""There are national polls which might say otherwise, but the feeling here locally, in our community, is very positive; they want a change of government. They're happy. They're saying, look, keep going with what you're doing. But I'm getting a lot of despondency with the government. And I think, and I might be wrong, but I'd be very surprised, that the result here will show that people are despondent with the current government for all the reasons that they're telling me, cost of living amongst the most important."WENDY BACKHOUS - LABOR(Wendy Backhous (left) with volunteers at pre-poll in Grafton)"A vote for Mr Hogan is a vote for Mr Dutton and his nuclear black hole, which will mean higher taxes and huge cuts to health, education, and the public services we all rely on. Labor will build a cheaper renewable future and a better, more productive Australian economy that unites rather than divides us and provides stability in these uncertain times."DR LUKE ROBINSON - THE GREENS(Dr Luke Robinson hamming it up outside the Goonellabah pre-poll centre yesterday)"Well, this election, we have a choice between having clear, ambitious and costed policies from us in The Greens, or the current approach from the current member, Kevin Hogan, which seems to be for pork barrelling, little bribes around different people in the electorate, but nothing really serious to take long term approaches to the cost of living crisis we face and and the housing crisis and the climate crisis we face."Is there a chance for The Greens to have the balance of power in a minority government?"I think so. It's really difficult to tell with the polls, particularly when we have such diverse electorates over the country. The two-party preferred vote, I think, is an outdated way of looking at politics in Australia because everything's local now. You can have Teal's, you can have Greens, you can have other independents competing for the major parties in seats now. So, I think it's a seat-by-seat count, and it'll be very interesting to see how it goes."But I'm still expecting a likely minority Labor government that will need The Greens and other cross benches to get their support in the lower house and also in the Senate, which has always been the case."In the nearby seat of Richmond, Labor's Justine Elliot has been in power since 2004. The margin is 8.2%, which says the seat is safe. However, when you look a little closer, it won't take much of a swing to The Greens Mandy Nolan to win the seat. This will depend on the National Party's Kimberly Hone.In 2022, the gap between the three parties was only 4.5% when The Greens were excluded. Preferences flowed strongly to Justine Elliot, who was comfortably re-elected.The interesting point is that if The Greens can beat Labor into the last two parties, then The Greens will win Richmond. As the margin was so close in 2022, that remains a real possibility.The Lismore App will have live coverage of the 2025 Federal Election after polling centres close at 6pm on our Facebook page.

The Easter/ANZAC holidays are over, school is back, and life is returning to its usual work/life balance pattern.One aspect that has not changed this week and into the weekend is the wet weather.The Bureau of Meteorology predicts 2mm to 15mm on Saturday and 2mm to 10mm on Sunday, with a very high (90%) chance of showers.That does not make for good reading for anyone involved in outdoor sports over the weekend. Check in with your club to see if the games/matches are still going ahead.The most important event over the weekend is tomorrow's (Saturday's) 2025 Federal Election. We should clarify this by saying that it is important to most and unimportant to some.Incidentally, the fine for not voting is $20, unless you provide a good reason why you didn't vote.If you are looking for where you can vote tomorrow, click on the 2025 Federal Election button on the front page of the Lismore App, scroll down to 'Voting on Election Day' and enter your postcode or area. A list of options near you will be displayed.Voting booths are open across the country from 8am to 6pm. The Lismore App will cover the election results for the seat of Page and Richmond from 6pm via our Facebook page.(Zadoc Street pre-poll centre)MardiGrass 2025 is underway in the popular township of Nimbin.There are a host of activities, events and live music throughout the three days, including Sunday's Cannabis Law Reform Rally & Parade at 2pm.You can check out the schedule by clicking here.One weekly event that runs rain, hail or shine is the Lismore Farmers Market tomorrow morning from 7:30 at the Lismore Showground.Fresh fruit and veg, coffee/tea and juices, hot breakfast, crocheted gifts, orchids, and loads more items for you to peruse and buy. Tapestry Road will be providing the live music.The popular annual Our Kids Day Out in Ballina is on Sunday, May 4, at the Missingham Bridge Amphitheatre from 9am.Organiser, Rebekka Battista, is confident the weather will clear for the event, with showers likely in the late afternoon.From Paw Patrol to Big Dog, magic, music, wildlife and much more: get ready for an action-packed, free day out for the whole family. The on-stage schedule is:9.00am       Ballina Pipe Band9.15am       Musical Munchkins with Sheyzo9.50am       Miss Beka and Little Cherry9.55am       NBN Big Dog10.05am     The Blaze Magic Show10.30am     Main Act: Paw Patrol11.00am     Suzie Levot Memorial Our Kids Bravery Award11.15am     Ronald McDonald11.30am     Paw Petrol meet and greet11.45am     Wild life Twins12.15pm     Main Show: Paw Patrol12.45pm     DJ Gooy Games ‘n Dance Party1.15pm       MC's fun and games1.45pm       FinishJazz lovers should head to the Lismore City Bowling Club on Sunday afternoon to see and listen to Kyle Watson's Jazz Warriors between 2pm and 5pm.The cost is $15 for members and $20 nonmembers, cash at the door.May and June are busy months for events, so put these in your calendar:Gemfest 17 and 18 MayPrimex 15, 16 and 17 MayBeef Week 24 May to 1 JuneLismore Lantern Parade 21 JuneLive music fans can listen to Hot Dog at the Northern Rivers Hotel for the Sunday Session between 2pm and 5pm.The Lismore Workers Club has a host of acts to see in May and June; they include:Tommy Memphis with a FREE gig playing iconic '80s songs on Saturday, May 17.Who's Bad - the ultimate Michael Jackson tribute on Friday, May 30Kevin Bloody Wilson on Wednesday, June 25.You can book and check out the rest of the year's lineup by clicking here.Fuel prices have remained steady over the last three weeks. Here is the list of service stations saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 175.9 across Lismore, 172.8 at NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 164.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 175.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road near the Workers Club in Lismore, 175.9 at The United and the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street and the two Liberty's on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 186.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro (323 River Street) in Ballina.U98 is 193.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 195.9 at Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 186.5 at The Metro in Ballina.Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road and the Caltex on Leycester Street in Lismore, 188.9 across most servo's in Casino, and 187.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

MardiGrass organisers are urging visitors to vote at pre-polls if they can, so the Nimbin booth is not overrun on tomorrow (Saturday). President Michael Balderstone said they expected quite a big crowd in the village over the weekend. “With approaching a million people now on legally prescribed cannabis in Australia, there is renewed interest in the plant, which was known as “God's gift” back in Jesus' day. “The hippies weren’t so deluded after all”, he said. “In fact, this is a plant that can help save the planet and people from themselves. There is a reason, of course, why all the entheogenic plants are illegal. These “truth drugs”, which were traditionally used by our ancestors, are just what humanity needs now. Something that can help people alter their mindset!”“It’s now 100 years since our Government signed us up in 1926 to the international agreement to outlaw the cannabis plant. And has the drug war been mentioned even once by either of the major party’s in this election? Not that I have heard. "Illegal drugs are the biggest business on the planet these days, and perhaps it’s time to review this never-ending war, time to see if we are winning or ever can win. Time to assess the damage like privatised overflowing prisons, exploding mental health problems, and respect for police at an all-time low.”“Drug use is really a health issue, and instead of locking up the most traumatised amongst us, it's time to start helping them sort out their issues,” he said. “Time to start admitting we made a big mistake outlawing the most useful and safe medicine in the creation.”“The Plantem Park stages are ready with Indica Arena and Sativa Stadium looking like the MCG and prepared for a big crowd. "We just ask that wherever possible, people vote before they come, and of course, vote for Legalise Cannabis, at least in the senate.”

Parents and grandparents with young children or grandchildren, pack the car and head to Ballina on Sunday (May 4) for the 2025 Our Kids Day Out. From Paw Patrol to Big Dog, magic, music, wildlife and much more: get ready for an action-packed, free day out for the whole family at Ballina at the Missingham Bridge Amphitheatre in Ballina between 9am and 2pm.The day is shaping up to be heaps of fun for the entire family, with an exciting line-up of live entertainment, games, music and much more. The main show, Paw Patrol and Friends, will take place at 10am and 12pm.Clarence Property is presenting Musical Munchkins with Sheyzo and The Blaze Magic Show, while Cherry Street Sports is presenting Miss Beka and Little Cherry, DJ Chad, and the Wildlife Twins.Representatives from local emergency services will also be on hand, with children able to check-out the trucks, cars and boats on display. Children will be able to learn about the vital services that keep our community safe and come to the rescue of those in need. They’ll also have a chance to meet some of the dedicated staff who work in the Children’s Ward at Lismore Base Hospital.The Ballina Lions Breakfast BBQ will kick off at 9am, and everyone is invited to enjoy it while watching the performances on the main stage.A key feature of the annual event is the presentation of the Suzie Levot Memorial Our Kids Bravery Award – an award given out each year to a child who has shown outstanding bravery in their battle to overcome illness. This will take place at 11am.Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, Rebekka Battista, invited families from across the region to join in the fun.“The Clarence Property Our Kids Day Out is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy free entertainment and connect with emergency services – all while raising funds for sick children,” Ms Battista said.“So, bring your family, pack a picnic blanket, and enjoy a day full of fun."Our Kids raises funds to purchase paediatric equipment for children’s wards and special care nurseries in the region. This equipment helps children living in the Northern Rivers to receive the medical care they need close to home.To date, Our Kids has purchased more than $2.7 million in paediatric equipment for the Lismore, Grafton and Tweed hospitals. Clarence Property Our Kids Day Out Program:Sunday 4 May, Missingham Bridge Amphitheatre, Ballina9.00am       Ballina Pipe Band9.15am       Musical Munchkins with Sheyzo9.50am       Miss Beka and Little Cherry9.55am       NBN Big Dog10.05am     The Blaze Magic Show10.30am     Main Act: Paw Patrol11.00am     Suzie Levot Memorial Our Kids Bravery Award11.15am     Ronald McDonald11.30am     Paw Petrol meet and greet11.45am     Wild life Twins12.15pm     Main Show: Paw Patrol12.45pm     DJ Gooy Games ‘n Dance Party1.15pm       MC's fun and games1.45pm       Finish

Scott Tanner arrived in Lismore as the Superintendent of Richmond Police District in 2020. The Lismore App's Liina Flynn sat down and recorded a Sunday Profile in August, just before he started in the role (SUNDAY PROFILE: New Police Superintendent Scott Tanner), and in October, Supt Tanner invited the Lismore App on a road trip to Nimbin.His goal was to make police more visible on the streets, getting back to some old-fashioned police work and to tackle domestic violence.Both tasks were made difficult by COVID-19 in 2020 and the 18 months that followed. Add to that Australia's most costly natural disaster with the big flood in February 2022, the follow-up major flood in March, and the subsequent rescue, recovery and rebuild of Lismore and the Northern Rivers, and you begin to understand his time as Superintendent of the Richmond police District has been anything but easy."I remember distinctly the first week I was here, there were two murders, unfortunately, across the PD (police district) in the very first week. And, I guess what I've discovered over the last four and a half years is that crime and tragedy and natural disasters doesn't discriminate. It can go right across the whole spectrum."There's been some really big jobs here, and some fantastic police work done. But I'm very proud of the work done in that EM (emergency management) space in particular."If ever I was going to be a victim in an emergency management situation, I hope it's up here in the Northern Rivers because I know now that the standard that they've set and the people that are involved in that environment are probably the best in their field."And I don't say that lightly, because we've learned a hell of a lot, and we had to, but that reassurance going forward is that disasters will occur again, and I'm so supremely confident in the people that you have got up here, and the agencies are well versed and are ready to go."Supt Tanner has spent 20 years of his policing career in the west of NSW. How does that compare to Lismore and the Northern Rivers?"It's varied. It's unique. The western area of the state has completely different social issues and crime issues. However, the biggest thing that we've all seen over the last couple of years is that explosion in youth crime, and I still do deliberately blame or apportion that to the COVID experience when we had this cohort of young people who were just isolated from their network."Their whole world was being online, where they were influenced to do all this other rubbish that goes on. And it's taken a while to sort of get a bit of a handle on that. That's probably the biggest change I've seen crime-wise over the last few years, that youth crime."Does Supt Tanner leave the Richmond Police District and the number of youth crime cases in a better position?"I don't want to jinx us, but certainly the results of Strike Force Imperium that we ran here, prior to now, the new one that's coming statewide, which is Strike Force Soteria, they've had outstanding results."The level of offending has reduced dramatically. The stolen vehicles and break-and-enters have really gone down. So we're hoping that we're seeing the other side of that hill and we're on the downward trajectory, but it's something you just can't take your eye off. You just can't."A significant skill that Supt Tanner has learned during his four and a half years in the Northern Rivers is emergency management following a disaster. In 2022, Supt Tanner was appointed to work in the Emergency Operations Centre with now NSWRA CEO Mal Lanyon, coordinating the flood rescue and recovery. He was recently appointed the Recovery Coordinator for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, his final job in the Northern Rivers.(Supt Scott Tanner speaking to the media in his role as TC Alfred Recovery Coordinator)"We're at a point now where a lot of the cleanup has been completed, as we know, and we've really got a good handle now on what the effects are on industry and on the community, and especially around the business and the primary industries."So, what we have done is developed some advice to government about how we can best support those industries and businesses, and we're just waiting for that advice to come back from government about where to from here."I think in general terms, it's been a really great effort from people from the EPA and the Councils with the cleanup, especially with the beach and the river systems. It allowed the tourism sector to benefit from the Easter/Anzac holiday, which I've been told has been quite successful."Road networks are all now completely open, but there is still some substantial damage around that. The road network itself, we're probably estimating about $250-$300 million worth of damage. When you look at landslips and potholes galore, it does add up, and there hasn't been a let-up in the weather, so they haven't been able to get in and do full assessments or full repairs for it.Through this experience, Supt Tanner said he has a newfound gratitude for the Reconstruction Authority."I think they've got some bad press over the years, as we know, and I was probably one of the ones who gave them some of that bad press. But they work hard, and they're good people, they're smart people, and quite often, they get lumbered with stuff that other departments in government haven't been doing, which is not in their bandwidth. I just want to reassure people that they have got the community's interest at heart. They work so damn hard."Supt Tanner also strengthens our community's response to natural disasters, both in preparation and in addressing the aftereffects."I think we saw during the preparation for Alfred that we were fortunate we had time to get resources in place. We're talking about two and a half thousand SES volunteers on the ground, over 500 ADF personnel here ready to go. We had quite substantial resources from right around the state and interstate. So, I think that is the model that government will accept going forward, and I think it's the model that the community will expect going forward. And I think that we showed that we can deliver."Where I'd like to see some learnings out of this latest event is that the support for business and primary industry probably needs to come in a lot quicker. And some of the recommendations I'm giving back to RA are that you basically have a 'How To Guide'."So, if an event is going to happen and it's flood, fire, famine, or whatever you want to call it. Have that program there ready to go. So it's a switch-on, switch-off type of program. That'll save a lot of grief, especially for primary industries and businesses having to repeat their story every time. That's some of the feedback that I got.One area of the Alfred recovery payments that came in for criticism was the disconnect between one weather event and the next. The funding is focused without any consideration that business and industry have been through two substantial disasters in quick succession, on a historic level, and the financial pain is only exacerbated by the new weather event. Will this change?"Absolutely. The discussions I had with the head of the Reconstruction Authority were exactly that. The DRFA (Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements) is all about that particular incident. But when you have these ones that are back to back to back to back, there's a compounding effect. And we know that the mental well-being of people has been affected immensely since, really, 2017. When you think about that, they've been living in this heightened state of anxiety and such a changing environment for the last, what, seven, eight years that we are seeing a lot of businesses now putting their hand up saying, we want out, we need help to actually get out."And a lot of primary industry is also going down the same path. There's one story in particular that resonates with me during this time. There was one gentleman that I spoke with in the primary industry, and for the last four years, he's tried four different crops, you know, tea tree, soya bean, sugar cane, and there was one other, and all of them have been wiped out by some form of natural disaster. So, you look at that gentleman, and that's his livelihood; he is in his 60s, that's his sort of superannuation going forward. How do people recover from that? Sometimes they don't. They have to walk away, which is a real shame."Supt Tanner has no time for a recuperative holiday before he starts his new role in Liverpool and Green Valley on Monday."I've never worked in Sydney, never lived in Sydney. So, you know, after 32 years, I thought it was an opportune time to go and, I guess, test myself in a new environment down there."I will still maintain the house up here, and I will still maintain a presence up here. I've got a lot of family that resides up here now. So, this will be where I retire and come back to, there's no doubt in the world about that. And this will always hold a very special place in my heart."Just this morning I was out with the Bundjalung Tribal Society, and they presented me with some natural trees, and some lemon myrtle and some other gifts for the stuff that I've done for them over the years. To feel that sense of appreciation is quite overwhelming actually."So, I've committed to them and to others that I might be gone, but I'll still be an advocate along the way if they need a hand with anything."That sums up not just the man in the uniform but the man himself. Scott Tanner has gone above and beyond to serve our community and to help those in need. Most of those acts you and I don't see, but in my job as a journalist, you certainly hear about in various conversations with a variety of people.Superintendent Tanner, thank you on behalf of the Lismore and Northern Rivers community.Superintendent Dave Roptell, you have big shoes to fill.

The Our News, Your Voice campaign continues through to midnight on Sunday, May 4. The goal is to raise money for 50 independent newsrooms across the country, including the Lismore App.LINA (Local & Independent News Association) is the organisation behind the grassroots campaign. So far, $70,000 has been raised.The Our News, Your Voice campaign is a timely opportunity to reflect on the role of local and independent media in democracy, holding authorities accountable, and bringing communities together in an increasingly polarised society. Independent newsrooms, such as ours, don't have the backing of Rupert Murdoch or a company like ACM that has over 50 publications. Both of those companies stopped printing newspapers (Northern Star and Lismore City News), and one was absorbed into its Sydney newspaper. Being independent means we can reflect the real issues of Lismore, which are not being dictated to by an editor from Sydney or Brisbane. But it does need your help.Thanks to generous philanthropic support, the first $20,000 raised today will be doubled by matched funding, amplifying each contribution we receive today. Your donations are secure and delivered through PressPatron, a trusted global platform helping to support newsrooms. Click here to donate.Thank you to John, Lynette, Andre, Doug and Christopher, just a few names who have generously given to help improve the local news and sport that the Lismore App provides each and every day.LINA Executive Director Claire Stuchbery described these newsrooms as the “green shoots” of an industry in crisis. “It’s great to see communities coming out to support their local news providers this week,” said Claire.“The news industry has been struggling through a period of transition for years now, and even small contributions really help independent newsrooms fill gaps in information for local communities. We can see that role playing out in electorates across the country this week as news organisations that are embedded in communities work to address mis and disinformation and provide clear information about candidates from all sides of politics to help voters make informed choices on Saturday. “Many of these news services were started by community-minded individuals who identified ‘news deserts’ in their local areas, which were lacking timely, verified information during emergencies, accountability from local authorities, and a record of events to bring the community together. However, newsrooms need support to ensure communities are provided with high-quality, public interest journalism.” LINA’s membership has grown to include newsrooms in all states and territories across Australia, publishing public interest journalism and meeting high editorial standards for fairness, independence, accountability and other requirements of professional news outlets.Developing sustainable news business models online requires investment and innovation, which is difficult for newsrooms already pushed to the limits trying to produce quality, public interest journalism in a rapid news cycle. “Providing quality journalism is a public service—every community needs a news service, just as it needs doctors, teachers and firefighters. But it can be difficult to get people to pay for this,” Claire said. “It’s fantastic to see this movement of independent newsrooms band together for this campaign, along with support from the philanthropic community, just as they themselves bring their communities together in an increasingly polarised society.” LINA is a not-for-profit industry association supporting a movement of local and independent digital news publishers in Australia. Thank you for your continued readership and support.

When the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) quarterly reports are released for the NSW public healthcare system, one element of Northern NSW Local Health District's hospitals that always performs strongly is the performance of our nurses and midwives.Each year, the NNSWLHD Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards acknowledge the contribution and commitment of nurses and midwives working in our hospitals and health services across the District.Included as part of these awards is the Healing Heart Consumer Recognition Award, a category which gives community members a chance to nominate a nurse or midwife who consistently provides extraordinary, safe, quality and compassionate care.(Lismore Base Hospital nurse Sarah Bale was the recipient of the 2024 NNSWLHD Healing Heart award. She is pictured with NNSWLHD Chair Peter Carter at the 2024 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards. Photo: supplied)NNSWLHD Director of Nursing and Midwifery Katharine Duffy said the Healing Heart Award was an opportunity for the public to recognise their local nurses and midwives who continue to deliver extraordinary care across the region.“It’s been a particularly challenging few years in health, and our nurses and midwives have done an incredible job in caring for our community right throughout the pandemic and recent floods, as well as during the cyclone that struck our region earlier this year,” Ms Duffy said.“These awards are an opportunity to thank our nurses and midwives for their significant contribution to patients and the broader community. “I encourage anyone who has had a great experience with a nurse or midwife, anywhere across our region, to help us celebrate the great work they do by nominating them for the Healing Heart Award.”Nominations are now open, and close at 5pm on Sunday, 18 May 2025.To nominate a nurse or midwife, fill out the form at Healing Heart Consumer Recognition Award.

The 2024 flu season was the worst in Australia since 2019, with more than 349,000 influenza notifications reported between 1 January and October 2024.Healthy North Coast is encouraging all residents to get their annual influenza vaccination as the 2025 flu season approaches.With flu cases typically peaking between June and September, North Coast residents are being urged to get their vaccinations early to maximise protection in the community.“Winter is coming, and this year there’s already been more than 55,000 flu cases reported in Australia. That’s almost double last year’s number,” said Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler.“Getting vaccinated is a simple, safe and effective way of ensuring that you, your family and your loved ones are protected.”Dr Beth Allin, GP at Grafton’s Queen Street Clinic and Medical Educator at Healthy North Coast, added, “When you get the flu, you feel really sick. You’re in bed for a week with fevers, body aches, cough, sore throat and generally feeling miserable. In the worst cases, it can lead to severe health problems like pneumonia and hospitalisation.“The best way to prevent getting the flu, or getting very sick from the flu, is to be vaccinated.“If you do have the flu, you can reduce the risk of spreading it by covering your cough, wearing a mask, washing your hands and staying home when you are sick.“It’s also a good time to make sure you’re up to date with vaccinations against other respiratory diseases like RSV and COVID-19, if you are in a group for whom these are recommended. It is safe to receive these vaccinations at the same time as your influenza vaccine.“The best time to get your flu vaccination is now.”The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and over. Some people can get it for free under the National Immunisation Program, including:People aged 65+Pregnant peopleChildren aged 6 months to 5 yearsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesPeople with long-term health conditionsTo book your flu shot, contact your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, or participating pharmacy. You can also use Healthdirect’s Service Finder to find your nearest vaccine provider. Everyone aged over 5 years can get vaccinated at their local pharmacy. Parents with children aged under 5 should see their doctor.Healthy North Coast is continuing to work in partnership with the Public Health Unit and the region’s Local Health Districts to focus on improving rates of immunisation against many diseases.For more information and to access resources, visit hnc.org.au/flu. There is also an easy-read influenza fact sheet available on NSW Health’s website.

Sustainability is not a dirty word in agriculture argues Hunter Valley grazier and Angus cattle breeder Robert MacKenzie. “It’s not about being a greenie or a conservationist, it’s just about wanting to do better,” Robert explains. “It’s actually going to bed at night knowing that we are farming every day for the future. We’re managing and protecting current assets for continuous capital growth for our investments.”Sustainable practices on the 6500-hectare MacKenzie property, with its family heritage dating back to 1884, have improved productivity and profit in recent seasons while producing an excess of carbon credits.  And the MacKenzies are keen to share Macka’s Australian Black Angus experiences; Robert’s presentations this year include the Norco Primex field days at Casino in two weeks' time.“Part of our commitment to the beef industry is to just to tell our story and let people know that sustainability is achievable and in some ways equals profitability,” Robert says. “We want to support others, show what worked for us, how it worked, and hopefully give other producers the confidence to start on a sustainable journey.”In March 2025, Macka’s Pastoral sold 550 carbon-neutral cows; emissions created in cattle production from electricity, diesel, fertiliser and animal methane were offset by the property’s bank of carbon credits. The property outside Gloucester in New South Wales’ mid-north today has a surplus of credits from sequestering carbon, credits to be kept, sold or traded.Robert said the initial approach to more sustainable agriculture, changing visions, is not difficult. “First, you need to understand what your baseline is and focus on the small parts of your operation that are achievable to reduce your footprint. “That can start with the first purchase of the day; I’m going to be more mindful of buying a car that gives me 10 kilometres more per litre than the previous car. The tractor or the truck I’m purchasing this year, does it have Ad Blue, a Euro 6 engine? Do I disconnect that power cord from that electric fence and buy a solar panel unit?”The fourth-generation cattleman suggests that once started on the journey, it becomes easier to look more broadly, make more conscious decisions to do better. All property management and production needs to be considered.“Everything comes into it. Do we plant some trees next to the dam? Do we fence off that creek? Do we make it that the animal walks less to get a drink of water? Does it mean we preg-test our animals and make sure we only have productive animals in the operation?”Cattle genetics has played a large part in Macka’s Pastoral’s carbon-neutral planning and its 3500 commercial Angus cows and 500 stud cows. Robert believes no one has invested more heavily in genetics in the past five years _ one heifer costing $140,000, one bull costing $360,000 plus ‘hundreds of thousands of dollars’ on embryos and semen from Scotland’s Rawburn Aberdeen Angus for animals with shorter breeding cycles, better fertility and faster growth.The Mackenzie’s have learnt that multiple grass species can sequester carbon and that sequestering carbon is like free fertiliser, feeding micro and bio organisms into the soil which helps produce healthy grasses. “It goes back to you are what you eat. In our case you are what you eat, eats. Healthy soil, healthy grass, healthy pasture means healthy animals.”Macka’s Pastoral’s principals understood that if the operation was headed down the sustainable path, and made bold claims about being carbon neutral, it needed back-up data. Since 2017, more than 1400 soil samples are taken each year, and the property’s soil carbon levels are up.“So sustainable practices are cost-effective,” says Robert. “We’ve increased our soil carbon, we’re holding 160,000 litres more water per hectare. We’re seeing with these changes, and better pasture management, we’re getting a better salad bowl of choices for our cattle, so they’re now weighing heavier. That means we’re selling them earlier and quicker, and that means we’re getting a better return for our money.”Robert will head to Casino’s Norco Primex field days from May 15 to further spread his knowledge of sustainable agricultural processes.The NSW North Coast’s largest agricultural trade show incorporates a range of exhibits, presentations and demonstrations from farm machinery to specific industry functions and rural services. The 2025 event is themed ‘Our Future in Farming’ and includes a livestock panel discussion with Robert Mackenzie, former Meat and Livestock managing director Jason Strong and young agricultural advocate Zoe Taylor.For more information, head to primex.net.au or go to the Primex Field Days button on the Lismore App front page.

Richmond Police District officers have arrested a 33-year-old North Lismore man after discovering approximately $100,000 worth of stolen items on his property.New Richmond Police District Superintendent (Supt) Dave Roptell told the Lismore App that the arrest was part of a break and enter investigation."This was a joint effort between general duty officers, detectives and PCT (Proceeds of Crime Team). They have done a really good job.""Items recovered included a box trailer, a Crown forklift, toolboxes, MIG welding equipment, a plasma cutter, a drill press, heaps of property from a variety of uses."Supt Roptell said police began investigations when the Terania Street, North Lismore man tried to sell items to a scrap metal business in South Lismore. "Basically, we were acting on information provided by a community source, and arrested the offender while he was attempting to sell stolen property at a scrap metal business in South Lismore." "When we got the tip, we jumped on the information quickly and then applied for a search warrant at the North Lismore address."Supt Roptell said the offender was refused bail to appear in the Lismore Court today. "Other legal actions are being considered as we make further inquiries."As for the expensive stolen items, "The stolen goods have been recovered, and inquiries are being made to determine who the owners of the goods are."

The NSW Government has announced virtual stock fencing will be legalised across the state, providing landholders with a new, effective way of controlling cattle.Virtual fencing is used to contain cattle without the need for physical internal fencing, instead using devices such as neck bands or collars that use GPS technology and sensory cues to manage their movement. These devices can also monitor the activity, health and welfare of cattle.Using GPS coordinates, farmers will be able to use this technology as internal fencing, rather than having to construct new or maintain existing fencing. Plus, gain insights on the health and movement of their herds.This assists farmers to reconfigure paddocks and reduce costs on fence repair, plus address other issues shown through data analysis more efficiently and effectively.This reform brings NSW into line with Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania, where virtual fencing is currently used.The Inquiry Report recommended the development of a code of practice to specify animal welfare requirements.The NSW Government says it will ensure necessary safeguards for animal welfare, biosecurity, and public safety are in place for the introduction of virtual fencing. Consultation will be undertaken on the proposed approach to allow virtual fencing in NSW before regulatory changes are made under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals legislation.The state government acknowledged the work of the State Member for Orange, Phil Donato, for championing the benefits of virtual fencing for primary producers to the NSW Government for the past three years.NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said, “The NSW Government has listened to Phil Donato, the MP for Orange, and to the farming industry and will work with both industry and animal welfare groups to ensure we get the right balance for delivering virtual fencing on farms.“These changes seek to reduce costs for farming and to enable agile paddock formation across land holdings to meet the needs of farmers while also protecting the welfare of cattle.“The Government will now consider amendments to the POCTA Regulation and undertake consultation with key stakeholders, including industry and animal welfare organisations.”

We all know there is a housing crisis in Lismore, the Northern Rivers, NSW and across the country.Recent analyses from CoreLogic, an Australian company that puts together comprehensive real estate property data and insights, have identified which federal electorates are the most unaffordable.Housing has been a critical Federal Election issue, and all parties have announced promises to help solve the problem if they win the election. This story is not about who promises what; it is about highlighting the crisis itself. As voters, you will make up your own minds as to who is best to deliver the solution.We will look at the seats of Page and Richmond.The imbalance between housing supply and demand in the Northern Rivers is nothing new; it has been worsening for the last decade, especially since COVID-19. Add in high interest rates and cost-of-living pressures, like electricity, and the dream of owning a house appears further away than ever before. Even renting a house is putting more financial pressure on people than at any time in the last five years.The federal seat of Richmond takes in Ballina, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads.Richmond doesn't just make the Top 10 Most Unaffordable Electorates to Buy a Home; it comes in at number 5.The median value is $1,107,902. This has risen 2.8% in the last 12 months and 54.3% over the last five years.The statistic that stings the most is the percentage of income (based on median household income) to service a new home loan, which is 78.4%.Richmond then has the unenviable position of being the most unaffordable electorate to rent a property in the country. The percentage of income to pay rent is 49.4%.The federal seat of Page isn't as unaffordable as Richmond, but then again, the wages are generally more moderate, too. Page takes in Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Grafton and Woolgoolga in the south.The median dwelling value is $649,110. Similarly to Richmond, this has risen 2.2% in the last 12 months and 51% over the last five years. To service a new mortgage would take 56% of the median income.The median rent is $590 a week, which has risen 5.1% in 12 months and 37.4% over the last five years. To rent a dwelling requires 40.7% of income.The statistics don't get any better for first home buyers.In Page, it takes 11.8 years to save for a 20% deposit, while in Richmond, it takes 16.5 years. This is based on someone saving 15% of their income. The consensus among experts is that 30% of your income should be paid to buy or rent a property; anything above that puts people into mortgage or financial stress.Whatever the result on Saturday night, we have a long way to go to solve Australia's housing crisis.

Recreational fishers are reminded that the annual fishing closure for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch will begin tomorrow (Thursday, 1 May 2025), covering all coastal rivers and estuaries in New South Wales.NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Program Leader Fish Stocking & Enhancement Operations, Jim Harnwell, emphasised the importance of the zero-bag limit during this four-month period to protect these native species while they spawn.“During winter, Australian Bass and Estuary Perch gather in large schools and migrate to specific estuarine areas where the salinity levels are ideal for spawning,” Mr. Harnwell said.“This spawning period is crucial for their long-term survival, and the no-take closure ensures they have the best chance to reproduce and maintain healthy populations.”“Australian Bass and Estuary Perch are popular targets for recreational fishers using bait, fly and artificial lures.“This annual closure, from 1 May through to 31 August, helps safeguard these sought-after sportfish species for generations to come.“Any Australian Bass or Estuary Perch caught in estuaries and in rivers below dams during the closure must be returned to the water immediately, unharmed.”Australian Bass and Estuary Perch cannot be retained or sold by commercial fishers at any time.Mr Harnwell said that the zero-bag limit does not apply to Australian Bass and Estuary Perch caught in freshwater dams or in rivers above impoundments, as the fish do not breed in these areas.“Freshwater impoundments, including Glenbawn Dam and Glennies Creek Dam in the Hunter Valley, Tallowa and Brogo Dams in the southeast and Clarrie Hall and Toonumbar Dams in the northeast, are stocked fisheries and the zero-bag limit does not apply,” Mr Harnwell said.“Since we enhance fish stocks in these impoundments each year with fingerlings bred in our hatcheries, anglers can fish for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch year-round in these waters.“The zero-bag limit for these species does not close any waters to fishing and does not affect anglers fishing for other estuarine species, such as Yellowfin Bream or Dusky Flathead, during the colder months.“Recreational fishers are encouraged to download the FishSmart NSW app to stay up to date with all the fishing rules and regulations that apply when fishing in NSW.“DPIRD Fisheries Officers will be out in full force during this time to ensure that the fishing closure for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch is being adhered to, and all recreational fishing rules are being followed."If any suspected illegal activity is witnessed, the public is urged to contact the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via the online report form here.For more information regarding the annual closure, visit the NSW DPIRD website.

It is not often that we think of Lismore as the lucky city because of the rain and flooding, but we have had our fair share of lotto or lottery winners lately. Another Lismore man has swapped thinking about the working week for future holidays after nabbing $100,000 in yesterday’s Lucky Lotteries draw.The local man held the 1st Prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 10967 on Monday, 28 April 2025.“That is good news!” the man exclaimed when his win was confirmed by an official from The Lott. “That’s amazing! “With the Jackpot Prize climbing, I’ve been grabbing the occasional ticket. Maybe I’ll win that tomorrow. “This is just perfect. It’s a total shock. I wasn’t expecting it at all. “This answers some questions and gets the ball rolling on a few things we’ve wanted to do, like a holiday. “That’s unreal!” The man’s winning entry of one random number was purchased on The Lott website – the official home of Australia’s lotteries. The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $5.56 million for draw 1701, while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot prize is now $16.75 million for draw 10969.  

The federal election is approaching fast, and early voting is open. I am standing for the Greens in Page because I believe they are the only party with the seriousness, ambition and urgency required to address the many challenges our community and planet face.We develop principled, sensible and costed policies based on evidence from both experts and people’s lived experience. As is only too evident in my work as a doctor, it is no use arguing with the science on issues like the climate crisis – avoiding painful realities with wishful thinking and listening to quacks is ultimately not helpful, and often harmful. It is only with honest and accurate information, delivered with compassion, that patients and their loved ones can make the best choices for themselves. I believe the same is true in politics.In 2010, one of the Greens conditions for supporting the Gillard Labor government was the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), an independent public service open to any party or independent to have their policies properly costed, giving the public transparent, reliable and accurate information. The Greens don’t treat the public like mugs - unlike the major parties, we have consistently used the PBO and release our fully costed policies well before an election to allow you to scrutinise them.The Greens believe in universal public services – like health care, education, aged care and childcare – and that housing is a human right for all. Unlike the current member for Page, we do not indulge in a pre-election rush of pork-barreling, trying to buy off sections of our electorate with (taxpayer-funded) pet projects here and there. Unlike the old parties, we don’t offer short-term sugar hits like a temporary tax break or fuel excise cut. In contrast, our policies are aimed at making a real difference to people’s lives, including the cost of living, both immediately and in the long term, through systematic structural changes with proper funding. We take on the elephant in the room – the billionaires and big corporations who hoard this nation’s wealth and don’t pay their fair share. By taxing them properly, we can fund the things we all need. And because we don’t take donations from them, unlike the old parties, we can be trusted to enact our promises and put our community and planet first.The Greens don’t punch down on the vulnerable, seeking to divide our community by pitting those who are struggling against each other – the oldest trick of the rich and powerful to protect their privilege and distract the rest of us from the real issues. In recent months, our current member for Page reappeared to indulge in some lazy law and order politics, whipping up hysteria about youth crime, despite the justice system actually being a state government responsibility. After this, I met up with an elderly woman from Coraki who had been a repeated victim of youth crime, and listened to her story. Because of her experience and knowing her community, she was a strong advocate for solutions that would actually work. Not simply locking kids up, only for them to come out worse and continue reoffending as the evidence consistently shows, but to deal with the root causes of their behaviour. To invest some of the nearly one million dollars a year it costs to keep a child in detention instead in the youth and family services, as well as in the basics like health, education, jobs and housing. To give kids in country towns hope and a chance at a life with meaning. This is what a federal MP should actually be advocating for. Likewise, rather than punch down on a few squatters in Lismore, or the immigrants who bring so much to this country, our federal MP should instead be helping fix the housing crisis in this region and nation at large. We need someone who takes on the wealthy Australian multi-property speculators that benefit from tax breaks over first home buyers, and a government that gets back into the business of providing housing and treating it as a human right.When people can get past the self-interested spin of the old parties, the Murdoch media and the fear-and-outrage algorithms of the tech bros – when they actually get to hear Greens policies - they like them. To see a GP for free, and have 6 free government-run community health centres in every electorate. Finally getting dental and full mental health services into Medicare. Properly funding our public schools. Free university and TAFE. Free universal childcare. Phasing out negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts for those with more than one investment property so that first home buyers have a fair chance in the market. A government developer to build over 600,000 homes in five years, to help make housing affordable for first-home buyers and renters. Facing the reality of the climate crisis, stopping new coal and gas, and making fossil-fuel companies help pay for our skyrocketing insurance. Investing in cheap and reliable renewable energy and ensuring workers can transition from old to new industries. Protecting our precious native forests, rivers and seas, and the threatened creatures that live in them. Cancelling the $375 billion AUKUS boondoggle with its handful of ill-suited nuclear submarines that will arrive either too late, under foreign command, or not at all. Developing our own independent, echidna-style defence capability in light of an increasingly unreliable US `ally’. And supporting our First Nations peoples’ rights to self-determination over their own destiny.On each of these issues and more, the Greens have been prepared to take the lead, far ahead of the old parties, and changed the debate in this country. Sometimes, like with our popular policies to see the GP for Free, subsidising home batteries or taking on supermarket price gouging, Labor and even the Coalition have been forced to at least partially match our commitment. But the best way to guarantee that these policies actually get implemented is to vote Greens representatives like me into parliament. This election, to keep the Coalition out and force a minority Labor government to take real action, vote Green in the lower house and in the Senate.Dr Luke Robinson, Greens candidate for PageTo find out more about our policies, go to https://greens.org.au/platform.To find out more about me or support my campaign, go to:Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/DrLukeForPageWebsite:               https://greens.org.au/nsw/person/dr-luke-robinsonAuthorised by A. Croft for The Greens NSW. 19/1 Hordern Place, Camperdown, NSW, 2050

The number of people voting early or pre-poll is similar to 2022 after the first week of reporting. That includes losing two days of voting thanks to Easter Monday and ANZAC Day, so four (4) days versus six (6) in 2022.The last federal election was held in May 2022, so less than two months after two major floods ripped through Lismore and the Northern Rivers.The flood affected the early voting centre for Lismore, which opened at the end of the first week (one day). The difference was made clearer in comparisons between Lismore and Goonellabah.In Goonellabah, there were 2,546 early votes in the first week of 2022, and 2,904 in the second. In Lismore, the one day in the first week garnered 886 votes, while the second week had 7,062 votes counted.In 2022, 12,360 people voted early, while in 2025, 14,410 people voted early in the first, shortened week. The people of Grafton led the way with 4,929 votes, followed by Goonellabah with 2,546.If you want to avoid the crowds on election day this Saturday, May 3, or you don't care about the democratic sausage, early voting centres are:Lismore: 4 Zadoc Street, LismoreGoonellabah: Goonellabah Community Centre - 27 Oliver Avenue, GoonellabahBallina: Richmond Room (Ballina Library), 5 Regatta Avenue, BallinaCasino: Casino Community & Cultural Centre, 35 Walker Street, CasinoMaclean: Maclean RSL, 38 River Street, MacleanGrafton: Grafton Cathedral Hall (Edwards Hall), cnr Duke & Fitzroy Street, GraftonThis week, the early voting hours are:Now until Thursday, May 1: 8:30am to 5:30pmFriday 2 May: 8:30am to 6pmOn election day, voting is open from 8am to 6pm. Your list of voting venues can be found easily through the Lismore App's 2025 Federal Election button on the front page or by clicking Voting on Election DayWe asked the three major parties how early voting was treating them. Needless to say, they were positive without missing the opportunity for a political message.Current Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said, "Numbers across the booths have been strong, with lots of people saying we need to change the government. We live in a wonderful democracy, and it's time to get this country back on track."Labor's candidate for Page, Wendy Backhous, said, "At pre-poll on Saturday, I met many young people really interested in Labor's policy to rebuild TAFE and keep it free and our policy to reduce HECS Debt by 20%. They told me this will help them with their cost of living and their ability to save for their own house. They also liked the option of a 5% deposit to assist them to get their house sooner as they were starting a family very soon. I also met a young apprentice who was nearly finished his apprenticeship. He felt Labor's financial assistance was a very practical support for others to get started and stay with it." The Greens candidate for Page, Dr Luke Robinson, said, "The signs have been encouraging so far, with an emphatic response to our campaign across Page. Voters see that, unlike the old parties, we're offering serious, long-term, and fully funded solutions to cost-of-living issues, for example by fixing the housing crisis, and providing access to decent, free, universal public services, including education, childcare and healthcare."The Lismore App will have election count updates for the seat of Page on Saturday night, once numbers start rolling in after polling booths close at 6pm on our Facebook page.

Farmers have called on federal politicians to commit to an urgent overhaul of the nation’s environmental policies that are hurting both farmers and the landscape. NSW Farmers’ Conservation and Resource Management Committee Chair Bronwyn Petrie said the federal government’s water buybacks were just one of many unworkable policies that were not only constricting food and fibre production but failing to deliver for the environment. “There’s no doubt we need action to end our cost-of-living crisis, but when it comes to climate and caring for our landscape, we’re hearing nothing but crickets this federal election,” Mrs Petrie said. “The federal government is buying up the water that we need to grow food and fibre, and not only is our Basin not benefiting, but our farmers and their communities are being stripped of their lifeblood. “There’s so much green tape that’s simply creating a lose-lose situation where the landscape hurts, and farmers do too – and that must change, before it’s too late to do anything at all.” Emissions targets were another looming environmental reform that Mrs Petrie urged federal politicians of all sides to engage with agriculture around to ensure food security was not put at risk. “We need realistic, viable emissions reduction strategies, not aspirational ones that expect farmers to use electric tractors that don’t exist and report on emissions we can’t track,” Mrs Petrie said. “Sustainability does not need to come at the cost of productivity in the agricultural sector."Not only did farmers meet the Kyoto targets for the whole of Australia, but they have significantly reduced emissions within the agricultural industry and continue to implement further improvements while protecting our natural environment and ecosystems.” 

One key element of recovery for business owners and/or managers in the Lismore floodplain after the 2022 floods was to rebuild better—to reconstruct their buildings so that when the next major flood hits our city, the 'closed' sign is only hanging on the front door for a few days, not a few weeks.To that extent, Living Lab Northern Rivers is inviting businesses and service providers to a design workshop where people can explore strategies for making Lismore’s floodplain business districts better prepared for future flood events. The Living Lab has acknowledged that many businesses have done great work making their spaces more flood resilient and have developed better preparedness and evacuation plans. But ask, what can we do together? This workshop will explore the question and come up with ideas that will make the Lismore floodplain business areas better prepared for future flooding. “We really want to showcase what community-led practice can do and how far it can go, and illuminate Lismore as a world-class leader in resilience. We also want to get on the ground outcomes for people operating on the floodplain in quite challenging circumstances,” said Zerina Millard, Community Engagement Lead, Living Lab Northern Rivers.“When we talk about a flood-resilient building, a lot of people think this sounds really technical and a bit intimidating. But when we talked with local businesses and community service providers and visited their facilities, we found out that it is often pretty straightforward.” The Living Lab team will explore ideas around flood-free land for temporary retreat and storage, utilising empty floodplain land for vehicle storage, and other innovative solutions. Now is the time to investigate the infrastructure and commercial precincts needed to support businesses in these flood-prone areas.   Dan Etheridge, Engagement Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers, said, “We’ve heard ideas from local business owners about the types of facilities they would find useful, and these facilities might only be used once every ten years. So we also want to explore how we can meet the needs of businesses and service providers in these critical times, but also how such facilities could contribute to the Lismore region the rest of the time.”If you’re a Lismore-based business or community service provider operating on the floodplain, the Living Lab team ask you to join them in shaping a future where Lismore businesses can withstand and adapt to the challenges of floods.  The Details:  Not Business as Usual: A workshop for a flood-resilient Lismore  When: Monday, 5 May, between 4.30pm and 7.00pm  Where: Living Lab Northern Rivers shopfront, 11 Woodlark Street, Lismore. Find out more and register here. 

The Community Recycling Centre (CRC), where residents can drop off household problem waste free of charge, has reopened at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore.This service had to pause in late February due to a major fire at the collection contractor’s facility.The following items can be dropped off once again:Batteries (including embedded battery products like vapes)Light globesOilsGas cylinders & fire extinguishersAerosolsSmoke detectorsPaintsThe Community Recycling Station drop-off cabinets (pictured) at Council’s Corporate Centre, Lismore Library, and Nimbin Transfer Station are also collecting items again.For more information, visit https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/.../Resource-Recovery...